Archive for HAGARTY TALES
Sauces, jams and rubs focus on flavor while supporting Autism research
The bottled magic all started in the kitchen by a ten-year-old. The young chef triggered what today is a successful spice and sauce gig that’s headed for a bigger and more flavorful future.
The young man behind the idea is Jack Zalewski, now a maturing fourteen-year-old whose parents Jon and Kat own and operate the Fredericksburg condiment business. Their product line is available at a number of establishments in the Piedmont region including Fauquier County. Their daughter Aubrie also plays a creative role in designing product labels.
And if creating a thriving small business with the core family wasn’t enough, Kat Zalewski’s two brothers Andy and Chris Morgan are also driving the business forward. Clearly this company is a family-first organization.
So what was Jack Zalewski’s creative flash point that started it all? “One morning we came down to the kitchen and Jack was standing on a chair making up his own spice rub. He wanted to learn how to cook,” said Kat Zalewski.
The lad’s interest in spices occurred the same summer the family had been growing hot peppers and making sauces and jams. Friends and family loved the taste and encouraged the couple to go commercial.
“We came up with the idea of starting a business where we would also donate part of our proceeds to various autism charities. Jack has Autism spectrum disorder and at some point we’ll have him working in the business. We also want to hire people with special needs in the future. Everyone deserves something they can do,” said Zalewski.
Contributions to autism organizations range from 1 percent to 5 percent of all sales.
Because of Jack’s autism he cannot have anything artificial in his diet. It was the goal of the family to create products that contained all-natural ingredients that were highly flavored.
If they do not use their own grown vegetables, they purchase them from Piedmont Farms in Fauquier County.
Kitchen magic
As the embryonic business began to gain traction, the jams, jellies and rubs caught spice aficionado’s attention. Meanwhile Zalewski’s brother Andy Morgan was making barbeque sauces for home use and also entering them in competitions. She and her brothers grew up in Warrenton.
“Andy made this incredible sauce. I tried to out-sauce him and could not do it. ‘I said, hey, we could work together,’” said Zalewski. Today, Andy and his brother Chris Morgan contribute five barbeque sauces to the company’s Jacked-Up Foods product line called Uncle Andy’s sauces.
Two of the sauces are sold on Amazon Prime—the Awesome and Blackberry Habanero—and sport five-star ratings from enthusiastic buyers.
All of the products are currently made in the home kitchen for now. From purchasing the ingredients, to preparation, bottling and labeling it is a five-day a week operation. A passion for the business is evidenced by the fact that Kat Zalewski works part-time as a registered nurse and prepares all the recipes.
Her husband Jon is the business development manager for a commercial landscaping firm in Lorton. Jon Zalewski holds a master of science degree in turfgrass management & agronomy.
The major outlet for their 30 some products is the Spotsylvania Farmer’s Market in Fredericksburg. Every Saturday—from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April through December—the family sells up to 40 bottles of barbeque sauce and 25 bottles of hot sauce, jellies and a number of dry-rub spice packages.
A nice take for five hours of retail sales, reinforcing how popular the company’s products are.
Additionally, their products are retailed at several stores throughout the Piedmont region. The VanCanon General Store on Main Street in Warrenton, the Red Truck Rural Bakery in Marshall and the Apple House in Linden carry their sauces and jellies. The locally available products range in price from $5 to $8 a bottle; the two-pack Amazon sauces of 32.7 ounces go for $18.
The new barbeque establishment Divine Swine on Culpeper Street in Warrenton also has the sauces for customer use; a great way to test drive the slather fun.
Expansion
What’s intriguing about the company’s success to date is its moderate but steady growth. Each year has seen an increase in business and reputation. Plans are now being laid to create a brick and mortar company some three years down the road.
“Our ultimate goal is to have our own production facility and maybe a retail shop with a café. We want to be able to provide employment opportunities for people with special needs and disabilities,” said Zalewski. “In the future both Jack and I would work there.
“The longer we do this as a family the more we love it. In the beginning we just had a good time but now we are taking it more seriously.”
