Digital Copy Shenandoah Living PDF

The Valleys Most Beautiful Magazine
SHENANDOAH
Living
February-March 2016 | Issue 26
FREE
Sound Therapy
Project Hands-Roanoke Rescue Mission

A Sears Home in Lexington
Valley Rescue Dogs
Shenandoah County Volunteer Farm

Staunton
Staunton: Dining at Cranberrys
Main Street Matters
Generations Park in Bridgewater
H& eWeallnletshs
Shifting Gears to 1965
Corvette Raffle
Senior
Section
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February/March 2016 | shenandoahmagazine.com | 3
SHENANDOAH
Living
PUBLISHER--Greg Shields
Valiant Virginians
greg@shenandoahmagazine.com
EDITOR--Carol J. Alexander
carol@shenandoahmagazine.com
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Ellen Kozicki
ellenslmagazine@aol.com
CIRCULATION--Greg Shields
greg@shenandoahmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Lindsey Barnes
Martha Bell Graham
Lauren Hunt
Rebekah Postupak
Laura Richards
Greg Shields
Sara Tranum
Edward Tutwiler
Eric Wallace
From the Publisher | Greg Shields

From the Editor | Carol J. Alexander
Above the Shenandoah

Shenandoah Living teamed up with Greg Cromer, aerial photographer and artist, to publish Above the
Shenandoah. In additon to Gregs amazing photography, we received a few aerial photos from local organizations to finalize all the photography that appears in the new book. The result is a 56-page (10.5 x 10.5) hardback
book capturing the Shenandoah Valley as never seen by most folks. In addition to offerning a different view
of our special Valley, the book is important for another reason. The proceeds from Above the Shenandoah
will be used to expand the mission and reach of Valiant Virginians. As previously written many times before in
this magazine, there are more families without a car and who are unable to buy a car than Valiant Viginians can
serve. Proceeds from Above the Shenandoah and our first annual Shifting Gears to 1965 Sports Car Raffle
(see page 19 for more info) may go a long way in expanding the mission of Valiant Virginians.
To meet our fundraising goals and achieve a profit on Above the Shenandoah, we need to sell 1,500 copies of
the book. If we achieve this success, we will publish a second edition--Above the Shenandoah, Winter & Fall
in 2017. If you buy this beautiful book, you will have something to enjoy for a lifetime while helping a lot of
other families in the Valley. You will be glad you did.
The Valleys Most Beautiful and Popular Magazine?

Feb/Mar 2016 Issue
PHOTOGRAPHY
621Studios
Laura Richards
Matt Schmachtenberg
Greg Shields
Edward Tutwiler
STORY IDEAS
carol@shenandoahmagazine.com
EVENTS
info@shenandoahmagazine.com
HOW TO REACH US
Phone: 540-746-1962
Editorial: 540-335-7364
info@shenandoahmagazine.com
ads@shenandoahmagazine.com
Published bimonthly by Valiant Virginians
Bridgewater, Virginia
and distributed throughout the
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Copyright 2015. Reproduction without
permission is prohibited.
Magazine is available at all
Kroger, Food Lion and Martin grocery stores
from Lexington to Winchester.
The views and opinions expressed in
this publication are those of the authors;
they do not reflect the position of
Shenandoah Living Magazine or its staff.
All unsolicited submissions become the
property of Shenandoah Living Magazine
and cannot be returned.
Submissions chosen for publication
may be edited for length or clarity.
Shenandoah Living is a registered trademark
of Valiant Virginians.
Like us on Facebook.
Feelings
With the Feb/Mar 2016 issue, we start our new publication schedule
and a push to build a new subscription-based readership. As we build
this readership, we will continue to distribute the magazine at Food Lion,
Martins and Kroger, as well as a direct mailing to targeted geographic
regions. Even after two years, demand for the magazine exceeds supply,
and our racks empty quickly. We are flattered, and often overwhelmed,
from the popularity of the magazine. Seems like we are always chasing
our tails trying to keep up.
We genuinely appreciate how the Valley has embraced Shenandoah
Living and provided us the encouragment to keep growing. As for what
is in store for 2016, I cant predict. I do know that all of us at Shenandoah Living work tirelessly to improve the magazine with each new issue. Is
Shenandoah Living really the most beautiful and popular magazine in the
Valley? We will let you decide that for yourself. Be sure to pick up a copy
or start your subscription online today. Drop us a line and let us know
what you think and we will share your letters with our readers.
Did you
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The Clifton Forge Historic Masonic Theatre

is an architectural treasure. Once known as
The Mason Hall and Opera House, the building was constructed in 1905 and throughout its history hosted western movie icons
like Lash LaRue, who rode his horse down
the theatre aisle, and Roy Rogers, who once
appeared with his wonder horse Trigger.
Youve heard the saying, Its not whether you win or lose, its how
you play the game that counts. Well, it takes a person with a long stretch of road behind him to fully
understand that saying. As I get older, I hope I am one of those understanding ones.
When I was young, I wanted the praise. I wanted the prize. I wanted to be the best that I could be, sadly
without much thought of others in my life. But with passing time, Ive learned that its not about winning,
its about the people that help you win. Its not about the praise you receive for your accomplishments; its
about how you impacted others lives while achieving those accomplishments.
Now, at middle age, I can honestly say that I dont care if I win the prize for Best Feature Article, Best
Hostess, Best Mom, or whatever Im trying to accomplish at the moment. But I do care if my readers are
touched by the feature articles I write, my guests feel at home, and my children learn to love. I do care how
people feel when I am with them. And if that feeling brings them joy, peace, self-worth, or comfort, than
that is all the prize I need.
One group of folks, even older than I, has learned the lesson of its in the journey well. Eric Wallace
calls them Super Seniors in his article Virginias Toughest Mudders (page 50) describing races run not for
the prize, but for the course itself. What an encouragement for us middle-agers to get off the couch and get
moving. After all, if an octogenarian can do it, certainly this quinguagenarian can try.
This issue of Shenandoah Living brings you a myriad of feelings. Laura Richards invokes feeling
through her photographs in Project Hands: For the Stories We Hold (page 34). The photo essay features
hands of healing people at the Roanoke Rescue Mission. Rebekah Postupak wrote of the feelings a young
black man felt growing up during the 1950s and 60s in her Take-5 piece on Ron Deskins. In Sound
Therapy, Martha Bell Graham speaks of how music heals not just the feelings of its listeners, but also their
brains.
As always, I love to hear from readers. Whether you have a story idea to share, or just want to tell me
about happenings in your neck of the Valley, feel free to email me at carol@shenandoahliving.com.
Blessings,
CORRECTION: The photograph of Eugene B. Smith in the Top 10 Valley Artists article in the November/De-
contributing writers
Laura is a newly
married writer and
photographer, who
moved back to her
hometown of Roanoke after graduating from James
Madison University
in 2013. Shes always
on the lookout for
vintage cameras,
new adventures and
colorful food.
Lauren Hunt is a
senior at JMU studying journalism. Shes
the Managing Editor
of the student-run
newspaper, The
Breeze, and the
Editor-in-Chief of Port
& Main Magazine. Her
love of writing and
photography has led
her work to be published in nearly every
publication on
JMUs campus.
Laura Richards
Lauren Hunt
Eric J. Wallace
Eric J. Wallace
is a freelance
writer based out of
Staunton, Virginia.
He is an avid outdoor
enthusiast, traveler,
lover of zen, mountains, rivers, sunsets,
music, and literature,
literature, literature.
cember 2015 issue was taken by Ted Pugh. It was erroneously labeled. --Editor
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40
Around the Valley

Meet Ron Deskins: one of the first four

students to integrate a Virginia school.
14
21
Home
A SEARS home in Lexington
Farm

The Volunteer Farm in Shenandoah
County is a nonprofit organization

that grows fresh fruits and vegetables

on a 74-acre farm. All produce is donated

to food banks and soup kitchens within the

area to help food insecure people in
Virginia.
24 Food

Staunton: Dining at Cranberrys
32 History:
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Freedoms Flame
When compared with other Valley battles,

the death toll at Piedmont was small. The
Confederate losses were 100 killed, 500
wounded, and 900 captured or missing.
Expires 12/31/14
44
Valley Rescue Dogs

Valley handlers and their
dogs put in countless hours
of work and training to fuel
their passion for helping a
community in need.
40 Art:
SHANES H/V
44
Music Therapy
Music Therapy is an established health

profession in which music is used within
a therapeutic relationship to address
physical, emotional, cognitive, and
social needs of individuals.
34
Project Hands
Project Hands is a photojournalism

mission to tell the stories that shape
lives, tear down walls and open eyes.
These stories come from guests of the
Rescue Mission, a comprehensive
homeless shelter in Roanoke.This
Christian-based organization offers
programs to help people physically,
psychologically, socially and spiritually.
Main Street Matters: Generations Park in Bridgewater
28
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Finding something to do for entertainment, however, can be
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In Every Issue
Publisher/Editor Letters.........................4/5
Letters to Editor...................................... 12
Valiant Virginians.................................... 18
TICKET................................................... 52
that Shenandoah Feeling....................... 53
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Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-433-3929 | www.ShenandoahMarket.net
Ron Deskins as an aspiring actor

in Los Angeles, California.
Meet
Take
Ron Deskins
One of the first four students to integrate a Virginia School.

STORY BY REBEKAH POSTUPAK
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RON DESKINS
The librarians at the Shenandoah County Library in Edinburg are

like family to me and my children. One we especially love and respect
is Ron Deskins, who came on staff in 2007 after a 34-year career with
the Fairfax County Fire Department. Hes also known for being one
of the first black students to integrate Virginia public schools in 1959.
I sat down with him recently to hear more of his story.
1) What brought you to the Shenandoah County Library?

The library has always been an important part of my life. My
mother took an early retirement and went to work at the library in
Mechanicsville. From a very early age, she read to us constantly. One
of my favorites was Peter and the Wolf because it was exciting and a
little scary.
In high school, I read paperback westerns by the droves, books with
titles like Johnny Vengeance or Gunslinger. My parents would ask, Are

you getting your homework done? and Id say, Of course. But really
I was reading those books.
Today Im reading police procedural mysteries, authors like Michael
Connolly, Jo Nesbo. Ive also grown to really like a lot of foreign
authors--Elizabeth George, Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves, Alexander
McCall Smith and the Icelandic writer Arnaldur Indridason.
I would say that for maybe the last 10 years of my career as a
firefighter, the library was on the shortlist of what I wanted to do
Story By Greg Shields | Photos By Greg Cromer
...though we have these definite cracks,

things that tend to pull us apart, we have so
much more today that pushes us together.
In fact they are far better now than they
have been at any time during my lifetime.
Ron Deskins working the stacks at Shenandoah County Library in Edinburg. Photo by Rebekah Postupak.
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when I retired.
2) You grew up in Arlington and worked as a firefighter in

Fairfax. How did you wind up in Shenandoah County?
800-759-8328 | bridgewater.edu
admissions@bridgewater.edu
I didnt grow up thinking I would be in the fire department, nor did
VISIT, SHOP & DINE | HARRISONBURG
A group of white
guys drove up, laid
a gun at the edge of
the car window and
said, Look down this
barrel. It was a big
joke for them. I called
the police, but no one
ever came.
Commemoration of gymnasium of school where kids were integrated.

Photo courtesy of Ron Deskins.
my father, who was a firefighter, push me in that direction. But it worked

out that way. I initially joined the fire department in Arlington in 1968, then after a
year went to California with the idea of getting into the movies. I was in a number of
4) Did you personally experience threats of violence?

