Country Zest & Style | Autumn 2019 Edition

AUTUMN 2019

Nick Greenwell, Steven Putnam and Walter Hasser:

OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELD PRSRT MKTG U.S. PoStaGe

PAID

PERMIT NO. 82 WoodStoCK, Va

RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER

Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits

110 E. Washington St. | P.O. Box 1380 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | 540.687.5588 | sheridanmacmahon.com

SALEM HILL

SPRING GLADE

LANGHORNE FARM

MONTANA FARM

MArSHALL, VIrgINIA

MIDDLEBUrg, VIrgINIA

UPPErVILLE, VIrgINIA

DELAPLANE, VIrgINIA

Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres

French Country home, recent renovations | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop setting overlooking lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | 79.89 acres

266 acres in Piedmont Hunt | Panoramic views of the Blue Ridge, Bull Run and Cobbler mountains which surround the whole property | Improvements include 4 farmhouses, an iconic red dairy barn and many agricultural buildings | Ponds and traditional stone walls | This working farm is protected by a Virginia Outdoors Foundation conservation easement which allows 2 parcels

Historic Montana Farm; Italianate style main house (1850), stone patent house (1840) each meticulously restored | Unique scored stucco | 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA, 2 FP | Wood floors, high ceilings, stone terrace & old boxwoods | Renovated tenant house | Mountain cabin | Several restored barns including restored pre-Civil War bank barn | Run in shed & excellent fencing | 222 acres, west slope of Cobbler Mountain | 60% open & useable acres | Frontage on “Big Branch” | Spectacular valley

$3,690,000

$3,500,000

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

HALCYON HILL

INGLEWOOD

$3,300,000

$2,850,000

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

BICKERING OAKS

BUST HEAD ROAD

rECTOrTOWN, VIrgINIA

DELAPLANE, VIrgINIA

HAYMArKET, VIrgINIA

THE PLAINS, VIrgINIA

17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village of Rectortown | Convenient to both Routes 50 & 66 | Newly renovated | Private setting with magnificent mountain views | 4 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 1 half bath, 2 fireplaces | Heated pool & spa | 2 bedroom guest house | Large shed & 2-car garage

Circa 1850’s log and frame home moved and rebuilt at site | 3 bedrooms, 2 baths | Exposed beams and interior log walls | Stone fireplace | Barn also moved and rebuilt, has approved 2 bedroom perc site | Large pond, many streams, multiple building sites | Private Fauquier location outside village of Scuffleburg | 305 acres | Also available house on 203.69 acres for $1,500,000

Sun-filled 4 BR residence w/2 master suites | 18 private acres | Large family room, living room w/cathedral ceilings, formal dining room | 2 FP | Gorgeous kitchen w/center island | Hardwood floors throughout & luxury master bath | Wrap around deck w/pergola overlooking terrace & mountain views | Attached 2-car garage | Multiple outbuildings include car barn w/heat & overhead lift, heated 8 stall barn & paddocks, picnic pavilion, old stone stable converted to fully equipped office, machine sheds and storage shed

82.69 acres | Mostly wooded, mountain views, bold stream in very protected area | Conservation easement | Can not be subdivided | Prime Orange County Hunt location | Halfway between Middleburg and The Plains

$2,250,000 Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

$1,935,000

$1,200,000

Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

alix coolidge 703.625.1724

$1,100,000 Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

GRASTY PLACE

WINCHESTER STREET

MAPLE DALE LANE

OAK RIDGE

MIDDLEBUrg, VIrgINIA

WArrENTON, VIrgINIA

THE PLAINS, VIrgINIA

WArrENTON, VIrgINIA

Charming home in desirable Melmore | Adjacent to the town of Middleburg offering proximity to town & privacy of almost 4 acres | High ceilings, light-filled rooms, new kitchen with granite counters & stainless appliances | Family room with fireplace, screened-in porch | 3 Br including bright master suite | Home office, finished LL and 2-car garage

Very private home with 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths | Lots of light - All brick colonial home surrounded by mature plantings and extensive hardscape | Located in the Warrenton historic district | Detached 2 car garage, in-ground pool & fenced patio | Fully finished basement with separate entrance | Master bedroom balcony over looks pool

Immaculate home in quiet neighborhood | Convenient to Marshall and The Plains | 3 bedrooms and an office | Lovely kitchen opens to family room with fireplace and large deck for entertaining | Large lot all open usable space

Prime location, off Springs Road | Surrounded by large farms & estates | House circa 1890 with 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, fireplace, hardwood floors, new kitchen | Garage | 2 sheds/studio potential | Tenant house | Property shares large spring fed pond | Private setting on 13.21 acres | Also available house on 7.75 acres for $400,000

$685,000

$629,000

Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

Margaret carroll 540.454.0650 ann MacMaHon 540.687.5588

$525,000 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

$500,000 Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

25325 Country Spirit.ai

1

9/12/19

7:52 AM

GOOD FENCES

F

or anyone familiar with the work of Robert Frost, his 1914 poem “The Mending Wall,” rings true as we drive down our enchanting country roads. Of course, his work refers to stone walls of which we’re very familiar.

Yet, his refrain of “good fences make good neighbors” applies in many ways, whether stone, board or split rail. It also relates to our wildlife, which frequently come in the form of a deer or two or more. And, when babies are unable to shimmy under the fence, they turn away, all too often run across the road and risk death by car.

Often, and so sadly, it’s all over.

Kudos to the owners of this property on Atoka Road, who not only installed the friendly three-board fence but also have had their property certified to show their commitment to wildlife.

Country ZEST wants to encourage all to create a welcoming haven for local wildlife. Turning your yard, balcony container garden, schoolyard, work landscape, or roadside green space into a "Certified Wildlife Habitat® can make a lasting difference for wildlife.

Rapid and large-scale changes to our countryside and waters mean wildlife are losing their natural habitats. Every habitat garden is a step toward replenishing resources for bees, butterflies, birds, and amphibians— both locally and along migratory corridors. By adding pollinator-friendly and monarch-friendly plants when you certify, your garden also counts toward the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge.

Begin with the National Wildlife Federation’s programs to inspire others to make a difference and address the issues leading to declining wildlife habitat.

Certified applicants are asked to confirm they’ve provided the required number of elements for each of the following: food, water, cover, places to raise young and sustainable practices.

For details, go to: https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Certify and then let us know when you’ve completed your project. We’d love to include photos in upcoming issues of the magazine.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

3

of NOTE BE ON THE LOOKOUT through this issue of Personalities, Celebrations and Sporting Pursuits © 2019 Country ZEST & Style, LLC. Published six times a year

Distributed and mailed throughout the Virginia countryside and in Washington and at key Sporting Pursuits and Celebrations MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 798 Middleburg, Virginia 20118 PHONE: 410-570-8447 Editor: Leonard Shapiro, badgerlen@aol.com

e’ve been both thrilled and humbled by the response from loyal readers and our awesome advertisers to the debut August issue of Country ZEST & Style magazine.

Food Editor: Daniela Anderson Art Director Meredith Hancock/Hancock Media @mhancockmedia Contributing Photographers: Liz Callar, Doug Gehlsen, Crowell Hadden, Douglas Lees, Karen Monroe ILLUSTRATORS Crowell Hadden and Daniela Anderson Contributing Writers: Melissa Phipps, Kevin Ramundo, Amanda Scheps, Justin Haefner, Sebastian Langenberg, Sophie Scheps Langenberg, Lizzie Catherwood, Caroline Fout, Emma Boyce, M.J. McAteer, Tom Northrup, Tom Wiseman, Jimmy Wofford, Mike du Pont, Leslie VanSant, Louisa Woodville, Sean Clancy, Megan Catherwood, Carina Elgin, Jodi Nash ADVERTISING Kate Robbins, Katepolo@icloud.com For advertising inquiries, contact: Leonard Shapiro at badgerlen@aol.com or 410-570-8447 ON THE COVER The three handsome gents on the cover represent Fieldcraft, a local business with a vision of “promoting the mindful stewardship of our land and animals.” From the left, all in Barbour clothing from Tri-County Feeds, Fashions and Finds at 7408 John Marshall Highway in Marshall, VA: Nick Greenwell in Highland red plaid shirt with Finn Gilet navy vest and bushman rustic hat; Steven Putnam in Highland green shirt with quilted Liddesdale jacket; and Walter Hasser in Indio Tattersall shirt and Durham sage jacket.

Photographer Doug Gehlsen is hard at work behind his Nikon D850 with 24-120 f4 lens. / @countryzestandstyle

/ @countryzestand1

www.countryzestandstyle.com 4

He appears in three ads and the first three to find him (one each) will receive a gift from that advertiser.

Send your reply to badgerlen@aol.com.

W

Wine Editor: Peter Leonard-Morgan

/ Country Zest and Style

for the hummingbird.

For this, our Autumn edition, our eye-catching cover of three hard-working men was taken by photographer Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo. Many see Doug and his wife, Karen Monroe following all the sporting and horse activity in the area. We have stories about fascinating personalities, celebrations and sporting pursuits along with many other intriguing things that make this area so unique.

We have a column called “Countryside” written by Kevin Ramundo, a former corporate communications executive who lives near Upperville. He’s written a tale of two counties for this issue, focusing on the differences in the growth philosophies of Loudoun and Fauquier.

Our new food editor, Daniela Anderson, cooked up a very special squash pie that was devoured in about a half-second, and we’ve got the photos and a recipe for a scrumptious baked good that had plenty of ZEST & Style.

We’re always interested in preservation and conservation, and there are a number of features on those topics, as well. We’ll include a look at Marshall’s American Chestnut Foundation and a story and photo by Vicky Moon on the incredible care and coddling of one of the most beautiful Mulberry trees in the area, visible to one and all on the Rokeby Road.

Speaking of trees, we also have a story on a company in The Plains that’s helping to re-forest America, and another by Middleburg’s Amanda Scheps, who is doing the same sort of work in Virginia for the state’s Department of Forestry.

Once again, many thanks to one and all for the stupendous support of Country ZEST & Style. We hope you’ll keep reading, the better to add a little more ZEST into your day.

Leonard Shapiro Editor

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Brookie: A Mesmerizing Master’s Work in The Plains

E

By Melissa Phipps

ntering The Plains from Route 17, a whimsical sign post indicates distances to cities as close as Marshall (five miles) and as far away as Shanghai (7,396 miles).

The implication? Despite its population of 210, The Plains is nonetheless connected to the great and diverse metropolises of the world and its visitors or residents are so cosmopolitan that they might, at any moment, launch themselves toward Los Angeles say, or Paris.

Turning in the direction of Chantilly, France, I stopped off at Baileywyck Antiques, the one store I hadn’t ransacked for just the right bookcase. Once inside, though, a drawing, very different from the usual country landscape, caught my eye.

It depicted a familiar green “toile” of castles, Indians, and palm trees. Toile, from the French word for cloth, is a repeated pattern of landscapes and figures printed on linen. This particular piece has adorned grand houses since the 18th century and is often featured in the glossiest décor magazines.

It took me a moment to realize that something was amiss; that the toile was upside down. A darkskinned mother, her face contorted with fear and misery and clutching two children to her thin breast, emerges from shadows within the toile. She and her children, the artist seems to say, are the disturbance which upturns this colonial landscape. They are the human story of the toil behind the toile, the story usually left untold. A powerless triumvirate, they tear the fabric, but they also complete the narrative.

“There’s more,” a soft voice said, and I turned to meet Lisa Vella, owner of Baileywyck Antiques. She explained that the artist was Brookie Maxwell and that she had died in 2015 at age 59. Brookie was the daughter of William Maxwell, the renowned writer and legendary editor of The New Yorker magazine.

Lisa then ushered me to a room she uses as a gallery space and introduced me to Charles Wright whose high cheekbones and taut body tagged him as the retired New York City dancer he is.

Photo by Melissa Phipps

Green toile a study for Exodus II by Brookie Maxwell is on view at Baileywyck Antiques in The Plains. touching panels of sorrow and grace will ultimately find a home in the New Orleans Museum of Art. The variety and plentitude of Maxwell’s work astounds. Her art imbues the vulnerable of this world with divinity. It seems that Ms. Maxwell and her arsenal of Caran d’Ache crayons have covered whole lifetimes of poverty and despair in her relatively short years, forming redemption and beauty on almost any available surface.

An alluring black woman, for instance, swells with joy from a faded door as a jug of milk, perhaps referencing the milk of human kindness, pours onto her breast. Three young black men fade in and out of an ancient suitcase. A series of graceful drawings depict a dance troupe visiting post-genocidal Rwanda, as the villagers heal through the power of art, joining the dancers in their steps.

There are blue Citiscapes and tender scenes of a black father and son outlined in red. There is even a pâpier-mache alligator, a relic from the early dawns when Brookie and friends would roam Manhattan, placing alligators at sewer mouths and subways to prank a city whose story of flushed reptiles has never

“This is all Brookie,” he said, meaning the entire gallery.

The work is extraordinary. A large mural entitled “Exodus II” depicts a Hurricane Katrina scene where Maxwell, as in many of her pictures, employs sfumato, a technique where figures “fade in” from the shadows.

It makes for a mysterious, yet paradoxically more realistic portrayal. Against a background of luminous gold, African Americans are dressed and highlighted in white, giving them a sepulchral appearance as they help each other through the eddying floodwaters. Charles Wright hopes these

Photo by Vicky Moon

Exodus II a scene from hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. died. It is hard to see her work and not be moved.

And how did Ms. Maxwell’s oeuvre end up here in the Plains, not exactly at the epicenter of the art world?

Not surprisingly for a woman who designed murals for Bellevue Hospital and conducted arts workshops for children in New York’s welfare hotels, the answer happens to be a love story.

Charles and Brookie met in the 1980s at his studio where she danced and designed sets. They used each other as a sounding board and collaborated. They were the best and truest of friends.

At the time of her death in 2015, Charles was advising Brookie about Coming Home, a multidisciplinary art experience aimed at bringing civilians, generals, and veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars together in an effort to understand one another and promote healing. And then she died.

New York was not the same. Charles and his wife, Beth, a lawyer, moved to Washington but Charles was through with cities. They eventually settled in The Plains, where he and Beth had a weekend home.

Charles has a knack for teaming up with remarkable women (Beth was the first female counsel to a sitting president, Bill Clinton), and he soon met Lisa Vella.

“Beth and I just loved her,” Charles said. “She’s just that kind of person. And so last April he moved Brookie’s oeuvre from New York into a wing of Baileywyck, and a new collaboration began to place her artwork.

Courtesy photo

Rwanda post genocide, Cbisa Cbisa.

Although the signpost at the center of town won’t give you directions, the contents of a unique and compassionate heart lie just down the road on Loudoun Street. I doubt you will encounter its like in Paris, Shanghai or even in Marshall, five miles down the road.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

5

Ashby Chef Offers French Cuisine in Paris (VA) His mother’s family all hailed from Georgia, and one of his favorite meals is a breakfast of sausage, eggs, grits, and a biscuit.

By M.J. McAteer

“I

’m a happy-go-lucky chef, not a Gordon Ramsay screamer,” says Johnathan Leonard, the new boss of the Ashby Inn’s kitchen. “I want to lead by example.”

That example starts when he arrives at 10 a.m. at the historic inn in Paris, Virginia, even though dinner service doesn’t begin until 5:30 p.m. As executive chef, his duties are extensive, and he routinely works a 12-hour shift.

Photo by M.J. McAteer

New Ashby Inn chef John Leonard

Leonard has only been on the job since March, so he said, “I have a lot of stuff on my plate right now just trying to get the kitchen in order.”

Leonard’s day typically starts with checking the food orders. The Ashby Inn is dedicated to sustainable everything, and meats, seafoods, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables are all locally sourced and organic.

The restaurant draws heavily from its own garden, too, which includes cabbage, kale, beans, and onions, along with more exotic offerings such as edible flowers. Leonard’s dishes also can include wild touches such as purslane, dandelions, and cress.

After consulting with the pastry chef--all breads are made in-house--Leonard starts prepping the dishes for that night’s dinner. He describes his cooking style as classical French, although he draws inspiration from Southern cooking, too.

Dinner at the inn is hardly downhome affair. A recent menu featured an appetizer of “foie gras torchon,” and “smoked Rohan duck breast with celery root puree, braised pearl onions and black berry agrodolce.” Appetizers at the Ashby Inn generally range from $13 to $24, and entrees from $25 and $45.

“I like to change the menu a lot,” Leonard said, “so it might seem like you never get the same dish twice.” Notable exceptions are dishes that have a following, such as his wild mushroom strudel with truffle aioli and herb salad.

Once dinner service begins, Leonard supervises the work of the line cooks and the sous chef, filling in as needed. “I like to think of it as being the conductor of a chaotic symphony,” he said.

He plates and tastes every dish and strives for beautifully manicured presentations. “We eat with all five senses,” he says.

Ashby general manager Brandon Wheeler is a huge fan.

“Chef John is truly a unique artist in the culinary world,” he said. “We have already had waves of people pouring in just from knowing Chef John is in the kitchen.”

Tall and tattooed, Leonard, 39, grew up mostly in Loudoun County, and his path to Paris is strewn with restaurant names familiar to any local of some vintage.

He started out at age 13 washing dishes at the late Candelora’s in Lovettseville. By 15, he was a food runner at Lightfoot in Leesburg. “I saw what the cooks were doing, and I thought, ‘I can do that,’ ” he said.

Lightfoot co-owner and executive chef Ingrid Gustavson gave him a try on the fry station, and hooked him up with Bob Kinkead, whose eponymous restaurant in Washington was a famous gathering spot for celebrities and politicians for almost 20 years.

Kinkead became something of a mentor for Leonard, who worked for the restaurateur on and off for seven years. Leonard’s resume also includes stints at the defunct Black Coffee Bistro in Middleburg and the Goodstone Inn. Before coming to the Ashby Inn, the self-described “big gearhead” was burned out on cooking and decided to try an alternative career working on cars and racing them. That ended when he became executive chef for the inn, but in his leisure hours, he still participates in rally cross, a sport that involves time trials on difficult surfaces. He reluctantly admits to owning 21 cars--all Subarus. Only eight actually run.

Now, with his return to the kitchen, he “has been thrown right back into the fire,” he said, but it’s a fire that is throwing a warm glow.

Money Talks.

Now, Teach it to Hug. From memorial funds, to scholarships funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends.

Since 1999, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has helped generous donors support a variety of charitable causes in our region. We salute the leaders who wrapped their vision and commitment—and arms—around this community to create and sustain a permanent charitable resource.

Won’t You Join Us? CommunityFoundationLF.org  (703) 779-3505 6

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

See what’s inside!

Come to…

TheChristmas Shop Emmanuel’s Holiday Bazaar At the Middleburg Community Center, 300 West Washington Street, Middleburg, VA

See what’s inside for you and yours this Holiday season. The Christmas Shop has been known for unique and elegant gifts for over 70 years.

While you are in town visit the many wonderful shops in Middleburg.

er Novemb 19 , 20 7, 8 & 9

.–6 p.m. m . a 0 1 .

Fri Thurs.& –5 p.m. . m . a 0 Sat.1

here!