For information on the company’s full product line and ordering by mail visit their tasty website at https://jackedupfoods.com/
Published in the September 12, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
Sperryville restaurant draws on legacy of historic village
Over 100 years ago the picturesque, sleepy village of Sperryville lay in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains much as it does today. But one unique similarly between now and then is the population. It’s only increased from 300 to some 350 inhabitants.
Growth is not a Rappahannock County trait; traditional life holds sway here.
Originally the town supported five general stores, six mills, an apple packing plant, saloon, barbershop, pharmacy and…three blacksmiths.
When change comes the emphasis is often on building upon the past while looking to the future. The newest vision of that philosophy is located at 20 Main Street.
Welcome to the Three Blacksmiths. Step inside and let the hospitality of yesteryear embrace you in a warm and comforting dining experience.
The force behind the restaurant is John and Diane MacPherson. The energetic and attractive couple are not interlopers from distant parts. Rather, they’re an established team with a reputation for hospitality and food earned while operating the Foster Harris House bed and breakfast for 13 years in little Washington.
What drove the couple to transition from innkeepers to restaurateurs?
Evolution.
“We had a good business from our five guestrooms and popular cycling tours. For the last three years we were also serving dinner to overnight guests and locals,” said John MacPherson.
Then the phone rang. A Northern Virginia real estate broker inquired if the inn was for sale. “Well, no, not really. But at the end of the day, everything is for sale.” The broker mentioned a princely sum if the business was ever placed on the market.
Later that morning the MacPhersons took a bike ride and talked about selling and what they might do if they left the inn behind. Opening a restaurant was high up on their list. And while they never again heard from the broker, the single phone call set in motion the next chapter of their lives.
“We watered and fertilized and watered and fertilized and thought about it until we could not go back after receiving that phone call,” said John MacPherson.
After the inn was sold there was a gap in time before the couple embarked on their new venture. “We had been to Europe in the past and really loved the way the restaurants operated there. The experience was magical. They didn’t have to talk about farm-to-table. They didn’t have to talk about food and wine. Everything was just normal for them.
“We realized we needed to go back and see what we loved about those places and incorporate it into our restaurant,” said Diane MacPherson. A six week “research trip” was undertaken to England, Austria, Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Italy and other countries. The vision crystallized.
Dream-to-reality
The Three Blacksmiths
Back stateside the building they had purchased was a blank palette ready for a total make over. An architect designed the exterior and Jolly Construction Inc. completed the work.
The MacPhersons, along with their sous chef Ethan Taylor—the three blacksmiths— began a build-out of the interior of the restaurant.
The interior was to be an elegant setting of soft wood hues showcasing an open hearth so diners could see the chefs as they crafted each evening’s dinner.
“Diane, Ethan, my mom, sister and I renovated the entire interior. We worked on every surface, including the cooking line, all the electrical, and the bathrooms. The only thing we didn’t build were the tables, chairs and cooking equipment,” said John MacPherson.
On June 9, the first dinner was served to 16 guests. And less that seems like a modest size crowd for opening night, consider the restaurant only seats 16. The MacPhersons wanted an intimate setting that reflected in-home dining with personalized service, from the welcoming flute of champagne to dessert.
Much of the food and libations are procured from local farms, breweries, wineries and a distillery.
Moreover, there is only one 7 p.m. seating each Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Dedication to providing a unique one-of-a kind experience dictated a limited service of just three days a week. Each evening diners have the entire restaurant to themselves.
“We have a small staff and we wanted a manageable amount of work so we could be involved personally with every meal. The only way you can do that is by keeping it small and intimate. There are no plans for expanding in the future. What we have today is what we’ll have in five years,” said Diane MacPherson.
The pricing and payment for the dinners is also unique. The multi-course tasting menu is $99 per person plus a $70 alcohol charge; gratuity and tax not included. Both reservations and payment are made online.
A $50 deposit is levied when reservations are made. On the morning of the dinner the remaining bill is charged to the guest’s credit card. “When guests arrive they just sit down, enjoy their meal and leave when they’re finished. There’s no business transactions during dinner,” said John MacPherson.
And how popular is the new restaurant? Since the opening, every dining night has been booked. The pace of business has matched demand.