I was only in one fight in high school, and that was because someone
plays and took numerous acting classes, but never actually got into a movie.
attacked me. It started outside of school: this guy was driving by and I heard him
I came back and joined the Fairfax County Fire Department in 1973. For years my
call something out. This was not uncommon, for white teenagers to come riding
wife Karen and I lived in the Tysons area, until one day we decided to go for a drive.
down through our neighborhood, shooting guns and calling out insults.
We drove down Route 11 all the way to New Market. We both remember that day,
About two days later I was at school, and the guy walks in. He said, Lets settle this
because it was crisp, it was cold, and we both thought it was such a beautiful place.
right now. I said, No, Ill see you after school (our school had a strict no-fighting
And in 1985 we moved to the Mt. Jackson area. I still commuted to Fairfax, but every
policy). But he walked after me and said loudly, No, well do this right now! and
day I had one of the most beautiful views that anyone could think of. That beauty is
hit me from behind with his fist and made me see stars. I was fortunate afterward
what drew us.
that he owned up, and the dean gave me a pass from being expelled. That was my
I got involved in a lot when we first moved here, such as joining the county
only fight.
kindergarten curriculum committee as a parent representative. I served for some

years on an extension board through our familys involvement with dairy goats. I
5) Have your children benefited from your experiences?
coached basketball for my kids rec teams. At one point in the early 90s, we opened
a bakery in Woodstock, which we operated for about two years. Believe it or not,
Today the way my kids look at things is so different from when I was a kid.
we still have people from time to time who will say, Are you ever going to open a
Weve got so many blended families today, everyones at the same family gatherings,
bakery again? My wife can really bake.
Thanksgiving, Fourth of July. That just didnt really exist in the 50s, even in the 60s.
3) What was it like growing up in 1950s and 60s Arlington

with the dawn of integration? Do you feel race relations have
improved?
Theyre eminently better, because even though we have these definite cracks,
things that tend to pull us apart, we have so much more today that pushes us
together. In fact they are far better now than they have been at any time during my
lifetime. For example, as a kid I played baseball, and one time another black kid and
I were walking home after a night game. A group of white guys drove up, laid a gun
at the edge of the car window and said, Look down this barrel. It was a big
joke for them. I called the police, but no one ever came.
But it does today, and its not going away; thats not the general movement of the
world.
As precarious as racial relations are todayand they are somewhat precariousI
do believe that the path is set. Hitler came along, and things looked really, really dim
to a lot of German people and people around the world. But he wasnt the path of
history. If anything, he was a stone in the path. And thats the way I look at some
of the scary things going on today: theyre just stones. Lets face it; were moving
forward. I choose to hope and believe that well find our way around cave man
thinking, to intelligent, rational discourse. The path is set.
Did you
k n ow?
If you email info@shenandoahmagazine.com the name of the

business that uses the slogan We Sell the Best and Service the
Rest your name will be placed in a drawing for one free subscription to Shenandoah Living and one free copy of Above the
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Can you identify these photos and locations?
LETTERS
(answers at bottom of page)
I was recently discussing my anxiety over finding a source

of water for a well on a plat of land along Route 42 in
Broadway and a friend gave me your magazine from
March/April 2015 with the article on water witching. I
had heard of it and was trying to locate individuals with
that ability but its not exactly a skill that most people put
on their resume. I am hoping to be able to get in touch
with Mr. Colaw who was referenced in your article to see
if he would be able and/or willing to come out to the
property and help determine a potential spot to drill for
water for a home construction project were preparing
for in the spring. If you could pass my information along
to him, or provide me with contact information for him,
I would be extremely grateful. You have my [contact information]. Thank you so much for the interesting read!
We recently moved here from North Carolina

and I miss the Tarheel state. While visiting
the Strasburg Emporium, I picked up a copy
of Shenandoah Living. North Carolina will
always be home but the Shenandoah Valley
has certainly captured my heart. Your magazine reminds me of just how fortunate we are
in our new location. Thanks for a beautiful magazine that makes me feel Im home.
MELISSA WILLIAMSON,
STRASBURG, via email.
MELISSA NAGY, BROADWAY

via info@shenandoahmagazine.com
SL: To find out how to contact Mr. Colaw, you can email
the writer, Ginny Neil at virginianeil@yahoo.com.
I am the former CEO of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge in Staunton. I am currently volunteering with Community Child Care, a 501(c)3 organization that
offers high-quality pre-school and after-school care for children in the Valley. It is the only non-religious center that offers a sliding scale to working families who make too little to
afford day care, essentially the working poor. Community is in great need of a 12-15 passenger van to transport kids to and from school, and for field trips. Unfortunately, like most
small non-profits, this organization does not have the resources to purchase a vehicle. Do you ever come across vehicles such as this? Might you know a source to which we can
turn? Your guidance would be greatly appreciated. BEST REGARDS, BECKY KOHLER, MT. CRAWFORD (SL : We are currently on the lookout for such a vehicle. If any of
our readers can help, please email cars@valiantvirginians.org)
Shenandoah County
Shenandoah
County, you
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every day.
Embrace
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that is
Shenandoah
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Route
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DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS MAIN STREET LOCATED IN THE NORTHERN SHENANDOAH VALLEY?
A 1773 VILLAGE
Top
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Take a scenic drive or hike through Shenandoah County and
breathe the fresh mountain air.
Hit the slopes at Bryce Resort for a fun day of Skiing, Snowboarding
or Tubing.
A FEW MILES SOUTH OF HARRISONBURG?
THREE CIGARETTES IN AN ASHTRAY
Relax and enjoy the warm hospitality at one of eight local vineyards
or our craft breweries.
Stroll through our charming towns for antiques, primitives and fine
art treasures.
Explore the underground at a constant 55 degrees in Virginias
famous Shenandoah Caverns.
888-367-3965
wwww.ShenandoahTravel.org
1. Berryville, Downtown, 2. Brownsburg School, Brownsburg, 3. Cyrus Berry House in Bridgewater, 4. Patsy Cline house in Winchester
In
HOME | Lexington
LEXINGTON
Sears Alhambra Home in
STORY BY GREG SHIELDS
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF
KRISTEN MCCABE
New Kitchen
Sears Alhambra in Lexington
eems Valley folks cant get enough when it comes to featuring a Sears home in the magazine. Other than the Amazing Lizzie Wood
(Issue 22), emails from readers wanting more information or just comments about Sears homes outnumber most every other topic.
No official tally exists of the number of Sears, mail-order houses that still survive today. It is reported that more than 100,000 houses
were sold between 1908 and 1940 through Sears Modern Homes program. The keen interest evoked in current homebuyers, architectural historians, and enthusiasts of American culture indicate that thousands of these houses survive in varying degrees of condition and
original appearance.
ntire homes
would arrive by
railroad, from
precut lumber,
to carved staircases, down to the
nails and varnish.
Families picked
out their houses
according to their
needs, tastes, and
pocketbooks. Sears
provided all the materials and instructions, and for many
years the financing,
for homeowners
to build their own
houses. Sears Modern Homes stand
today as living monuments to the fine,
enduring, and solid
quality of Sears
craftsmanship.
Second Floor of a Sears Model Alhambra
After reading one of our Sears home stories, Kristen Mccabe and her husband offered to share photos of their Lexington, Virginia, Sears
home and answer a few questions about the unique experience of Sears home ownership.
First Floor of Sears Model Alhambra
Daughters Bedroom
Shenandoah Style & Home
Kitchen with open dining rooom
--Entire homes would arrive by railroad,

from precut lumber to carved staircases,
down to the nails and varnish.
How did you come to purchase a Sears home
in Lexington?
We first moved to Lexington in 1998 as newlyweds when my husband accepted his first college coaching job
as an assistant at Washington and Lee University. We moved to upstate New York in 2002 when Gene took
his first head coaching job at Hamilton College. While we were excited for Genes career move, we were sad
to leave Lexington. Four years had been enough time to fall in love with this little town. We were thrilled when
the opportunity presented itself to return to Lexington. He was hired as the Head mens Lacrosse coach at
Washington and Lee in 2006. We knew we would want to live in town. We rented on campus our first few
years back. I spent a lot of time watching the market for the perfect old fixer upper. The house caught my
eye right awayit was on the market four years before the price dropped within our range. Our offer was accepted and we purchased the house in 2010. Renovations began right away!
At the time of
purchase, did you realize your house was a Sears home?
We confess, we were not necessarily searching for a Sears home but that was icing on the cake. We loved
the idea of a home built in the 1920s. The realtor told us at the showing it was a Sears home and at closing they handed us a photocopy of the catalog listing. It hangs framed in our entryway. Visitors always
remark on it. The purchase price, when the house was built, was $1,969.
Have you made a lot of changes to the Alhambra?

We replaced 40 windows (most of the old had been painted shut) and and painted the exterior. We
removed two walls to open the kitchen into the formal dining and create a more open floor plan.
We also completely gutted and remodeled the kitchen and finished the basement to create a family/kid
space.
When we finished the attic to create more bedroom space, we had to install insulation, build walls, hangsheetrock, paint and install flooring. Worth every dollar!
The hour has arrived. Dad gathers Mom

and Sis into the carriage. He hops in the
wagon with his brothers to ride off to the
railroad station. The day and hour have
come to greet the first shipment of your
familys brand-new house. All the lumber
will be precut and arrive with instructions for your dad and uncles to assemble
and build. Mom and Dad picked out No.
140 from Sears, Roebuck and Companys
catalog. It will have two bedrooms and
a cobblestone foundation, plus a front
porchbut no bath. They really wanted
No. 155, with a screened-in front porch,
built-in buffet, and inside bath (!), but
$1,100 was twice as much as Dad said he
could afford. In just a few days, the whole
family will sleep under the roof of your
custom-made Sears Modern Home.
BY OWNER
$ $325,000
335,000
Broadways Full Service Flooring Store
Your Real Estate Resource
116 N Main Street

Lexington, VA 24450
(540) 464-1128
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We also had the entire house rewired

from the old knob and tube and removed
asbestors from the basement
Of course, weve done lots of painting! (it
never ends). Thank goodness for my Dad.
He is a master electrician and has been
around construction his whole life. He did
almost all of the work, saving us on labor
costs and his guidance was priceless.
We yet want to remodel all thre bathrooms! We need to paint the roof, refinish
all the original wood floors and landscape
the backyard.
FOR SALE
CARPET
TECH.
OF
VIRGINIA
381 South Main Street

Broadway, VA 22815
540.896.7757
Harrisonburg , 3,700. Sq. ft.

In-law quarters, 5 acres..
www.valleyrealestatebrokers.com
540-820-7456
Did you
k n ow?
If you email info@shenandoahmagazine.com the name of the
business that uses the slogan
Designs for Serene Living your
name will be placed in a drawing
for one free subscription to
Shenandoah Living and one free
copy of Above the Shenandoah.
Drawing will occur on Mar 1, 2016.
Staunton, Virginia
Lexington . Staunton . Waynesboro

Augusta and Rockbridge Counties
Lone Pine Lighting

Glass & Fabric Lamp Shades
Antique Lamps
Aladdin Lamps & Parts
Ultra-Pure Lamp Oil
Lamp Parts
Lamp Repair
Bring your lamp for a Personalized Fitting

Hours: Thurs through Sat 9-6
540.879.9899
LOCATION: Dayton Farmers Market 3105 John Wayland Hwy.
New Year...
New Mattress
All mattresses are not created equal. Thats
why at Grand we have nearly 70 different
models to choose from with factory-trained
staff to help you understand the range of
choices and match your needs with a new
mattress thats right for you. Whether you
choose an innerspring or a memory foam
mattress no one in the area sells more
mattresses than Grand.
Are you aware of
other Sears Homes in

the Lexington area?
We were not aware until we saw your
magazine was looking for them. Now Im
fascinated to know which homes are!
Ask about our Free Next Day Delivery,

Mattress Comfort Assurance Program
and 125% Price Guarantee!
What resources did you use to research
your Sears home and make improvements?
We havent really consulted sources in particular for the Sears home. Im a home and
garden magazine junky and love reading
them from cover to cover. Im always cognizant of the year our home was built and
try to make choices that honor that, but at
the same time work for our family. For example, I chose traditional cabinet fronts for
the kitchen and well be returning to claw
foot tubs for the kids and master baths.
Residential . Lots/Land . Farms

Commercial . Rentals . Investment
THE VILLAGES AT STAUNTON
Start each day fresh this year with a new mattress set!
WEST VILLAGE NEIGHBORHOOD