See you t

For more information call (540) 687-6297 or email us parishsecretary@emmanuelmiddleburg.org

$5 suggested donation admission. Proceeds benefit Emmanuel Church and its outreach programs.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

7

A Memory Lane Known as Zulla Road

R

By William H. (Mike) du Pont

oute 709 running from Route 50 near Middleburg and going south to the Fauquier Livestock Exchange on Route 55 is now known as Zulla Road. Many years ago, it was called the Sand and Clay Road because that’s exactly what it was— sand and clay.

The house at Denton Farm It was the perfect surface on the perfect road for conditioning horses. Consequently, lots of Northern Virginia’s best hunters and steeplechasers were fitted up on that road.

About three miles south of Route 50, just off Zulla Road, Bobby and Sybil Young lived with their two sons, Sandy and Jimmy, at Denton Farm.

Denton was a lovely old brick house built some time shortly before the Civil War. One night back then, the owners of Denton were being visited by their friend, Colonel John Mosby, the storied Confederate guerrilla raider and scourge of the Union Army.

The Yankees had gotten wind of this visit and were on their way to Denton to capture Mosby. But as they approached, Mosby heard them coming, dashed upstairs, leaped out a window and hid on the branch of a massive old oak tree that grew near the back of the house.

Once again, Mosby had eluded the enemy, and that old oak tree still stands.

As a boy, whenever I spent the night at Denton, I often went to sleep wondering about that tree and Col. Mosby’s daring escape.

MAKE THE SWITCH TO

Free BUSINESS

When we were pre- and then young teenagers, the height of our social season was Sandy Young’s birthday party in mid-August. Mr. and Mrs. Young did a grand job celebrating Sandy’s birthday. We’d all be taken to an interesting state park or played games out in their spacious yard with a great picnic—hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixings, and ice cream and birthday cake for dessert, of course.

Free Business Checking from Oak View National Bank includes:

We’d have baseball and football games, with a couple of playful fights and wrestling matches and whatever else rambunctious boys could think of. The fights often included Bobby Williams and Vic du Pont.

CHECKING

Bobby eventually went to the University of Virginia and Vic to Virginia Tech.

They both played on the freshman football teams of their respective schools and, in fact, often faced each other on the opposite side of the line.

Free Business Online Banking and Biz Pay Free Business Mobile Banking and Check Deposit Unlimited transactions Free ATM access with the STARsf network

As we approached the end of the Birthday Party Era, at about the age of 15, we all began to think about getting a driver’s license. In those days, the state of Virginia allowed 15-year-olds to drive and we considered it one of the first major steps toward manhood.

Russ Wiltshire was the first in our group to get a license, and his first car was a 1938 four-door Buick sedan. Vic soon followed; his first car was a 1930 Model A Ford Coupe. How excited we all were!

OPEN TODAY!

At about this same time most of us also began to carry a prophylactic “rubber” in our back pockets. Not that any of us had ever or were about to use one, but its round shape made an obvious indentation in a wallet that was clearly visible for all to see.

And so, as we approached 16 years of age, there were two major steps to transferring from boyhood to young Middleburg area manhood: earn your drivers license and put a condom on display in your back-pocket wallet!

Member FDIC Minimum opening deposit of $100.

8

OAKVIEWBANK.COM

William H. (Mike) du Pont is a long-time Middleburg resident and former MFH of the Orange County Hounds.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Middleburg, Virginia 20118 (540) 687- 6500

EW

N

OAK SPRING DAIRY Upperville ~ Goose Creek frames this idyllic 156 acre farm anchored by a historic log cabin restored by the late Bunny Mellon for her long time friend Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Three renovated dwellings. Conservation easement permits building new main house with spectacular views. $4,950,000 Barns, spring houses, silos, stonewalls and chestnut fencing. Abounds with wildlife. In Piedmont Hunt.

ED

R T DE AC UN NTR O C

LD

UC

SO

D

RE

ARDEN DRAKELEN Marshall ~ French country home in Northern Fauquier County. 50 acres with views of rolling pastures, 1 acre spring fed pond and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Superior construction. Geothermal heat/cool. $1,850,000

Marshall ~ Fully renovated home on 5+ wooded acres tucked in & around a large protected farm. Enjoy a sophisticated, contemporary design with an open floor plan that enhances the spaces both inside & out. 4 BR/3 BA, easy commuter location just minutes to Marshall and I-66. $799,000

APPLE WAY Brick rambler on 3.35 acres ideally located less than a mile from Middleburg. 3 BRs, 3 full BAs & beautiful hardwood floors. Formal Living Room w/fireplace, Dining Room and a Family Room off the Kitchen.

Renovations include major yard cleanup, updated septic system, repaired chimney and more. Nearby shopping, schools and restaurants. $650,000

For more information please contact

Cricket Bedford 540.229.3201 Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice.

Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

Please see our fine estates and exclusive properties in hunt country by visiting THOMASANDTALBOT.com

Old Ox Craftily Brewing Up a Destination AT CHESTNUT FORKS TENNIS CLUB Our team here at IGA works with golfers of all ages and skill levels!! Our philosophy of teaching the game involves a host of numerous concepts learned from some of the best teachers and players in the world. With the use of Trackman Radar, video analysis, on-course observation, and experience: we are able to evaluate the student’s strengths and weaknesses and come up with a plan of attack to improve all aspects of their game!

Barry MacMahon, Teaching professional

www.irishgolfacademy.com 540.216.7329

IRISHGOLFACADEMY@GMAIL.COM 6379 AIRLIE ROAD, WARRENTON, VA 20187

C

By Sebastian Langenberg

hris Burns, the co-owner of Old Ox Brewery in Ashford and Middleburg started out as a hobbyist home brewer, a family tradition passed on to him by his father.

“Eventually the hobby took over our lives,” Burns said in a recent interview.

“We were tired of giving away our beer for free!”

And so Old Ox brewery was born in 2014. They named the brewery after one of the oldest roads in Loudoun County built to connect the county, a sense of connection that the owners are striving for.

Old Ox’s first location in Ashburn was mostly designed to produce and Photo by Sebastian Langenberg distribute its beer throughout the region, Chris Burns although it does have a tasting room space. Their Middleburg location opened this summer and was built from the ground up with the customer in mind. Old Ox just brought on two cooks as well to start rolling out a limited food menu with Happy Hour specials soon to be available.

Old Ox bought the Middleburg Health Center building from the town, and created a nearly 2,000-square foot tasting room, with another 2,000-square foot outdoor beer garden. The brewing in this building will be on a much smaller scale, which allows the creation of more experimental batches, leading to a much larger variety of beers.

Jamie Gautier, Middleburg’s director of economic development and a craft beer connoisseur himself, played a major role in recruiting Old Ox to Madison Street and calls it one of his proudest accomplishments.

“It was a pleasure to get to know them – they’re good people,” Gautier said of Burns and his family. “I just like the energy and the new dimension that they bring to the town. Quality craft beer is a destination, nowadays.”

In Middleburg, Old Ox always has twelve different beers on tap, with about 40 different beers served at some point throughout the year. Clearly, there’s always something new to try, with lagers, sours, IPAs, and imperial stouts the current customer favorites. Still, they have a beer to suit every customer’s particular preference.

“I’m certainly a seasonal drinker,” Burns said. “Right now my favorite is ‘Oxtoberfest,’ which is our Oktoberfest style beer. It’s an easy drinking, clean amber lager. Nothing signals the start of fall like this particular beer.”

Burns also wants to produce or be a part of local events.

The brewery recently hosted its first “History on Tap” series put in by Old Ox, the Mosby Heritage, Loudoun County Libraries and the Middleburg Pink Box. There are plenty more to come, as well.

There’s also a VIP experience with the “Order of the Ox” Mug Club. Club members get their own personal mug, which stays at the brewery. Club members also receive discounts throughout the year and access to special member-only events like beer releases, food and beer pairings and blending sessions.

Old Ox is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 2:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

10

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Chloe’s: A Boutique With Something for Everyone

I

By Emma Boyce

t’s always the windows that grab you.

Whether walking down Washington Street in Middleburg for the first or for the millionth time, you’ll surely notice Chloe’s, the new women’s clothing boutique owned by Wendy Osborn.

Those wonderful windows, large and filled with light, display only a taste of what’s inside. Cashmere sweaters for fall. Umbrellas whimsically packaged like wine bottles. A vibrant throw featuring all things Middleburg: polo, wine, art, races.

What interests Wendy Osborn are things, beautiful things. She sits down in the back room of Chloe’s, a small space, equipped with dressing rooms, a sale rack, and new arrivals. Like the rest of her shop, it’s bright and welcoming.

She’s worked in Manhattan at the Betty Parsons Art Gallery, an epicenter for abstract expressionism exhibiting artists like Jackson Pollack and Mark Rothko, and then around the corner on 57th street at Bergdorf Goodman’s, quickly working her way up from sales to buyer.

“I’ll never forget when I was interviewing for Bergdorf ’s and they asked, does this interest you? I told them I could get excited about a pencil. That excites me. Things excite me.”

But when she moved to Virginia, she never left.

“I really fell in love with Virginia,” she said. “I enjoyed a lot of what it had to offer.”

Some of what Virginia offered were schools for her children, who have now grown and given her time to focus on the store.

Wendy’s daughter, Wendy Osborn, the real Chloe Chloe’s founder “I always knew that I wanted to bring fine design to the consumer,” she said. “I knew I wanted to take my art talent and use it on another kind of level.”

Osborn, who graduated Rhode Island School of Design with a fine arts degree in textiles and printmaking, has an eye for what looks good. She goes to market in New York and Atlanta, curating a selection that will suit both her customers and the store.

“When we buy collections, we try to buy a good story with them. I’m not buying separate pieces,” she said. “There is a little bit of a cohesive package, so I can merchandise the store well, but then I also try to layer the collection by bringing in outside things that all fit together.”

Today, Osborn styles herself in a subtle purple leopard print blouse under a black jean jacket. She keeps her customers equally on trend. This season, the color is mustard. Bell bottoms are back and they still look good. And never underestimate pink.

“Chloe is a store for women of all seasons,” says

Osborn, whose customers range from the younger crowd like her daughter, the boutique’s namesake, to mature women who want to stay current. “We live longer and our taste is younger. The mentality of my shopper is fresh, forward, alive. Very alive. We love when people feel good when they leave. We want them to feel confident about what they’ve purchased.”

Part of this confidence comes from the price tag.

Most of the clothing runs between $50 and $150.

Even the cashmere doesn’t break the bank. Along with accessibility, Osborn places a great deal of importance on sustainability. Although you wouldn’t know it, her black leather jacket and her leather bags, often mistaken for designer labels, are all vegan.

“Women who know good bags will always flock to them,” she said. “They have the looks without the Stella McCartney or Gucci price.”

Osborn is now looking ahead to the holidays.

There are the gem-water bowls that enhance water quality for our animal companions. Of course, she offers gem-water bottles for humans as well.

There are scarves, illustrated with beautiful equestrian scenes. In the upcoming weeks, Osborn also will stock the racks with sustainable faux fur for winter, with the exception of a snow hat adorned with a real fur puff that has been salvaged from fur factories in Canada. For every hat sold, a second hat goes to someone in need.

“We are upbeat, very cheering, but at the same time very unassuming,” Osborn said. “If you need us, we’re here.”

Chloe’s is located at 12 E. Washington St. in Middleburg (540-687-8936)

THOS. HAYS & SON JEWELERS

SALE GOING OUT OF BUSINESS

BOX 1062

MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118

540-687-6997

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

11

The Middleburg Tennis Club is a full service, private, member owned club. We host members, their families, and guests in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. A wide range of services and amenities are offered to help provide optimum enjoyment of our club.

Opened in 1969, the club resides on a 10+ acre site nestled in the heart of Virginia Hunt Country, just outside historic Middleburg, Virginia. With nearly 400 memberships, MTC has a warm and friendly environment with a country casual feel.

A Family Friendly Club

NEW Social Memberships:

Reduced Initiation & Dues: Dining, Special Events, Fitness, Pool Full Memberships:

Dining, Club House, Special Events Tennis, Fitness & Pool TENNIS FACILITY

TENNIS PROGRAMS

6 Outdoor Har-Tru Clay Courts 5 U. S. Open Supreme Court Surface Indoor Courts with Professional Level Lighting 2 Outdoor Hard Courts with a Hitting Wall

USPTA Certified Tennis Director USPTA Certified Head Professional Year-round Adult & Junior Programs & Clinics USTA League Play & Inter-Club Matches Tournaments, Socials & Pro Exhibition Matches

Awarded United States Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic Section 2018 Outstanding Tennis Facility Contact: Vaughn Gatling, General Manager Middleburg Tennis Club, (540) 687-6388 ext. 101

12

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Countryside

A Tale of Two Counties

of 235,000 in 2000 while Loudoun was predicted to have 172,000 residents. Just ver the past two years, those think, Fauquier would actually have of us concerned about rural more people than Loudoun. preservation and conservation The forecasters were spot on with issues in Loudoun and Loudoun, but way off the mark for Fauquier counties have had a lot to keep Fauquier.

In more recent years, up with. We’ve watched Loudoun struggle Loudoun’s population has grown over to update its comprehensive plan, only to four times as fast as Fauquier’s (2010fail to adequately balance preservation and Kevin Ramundo 2017) and now has almost 400,000 development interests and respond to strong residents. Fauquier’s population is 71,000 and the public opposition to excessive growth. county could have grown much faster. Instead, We’ve watched the residents of Aldie fight the its leaders chose to grow more slowly, and they good fight (and I think win) to keep Loudoun from continue with that choice today. plopping a huge fire station smack dab in the middle An expanding population requires more and of their historic village. more homes, so it’s no surprise that Loudoun’s And, we’ve seen more and more commercial- growth has come at the expense of its farmland. scale “resorts” and event centers crop up in rural Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture parts of both counties. Most recently, we saw reported that 26 percent of Loudoun’s farmland has Fauquier’s Board of Supervisors narrowly approve a disappeared since 2002. In contrast, approximately version of its Rural Lands Plan that was favored by 92% of Fauquier remains rural. conservation/preservation advocates.

In addition to choosing slower population growth, As someone who cares about preserving the there are at least two other important reasons behind beautiful area which we are so fortunate to call Fauquier’s success in preserving farms and open lands. home, I’ve been involved in all these situations and First, Fauquier has been a strong advocate of more. I’ve learned a lot and enjoy the challenge of PDR (Purchase of Development Rights) programs educating the community about what threatens the that provide farmers and landowners an attractive very reasons many of us have moved to both Loudoun economic alternative to selling their lands for and Fauquier counties. One thing is crystal clear: development. Fauquier has over 12,000 acres both counties have chosen very different directions approved under its PDR program and Loudoun has over the years for managing growth. approximately 2,000 acres in its program.

In 1967, Fauquier was forecast to have a population The second reason is Fauquier’s policy of directing

By Kevin Ramundo

O

growth to its eight service districts. These areas have received 91 percent of the growth in recent years, yet they account for less than 10% of the county’s land.

Loudoun has tried to focus growth; however, its commitment is often lacking. Under its just adopted comprehensive plan, Loudoun rezoned some of its rural areas to allow development, and increased plans for development in areas previously used as a natural buffer between the developed areas in the east and the rural areas in the west.

My intent is not to assert that Fauquier is good and Loudoun is bad. The elected leaders have just had different priorities. For Loudoun, the priorities have included rapid growth, and in Fauquier, the focus has been on slower, more managed growth. Still, given my own priorities, I applaud the Fauquier supervisors who, for many years, have chosen slower growth.

The most fundamental way to have an impact on the choices our elected leaders make is to play an active role in deciding who our leaders are.

This November, board of supervisor elections will be held in both counties. I encourage everyone to learn about your candidates and vote for the ones who best represent what’s important to you. For me, that would include preservation and conservation of our open spaces so that can be enjoyed for future generations.

Kevin Ramundo is a former corporate communications executive who lives in Fauquier. He serves on the board of Citizens for Fauquier County (CFFC) which is working to protect Fauquier’s future by actively advancing preservation and conservation priorities.

AIRLIE FARM $5,850,000

TURNER MOUNTAIN $1,685,000

GLENBROOK $4,950,000

A Warrenton landmark property. Includes the storied International House, a 12000 sq ft. manor home, 25 acre Airlie lake, the private Airlie airfield a 3200 foot paved runway with hangar, and 255 +/- acres (in 5 parcels).

Extraordinary natural habitat and privacy with significant conservation tax credit potential.

Magnificent views in all directions, taking in the Blue Ridge, Catoctin, Bull Run, and Allegheny ranges. 200 acres in a great Orange County Hunt location between The Plains and Middleburg. Open, elevated, exceptionally private, in 3 parcels in conservancy.

In a superb Foxcroft Road location one mile from Middleburg, this circa 1926 stone manor house has tastefully restored and expanded with the highest quality construction and finishes. This is the quintessential Virginia country manor in a beautiful estate setting and is in TURN KEY condition. Includes professional horse facilities, carriage house, pool and pool house and 1 bedroom tenant cottage.

Chris Malone +1 540 454 3775 cmalone@ttrsir.com

Chris Malone

The Plains Brokerage 6474 Main Street, The Plains, VA | +1 540 212 9993 | ttrsir.com ©2019 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission.

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. Equal housing opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Price and availability subject to change.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

13

PHOTOS BY VICKY MOON

A Run Away Grand Conservation Cause

Hester and Hudnall Ware

Bill Holvey and Emily Ristau

George Grayson with Mary Scott Birdsall, John Birdsall and Maria Tousimis.

T A made to order tulle skirt of fresh-from-the-garden flowers

14

he Piedmont Environmental Council “Dinner On The Runway,” hosted by the Oak Spring Garden Foundation took place on the airstrip at the late Bunny and Paul Mellon’s former estate off Rokeby Road on the evening of a Harvest Moon.

Inspired by the French Dîner en Blanc, with all attendees dressed in white, Maria Tousimis took fashion to a fascinating level with a couture tulle skirt of fresh flowers. (Her secret tool was a glue gun.) The Honorable John Warner, former Virginia senator and Secretary of the Navy, reminisced about his days spent riding across the wide-open spaces at Rokeby, just before the sun settled in the west.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Mary Chlopecki and her sister Laura Chlopecki

Pamela and Brad Ryder

Jean Perin and Gertraud Hechl were co-chairs of the event

Thursday-Monday, 11-5 1500 Crenshaw Rd. Upperville, VA 20184

(540) 878-1476 www.slaterrun.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

15

IN THE KEY

Pianist Thomas Pandolfi and chairwoman Meredith Whiting.

With a tip of the hat to committee members Leah Ferguson, Ann MacMahon, Cynthia Plante, Barbara Sharp and Linda Taylor.

T

PHOTOS BY TIFFANY DILLON KEEN

he Middleburg Concert Series hosted a gala concert by virtuoso pianist Thomas Randolfi at the sprawling Elysian Fields estate.

Sponsored by Chris Malone of TTR Sotheby’s International in The Plains and the Atlantic Union Bank, it all unfolded on a sparkling late summer evening. Guests mingled outside sipping drinks and nibbling Hors D’oeuvres and moved inside for dinner. The performance in the great hall began with a medley of romantic Marvin Hamlisch numbers and on to the eternally enthralling Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin. The entire evening was sublime.

Guests were captivated with the performance in the great hall.

16

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Sponsor Chris Malone of TTR Sotheby’s in The Plains chats with Donald Taylor and John Richardson.

Joan Wolford shows off the dessert of a late harvest peach tart.