Initially, much of the business was generated from their legion of former B&B fans and locals. Today, nearby wineries and inns are recommending the restaurant to their guests.
“The percentage of outside guests is growing and the business is stabilizing. It was a matter of getting the word out,” said John MacPherson.
For more information on weekly menus and reservations, open the “restaurant door” and take a peek inside the region’s latest fine dining venue at: https://www.threeblacksmiths.com/
Published in the August 29, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
Vibrant growth without sprawl and crawl
The year was 1599 when the curtain lifted on the first performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar at London’s Globe Theater. It was also the year the first chamber of commerce was created in Marseille, France. The chamber had a tough act to follow.
But in the ensuing centuries the organization has done quite nicely, thank you. Today, there are over 13,000 chambers in the World Chamber Registry and some 4,000 in the U.S. headed by at least one full time staff person; thousands more are operating stateside as volunteer led organizations. All of them representing some three million businesses nationwide.
When the Bard of Avon penned his play’s famous lines, “Friends, Romans, countrymen lend me your ears,” the chamber was listening.
Here in Fauquier County we have the modern equivalent of the first chamber president embodied in Joe Martin. Martin, 60, exemplifies a 21st century executive with his tall, fit and amicable style. His qualifications reflect “to the manor born” but with the accent on downhome. He is clearly a mirror of the community he serves.
Joe Martin
Born and raised in Manassas, Martin has chamber business in his DNA. His father, grandfather and he were all former chairmen of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce where his family operated Dudley Martin Chevrolet for over 60 years. To this day, it’s still the only three-generation chairmen of the Prince William Chamber.
“I was exposed to it very early. I’ve got community involvement in my soul,” said Martin. In addition to working for the family business for 14 years, he also logged time running an audio marketing firm.
“Throughout my different careers I got involved in quite a few different organizations including serving on the boards of the Manassas School Education Foundation, the American Small Business Coalition and the International On Hold Messaging Association. Of course, those were all volunteer positions.”
Over time it occurred to Martin that his volunteer work had provided him a wealth of experience and seeking a career in chamber work made sense. “I started soul searching. I’d had had all these volunteer leadership positions and thought ‘why not work at an association or chamber and actually get paid for it’,” said Martin.
His timing was perfect since the Fauquier Chamber was looking for a new president. “Five people called me and said, ‘Joe, you’ve got to apply for that position.’” Some 44 other people had thrown their hat in the ring so the job was not a lock. “They brought it down to four finalists and in late winter of 2010 they hired me.”
The challenge
Early on Martin encountered a singular issue of importance. Fauquier County had two active chambers in a geographical area more suited to one. As he prepared to take charge in January 2011, a question was frequently posed to him: Are you going out there to mend fences? “I told them, no. I was going out to build bridges.”
It was serendipitous that the new president had been successful in merging two Prince William chambers so he was up to the challenge. But it was not his immediate goal. Even though he lived just one county over he was surprised how separate the two counties were.
“My initial goal was to get to know the community and get to know the leaders within the community and both chambers. I wanted to find out where our synergies were and where we could partner together and find out what strategic partnerships were best for the entire business community,” Martin said. In short, he proceeded slow and thoughtfully.
“There were a lot of bridges to build and nothing happens fast in Fauquier.”
For over five years incremental progress was made on knitting the two chambers relationships. What emerged was a “Unity Plan” that avoided the expense and difficulties of a formal merger since many members of the Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce were also members of the Fauquier Chamber.
In the end, the unity of the two chambers accomplished important goals, among them the pragmatic advantage of members not having to pay two dues and attend separate events. “However, we never changed out mutual focus or goals,” Martin said.
When the Unity Plan finally came to fruition, people told him they were pleased with what he had accomplished. “No, no, no. It wasn’t about me. It was about we,” said Martin.
“I’m hired to run the day-to-day operation but it’s really up to our board and our leadership to established the governance of where we want to go. I’m an integral part of that. But without strong leadership in both chambers the Unity Plan would have never come together,” said Martin.
Goals
Today, Martin wants the Fauquier Chamber to be a strong and leading voice on economic development within the community. The organization seeks to be a “connector”, bringing all member businesses in contact with one another so the best services can be brought to bear on building a vibrant business environment.