A jewel in the crown of the Queen City. Beautifully renovated
retaining original character and charm. Light-filled interior,
gleaming hardwood floors, first and second floor sunrooms,
rear porches, patio, and park-like setting. $428,900
CHARLOTTESVILLE
1801 Seminole Trail (Rt 29) | 434.974.6480
LEXINGTON
1 South Main St. | 540.463.3121
WAYNESBORO
436 Tiffany Dr. Behind Walmart | 540.942.4119
Betty A Garey, Associate Broker

Resa W Beasley, REALTOR
(540) 569-6481
VALLEY REAL ESTATE BROKERS LLC
(540) 255-4035
28 Imperial Drive . Staunton VA 24401 . (540) 213-8700
www.grandhomefurnishings.com
WINCHESTER
1829 S. Loudoun St. | 540.662.0912
HARRISONBURG
2080 Evelyn Byrd Ave. | 540.434.7619
Valiant Virginians
BY GREG SHIELDS
Providing economical and reliable transportation

options to residents of the Shenandoah Valley
The Cost of a Used Car: $18,800
he Edmunds Q2 2015 Used Vehicle Market Report finds that the average price of a used car has
gone up 7.6 percent compared to 2014, to $18,800.
That would be a surprise to anyone who didnt read
last years Used Vehicle Market Report, when the average price was a then-record $16,800, that number being up 5.7 percent from 2013s average price.
Why are used car prices rising so rapidly? According to Edmunds, some of the factors driving the yearly
increases remain the same: growing new car sales,
positive sentiment regarding the economy, low interest
rates and low gas prices are contributing factors, as are
higher transaction prices for new cars creating fortified
off-lease and certified pre-owned inventory. The CPO
market is now 22.7 percent of used car sales, a record.
Since 2002, the average car loan term has slowly
crept past five years, and is now inching past six-anda-half years. In 2014, 62 percent of the auto loans
were for terms over 60 months. And nearly 20 percent of the loans were for 73- to 84-month terms.
What if?
If you donate a car to
VALIANT VIRGINIANS
540-746-1962
www.valiantvirginians.org
cars@valiantvirginians.org
$483
The average monthly payment for a new

vehicle in the second quarter of 2015 was $483.
$361 The average used-car payment was $361
widening the gap between the two to $122.

The information services company said this is the
largest margin since it began publicly reporting the
data in 2008.
$28,524 On average, car shoppers financed

$28,524 for a new vehicle.
The Numbers...2014
$18,671 On average, car shoppers financed
$18,671 for a used car.
31.4
percent of all new vehicles financed were

leased, up from 30.2 percent the previous year.
What if there was a place to go where you could

buy a good, dependable used car for less than
half of the $18,671 average used car price? A
place where you could be financed at a reasonable rate for 36 months. No more 60-month
loans? In the future, there can be a place if the
Valiant Virginians Shifting Gears to 1965 is successul. Look of the next update in the April/May
issue of Shenandoah Living.
62 percent of new auto loans were for terms

over 60 months.
20 percent of new auto loans were for terms

between 73-84 months.
16.1
percentage of used vehicles that were

financed.
you will:
Receive a free subscription to

Shenandoah Living magazine.
One FREE RAFFLE TICKET for a chance
to win a 1965 Corvette .
Feel better.
Change a life.
DONATE TODAY
CALL: 540-746-1962
EMAIL: cars@valiantvirginians.org
Shifting Gears to 1965

Corvette Raffle Update #1
This is our first update on the Shifting Gears to 1965 Corvette
Raffle. We will continue our updates until all raffle tickets are
sold. Our application was submited on January 31, 2016, and
we are wating approval. Our plan is to begin selling our first
tickets in April and awarding the car to the winning raffle ticket
holder on Thanksgiving (November 24, 2016).
ABOVE THE SHENANDOAH
Aerial Photography Showcasing the Shenandoah Valley
A Valley
with a View!
As a reminder, we are seeking permission to raffle a 1965

Corvette Stingray Coupe (valued at $75,000) to earn money to
expand the scope and reach of our mission. Over a six month
period, Valiant Virginians will sell 2,500 tickets for $100 each.
Stay tuned to our website, the magazine and Facebook for
more information. We will document and journal our story
and keep you updated in each issue of Shenandoah Living.
Odds of Winning: 1 in 2,500

Own a 1965 vintage Corvette for $100? What are the odds?
Ticket holders have a 1 in 2,500 chance of winning the Corvette. Compared to the 1 in 259,000,000 odds of winning the
Mega Million lottery, this seems quite reasonable. Yes, the
prize is smaller but it is within grasp and extremely unique.
To win this rare 1965 vintage Corvette with only a $100
investment, would be awesome. Will it be you?
How We Will Used Raffle Proceeds

To date, demand for cars far exceeds our supply. The
proceeds from the raffle will be used for the following:
-Expand our reach and serve more families
-Help deserving families with minor auto repairs
-Build and maintain a 12 car inventory at all times
-Expand our car gifting program
-Repair and maintain our auto inventory
-Fund and promote future fundraising activities
-Expand reach of Shenandoah Living Magazine
A 56-page, beautifully presented book of aerial

photographs that capture the Valley as its never been seen before.
Published by Valiant Virginians.
NOTICE
Ships in May 2016
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 visiting
our store at www.valiantvirginians.org.
rend
of Motor T
On Cover ber 1975
Decem
1 in 2500 Chances of WINNING this 1965 Corvette
1965 Corvette Coupe with FACTORY ORIGINAL NUMBERS MATCHING 327-300 4-speed Manual
Air Conditioning & Tinted Windows
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Serving the Valley Since 1994

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Elkton, VA Route 33
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FARM | SHENANDOAH COUNTY
Dont settle for the rest when you can have the best!
Stop in to James River Equipment and experience
a full line of John Deere solutions.
With convenient features like drive-over mower
decks that offer quick attachment/detachment
without ever leaving your seat, Twin Touch pedals
for ease of use, and hydrostatic transmission for
increased maneuverability, youll get chores
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150 JOHN MANVILLE DRIVE M-F 8:00AM-5:00PM | SAT 8:00AM-12:00PM
Harrisonburg 540-434-4457
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Fishersville 540-337-3057
98 EXPO ROAD M-F 7:00AM-5:30PM | SAT 8:00AM-1:00PM
*Fixed Rate of 0.0% for 84 Months. Offer ends March 31, 2016. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Some restrictions apply; other special rates and terms may be available, so see your dealer for details and other
inancing options. Valid only at participating US Dealers.
Volunteer
SHENANDOAH COUNTY
Farm
Bob Blair, chairman of the World Foundation for Children at Woodstocks Volunteer Farm, is no stranger to disaster. He
worked as the Director of Public Affairs for the White House Office of Emergency Preparedness, which eventually transformed into FEMA, from Nixon to Clinton, he said. Shenandoah County became my sanity clause.
For thirty years the sprawling land Blair purchased off Back Road in Woodstock served as a Christmas Tree farm. But one
morning in 2004, the retired Blair woke up with a revelation. Combining his professional expertise in crisis management with
his love for farming and helping others, he would use the land to grow food for needy families in the Shenandoah Valley. Thus
the Volunteer Farm was born; an effort that, 12 years later, continues to grow.
In 2015 alone, Blair said the farm distributed over 55 tons of food to local food banks, including 2,000 pounds of potatoes
just before Thanksgiving. From the initial 50,000 people helped per month, the Volunteer Farm now supplements the pantries
of 150,000 per month. The numbers are astounding.
More people are hungry now, Blair said. We may not have a starvation problem in this country, but we have a nutrition
STORY BY REBEKAH POSTUPAK

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF
VOLUNTEER FARM
...of the more than

20,000 volunteers who
have served at the farm
over the years, representing 42 states and 27
countries, the vast majority are under 18.
SHOP
STAUNTON
FIRST.
stauntondowntown.org
The numbers are astounding. More

people are hungry now, Blair said.
We may not have a starvation
problem in this country, but we have a
nutrition problem. Poor nutrition leads
to diabetes and other health prob-
Get it Downtown.
lemsbut Twinkies are cheaper than

apples.
effort.
They learn teamwork, about the great outdoors, about where
our food comes from, Blair said. Serving at places like the
Volunteer Farm when they are young will hopefully translate
into a lifetime habit of helping others.
_______________________________________________
problem. Poor nutrition leads to diabetes and
other health problemsbut Twinkies are cheaper than
apples.
With food pantries across Virginia struggling to survive due
to lack of funding, Blair admitted that despite its tremendous success each year, the Volunteer Farm battles funding
and expense challenges too.
The amount we grow is based on the amount we collect, he said. Farming is expensive.
The Volunteer Farm is not detached from the Shenandoah
residents it serves; its lifeblood consists of donations and
volunteer labor from caring people and organizations in the
Valley and beyond.
And goodness knows there is always plenty to do. Even in
February?
Oh yes, said Blair. In February we need people to help
with fundraising, to work in our office. If the weathers
dry, well start prepping the field for planting, and trying to
get potatoes, turnips, and beets in the ground as soon as
possible.
Adult supporters often cherish personal reasons for
donating to or working at the farm. Blair said, The vast
majority of our donors have been hungry at some time in
their lives; for example, maybe they were on food stamps
for a while. They know what hunger is all about. Its much
harder to convince people to help who have never been
hungry.
However, of the more than 20,000 volunteers who have
served at the farm over the years, representing 42 states and
27 countries, the vast majority are under 18. Many come
from local schools and homeschool groups; a steady stream
of helpers come from Harrisonburgs James Madison
University. Church groups, both local ones such as the
United Methodist Church in Woodstock, and far away, such
as Presbyterian churches in Georgia and Pennsylvania, may
design mission trips around working at the farm.
They come here to help us feed our own neighbors,
said Blair, amazement tinging his voice.
This past year the Volunteer Farm was successful in
attracting several classes with special needs kids to join the
Sadly, as we were going to press with this issue, the Volunteer Farm
announced its closing. According to their press release, the closing was
due to the lack of sufficient donations to continue operations for
another year.The Officers, Board and Staff would like to express
their deep gratitude to the many donors and volunteers who supported
the efforts of the charity for many years.--Editor
Home & Garden Health & Wellness Aromatherapy

Bath & Spa Meditation & Yoga Supplies
13 S. New St., Staunton, VA
HarmonyMoonGifts.com
(540) 885-1368
Join us for a Cranberrys breakfast!

