shenandoah living nov dec 2015

7/23/2019 Shenandoah Living Nov Dec 2015

1/29

LivingNovember-December|Issue 25

FREE

Bells in the Valley

Buyers Club, Part 2

THE MAGAZINE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN AND LOVE THE VALLEY

SHENANDOAH

Top 10Valley Artists

Holiday Traditions in the BlueRidg

Main StreetMatters

Buena VistaFront Royal

Middletown

Mt. JacksonNew Marke

Woodstock


2/29

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4 | shenandoahmagazine.com | November/December 2015 November/December 2015 | shenandoahmagazine

PUBLISHER--Greg ShieldsValiant Virginians

[email protected]

EDITOR--Carol J. [email protected]

PRODUCTION & DESIGNFarago & Associates

CIRCULATION--Greg [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSCarol J Alexander

Lynn CoffeyLani Furbank

Rebekah PostupakSara Tranum

PHOTOGRAPHYLani Furbank

Matt SchmachtenbergMark Segreti

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVEEllen Kozicki

[email protected]

STORY [email protected]

[email protected]

HOW TO REACH USPhone: 540-746-1962

Editorial: [email protected]@shenandoahmagazine.com

Published bimonthly by Valiant VirginiansBridgewater, Virginiaand distributed through-

out theShenandoah Valley of Virginia.Magazine is available at all Kroger, Food Lionand Martin grocery stores from Lexington toWinchester. See website for other locations

www.shenandoahmagazine.com.Copyright 2015. Reproduction withoutpermission is prohibited.

All unsolicited submissions become theproperty of Shenandoah Living Magazine

and cannot be returned.Submissions chosen for publicationmay be edited for length or clarity.Shenandoah Living is a registered

trademark of Valiant Virginians.Like us on Facebook.

From the Editor|Carol J. AlexandeSHENANDOAHLiving

My seamstress mother spent her life creating worfabric, trims, buttons, and more. Some of her art wassome not. I remember a childhood of c lients cominghome for fittings for everything from wedding gowndresses to uniforms and everyday wear.

Mom made my wedding gown. She and my husband-to-be worked togethea crown of pearls on which to sew my veil. (I married a man who enjoys creatingful things, as well.) For 50 years I lived a spoiled existence. Whenever I saw somwanted, if I thought mom could make it, she would tryand succeed. When I w14, I wanted a bedroom ensemble from the Sears, Roebuck & Company catalocopied it for my Christmas gift that year. I remember clothing, home dcor andshe gifted me in that way. This month marks three years since my mother passestill my home is filled with her art. Wall quilts, paintings, afg hans, even coastersreminders of a mother who valued beauty and taught her children to do the sa

My husband and I have passed down this love of creativity to our children. Oan ornamental blacksmith; another is a woodworker. Our daughter creates masfrom such commonplace things as flour, butter, and eggs. Some folks call her c

cake, we call them art. All of our children make a joyful noise, but two especiallmaking melody with various instruments. Is it any wonder then, that surroundedthis creative energy and living in one of the most beautiful parts of the countrybe thrilled to introduce you to Shenandoah Livings Readers Choice Top 10 ArValley? I dont want to spoil the story, so make sure to check it out on page 40.

When you think about art, this entire issue is full of it. Music lives in Rebekah Bells in the Valley. You can smell and taste edible art as Sarah Tranum tells howof The Shack in Staunton would prepare a traditional holiday meal. And to learcreate your own art to decorate your home for the holidays, read tips from Susapage 12.

One way that Valley folks support our local artisans is by supporting our MainMain Street Matters in the Valley, so say a host of business owners, Chamber ofofficers and town officials. I enjoyed visiting six different towns with photographSegreti and capturing the essence of their Main Streets for you. You can read aand what these folks have to say, on page 34.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Shenandoah Living as much as I did putogether. Please visit the shops listed and see the artwork created by your neigthe kids to a bell concert, start a new holiday tradition, and wherever you go, spand goodwill to your fellow man.

Blessings,

P.S. I would love to hear from you! Email your comments or story ideas to cardoahmagazine.com.

Random Thoughts

Correction: The BBQ Ranch covered in the September issue i s located at 3311 N. Valley

Harrisonburg. We failed to share the location in the article. Our apologies. Editor

Mark Segreti is a

homeschool senior

who has a passion for

photography, play-

ing the bass guitar,

reading, hiking and

camping

Contributing PhotographersMatt Schmachtenb

JMU grad, medical

ful, and has been s

seven years! He lov

and candid momen

ally fnd him with a f

one hand and digita

| |

rom the Publisher| Greg Shields

A New Journey for Shenandoah Living

From the very beginning, we had hoped Shenandoah Living couldecome a subscription-based magazine. We believe that time has

rrived. After two successful years, we have the foundation, reader-hip and recognition to add a new subscription-based readership. A

ubscription-based readership allows us to interact, build rapport and

etter know our readers. Knowing exactly who our readers are helpss seek opinions and target editorial interest. A paid readership also

uilds advertiser condence. With a paid readership, we can betternform our advertisers as to who reads the magazine, why they read itnd how they use the information inside

ur magazine.

To begin the transition, we will

tartour new 2016 bi-monthlychedule with a Feb/Mar issue.

Advertisers and current subscribers

will receive a direct mailing andmail update about our new

chedule. We will continue toistribute as usual until we

ave made the transition to paid

ewsstands and paid subscribers . We will update you on our prog-ess in upcoming issues of Shenandoah Living magazine.

Above the Shenandoah

You have probably noticed on our Facebook page many of the

beautiful Valley aerial photographs posted on our timeline. We oc-casionally publish similar aerial photos inside the magazine.

After accumulating well over 200 aerial photos of the Shenandoah

Valley, we want to share the very best of them in a new, 56-page

book titledAbove the Shenandoah. This new book is important to usfor several reasons. In addition to showcasing the Valleys beautiful

landscape from above, proceeds will be used to support the missionof Valiant Virginians, a Virginia nonprot 501c3.

Valiant Virginians provides affordable, economical and reliabletransportation options to residents of the Shenandoah Valley. For

more information about Valiant Virginians, visit our website at

www.valiantvirginians.org.After expenses, 100 percent of the proceeds from Above the

Shenandoahgoes to Valiant Virginians. However, only 1,500 copies

will be printed; there will not be a second printing. So, to guaranteethat you get your copy of this unique book, act quickly.

Reserve your copy now for this limited printing of Above theShenandoahby sending $25 (includes shipping) to Valiant Virgin-

ians, Above the Shenandoah, PO Box 269, Bridgewater, VA 22812.

Or you may order online by visiting our store at www.valiantvirgin-ians.org. Above the Shenandoahwill ship in early Spring.

Valiant Virginians has applied for a Gaming permit with the Virginia Department of Ag-culture and Charitable Gaming seeking permission to rafe a 1965 Corvette in 2016.

Rafing is the quickest (and hardest) path to building immediate revenue for a non -rot. Over a six-month period, we intend to sell 2,500 tickets for $100 each. It wont

e easy and it will be an uphill journey but organizations do it all the time. The Ronald

McDonald House, St. Judes, the SPCA, these folks have something we do not--BRANDnd a network of supporters. But we have a large network of Shenandoah Livingread-

rs, loads of community support and the grit to climb that hill. If we pull it off, it will

e a life changing event for everyone involved. It means more (AND BETTER) carsor those in need and economic stability for Valiant Virginians and Shenandoah Living.

More info and photos on page 14 and 15.

fter all...to help people...it really is all about the money! The money!