“We also want to be an advocate at the state level and, if needed, at the Federal level for our businesses,” Martin said.
The organization has about 500 members and sees the opportunity to grow to between 600 and 700. The annual dues range in cost from $160 to $250 based on the size of the company.
To accomplish its expansion and business goals, the chamber board consists of 20 members with an executive committee of eight members. The chair of the board is Margie Markham with Summit Community Bank.
“It became it apparent to me after becoming board chair my role would be to move the chamber forward,” said Markham. “There have been a lot changes over the last few years and my vision is to create an organization that’s looking toward the future.
“Joe has been a real asset during this period and a good spokesperson. His contribution has been so important.”
To underscore Markham’s goals, Martin, a member of the board of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, recently attended its annual conference in Harrisonburg. “Margie had me to go down there and just think out of the box,” said Martin. Markham wanted to know how the chamber could best help the business community and the community at large.”
What dictated new strategies? “Communications for one. We have a very vibrant young professional council. The way the millennials communicate with each other can be very different in how the rest of us communicate,” said Martin.
“So many people today are conducting business online. We have to be focused on how we can best facilitate and assist with that approach to business. It’s really what the chamber is all about. We are here to assist. We are here to advocate. Whether it’s a legal issue, a connector issue or networking issue, we have to be the purveyor of best form of communication possible.”
Beyond serving as a catalyst for the business community, Martin believes there is also a community-wide service obligation. As an example, seven years ago he was surprised to learn there was no event to honor county public safety professionals who had gone above and beyond the call of duty.
In 2012, the chamber established its annual “Valor Awards” program. In April of this year, 55 individuals were recognized for their exceptional work. “We felt that even if it didn’t necessarily fit the chamber’s mission and vision, the awards did fill a community need.”
With his experience at the helm of the Fauquier Chamber, what are Martin’s thoughts on his job today?
“A few months into taking this job I fell in love with Fauquier County,” said Martin. “I fell in love with the business community. I’ve seen the changes that have happened over the last seven years and the wonderful places we can go and the heights we can achieve.
“There are a lot of unique things this business community can achieve without sprawl and crawl. And it excites me every day to drive into the chamber office and know all that is ahead of us.”
Published in the August 15, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
The Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility’s gift of wellness
For visitors and new residents to Warrenton, the first impression of the building might be “Wow.” Sited on a landscaped and verdant property just outside the town, it could easily be mistaken for the headquarters of a high-flying tech company.
Instead, it belongs to all the residents of Fauquier County and beyond and has become beloved by those whose quality of life is enhanced by its existence.
Welcome to the $23 million WARF. Please dock your body and step inside the world of wellness.
Opened in September 2007, the 59,738 square foot facility features an 11 lane, 25 yard-by-25-meter, 364,000-gallon indoor competition pool; a 3,600-gallon therapeutic spa and a 68,000-gallon leisure pool with a water slide, lazy river with a zero-depth entry for easy access by youngsters and seniors.
Oh, then there’s the 3,200 square foot fitness room equipped with cycles, treadmills elliptical trainers, circuit training gear and free weights.
The only thing missing is the discipline to take advantage of this workout wonderland; members and guests provide that.
As it completes its first decade of existence, the WARF is poised to become even more integral to Fauquier County’s healthy lifestyle.
All of this fun is orchestrated by Margaret Rice and her team. Rice, Director of Warrenton’s Department of Parks and Recreation, has been with WARF almost from its beginning nearly 11 years ago. A more qualified director would be hard to conjure up.
With a B.S. degree in music management, Rice worked for the Fairfax Symphony before earning an MBA with a concentration in finance. Not satisfied to rest on her sheepskins, she rounded out her educational resume by scoring a law degree.
During a portion of her career she took time off to raise three daughters, reinforcing the old adage, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person.”
If the WARF is run like a Swiss watch, it’s because its gifted administrator is winding the stem.
“It’s a strange combination of degrees but weirdly all of them have applicability to what I do now. The law degree is especially handy in dealing with the many contracts here at WARF,” said Rice.