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Mark Protil
Karl
Protil
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VA24401
24401
347Cedar
CedarGreen
Green Road,
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Staunton VA
Phone/Fax:
Phone/Fax: 540-885-6664
540-885-6664
protilandsons.com
protilandsons.com
Open 7 days a week - Mon - Sat 9:30a.m. - 5:30p.m. - Sun - Noon - 5 p.m
O Shenandoah
Artisan Trail Open
Door Tour event
Gardens, Galleries & Grapes
Open
7 South New St., Downtown Staunton

885-4755 - gocranberrys.com
Saturday April 23 & Sunday April 24

Join us as we host more than 20 artisans
Monday - Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm

n! Sunday-noon-5:00pm.
OpeVisitor Center, Gift Shops and Museum
D id yo u
k n o w...?
For your ad in this space

CONTACT
Staunton was named in honor of the

lovely wife of a Virginia Governor named
Gooch, Lady Rebecca Staunton Gooch.
Incorporated as a town of 800 in 1801,
she now has a small yet bustling downtown and a population of almost 24,000.
Oh, and hey you should move there!
Ellen Kozicki
540-820-7546
ellenslmagazine@aol.com
Cranberrys
STORY BY SARA TRANUM

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT SCHMACHTENBERG
Food | Dining
What do you do if you jump on a
galloping horse?
Hold on. And try not to steer it
off course.
Breakfast at Cranberrys Grocery & Eatery in Staunton.
Fast-forward twelve years and Cranberrys is a staple of downtown Staunton. Its a successful business in a city regularly
recognized for its downtown shopping and ambiance with designations such as 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Virginia and
Americas Best Main Streets in the Huffington Post. Whites
focus has been to maintain the business heart and charm, while
making minor modifications and updates.
hats how Joseph White

describes taking over
Cranberrys Grocery and
Eatery from Kathleen
Stinehart and Alan Christy in 2015.
Stinehart founded the business in
2003, bringing healthy, natural and
tasty foods to downtown Staunton.
The store expanded to include
organic groceries, body care items,
an apothecary section, locally roasted
coffee and an eatery serving delicious
and nutritious meals throughout the
day.
Fast-forward twelve years and
Cranberrys is a staple of downtown
Staunton. Its a successful business
in a city regularly recognized for its
downtown shopping and ambiance
with designations such as 10 Most
Beautiful Towns in Virginia and
Americas Best Main Streets in the
Huffington Post. Whites focus has
been to maintain the business heart
and charm, while making minor
modifications and updates.
One of the newest changes at
Cranberrys is Monday night trivia,
hosted on the second floor, complete
with buzzers for ringing in. They
recently switched over to their winter
hours, still opening at 7:30 a.m., but
closing earlier, at 5:30 p.m. A calendar of events is conveniently placed
under the glass top of every table in
the eatery and a few other places in
the store.
Come March, they resume evening
hours until 7 p.m. Good weather brings diners filling tables

on the sidewalk in front of the store. White hopes to have
an ice cream station for ready-to-go treats in the grocery
area by summer.
On the day of my lunchtime visit, I was lucky enough
to snag a seat where I could watch foot traffic flow into
the store and eatery. Within minutes, a smiling young lady
delivered The Thai with chicken and colorful, plump
berries and grapes. There was a nuttiness at the start of
every bite and a bit of crunch from the zucchini, but as I
kept chewing the spiciness appeared. Both the wrap and
the zing were gone as suddenly as they appeared and I tried
not to waste a morsel.
For those not able to finish, or to take their food to go,
White added compost collection to the area with bins for
dishes, cans for trash and recycling. More changes are on
the horizon, most of them small improvements rather than
major modifications, such as the updated menu layout. He
noted that its a healthy business, well-supported by regulars, first-time and returning tourists, and newcomers.
FOOD
TOP: Inside Cranberrys.
RIGHT TOP: The muffin case at Cranberrys Grocery & Eatery
RIGHT BOTTOM: Organic produce at Cranberrys Grocery &
Eatery
The Best of Shenandoah Dining

Quench your
thirst for . . .
A Unique Variety
TOP:
Cranberrys Store Front
BOTTOM LEFT:
Have a smoothie at
Cranberrys Grocery in
Staunton.
BOTTOM CENTER: A
spiced plum and
corn crisp dessert
sits on the line to be
delivered.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Bulk
foods at Cranberrys
Grocery & Eatery in
Staunton.
On a weekday morning you may meet Mr. V, who

arrives at opening for his morning coffee--a cup of
freshly brewed Lesters Best. If you try a cup, after the
steam clears, what youll find is dark, rich and smooth.
The bottom of the mug appears before you know it,
and youre headed back to the coffee bar for a refill.
It doesnt take more than a few sips to agree with the
statement on their website: It costs more because
its worth more. The house brew, Lucky No. 7, is
accompanied by another regular, a decaf, and various
espresso drinks.
By now several men will have taken over the large
round table in the eatery with their breakfasts, and
discussions of local events and sports. If you happen
in on a Saturday, a group of women typically sit at
the same table, sharing their morning meal. Stay long
enough and youre likely to meet actors from Blackfriars Playhouse or encounter the steady stream of
lunch customers. Some days the line stretches into the
grocery section of the store, but the made-to-order
meals are worth the wait.
Cranberrys Grocery and Eatery is located at 7 South New
Street in Staunton.
baskets & beauty & bowls & boxes &

bracelets & cds & cards &
chainmaille & color & creativity &
demos & dreams & earrings &
encaustics & kids' corner & gifts &
glass & inspiration & love &
magnets & mugs & necklaces &
notecards & originality & ornaments
& paintings & passion & pens &
photography & poetry & pottery &
quality & quilling & rings & scarves
& shawls & signs & silver & stained
glass & style & surprise &
switchplates & tiles & trays &
wallhangings & watercolors &
windchimes & wineglasses &
wonderment & woodturnings &
MORE!!!!!
It's all at Oasis Fine Art & Craft!
103 S. Main St., Harrisonburg
oasis neartandcraft.org
Like us on Facebook!
Did you
k n ow?
In January 2014, Harrisonburgs city council, with the support of

local businesses and restaurants, mapped out the lively downtown
areaan area whose shops and arts were already enthusiastically
nurtured by the 10+ year-old Renaissance effortsand boldly proclaimed it an official Culinary District.
Grains & Greens
Executive Chef and Owner David Engel has opened a new restaurant in
Harrisonburg that focuses on locally-sourced ingredients to create a
refreshing alternative to fast food.
Greens & Grains Cafs mission is to
offer locally sourced meals, in a clean
and friendly environment using the
abundance of ingredients that are
available in the Shenandoah Valley.
Local partners help to make the
business better by providing simple
ingredients that make their sandwiches, soups, salads and pastas
better tasting and better for you.
Rice and potato flour is used to
make all their soups, gluten free and
allergens are listed in plain view for
everything. They even offer vegan,
vegetarian and dairy-free soups
daily.
Salad Creations
hasTaverna
turned a new leaf
Daves
HotSandwiches
Sandwiches |I Hot
Hot Pastas |I Coffees
Coffees
Hot
Salads
Salads I|Wraps
Wraps I|VA
VA Beers
Beers &
& Wine
Wine
Gluten
Gluten Free
Free Soups
Soups
DAVES
TAVERNACaf
Greens
& Grains
810 Port Republic Rd | Harrisonbur VA
grand opening
Salad Creations
has turned a new leaf
540-801-8646
865 Port Republic

Roada week
I Harrisonburg
I 540-433-1702
10am-9:30pm
7 days
| Locallyt VA
Owned
& Operated
10am-9:30pm 7 days a week I Locally Owned & Operated
240 N. Central Ave.

Ste. 4, Staunton, VA
540-886-1534
Mon-Sat 7:30am - 7:00pm
Hot Sandwiches I Hot Pastas I Coffees

Local
Foods
With anI VA
International
Flair
Salads
I Wraps
Beers & Wine
Locally sourced
Grocery,
Gluten Free Soups
Maple Syrup, and Raw Honey
Greens & Grains Caf
Lucas Roasting Company

Shark Mountain Coffee Company
grand opening
865 Port Republic Road I Harrisonburg VA I 540-433-1702

10am-9:30pm 7 days a week I Locally Owned & Operated
Teas sourced through Stauntons White Lotus Tea Club

Many Virginias Finest certified products
www.TheStoreInStaunton.com
Most popular soups that are offered

every day are Garden Vegetable,
Vegan Black Bean, Crab Bisque,
Cream of Potato, Beef & Wild Rice,
and two daily specials.
Over 20 Virginia-brewed beers from
all over the state!
So Go Local by visiting your locally owned Greens & Grains Caf Today!
A few of our local partners:

--Bakers Dozen fresh breads --Mt Crawford Creamery
--Twin Oaks Communities- organic tofu
--Rt 11 Potato Chips
Owner: Joseph White
865 Port Republic Road, Harrisonburg, Va.

www.greensandgrainsva.com~540-433-1702~Catering available
?
Wh ere ca n you go
Where can you go in the Shenandoah

Valley where the temperature is a
constant 55 degrees? Find the answer
on page 12.
Commmunity | Bridgewater
Main Street Matters
Brigewaters
Generations Park
STORY BY LINDSAY RAYNER BARNES
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER
Generations Park offers a first-class ice skating facility unlike any other in the
Shenandoah Valley, says Wilmer. The new rink should prove to be especially
appealing to students of Bridgewater College, since the park is within walking
distance from the school, and ice skating will be free for town residents, with a small
fee for out-of-town visitors.
or a young person looking for a social life, living in or around

the small town of Bridgewater can be a blessing and a curse.
Although the town is small, rural and full of friendly people,
finding something to do for entertainment can be a challenge.
The choices are limited if you are unwilling to travel. However, the creation
of Generations Park is livening up this small town.
The concept of building a park in Bridgewater to include features for
every generation has been around for a number of years, according to
Alexander Wilmer, a paralegal for the town. First discussed in 2002, the
town council made no announcement until 2013. It finally came to fruition
with the opening of Generations Park, at 412

North Main Street, last August. The park offers a meeting place for town residents, and a
variety of both seasonal and year-round activities to appeal to young and old alike, connecting generations of Bridgewater residents.
The park is home to the Bridgewater farmers
market, an ice skating rink and the Jalapeno
Southwest Grill. Concerts and movie nights
round out the activities.
The farmers market at the new park
opened last August and continued through the
fall. The market operated weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays, with 15 regular vendors,
according to Megan Byler, one of the sites
managers. Then, on Thanksgiving weekend,
the ice rink opened.
Generations Park offers a first-class ice
skating facility unlike any other in the Shenandoah Valley, Wilmer said. The new rink is
especially appealing to students of Bridgewater College, since the park is within walking
distance from the school, and ice skating is
free for town residents, with a small fee for
out-of-town visitors.
Reactions to the news of the facility has been
positive among students of both BC and
James Madison University. Jasmine Guadarrama, a freshman at BC, said shes excited to
have something to do in Bridgewater. Its
nice to have something in walking distance to
hang around outside of school, she said.
There isnt much to do around here, so itll
be nice to have another place to keep us college [and high school] students entertained,
said Nicole Nguyen, a senior at JMU.
BC sophomore Hayley Oakley said that she
hasnt ice skated very much because of the
lack of availability but is excited to have an
ice skating rink in the community.
During the winter season, the rink is open
seven days a week; 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on week
days and noon to 9 p.m. on the weekends.
But check their Facebook page or the towns
website for updates before going. Unseasonably warm weather in December forced the
town to close the rink until the temperatures
dropped again.
So, if youre looking for something fun to
do whether youre in high school or college,
or have a family of your own, make sure to
check out the new Generations Park. It is sure
to have something for you, no matter what
generation youre in!
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Drop by and enjoy

shopping from a
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405 North Main Street
Bridgewater, Virginia
540-828-4949
LEFT: Meleah
OPEN MON-SAT 10-5
Shirley skating with her

Grandpa.
www.shineadulted.org
Building Blocks
(Waynesboro)
(540) 946-9241
SHINE FEATURED STUDENT

Ingrid Garcia de Lazo
Massanutten Technical
Center
(540) 434-5961
Staunton-Augusta Adult
Learning Center
(540) 245-5083
Rockbridge Regional
Adult Education
(540) 462) 7536
Ingrid Garcia de Lazo is now a
proud citizen of the United States

of America. Here is her story.
I am from El Salvador. I hold a law

degree and worked as an attorney in my country. Knowing there
would be more opportunities for
my daughter, my family moved
to Harrisonburg in 2010. I was
unable to speak or understand
English when I arrived. Within two
months I started ESOL classes at
Career Development Academy and
attended classes every day for two
and half years.
LEFT:
Skate rentals
available
RIGHT:
Summer
Farmers
Market
National External Diploma Program

Adult High School Degree Completion
Citizenship
Skyline Literacy
Executive Director:
Elizabeth Girvan
Tell us about yourself.
RIGHT: Jarvis
Vaughan with
Danita Kilgore enjoying the ice rink.
For more information, see the town of Bridgewaters website

http://town.bridgewater.va.us/v.php?pg=166 or Generations
Park on Facebook
GED Preparation and Testing
How did learning English affect

your life?
Did you
k n ow?
If you email info@shenandoahmagazine.com

the name of the business that uses the slogan
Biggest Little Store in the Valley your name
will be placed in a drawing for one free subscription to Shenandoah Living and one FREE copy
of Above the Shenandoah. You will find the
answer in one of our ads. Look for it! Drawing
will occur on Mar 1, 2016. Winners announced
in the April/May 2016 issue.
I was very excited to be offered the

opportunity to work as an aide to
the ESOL instructors. Not only did
I continue to work on my English
skills, but I also learned how to
work in an office and how to use
different computer programs. I
was offered a job and currently
work as a Program Support Specialist.
How did Skyline Literacy play a part

in your current success?
I desired to become an American
citizen, so I attended Skyline Literacys citizenship classes. I struggled
with historical dates. I was assigned
a tutor, who met with me on Saturdays. She helped put the events in
chronological order, which helped
me understand the history. I was
able to pass my Citizenship interview
and was very proud to take my oath.
What is your next step in your education or career goals?
I am currently studying to pass the
Virginia State Bar. I would like to
practice law again.
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HISTORY | Civil War