LivingNovember-December|Issue25

FREE

HolidayTraditons intheBlueridgeBellsintheValley

MainStreetMattersBuena VistaMiddletown

Mt.Jackson

NewMarket

THEMAGAZINEFORPEOPLEWHOLIVEINANDLOVETHEVALLEYSHENANDOAH

BuyersClub-Part2WhiffletreeFarmand HeritageHollowFa

First Annual Shifting Gears to 1965 Corvette Rafe


4/29


17

1740

ound the Valley

Take-5Greg Cromer: America from the Sky.

HomeHoliday Decorating with Susan Kibler.

FarmBuyers Club, Part 2.

FoodTraditional Holiday Food with a Modern

Twist.

Features

40 Holiday Gift-Buying Guideand Favorite Artists

We asked you, our readers, to nomi-

nate your favorite Valley artists. Here

are the Top 10.

22 History: HolidayTraditions in the Blue Ridge

Lynn Coffey shares holiday memories

from years past.

26 Bells in the Valley There are many bells up and down the

Valley, most with long and storied

histories, including original church bell

towers constructed in the 1700s whose

chimes can still be heard daily.

ContentsOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2015

In Every Issue

Publisher/Editor Letters.........................4/5

Letters to Editor .....................................11

Valiant Virginians ...................................14

That Shenandoah Feeling .....................49

TICKET ..................................................48

26

22

8

COVERBlue Barn inthe Blue Ridge

12

In addition to beautiful

mountains, farmland and

rivers, the Shenandoah

Valley is known for its Main

Street communities . Many

of the Valleys downtowns

are on the state and

national historic registers.

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5Take

ople| A Different View Greg Cromer

Greg CromersAmerica from

the Sky

Story By Greg Shields | Photos By Greg Cromer

1. You are very popular in and out ofthe Valley. When did you start sellingaerial photographs of the Valley andhow did you decide this was the busi-ness for you?

After I started flying, it got a little oldjust flying around the airport pattern.Something was needed to justify theexpense of renting a plane. So, takingthe camera with me and taking somephotos for friends and family seemedto make sense. In the summer of 2008,the aerial photo thing was still mostlya hobby when I saw the cross on themountain overlooking Broadway. Itook the photo and showed Broad-

ways mayor. He bought a print as wellas invited me to exhibit at their streetfestival. Several dozen people boughtthat first print at the festival, and folksfrom neighboring towns asked if I hadtheir town too. Thats what started theAmerica from the Sky collection. Myprimary goal is to photograph everytown in Virginia, West Virginia andMaryland, with other places acrossthe country as any jobs or personal in-terest take me there. Currently, thereare almost 2,000 photos of places in16 states but if it wasnt for that cross,this collection probably wouldnt exist.

2. Your photos are quite unique. Mosteveryone is curious as to how youtake these beautiful photos. Wouldyou explain the process of how youtake aerial photographs from start tofinish?

The start begins with planning.Google Earth is used to pre-fly myflight route, identify all my targetsand sometimes discover somethingnew. Im always the photographer,but when the camera is in my hands,a commercial-rated pilot is flying theairplane.

(Thank you for not asking if I usedrones, which I dont. I need to flyhigher than drones are allowed to go.)

The airport closest to the job at handis usually the one from which Ill fly.The camera is in my hands at alltimes, and photos are shot through anopen window.

Once the flight is over, the photosare downloaded to my computer.I sift through the hundreds, if notthousands, of photos from that daysflight. This is done right away, so I canremember where every photo wastaken. Once the keepers are selected,

I do some minor editing using AdobePhotoshop. The usual steps are crop,straighten, enhance contrast and colorand occasionally do some editing toremove unwanted items from thephoto. ( i.e. bad patches of grass, toolsor toys in yards, water on driveway,autos, etc.) Once the photo is ready,my 44 Epson 9800 Photo Printer isused to generate the print.

3. Do you have a pilots license andown your own plane?

Yes, on having the license; but no onthe plane. I used to own a share of anantique stick and rudder taildragger.My (then) teenaged kids flew back-seat and steadied the plane while Itook photos. After they grew up andleft home, and as my collection grew,it made more sense to simply rent aplane and pilot nearest to the job athand.4. If a customer is unable to meetup with you at Valley arts and craftsevents, how else could they buy anaerial photo?

Almost every photo is now displayed

on my website. Theres not an oorder form yet, but customers cme to order. Also, the Dayton FaMarket on Route 42 carries sevemy local prints. Outside of the sI do quite a bit of door-to-door mketing to the businesses in the that Ive photographed. It takesof work, but its what I love doindoesnt seem like work most d

5. Do you take custom photos urequest?

Absolutely! There is a form on mwebsite that makes it easy for pto show me exactly where their

erty is located. In addition to hoand businesses, a large part of mflying is to take monthly constrprogress photos of hospitals, shping centers, hotels, schools, etdo a fair amount of work for VaHealth and Shockey, as well as of the local water treatment plathe region.

6. Were you born an raised in thley? If so, what is your connectithe Valley?

I was born in Hagerstown, Md. agrew up in Williamsport, Md. Mgrandmother lived in Winchestwas the acting librarian at the Hley Library. She was instrumentin having the childrens wing adthere. From falling in love with chester from visiting my grandattended Shenandoah Conservof Music from 1982-86, and thena band director for five years beswitching careers to the world overtising. Once I moved to FredCounty, thats where Ive stayedexcept for the 80,000+ miles in mevery year.

Ifirst discovered Greg Cromer at the Elkton Autumn Days

Arts and Crafts Festival. Greg has a most unusual business

of showcasing America from the Sky. You can meet up withGreg at many of the Valleys arts and crafts festivals. He has

been most generous to Valiant Virginians (501c3 nonprofit)

and Shenandoah Valley by allowing us to showcase some

of his photos of Stanley, New Market and Lexington on our

Facebook page and in the magazine. I most recently ran into

Greg at the 2015 Brycefest, Bryce Resort, Basye, Virginia.To see more aerial photos from Greg Cromer, please visit our Facebook page.


STORY BYGreg ShieldsBACKGROUND PHOTO: Greg Cromers New Market


6/29

November/December 2015 | shenandoahmagazine.10 | shenandoahmagazine.com | November/December 2015

n your opinion, what makes the Valley such a special place?

e Shenandoah Valley is simply a beautiful place. The Sevennds of the Shenandoah River and Big Schloss are two of ourt-kept secrets. (Yes, I have a photo!) Beyond these, there aremany places to sightsee, great restaurants, living history andpping. However, if you want something to do or see thatt be found here, its probably only an hour or two drive toerever you want to go.

W hat are your favorite arts and crafts events in the Valley?

e Highland County Maple Festival in Monterey starts off myr with great maple syrup and donuts. Winchesters Applessom Festival is a biggie. I always enjoy going back to Broad-y, where the collection started. Bryce Resort has become my

urth of July tradition because it is so beautiful there; even theve getting there is special.

nestly, Id have to name all of the festivals, because going has

ays been my favorite weekend activity, even before I started ex-

iting. As my collection expands, Im always looking for differentces, so next year I might be a little harder to find here locally.

example, Ill be exhibiting inside the Country Club Mall nearmberland, Md. for the entire month of December. That location

ls from a wide area and is a favorite stopping point for lots of

out-of-towners heading to West Virginia University.

Its been great doing a mall show at Christmas time, becauseso many people have hard-to-buy-for folks on their list. If thatsomeone loves their town, college or a scenic attraction anaerial photo of that place makes a wonderful gift.

9. Wh at do your customers tell you?

I get such wonderful feedback from my customers. Last year,a photo was bought to give to a dying brother who had movedaway and hadnt been home in decades. The brothers wifetold me he looked at that picture every day, talking about thememories. Several of my photos have been sent to the MiddleEast. It gives me great pleasure when I hear that my work has

given someone, but especially one of our soldiers, a window tohome.