And what does she do? She has responsibility for all WARF operations plus the four town parks. Besides a paid staff of six, she manages about 100 part-time employees who run the day-to-day programs. A handful of volunteers staff the childcare room in exchange for free membership.
Fees & programs
The fee structure for the facility is based on where one lives and if you elect to become a member or an occasional walk-in. The membership rates are based on residency location: in town, in Fauquier County or non-resident and range from $365 up to $575 annually. One day pass fees are based on residency and age and are priced from $4.50 to $8.50. Currently there are 1,700 members who are joined by many daily walk-ins.
Regardless of how one gains admission to the facility once inside the fun begins…seven days a week.
“We have a lot going on, from pre-swim classes, fitness classes, yoga—both water and land—spin classes, Zumba and even something called “Pound” that uses drums. That’s really a workout and you don’t even notice it because you’re having so much fun.
“Hopefully, everyone finds something that works for them,” said Rice.
In fact, everything fitness is available for anyone seeking a better self; even the wee ones get in the act with over 2,000 children a year learning to swim and having fun on the water slide in the leisure pool.
But not all the joy is within the facility’s walls. A popular asset for both kids and parents is the sponge playground located on the right side of the building.
Stocked with numerous kid pleasers such as jungle gyms, seesaws, swings and other self-play equipment, the entire surface is layered with a sponge-like material that protects children from cuts, scratches, and for the rest of us ear shattering screams of a child down on gravel or asphalt.
But the fun jewel was not inexpensive with the playground’s invoice coming to $250,000; worth every penny if parents get a vote.
Another youth initiative was started this summer with the planting of a garden near the building. Youngsters come out and tend the plot and then go in for a swim. “We truly try to develop things that the community wants,” said Rice.
Revenues and the future
When the multi-million-dollar facility was built is was financed in part by bonds; that debt is being paid off over time. However, operating expenses are in line with income making the fitness center a self-paying operation.
Last year, it produced an income of $1.356 million with expenses totaling $1.346 million. “Weirdly, our revenue is divided into thirds; memberships, day passes and program fees,” said Rice.
Not one to rest on past successes, Rice sees opportunities for expansion of the WARF’s community involvement.
“We are looking at some interesting ideas but not quite ready to share yet. We’d like to get into partnerships and like to do something with employee fitness and wellness. We’re kicking around some ideas like that.
“We do have WARF on Wheels where we send our instructors to nursing homes, schools and the community of disabled people and talk to them about fitness and do something with them, depending on the ability of the population we are dealing with,” said Rice.
She also sends instructors into the town parks for free outdoor fitness classes for folks who are unable to travel to the facility. “We are trying to reach out into the community and reach people who may not be able to come into the building but could benefit from having information on a healthy lifestyle and fitness, even showing the chair bound they can do exercise with their arms.”
Linda Wright, a resident of Warrenton, is not a weekly visitor to the WARF but enjoys it when she goes. “I love that it’s a clean facility. I love the lazy river, it’s so unique. To have that in Warrenton is fun.
“It’s a friendly atmosphere. I like it when kids are around; the mix of age groups is great,” said Wright.
For Margaret Rice her job as director has been a joy. “It’s been a wonderful journey over the years finding our place in the community. It’s so much fun.
“I think our staff are the luckiest people in Warrenton. We get to see everybody in the community and they’re all happy when they arrive here. I feel lucky every day when I come to work,” she said.
For a full description of programs, hours, fees, special events and more, tap your keyboard for wellness at: http://www.warrentonva.gov/government/departments/parks_and_recreation/warf/index.php
Published in the August 15, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
Vint Hill barley & hop factory centered on tap handles and community
Surfing on an ocean of beer might be an apt description for Old Bust Head Brewing Company. Since opening on August 11, 2014, the popular brewery has produced 20,000 barrels of beer. That’s five million pints; a bit more than the proverbial 99 bottles of beer on the wall.
About 12 percent of that production is brewed for other breweries who lack capacity or for retail accounts who desire an “in-house” brand. Some 25 percent flows out of its taproom kegs with the remaining being distributed to restaurants and grocery stores throughout Virginia and D.C.