STORY BY ED TUTWILER
O
Freedoms Cry
ne glorious June morning while riding my bicycle

north from the Augusta County village of New
Hope, I passed a small roadside marker. The
inscription revealed that I was overlooking the Piedmont
battlefield. The vista to all points of the compass is much
the same as what it was on the morning of June 5, 1864.
The view of the rolling farmland is breathtaking. As I gazed
outward toward the east, my eyes filled with tears when I
pictured these green vistas soaked in blood.
When compared with other battles, the death toll at
Piedmont was small. The Confederate losses were 100
killed, 500 wounded and 900 captured or missing. The
Union losses were 150 killed, 650 wounded and 75 missing. The battle lasted only one day and was a Confederate
loss. As I stood there digesting these impersonal facts and
pondering the troop movements associated with the battle,
I began picturing these people slaughtering one another.
For what? I almost screamed aloud.
Heroics and gallantry know no allegiance and the horror
of war knows no master. Brave men met on this particular
battlefield 150 years ago and killed each other. They spilled
their blood on these groundssome willingly, some reluctantly. Some were fighting to right a mighty injustice, others,
mostly locally conscripted old men and boys, to defend their
homes. Blood is red no matter who spills it and the willingness to go forth to this task is strong. As I pondered this, I
decided that maybe this is a big part of being an American
the willingness to stand in harms way to right an injustice or
defend a home.
Heroics and gallantry know no allegiance and the horror

of war knows no master. Brave men met on this particular
battlefield 150 years ago and killed each other. They spilled
their blood on these groundssome willingly, some reluctantly.
We as a nation sometimes make bad decisions, and nationally we dont always do things in the manner many of our
citizens would like; however, we step forth not as despots
or as conquerors but rather as well meaning, sometimes
bumbling, friends. In the past, the United States of America
has been thrust upon the world stage in major conflicts. In
each case, every day folks stepped forth in various ways to
right a wrong. When that wrong got righted, they offered a
hand in friendship and aid in any form needed. Even though
our methods are sometimes in error, our hearts are not. We
want for everyone to have the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy and we will put on the line our lives and
welfare to achieve that reality. Not all of this effort involves
bloodshed. There are young Americans scattered throughout
the world engaged in altruistic endeavors. Americans go forth
collectively to answer their nations call but they also go forth
individually in answer to an inner calling.
When compared with other battles, the death toll at Piedmont

was small. The Confederate losses were 100 killed, 500
wounded and 900 captured or missing. The Union losses were
150 killed, 650 wounded and 75 missing.
Why do we do this? Why do we have this collective need to reach out? Is it
something in our makeup that generates an inner desire to make our neighborhoods and our world a better place? Can we isolate this collective national
trait? It certainly is not politics, for neither liberal nor conservative thinkers
have a lock on the desire to help others. Its not religion, for that influence
sometimes teaches isolation and hate rather than help. Its not education,
for we purposefully, it seems, avoid teaching values and morals in our public
schools. I certainly do not have the answer. All that I know is that we, more
so than any other nation or society on earth, offer help and solace to a world
full of needs while fully realizing that the reverse would not be true.
So, here I stood at the Piedmont battlefield where in 1864 the waning
stages of a great conflict played out. The terrible boil of slavery, festering
ever since the nation was formed, was lanced. It was a painful operation.
However, on these green fields and many like them, the operation succeeded
in saving the patient, and a new stronger nation formed. That nation became
the keeper of the flame of freedom that we live in today. That thought lifted
my sprits and made me think that the blood shed that day in 1864, and the
blood that has been shed on many battlefields since, was not shed in vain. As
we ponder this, let us all strive to never allow freedoms flame to go dark.
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www.RedeemerClassical.org
The good. The true. The beautiful.
Project Hands:
FEATURE | Rescue Mission
For the Stories We Hold

A photojournalism project by Laura Richards
Contributor Laura (Weeks) Richards shares excerpts from her latest collection, Project Hands: For the Stories We Hold. Last
year, Richards interviewed and photographed men and women staying at the Roanoke Rescue Mission, a comprehensive, Christianbased shelter. Richards recently completed her second exhibition of the project at Roanokes Alexander-Heath Contemporary Gallery. Proceeds from her two shows have benefited the Rescue Mission. More about Project Hands and all of the stories can be found
at storieswehold.com.
Handmade quilts like this one adorn each of the 423 beds at the Rescue Mission.
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.
More than 50 portraits and not a single face

Instead, hands. Hands that have aided in spiraling depression and life-saving prayer. Hands of every age, race, and religion.
Hands that tell stories.
As I knelt to photograph Ricks hands, which almost ended his life in 1992, I had no idea this image and his
story would be the first in a heart breaking, awe-inspiring, perspective-changing body of work.
But together, Rick, Jasim, Vanessa, Joy, Dustin and countless others Ive interviewed and photographed
for Project Hands have created a powerful portrait of the human spirit and its incredible resiliency.
Together, their hands have opened my eyes and filled my heart with a greater, deeper love for those who
receive judgement all too quickly.
I hope theyll do the same for you.

Laura Richards
Dustins portrait accompanies an eye-opening story of mental illness. I love people, and thats the thing people dont understand
about my illness, says Dustin, 27, who suffers from agoraphobia,
an anxiety disorder characterized by attacks of intense fear. I always try to see the good in people. Im positive. There are days
I wake up and Im absolutely miserable, but I smile and try to
make everybody laugh whatever it takes to get through a day.
Laura poses with

a copy of The
Roanoke Times,
which featured
Project Hands
on the front of
its Sunday edition on May 17,
2015.
DUSTIN
Im a mommas boy. Alway have been, always will be. I have to lie to her a lot,
though. I have to tell her Im okay when Im not.
I never was the type to judge a book by
its cover I was always the book that got
judged. I was a dirty punk-rocker when I was a
kid. I had a 20-inch Mohawk. I was always the
outcast. So I never judged anyone. Everyone is
fighting their own battles.
Dustin, 27, suffers from agoraphobia, an anxiety
disorder characterized by attacks of intense fear. A
person with this mental illness is often afraid to leave
environments they know to be safe. One panic attack
was so debilitating for Dustin that he stayed in his
house for three years. Hes been in and out of psychiatric facilities since then.
My stepfather was mentally abusive when I
was a child, but I cant sit here and say I had a
bad childhood. My own choices have brought
me here. The last several years have been
rough, dealing with this mental illness. A lot of
people dont understand mental illness, even
my own friends. I lost everyone and everything
because of this. That was the hardest part
for me, seeing all these people I cared about
turn their back on me and for nothing. Just
because they didnt understand. Theres not a
lot of compassion left out there.
Im going to make it or not. A lot of people

dont. I think thats why they gave up on me. I
guess they think that if they put distance between us, and I didnt make it, then it wouldnt
hurt.
Whats one thing people dont understand about
mental illness?
Its disabling, but people associate disability
with physical things. Like a guy with one arm.
People can see why he cant do things. But if
I tell someone I cant go to 7-Eleven to buy
them a pack of cigarettes, they dont understand why. Its really difficult for anyone who
hasnt experienced anxiety and panic attacks.
What does a year down the road look like for you?
A year from now, Id like the good days
to outweigh the bad. In five years, I just want
to be doing something that makes me happy.
The problem is, I dont know what makes me
happy anymore.
Dustin might one day like to work in the psychiatric field, perhaps as a counselor.
You wouldnt go into a tattoo parlor and
get a tattoo from someone with no tattoos.
Dustins mom is his strongest source of support.

Im a mommas boy. Always have been,
always will be. I have to lie to her a lot, though.
I have to tell her Im okay when Im not. Im
tired of hearing her cry. She doesnt know if
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I shouldve left my kids dad when they were babies, interviewee Janet told Laura in January 2015. I
stuck it out because I didnt have a father, and I thought it was best for them to have one. But he wasnt
good for them. He held a shotgun to my daughters head one night because he thought his marijuana got
stolen. They love him to death, though. They worship the ground he walks on. Im kind of jealous, because
they feel something so strong for him. I dont feel that they care about me.
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I started my life at 16. Id never really had a good life

before that, because my stepfather molested me. My
mom and I never got along. She only came around
for Christmas and birthdays.
When I was 17, I had my son. I got to keep him
for three months, and then I had to give him up. I
was sleeping on the streets with him. I couldnt go
home.
I had my daughter two years later. When she was
two, I got in trouble and went to jail. My mom took
her away from me. I never saw her again, even though
we both lived in Roanoke.
Losing my kid and going to jail messed with my
head. I started doing drugs really bad. But I finally
straightened out my life and had two more girls.
Raised them, got them through graduations. I swore
up and down Id have them graduate, even if it meant
going to school with them.
My husband passed away last February 17th.

When he died, I shut down emotionally and physically. Its been a hard year. My body is just worn out.
When my husband died, one thing led to another.
I didnt have a place to live, because I couldnt afford
where we were living. I dont get his pension. I dont
get his benefits from the service. I woke up one day
and decided I had to come here.
For the first time, Im fixing me. When I first came
here, I was really depressed. I still fight with it, but my
medication will help. Im hoping to have more energy
to do things I want to do.
I wish Id never done a lot of the things Ive done.
I wish I could go back and not do drugs, not try to
commit suicide. I wish I could do it all different.
I shouldve left my kids dad when they were
babies. I stuck it out because I didnt have a father,
and I thought it was best for them to have one. But
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A note displayed on a bulletin board in the Women and

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The Yellow House on 210 East

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built in the 1890s, for W. H. Sipe, a
prominent local merchant and civic
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Did you k n ow?
According to County Health Rankings and

Roadmaps, http://www.countyhealthrankings.
org/, Harrisonburg was selected as the 19th
most healthy city/county in Virginia. There are
393 physicians per 100,000 population in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The US average is 261. Do
you know which city/county was voted #1 The
answer is embedded in one of our ads. Email
info@shenandoahmagazine with the answer
and the NAME OF THE AD where you found
it to be entered into a drawing for a free copy
of Above the Shenandoah. Drawing March 1,
2016. Winners announced in Apr/May issue.
Sound Therapy
BY MARTHA BELL GRAHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT SCHMACHTENBERG
Music therapy benefits infants to Alzheimers patients and many more people in between
s the sun sets, many Alzheimers patients become agitated. The phenomenon known as sundowning is hard on caregivers and patients. But one innovative
therapy is now available in the central Shenandoah Valley. Last year Briana Reichgott Priester, a board-certified music therapist, opened Studio B Music
for Living LLC. Studio B offers music therapy to Alzheimers patients and others challenged by an array of conditions. Those with intellectual or learning
disabilities, Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injury, attention deficit disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, or anyone suffering from emotional loss
or trauma can benefit from music therapy.
Studio Bs developmental music class is open to infants and toddlers.
Brianas studio is full