At the end of the day, when people ask me what I do for a living,I can certainly say that Im an aerial photographer working on amassive collection of local and scenic places. But my legacy is tospark someones memories out of these photos and make themsmile. Thats the best thing.

Greg Cromers website is www.americafromthesky.com

e| A Different View Greg Cromer

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12 | shenandoahmagazine.com | November/December 2015 November/December 2015 | shenandoahmagazine.

Main Street Matters on Route 11Editor:

Thank you for representing the Valley andtelling the stories of our small towns. Travel-ers on I-81 never know the true Shenandoah

Valley unless they exit off to Rout e 11 andvisit our small towns and villages. To reallyfeel the Valley, keep driving towards anybackroad, holler or gravel road. May I sug-gest exiting at New Market and travelingsouth on Rt. 11. If you are adventurous, takeany back road off Rt. 11 to feel the real theShenandoah Valley.

KIMBERLY WILFORD,

via [email protected]

Editor:

I just picked up a copy of the Shenando-ah Living magazine and was pleased to seethat you ran my Mercedes story. Im sure thefriends of Dick Robertson, that read it, willbe reminded of his support and the manycontributions to his community.

Being a glider pilot and having flown outof Eagles nest airport, I also enjoyed thewell done soaring story.

As a downtown Staunton resident and

business owner, it was also good to see thestory on David Schwartz and his CameraHeritage Museum.

Keep up the good work!

Regards,

AL MORKUNAS,

aka Al Marankas (STAUNTON)

LETTERS

odstock Cafe & Shoppes along Main Street, Woodstock. Photo by Mark Segreti . Main Street shops, Front Roya l. Photo by Mark Segreti .

Public Library and Town Hall along Main Street, Mt. Jackson. Photo by Mark Segreti.

Aces Attic along Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista. Photo by Mark Segreti. The Wayside Inn along Route 11, Middletown. Photo by Mark Segreti. Main Street shops, Front Royal. Photo by Mark Segreti.

Main Street shops, Front Royal.Photo by Mark Segreti.

ers along Magnolia Avenue, Buena Vista. Photo by Mark Segreti.


8/29

14 | shenandoahmagazine.com | November/December 2015

Greenery, burlap, and a banner made with jute twine and paper triangleshighlight this doorway for the holidays.

me| Holiday Decorating

Decking

Hallsthehe laughed at my question and pointed to pumpkins sittingin a gorgeous serving tray. Walmart, 98 cents, she said.

hat chic antique bread box on the counter? Goodwill, $6,

said Susan, and its only antique-looking.

STORY BYREBEKAH POSTUPAK

Ilove Tanksgiving and Christmas decora-

tions, especially the homey, warm look of

pumpkins and cranberries in centerpieces

and wreaths, and on front porches.

ake that other peoples centerpieces, wreaths,

d porches.

Sad but true: Im not a decorator. Beyond

heap ceramic vase plopped forlornly in the

ddle of my dining table, each season I find

yself helpless to dress up my home. So this year

urned to an expert, Susan Kibler of Primitives

andcrafted by Susan, who lives in Mt. Jackson.

Susans home reminds me of those homes, the

es splashed across designer home magazines.

endly scenes top her cabinets; wicker baskets

ngle merrily from the ceiling; artfully crafted

plays snuggle on her counters. Everythings

rfect. And expensive, right?

She laughed at my question and pointed to

pumpkins sitting in a gorgeous serving tray.

Walmart, 98 cents, she said.

Tat chic antique bread box on the counter?

Goodwill, $6, said Susan, and its only

antique-looking. She explained that she always

keeps an eye out for interesting pieces to serve as

the base of a display or decoration. o pull off the

antique look for this bread box, she first stained

it and sprayed it with chippy distressed paint;

then, after it had dried, she smeared petroleum

jelly around the knob and corners and applied

a second coat of the chippy paint. o finish, all

she had to do was wipe off the paint where shed

spread the petroleum jelly. Voila! Te box sprang

back in time fifty years.

Susan said she makes her best finds at thrift

stores. Teres a real thrill in running across

something like an expensive Longaberger plate

for just 20 cents, she said.

Te key is to start with that base piece, such as a ladder or a wooden box,

tobacco lath, even a wooden tool box or metal watering cananything you

might have lying around your house or barn. Next, Susan said she thinks about

what colors or theme she wants, and she starts gathering supplies, like homespun

fabric or metal stars.I think a lot about elevation and dimension, said Susan. One of my secrets is

stuffing containers with floral foam from the dollar store, and bunching Spanish

moss around the top. She completes the look by adding berries, or Styrofoam

balls wrapped in homespun fabric, and uses wires to stick them in the floral foam.

A look she often creates these days involves burlap.

People are crazy about burlap now, said Susan, which she said can be found

easily at flea markets and craft stores. She

often wraps boxes and jars in the burlap;

she even makes wreaths out of it,

such as her wildly popular Virginia

ech-themed burgundy and orange

ones.

Te joy in Susans voice conveys a

love not just of the result, but the entire

creation process. But loving decorating doesnt mean her eventual expertise came

without struggle.

I was never any good at following patterns, Susan admitted. I would just try

to figure it out on my own. Honestly, I learn best by trial and error. Nowadays, the

ideas are mostly out of my own head.

Te crucial thing for a beginner like me, Susan said, is the same lesson she

learned herself: dont be afraid to try something. Look around on Pinterest, You-

ube, and Facebook for design ideas. People are so friendly and are happy to tell

you how to make something. Youll learn tips like how to conserve fabric, or howto make a wreath look fuller.

Susan said decorating is abundantly worth the effort. Its that longing for

yesteryear, for a simpler time, she said. Everything was more handcrafted then,

and people put time and diligence into making things. Tere is a charm about it

we today are constantly chasing.

Primitives Handcrafted by Susan, including items customized by request, can be foundat All Things Virginia at the Farmhouse in Woodstock, Carmellas Caf in Edinburg,and Chickadees Artist Gallery in New Market. Susans creations can also be foundonline at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/primsbysusan

A branch from a discarded, artificial tree turns into astunning tabletop tree when decorated with burlap andprimitive ornaments.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN KIBLER.

PHOTOC

OURTESYOFSUSAN

KIBLER.

A few discarded kitchen utensils come together with a

candle and pumpkin to decorate this table for the holidays.

November/December 2015 | shenandoahmagazi

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WIN This 1965 Corvette Coupe!

ABOVE THE SHENANDOAHAerial Photography Showcasing the Shenandoah Valley

Only 1,500 copies will be printed.To reserve and guarantee your copy now, send $25 (includes shipping) to Valiant Virginians,Above the Shenandoah, PO Box 269, Bridgewater, VA 22812. Or pay online now by visitingour store at www.valiantvirginians.org.

540-746-1962

[email protected]

Providing economical and reliable transportationoptions to residents of the Shenandoah Valley

It Forward?

all came in like most other calls.

r: Is this Valiant Virginians?

Yes.

r: I read your column in Shenandoah Livingam hoping you can help me. I lost my job andr is broken down. I finally have a new job andcant get to work. I will take anything you have

er. Can you please help me?

atter how many times this call comes in, my feelings

e same. I know that Valiant Virginians does not have

rfect solution for this caller. If we happen to have

it is usually very old and pushing the outer limits.worse, we may not have a car and the wait to nd

ay take months. But we always nd a way. This

ular caller lived in Woodstock and needed transpor-

into Strasburg. All we had was a black extended cab

S10 Chevy pickup with 98,283 miles. Actually, this

mileage compared to most of our cars. Not really a

car, but it starts, runs and was practically rust free.

pointing out its aws, I offered the caller this truck.

r: You would give me that truck?