The three founders and managing partners, Ike and Julie Broaddus and Charles Kling, view their performance to date as an opening act. The firm will celebrate their fourth anniversary with plans to continue building their juggernaut while deepening ties with Fauquier County.
“We’re grateful for our loyal customers and have confidence that if we keep making great beer and providing a fun, family-oriented environment, we’ll be around for decades to come,” said Ike Broaddus.
Averaging 1,500 guests a week in its taproom, some 300,000 people have enjoyed the company’s flavorful beers since opening day. Equally important, a vibrant business community has sprung up around the establishment with no signs of abating.
“Since the brewery opened its doors, more than 20 businesses have moved into one of the renovated buildings surrounding OBG,” said Ike Broaddus. “We didn’t expect that but we’re thrilled to be part of it.”
Being part of it is an understatement. The brewery itself ignited the entrepreneurial spirit that flourishes on the former army base.
When the building that houses the brewery was purchased it included 10 acres of other buildings in the immediate area. A combination of increased traffic flow and savvy marketing saw those acres bloom with a variety of businesses that grew in tandem with Old Bust Head.
“Once the brewery came a lot of people were coming to Vint Hill,” said Julie Broaddus. “The parking lot was full every weekend.” Customers realized other businesses were nearby and they began patronizing them. “We were the catalyst for their growth.”
Recognizing the potential, the Broaddus’ purchased an additional ten acres of buildings in Vint Hill less than two years ago—including some historic barns that date to the original cattle farm. They continue to find viable businesses to lease them.
Working with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources the Broaddus’ will have plaques installed on the barns in September acknowledging their historical importance.
“Ike has expanded his love of Vint Hill and has been renovating and leasing space for even more businesses to come in. We do not flip the buildings. We were worried about what a developer might do to those buildings that would impact the feel of the community,” said Julie Broaddus.
Today, there is a fermented tea shop, café, coffee shop, gymnastic studio, dance studio, catering company, wine distributor, graphic design studio, hair salon, the previously established Cold War Museum and more. The Broaddus’ renovated space for most of them and leased it to the divergent group to create a thriving business environment.
“One of Ike’s talents is helping people start and build a successful business. He enables people to come and make a success of their business. That’s mostly what he is doing now,” said Julie Broaddus who spends her time running the brewery.
All of this activity was unfolding as the craft beer industry was beginning to cool off after years of torrid growth. There are over 6,000 craft breweries in the U.S. today and some 250 in Virginia.
“We were the 40th brewery in Virginia four years ago. We have to keep inventing new recipes and exploring new styles,” said Ike Broaddus.
Be assured OBH will be working hard to maintain market share. The owners have the smarts and work ethic to stay relevant during any shakeout.
Taproom tiger
With Ike Broaddus focused on the Vint Hill business community at large, Julie manages the day-to-day brewery operation. The production team is headed by Charles Kling, their award-winning master brewer, and head brewer Thorne Watkins.
To help celebrate the upcoming fourth anniversary, a special Belgian Quad will be released. It’s a high gravity beer—weighing in at 11 percent alcohol—that exhibits a “bold, dark and rich malty” flavor.
“Everyone here is really excited about it. It will have a special anniversary wax seal. We’ll have it on tap and in 500 milliliter bottles,” said Julie Broaddus. Their ever-popular Octoberfest will be released the same day.
But an anniversary can only be special in certain ways since every week sees a swirl of events unfold in the taproom. There is live music every Saturday, trivia night each Wednesday and “Grab your growler” on Thursdays.
The latter event recognized many customers had accumulated several growlers. On Thursdays they can bring them in and receive discounts based on how many they have.
For what may be a first, once a month a yoga class meets at the brewery. And on Valentine’s Day a crowd favorite is the chocolate truffle and beer pairing event. “We have over 100 events a year,” Julie Broaddus said.
Regardless of the day of the week, one of the biggest challenges facing a thirsty beer hound is what beer to choose. OBH doesn’t make it easy. There are 18 to 20 beers on tap at any given time. Decision making has never been more fun.