OF ROMANCE Jesse Barstow and Alexandra Adams put on the finishing touches.

The key to success.

From start to finish hitting all the right notes.

Sublime.

Hors D’oeuvres included curried chicken salad on mini profiterole, crab tartlet, heirloom tomato bruschetta from Savoir Fare

It’s all in the details.

The setting for dinner was spectacular.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

17

Hooray For The Hollywood

Checking that’s really V

FREE.

isitors to the 2019 Middleburg Film Festival can thank founder Sheila Johnson for creating an event that is now considered among the most prestigious of its kind. Johnson also helped transform the town with the luxury Salamander Resort & Spa, one of four screening venues for an extravaganza that draws thousands to the village.

From October 17-20, attendees will see potentially future blockbuster and award-winning films such as: Ford V Ferrari, Harriet, A Hidden Life, Les Miserables and The Two Popes.

No monthly fees.

No minimums.

You work hard for your money – don’t waste it on fees.

Switch to really Free Checking today.

“One of the original reasons Mrs. Johnson created it was to bring internationPhoto courtesy of Vicky Moon al attention to this facility,” A poster for the “new” Middleburg Hollywood movie said Salamander General theatre that opened in July, 1932. Evening admisManager Reggie Cooper. sion was thirty cents.

“Her ambition was to make (the festival) world class. And it shines a light on Middleburg not just for the week, but on a year-round basis.”

Thousands of film aficionados will wander the village’s brick sidewalks, shopping and stopping at the restaurants in a village that is often said to resemble a made-for-Hollywood setting. Some will even walk past the still vacant lot of a long-gone movie theatre.

Middleburg has a history with Hollywood dating back to the 1920s when The Red Fox Theatre stood on a now empty lot next to The Red Fox Tavern on Washington Street. Later known as The Middleburg Hollywood Theatre in the 1930s, it was renovated by Liz and Jock Whitney with a new-fangled system known as air-conditioning, the first of its kind in Loudoun or Fauquier counties.

Jock Whitney had co-produced Gone With The Wind. When the film made its debut in Middleburg, mega-star Clark Gable put in an appearance. No doubt he continued on for celebrations along with many other Hollywood types at the Whitneys’ 2,234-acre Llangollen estate in Upperville.

AtlanticUnionBank.com 800.990.4828

18

Sadly, a stray cigar butt ignited a blaze that destroyed the Hollywood in the early 1940s and Middleburg has Photo by Thomas Nelson Darling. been without a permanent celluloid The movie theatre next to The Red Fox venue ever since. burned down in 1941, a result of a For more Film Festival information stray spark from a cigar butt left in the washroom. and tickets: https://middleburgfilm.org/

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Middleburg Players Take A Final Bow

Beth Lamond and Elizabeth Rice

T

By Leonard Shapiro

he Middleburg Players gathered one more time recently for a reception to honor one of their founders and long-time directors, the late Jean Gold, and to mark the end of a beloved institution that began 50 years ago.

The stage at the Middleburg Community Center, where most of the Players’ productions were performed, was dedicated to Gold with a plaque bearing her name.

About 100 guests, many of whom had performed in various plays and musicals over the years, came to the MCC for the dedication. There were displays

Fred Kohler and Ann-Charlotte Robinson

There's No Business Like….

of scrapbooks, photos, programs and posters and memories flowed freely all around.

“I still have nightmares,” said frequent performer Tucker Withers. “The only nightmares I ever have are not remembering my lines. And Jean Gold was my nightmare. But she was the best.”

The Middleburg Players produced 46 different productions over the years, many of them directed

by Gold, but they are now disbanding.

“People just don’t seem to have the time you need to do this,” said Elizabeth Rice, president of the Players and also a frequent performer. “It’s said, but true.”

Former president Ann Charlotte Robinson told the audience “this was a place we could display our

performance abilities while also growing friendships.

We are kindred spirits drawn to the theater.”

Fred and Courtney Kohler, also original Players’ founders, attended the event and Fred spoke glowingly about the MCC. “In the early days, the Community Center was very important to us,” he said. “We had many evening rehearsals from 6 to 10 at night and they didn’t charge us a dime. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.”

The event ended with many former performers standing in front of the stage and belting out a most appropriate song: “There’s No Business Like Show Business.”

THE HILL SCHOOL VOTED #1 PRIVATE SCHOOL IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

Individualized, caring attention with a 6:1 studentteacher ratio

Outdoor science center, ponds and wetlands on our 140-acre campus

Junior Kindergarten through 8th Grade since 1926

Total education: academics, art, music, drama, and athletics for every student

2019

Applications Now Being Accepted for the 2020-2021 School Year | TheHillSchool.org Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

19

Artwork by Daniela Stephanz Anderson

Photo by Karen Monroe

At the Hill School Golf Tournament at Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket Jim Herbert (Hill Class of 1966), HB Kilgour, Keith Seekford and Bob Eliot were the gross winners.

Photo by Vaughn Gatlin.

The Middleburg Tennis Club’s Women’s 2.5 Spring 18 & over team won sectionals in Virginia Beach on August 11. Next stop is Las Vegas October 1113. Team members pictured are:L to R: Tamara Dunlap, Maureen St. Germain, Melanie Blunt, Jill Blunt, Angela Scott, and Ashley Kennedy. Not pictured, Stephanie Spytek.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Photo by Vicky Moon

Photo by Vicky Moon

Nancy Bedford and her daughter Cynthia Benitz enjoyed a family picnic at the Warrenton Horse Show on Hunt Night.

Bob and Leslie Yarborough at the Equine Artist reception in Middleburg.

Debbie McDonald takes a break from conducting a dressage clinic at Rutledge Farm with Aleco Bravo Greenburg.

Additional clinics this Fall include: Ali Brock for dressage and eventing guru Phillip Dutton and show jumper Stacia Madden. Details: rutledgefarm.com/clinics.

Griffin & Errera Orthodontics Culpeper • Warrenton • Middleburg

20

Over 40 years of experience!

179 Broadview Avenue Warrenton, VA 20186 Ph: 540-347-1888

Adults & Children 107 W Federal Street #14 Middleburg, VA 20118 Ph: 540-687-4000

info@geortho.com

www.geortho.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Painting a Portrait of an American Hero

T

here are heroes still among us, and 98-yearold painter Gerald Hennesy is one with a story of air combat in the Pacific.

landscape and coastal-view artists.

He worked for the U.S. Department of Energy (then known as the Atomic Energy Commission), as Director of Manpower and Management, but spent most evenings pursuing his true passion, painting.

Hennesy was born in Washington D.C. into a family of artists. His father was a newspaper artist and his uncle was an artist for Walt Disney in California.

At 19, after studying for a year on a scholarship at the Corcoran Gallery School of Art, he also was employed as a newspaper artist at the old Washington Times-Herald. The day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, he quit to join the Navy, volunteering to be a naval aviator.

“I’d grown up reading stories of the World War 1 flying aces, and always dreamed of being a fighter pilot,” Hennesy said. “When the U.S. entered the war, it didn’t take long to make the decision to enlist.”

As a pilot in the Pacific, he flew the F4U Corsair fighter-bomber. The Japanese regarded the Corsair as the most formidable American fighter of World War II. Hennesy flew almost 100 missions off the aircraft carrier Yorktown.

“I didn’t have the time or material to do any artwork while aboard the Yorktown, but before we joined the ship I was given the task of designing our flight squadron’s insignia,” he said. “We called ourselves the ‘Aces and Eights’ and the insignia was a cowboy with a six-shooter in one hand and a fivecard poker hand in the other, showing Wild Bill Hickok’s infamous ‘dead man’s hand.’”

In 1972 he and his late wife, Elizabeth, built a home and studio in Clifton.

Artist Gerald Hennesy at work in his studio.

Hennesy was part of a fateful mission on August 15, 1945, embarking from the Yorktown just two hours before Emperor Hirohito was to announce by radio that Japan would surrender.

Admiral William “Bull” Halsey called back his squadron, but they were already under attack by 20 Japanese fighters. Japanese pilots had shot down four American planes before being driven off.

A newly published book, “Dogfight Over Tokyo,” recounts this final air battle and the story of the last four men to die in World War II. Hennesy received the Air Medal for downing an enemy aircraft during a rescue mission for one of his comrades.

During the Korean War, Hennesy flew on active duty for two years in the Mediterranean. He remained with the Naval Reserves and retired as a Commander.

After the war, he continued studying art under C. Gordon Harris, one of the nation’s preeminent

“I actually bought 28 acres in the 1960s, and developed a little community of five-acre estates,” said Hennesy, a father of seven. “I kept ten of the best acres for myself and I’ve been here ever since.

I’ve held onto a little slice of some very beautiful countryside. I find inspiration in it every day.”

He still continues to paint and exhibit, including works now at The Byrne Gallery in Middleburg through mid-November.

“Gerry is an inspiration to us, both for his art and for his life,” said gallery co-owner Susan Byrne. “We’ve been showing his work for over twenty years and he’s perhaps our finest artist, which is saying a lot.”

Hennesy has exhibited at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Georgia Museum of Art, The Corcoran and the Smithsonian. His paintings are displayed in numerous corporate and public collections, including the House of Representatives and the State Department, “At 98,” he said, “I feel blessed to have been able to spend so many days doing what I love. Painting is certainly a passion, and I’m grateful to still be able to get out to the studio every day.”

Event

Wednesday, October 23rd

11:00 am – 1:00 pm Join us in previewing our new Fall Handbags and Jewelry.

To show our appreciation, the first 20 customers will receive a $25 Brighton Gift Certificate.

Bring a friend and receive a gift!

more than a jewelry store 524 Fletcher Dr, Warrenton, VA 20186 (540) 341-8840 • warrentonjewelers.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Nicole Barr

21

Discover What Makes Us Experts in Educating Girls Now Offering Academic Concentrations!

Animal Science | Global Studies | STEM | The Arts (requires additional application)

ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE OR SCHEDULE A VISIT November 30 January 11 April 26 www.foxcroft.org/admission/openhouse A boarding and day school for girls in grades 9-12 & post grad www.foxcroft.org | admission@foxcroft.org | 540.687.4340 22407 Foxhound Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117

We have moved to a new location in Middleburg!

Come visit us and check out some of our new items.

We look forward to seeing you!

Oak Spring Cushaw Pie T he Oak Spring Garden Foundation is an excellent example of stewardship with this year’s crop of heirloom vegetables. One example is the Cushaw and Candy Roaster Squash varietal. We asked our new Food Editor, Daniela Anderson, to follow this recipe, which has been voted a winner by the chefs at Oak Spring.

She said the greatest challenge was in peeling and suggests peeling after it’s cooked. She paints each piece with olive oil, then recommends roasting it in rings. When the fork easily pierces the skin, it’s done, and the skin can easily be removed.

When finished, it’s a sweet surprise.

Before

Cutting

Items by Lisi Lerch

WW Monograms 10 N. Pendleton St Building A, Suite 100 wwmonograms.com wwmonogramsllc@gmail.com 22

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Painting

In Middleburg, Deli Means Delish

I

By Leslie VanSant

t’s become a village institution.

At the lunch hour one recent day at the Middleburg Deli,there was a constant line of at least five hungry patrons waiting to make or pick up an order.

The decision is never easy when a customer arrives at the counter. The menu includes classic sandwiches, salads, soups and house specialties.

So what to choose?

“I personally love the California Cruiser and the Rueben,” said Maria Fuentes.

“Pedro likes the Double Play and Philly Cheesesteak.”

Maria and Pedro Fuentes own the Middleburg Deli, located at 2 North Liberty Street on the east side of Middleburg. The natives of El Salvador and their children, now adults, have been fixtures in the community, making sandwiches and friends since 1997 when they started managing the deli for then owner Richard Danker. They purchased the restaurant, then called Dank’s Deli, a few years later, changing the name in 2012.

While ownership and names have changed, the Fuentes commitment to making excellent food has not. Most people in Middleburg have their personal favorites. Visiting family and friends usually request lunch in town “at the deli” to enjoy theirs.

(Full disclosure: this writer’s favorite, like Maria’s,

Maria and Pedro Fuentes Own the Middleburg Deli. is the California Cruiser, no peppers please.)

The Fuentes’ careers have been spent working in restaurants. They know the challenges well—long hours, changing appetites, securing quality ingredients.

But owning their own place hadn’t actually been a dream or a goal. So when they were approached by Danker, himself a Middleburg resident, to purchase the business, they took what they now describe as “a leap of faith.”

At that time, open only a few years, the Deli hadn’t quite established itself as a cornerstone of the Middleburg restaurant scene. The Fuentes worked hard, putting lots of hours into the business. Hiring and retaining friendly staff, Jeanette Cortes has been greeting people at the register and taking orders for more than a decade. And ensuring high quality standards.

“Owning a business is a 24/7 job,” Maria said. “It can be very stressful, even when we aren’t at work

we’re constantly thinking of what we need to do the upcoming day, or creating new menu items.”

Pedro likes to invent different food items during lunch time and sometimes his creations find their way on to the “specials” board. About three years ago, one such item—The Taco Salad—made its debut. It’s a tortilla shell stuffed with lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, Pico de Gallo, corn and rice, topped off with chili and cheese. It quickly became popular and is now on the regular menu.

If the consistent long lines at lunch can be seen as a measurement of success, their hard work clearly has paid off.

Pedro and Maria, who live in Purcellville, believe their success comes from taking the time to make sure everything they serve is well made and tasty.

The emphasis is on service with a smile, where “all customers feel like friends who are encouraged to grab a bite to eat and chat it up.”

In July, the Town of Middleburg recognized Middleburg Deli for their years of service. They have 5-star reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor. Despite the accolades, Pedro and Maria say they take success one day at a time, as a result of hard work, and not pure luck.

The Deli is open Monday to Saturday, from 10 to 6. On a busy day, they prepare upwards of 250 meals.

That’s one meal every two minutes of a day. But don’t be confused, this is not fast food. These are made to order from fresh ingredients.

Maria and Pedro Fuentes would have it no other way.

The Shaggy Ram & Little Lambkins.

The Shaggy Ram, now in its 31st year, has just adopted the Little Lambkins.

So along with our lovely English & French antiques plus all accessories for your home, the Lambkins specializes in quality classic attire for infants & children.

It’s our new look & folks are loving it!

Come see us soon!

New items arrive daily.

Joanne & Sandy 3 E Washington St. Middleburg. VA 20118 540.687.3546

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

23

After All These Years, the Community Center Still Thriving

A

By Emma Boyce

product of post-war optimism, the Middleburg Community Center, initially equipped with a bowling alley, pool and grand ballroom, first opened its doors in January 1948 to the citizens of Fauquier and Loudoun counties.

The grand yellow building at the corner of Washington Street and The Plains Road hosted almost 500 events its first year. Now, more than 70 years later, that same spirit of community continues to thrive as President Bethann Beeman welcomes exciting new improvements for the upcoming year.

Some of these changes will happen behind the scenes, tending to the blemishes of an old building. Others, like the 1,500-pound fox, a veritable Bethann Beeman Middleburg mascot, will be on display on the front stoop for all passersby to enjoy.

Still, the most notable change harks back to the center’s oldest attraction, the pool. While this year saw the remodeling of the baby pool, Ms. Beeman

now turns her focus to the big pool, where MCC will, among other aquatic renovations, install concrete steps for easier access in and out of the water.

“It’s been a long time trying to get this done,” said Ms. Beeman, who has been on the board of the community center for six years. “We would love to see more of our seniors be able to use the pool. It’s very hard for them to get out of the pool using a ladder. Now, they’ll be able to walk right out, which we’re so excited about.”

This past summer saw a record number of community members buying family memberships.

The new steps also stand to benefit the younger children, who have graduated from the baby pool, but are still finding their sea legs.

“We’re all working on the future of the center and its long-term goals to make sure that it is still around for future generations,” says Ms. Beeman, whose enthusiasm for the Community Center certainly correlates to its success.

While many community centers across the country face uncertain financial futures, the nonprofit Middleburg Community Center has an advantage. Rather than relying on government support for funding, they call on the community for backing through a variety of fundraising events.

“It’s amazing how not only our town but the people in the community always think of us when it comes time to making our annual giving,” Ms. Beeman said. “They have always thought about us.

Year after year, we have met our goals.”

Middleburg Academy A Classical Education:

Teaching Students HOW to Think

In the next few months, Ms. Beeman also plans to introduce the “Legacy Fund.” It’s a way for older patrons, who have enjoyed MCC for decades and passed the tradition on to their children and grandchildren, to be benefactors and add MCC to their wills.

This community is very lucky to have a center that will never fail,” Ms. Beeman said. “It will always be pushed forward because the board is so supportive, the town is so supportive, and the community is so supportive.”

The center’s calendar is always full. Among its numerous fitness classes and events, October will feature showings from the Middleburg Film Festival and the return of Concert on the Steps, a free event open to the public.

In an era of technology and social media, the idea of community can seem old-fashioned until one realizes the importance of a place to gather in person, whether it be for kickboxing or ballroom dancing, yoga or Hot Dog Halloween., also an annual highlight.

“When you have people back in the 1940s say, ‘we need a community center, let’s build one, let’s raise capital to build this building for our community in Middleburg.’ It’s amazing they did this,” said Beeman.

“It’s amazing they had the vision and the foresight to see what was needed in the community for the future.”

For a full list of MCC events and activities, visit middleburgcommunitycenter.com or their Facebook page.

WINTER WEEKEND SALE Autumn Greetings FEBRUARY 16-18 Ladies & Children’s Winter Clothing

40% OFF

Select Seasonal Merchandise

75% OFF

Crabtree, Bronnley & Michel Toiletries

25% OFF

WHOLE STORE

10% OFF

Join us for an Admissions Open House

Cool days and crisp nights are fast approaching! Fall into the spirit of the season with new arrivals. You’ll love our collection with harvest favorites like wreaths, pumpkins & may notapples be combined pheasant - toDiscounts sweet smells with and cinnamon. From elegant to will Casual ... Autumn’s our Minds!!

Loyalty Points NOT Accrue oron apply to Sale Items

Friday, Oct. 18 from 8-11am

RSVP at 540-687-5581 or

www.MiddleburgAcademy.org 24

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

117 W. Washington St. Middleburg, VA 20117 (next to the Post Office) 540-687-6590 www.thefunshop.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Photo by Vicky Moon

Photo by Viviane Warren

Pellom McDaniels, III, former defensive lineman with the Atlanta Falcons, is now Curator of African American Collections at Emory University. He spoke at a roundtable on African American Horsemen at the National Sporting Library, where he met up with Andrew Bishop of Middleburg, former team physician for the Falcons.

At Market Salamander guests enjoyed an intimate pairing dinner with Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Photo courtesy

Some in Middleburg may not be aware than Punkin Lee has a “back”ground in advertising.

She and her late mother, Nancy Lee, had the very successful Lee Advertising in Middleburg.

Her expertise was quite evident recently.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Photo by Vicky Moon

Keith Nelson Stroud is the new program coordinator at The Plains Community League.

Oye and Mike Macey celebrated Oktoberfest in Middleburg. She is a fabric artist and designer.

Jack Nargil, new catering manager at Market Salamander with Chef Jason Deavers and Andre LeTendre, general manager share a moment during lunchtime.

The Ashby Inn & Restaurant Autumn Special

Join us for lunch Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mention this ad from Country Zest and receive 20% off of your meal.