Yes, we would.

r: How much will it cost me?

othing. It is free.

r: (period of silence). Thank you so much. Ibelieve you would do that for me. Thank youch! I dont know what to say or how to everyou.

VV: It is ok. You are very welcome.

Caller: (begins to cry): I promise to PAY IT FOR-WARD.

VV: I know you will.

Caller: I will PAY IT FORWARD. I promise you(almost crying again).

And so it goes. Within three days, Ricks Towinghauled this old 1993 black S10 extended cab to thebeautiful little town of Woodstock. Old to us. Newto the caller.

Getting it there was not without incident. I couldnot find the keys. After hours of searching, I finally

gave up. I grabbed the title and drove into Bow-mans Chevrolet in Harrisonburg. Using the VehicleIdentification Number (VIN), Bowmans was ableto make an ignition key and door key right on thespot. $31.00...a bargain to me. I rushed back toBridgewater and tried the key. A perfect fit. Butthe battery was dead. No time to buy a new one asthe tow truck was on its way. We wrote a $75 checkto the giftee and placed it in on the passenger seatto purchase a new battery. It would be the only thingnew on this old Chevy S10. Like a rock.

Although the deed was done, I was full of apprehen-sion. I know that pick up wont last long. I can onlyhope it lasts until the recipient is back on her feet.

But I am tired. Tired of feeling helpless to offer amore long-term solution. We need to do somethingabout it.

With this Subaru, the devilis in the details.....

We rarely receive donated cars like the 2005 SubaruLimited you see in the photo below. It is newer than mostof our donated cars and it has low miles. Paint and interiorare in excellent condition. This is one fine looking Subaru.The blue book value of this vehicle is $5,900.

So whats the catch? It has a blown super charger.Yes, the fantastic automobile has a blown super charger.Estimated expense to repair it is about $1,600. So whatdo we do? Fix it and gift it to someone. Or, do we sellit and use the money to purchase a more practical carfor someone. I discussed each option with the donor. Hebelieves it would be more practical to sell the Subaruand use the funds to purchase a low maintenance econo-mical vehicle. From his viewpoint, the Subaru requires ahigher level of maintenance than say a...Toyota Corolla,Honda Civic or Ford Escape. Use the money to buy oneof those cars.

At this date, the car is for sale in as in condition. If

you fix the super charger, the price is $3,200. If you canfind an economical repair for the super charger, this couldbe a good deal for both parties.

kes money and manpower to help peopleeed. Right now, we have little of either. We

ed more cars. We need better cars. Wheree money come from? The chances of anewly-formed nonprofit such as Valiantians receiving a grant or major donationm. It would be naive on our part to believe

we could get a grant or that some hero onte horse will trot to our aid. We need bet-rs. We need more cars. We need money.Valiant Virginians is not in the business oftly asking for money (we only chase donatedwe have applied for a Gaming permit withirginia Department of Agriculture andtable Gaming seeking permission to raffle aCorvette Stingray Coupe (valued at $75,000)rn money. Raffling a valuable item is the

quickest, hardest and most unpredictable pathto building immediate revenue for any non-profit. Over a six month period, Valiant Virginiansintends to sell 2,500 tickets for $100 each. It willbe an uphill journey; but other organizations doit all the time. The Ronald McDonald House, St.Judes, the SPCA, these folks have something wedo not--brand and network of supporters. But wedo have Shenandoah Living readers and word ofmouth of the few good, yet modest deeds, wecomplete. It wont be easy.

Are there really 2,500 individuals in the Common-wealth of Virginia who would purchase a $100ticket to win this Corvette? Certainly. With a littleover 8 million residents in the Commonwealth,we simply need to find those 2,500 folks, tell our

story and sell them a ticket. T he search for these2,500 ticket holders and one big winner willbegin as soon as our permit is issued.

Stay tuned to our website and the magazine f ormore information. We will document and journalour story and keep you updated in each iss ueof Shenandoah Living. In the next issue, we willshare the full details, raffle dates and how youcan become the lucky winner out of the 2,500people who want to WIN THIS CORVETTE. Areyou that chosen one in 2,500? You could be.First, just like Valiant Virginians, you must believe.Have you visualized becoming the winner? If youhave, take a peek on the next page of what youwill win. One in 2,500pretty good odds if youask me. You just gotta believe!

he Solution: Shifting Gears to 1965 Corvette Raffle Teak Wheel

A56 page,beautifully presentedbook of aerial

photographs thatcapture the Valleyas its never beenseen before.

A Valleywith a View!

Published byValiant Virginians

Blue Leather Interior 5 Factory Original Ke

1965 Corvette Coupe with FACTORY ORIGINAL NUMBERS MATCHING 327-300 4-speed Manual

Only 75,000 miles with Factory Air, Power Windows, Power Brakes and Power Steering Nasau Blue

On CD


10/29

November/December 2015 | shenandoahmagazine.

Part 2:

Farming |

Following in Polyfaces footsteps, two Virginia farm

borrowed the principles of the Metropolitan Buy

and tweaked them to fit the specific needs of the

and their customers. With a simple delivery mod

inventory, these buying clubs are a unique way to source su

farm-to-table ingredients fo

holiday feast.

Mike and Molly Peterson

tage Hollow Farm in Octob

several years of working wi

owner. Buying clubs had be

the farms business model s

but the Petersons found an

efficient way to share their food with customers.

Between busy schedules and harrowing traffic, the tripsryville to the Washington, D.C. area were taking up too mu

time. Youre not farming, youre delivering, Mike noticed.

Teir solution was to install freezers in CrossFit gyms in

Arlington. Te Petersons deliver their product before rush

customers can pick up their prepaid orders at any time tha

their schedule.

Really, when we tweaked all of those routes, it changed

dramatically, Mike said. We got a lot of time back.

It works out for Arlington gym owner Brian Wilson, too

STORY BY LANI FURBANKPHOTOGRAPHY BY LANI FURBANK & WHIFFLETREE FARM

In Part 1, we explained how Polyface Farms

Metropolitan Buying Club has helped boost their

customer base and expand their reach to cities all

around the state. This issue we want to look at how

their model is helping other farms do the same.

TeBuyers Club

Turkeys at Wh

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TOP: Molly Peterson with a lamb at Heritage Hollow Farm.

BOTTOM:A pretty pig at Heritage Hollow Farm?

A calf at Heritage H

A fury cow at Heritage Hollow Farm.

Laying hens at Whiffletree Farm.

Jesse Straight at Whiffletrees Centreville Buying Club drop.

Paleo diet is one of the main tenets of the CrossFit

lifestyle. I think whats really synergistic about it

is that part of what we tell our clients to do is eat

this pasture-raised, beyond organic meat, he said.

Jennifer Brooks Lassiter, a friend and customer

of Heritage Hollow, is partly to thank for this ar-

rangement. As a former CrossFit coach, Lassiter

made the introductions to help the gyms offer a

unique service to their members, while allowing

the Petersons to save valuable time.

I know how much work they do on the farm,

and it takes a really long time for them to load the

truck up and drive out here, Lassiter explained.

I was trying to think about a way that they could

do it that would be kind of time-sensitive to their

workload.

Its not just the food that Lassiter values. For

us it was really about wanting to have a relation-

ship with the people that were feeding our family,

she said. It means so much to me that they make

time to know us as customers and as friends.

Tats the connection she showcases during

her holiday dinners. We purchase from Mike andMolly because we trust how they raise their ani-

mals, we know the meat will be the most delicious

of any meat we purchase in a store, and its the

most nutrient-dense, clean food to feed the family.