The brewery has felt the impact of growing competition since opening. “We definitely noticed other beer options out there. But we’ve always been about Fauquier County. It’s been about our community, the environment and the beer. Every day I get at least one Google five-star review in my mailbox,” said Julie Broaddus.
She believes other breweries can’t compete with the quality of their beer and the attention they dedicate to the local community. “You can’t pretend to be genuine if you are not. We work hard to create a place that makes our guests comfortable. Fauquier has a unique sense of place that we respect,” said Julie Broaddus.
It also helps that the beer taps are constantly rotating with new brews. One of the most popular is their Irish Style Red Ale and has been served since day one.
In addition to the taproom, there is a beer garden out front and seating out back. Food is available from food trucks Thursday through Sunday. On Wednesdays, the Covert Cafe delivers anything on its menu directly to guests’ tables.
“We have Moo Thru ice cream and Monkey Popcorn every day and customers are always welcome to bring their own picnic,” said Julie Broaddus.
On busy days the entire brewery can seat up to 600 people.
In reflecting on the exciting past four years, Julie Broaddus said, “It was a big decision to open the brewery. For me it was like having a baby. If you do it, you have to be committed. I knew the brewery would be like that to me. And it’s become completely true.
“If you put your heart into it, it gives you great returns. It becomes ingrained in who you are.”
For more information on Old Bust Head Brewing Company’s hours, events, beers and more drop by https://www.oldbusthead.com
Published in the August 15, 2018 edition of Fauquier Times.
Doc At Your Door launches in-home medical practice
On August 15, residents throughout the Fauquier County region will be able to receive modern medical care in a yesteryear environment: their home.
And if it’s a bit difficult to conjure up a doctor ringing your door bell, just go with it. It’s a leading-edge trend that may well gain momentum in the coming years.
The traditional insurance-based model of health care began changing in the 1990s and was largely centered on wealthier patients who could afford what was termed “concierge care”. The service cost thousands of dollars a year and offered patients a personal physician available whenever they needed one.
While the model still exists, a growing number of physicians are blending conventional patient care with the concierge model. Some even sign on with concierge practice firms who managed the program for the physician.
The advantages for participating patients are the ease in scheduling appointments and personal care in an era of overburdened medical practices that increasingly are unable to provide quality health care due to patient overload.
Concierge plans can range from $100 a month up to $20,00 or more annually. But typically, they run from $1,500 to $2,000 a year and the costs are not covered by insurance. A significant out-of-pocket expense for the average patient.
Physicians are attracted to fee-based services because it enables them to reduce their panel of patients while providing better care with less administrative insurance work.
But there is another approach to fee based medical care that does not require monthly or annual membership fees. And it’s coming to the Fauquier area in mid-August.
Dr. William L. Simpson
Dr. William Simpson
Dr. Simpson, 58, is a familiar face to thousands of local patients. He was founder and medical director of Piedmont Internal Medicine and practiced there until earlier this year when he left to create Doc At Your Door.
What drives an experienced physician to abandoned a successful practice and strike out on his own?
“After 25 years of playing the insurance game, I’ve witnessed first-hand how our nation’s health care industry impedes the delivery of high quality health care,” said Simpson. “It focuses more on treatment than prevention, more on specialty care than primary care, and more on volume of care than quality. And frankly, more on saving money than saving lives.”
Like a growing number of private pay doctors, Simpson elected to focus his energy and skills on patients rather than insurance guidelines, pre-authorizations, denials, appeals and other obstacles to quality care imposed by insurance plans today.
However, unlike most private pay physicians Simpson’s practice has no monthly or annual fees. In fact, no fees at all other than what he specifically charges patients for each home visit.
It’s a business model that might be perceived as radical except for its simplicity.
Perhaps the best way to envision how it works in real time is to think of the conventional billing practices of attorneys, accountants, tax advisers, lawyers, consultants and a host of other professionals. In fact, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, auto glass installers and more bill the same way.
Under any of these scenarios an on-site service is provided, a bill rendered and a payment made. Doc At Your Door will use the same model.
And what services will be offered?
All of the services provided in his previous practice will be available from his new business. Physicals, labs, EKGs, nursing home and assisted living admissions, screenings for diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, heart disease and cancer. Whatever ails a patient will fall under Simpson’s skillful eyes and stethoscope.