Book Now 540-592-3900 692 Federal Street, Paris VA, 20130 Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

25

NICK GREENWELL

N

Crafting Fields All Around

icholas “Nick” Greenwell is the driving force behind Fieldcraft, a property management firm based in Middleburg that covers Fauquier and Loudoun counties. He’s a native of St. Mary’s County, on the Western shore of Maryland, where he learned to ride and train show horses.

“When I wasn’t in the barn, I could be found on the water, crabbing, fishing, and oystering,” he told Country ZEST. “My brother and I spent a great deal of time hunting ducks, geese, doves, and quail. I attended the University of Maryland at College Park, where I majored in Animal Science, with a minor in Equine Science. I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the same institution.

As one of the three men involved in Fieldcraft, he defines its purpose as providing local landowners with comprehensive, and environmentally responsible land, animal, and facility management services.

“We’re an agriculturally focused consulting and contracting firm.,” Mr. Greenwell said. “Our intent is to be the only phone call that a landowner has to make in relevance to their agricultural efforts.”

He and his two partners all wear a number of hats. He’s responsible for business development and implementation. “Because of my education and experience,” he said, “I tend to cater to the equestrian community. My focuses are pasture management, forage and soil analysis, pasture planning, facility design, and nutritional consults.”

Moving forward, Mr. Greenwell said his objectives are to provide effective, tailored and environmental solutions to agriculturists and animal hobbyists.

He considers it vital to remain current on emerging research and techniques in forage management, invasive species mitigation, and equine nutrition.

Mr. Greenwell provides solutions to recurring issues, where the client has a longstanding concern or frustration. An example would be the emergence and management of invasive plant species, such as Japanese Stiltgrass. “We also have clients frustrated

because their pasture seeding efforts have not been fruitful,” he said.

The team will then conduct a soil analysis to condition it to the types of forage they’re looking to foster. He’s also been asked by horse owners who, despite their best efforts, are not impressed with the weight their horses are carrying.

“I evaluate their feeding and management protocols, and tailor a plan to suit their goals.,” he said. “Establishing trust, setting realistic expectations, and maintaining a clear dialogue with our clients is paramount, and central to our model.”

Outside of his work, Nick spends time with his wife- Elizabeth “Brandy” Greenwell and their sevenmonth-old twins. They live on a family farm where they breed and raise Irish Draught and Irish Draught Sport Horses. They develop these horses for careers as fox hunters, show jumpers, and event horses.

Within Fieldcraft, Mr. Greenwell enjoys working with Walter Hasser and Steven Putnam to face almost any challenge a client may present. They each bring a different skill profile to the business.

“We tackle everything as a team,” he said. “In addition, our families mesh very well, and we spend time together sharing hobbies, interests, and lifting one another up.”

Purple winter cotton twill trousers, plum color Bengal stripe shirt with linen, silks and wool blend jacket in sage with a tan window pane overlay along with the perfect purple bow tie with gold horses (designed by Rodrick Rigden). From English Country Classics at 21 E. Washington Street in Middleburg.

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

Nick Greenwell

Antique Arms, Edged Weapons & Armor Since 1957

Dealers and Appraisers for Fine Antique Firearms, Edged Weapons & Armor

www.davidcondon.com Recipient of the United States Department of the Interior Citation for Public Service

(Visit our online catalog) We are always looking to buy vintage guns, daggers,

Purchasing and consigning quality antique arms ofmedals, all types swords, knives, bayonets, uniforms, flags, belts, since 1957. Appraisers and other collectable militaria.We to the Smithsonian, thebuckles National Park Service and also thepurchase National Firearms Museum. gun and military related books, gun related Recipient of the U.S. sporting Department of the Interior’s Citation for Public Service. tools, vintage ammunition, etc. If you have any antique or collectable you want Address: to Visit our shop!military or gun items thatMailing sell please contact us for more information our Box 7 109 E. Washington St (Rt. 50) Post on Office appraisal services, consignment rates or outright sale.VA 20118 Middleburg, VA 20117 Middleburg,

Free 1-800-364-8416 Te. 540-687-5642 • FaxToll 540-687-5649 • Email: info@davidcondon.com 109 E. Washington (Rt. 50) Post Office Hours:St.Tues.-Fri. 10-5:30 • Sat. 10-3Box 7

26

Middleburg, VA 20117 Middleburg, VA 20118 Tel. 540-687-5642 Fax 540-687-5649 Email: info@davidcondon.com www.davidcondon.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

STEVEN PUTNAM

®

Keeping It Rural

RURAL BAKERY

“America’s Best Bakery Destinations”

8 3 6 8 W E ST M A I N ST R E E T

S

teven Putnam is a local boy, born and raised in Warrenton and a graduate of Fauquier High School and Longwood University.

“I’ve worked as a master carpenter and cattleman for over ten years before deciding to start Fieldcraft,” he told Country ZEST.

Fieldcraft was designed to preserve the agricultural heritage of this area by helping local land owners realize and execute the potential of their properties.

“Together we can sustain the character that’s the root of Piedmont,” he continued. “The understanding that this land has value far beyond development dollars. The rolling hills of Virginia have long been protected and we want to carry this respect and vigilance with us to each property we manage.”

Mr. Putnam, who has another full time job elsewhere, acts as the consultant of operations for Fieldcraft. His background in construction and property management makes this role a natural fit. Along with Nick Greenwell and Walter Hasser, they all carry heavy loads of equal importance to the business.

M A RSH A LL , V I RGI N I A O PEN E V E RY DAY 5 4 0 - 3 6 4 -B A K E

2 2 WAT E R LO O ST R E E T WA R R EN TON, V I RGI N I A 5 4 0 - 3 47-2 2 24 CLO S E D SU N DAYS

“One of America’s best small-town bakeries” TRAVEL+ LEISURE

M ADE WITH LOVE & BUTTER IN TH E VIRGINIA PIEDMONT

SEND A TASTE OF VIRGINIA: WE SHIP OUR CA K ES, M U FFINS, GR ANOLA & COFFEE NATIONWIDE AT R EDTRUCKBA K ERY.CO M

“Our main objective moving forward is the building of solid and lasting relationships with Virginia landowners so that we can continue to preserve our agricultural heritage,” Mr. Putnam added.

An example of one such challenge would be the management of ponds, and maintaining the health of a variety of aquatic species, both plant and animal.

T H E O F F I C I A L B A K E RY O F G R E AT M E A D OW

“Fieldcraft is unique,” he said, “in that we are the only property management firm that is qualified, and equipped, to provide consulting and implementation to serve the land, as well as the animals that reside on it.”

The value and reward in what they do comes when they see clients who use, and who love their properties.

“This is what will preserve these hills,” Mr. Putnam said, “landowners who feel connected to their property by the toil and sweat they’ve given to it.”

Mr. Putnam’s commitment to this rural community goes hand in hand with his love for his role as a cattleman.

“We currently have a mixed herd of over 100 brood cows with our 12th season of calving well underway.”

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

Steven Putnam

Blue poplin shirt with quilted cognac color leather vest from English Country Classics at 21 E. Washington Street in Middleburg

DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* * Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

DEL WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties MARY WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.*

MARY P.T., O.C.S.* 204 WILSON, E. FEDERAL ST.

* Board Certified Orthopedic ClinicalST. Specialist 204 E. FEDERAL American BoardP.O. of Physical Therapy BOX 893 Specialties

MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118

204 E. FEDERAL ST. P.O. BOX 893 WILSON, DEL MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 www.middleburg-pt.com

540-687-6565

P.O. BOX 893 MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118

* Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

204 E. FEDERAL ST. 540-687-6565 P.O. BOX 893

MIDDLEBURG, VA 20118 www.middleburg-pt.com P.T.,540-687-6565 O.C.S.*

www.middleburg-pt.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn MARY 2019 WILSON, P.T., O.C.S.* 540-687-6565

* Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist www.middleburg-pt.com American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties

27

WALTER HASSLER Handling the Operational End

W

Photo by Doug Gehlsen of Middleburg Photo

Walter Hasser

alter Hasser was born in Sonoma, California and grew up in Loudoun County on a farm outside the village of Taylorstown. In 2001, he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed on the West Coast, returning to the Middleburg area in 2011 with his wife Marissa and family.

“Middleburg was a natural choice for us.” he said. “Steven Putnam and I started Fieldcraft because we knew we could offer rural property owners a single point of contact that could solve, quite literally, any problem, ever encountered on a working piece of land. We bring a sense of stewardship to our work that is above and beyond the norm.”

“While Steven and Nick (Greenwell) are the agricultural and equestrian experts, I handle the back end. I own and operate a security and defense contracting firm, and business operations are my area of expertise. My role in Fieldcraft is to ensure administration and operations run smoothly.”

Together, the three partners bring a deep sense of accountability to every project, every customer.

“Conservation and stewardship are terms we live by in this business, and we always navigate to our solutions with that in mind,” Mr. Hasser said. “What makes me very happy about our business is the trust we gain from our clients. Particularly, the absentee owner, who resides in D.C., New York, or elsewhere, and can rest easy knowing

the incredible responsibility of caring for their land is taken care of.”

Going forward, the goal is to grow Fieldcraft to a point where the firm becomes a household name in the Piedmont.

“When customers need support managing their agricultural pursuits,” Mr. Hasser said, “we want to be the first and only company they want to call.”

In addition to his work with Fieldcraft, his company, Active Security Consulting, takes up the majority of his time. He also believes his business complements the Fieldcraft clientele.

“We often support one another on projects such as gate installation, surveillance systems on high-end barns, and other projects,” he said.

And what does he like most about working with his fellow owners?

“That’s easy,” he said. “Steven and Nick are not only great partners, they are very dear friends. Our families are very close, and working together is wonderful.”

Clothing from English Country Classics at 21 E. Washington Street in Middleburg: light blue brush cotton twill trousers with a green and blue Irish Tattersall shirt, English orange stag tie and a Scottish wool medium brown herringbone jacket with blue/green over check, which is fully canvased to hold the shape and provide weather protection.

WINTER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER…

$29 540-349-6701 | appletoncampbell.com 28AC CountryZest_Ad.indd

1

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

9/17/19 9:11 AM

Lumber, Hardware, Paint, and Kitchen and Bath Design Studio

50 Years Serving the Community!

Are you in need of a kitchen or bathroom renovation?

We can help!

Visit our newly remodeled

Kitchen and Bath Design Studio to see your Cabinetry, Countertops, Floor Tile, Wall Tile, and Cabinet Hardware options!

Alberene Soapstone

106 South Madison St., Middleburg, VA 20117

540-687-6318

Monday – Friday: 7 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday: 8 am to Noon

www.mmilh.com “First visit, you’re a valued customer. Second visit, you’re a lifelong friend.”

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

29

Properties In Hunt Country

THOMAS & TALBOT W

W

NE

NE

HUNT COUNTRY ESTATE

Bluemont ~ Ideally located just north of historic Middleburg, this country estate is over 104 acres of pastures, oak trees and mountain views. The three level manor house is approximately 9000 square feet. A picturesque spring fed pond, a beautiful sparkling pool and spa, a guest house and separate apartment over the four bay garage are all in pristine condition. There is a six stall stable and multiple board fenced paddocks to complete this idyllic setting and make this one of the finest country estates in all of northern Virginia. $5,700,000

FOX FORD FARM

COOPER RIDGE

Jeffersonton ~ Unique 4 BR country house with pool and outbuildings. One and 1/2 mile of Rappahannock river frontage. Open, rolling fields. Investment, horse farm, brewery, B&B, farming or winery potential. All around views, flowering gardens, privacy and peace. 15 minutes to Warrenton. $1,991,000 on 239+acres or $1,443,000 on 142 acres

OAK SPRING DAIRY

Upperville ~ Goose Creek frames this idyllic 156 acre farm anchored by an historic log cabin restored by the late Bunny Mellon for her long time friend Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. 3 renovated dwellings. Conservation easement permits building new main house with spectacular views. Barns, spring houses, silos, stonewalls and chestnut fencing. Abounds with wildlife. In Piedmont Hunt. $4,950,000

Marshall ~ Completely renovated brick home on 22+ acres in a private, park like setting. 4 BR and 4½ BA, including a separate au pair or guest suite with fireplace.

Hardwood floors, antique mantles, 10 foot ceilings, 5 fireplaces and custom woodwork. 2 level 13 x 49 porch. Full basement with work out room & sauna; play room; 2nd laundry and storage. 2 car garage. New 20 x 24 run in shed.

In Orange County Hunt territory. OLREA $1,987,500

LIBERTY HALL

Paris ~ Circa 1770, Lovely Stone and Stucco Farm house sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, 20+ acres surrounded by Protected Lands, Spectacular protected views of Paris valley, Meticulous exterior renovations include Re-Pointed Stonework, Metal Roof, 2 Large additions, Covered Porch, Basement, Buried Electric, well and Septic, Fully Fenced, Mature Trees, Boxwoods, Ready for all your interior finishes. $997,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is dee

IT’S WHY WE LOVE WHERE WE LIVE At Thomas & Talbot Real Estate we are a small, efficient and effective real estate firm with over 200 years of combined sales experience. Our continued success is in large part attributable to our full time sales staff of award winning, dedicated, competent agents. It always has been, and always will be, our philosophy to give the best service to our customers and we are convinced that a smaller company serves you better.

REAL ESTATE Phillip S. Thomas, Sr. Celebrating his 57th year in Real Estate

Susie Ashcom Cricket Bedford DUNNOTTAR

Warrenton ~ Historic 400 Acre farm with 6 BR/3BA Main House on 3 levels. Attic, Formal Dining Room, original Hardwood Floors, new Windows and Sun Porch with large Fireplace. Panoramic mountain views, Great Run creek flows the length of the whole farm, and there are two ponds. Approximately 300 acres of grasslands for horses or cattle. The farm is in a Conservation Easement with The Virginia Outdoors Foundation which gives an Owner permission to to divide into 3 large parcels. $4,125,000

L

IA

ND

LA

M

M

O

C

C ER

Catherine Bernache Snowden Clarke John Coles Rein duPont Cary Embury Julien Lacaze Anne V. Marstiller Brian McGowan

ROCK HILL MILL

A rare find! 9.8 private acres in Orange County Territory on charming scenic country road. 4 bedroom perc.

Located between Middleburg and The Plains, surrounded by properties in easement. Beautiful old hardwood trees.

Excellent house site and perfect pond location. Priced $25,000 below appraised value of $489,000 to pay the cost of overhead powerline relocation. $464,000

BERRYVILLE FARM SUPPLY

Berryville Farm Supply is for sale! Well-established, iconic, turn-key feed store and supplier of all manner of farm-related products. Well-located, with a large area for parking and deliveries from tractor trailers. Sale includes approximately $75,000 worth of inventory plus two pick-up trucks outfitted for deliveries to customers. Loyal client base. $375,000

emed reliable, but not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed

A Staunch Supporter of Land Easements

LAND & ESTATE AGENTS SINCE 1967

Middleburg, VA 20118 (540) 687-6500

Jim McGowan Mary Ann McGowan Rebecca Poston Emily Ristau

LikoenuFs acebook To see our fine estates and exclusive properties in hunt country please visit

THOMASANDTALBOT.com

Everyday Prices AmishLow Lawn

Furniture

Mattingly’s Premium Quality Amish LawnLawn Furniture Amish Polylumber Premium Quality Polylumber & Outdoor Woods Furniture & Outdoor Woods Everyday Low

Premium Quality Prices Polylumber Everyday Low Prices & Outdoor Woods

Mattingly’s

Everyday Prices AmishLow Lawn

Hand Crafted by select Furniture Western Pa. Old Premium Order & Eastern Quality Pa. Amish Craftsman families Hand Crafted by select Western Pa. Old Order & Polylumber Eastern Pa. Amish Craftsman families Family & Owned & Operated Since 1973 Outdoor Woods Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Located In Aldie VA. Since 1980

Located In Aldie Va.39469 Since John 1980 Mosby Hwy

703•327•4547

Everyday Low Prices 703-327-4547 -------------------------------------Only

39469 John Mosby Hwy

Hand Crafted by select Hand Crafted by Western Pa.select Western Pa. Old Order & Eastern Pa. Old Order & Eastern Pa. Amish Craftsman families Amish Craftsman families

Family Owned Since 1973 Family Owned& & Operated Operated Since 1973 Located Va.Since Since1980 1980 LocatedInInAldie Aldie Va.

703-327-4547 703-327-4547

39469John John Mosby Mosby Hwy 39469 Hwy

Hand Crafted by select Western Pa. Old Order & Eastern Pa. Amish Craftsman families Family Owned & Operated Since 1973 Located In Aldie Va. Since 1980

703-327-4547

32

39469 John Mosby Hwy

Vineyard VIEW

Consuming Wine and Conserving the Land

D

By Peter Leonard-Morgan oukenie Winery sits on 400 blissful acres in the foothills of the Short Hill Mountain, among Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, just a few minutes drive from the Western Loudoun County town of Hillsboro.

George and Nicki Bazaco purchased the property in the early 1980s and began planting grape vines in 1986. Today, with The view from Doukenie significant acreage under vine, the property Winery’s back deck. cultivates Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminette, Seyval Blanc, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Petit Syrah and Cabernet Franc grape varietals.

The Bazacos made the decision to protect their land from any future overdevelopment by placing it in a perpetual conservation easement. This program has proven successful in Virginia, with owners of large tracts of land making the commitment that their properties will remain undeveloped forever, except for agricultural and very limited non-agricultural building construction. In return, they get specific tax benefits designed to somewhat mitigate the associated loss in developed land value.

Doukenie opens its doors seven days a week, attracting a clientele from all over to enjoy the peace and tranquility of its grounds and traditional tasting room which, together with the winery itself, was built in 1995.

Named after George’s grandmother, who moved with her parents from her native Greece during her early teens, Doukenie has grown from a modest operation into a well-respected producer of award-winning wines, under the watchful eye of winemaker James Phillips, an upstate New York native with Italian familial roots.

James studied viticulture in the New York Finger Lakes region, itself a renowned wine producing area, where he subsequently became assistant winemaker at a local winery. In 2014, having moved south, he joined Doukenie as associate winemaker and was promoted to winemaker just last year.

A significant proportion of Doukenie’s production is enjoyed at home by members of its Heritage Club, who agree to purchase 12 bottles annually, with the balance being taken up by the many tasting room visitors throughout the year. Unlike some properties, Doukenie does not distribute its wines, preferring to keep them available exclusively to its loyal patrons.

Doukenie’s size and peaceful setting enables it to play host to many wonderful and varied events throughout the year. In June, the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon starts and finishes at the property, taking some 2,500 runners from all over the country along some of Loudoun’s prettiest byways, culminating, naturally with some fine wine.

During the summer season, Fridays at Doukenie mean it’s Bistro Night.

Musicians set up in the tasting room, while a food truck or mobile brick pizza oven will roll in and offer nourishment to accompany the music and wine.

Late October sees the traditional Harvest Celebration, always a great attraction.

It marks the end of that most arduous yet satisfying of times, when the grapes are brought in from the vineyards to begin their transformation into that ancient and universally enjoyed beverage—wine.

George’s mother, Hope, a sprightly nonagenarian, bakes a fine Baklava which, in the past, she would regularly dispatch to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These warriors in turn sent back photographs of them enjoying this delicious dessert, holding up placards thanking her for the sweet diversion. From time to time, fortunate tasting room patrons find themselves being treated to a sampling of this quintessential Greek delight.