Heritage Hollow offers a limited supply of hams

and roasts, including prime rib, tenderloin, lamb

crown, pork crown and leg of lamb. Tose are

all specialty cuts I wouldnt necessarily keep in

our inventory as they have limited use aside from

holiday gatherings, Mike said. Tey have also

teamed up with Belle Meade Farm to offer pastured turkeys

for Tanksgiving.

Jesse Straight of Whiffletree Farm in Warrenton also

offers products from fellow farmers, but hes taken it several

steps further. Hes transformed his buying club into a hub for

healthy, local products.

Straight started his farm business in 2009, and he has

grown to serve 13 buying clubs in Virginia and D.C. He not

only offers customers his own pasture-raised meats (includ-

ing popular holiday selections such as turkeys, hams, prime

rib and pork loin roasts), but he also delivers everything from

Christmas trees to apples.

Last year, Straight partnered with Oak Shade Farm in

Culpeper to deliver organically raised Serbian Spruce, Norway

Spruce, and Blue Spruce trees to families in his buyers clubs.

Other holiday favorites include organic apples and apple-

sauce from the Farm at Sunnyside in Washington, Va., organic

sourdough bread from a local baker, and a variety of organicvegetables from Powers Farm in Warrenton.

Straight doesnt make much of a profit from the items

he sells for his friends, and keeping up with the inventory

and coordinating pick-ups from each producer is no easy

task. However, he enjoys sharing products he trusts with his

customers.

People want high-quality, well-raised meat and eggs, but

also, most people really value convenience because of their

busy lives. So if they can have a lot of things in one place, then

thats really valuable to them, Straight said.

Selling products from other farms also helps to build the

customer base for Whiffletree. With so many products to

choose from, people are more likely to try the club, and even-

tually become a repeat customer.

Alexa Hutchins, a buying club host, has tried almost all

of the offerings from other vendors, but she has remained

a loyal customer for over six years because of the quality of

Whiffletrees meat. Everyone still talks about the year we

bought a fresh turkey from him, she recalled. It was the best

turkey any of us have ever eaten! We have gotten nothing but

rave reviews about it all.

Straight enjoys that his sustainable, local meat has become

a big part of his customers traditions. His philosophy? If weare going to celebrate the holidays by sharing good things

with our loved ones, lets make sure those good things are

truly good for us and for all other parties involved, start to

finish.

Tats why Nikki Flory buys her Christmas roast from

Whiffletree. I love a good pot roast or standing rib roast,

she said. I also love knowing I am feeding my family healthy

meat. And its always been a hit. My family and extended

family that come over for Christmas dinner always tell me

how good the meat is. Tere are no leftovers!

People want high-quality,

well-raised meat and eggs,

but also, most people

really value convenience

because of their busy

lives. So if they can have a

lot of things in one place,

then thats really valuable

to them, Straight said.


12/29

November/December 2015 | shenandoahmagazine.22 | shenandoahmagazine.com | November/December 2015

A raditionalHoliday Meal

LEFT:A spiced plum and corn crisp dessert

sits on the line to be delivered.

od | Holiday Meal

STORY BY SARA TRANUM

PHOTOGRAPHY BYMATT SCHMACHTENBERG

On a cool, crisp Christmas eve-ning, the sun sets low, its warm

orange glow slipping behind the

Appalachian range, and the smell

of a wood-burning fire beckons from inside.

Stepping back one hundred-sixty years, into

the home of a family in the Shenandoah

Valley, the holiday dinner awaits on a table

dressed with fragrant evergreen boughs. Set

in the center is a roast turkey, flanked by cold

boiled ham and an oyster pie. From around

the table wafts aromas of mashed potatoes,

turnips, boiled onions with a dressing of

celery sauce, and the salty, vinegary scent

from a dish of pickles. Pitchers of sweet cider

and mincemeat pies for dessert complete the

menu for a holiday dinner celebration.

Fast-forward to present day and most

kitchens are without the stone hearth and

roasting spit used by the chefs of early Valley

residents. For most contemporary holiday

dinner cooks, planning a traditional meal

including a boiled or spit-roasted protein is

either unappealing or impossible. Te rest ofthe menu is no different. After a visit to Te

Shack in Staunton, Chef Ian Boden has pro-

vided inspiration for holiday dinners that pay

homage to the traditional foods of Shenan-

doah Valley residents but in a presentation to

excite contemporary palates.

First, the protein. A perfectly browned,

moist turkey may still be the centerpiece. Holiday

dinner chefs from the mid-19th century basted

with lard rather than with the drippings in the

pan, cooking it in less than two hours. odays

chef should cook a brined bird ten to fifteen

minutes per pound at 325 degrees. Te secret to

a moist turkey is in the brine. Much like the brine

used to preserve pork by early Valley residents,

putting your holiday turkey in a brine for 12-24

hours increases the water content in the meat.

Cooked properly, this translates to moist and

tender. Tat beautifully browned skin can be eas-

ily achieved, not by basting, but with a coating of

soft butter.

Foods available in the winter months included

root vegetables, preserved foods such as pickles

or rehydrated fruit. Hominy was a staple in thediet of early Valley residents; corn was dried,

treated with an alkalizing agent such as lye or

lime and then stored.

Consider adding one of several dishes featured

at Te Shack to a holiday meal menu: Roasted

carrots and peppers with carrot puree, or peas

and hominy prepared as a stew. Mashed pota-

toes continue to find a place on holiday tables.

Classically made, they require butter, salt and

cream. Healthier versions use non-fat buttermilk

and a sharp cheddar cheese. Mash promptly with

a hand-masher and serve promptly for the best

texture.

Finally, the dessert. raditionally, desserts were

tart and served as palate cleansers, or heavy and

savory such as a mincemeat pie. Plum pudding

was a popular dessert option. Incorporating

plums for modern preparation, one could prepare

a dessert like the spiced plums, also featured at

Te Shack. Prepare by halving the plums, add

sugar, butter, star anise and cook until tender

at about 400 degrees. Serve warm with a vanilla

Greek yogurt and crumbled Nilla wafers. Prefera pie? In the same dish as the plums, place two

large apples cut into cubes, plus more butter and

sugar. Roast until the fruit is soft, cover the dish

with pastry dough. Make a few slices through the

dough and bake for about twenty minutes.

Round out the meal with your beverages of

choice and cheers to a happy holiday season!

Many thanks to Karen Becker, Misti Furr and GiGi Kelly of theFrontier Culture Museum in the crafting of this story!

After a visit to The Shack in

Staunton, Chef Ian Boden

has provided inspiration

for holiday dinners that pay

homage to the traditional

foods of Shenandoah

Valley residents but in a

presentation to excite

contemporary palates.

TOP: Chef Boden plates heirloom grits on clay dishes made b

BOTTOM:The Shack is roughly 400 square feet in its entirety -

including the kitchen space.


13/29


eature | Holiday Traditions


Tat Christmas I attempted to re-create his mothers cake.

When I walked through the woods to Johnnys house and

presented it to him, he began to weep. He said it was the first

one hed had since his mother died.

TeBlue RidgeChristmas Traditions in the

lue Ridge Mountains

STORY BYLYNN COFFEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BYLYNN COFFEEAND PC BLACKLEY

Acandle in the window and pine

boughs on the sill evoke fond

memories of a simple Christmas

the early mountain people cel-

rated in the Blue Ridge. Pleasures of being

home with family and friends, sitting

ound the fire eating the coveted holiday

anges and nuts, and perhaps enjoying a

ast of homemade wine, made Christmas

relaxed, happy time of year. While reading

ukes account of the birth of Christ in the

ble, everyone listened with rapt attention

the miracle of His coming unfolded. Tese

nd many other early traditions passed down

rough the years make Christmas in Virginias

ue Ridge Mountains unique.