of musical instruments, from guitars
to bongo drums.
The American Music Therapy Association has a long definition of music therapy, Priester said, but the bottom line is that were using music to help meet
non-musical, clinical goals such as activities of daily living, social skills, fine and gross motor skills, and peace of mind putting out the hottest fires that prevent
people from living the highest quality of life they can.
Music works differently than any other medium, she said. [British neurologist] Oliver Sacks pioneered research showing that when you engage in music
therapy, it is whole brain therapy. So if youre limited by a brain injury or dementia, music activates your brain in areas still functioning. It creates a bridge to help
you receive, process and reflect knowledge.
For Alzheimers and dementia patients, music therapy helps create a sense of peace and softens the impact of symptoms like mood disorientation or
sundowning.
My favorite part is building relationships with the people I see. Its a really
humbling experience to have them share
with me and to be a part of that family.
Briana uses colors and motion to stimulate the children in addition to music.
This colorful parachute was a favorite amongst the children during their developmental music class.
Taking what remembrance they have and helping them make peace with that is an
important part of music therapy. Even if they dont remember, theyre left with that warm,
fuzzy feeling that Im in a good mood today. Music therapy helps them process that experience thats the important part especially for someone whos near end of life.
According to Priester, Alzheimers patients using music therapy have a reduced fall risk
and experience less agitation. We dont fix those problems, but we can reduce symptoms
and support the individual.
For other conditions, such as intellectual disability or autism, music therapy can improve
communication and life skills. It focuses on gifts a person has and how they can be used
to address challenges. Music therapy, which is highly individualized, provides exactly what
each person needs.
As a Spotswood High School student playing with the schools jazz band, Priester said
she had always wanted to own her own business. But when she left for the University of
Cincinnatis Conservatory of Music to study trumpet and music education, she had no idea
that business would become a private practice, music therapy studio operating out of her
Penn Laird home.
After graduating from Cincinnati, Priester followed her husband Michael to Bloomington, Ind. While he completed his doctorate in music there, she enrolled in a music therapy
program at a small womens college.
In addition to music therapy, Priester teaches traditional music lessons, developmental
music classes for infants and toddlers, and adaptive music lessons. Adaptive music lessons
are private instrument lessons where the pace and the learning style are completely dependent upon the students needs, she said.
Music therapy board certification requires 1,200 clinical hours, a grueling national exam,
a series of music repertoire competencies and stringent continuing education requirements.
Although Priester is the only board-certified music therapist in private practice in the
central Shenandoah Valley, the Winchester area has many music therapists through Shenandoah University.
My favorite part is building relationships with the people I see. Its a really humbling
experience to have them share with me and to be a part of that family.
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Enjoy the energy of

crisp cool days
Bridgewater is a place known for dramatic seasonsverdant
summers, brilliant falls and crisp, cool winters. Our residents
feel the energy of the clear Shenandoah Valley air, no matter the
season. We take care of maintenance tasks such as leaf and snow
removal, leaving more time for you to enjoy sledding and snowball
fightsor a nap in front of the fire.
Bridgewater Retirement Community is exciting outings and quiet
times indoors. Its cool days filled with warmth. Its the energy of
nature and friends no matter the weather. This is Bridgewater, a
community for all seasons.
Call Lisa today to schedule a personal tour
of Bridgewater Retirement Community.
Briana sings a song to Landon Lam, a student in her music development class.
Studio Bs developmental music class is very interactive - the students are

encouraged to make music along with Briana.
For more information, contact Briana Priester through her website: http://studiobmusicforliving.com
1.800.419.9129
540.828.2540
www.brc-energy.org
302 North Second St.
Bridgewater, VA 22812
Meet
BOOMER
Dogs
to the
RESCUE
On my dogs first find he gave this huge alert and went

out of the area and I looked at my walker and said, thats
it, Burnside said. It was textbook. Just to see all the
training come together is what feels good.
Shenandoah Style & Home
STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN HUNT
Sharon Johnson takes Boomers orange and blue ball and walks over a
small crest of a field. She crouches behind a small hill, holding Boomers
ball behind her back. Boomer strains against the hold that handler Jessica
Burnside, who has worked with search-and-rescue dogs for nine years, has
on his collar. The cold wind blowing over the field carries Johnsons scent
to him.
Find! Burnside commands before releasing him. He races over the
small knoll to Johnson, who pets his head before he quickly turns and
runs back to Burnside and jumps into her leg to let her know hes found
someone.
Show me, she tells him and he returns to Johnson as Burnside follows.
Boomer gives one more leap before hes given his reward for the find: his
ball. He grabs it and runs back to Burnside before stretching out on the
grass, panting from the sprint.
Thats how we train them, Burnside says. Shes wearing her work
pants and boots with a sweatshirt that reads K9-TEAM, one of the many
cues letting Boomer know hes on the job. We want them to think that
whoever is out there has their reward.
Boomer, a six-year-old black lab, is part of DOGS-East, a professional
volunteer wilderness search-and-rescue organization. DOGS-East serves
the state of Virginia through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and police departments; its most recent, high-profile case was the
search for Hannah Graham.
On the night of Sept. 12, 2014, Graham left her apartment building
for what would be the last time, outfitted in a black and gold crop top and
black pants. While out for a night on the town, she got lost on her way to
meet friends and ended up in the Downtown Mall of Charlottesville, where
she met Jesse Matthew. They were seen in a video from a security camera
walking off screen, Matthews arm around her waist. She wasnt seen again
for 31 days.
Charlottesville saw a large outpouring of support from the community
during those 31 days through the sheer amount of volunteer searchers.
Despite the number of volunteers, theres nothing quite like a search-andrescue dog when theres a large area to search.
They can cover a lot of ground in a very short amount of time,
Burnside says. Every search is considered an emergency. Were covering as
much ground as we can as quick as we can.
There are a number of factors that go into the decisions to use search
dogs in a missing persons case. Searchers must determine what kind of
person is missing as well as the geography and size of the area that needs to
be searched.
Early in my career, it was estimated that one dog team, which is a handler and a dog, was equivalent to 35 out there searching, so that drops your
numbers to search for people, said Johnson, the president of DOGS-East
and a handler for 30 years.
In the mountainous, woody landscapes of Virginia, search dogs are
LARGEST SELECTION OF ANTIQUES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY
160 North Massanutten Street, Strasburg, VA 22657

Exit 298 off I-81, 2 miles to Downtow Strasburg
(540) 465-3711
thestrasburgemporium.com
Open 7 days a week
J & B Country Store
Did yo u
k n o w...?
In 2002, Sarah Cohen, Owner of
Route 11 Potato Chips, co-directed Oyster Guanaca, a stylish
black-and-white movie filmed at
the Tabard Inn that won an award
at the first Slow Food Festival in
Italy.
Ben Franklin &

Antique Mall & Treasures
Flags, Custom Framing, Live Fish, Gifts,

Fabric, Yarn Antiques, Furniture, Baked
Goods & Much More!
Mon-Fri 9 AM-6 PM
Sat: 9AM - 5PM
The Country Cafe

Tues - Sat
160 Main St.
Broadway, VA
540-896-2880
12 miles North of Harrisburg
Biggest Little Store in the Valley
watching a dog and seeing that light

bulb. They grin. They do.
Burnside bends over and
scratches behind Boomers ears as
he lays in the grass after the find, his
bright orange search-and-rescue dog
Did you
k n ow?
vest glowing brightly in the sunlight.

He drops his ball between his two
front paws and basks in attention
for a job well done, grinning the
whole time.
52
Was fo un de d in 17
Puck, another puppy in training, stops to catch his breath

after playing with Nicole.
We invite you to come and take a tour!

Enjoy your retirement in a beautiful peaceful area.
Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
Our caring and supportive environment will
help you stay active and independent!
Independent Living - Oakwood Village
Jessica Burnside(left), Boomer, Sharon Johnson, Finn and Nicole Cheatle, all members of
DOGS-East, pose for a portrait.
much more efficient in areas thick with brush

or with steep inclines. They work off a leash
when investigating thick brush that their human
counterparts are unable to get through. They can
also pick up human scent.
Handlers must watch for body language
changes in their dog, which might mean the
dog has picked up a scent. They then take into
account what direction wind may be blowing and
the landscape in order to keep the dog on the
scent. Once a dog has pinpointed the source, it
uses a trained indication to communicate to its
handler that theyve found something. Some dogs
bark, some sit, some tug and some, like Boomer,
jump.
On my dogs first find he gave this huge
alert and went out of the area and I looked at
my walker and said, thats it, Burnside said. It
was textbook. Just to see all the training come
together is what feels good.
Dogs begin training as puppies and continue
to train throughout their careers to keep their
skills sharp. The pinnacle of all this hard work is
making a find, but not every search ends with an
Jessica prepares to throw Boomers blue and orange

reward ball as a warm up before a training find.
indication. Its quite often that a search doesnt

turn up any tangible results.
We clear a lot of areas, Burnside said, which
is just as important as making a find. When a
search is suspended without a find, thats when
its hard to leave. Theres no telling what search
will be the one that will punch you in the gut.
The search for Graham was particularly
difficult because there were so many days in a
row that didnt turn up any results. Teams had to
stop every so often and go to a training session
to allow the dogs to make a find for positive
reinforcement.
We were forced to, Nicole Cheatle, a
handler for four years, said. Because you want
to keep going. When somebodys out there, its
really hard to stop yourself. And sometimes the
handlers need to stop and get a positive too. Its a
good breath of relief.
Grahams remains were found by Chesterfield County sheriff s deputies on an abandoned
property on Old Lynchburg Road in Charlottesville, about five weeks after she went missing.
Although DOGS-East was not the team to find
FEB46 | shenandoahmagazine.com | February/March 2016
Graham, it was still a breath of relief for everyone involved in the search.
Its the whole teams find, Johnson said. Law
enforcement, search management and other dog
teams all have a role in getting the teams where
they need to be. Its like a football team. Be it
our group or the entire search effort, once the
touchdowns made or the teams won, everyones
excited. Everyone did something. Even the
waterboy.
But being a handler is also about being part of
a bigger mission.
It is very much about the find, but its not
necessarily about you making the find, Cheatle
said. Its about the person getting found.
Handlers and their dogs put in countless hours
of work and training to fuel their passion for
helping a community in need.
We dont ever do it for a thank you, Burnside said. Youre doing it for the family and the
person youre looking for.
For the handlers, its very much about the joy
of the dog that keeps them coming back.
And its not about us, Johnson said. I love
1200 sq. ft. condos located adjacent to the main facility.

Its a friendly neighborhood environment.
Fully equipped homes with maintenance.
Access to all dining and community amenities, includes fitness
center, library, beauty salon.
Dine in the beautiful dining room or have your meals delivered to
your room.
Assisted Living - White Birch Center

52 spacious rooms with baths. Residents are encouraged to decorate and
furnish their own rooms. We accommodate couples that live together.
24 hour staffing: Dieticians, Housekeeping, Transportation,
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Additional community amenities: Chapel, Family Room, Kitchen,
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Full activities calendar: Classes, Outings, Crafts, Gardening, Movies,
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MEMORY CARE
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COMING SOON!
847 Oakwood Drive
Harrisonburg VA 22801
540-879-9699
info@whitebirchcommunities.com
www.whitebirchcommunities.com
ARLINGTON #1 HEALTHY CITY IN VIRGINIA
Virginias Toughest
Super Seniors
Mudders:
STORY BY ERIC J. WALLACE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY 621STUDIOS
MUD
RUN
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FEB48 | shenandoahmagazine.com | February/March 2015
These days, spring, summer and fall is home to a new kind of seasonal
crazethat of the outdoor Obstacle Course Race. Toward the end of
March, when the weather first shows signs of warming, throughout
Virginia and beyond people will flock to various state parks, sports
complexes, and temporarily modified family farms to participate in outdoor races with names like Tough Mudder, Dirty Girl, Rugged Maniac,
Warrior Dash and so on.
In fact, the trend is so popular Outside Magazine estimated that last
year a staggering 800,000 Americans participated in what are officially
known as Obstacle Course Races.
Why are these events so popular?
First off, unlike the more traditional 10k runs, marathons, or bi- and
triathlonswhere the goal is to get the fastest time and thereby take the
prizethis new persuasion of race tends to be about simply finishing.
Whereas the former category of events were basically to-the-point
swim a lake, bike some trails, run a long stretch of highwaywith
obstacles ranging from monkeying across a 50-yard stretch of gymnast
rings suspended 12 feet above an 8-foot-deep trench of icy water, bellycrawling under a 100-yard segment of barbed wire, or climbing over
and down a series of 20-foot-tall triangular walls, to complete an OCR
is a feat in and of itself.
Second, the OCRs are predominantly non-competitive, opting to
raise money for charitable causes (Tough Mudders alone raised over
$2 million in 2014) as opposed to using entry fees to fund prizes and
thereby attract professionals. While the triathlons, marathons and the
like have always encouraged and relied upon a heavy mix of weekend
warriors and amateurs to make up the grist of their fieldthat is, folks
who are competing with no one beyond themselves, who are, in fact,
approaching the event in the manner of an extreme personal challengeOCRs cater almost solely to this demographic.
When you combine these factors with the fact that the events are
healthy and incredibly excitingbecause when else do adults make time
to splash, swim, and crawl through 5 20 miles of mud puddles?
what you get is an incredibly diverse mix of participants.
Rugged Maniac. Virginia 2015 Funky Monkey Obstacle.
February/March 2015 | shenandoahmagazine.com | FEB49
My son inspired me, Wightman said. In turn, I wanted to inspire my grandchildren. So running the races was a way of bonding, getting back into shape and staying healthy.
Packet pick up at E.C. Glass High School, Lynchburg, Virginia. Virginia Ten Miler.
Annual event.
Lifelong Learning
Institute
Live! Learn! Interact!
Diverse and Interesting Non-Credit Courses
for adults
$35 per course/$20 annual membership
Free & convenient parking at various locations
Free first year membership available
Keep yourself engaged with classes,