It’s definitely worth a drive out west to enjoy a relaxing respite at Doukenie, either in the pleasant tasting room, on its deck or around the pretty duck pond.

Either way, you’re in for a treat.

Doukenie Winery is located at 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro, VA 20132. Call 540668-6464.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

We Make Your Plumbing Problems Easier Plumbing issues are a headache—leaks, clogs, and uncertainty. Our job is to make it easier.

With our newest team member, Service Titan, we’re better prepared to serve your needs.

Service Titan is your free, virtual plumbing concierge. No more receipts or trying to remember details about your plumbing system: our customized reminders will have all that, and more. With Service Titan, our technicians can show you all your options and prices, in a simple, easy-to-compare format.

Its notification feature tells you when our technician will arrive, and even send you a picture and short bio so you can get to know him a bit in advance. Service Titan puts everything you need is at your fingertips, so you can forget about plumbing issues and worry about more important things.

If water runs through it, we do it! When you need us, we’ll be here.

$75 OFF ANY WATER HEATER J.R. SNIDER, LTD. With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior services.

Offer expires 12-31-19.

703-771-3308 • 540-687-5232

www.facebook.com/jrsniderltd • www.jrsnider.com

visit our new

site

General Plumbing • Drain Cleaning • Water Treatments • Sewer/Septic Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

33

MIDDLEBURG COMMON GROUNDS Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread, Maple Chai... oh my...

All things about Fall are

nice!

Breakfast & Lunch Served All Day

Coffee, Tea, Beer & Wine

114 W. Washington Street • Middleburg, VA • 540.687.7065

For Your children’s

children’s

children’s

children Rely on our expertise to help protect your landscape for all future generations.

The Land Trust of Virginia partners with private landowners who wish to voluntarily protect and preserve their working farmland or natural lands with significant scenic, historic, and ecological value for the benefit of our community using conservation easements.

(540) 687-8441

34

•

landtrustva.org

It’s About The Culture at Emmanuel Episcopal

E

By Leslie VanSant mmanuel Episcopal Church in Middleburg is offering monthly concerts and theatrical performances with its “At The Parish House” series that features local and regional family-friendly entertainment around the third Saturday of the month, September through May. “This is a celebration of the arts, pure and simple,” said The Reverend Gene LeCouteur.

There’s a tradition of art, music and theater that runs deep at Emmanuel.

From parishioners involved in local art, theater and music groups, to an 1890s Steinway piano with more frequent flier miles than most airborne travelers.

With a house full of artists and arts Photo by Vicky Moon enthusiasts, holding performances seemed The “At The Parish House” to be a natural extension of the church series tales place at the community.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

“Arts and creativity are gifts from God,” Father Gene said. “And we want to welcome everyone here to join us in the celebration.”

Finding the inspiration for a performing arts series is one thing, but booking the acts is another.

“Thankfully, our local area is home to so much talent—performers, singers,” said John DeNegre, a member of the Emmanuel community and founder of the “At the Parish House” series. “We’ve been able to fill our calendar simply by accessing the networks of our parishioners.”

With Sunday afternoon show times, it was important to find entertainers who would appeal to families.

A cornerstone of the calendar is the Halloween Songs and Stories program.

Held on October 20, the event gives children of all ages another chance to dress up in their costumes.

Relatively new to Emmanuel, Father Gene’s first experience was the Halloween event.

“I had just moved to town and thought I would quietly stop by the event,” he said. “But there is something to be said about meeting your senior warden and his wife as a zombie with a severed hand and the headless horseman, respectively.”

Other favorites on the schedule this year include the Celtic Christmas (December 15) and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (January 19).

There’s also a performing arts series.

“The Reader’s Theater is special,” said Father Gene of an event that features actors reading on stage, performing, sometimes in costume, plays or old-time radio shows, complete with sound effects. “Nothing Beats Old Time Radio!” will include live readings of shows from the Golden Age of Radio.

“I enjoy seeing the youth embrace the arts,” said John. “So I was thrilled when the idea for The Living Poets Society came together.”

That event will be held on April 18, 2020. Working with local schools, students are invited to come and read their original poems on stage. In addition, a printed program featuring the poems is available.

Father Gene and Mr. Denegre said they’re always open to trying new things.

“Our goal is to make it family friendly for Sunday afternoons, but if we find something that’s not right for all ages, we will do it on a different evening and let people know,” said Father Gene.

Most events start at 3 p.m. (except the Gay Men’s Chorus, which starts at 2). More information for each can be found on the website: https://www. emmanuelmiddleburg.org/special-events.

Both Father Gene and Mr. Denegre emphasized that their events are a pure celebration of the arts.

“It’s not a church recruiting event or a fundraiser,” Mr. Denegre said. “Music, arts, performing, you could say it’s in the DNA of this parish. The At the Parish House is our way of sharing these gifts with the greater community.”

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Ellen Emmet Rand exhibition “Leads the Field”

A

n exhibition “Leading the Field” of the artwork of Ellen Emmet Rand is on view at the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg from October 4 to March 22, 2020.

This show of paintings, sketches and studies creates a personal picture of Rand as a fiercely talented painter, loving mother, countrywoman, and horsewoman.

Born in 1875, Rand was among the first generation of women to gain recognition as a professional artist. Her

subjects included captains of industry, judges, lawyers, socialites, children, and politicians, notably, the first presidential portrait of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She was featured in over 70 exhibits throughout her career, and her last solo exhibition in 1936 was Sporting Portraits by Ellen Emmet Rand, N.A. at The Sporting Gallery & Bookshop in New York City.

Highlights of the exhibition are Jake in Hunting Clothes, c. 1935—of Rand’s youngest son—and The

Hound Show at The Riding Club, 1936, loaned by the artist’s granddaughter Rosina Rand and Groom Holding Christopher in the Horse Stable, c. 1913—of Rand’s oldest son—on loan from a Private Collection as well as the noted local sportsman Fletcher Harper, Esq. M.F.H, Orange County Hounds.

Ellen Emmet Rand (American, 1875-1941), Fletcher Harper, Esq. M.F.H. The Orange County, 1931, oil on canvas, 43 1/2 x 34 inches, Masters of Foxhounds Association Foundation

Ellen Emmet Rand (American, 1875-1941), Groom Holding Christopher in the Horse Stable, 1913, oil on canvas, 25 x 20 inches, Private Collection

Ellen Emmet Rand (American, 1875-1941), Jake in Hunting Clothes, 1936, oil on canvas, 42 x 32 1/4 inches, Collection of Rosina Rand

For details: 540-687-6542 or http://nationalsporting. org/ .

Always By Your Side Wiseman & Associates Wealth Management has over 30 years of financial experience in Northern Virginia managing and helping our clients grow their wealth. We carefully evaluate every aspect of your financial picture and unique needs to develop a comprehensive plan designed to manage your assets, grow your net worth and leave a legacy. Ours is a measured approach that relies on in-depth understanding of Wealth Management, Estate and Business Succession and Insurance Strategies. Our successes can be directly attributed to helping our clients in Hunt Country and the Greater D.C. area skillfully manage their assets and pursue their personal goals. We believe that true financial success is not about how much money you have, but how much money you keep. We’re a company that will always be by your side when it comes to finances.

27 West Boscawen St. Winchester, VA 22601

www.wisemanandassociates.com Office: 540-687-7077 Fax: 540-722-6405

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

A Registered Investment Advisor

115 The Plains RD, STE 100 P.O. Box 2264 Middleburg, VA 20118 35

With Clarity Comes Financial Peace of Mind

question: Did those policies, portfolios, or documents help them realize the e recently participated in ability to efficiently maximize the use, an exercise with several enjoyment and transfer of their wealth. peers to ponder how we’ve Many people have multiple gained the trust of our clients and what investment advisers because they brought us together in the first place. don’t want all their eggs in one basket.

After conversations with several clients That’s fine. They may have a 401k and reviewing our notes, some going through work, an inherited IRA still back a good 25 years, we concluded that with their deceased mother’s stock many of our clients came to us because broker, and an e-trade account they they needed “clarity.” manage on their own.

There were multiple circumstances, If you have multiple individuals mostly brought on by some sort of managing your wealth, is someone “event” in their lives, that spurred our driving the bus? Who’s in charge of relationship: A family member passing, getting you, your family, and your a divorce, children leaving the nest, advisors on the bus and getting them or the financial mind of the family all to work in concert to help reach growing older and knew his or her your goal of maximizing the use and partner had neither the inclination or enjoyment of your wealth? tools to achieve the family’s goals.

Are losses being harvested, Perhaps they had an investment allocations being decided with Tom Wiseman portfolio that didn’t seem to have any consideration of all accounts, and are rhyme or reason, or they had multiple life insurance, the fees appropriate? It’s definitely important for long-term care, or disability policies they had your investments to have a symbiotic relationship purchased. They were paying the premiums, and with one another. they had no idea how the policies worked or their On the life insurance side, when is the last time estate documents weren’t in order. you had your policy, or perhaps your portfolio of Most of their reasons boiled down to the fact that policies reviewed? we were brought together to bring clarity to what I’m actually embarrassed to say I’m part of the they had in place. We went on to help answer the life insurance industry because it has such a bad

By Tom Wiseman

W

reputation. Life insurance is often “sold” for the wrong reason, or funded improperly, designed with no exit strategy, or worse yet, not registered appropriately.

You’d be shocked how many times we review a “shoebox” full of old policies with “mom,” who passed years ago, as the beneficiary. Or “my estate” as the beneficiary. Horribly bad idea by the way!

On the estate document side, are you really sure that the documents you have in place deliver the maximum benefit to the people you love? With changes in family (death, divorce) and changes in tax law (2017 tax act), changes in your estate plan should be considered.

I had a mentor years ago who taught me to take pages and pages of will and trust documents, and boil them down to one page. He called it, “where does your stuff go when you do?” It’s either going to your heirs, to charity, or to the IRS. Are you confident that your estate plan accomplishes what you want it to?

If you haven’t completed this exercise, go back to your attorney, your CPA or financial planner and revisit your plan and your goals. Take all of the policies, documents, and statements in a basket, a shoebox, or for those of us in the horse world, a wheelbarrow, and get them to someone who can pull it all together and help you understand what you have in place.

If you can’t gain a collaborative consensus from your current team, find a new team!

Active Security Consulting focuses on the human aspect of safety, empowering our clients to properly leverage technologies emplaced in the name of asset protection...

We listen to our client’s needs and customize plans to address them.

We choose technologies to meet requirements and train personnel to peak performance, ensuring assets are secured, business continuity is uninterrupted, and life safety is absolute.

With a long list of successful projects including equestrian operations, absentee residences, and other rural enterprises, Active Security Consulting confidently provides Virginia’s Piedmont with trusted service and cutting edge security technology.

ACCESS CONTROL | VIDEO SURVEILLANCE | SECURITY GATES & FENCING | ANALYTICS IT NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE | SECURE COMMUNICATIONS | BESPOKE PERSONAL SECURITY

www.activesecurityconsulting.com | 202-897-6460 36

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

A Life-Saving Heart to Heart

D

By Carina Elgin

ean Elgin admits that he talks to a photo of a person he never met every day. “Let’s go, Anthony”, Dean says to the handsome, smiling young man in a frame on his dresser. “Let’s see what we can get done today.”

My husband, Dean, is alive today, because of organ donation.

It is Anthony’s young heart that Pam Howard has a heartfelt moment with transplant recipient Dean Elgin. beats inside him.

An intelligent, funny and talented young man, Anthony Howard was only 26 when he died. His passion was creating and sharing music. He had an “infectious smile” and twinkling eyes, full of life, that beam at us from the photo on the dresser.

Dean was given the photo when we met Anthony’s mother, Pam Howard, almost a year after his death and the transplant that saved my husband.

Despite the joy he radiated, Pam told us Anthony had been suffering on the inside. He didn’t feel he was where he should be in life. Despite the support of a large, loving family, he turned to alcohol to medicate his depression. In early September, 2018, he was found at the bottom of the stairs, unconscious, having suffered cardiac arrest, likely due to alcohol abuse. His brain was deprived of oxygen and he never recovered.

Though Anthony had not signed up to be an organ donor, his family decided he would want to continue helping others. Their decision, in the depths of their profound grief, has saved five lives. And, Anthony’s heart beats on inside Dean Elgin, from The Plains, Virginia, so he can continue to be our three daughters’ dad.

Dean inherited cardiac issues from his father, and went through a number of procedures over the years. In May, 2018, however, doctors feared that a blood clot was hiding inside the battery operated “Left Ventricular Assist Device” mechanical heart pump that had served him well for two years.

Instead of returning to work at Virginia Tractor in Warrenton, Dean was hospitalized nearly four months at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

In August, blood work showed the clot had dissolved. Dean went back to selling John Deere tractors, until he got “the call” just three weeks later. On September 12, 2018, he got a new heart. There were some rough days at first. But the transplant doctors and nurses were remarkable, and gradually Dean and Anthony learned to be a team. Dean is now back at work, feeling great and very grateful.

Pam reached out first, through the Washington Regional Transplant Center which coordinates all aspects of organ donation for the Washington-Baltimore area. We immediately agreed to meet, and we instantly felt a bond.

We cried and we laughed, sharing our stories. Pam is a remarkable woman of enviable faith who works to stay positive, despite the tragedy. I suggested she listen to Anthony’s heart, and as she lay her head gently across Dean’s chest, her smile enveloped us all.

Our families are forever intertwined in a bittersweet balance of life’s deepest sorrow with a medical miracle that lets Anthony’s legacy of giving continue.

I knew we had done the right thing when I saw Pam’s Facebook post from the day we met: “Today Was Amazing, It's Been 338 Days Since We Last Spoke BUT Today Is The First Day I Felt Your Soul At Total Peace,” she wrote.

“Hearing Your Heart Beat Took Me To A Place Of Peace & Truly Recognizing The Gift Of Organ Donation; A Gift Money Can't Buy, The Greatest Gift & Legacy One Could Leave Behind.. Your Greatness Lives On.” There could truly be no greater gift.

Get the primary care experience you deserve ✓

Same-day or next-day appointments

✓

Reach your doctor after hours

✓

Unhurried visits that start on time

Call 540.724.2054 or visit mdvip.com to schedule a complimentary getacquainted meeting with Dr. Royston.

The Howard Family has started the nonprofit A-Sicka Heals Foundation (www. asickaheals.org) to honor Anthony’s life. They’ll provide scholarships, community outreach events and seminars to “talk and to listen to youth about avoiding substance abuse.”For more information on organ donation, contact the Washington Regional Transplant Center at www.beadonor.org.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Norris Royston Jr., MD Family Medicine 8255 East Main Street Marshall, VA 20115 mdvip.com/NorrisRoystonMD

37

“Nutcracker”

A National Garden Clubs Standard Flower Show presented by

The Middleburg Garden Club Photo by Vicky Moon

Susi Bailey and Stew Nystrom greet the many visitors and guests for opening night at the Art at the Mill in Millwood.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Hall 105 East Washington Street Middleburg, Virginia 20117

Thursday, December 5, 2019 • 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Friday, December 6, 2019 • 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Free and Open to the Public Christmas Bazaar - Holiday Gourmet Gifts, Greens, and Wreaths available for purchase For more information, please contact Melanie Blunt at melanieblunt315@gmail.com or Lauren Vogan at laurenvogan@aol.com.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Teresa Condon admires a bronze sculpture

by Mary Sand, “Let’s Dance”, at the American Academy of Equine Artists preview at the Master of Foxhounds Association headquarters in Middleburg.

Photo by Eileen Dover.

Al Strama, chairman of the front porch at the Common Grounds, does some early morning reading.

TheTHE Middleburg Garden MIDDLEBURG GARDENClub CLUB invites you to the first

INVITES YOU TO THE FIRST

GREAT BIG DAFFODIL GREAT BIG DAFFIDOL BULB GIVEAWAY BULB GIVEAWAY

Thousands of daffodil bulbs will be available for free for the first members

of the Middleburg community come and claim freemembers bulbs. You can Thousands of daffodil bulbs will betoavailable for free fortheir the first helpMiddleburg us put Onecommunity MILLION daffidols in the town of Middleburg.

Plant of the to come and claim their free bulbs. You can now to enjoy in the spring! help us put One MILLION daffodils in the town of Middleburg. Plant now to enjoy in the spring!

When:

When: Where: Where:

ZEST editor Len Shapiro has a chat with Middleburg’s own NFL Hall of Famer Sam Huff. Mr. Shapiro wrote Mr. Huff’s autobiography “Tough Stuff” for St. Martin’s Press in September, 1988.

(And, it’s now available in paperback on Amazon!)

Join us November 3, 2019 – 12:00-3:00pm.

Join November 3, 2019 Center12:00-3:00pm.

At theus Middleburg community 200 West Washington St., Middleburg, Va At the Middleburg community Center

Everyone is welcome

200 West Washington St., Middleburg, Va Everyone welcome All daffidols are free to those who are willing tois plant them where they can be seen from the street for all to enjoy. Planting instructions and suggestions on where to Allbulbs daffidols are free those are willing plant them where they can plant will come with to each bag. who The bulbs will be to provided on a first-come, be seen from the street for all to enjoy. Planting instructions and first-served basis. suggestions on where to plant bulbs will come with each bag. The bulbs will The be Middleburg Gardenon Clubahas a goal of sustaining beautiful and lasting daffidol bulbs in town while providing provided first-come, first-served basis. an opportunity for interested gardeners to enhance their homes and public spaces through local resources. Our wish is that it will a one of a kind garden event for our town creating beauty while building a sense of community The Middleburg Garden Club has a goal of sustaining beautiful and lasting daffidol bulbs in town while for young and old alike. providing an opportunity for interested gardeners to enhance their homes and public spaces through local resources. Our Any wishquestions is that it will a one a kind email garden event for our town creating beauty while building on the bulbofproject DarcyJusten@gmail.com a sense of community for young and old alike.

Any questions on the bulb project email DarcyJusten@gmail.com

38

Photo by Vicky Moon

Photo by Vicky Moon

Howard Robinson puts his finishing touches on a beautiful fall display at Common Grounds.

Sterling Smith is in charge of landscape style at the 7-11 in Marshall.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Striving to Save The American Chestnut

T

By Leonard Shapiro

he poet Joyce Kilmer once wrote, “I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.” From her desk inside a small brick building in Marshall, Catherine Mayes likely would likely add the word “chestnut” to that famous verse.

She’s the president of the Marshall-based Virginia chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF), a nonprofit dedicated to developing blight resistant trees to replace a beloved American variety that has been called “the redwood of the eastern forest,” reaching diameters of 17 feet and heights of more than 100 feet.

An invasive blight was brought into the Bronx Zoo in New York in the early 1900s, and spread about 50 miles a year down the Appalachian Mountains until the American chestnut all but disappeared. In recent years, thanks to ever-improving research and organizations like the TACF, there is still great hope to reverse that disastrous trend.

“It was almost a perfect tree, that is, until a blight fungus killed it more than a century ago. The chestnut blight has been called the greatest ecological disaster to strike the world’s forests in all of history. The American chestnut tree survived all adversaries for 40 million years, then disappeared within 40.”