Upon moving to the little hamlet of Love1980, I was determined to make our first

hristmas memorable by keeping these tradi-

ons alive. We lived in a rustic hunting camp

th a high ceiling and I wanted a tall tree to

l one corner of the living room. My neigh-

or, Gladys Coffey, offered for us to cut the

p out of one of the huge blue spruce trees

n their property. I shinnied up the trunk of a

real beauty, wielding a hand saw, and held on

for dear life as the cut portion tumbled to the

ground. Te tree was so massive we had to cut

it three more times to get it in the house. We

strung garlands of popcorn to decorate the

tree along with red plaid bows, candy canes,

and white doves cut from the front of Christ-

mas cards. We trooped to the woods in search

of running cedar to place on the mantle and

shot mistletoe out of the tops of oak trees to

hang in hopes of a holiday kiss. By the worlds

standards, the decorations in the camp were

plain but it was thrilling to be carrying on

some of the early customs the mountain

people told us about.

Hazel Campbell Fitzgerald, whose fam-

ily lived on Hat Creek, said they took thesilver paper from inside cigarette packs and

wrapped it around sycamore balls to make

tree ornaments. Mama and Daddy would go

down to ommy Carters store and buy each of

us kids a little toy of some kind, she said. Us

girls usually got a baby doll but I remember

once I got a little wind-up tin toy where a dog

chased a cat and the cat chased a fish. I dont PHOTO PC BLACKLEY

ynn Coffey shares Blue Ridge holiday memories from years past.


14/29


and then they had them, in turn, come

for a meal at their cabin. He said fresh

oranges and peppermint sticks were

treats they only got during the Christmas

season and he remembers receiving very

few toys, usually given by a relative.

School programs, given by the children,

were also popular in the mountains. My

father-in-law, Saylor, told how his older

brother, Pettit, came to the program at theold Ivy Hill School dressed as Santa Claus.

While Pettit was trying to read his part,

Saylor moved the lamp a little closer for

him to see by, as it was getting dark.

When I put the light up to him, Saylor

said, I accidentally caught his beard

on fire! He ran behind the sheet we had

strung across the front of the classroom

and put out the fire in his beard so the

little children wouldnt see. Everyone

had a big laugh over it.

For Lillie Puckett Napiers family,

Christmas was one big get-together with

everyone visiting up and down Stoney

Creek. Wed go from house to house, play-

ing games, making candy, sharing a meal,

she said.

Vera Falls, one of nine ch

grew up along the North Fo

River, said her mother did a

at Christmas. Shed bake ca

donuts for us, she said.

Vera also shared how, in

children would all get a new

Ten, wed save the shoe bo

them on top of the table for

to fill, she said. On Christmthe boxes would have orang

candy in them; things we did

every day.

In our own home, before w

opening presents, we have o

grandchildren read the Chri

from Luke, chapter two, of th

reminds us again of the grea

the gift of Gods Son.

On Christmas

morning the boxes

would have oranges,

nuts and candy in

them; things we didnt

get every day.

know whatever happened to that toy, but I wish I would

have hung on to it.

Sending Christmas cards was just as popular a tradition

in earlier years as it is today. Many beautifully embossed,

holiday postcards were sent with just a one-cent stamp. I

found several, dated in the 1930s, among my late mother-

in-laws possessions.

Another neighbor, Johnny Coffey, said he always looked

forward to the apple butter cake his mother baked each

Christmas. She baked a four-layer pound cake from scratchand spread apple butter between the layers and on top.

Tat Christmas I attempted to re-create his mothers cake.

When I walked through the woods to Johnnys house and

presented it to him, he began to weep. He said it was the

first one hed had since his mother died. Tat cake was one

of the best gifts I ever gave someone; a nostalgic memory

of the past.

My husband Billy said that in the holler where he lived,

the holiday stretched out several weeks. His family went

to each of his aunts and uncles homes for a meal together

essia Coffey reading the Christmas story in

kes gospel

John Massie CoffeyApple butter cake Lynn baked for Johnny Vera Coffey Falls at home in Vesuvius

PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF FRONTIER CULTURE


15/29


Shenandoah CountyLeave the crowds behind and give

yourself the gift of a shopping experience

with small, family owned businesses that can

only offer personal attention, handcrafted

quality, and small town charm.

In Shenandoah County, you can find

Art Galleries filled with work created by

local artisans, Flea Markets and Antique

shops that hold local treasures, gift shops

with unique flavors of the Valley and family

owned restaurants that serve fresh, home

style meals.

Every town in Shenandoah County has a

Main Street Situated like pearls on a strand

along US Route 11, which makes it easy to

plan a day to see their unique personalities.

From Strasburg to New Market, each historic

town has plenty of hometown holiday cheerand hospitality.

Come to Shenandoah County to

rediscover your love for the Holidays and

remember what its like to enjoy shopping

again.Advertorial and pictures provided by Jenna French, Shenandoah County Tourism.

Fine antiques and gifts fill our 7200 square feet mall! We offer

rniture,toys,primitives,jewelry, dolls,paintings and gifts.Lots ofngs for the men too,including old tools,knives, and much more.

e also offer local honey,jams,jellies, syrups and pancake mixes

just to name a few.The front porch is packed with primitives,old and new.There is something for everyone.We are animal

friendly.You are welcome to let fido out for a stretch.

The Flea Market with Class

1371 Caverns Rd. Exit 269 off I-81

Quicksburg, Va. 22847

1-540-477-9522Right next to Shenandoah Caverns and Route 11 Potato Chips

Like us on

Facebook:

BESTFLEA MARKET

in the Valley

Country Road Antiques and GiftsLarge Selection of Outdoor Fountains and Statues Now Available!

The HistoricEdinburg MillBuilt in 1848The20,000squarefoot,fourstorymill builtalongStonyCreekbyGeorgeGrandstaff onthe OldValleyPikecontinuesoservethe area.Listedonthe NationalHistoricRegisterandone

ofonly 16millsdesignatedasa VirginiaHistoricLandmark.Nowservingas:

Visitor Information Center The Mill Gift Shop Film presentation of The Burningbased on John L. Heatwoles

book telling the story of Sheridans Devastation of the Shenandoah Valley during the civil war.

Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum

214 S. Main St. (540) 984-8400Open 7 days a week Mon. - Sat. 10am - 5pm Sun. Noon - 5pm

GED Preparation and Testing

Adult High School Degree Completio

English as a Second Language

PluggedIn Va Programs

National External Diploma Program Citizenship Classes

Massanutten Technical Center

(Harrisonburg/Rockingham)540-434-5961

Staunton-Augus

Adult Learning Ce540-245-5083

Building Block(Waynesboro)540-946-9241

Rockbridge Regional Adult Education

(Bath/Buena Vista/Highland/Rockbridge)540-462-7536

www.shineadulted.org

SHINE FEATURED STUDENT

Will HigginsAdult Completion Program

Rockbridge Regional Adult Edu

Program Coordinator: Lindsay B

Will Higgins, single father of two recentlearned his High School Diploma throughRockbridge Regional Adult EducationsAdult Completion Program.

What kept you from getting your high school diploma?

In 1995 I dropped out of school during my senior year. I had tdecide between an education and a paycheck. The paycheck w

What led you to pursue your education after 10 years?For years my work kept me on the road and away from homemissed out watching my oldest child grow. I knew I needed ta change. I contacted Rockbridge Regional Adult Education afound out I needed three credits (Government, English, and SStudies) to earn my diploma.

What was your biggest challenge in returning to school?

Time. Finding time for work, family, and school work. It tookalmost a year, but every Friday I met with my teacher (for 3 hoWhen I was on the road, I did my homework every night in th

What is your next step, now that you earned your di ploma?