learning lunches, trips and social events
Phone: 540-568-2923
Web: www.jmu.edu/lli
Ice House
127 W. Bruce St., Harrisonburg, VA
And as the hub of Virginias world-famous Blue Ridge Mountains, the Shenandoah
Valleys numerous events are no exception.
In some instancesas with this past Outbreak 5k, held in Middletown, VA
you have an entire firm of lawyers running alongside a group of local Mothers of
Preschoolers, alongside a matchingly outfitted family of four, alongside a team of
septuagenarian cancer survivors.
And its this last part that most interests us: The fact that at every last one of these
events there will be dozens of hardy 60, 70 and even 80-year-olds lacing up their
boots, bravely taking to the mud and conquering the course.
Why would these Super Seniors elect to put themselves through such a grueling
physical trial?
Its not so much a race with other people, said 83-year-old Jim Wightman, this
years winner of the octogenarian division of the Claytor Lake Sprint Triathlon and
frequent OCR participant. Its between you and the finish-line To hear your name
called out and for them to say youre the oldest therethats motivation. It just rings in
your ears!
Like so many Super Seniors, Wightman, a retired Virginia Tech chemistry professor, didnt run his first triathlonmuch less OCRuntil 2009, when he was 74 years
old. What happened was, after watching his son Bill compete in event after event, Jim
decided to join in the effort.
My son inspired me, Wightman said. In turn, I wanted to inspire my grandchildren. So running the races was a way of bonding, getting back into shape and staying
healthy.
Upon examination, the latter of these answerscombined, of course, with the
quest for bragging-rightsproves to be the number one reason cited by seniors participating in OCRs and other such events. Whether utilizing the occasion as a springboard
for launching a new get-healthy regiment or revitalizing a longstanding health-centric
lifestyle, its been shown that seniors who exercise regularly and vigorously enjoy
greater longevity and a higher quality of life.
Our society has yet to comprehend and put to use the fact the human body
remains trainable throughout the lifespan, said Keith George, a professor of cardiovascular physiology and exercise at Liverpool John Moores University in the United
Kingdom. While [OCRs] are a massive cardiovascular challenge, seniors can absolutely
benefit from participating. However, as George has it, the bounty derives not so much
from the events themselves as the training that precedes them.
It really becomes a lifestyle, said 72-year-old Kathleen McKleroy, conqueror
of this years Luray Triathlon and Roanoke Marine Mud-Run 5k. When I started
doing this, the idea of that first event was so daunting I began training six-months in
advanceI didnt want to get there and not be able to finish!
Only the thing was, when McKleroy completed her first triathlonan event she ran
over 10 years ago now, at the spry age of 62she didnt just finish, she wanted to keep
going.
I wanted to do more, McKleroy said. My body felt absolutely amazing and I
didnt want that feeling to go away. So I went home and signed up for more races.
When compared to the experiences of other Super Seniors, McKleroys proves par
for the course. In fact, according to a recent Outside Magazine study of nationwide
marathons and triathlons, runners over the age of 40known as Masters in the
running worldnot only represent more than 50 percent of male and 40 percent of
female finishers, they frequently outperform their younger counterparts!
Weve never had so many people starting to get active later in life and keeping that
Danny Keatley approaching the start line. Marathon finisher.

DouthatStatePark. Odyssey Trail Running Rampage.
Dirty Girl Mud Run finishers. Virginia Beach, Virginia.
up through their advancing years, said Greg McMillan, owner and head coach of McMillan Running, an online company that coaches competitive runners. These [Super Seniors] are really testing
the boundaries and proving to us what the body is capable of.
When asked whats behind this spike in later-life exercise enthusiasm, McMillan and George
agree the trend has to do with the wealth of information concerning the aging process made
available over the past few decades. Specifically, the fact that many ailments previously thought to
be unavoidable byproducts of the aging process have proven to be preventable via rigorous and
frequent exercise.
A lot of the deterioration we see with aging can be attributed to a more sedentary lifestyle
instead of aging itself, a 2014 review article on aging and exercise, published in the Journal of the
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, concludes. The prevalence of age-related chronic
diseases and physical dysfunction is substantially reduced or even absent in older adults who continue to train and compete in athletic competitions.
Aging merely lowers the ceiling of physical ability, said Hirofumi Tanaka, a researcher and
professor of Exercise Science at the University of Texas. Older adults, even those over 90 years of
age, respond well to exercise training and regain much of what they lost with aging.
When asked if he plans to be the first nonagenarian winner of a Virginia Triathlon and finisher
of an OCR, Whiteman, himself a cancer survivor, laughs uproariously: Its certainly a title I
wouldnt mind holding!
But for now, both he and McKleroy are content to kick back and enjoy the benefits of their
training and participation.
For more information on upcoming OCRs in your area, visit the www.mudrunguide.com directory
for Virginia races. Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25157039
ABOVE TOP: Virginia Ten Miler. Lynchburg, Virginia. Annual

event. Runners and walkers of the ten mile and four mile distance
all start together.
ABOVE BOTTOM: Unidentified Visitors at the Lynchburg Ten
Miller
ticket
Augusta County
*Feb 4, 6, 11, 12,13 18, 21, 25, 27

The Tempest by William Shakespeare
Play, American Shakespeare Center
Black Friars Playhouse, 10 S. Market
Street, Staunton. Additional shows
listed on website. Admission Fee:
Varies. CONTACT: Box Office (540)
851-1733 Email: tickets@americanshakespearecenter.com www.americanshakespearecenter.com
*Feb 6
Winter in the Valley Antique Show, Augusta Expo, Fishersville. Snow Date:
Feb 20. A gathering of antique dealers and folk artists bringing together
primitive antiques. 11-4 pm. Admission: $5.00. CONTACT: Augusta Expo,
277 Expo Road, Fishersville, VA 22939
(540) 337-2552 Email: info@augustaexpo.com web: www.augustaexpo.
com or www.picturetrail.com/antiquesinthevalley (434) 361-9137
*Feb 20
Historic Staunton Winter Wine Festival, Historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel,
Staunton. SAT: 12-6 pm. Enjoy a day
of relaxation in historic downtown
Staunton for the Annual Winter Wine
Festival. Enjoy a variety of over 15
different Virginia wines and sample
local artisan fare. CONTACT: Historic
Staunton Foundation (540) 885-7676
web: www.historicstaunton.org
*Feb 27
David Myles Concert, Main Street
United Methodist Church, Waynesboro. SAT: 7:30 pm. Davids music
resides somewhere between James
Taylor and Justin Timberlake in jazz
influenced ballad to pop to folk music.
CONTACT: Waynesboro Concert Artists
(WCA), PO Box 521, Waynesboro, VA
22980 www.waynesboroconcerts.org
*Feb 27
5th Annual Mad Anthony Mud Run,
Coyner Springs Park, Waynesboro.
SAT: 9:00 am. Enjoy this adventurous
challenging run with many battles
that will confront you along the way.
All finishers will be awarded with
a custom made Mad Anthony Run
Medal. CONTACT: City of Waynesboro-Tourism, 301 West Main Street,
Waynesboro, VA 22980 (540) 942-6512
or 6753. www.runthevalley.com or
www.visitwaynesboro.net
*Mar 18
Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium
2015, FRI: 8-4 pm. A Gardeners Palette where one can listen and learn
all about gardening featuring nationally renowned speakers. Presented by
Waynesboro Parks and Recreation in
conjunction with the Virginia Nursery
and Landscape Association. CONTACT: Waynesboro Parks and Recreation, (540) 942-6735 email: parksan-
drec@ci.waynesboro.va.us web: www.

waynesboro.va.us
*Mar 28
Borealis String Quartet, 249 S. Wayne
Avenue, First Presbyterian Church,
Waynesboro. SAT: 7:30 pm. Enjoy
one of the most dynamic ensembles
of our time with combination of old
world elegance and new world energy
of beautiful classic music. CONTACT:
Waynesboro Concert Artists (WCA),
PO Box 521, Waynesboro VA 22980
www.waynesboroconcerts.org
Frederick County
*Feb 5-27
Black History Month, Winchester. Enjoy this annual Black History Month
exhibition celebrating all the accomplishments of our African American
community members in music, performance, and the fine arts. Join us
for the reception on February 12th
from 3-5. Free and open to public..
CONTACT: (540) 667-5166 web: www.
shenarts.org
*Feb 6
Youth Workshop: Crazy Hats, Museum
of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester.
SAT: 1:00-4:00. Inspired by CUT!
youth will learn to sew a hat and decorate it with beads, feathers and more.
CONTACT: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst Street,
Winchester, VA 22601 (540)247-1052
web: www.themsv.org
*Feb 6, 20, Mar 5
Young Naturalist Program Signs of
Spring, Blandy Farm, Boyce. This program is for students in grades 1-3 and
4-6. In this spring program, students
will search for emerging insects, calling birds and frogs, budding plants
and more using hands on activities,
crafts and time outside. CONTACT:
Blandy Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane,
Boyce, VA 22620 (540) 837-1758 Email:
Blandy@virginia.edu Web:
www.
blandy.virginia.edu
*Feb 13
Heart and Soul 5K, Middletown Town
Hall, Middletown. SAT: 9:30 am. Celebrate your love of running with this
Valentines inspired race. Sponsored
by Shenandoah Valley Runners (SVR).
CONTACT: Marisa Varley email: marisa.
repro@gmail.com
(540) 931-1810
web: www.svrunners.org
*Feb 27
Lose Your Shoes and the Shirt Off Your
Back 5K, Skyline High School, Front
Royal, Virginia. SAT: 9:30 am. Bring
donations of running shoes and shirts
for those less fortunate. Sponsored
by Shenandoah Valley Runners (SVR).
CONTACT: Phil Laub (703) 906-4304
or Nick Hogan email: boondocsnt@
yahoo.com web: www.svrunners.org
Virginia Classic
Llama and Alpaca Show

June 4 & 5, Lexington, Virginia
www.virginiaclassicevents.com
*Mar 4-25
Youth Arts Month, Winchester. Enjoy
artwork featuring top art students
from all around the region in the annual exhibition. Enjoy a reception
on March 12th from 3:00-5:00 pm.
CONTACT: (540) 667-5166 web: www.
shenarts.org
*Mar 26
Orchid Show and Sale, Museum of the
Shenandoah Valley, Winchester. Learn
to grow and care for orchids from
the experts in the Lord Fairfax Orchid Society (LFOS) at this free event.
CONTACT: Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, 901 Amherst Street,
Winchester, VA 22601 (540)247-1052
web: www.themsv.org
Rockbridge
*Feb 4, 5, 6
Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet, Lenfest Center for the
Arts (Johnson Theater), 100 Glasgow
Street, Lexington. 7:30 pm. Enjoy
this 1988 comedic play by Ann-Marie
MacDonald in which Constance Ladybelle, a young English professor from
Queens University, goes on a subconscious journey of self-discovery.
CONTACT: 540-458-8000 web: www.
wlu.org
*Feb 9
Old Time Music Jam, Virginia Horse
Center, Lexington. Bring an instrument and enjoy the music. CONTACT:
430-464-2950 web: www.horsecenter.
org
*Feb 9-21
AKC Star City Canine Agility Trials,
Virginia Horse Center, Lexington.
FRI-SUN. The Star City Canine Training Club of Roanoke presents three
days of agility training with hundreds
of dogs from several states. Trials run
from 7am-7pm each day. Free and
open to the public. CONTACT: 304229-9194 email: Kaffa.Shank@shen-
Shenandoah Feeling