A recent effort involved what is called the “backcross method” to introduce blight resistance from Chinese chestnut trees into the American chestnut. First proposed by one of TACF’s founders,

ips of American chestnuts are pointed Nuts are hairy over 1/3 to 2/3 of length from pointed end Vascular bundles in a sunburst pattern on hilum end 2 to 3 nuts in each bur.

Photos courtesy The American Chestnut Foundation.

A large surviving American chestnut tree Dr. Charles Burnham. His rationale was based on the hypothesis that a few genes from the Chinese chestnut are responsible for its blight resistance.

“In 2005, we got to the end stage of the research and planted them out in a number of orchards, “Mayes said. “But they were not nearly as blight tolerant as we had hoped. We’ve spent the last year re-grouping. Over the last 40 years, crop and plant science have completely changed. We can now do DNA studies and look at their genes.

“High tech is expensive, but very effective. We have the technology to look at the leaf and make an educated guess on whether its blight tolerant. We’re looking at a plan to plant thousands of nuts in a greenhouse, then study the leaves and throw out trees without the right genetics. We’re talking about that now. It’s just a different world. Better. But not cheap.”

There are 13 such breeding orchards in Virginia alone, including The Plains, Warrenton and near Gilberts Corner in Aldie.

Mayes is a retired attorney who now lives in Hume and has been working with TACF since Fauquier County native George Thompson started the chapter a dozen years ago. The national office is in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Virginia chapter has about 500 members, all with the same goal in mind.

“Our mission is to get these trees back in the forest,” Mayes said. “No matter what it takes.”

Perhaps with lovely chestnut tree poems to follow.

LANDSCAPE COMPANY

“Tirning Houses into Homes Since 1982”

WE ARE AN AWARD WINNING LANDSCAPE COMPANY SPECIALIZING IN RESIDENTIAL DESIGN/BUILD WE DESIGN, INSTALL, AND MAINTAIN ALL TYPES OF GARDENS. FORMAL, ENGLISH, NATIVE, POLLINATOR TO NAME A FEW. OUR GARDENS INCLUDE: PATIOS, WALKWAYS, WALLS, PONDS, PERGOLAS, FIRE FEATURES, AND ALL TYPES OF OUTDOORS STRUCTURES, ALL COMPLEMENTED WITH VIRGINIA'S FINEST PLANT MATERIAL AND INSTALLED BY OUR KNOWLEDGABLE AND EXPERIENCED STAFF.

25283 LIGHTRIDGE FARM ROAD ALDIE VA, 20105

CALL TODAY TO MAKE YOUR LANDSCAPING DREAMS COME TRUE! 703-327-6844 OR MANAGER@PLANTAPLANT.COM Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

39

Your Window and Door Specialist (540) 837-9351 10 South Greenway Avenue, Boyce www.ottercreekmillwork.com PROUDY FEATURING

PIEDMONT ROOFING Standing Seam Metal EST 1977

“Customer Service that Sets the Standard” Northern VA 800-594-8180 Leesburg 703-777-5050 • Warrenton 540-364-6180 www.piedmontroofing.com TIME FOR A NEW ROOF? EVER CONSIDER A METAL ROOF? METAL IS AN AFFORDABLE PERMANENT SOLUTION! CALL US FOR A NO COST, NO PRESSURE, FREE CONSULTATION. MULTIPLE REFERENCES AVAILABLE. Benefits of Metal Roofing ✔ Durable, long life expectancy ✔ 35 year paint finish warranties from manufacturer ✔ Energy Efficiency - save money with reduced heating and cooling costs ✔ Increased resale value of your home ✔ Improved curb appeal of your home ✔ Increased protection from hurricanes and fire

✔ Reduces energy consumption, smog, and urban heat islands

✔ Wind rated 100 mph

✔ Home Owners Insurance discounts possible

✔ Environmentally friendly building choice

✔ www.energystar.gov

40

T

By Amanda Scheps

he Virginia Department of Forestry works with landowners across the Commonwealth to conserve one of Virginia’s most valuable resources, our forestland.

Why the emphasis on forestland conservation?

High on the list would be the habitat provided by forests and the beauty they contribute to the landscape. Many would list the recreational opportunities provided by forests—hunting, camping, hiking.

Forestland also ensures we have clean and abundant water to drink.

Forests protect our waterways by intercepting and absorbing rainfall and absorbing and filtering runoff. This action both protects the natural environment and dramatically lowers the costs to treat water.

Trees are our most effective way to maintain water quality.

We should all recognize the contributions trees make to air quality by filtering airborne pollutants. Our forestlands are also working to absorb increasing amounts of carbon dioxide, the principle greenhouse gas influencing climate change.

And few may be aware about the $21 billion forestry contributes annually to Virginia’s economy, or that the timber industry provides nearly 108,000 jobs.

Virginia is fortunate to enjoy approximately 16 million acres of forestland, accounting for about 60 percent of the state’s land cover.

Of this, about 10 million acres are owned by private individuals or families. How these family woodlands are managed and conserved will determine the future sustainability of the state’s forests.

To that end, VDOF offers three programs for forestland owners who share VDOF’s priorities of keeping forestland intact, in forest and in family ownership.

Roughly 350,000 acres of forestland has been converted to other land uses in the past 40 years. Urbanization and development is the single biggest factor in the loss of forestland acreage. As a primary strategy to minimize forestland loss, VDOF manages a conservation easement program geared primarily to keeping forests as forests.

Since its inception in 2007, VDOF has conserved nearly 81,000 acres of forestland. These wooded properties will contribute to Virginia’s forest cover, natural habitat, water quality, cleaner air and economy in perpetuity.

VDOF welcomes inquiries about donating easements from landowners whose goal is to maintain working forests on properties that are at least 50 acres, predominantly wooded. Interested landowners in Fauquier and Loudoun counties and the surrounding area can contact Kim Biasiolli at 434-220-9184 for more information.

✔ Low maintenance

✔ Metal roof colors to complement your home

Embrace a Forest and Help Save the Planet

Family forestland is most at risk of conversion during the time of transfer between generations. With that in mind, VDOF, in partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, developed its Generation NEXT program.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

DISCOVER WAKEFIELD CAPABLE.

OPEN HOUSE

ETHICAL.

ARTICULATE.

NOVEMBER 8TH, 2019

8:00AM 10:00AM

WWW.WAKEFIELDSCHOOL.ORG

Amanda Scheps It provides forestland owners with information and strategies to pass their land forward to the next generation. Legal and financial advisors with experience in inter-generational land transfers share guidance on how to preserve a family’s woodland legacy for generations to come.

The Generation NEXT workshops are held at different venues across the state each year. This year’s remaining schedule and more information can be found on the Virginia Cooperative Extension website (https://ext.vt.edu/natural-resources/legacy-planning/ training.html) In 2016, VDOF created the Century Forest program to honor families who have made a long-term commitment to the environment and quality of life for their fellow Virginians through forestry.

To be eligible for a Century Forest designation, a property must have been owned for a hundred years or more by the same family, be lived on or managed by descendants of the original owners, be 20 acres or larger, and have a documented history of forest management activities.

VDOF has recognized 46 Century Forest families owning more than 15,000 acres with a cumulative tenure of nearly 7,300 years since the program began. Landowners who meet the criteria for the Century Forest designation are encouraged to contact Jennifer Leach at 434220-9021.

VDOF has been assisting landowners for over 100 years and with these three programs, aims to ensure Virginians will reap the vital benefits provided by our forestland well into the future.

Amanda Scheps is a VDOF Forestland Conservation Specialist for the Eastern Region of Virginia.

8393 West Main | Marshall, VA 20115 | 540 364-5402

Huntcountrykitchens.com Fine Custom Cabinetry & More

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

41

PROPERTY Writes

Patrickswell:

The Practically Perfect Property

The immaculate 5,940-square foot home has had extensive renovation and expansion by a premier builder and has four bedrooms and five baths.

W

ith extraordinary views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and open hayfields, Patrickswell has 308 acres of open and rolling land.

As a long time fox-chasing fixture for The Orange County Hounds, this is a significant property, revered by many and the very definition of understated elegance.

Long, tree-lined pea gravel driveway brings you to an unassuming classic stone home with breathtaking views. The land is beautifully maintained and surrounded by extensive stone walls. There are multiple ponds and substantial road frontage on two sides of the farm.

Perfectly sited for complete privacy, Patrickswell was recently expanded and completely renovated

by The Galileo Group of McLean, including a beautiful master suite with fireplace and sitting room overlooking the massive pond beyond the main house.

The gourmet kitchen kitchen includes sitting room with fireplace and opens to terrace, all the modern features you would expect in a home of this quality. All the living space is on the ground level and oversized floor-to-ceiling windows take

42

There are 308 acres of spectacular land on Atoka Road near Marshall with panoramic views of pastures and cleared, open landscaping at Patrickswell.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

There are stunning views throughout the home and other details include exposed beams and recessed lighting.

Kitchen includes sitting room with fireplace and opens to terrace.

In addition to barns and stables, there’s a machine shed, run-in sheds for horses and an attached three-car garage with an electric vehicle charging station.

There are five fireplaces throughout, along with lovely wood floors, built-ins and window treatments.

advantage of the views. The house is extremely gracious while still comfortable. A three-car garage includes a charging station for electric vehicles. The charming two bedroom guest cottage with a fireplace also has been fully renovated.

The main 20-stall stable is in the center of the farm and includes a 1/16th mile of indoor track. The second stable has 11 stalls and multiple run-in sheds. These barns can easily be repurposed for a variety of uses.

The entire farm has been in hay operation for decades.

One of the three parcels is in conservation easement, creating tremendous flexibility for division or potentially additional conservation easement benefit for the next owner.

And more than ample space for entertaining and dining al fresco.

This is truly a remarkable property. It’s rare to have a listing on the market in this location and in this condition.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

2669 Kada Lane in Marshall, VA 20115

is listed at $10 million by Helen MacMahon, Associate Broker at Sheridan-MacMahon, Ltd. in Middleburg, Virginia. 20118. helen@sheridanmacmahon. com, 540-454-1930 or 540-687-5588 office.

Located at 110 East Washington Street, Middleburg, Virginia. 20117.

43

Compass

2019-2020

Twenty-Fourth Anniversary Season

Oktoberfest

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 - 3PM Thomas Pandolfi, Piano BEETHOVEN Coriolan Overture BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 1 WAGNER Prelude to Tristan und Isolde BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 4

Handel’s Messiah

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019 - 3PM RESPIGHI Three Botticelli Pictures VIVALDI Triple Violin Concerto HANDEL The Messiah

PSO Young People’s Concert: Romeo and Juliette

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2020 - 3PM PSO Young Artists’ Competition & Student Art Contest Rodrigo!

PROKOFIEV Romeo & Juliette SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020 - 3PM Marcus Wolf Classical/Electric Guitar RODRIGO Concierto de Aranjuez WOLF Original compositions for West Side Story guitar & voice PLUS Additional Solo SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 - 3PM Guitar Works COPLAND El Salon Mexico BLOCH Concerto Grosso No. 1 BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances fromWest Side Story

FOR INFO & TICKETS: www.piedmontsymphony.org The PSO is Generously Funded in Part By:

The Wise Foundation

Nicolaas and Patricia Kortlandt Fund

The Crossfields Group

The Margaret Spilman Bowden Foundation

ALL PSO SEASON CONCERTS AT HIGHLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS, WARRENTON

44

A Green Plan to Change the World

W

By Mara Seaforest

e could wait decades for the government to wave an environmental magic wand— decades the planet really doesn’t really have to spare—or simply do it ourselves right now.

Deceptively simple, this capitalist attitude has earned a local investment specialist global ACRE Co-Founder Chandler Van Voorhis attention for using targeted reforestation to fight pollution.

Chandler Van Voorhis founded ACRE Investment Management along with W. Carey Crane III, both residents of The Plains where the firm is based. Essentially, their company puts a currency value on nature.

“Without a price on nature, the value is zero,” Van Voorhis said. “What does that say about us?”

And so, they’ve given nature a price that can be traded as a commodity with “win” written all over it.

In green.

ACRE’s “currency for conservation” allows Van Voorhis to interest greenthinking investors in opportunities to earn rewards for helping build equity back into the planet. His vehicle is the GreenTrees initiative, one of the largest intentional anti-pollution engines in the world.

Van Voorhis pointed out that one-third of all emissions released into the atmosphere since the start of the Industrial Revolution have come from land-use change, predominantly deforestation. One direct victim is clean drinking water, most of which comes from forested ecosystems.

Trees take harmful carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the air and replace it with healthy carbon monoxide (CO). Without this exchange, life is not possible on earth. Clearly, he added, that’s where the focus needs to be in order to restore the environment to healthy levels. The earth needs the tools it needs to rebuild its green infrastructure.

The most spectacular project undertaken by GreenTrees is the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, dotted with cities and farmlands in multiple states along the Mississippi River devastated by flooding and pollution from a variety of sources.

Van Voorhis called this area “America’s Ark of Biodiversity,” and noted that it’s also a flyway to over 60 percent of all birds on the North American continent and affects 41 percent of the United States as well as two Canadian provinces.

Destruction here is devastating to the nation, the continent and the planet.

A reforestation plan was needed to mimic nature on a compressed timeline to accommodate the faster-moving marketplace. His solution was to plant fastgrowing native Cottonwood trees as “nurse trees” inter-planted with slowergrowing mixed hardwoods on one-acre grids. Another ACRE subsidiary, Big River, produces 10 million cuttings annually for this use.

The Cottonwoods control weeds, provide the dappled sunlight preferred

by Oaks and other hardwoods as they grow to tower over the Cottonwoods.

Together, they thrive.

They have value, described as a Carbon Credit that can be purchased by corporations and private investors to offset their carbon footprint or simply give a gift to the future. Currently, over 120,000 acres have been reforested across 450 landowner clients using this method.

ACRE’s Forest Green subsidiary brings together landowner partners with investors like Shell Oil, Duke Energy, Norfolk Southern Railway and large corporate farms for mutual benefit. The process plays out on smaller scales, too.

Trading of this type can be confusing even to experienced investors.

Locally, ACRE has worked on a project with the Great Meadow Foundation in The Pains.

And over ten years ago, the Town of Purcellville in Loudoun County placed over 1,200 acres of land into a conservation easement. Under an ACRE proposal, the land’s environmental assets can net the town monetary benefits from the sale of carbon sequestration and nutrient credits.

Said Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser, “I’m intrigued by the opportunity for Purcellville to benefit from the green economy through the proposed ACRE solution.”

For more information, visit the ACRE website at acre-investment.com.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Morus rubra

C

By Vicky Moon

oming up over the rise on Route 623 near Upperville, whether heading north or south on what also is known as the Rokeby Road, there’s a magnificent Mulberry tree.

Always perfectly pruned, it’s estimated to be 70 years old. It once served as a landmark for pilots coming in on approach to land on the west side of the road at a remote airstrip that once belonged to the late Bunny and Paul Mellon.

Clif Brown is the head arborist for conservation and landscape at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, a 700-acre property on each side of this road that is “dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being. horticulture.”

The foundation was created by Bunny Mellon and includes a library, research center and gardens, headed by Sir Peter Crane.

“Having him here,” Mr. Brown said, “is a great addition for all of us (on the property) and to the community.”

Mr. Brown began at Oak Spring in 1986. He worked alongside Mrs. Mellon, learning her pruning style as well as the intricacies of caring for woodies. He’s the custodian for the ornamental aspects and the aesthetics of all the trees.

Photos by Vicky Moon

“We have apple trees here that are 80-90 years old and some are still bearing fruit,” he said.

The Mulberry is tightly pruned once a year and has several cables holding it in shape. It also has a few scars.

Clif Brown

Said Mr. Brown, “this is what gives a tree character.”

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

45

Up, Up and Away in Donna’s Friendly Skies

D

By Leonard Shapiro

onna Strama has been up in the air for 46 years now, and she doesn’t plan to come back down for at least another four more.

As a United Airlines flight attendant since 1973, Strama has logged millions of miles, traveling the globe. Of 25,000 current United flight attendants, she’s No. 584 in seniority because, she laughed, “There are still that many old broads who don’t quit.”

In fact, Norma Heape, the most senior United attendant, is 83 and now in her 62nd year.

“I guess she still enjoys it,” said Strama, a native of Vienna, Virginia who’s lived in Middleburg with her husband and high school sweetheart Allan (the unofficial mayor of the front porch at the Common Grounds coffee shop) for the last 13 years.

Clearly, Strama still enjoys it herself, even those 14-hour slogs to Beijing.

“I’d like to get to 50 years,” she said. “I’d be 72, and if I’m healthy, I’ll definitely do it.”

It’s not about the money, or the free travel perks, or the ability to soar off to faraway places. It’s mostly about meeting intriguing people up in the air and down on the ground.

On her travels, she’s encountered two former presidents—Bill Clinton (“so tall and charismatic”) and Jimmy Carter and daughter Amy (“they sat in coach”), former secretary of State Madeleine Albright “and a gazillion politicians.”

And celebrities, too. Bob Hope once was on her

Donna Strama always looked forward to those military flights. flight with his wife Dolores “but she would only let him have one martini,” Strama recalled. Ray Charles, Cher, The Beach Boys, Sammy Davis Jr. and Jay Leno also were along for a ride.

“I said to Jay Leno ‘it was great having you on the flight,’” Strama said. “He said, ‘It’s great to be had.’

We had an astronaut on one time and he signed a postcard that said, ‘come fly with me.’”

Still, those were not her all-time favorite flying experiences.

During the first Joe Gibbs era, she worked a number of Washington Redskins charter flights.

Receiver Art Monk, she said, dressed impeccably.

Linebacker Wilber Marshall loved diamond jewelry.

Cornerback Darrell Green, like Monk, a Hall of Famer, liked to discuss the bible with teammates.

Center Jeff Bostic was into cribbage.

After an Atlanta Falcons player was killed in an accident while driving intoxicated following a

team flight home, Gibbs decided to ban alcoholic beverages. But huge bags of ice were always available, especially after games, the better to ease the pain of countless bumps, bruises and sometimes worse.

“Joe Gibbs couldn’t have been nicer,” Strama said.

“He always came back and thanked us for taking care of his men. Doug Williams was so sweet. He knew I had cats and he’d aways say, ‘Donna, how are your cats?’”

Still, Strama’s sweetest flights also were deadly serious. For many years, she volunteered to fly military charters taking soldiers to and from war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It was a lot more fun taking them out of war than into it,” she said, adding that she and her fellow attendants all wore red, white snd blue, and paid out of their own pockets to decorate planes with American flags and “Welcome Home” or “God Bless America” banners.

“One time at Christmas I dressed up as Santa Claus,” she said. “Everyone kept saying ‘hi Santa, hi Santa.’ Then one guy says, ‘hello M’aam.”

One year, before a Valentine’s Day military flight, Strama stopped by Middleburg Elementary and asked students to write “thank you for your service” valentines, which she distributed to the soldiers.

“I took a ton of pictures,” she said, “and then I went back and showed them all to the kids. It was a great thing for everyone.”

With Donna Strama on board, it always was, and still is. Better yet, maybe for four more years.

Since its small beginnings in 1894, supplying mariners with oilskins in South Shields, England to the global lifestyle brand it is today. Celebrate the everyday and enjoy outdoor adventures this season with Barbour, available at the feed store.