I have a new job close to home. After I earned my diploma, I at Modine Manufacturing Company. After the 3-week hiringI was hired on. I enjoy my job working on pressure breaks anfor air and heating units. Right now I am happy I reached myand I can focus on being a dad.

Give meaning

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

with fair trade

Best Downtown Shop

Delivered to your Mailbox

Every Issue of

SHENANDOAH Living

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

only$18a year

Visit www.shenandoahmagazine.comto subscribe today!

540-746-1962PO Box 269

Bridgewater, VA 22812



16/29


ABOVE:Handbell choir practice. Bell ringers wear gloves to protect the bells from the oils in their hands.

Bellsin the

ValleySTORY BY REBEKAH POSTUPAKPHOTOGRAPHY BYMATT SCHMACHTENBERG

Iheard the bells on Christmas day, their old familiar carols play.

Tese lines, of course, open that gorgeous carol from the American

Christmas canon, and is as much a part of the season as nativity scenes

and candle lighting. Like many of the worlds most beautiful traditions,

the song is rooted in tragedy: it was written in 1863 by celebrated poet Henry

Wadsworth Longfellow after his son was badly injured in Culpepers Battle of

Mine Run.

Its both fitting and unsurprising that 150 years later, old familiar bells

continue to comfort, inspire, and rally the hearts and spirits of Americans. And

nowhere is that more true than in our own Shenandoah Valley, where churchbell towers still faithfully chime the hour and handbell choirs of all ages and

backgrounds breathe fresh life into songs both old and new.

ake the famous 1937 Belle Brown Northcott Memorial in Luray, for ex-

ample. Locals and tourists alike cant help but fall in love with the rich tones of

the memorials singing bell tower, where its carillonneurJesse Radcliffe, only

the third official player since the bells installationplays songs ranging from

classical overtures to toe-tapping tunes from My Fair Lady??

PHOTO COURTESY

The prison choir

had never heard

another handbell

choir play before.

ature | Music


17/29


Bells from St. Pauls

Lutheran Church in

Strasburg still sound

the hour and ring

songs at noon.

While the basement organ is not

capable of fully replicating the tones

of the tower's 47-bell carillon, Jesse

Radcliff, the Tower's third official

carillonneur, uses it to practice for his

performances in the tower.

No, my ears hadnt heard wrong.

Bells arent just for Christmas, said Kath Wissinger

when I asked her about it. In addition to her music

teaching position at Keezletowns Redeemer Classical

Academy, Wissinger is a handbell composer and multi-choir director whose ringers play throughout the year:

everywhere from Salvation Army kettles and nursing

homes, to hospitals. She has even taken her adult choir,

MOSAIC, into a maximum security womens prison.

Joy rang in her voice as Wissinger remembered it.

Te prison choir had never heard another handbell

choir play before, she said. MOSAIC rehearsed with

them and performed a joint concert, an event which

clearly still moved her.

Recently Wissinger was commissioned by a Virginia

ech parent to write a tribute handbell piece in memory

of the victims of the 2007 shooting. Te resultant work,

Trough the Storm, debuted in Colorado this past May

in a performance by the imberline choir, one of whose

members is a V tragedy survivor.

Never one to set small goals for herself, Wissinger

also delighted in her successful, six-year journey to

secure permissions for the Lord of the Rings medley

she had composed. Howard Shore edited it himself,

Wissinger said.

Redeemer Classical Academy isnt the only school

in the area to promote handbell choirs for its students.

For years, Kimly Schlabach of Tomas Harrison MiddleSchool in Harrisonburg has battled budget cuts and

competing academic priorities to lead choirs. Tis

fall, David Nio has donned the bell ringing directors

mantle at Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market,

whose famed student handbell choir is a big draw for

the school. And students champion their own four-

octave bell choir at Bridgewater College.

Initiative in bell ringing is something Lois Holfmann

of the Winchester-area traveling handbell choir, 6th

Dimension, loves to see. Tis choir is all about initiative:


The Luray Singing

Tower, constructed in

1937, stands 117 feet

tall and is made up of

47 bells. The largest

bell is six feet in

diameter and weighs7,640 pounds.


18/29


The bell tower at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in

Woodstock is one of the oldest bell towers in the

Valley; the only part of the building to survive the fire

of 1890.

ey often perform with percussion and vocals, and their signature pieces

clude the swing ake Five and bluesy Classical Gas.

Handbells have come a long way, she said. People hear music like ours and

nk, Wow, thats not church music!

According to Holfmann, just about any song can be found arranged for

lls these days--and if it cant, shell arrange it herself. Part of 6th Dimensionsbrant history includes a rendition of Soul Man they performed in black

nglasses and fedoras for Dan Ackroyd at one of their staple annual events,

e Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festivals prayer brunch. Over their 25+ year

tory, they have also played for the American Cancer Society, Rotary and

wanis events, and even at the Homestead Resort.

We wanted to be more diverse, get our heads up out of the songbooks,

olfmann said. More than other instruments, she said, handbells are unbeliev-

ly visual. And they are so unique: you are independently responsible for your

part and interdependent on the people next to you. So we wanted to use

that to connect with people, to bring the audience into the music.

Like many other facets of Shenandoah Valley culture, both handbells

and carillons dance merrily between the deep past and our dynamic

present.

Emmanuel Church in Woodstock is where John Peter Gabriel

Muhlenberg served as priest in the 1770s and where, at least according to

local legend, he threw off his robes and declared his intent to fight in the

American Revolution. Tat churchs original bell tower is the only part of

the church to have survived the fire of 1890, and it still stands today.Bells from St. Pauls Lutheran Church in Strasburg still sound the hour

and ring songs at noon. But St. Pauls takes a more pragmatic approach

to bell ringing: in 2006, overwhelmed by the rising cost of repairing their

aging carillon, the church elected to go digital.

Te digital carillons enable us to be more varied, said St. Pauls Pastor

Bill Nabers, adding that the bells repertoire contains 500 hymns ranging

from traditional to modern.

But even in our digital age, this is still the Shenandoah Valley, where

community and courtesy remain hallmarks of its gracious southern char-

acter: at funerals, the church still manually tolls the age of the deceased.

Te original bell is rung on occasion as well, sometimes by children from

the neighboring daycare.

Bells have a place in history, said Pastor Nabers. Tey marked the

passages of events, or called people together. Tey capture a certain

mood for religious and non-religious alike.

But what is that mood? What is it about bells, whether towering

majestically above us or small ones held in neighbors hands in front of

usor even in our own hands--that reverberates so strongly?

Kath Wissinger has an answer for that. Tere are very few instru-

ments that total amateurs can play and sound good, she said. And the

beautiful sounds ring beyond concerts into the bell community and the

community at large.

Pastor Nabers agreed. Te sound of the bells resonates deep insideus, he said. Teyre the sound of the heart, the soul.

Bells are organic instruments, Wissinger said. Your arm, your heart,

your every movement makes that bell ring.

As someone who played in a handbell choir for five years, I found that

a wonderfully apt summary. Our own hearts make bells ring! No wonder

one of our national poets found joy and solace in their glorious sound,

like we in Shenandoah still do today. Joyful or haunting, at Christmas or

in the heat of summer, bells notes echo the cry of our hearts:

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime / Of peace on earth, good will to men.


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November/December 2015 | shenandoahmagazine.Shop signs along Nelson Street, Lexington. Duckpin Bowling Alley along Main

Street, Mt. Jackson.Welcome to Middletown

Main Street MattersTimeless Wines on Main Street, Middletown.