STORY BY Bob F. Holton,
Superintendent of Town of Bridgewater

*Mar 5
Treasure Hunt 5K, Sherando High
School, Stephens City, VA. SAT: 9:30
am. Bring donations of presents
youd like to re-gift for the Treasure
Table Raffle. Sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Runners (SVR). CONTACT:
Ed Grainger (540) 868-0794 Email:
graingerew@comcast.net web: www.
svrunners.org
*Mar 12
Irish Spring Fest, Front Royal. SAT:
11-6. Enjoy this event of food, entertainment, beer, activities, prizes
and crafts. Event will be held at the
Warren County Fire Department. Free
Admission. CONTACT: (800) 338-2576
Web: www.Irishspringfest.com
that
life.com web: www.Versatilek9s.com
www.jmu.edu/arboretum
*Feb 26, 27, Mar 25, 26

Mountain State Rodeo, Virginia Horse
Center, Lexington. The Mountain
State Rodeo Association Professional
Bulls, Barrels and Broncs stampede
into town. This event features some
of the nations top cowboys competing in bull riding, barrel racing and
bronc riding. CONTACT: 304-2376651 web: www.mountainstaterodeo.
com
*Feb 23
Frances Litten Botanical Lecture,
JMU Festival Conference Center, Ballroom A, 780 University Blvd, Harrisonburg. 7-8:30. Come enjoy an evening
with a botanical field notable and/or
author sharing botanical information
at this annual public event. Speaker
and topic will be announced approximately one month before event.
CONTACT: Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
and Botanical Gardens, James Madison University, 780 University Boulevard, MSC 3705, Harrisonburg, VA
22801 (540) 568-3194 www.jmu.
edu/arboretum
*Mar 4
Lexington Gallery Walk, Lexington. 5
pm-7:30 pm. Come stroll the galleries
along Washington Street. FREE! Bring
an instrument and enjoy the music.
CONTACT: 540-464-4440
*Mar 5
Grow 2016: A Celebration of Native
Plants, VMI Marshall Hall, Lexington.
8:30 AM-3:30 PM. The Lexington Horticultural Symposium will welcome
3 renowned horticultural experts.
CONTACT: 540-463-3507 to register
($90 Lunch included) email: info@
grow2016 web: www.grow2016.com
Rockingham
*Feb. 17
Miniature Landscape Workshop, JMU
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at Frances
Plecker Education Center (FPEC), Harrisonburg. 12-1:30 pm. Join miniature landscape expert, Pam Shank, in
creating a miniature landscape dcor
piece for patio, home, or office. Create a wee world with different kinds
of botanicals each year. Registration
is available online 30 days in advance
of workshop. CONTACT: Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, James Madison University, 780
University Boulevard, MSC 3705, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (540) 568-3194
*Mar 12-13
AKC Dog Show-Shenandoah Valley
Kennal Club, Rockingham County
Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg. Enjoy this
show under an indoor and climate
controlled venue. CONTACT: (540)
434-0005 web: www.rockinghamcountyfair.com/calendar
*Mar 16-20
Fair Trade Oriental Rug Event, Ten
Thousand Villages Store, downtown
Harrisonburg. WED: 10-6, THUR: 108, FRI-SAT: 10-6, SUN 12-4. Explore
over 300 handknotted rugs all made
by fairly paid artisans in Pakistan.
CONTACT: Ten Thousand Villages,
Harrisonburg, VA (540) 442-1010 or
877-883-8341 web: www.tenthousandvillages.com/harrisonburg
*Mar 19
Shamrock 5K Trail Run, Hillendale
Park, Harrisonburg. SAT: 9:30 AM rain
or shine. All Proceeds benefit Shenandoah Valley High Rollers Wheelchair
Basketball Team. CONTACT: (540)
433-9168 email: Erik.Dart@harrisonburgva.gov Online registration at
RunSignUp.com web: www.harrisonburgva.gov/shamrock-trail-run
*Mar 19
Spring Arts and Crafts Show, Rockingham
County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg. Enjoy
this annual event with over 100 artists
displaying their handmade items. Held indoors at the fairgrounds. CONTACT: (540)
434-0005 web: www.rockinghamcountyfair.com/calendar
*Mar 23
Birding Workshop, JMU Frances Plecker
Center, Arboretum, Harrisonburg. WED:
noon-1 pm. Come listen to Diane Lepkowski, an avifauna notable and photographer,
as she lectures on songbirds to raptors.
CONTACT: (540) 568-3194 www.jmu.edu/
arboretum
Shenandoah County
*Feb 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21
The Four Poster, The Schultz Theatre, 9357
North Congress Street, New Market. This
performance features two characters, Agnes and Michael, and spans the years 18901925, as key moments in their marriage are
played out around their four poster bed.
Tickets: $13 adults and $11 Students/Seniors. CONTACT: The Schultz Theatre (540)
740-9119 email: info@schultztheatre.com
www.schultztheatre.com
*Mar 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20,

Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The
Schultz Theatre, 9357 North Congress
Street, New Market. Enjoy this production
of Charles Schulzs beloved comic as it
comes to life in Clark Gesners classic musical. Guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing
classic. Tickets: Adults $15, Students/Seniors: $12. CONTACT: The Schultz Theatre
(540) 740-9119 email: info@schultztheatre.
com www.schultztheatre.com
*Mar 5
Winter Arts and Crafts Show, Central High
School, Woodstock. SAT: 9-3. Enjoy a day
of shopping at this annual arts and crafts
event with over 75 spaces. CONTACT:
Shenandoah County Parks and Recreation
(540) 459-6777 www.scpr.info
*Mar 12
Winterfest 2016, Bryce Resort, Basye. SAT:
9 am. Enjoy a day of fun at Bryce Resort
with skiing, pancake breakfast, music, pond
skimming and more. Wear your craziest
costume! CONTACT: Bryce Resort (540)
856-2121 www.bryceresort.com

Im one of the lucky ones. My entire life Ive been surrounded by people who loved
and supported me. Ive heard enough stories from others to know that this isnt always the case.
Children are sometimes abused or neglected, friends and family can betray and life is often tough.
I dont try to live in a Pollyanna world, but as I look back over my life I conclude that I wouldnt
change places with anyone.

Part of what makes life special is home and for me thats the Shenandoah Valley.
Growing up in a more peaceful, less anxious time gave me a freedom that most kids dont enjoy
today. My youth was spent wandering through forests or fishing with friends, playing baseball in a
neighbors field and getting together with dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins at my grandmothers house on weekends. No, that wasnt an exaggeration. My grandmother had eleven children, so
you can see that we had more relatives hanging around than we sometimes wanted!

Now dont get me wrong. I knew life wasnt perfect. My parents were divorced and
money was tight. However, being poor in my youth was different than today and, believe me, poverty affected many of us in the Valley. Because it was a simpler time, those of us with less didnt
notice the discrepancy between rich and poor like we do today. Also, just because you are poor, it
doesnt mean your life cant be enjoyed.

It didnt take a lot of money to drive up to the Blue Ridge Parkway to watch wildlife
or climb Humpback Rock. Nor did it take wealth to watch the leaves change in the fall or sit outside as the sun set over the Allegany Mountains. Perhaps the Shenandoah Valley and all it offered
made the hardships of life a little easier to accept.

This Valley is beautiful, but natural beauty alone isnt enough. Its the people who live
here that make it a place Ive never wanted to leave. If you question that statement maybe you
havent lived here long enough, or, maybe you just havent been here when things go bad and you
needed help.

A few years back I had surgery that kept me on crutches for six weeks. One day I
looked outside and there was a friend mowing my grass. I didnt ask for help, but it was freely
given. More times than I can count Ive answered my door to find a friend or relative with a prepared meal for us. Isnt that typical of the Valley? When someone gets sick or dies people come
around to help. Ive likely forgotten most of the acts of kindness shown to me, but that practice
of looking out for each other makes this place special.

I just turned sixty-seven and realize that most of my life is behind me. Looking back I
understand that much of what made my life so blessed was the people and natural beauty of this
place Ive called home. In the movie Its a Wonderful Life it takes divine intervention before the
main character, George Bailey, can appreciate what his family, work, friends and hometown meant
to him.

Ive known it all along.
Above
the
For more info, email cars@valiantvirginians.com
SHENANDOAH
Aerial Photography Showcasing the Shenandoah Valley
HISTORIC HOME FOR SALE IN BRIDGEWATER, VIRGINIA

4-5 bedrooms, formal living room, dining room, family room, den, reading room, 3 full baths
Approximately 3200 square feet, circa 1897. Owner Financing Considered.
Formal Living Room
Master Bedroom
Updated Kitchen
A Valley
with a View!
A 56-page, beautifully presented book of
aerial photographs that capture theValley
as its never been seen before.
Published by Valiant Virginians
Garage
Summer Kitchen and Smoke House
House and adjacent Lot
For more information or to view 80 additional pictures at Flickr.com,

email info@shenandoahmagazine.com for invite link.
Only 1,500 copies will be printed. SHIPS IN MAY OF 2016
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 visiting
our store at www.valiantvirginians.org. [ PHOTO ON THIS PAGE: STANLEY, VA, COURTESY OF
GREG CROMER www.virginia123.com ]


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The Valleys Most Beautiful Magazine

Project Hands-Roanoke Rescue Mission

Shenandoah County Volunteer Farm

Staunton: Dining at Cranberrys

Main Street Matters

Generations Park in Bridgewater

VISIT SHOP & DINE | HARRISONBURG

Intro to Rugs Night

Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 pm

Set in the heart of the Shenandoah

Independent Living. Assisted Living.

FAIR TRADE MADE BY ADULTS

181 South Main St

3935 Sunnyside Drive

301 S. Main St. Harrisonburg Va

February/March 2016 | shenandoahmagazine.com | 3

From the Publisher | Greg Shields

Above the Shenandoah

The Valleys Most Beautiful and Popular Magazine?

DSLCCs programs of study include Forest Management Technology, Massage

4 | shenandoahmagazine.com | February/March 2016

The Clifton Forge Historic Masonic Theatre

February/March 2016 | shenandoahmagazine.com | 5

VISIT OUR LOCALLY OWNED SHOPS FOR...

Homemade Fudge | Jams & Pie Fillings | Bulk Foods

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY: 10 AM TO 6 PM

Building to Serve Since 1989

specialty store in the Valley

Around the Valley

Meet Ron Deskins: one of the first four

A SEARS home in Lexington

Staunton: Dining at Cranberrys

When compared with other Valley battles,

Valley Rescue Dogs

Music Therapy is an established health

Project Hands is a photojournalism

Main Street Matters: Generations Park in Bridgewater

Living in or around the small town

6 | shenandoahmagazine.com | February/March 2016

Come shop with

Try our Hot Peppermint

Enjoy a delicious fresh made sandwich and

Roadside Produce & Market

used for music

Fresh Produce Scentsy Kites Ham

When Seniors Race

For your ad in this space

I-81, Ex 243, 1 mi S. on US 11 | 121 Carpenter Lane

February/March 2015 | shenandoahmagazine.com | 7

Ron Deskins as an aspiring actor

One of the first four students to integrate a Virginia School.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF RON DESKINS

The librarians at the Shenandoah County Library in Edinburg are

1) What brought you to the Shenandoah County Library?

8 | shenandoahmagazine.com | February/March 2016

titles like Johnny Vengeance or Gunslinger. My parents would ask, Are

Story By Greg Shields | Photos By Greg Cromer

...though we have these definite cracks,

Take the challenge

College is a time to raise the bar for yourself.

Consider all the ways you could

2) You grew up in Arlington and worked as a firefighter in