I GOT IT AT THE FEED STORE

®

7 4 0 8 J O H N M A R S H A L L H W Y › M A R S H A L L , VA 2 0 1 1 5 540-364-1891 › TRICOUNTYFEEDS.COM

46

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

HAVE YOU ANY WOOL?

Some people enjoy sleeping on a bed of nails.

Some like to be gouged for propane.

A 5-minute call could save you $1,000 or MORE!

We’re Less • We’re Local • We’re Honest PHOTOS BY CROWELL HADDEN

Colorful blankets and lap throws just in time for the holidays.

H

olly Glenn raises three types of sheep--Rambouilotte, Suffolk and Polypay-- on her farm in The Plains.

The Rambouilotte, initially imported to the U.S. in 1840 from France, is all white with horns that curl around the side of the head and look like giant hoop earrings. They are large wool sheep with heavy fleece.

The Suffolk sheep are hornless, with an endearing dark, often black face.

They hail from England and were first imported to America around 1888.

The Polypay were developed in the U.S. around 1960 and are highly prolific breeders, with two crops of lambs each year and sometimes birth as many as eight at a time.

From these magnificent animals, the wool is then spun and woven into blankets and lap throws.

Ms. Glenn will be at the Middleburg Christmas Shop Nov 7-9 at the Middleburg Community Center and also at The Plains Farm Market and Palisades D.C. Farm Market on Sundays until Thanksgiving. The price range is $185 - $350 for the lap throw, full or queen sizes. Details: call/text 540-253-5264.

540-687-3608

www.HuntCountryPropane.com

We Sell and Install New 500 and 1,000 Gallon Tanks!

You’ve WATCHED the race…

This is what it’s like to WIN the race.

Get in the Game…

Steeplechase & Flat Racing Partnerships Racehorse Sales The blankets on the loom.

RIVERDEE STABLE & CLANCY BLOODSTOCK Anne & S ean Clanc y M iddleburg, VA

Holly Glenn’s Polypay sheep.

Spools of fiber.

Anne 917-446-2848 | akclancy@riverdee.net Sean 302-545-7713 | sean@ thisishorseracing.com www.riverdeestable.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

47

Perspectives on Childhood, Education and Parenting Little League: Teaching More Than Baseball

By Tom Northrup

T

his past summer, a local Little League team from South Riding in Loudoun County represented the Southeast Region in the Little League World Series, taking third place in the U.S. division.

Tom Northrup A team from Louisiana defeated Curacao for the world championship. It was a reminder for me of an indelible childhood experience, which I knew only vaguely had originated in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Carl Stotz, the founder of Little League, had no sons. In 1938, his two nephews were six and eight.

He enjoyed playing catch with them, and was inspired by their love for and interest in major league baseball. Observing how far and hard they could throw and how fast they could run, he created the dimensions for a child-sized field.

One year later, Stotz launched the first organized youth sports program in the world with three teams in Williamsport. After World War II, in 1946, there were twelve leagues, all in Pennsylvania.

Today there are two well-appointed venues in Williamsport which host the Little League World Series every August. There are thousands of leagues worldwide—eight regions in the U.S. and eight internationally. The winner of each of these sixteen

“Carl Stotz’s idea was to provide a wholesome program of baseball for the boys of Williamsport, PA as a way to teach the ideals of sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork….a game which (would) provide (them with) fundamental principles …to become good citizens.”

From the Little League International Website

regions earns one of the coveted spots to compete in the World Series.

In 1956, as the phenomenon known as Little League grew to prominence, Carl Stotz severed his ties with the Little League Foundation. He was deeply concerned about the expansion and overcommercialization of the program.

As a child in the 1950s, I knew nothing about the league’s history. My hometown of Parkersburg, West Virginia was a relatively early adopter. As a nine-year-old, I was thrilled when my father told me about this new league and the upcoming tryouts.

I loved all sports, and nothing made me happier than throwing and catching with my dad in the evening after he returned from work, or playing pickup sandlot games with my neighborhood friends.

One of Stotz’s novel ideas for his program was that all teams were required to have players aged nine through 12, and the coaches had to play everyone in each game.

At nine, I was “drafted” by the team i played on for four summers. My memories as a rookie were that the

older player were accepting of me, and even though I didn’t play a lot or contribute much, I felt part of the team, often shedding a few tears after a loss.

In my final two years, I was a more competent player on a good team with a great coach who stressed trying hard, playing together, learning from defeats, and acquiring good sportsmanship—the lessons Carl Stotz had valued.

Throughout my career in education, parents of students have often asked my opinion regarding their child’s participation in organized sports.

My response has been that it depends first on whether the motivation to participate is coming from the child?

And second, are the coaches positive role models who understand and promote the sport’s lessons?

Carl Stotz died in 1992, thirty-six years after he ended his relationship with the program he founded. Undoubtedly he had observed the growth and commercialization he had feared.

Still, in his quiet moments of reflection, I wonder if he appreciated how his passion and creativity generated programs for millions of children—boys and girls.

In 1974, Little League International opened its doors to girls in baseball and established an international softball program. It created more opportunities for lifelong friendships, memories, and the joys of being part of a team. I hope he did.

Tom Northrup, a long-time educator, is Head of School Emeritus at The Hill School in Middleburg

We have travel options that keep your wheels rolling. www.loudoun.gov/commute LOCAL BUS

CARPOOL

+ Weekday and limited Saturday service from Purcellville through Leesburg and Eastern Loudoun County + Equipped with wheelchair lifts and bike racks

+ Shared rides with commuters who live and work near each other

COMMUTER BUS

VANPOOL

+ Comfortable, stress-free ride to work on coach-style buses

+ Arranged among groups of commuters traveling 15 or more miles to work

+ Board at park and ride lots to Rosslyn, Crystal City, the Pentagon and Washington, D.C.

+ Split costs and lease of commuter vehicle

METRO + Connections to the Silver & Orange Lines on LC Transit

48

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

+ Split travel costs with fellow carpoolers + Read, sleep or work as a passenger

Gee, Wizzie’s Iced Tea is a Locke to Please

L

By Kate Robbins

ocke Store in Millwod, or as Middleburg area locals like to say,“over the mountain,” is a Clarke County culinary destination for countless hungry patrons.

And thirsty ones, as well, happy to drive up and over Paris Mountain to get there, the better to sample Wizzie’s Iced Tea, now something of a local obsession.

Locke Store was built in 1836 and operated as a general store by a succession of proprietors until Locke & Co. was purchased by current proprietor Juliet Mackay-Smith in 2002. She’s only the seventh owner in the history of the store. In 2018, Brian and Shauna Volmrich joined Mackay-Smith as co-owners, including a recently opened adjoining restaurant, “The Buttery.”

Wizzie’s Iced Tea also has some family Photos by Kate Robbins history.

Juliet Mackay-Smith in front of Juliet’s mother, Wingate MackayLocke Store.

Smith, brought the recipe from Unionville, Pennsylvania, where the family once lived.

She got the original recipe from a neighbor, and the real secret is the wild mint that grew near the streams of their farm. Mackay-Smith said the current wild mint was planted from the original mint beds in Unionville.

The iced tea got its name from her mother’s nickname—“Winkie.” Juliet’s young children could not pronounce Winkie; it came out “Wizzie.” The iced tea was so popular when Winkie served it at parties and luncheons at her home in White Post, she offered to make some for the store.

It was an instant hit.

At first, the tea was served out of pitchers from behind the counter.

Mackay-Smith started bottling it in 2008 in Frederick, Maryland. Her original plan was to distribute regionally; it’s currently available at her store and at the Mount Airy Farm store.

Simple ingredients are the distinctive flavor—filtered water, organic cane sugar, organic lemon concentrate, kosher spearmint and organic Fair Trade black sea. The mint is fresh-frozen and steeped with the tea.

Locke Store is located across from the historic Burwell-Morgan Mill (circa 1782), believed to be one of the oldest operational grist mills in the country.

Gen. Daniel Morgan, a Revolutionary War hero, joined forces there with Col. Nathaniel Burwell of Carter Hall fame to build this water-powered mill in the center of what would become the village of Millwood.

The mill was the center of community life back in the days when townspeople brought over their grains to be ground. Gossip and news were exchanged during the grinding process, and Millwood residents are still gathering across from the mill at Locke Store to exchange the latest gossip or to catch up with old friends.

The store is a virtual mecca for locally-sourced culinary delights, with a menu that changes on a daily basis. One recent lunch hour, choices included a roasted vegetable savory tart, chicken pot pie, lemon basil chicken salad, and chicken marbella.

There’s also an assortment of scrumptious sandwiches and soups, as well as a vast selection of cheese, wines, rustic bread, Crème Fraiche, scones, and cookies. Patrons can bring it home or eat outside at one of the picnic tables or benches in front of the store. Many visitors like to take a picnic across the road to the park-like grounds of the old mill.

And Wizzie’s Iced Tea is often a minty must, as well.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

49

Artwork by Daniela Stephanz Anderson

Haunted Trail & F E S T I VA L

October 24 – 27 | 6:30pm – 9:00pm | Equestrian Center Join Salamander Resort & Spa for a fun-filled haunted trail and festival, perfect for all ages. The half mile trail features family-friendly Halloween scenes with charismatic actors and the festival provides face painting, outdoor Halloween movie, delicious food, costume contests, and much more.

For additional information, please call 888.262.8401.

Dulany Morison has been elected as the new chairman of The Mosby Heritage Area Association.

John and Lynne Donovan with Forrest Allen and Toliver at A Place to Be fundraising event at Hill School.

Photo by Vicky Moon

Phil and Anne Marstiller share a moment during her birthday celebration.

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Mary Hayes was the chairman of a reception for Seven Loaves volunteers at Salamander Resort.

Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One 106 E. Washington St. P.o. Box 163 Middleburg, VA 20118 540-687-5400 FAX 540-687-3727 4125 Rectortown Rd P.O. Box 111 Marshall, VA 20116 540-364-1731 WWW.ROYSTONFH.COM 50

Photo by Leonard Shapiro

Patty Nicholl, Pastor Philip Lewis of Mount Pisgah Baptist in Upperville with Peter Nicholl at Slater Run Vineyards Crab Fest to benefit the Churches of Upperville Outreach.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

It Takes a Town Clerk to Make a Village Tick

R

By Sebastian Langenberg

honda North has been Middleburg’s Town Clerk since 2007, an invaluable asset for both the professional staff, the mayor and Town Council and village residents.

Just listen to town administrator Danny Davis extoll her many virtues.

“What’s great about Rhonda is her persistence,” he said. “I guess you would describe it as tenacity. If you need to get something done, Rhonda gets it done.”

In a small town, that also means being a jack of all trades, and North has more than 30 years of municipal experience, having worked in Front Royal municipal government for 20 years.

Not only does she prepare council meeting agendas, take minutes for all town meetings and respond to a myriad of citizen requests, she also has spearheaded the town’s new website project, and is currently working on digitizing all the town’s records.

“No two people file something alike,” she said, adding that not only will digitization make it easier to find documents, but it will also save the town money.

“I’m not a person who likes to sit in an office alone at a computer working,” said North, who commutes to Middleburg from Front Royal. “I like dealing with the citizens, and helping the citizens.”

Her job certainly connects her with people. For

Photo by Sebastian Langenberg

Rhonda North example, she’s recently been organizing an October volunteer appreciation reception for the more than 90 people who volunteer around the town throughout the year.

North is continually honing her skills. She’s a member of both the Virginia Municipal Clerk’s Association (VMCA) as well as the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). Recently she attended a VMCA training session not only as a student but also an instructor.

“I’ll be helping to lead a panel discussions, one on tech in the municipal clerk’s office,” she said. “And then I’ll be representing towns on a panel about good governance.”

Over the years she’s had some interesting experiences.

At a previous municipality where she worked, the town council decided to construct a new water tower and had to put flashing lights at the top to warn pilots about the hazard. One of the neighboring landowners complained that the flashing lights were harming his cows. At the next meeting, one of the council members brought a pair of sunglasses large enough for a cow to wear and handed them to the landowner.

Her work in Middleburg is a tad more serious.

“She’s running the digitation project,” Davis said.

“She’s taking all the town office records, getting rid of the paper and having them all scanned so we can access them any time electronically. She also makes sure they’re kept in accordance with the proper record retention process.

“Rhonda is such a thoughtful person. She always cares about doing the right thing all the time and making sure the town government is always on the straight and narrow. She’s definitely protective of the public trust.

“When I came aboard a year ago, she told me ‘I want to do things that challenge me and make a difference.’ That’s a great person to have on your team.”

Yoga for Healthy Living Workshops New Location: Middleburg Community Center Fall Workshops Start September 16 Mixed Level Hatha/Slow Flow Mondays 4:00-5:00 Wednesdays 5:30-6:45 Thursdays 4:00-5:00 Beginner/Gentle Yoga Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 Fall Quarter Classes Run September 16 through December 22 Once weekly, Twice Weekly or Unlimited Packages Available Classes Also at Cool Spring Yoga Rochester Lane, Aldie Tuesdays 4:00 – 5:15 Sundays 3:00 – 4:15 Contact: Catherine Rochester Call or Text 571-510-0435 or Visit www.catrocyoga.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

51

Gold Cup a Great Bet for One and All

Griffin, who lives near Marshall and has been in practice in Northern Virginia hen Virginia Gold Cup for 35 years, teaches biomechanics and co-chairman Al Griffin clinical practice at Harvard University’s was testifying before the School of Dental Medicine. He’s also Virginia Senate back in 2015 about a been a lifelong horseman, director of bill supporting pari-mutuel wagering racing for the Gold Cup the last ten on horse racing in the Commonwealth, years, and co-chair the last five. a representative for a religious Some Gold Cup benefits are organization was preparing his own obvious: the race-day experience for pitch to oppose the measure. the thousands who flock to The Plains Griffin, a highly-regarded dentist for both people- and race-watching, with offices in Middleburg and the public relations and goodwill for Warrenton, spoke at length about all corporate sponsors that put up tents to Photo by Douglas Lees the charities and worthy causes locally entertain clients, the opportunity for Al Griffin and around the state, including the horse owners, riders, and trainers to vie horse industry, that would benefit for rich racing purses, shiny trophies and from increased gambling revenue. When he had a bit of glory, as well. finished, his potential opponent suddenly got a There are countless other beneficiaries as well. different sort of religion.

“Our whole message is that it’s more than horse “He came over to me and said, ‘after hearing all racing or just a big party,” Griffin said, adding that the good it’s done, I’m not going to oppose that a number of local charities are big winners as well. statute.’” Griffin recalled. “That was a first, and (the They include the Fauquier Free Clinic (where he also legislation) breezed right through.” volunteers), the Northern Piedmont Community As the International Gold Cup approaches on Foundation, the Lions Club, Boy Scouts and local Oct. 26, Griffin, co-chair with Will Allison, and high school booster clubs, among others. also director of racing, is properly proud of all the The non-profit Great Meadow Foundation, which contributions provided by the fall and spring events runs the facility year-round, is paid $250,000 a year he and fellow dentist Allison both work on year- by the Gold Cup to rent the property for its racing round as selfless volunteers. dates. The Gold Cup also contributes funds for

By Leonard Shapiro

W

venue repairs and maintenance over the year.

“It obviously helps the racing community,” Griffin said. “So the owner wins a purse, but that money also trickles down to the trainers, the riders, the farriers, the hay and feed guys, the people working in the barns. It gets turned over so many times, and a lot of it stays local. It is just a great economic benefit all around.”

Griffin also knows all too well that there is a significant misconception among the general public and even the corporate community that the Gold Cup is a cash cow with a bulging bank account.

Not so, he said.

“We go to potential sponsors and they think we’re making all this money,” he said. “But after the fall races, we go to the bank and borrow just to get us through the next spring. The fall races usually lose money and the spring makes money. But every year we zero out. Some years we make a little money, some we lose.”

Purses for the upcoming fall races will total $350,000 and the expected wagering handle will be between $150,000 to $200,000. In addition to the audience on the grounds, the races also are live streamed, and go out to Canada, England, Ireland, and Australia. At some point, Griffin would like to think that a major network—perhaps NBC or ESPN—will televise the fall and/or the spring event.

“We think we have something of great value here,” Griffin said. “This is very special, and the fact that everyone benefits makes it even more special.”

Since its small beginnings in 1894, supplying mariners with oilskins in South Shields, England to the global lifestyle brand it is today. Celebrate the everyday and enjoy outdoor adventures this season with Barbour, available at the feed store.

I GOT IT AT THE FEED STORE

®

7 4 0 8 J O H N M A R S H A L L H W Y › M A R S H A L L , VA 2 0 1 1 5 540-364-1891 › TRICOUNTYFEEDS.COM

52

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Whether you are looking to make improvements to an existing facility or program, or you are looking forward to a new venture, the team at Fieldcraft is your ally in all of your agricultural endeavors. Our comprehensive suite of services includes; • • • • • • • • • • •

Equine and production animal facility design and management Pasture planning, maintenance, and renovation Soil and forage analysis Development of feeding and management protocol for all classes of horses and beef herds Pond management No till seed drilling for pastures and fields Development of heavy use areas, riding arenas, and other functional spaces Installation of automatic livestock waterers and hydrants Comprehensive property management for non-resident owners Project oversight for subcontractors and vendors Wetland and forestry improvement for nutrient credits

Fieldcraft. Our pride lies in working shoulder- to -shoulder with our clients to help them realize the full potential of their agricultural efforts. Our vision is to promote the mindful stewardship of our land and animals. Our work is our craft.

RESPONSIBLE. RESPECTFUL. Resourceful.

Steven Putnam

Walt Hasser Nick Greenwell www.fieldcraftmanagement.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

53

T

Oak Spring Dairy: A First Lady’s Retreat

ucked tastefully into a serene 156-acre Virginia country retreat is the coveted Oak Spring Dairy, a captivating remote enclave anchored by a log cabin built by the late Bunny and Paul Mellon for their friend, the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

The Mellons meticulously renovated the 19th-century log cabin surrounded by sprawling meadows, gurgling creeks, silos and stone spring houses on an out of the way portion of their sprawling 4,000-acre Oak Spring Farm near Upperville. This is where Mrs. Onassis, a life-long equestrian, rode to hounds and savored the refuge and relief she sought from the glaring limelight that always focused on the former First Lady.

In addition to the two-bedroom, two-bath cabin and the numerous farm outbuildings, there are two other houses on the property. It seems only fitting that Oak Spring Diary is listed for $4.95 million with Cricket Bedford, a grand niece of Bunny Mellon.

Ms. Bedford is a lifelong member of the community and also an avid equestrian. She is with Thomas and Talbot Real Estate in Middleburg.

The dairy, adjacent to the cabin, once provided

Photos by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

The milking parlor at Oak Spring Dairy is now an ultra-modern gathering place for entertaining. the Mellons and their guests with dozens of cheese varieties from their Brown Swiss cows. The milking parlor is now an ultra-modern gathering place for entertaining with a dining area, full kitchen, bar and a full bath all on the same polished concrete floor where the cows once stood.

“Bunny Mellon touches” inside the cabin incorporate her legendary blue paint on faux painted floors, a custom kitchen cabinet and concealed

This cabin was the late First Lady’s country retreat at Oak Spring Dairy. nautical style storage spaces inspired by time spent sailing with her father. While dining outside on the flagstone terrace, visitors can’t help but notice the shutters and gutters have been custom-painted to match the pigment color of the chinking between the logs.