STORY BY CAROL J. ALEXANDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BYMARK SEGRETI

For some small towns, Main Street is all they have. For larger cities, Main

Street is their calling card and a community all its own. But most folks wouldagree, the pulse of a towns Main Street creates the heartbeat of the town.

Downtown Lexington

Less than 100 years ago, Quicksburg bustled at a quick pace. Te

railroad kept this town alive, bringing supplies and taking goods

up and down the Valley. Te village once included a blacksmith,

tomato cannery, and general store. Te towns racetrack drew

visitors from neighboring communities who probably enjoyed a few

drinks in the saloon after the races were over. Now, the only thing left of

Quicksburg is a post office, which the US Postal Service wants to close,

and a Methodist church, congregation 20.

What happened to Quicksburg? Im sure there are many answers to

that question. Location off the Valley Pike, some say. Less frequent rail

travel, say others. But I cannot help think that if Quicksburg had a Main

Street, a thoroughfare along which the business district stretched, other

than tracks, that it could have survived the demise of the railroad.

For some small towns, Main Street is all they have. For larger cities,

Main Street is their calling card and a community all its own. But most

folks would agree, the pulse of a towns Main Street creates the heartbe

of the town.

THE PART OF GOVERNMENT

Valley citizens value their Main Streets so much they have formed

downtown enhancement groups, Main Street committees, or business

alliances for the merchants in the area.

racy Lyons, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce for

Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County said the county recent

ature | Our Town

TOP:Shops along Main Street, Mt. JacksonBOTTOM:Planters along Main Street, Woodstock


21/29

TOP:WoodstockCENTER:Tea Time on Front Royals Main StreetBOTTOM:Pocket Park along Main Street, Mt.Jackson


launched phase one of its 20/20 plan for

revitalization. Te first phase involves

reaching out to alumni from local col-

leges and asking them to return to the

area and invest in the community.

Craig Laird, owner of Royal Oak

Computers and Shenandoah Confections

and the president of the Front Royal Inde-

pendent Business Alliance, said that the

town of Front Royal just agreed to hire a

community development director. Tis

position is an important piece to vitaliza-

tion of the town overall, he said.

Groups such as FRIBA and Main Street

Lexington, Chambers of Commerce,

and Rotary clubs provide networking

opportunities for business owners and

host events to draw folks to the MainStreet area.

Events are the key to get people out

of their cars and start walking into busi-

nesses and seeing what the town has to

offer, said Charles Harbaugh IV, mayor

of Middletown. He said that Middletown

closes down the Main Street and re-

routes traffic for special events.

Mike Good, owner of imeless Wines

in Middletown agrees. He regularly hosts

wine and beer tastings at his shop to

bring folks in.

Events are effective in bringing people

together, said Robbie Jones of Hamrick

and Sheridan Jewelers in Lexington. He

said they not only attract shoppers to the

district, but provide networking opportu-

nities for the business owners.

Live music, art shows, and heritage

festivals are popular events hosted by

towns up and down the Valley. Te most

popular, the Shenandoah County Depart-

ment of ourisms Route 11 Yard Crawl

is held each August along more than 40

miles of the Valley Pike. Tis event brings

more folks to the Main Street sector than

any other.

Events give you the opportunity to

talk to people and get to know your

customers, said Good.


Main Street shops, Front Royal.

More basic than events, though, a town needs

to create a warm and inviting environment, said

Jenna French, director of tourism and market-

ing for Shenandoah County. From planters

to lights to pocket parks, she said, its all part

of the plan to make visitors to downtown feel

welcomed. Rodney Shepherd, Mt. Jackson town

council member, agrees. You need to keep the

infrastructure and background in good shape, he

said. Mt. Jackson has worked tirelessly to upgrade

its sewer system, lay new sidewalks, install lamp

posts and more. Te most talked about improve-

ment has been repainting the water tower

along Interstate 81, to the tune of $250,000. Its

boring, he said referring to infrastructure, but

its important.

French said that some businesses in Wood-

stock have taken advantage of a faade grantprogram to fund improvements. She also said

that it helps a town to capitalize on its historical

charm.

Lyons concurs. Several of the businesses in

downtown Lexington have worked diligently to

restore their buildings, recapturing what they

used to be in their heyday. One such business

is the Robert E. Lee Hotel, built in 1926 and

totally restored in 2014. And to call attention to

the historic district of Middletown, Harbaugh

co-authored the book Images of America:

Middletown.

THE PART OF

THE BUSINESS OWNER

Te onus is not on the town, though. When

asked what the key to success is for small busi-

nesses the answers varied, but Chamber officials

all agreeda new business needs a viable busi-

ness plan.

Before opening the doors, said Lyons, have

a positive business plan that meets the needs of

the community. Do your market research and be

engaged with your customers to know what their

needs are.

A successful opening is very important, she

added. Be ready. Dont have a soft launch. Make

a big deal of your opening by hosting an event.

Use the Chamber; they will help you.


22/29


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Business owners, though, look

past that initial plan with their

advice.

Be open, said Good. Have set

hours and be consistent with them.

Jones agrees that you have to be

there. Dont think you can just hire

someone to man the store, he said.

Your business needs your personal

touch.

French said its important not to

operate just another store or place

to eat lunch. It takes creativity and

ingenuity, she said, but you need to

create a destination.

Destinations are what young

adults and families are looking for.Something to do on the weekend

or the perfect place for a birthday

dinner are a few things the younger

generation looks for. We need to get

them excited about coming down,

said Jones, because they are our

future. And what better way than

showing them that we speak their

language by being active online.

Of course everyone agrees a suc-

cessful business must have an online

presence and be active on social me-

dia. And, of course, almost everyone

struggles to make it happen.

Eighty percent of Internet users

are on their phones, said Janet

Michael of Java Media in Front

Royal. A couple traveling through

the area will turn to their phone

to find a good place to eat. A mom

uses her phone to find the closest

toy store. Someone else looks up a

place of business on his phone to get

its hours. At the very least, a small

business needs to have a Facebook

page and be active on it. Socialmedia, she said, is almost, if not

more important, than traditional

advertising.

But many business owners dont

know what to say or post on their

Facebook or witter feeds. For that

reason, Michael teaches social

media management classes to small

business owners. She tells them just

to start a conversation and engage

their followers.

THE PART OF

THE CONSUMER

Nurturing Main Streets of the

Valley requires not just effort on the

part of governments, organizations,

and business owners, but also the

consumer.

Money spent at a local business

stays in the community, said Ralph

Wakeman, owner of Shenandoah

Sew and Vac in Woodstock. He

encourages everyone to shop locally,

visit the shops on Main Street, and

ask questions.Wakeman contends that the local

shopkeeper, with his reputation

on the line, will provide superior

customer service to the big box

stores and online retailers. Who are

you going to complain to and who is

going to take care of you? he asks,

referring to his national competitors.

Likewise, who is going to take

care of the town, if no

live in it? Shopping loc

edly, the best way to n

Street.

Whether townsfolk

habit of shopping loca

zations host regular ev

shopkeepers stay activ

media, there is no dou

in particular keeps a M

its businesses alive.

Its old school, I kn

Jones, but the key is

Warren County Courthouse, Main Street, Front Royal.

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STONEWALL

They called him bymany different names:Old Blue Light,Old Hickory,evenTom Fool.

But the name that stuck was

Explore the life ofThomas Jacksonin his home and garden.

Experience the challangesof life on the eve of Civil War.

Discover the man before

he became a legend.

One of the most important antique firearms collections in America.

on exhibit at the VMI M

8 Washington St. Lexington, VA

540.464.7704 stonewalljackson.org

T VMI M 415 Letcher Avenue Lexingt on VA 540. 464.7334 vmi.edu/muse um

1-81 Exit 279125 So

shenandoah living nov dec 2015

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