Details: Cricket Bedford, (cell) 540-229-3201 (text), cricket@thomasandtalbot.com, www.myhomesdb.com/ cricketsells, www.thomas-talbot.com.

The ONLY Environmentally Conscious Horse Feeds The Science of Reduced Phosphorus Excretion Through Bio-Availability The Technology of Total Decontamination Through Live-Fire Roasting The Economy of Better Feed

Come in. Sit down. Have a cup of coffee and find out why we’re the best for your horses and the environment.

HorseSense Balanced Optimal Nutrition 4292 Belvoir Road (Rt. 709) Marshall. VA 20115 (540) 253-9987

Hours: Mon - Fri 9 - 5, Sat 9 - 4 Sunday and Farm Visits by appt.

Photo: Goose Creek at Crenshaw 54

Independent dealers in MA, PA, MD and VA Delivery available HorseSenseNutrition.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

OctOber 26, 2019 Great MeadOw, the Plains, VirGinia • Gates open at 10am, first of six races at 12 noon.

• Races run rain or shine.

• Pari-mutuel betting, bring your cash.

• Questions, please call 540.347.2612.

vagoldcup.com

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

55

Middleburg Humane: Now Ready For Gimme Shelter

T

Equine & Pet Cremation (571) 835-0540 Chantilly, VA www.IMPetServices.com

Digital · Offset Large Format Banners · Mailing Architectural Prints two locations!

5 E. Federal Street Middleburg, VA 20117 540.687.5710 middleburg@mrprint.net

501 E. Main Street Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.5900 data@mrprint.net

The ink for your imagination 56

TM

By Carina Elgin

he Middleburg Humane Foundation, like many of the animals it serves, has found a new forever home.

In 1987, Hileary Bogley started Scruffy’s ice cream parlor in Middleburg to raise money for animals fostered in peoples’ homes.

In 1994, Middleburg Humane (MHF), became a non-profit, and soon doors Photos by Carina Elgin opened to a simple, but functional, property on the Middleburg Humane Staff: east side of Marshall. (top row, left to right) As that facility was Katelyn Sapp, development director; Rose Rogers, outgrown, fast forward to executive director. (botOctober, 2019. The hard tom row, left to right) Kim work of MHF staff, board Zimmerman, business manmembers, donors and ager; Michaela Wilkerson, volunteers over all those animal care manager and years has been rewarded veterinary technician. with an amazing $4.6 million complex on 23 acres off Cunningham Farm Road on the west side of Marshall that opens this month.

About 70 percent of that construction budget was donated by the foundation’s dedicated board, led by president Josh Muss. But having a state-of-the-art facility doesn’t mean MHF is home free financially, because all operating costs still must be covered.

Middleburg Humane specializes in the rescue and rehabilitation of animals from abusive situations, needing nurturing and medical care, which doesn’t come cheap.

Rose Rogers is the new executive director, taking the helm of the 10,000-square foot facility officially opening on October 27. Involved with Middleburg Humane for 36 years as a volunteer and board member, Rogers is a natural for the position. She brings years of management experience in the corporate world to the facility. And Bogley remains on staff as a court-appointed Humane Investigator for Fauquier and Culpeper counties.

“I couldn’t be happier with the new facility,” Rogers said. “There’s so much promise for the future, so much we can do.”

Her goal is to involve the community, including partnerships with businesses and other area shelters. She’s thrilled with the large shared office space, where staff can easily communicate. A small brown dog found injured in a ditch wanders from desk to desk, and Development Director Katelyn Sapp cuddles a young hound pup named Pumpkin.

The move began the last week of September. Dogs and cats are making themselves comfortable in the main building, while a few horses have been relocated to a beautiful new barn. There are sheds and pens for everything from chickens to bunnies to goats.

There are cat playrooms and special rooms for potential adopters to spend time with the animals they’re considering. There’s even a colorful gift shop and a grooming salon. Seasoned dog trainer Genevieve Warner looks forward to conducting her class, “The Learning Lab,” in the ample classroom and in a planned outdoor pavilion.

Rogers pointed out the elaborate surgical suite and recovery areas, where volunteer veterinarians will periodically conduct low-cost, spay-neuter clinics for those with limited incomes. There’s also a separate room for cats and kittens brought in as part of MHF’s “Trap, Neuter, Release” program for “community cat colonies.”

The volunteer run “Resale Boutique” on Main Street in Marshall accepts donations to benefit MHF, and fun events are filling the calendar.

On Friday, October 25 from 7:30-9 p.m., a benefit “Concert for the Animals” will take place at Grace Church in The Plains. The grand opening and Fall Festival Open House is Sunday, October 27, from noon to 4 p.m.

Middleburg Humane receives no federal, state or county funding, relying entirely on the generosity of private donors, sponsors and many volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate and adopt needy animals.

For more information, go to their website, www.middleburghumane.org, or call 540-364-3272.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Shelter Opening Will Include Rescue Dogs on Parade SUMMER

Thoroughbred Racing at Colonial Downs in New Kent www.ColonialDowns.com www.ColonialDowns.com

Photos by Vicky Moon

Woody, the Jack Russell, is the office dog at David Condon, Inc.

FALL

Harness Racing at Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock www.ShenandoahDowns.com www.ShenandoahDowns.com

Don and Mary Woodruff with Tallie at the Blessing.

A

s part of its grand opening celebration, the Middleburg Humane Foundation will be hosting a fun-filled family open house event on Sunday, Oct. 27, from noon to 4 p.m. at its new facility in Marshall. The event will be held, rain or shine.

th OCTOBER 26 82nd running of the International Gold Cup in The Plains 82nd running of the International Gold Cup in The Plains

Families are encouraged to bring their adopted Middleburg Humane rescue dogs—in costume in keeping The Rev. Gene LeCouteur led the with the spirit of Halloween four days Blessing of the Animals in Middleburg. later—for a parade. Judging will be held starting at 2 p.m. for several classes, including owners 12 and under, owners 12 and over and adults. Prizes will be awarded in all the categories, and dogs must be on leashes.

There's a full day of activities planned for the opening, including guided tours of the new shelter, a dog agility demonstration and face painting. There also will be food and refreshment available to purchase from Lombardo’s Detroit Style Pizza truck and an ice cream truck.

Tri-County Feeds, Fashions and Finds in Marshall also will be supplying dog treats and other goodies for the opening. For more information and to RSVP, contact Katlyn at admin@middleburghumane.org or 540-364-3272.

www.VaGoldCup.com www.VaGoldCup.com

The Virginia Equine Alliance is a non-profit, 501 (c) 6 organization which is comprised of the Virginia Harness Horse Association, the Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, the Virginia Gold Cup Association and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. The purpose of the Virginia Equine Alliance is to sustain, promote and expand the horse breeding and horse racing industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Visit the VEA on line at www.virginiahorseracing.com.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

57

Cup of

COFFEE

A Local Horseman from a Bygone Era B

By Sean Clancy

illy Howland buffed a brass chifney with a rub rag, walked in loose, light loops in front of the Old Chapel Farm consignment barn at the Saratoga Yearling Sale one day this past August.

Bandanna in his back pocket, leather paddock boots, polished just enough, but not too much, Howland unsnapped the screen in front of Hip 4 and hesitated, almost like he was asking permission. She let him in. Howland presented the chifney, waited, then slid the jangling brass ring into the bay filly’s mouth.

Howland rolled his fingertips across her nose, between her eyes before dipping a soft-bristled brush into a bucket of water and swiping it across her mane and down her forelock, as if he was readying a daughter for her first day of school. He patted her between the eyes again, rubbed her muzzle, again.

Now they were partners.

As the call for the first yearlings to come to the ring broke the silence of the first night of the sales, Howland led the filly through the tunnel of Barn 8 and to the back walking ring. The horseman leaned lightly into her, convincing her to walk his speed. With each step, Howland raised and lowered his right thumb at the intersection of brass and leather, like he was letting off steam from a kettle.

Every few strides, Howland offered a light, lilting two-note whistle-whisper.

For 50 years, Billy Howland has been doing this at Saratoga. From a bygone era of showman, Howland might be the last one left. In 1969, Virginia owner/ breeder Lewis Wiley offered Howland the gig at Saratoga.

“Be at the farm at 6 o’clock. That’s when the van is leaving.”

Howland had his dad drop him off at Wiley’s farm at 5:45 a.m.

Wiley looked out of his window.

“Billy, you dummy…not 6 in the morning, 6 at night.”

Everybody shipped horses at night. Howland’s dad was not amused.

Twelve hours later, Howland was on his way to Saratoga, a 15-year-old about to harrow the first path of a long career. Gould Brittle and Butch Gray looked after the new kid. Howland made friends with an exercise rider for the Smithwicks, who had a driver’s license and a Cadillac. They bought beer at King’s Tavern.

Howland was hooked.

From there, he helped Pine Brook Farm for the O’Keefe family. Using his

58

Photo by Tod Marks Photography

Billy Howland with Saratoga Hip 123 background in showing horses under saddle and on the line, Howland advanced to showman at Spendthrift, then to Eaton-Williams for 25 years. He missed a year or two, but for all those other years, Howland was here. In 2016, he moved to the low-key boutique consignment of his fellow Virginian, Andrew Motion, in Middleburg.

Fifty years of showing horses at Saratoga.

“I guess I had a knack for it,” Howland said.

And what does that mean, a knack for it?

Howland hesitated. Born horsemen don’t boast and can’t much articulate what they do. Howland leaned against the barn wall and began to explain.

When you’re walking, keep an eye on your horse, try to stay at his head, focus on something so you walk straight. We were taught to turn him to the left but now they all want it the European way, which is fine, I’ll go back the other way so they don’t get sore.

We

You try to get them squared up, if they toe out, you can cock their head in and bring them around, a good horseman is not going to miss it, but at least when they stand, they look good, you can help them a little bit.

Have soft hands.

Fl

Don’t fuss with them. Don’t snatch on them. I hate these kids who do that, I think it’s nerves or something, they’ll stand there waiting to do it. Keep your hands still,Fleet it’s pretty easy. Just give them a pat. that

We

Fl

Don’t yank on them. When they get tired, don’t drag them. Get someone to give3,10 them a push. Be polite to the client, sometimes you have to bite your lip, believe me.of W Always try to smile. Be careful, too. mill, Fleet Howland smiled when he finished, appreciating 50 years of showing horsesstrea that at Saratoga. and 3,10 “There have been a lot of better ones than me but I’ve been blessed and I havetrails W a lot of fun doing what I do. I wouldn’t change anything, I would do it all again,”of fron he said. “As a horseman, we’re pretty lucky, we get to do a lot of different thingsmill, phen on our terms, so to speak. Does that make sense?”

Fleetwood Farmstrea sh and Makes all the sense in the world. that Virginia’s Hunt LEA trails 3,103 acres of matu fron phen of Washington DC.

Country ZEST & Style | Autumn 2019

Welcome to

Fleetwo

mill, c. 1820, surro LEA streams, and ponds and located a stone

elcome to

leetwood Farm

elcome to twood Farm showcasesto the rolling hills and majestic mountain views Welcome

Virginia’s Hunt Country is known for. Comprised of 33 parcels totalling 03 acres of mature farmland, this massive plot sits a mere 60 miles west Washington DC. On the property are 5 rental homes and a historic stone majestic mountain views Fleetwood Farm showcases the rolling hills and mountain views c. 1820, surrounded Gap Run, Crooked Run,majestic and other creeks, twood Farm showcasesbythe rolling hills and majestic mountain views 33 parcels parcels totalling totalling that Virginia’s Hunt Country is known for. Comprised of 33 ams, and ponds.

Bordered to the northeast

by SkyofMeadows State Park Virginia’s Huntacres Country is known for.this Comprised 33aparcels mere 60 60totalling miles west west 3,103 of mature farmland, massive plot sits mere miles located a stone’s throw from multiple country towns, there are ample 03 acres ofofmature farmland, thisproperty massive sitshomes a mere 60aa miles and historicwest stone Washington DC. On the areplot 5 rental and historic stone s and local activities tosurrounded enjoy. Access the is a asnap withstone road Run, and other creeks, mill, 1820,

by Gap Run,property Crooked and Run, and other creeks, Washington DC.c. On the property are 5to rental homes historic ntage thatstreams, includes Route 17,the and Leeds Rd. This a Sky Meadows Meadows StateisPark Park andCarr ponds.

Bordered to northeast byManor Sky State c. 1820, surrounded byLn,Gap Run, Crooked Run, and other creeks, towns, there there are ample ample and located opportunity! a stone’s throwProperty from multiple country towns, are nomenal investment is not in conservation easement. ams, and ponds. Bordered to the northeast by Sky Meadows State Park

Fleetwood Farm leetwood Farm

o

ood Farm

Peter Pejacsevich Principal Broker & Managing Partner | Licensed i M 540.270.3835 | O 540.687.6321 x 104 peter@atokaproperties.com

Pejacsevich PeterPeter Pejacsevich Principal & Managing Partnerin|VALicensed i Principal BrokerBroker & Managing Partner | Licensed M 540.270.3835 | O 540.687.6321 x 104 Scott Buzzelli M 540.270.3835 | O 540.687.6321 x 104 peter@atokaproperties.com REALTOR® & Partner | Licensed in VA

peter@atokaproperties.com

M 540.454.1399 | O 540.687.6321 x 101 Peter Pejacsevich scott@atokaproperties.com

Scott BuzzelliPrincipal Broker REALTOR® Partner | Licensed in VA Scott &Buzzelli

& Managing Par

M |540.270.3835 | Oin540.687.632 O x 101 M 540.454.1399 REALTOR® & 540.687.6321 Partner | Licensed VA scott@atokaproperties.com peter@atokaproperties.com M 540.454.1399 | O 540.687.6321 x 101 scott@atokaproperties.com

howcases the rolling hills andAccess majestic mountain property is aa snap snapviews with road road trails and local activities to enjoy. to the property is with S I M P LY B E T T E R . located afrontage stone’sthat throw from multiple country towns, there ample Manorare Rd. This This is is aa includes Carr Ln, Route 17, and Leeds Manor Rd. MIDDLEBURG Country isAT known for. Comprised of 33 parcels totalling ARN TOURFLEETWOOD.COM REAL ESTATE s andMORE local activities to enjoy. opportunity!

Access to the property a snap with road phenomenal investment Property is not inisconservation easement.

S I M P LYScott B E T Buzzelli TER. ure farmland, this massive plot sits a mere 60 miles west ntage that includes Carr Ln, Route 17, and Leeds Manor Rd. This is a MIDDLEBURG LEARN MORE TOURFLEETWOOD.COM REAL ESTATE nomenal opportunity!

Property is notand in conservation easement.

On theinvestment property areAT5TOURFLEETWOOD.COM rental homes a historic stone REALTOR® & Partner | Licensed i 540.687.6321 | 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 | MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM S I M P LY B E T T E R . ounded by Gap Run, Crooked Run, and other creeks, M 540.454.1399 | O 540.687.632 MIDDLEBURG ARN MORE AT TOURFLEETWOOD.COM VA 20117 20117 MIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM 540.687.6321 | 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDLEBURG, VA R E A L | E S TMIDDLEBURGREALESTATE.COM ATE scott@atokaproperties.com s. Bordered to the northeast by Sky Meadows State Park e’s throw from multiple country towns, there are ample

Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

JOHN COLES 540-270- 0094 REBECCA POSTON 540-771-7520

“Specializing in large land holdings” ED

ED

UC

D

RE

UC

D

RE

CLEREMONT

760 ACRES/LEESBURG

MUSTER LANE

Upperville ~ The Impressive & Historic 1511 acre Estate & Prize Winning Cattle Farm of is an assemblage of 3 contiguous farms, which can be purchased separately.

Through the exceptional management, which is willing to stay, this is some of the most magnificent farmland with 33 verdant pastures, natural water resources and forest, which creates a haven of tranquility. $13,000,000

Rare, 760 Acre Working Farm, 5 minutes north of the Town of Leesburg, currently in crops, hay, cattle and sheep. Four residences include the historic main house and 3 tenant homes. Substantial Rt. 15 road frontage. This open land features streams and pond. Currently in 2 large tracts and 1 small parcel. Potential for Conservation Easement Tax Credits. $8,600,000

The Plains ~ 108 gorgeous Acres, This Stately and Historic Estate with its grand rooms is in prime Orange County Hunt Territory, minutes to Middleburg. It also features a pool and pool house, 5 bay garage with office, 2 tenant houses, newly remodeled 11 stall center aisle stable with apt. & office, riding arena and exceptional ride-out to wooded trails and open pastures. $7,250,000

TULEYRIES CHUDLEIGH FARM SECTION 2

(Adjacent to OATLAND VIEWS SECTION 1) ALDIE ~ 379.75 Acres on the north side of Oatlands Road.

Currently divided into 16 HOMESITES developed under the Low Density Development Option. Homesites range in size from 13.83 Acres–38.12 Acres. Open Space Easement in place with potential for tax credits. $7,500,000

TRAPPE HILL FARM Upperville ~ 474.26 Acres. The Manor House with first floor master suite, sits high on this land and enjoys gorgeous views overlooking Loudoun County. This land has been home to both horses and cattle, plus the southeastern facing slope also lends itself to grapes. Find peace and serenity in this sought after corner of Loudoun County. $5,500,000

Boyce ~ Exquisite Federal Style Mansion, c.1833, features 12’ ceilings, dramatic curved stairway and 5 en-suite bedrooms. Sited on 406 Acres in 3 parcels with Easement Potential. Built by Joseph Tuley, Jr., later purchased by Graham Blandy, who bequeathed over half of the original estate to the University of Virginia (State Arboretum of Virginia). Estate includes 3 tenant houses, 12 stall stable with renovated 3 bd. apt. $5,000,000 & numerous historic structures.

ED

ED

UC

D

RE

UC

D

RE

CLEARWATER FARM

SMITTEN FARM LANE The Plains ~ Finely built custom residence on 16 Acres minutes from Middleburg in Prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Designed for Grand Entertaining both inside and outside. The rooms graciously open into one another and lead out to the deep porches, which wrap the home and overlook the pool, grounds, gardens and conservatory. $3,190,000

Marshall ~ Handsome custom built Residence with first floor Master Suite and perfect mix of open and traditional floor plan beautifully sited on 50 Acres. Special features: Swimex Swim Pool, 2 Stocked Ponds, High Speed Internet, Whole House Generator and Geothermal Heating and Cooling. For the equestrian: located in the Orlean Community Trail System and adjacent to a Premier Equestrian Center with stables, riding arenas and trails. $2,900,000

CROSSWINDS Delaplane ~ 72 Acre Horse Property in Piedmont Hunt Territory. Handsome 7 stall stable perfectly sited for cross ventilation and features an upscale 1 bedroom + den apartment with screened porch. Perfect for training Cross County/Eventing. Uphill gallop with good elevation, 100’ x 200’ riding ring with all weather footing, 5 $1,050,000 fenced paddocks and 2 run-in sheds.

Please see our fine estates and exclusive properties in hunt country by visiting THOMASANDTALBOT.com

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE A Staunch Supporter of Land Easements

1967

LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS Middleburg, VA 20118 (540) 687- 6500

2019

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

10-01_CountryZest-JohnColes-FP.indd 1

10/1/19 1:59 P