Insurance will still be employed for screenings and medications but the patient will file those claims directly with their carrier. The practice will not act on their behalf, reducing its overhead costs.
The service model has two components: traditional and premier.
Traditional covers all health care issues. The premier category expands on those basic services to include, among other services, the TELEHEALTH system that allows patients to communicate with their physician by phone, text, email, fax or video.
The premier service is only available for patients who have been seen at least once in the previous 12 months. But consider: what would it be like to have direct electronic contact with your doctor and receive prompt feedback? Ahhh…you get the picture.
Fees
The pricing structure for the new medical practice is straight forward:
Care
$5/minute (6 a.m.- 6 p.m.)
$7/minute (after hours, weekend, holidays)
Travel
$2/minute
(Out and back from Main Street, Warrenton)
Materials
As incurred (meds, vaccines, bandages, etc.)
A possible 15-minute daytime home visit for a patient who wants a flu shot and a cholesterol test and lives eight miles from Simpson’s start point would cost $75 for the visit and a $32 travel fee, or $107. The blood test, if covered by insurance, would be filed by the patient.
Anyone considering the service would weigh that bill against the time and effort to make a conventional office visit, take time out of their schedule to go, and incur any associated costs such as gas.
For busy career professionals the cost/benefit trade-off may make sense considering no other fees and retainer charges would be involved.
In addition to harried workers, Simpson sees homebound or limited mobility patients especially benefiting from his services since there is an estimated five million such individuals nationwide.
“My wife is a geriatric care manager and I’ve heard for years how it’s such an ordeal for these patients to get out of their house. Often a family member has to take a day off from work and hire transportation. It can cost hundreds of dollars just to get these folks to a doctor’s office.”
Simpson can solve those problems, reduce costs, and more importantly, improve the level of care by coming directly to a shut-in’s home.
Mobile doctor’s office
Once Simpson launches his service he will have no brick and mortar office. “I will be completely mobile,” said Simpson. His initial intent is to service all counties bordering Fauquier County but will evaluate his geographical reach based on case load.
The intent is to provide prompt service so reframing his service area would be driven by the number of patients he sees daily.
“I can’t tell you how many of my previous patients would come in with a list of eight or 10 items they wanted answers to. In reality, we often only had time to cover two or three. Now I will have adequate time to spend with all my patients.
“I will be able to expand my scope of care. I can sit down with patients right after their hospital discharges and help them figure out their doctor’s instructions, how to dovetail new meds with existing ones, figure out follow appointments and doing all this outside the restrictions of insurance companies,” Simpson emphasized.
“This is how health care was provided decades ago. Over time is got consolidated back to office visits. Now there is a trend to going back to the home. I’m excited to be embarking on this in our community. I don’t think its offered here at all.”
For a comprehensive description of the services and fees of this innovative health care practice visit https://docatyourdoor.care/.
Published in the August 2, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
PAs take aim at tomorrow’s health care
If you haven’t already encountered the moment of truth, you will. You call your doctor—primary or specialist—and ask for an appointment for that nagging lower back pain: “We can’t get you in for two weeks. Would you like to see a physician’s assistant?
What? Of course not, I want to see a doctor, my doctor.
But then again, two weeks?
So you book the appointment with a PA but are left feeling disappointed a doctor of medicine will not be evaluating your painful lumbar discs.
But not so fast. The pending appointment could well be one of the more rewarding medical visits you’ve encountered. Physician assistants are gaining both in numbers and popularity for many well-earned reasons.
Dr. Eugene A. Stead with Duke University launched the first formal educational program for physician assistants in 1965. He saw a growing need for help with his office practice and was impressed with the level of skill and intelligence nurses returning from Vietnam exhibited. Here were veterans ready to serve in the private sector.
From a mere handful of practitioners in 1967 when the program was formally established, today over 123,000 physician assistants are meeting the medical needs of tens of thousands of patients in the United States. There are 3,200 PAs in Virginia and an estimated 40 serving the Fauquier County area.
By comparison, in 2013 there were over one million doctors in the U.S. but last year the number dropped to around 953,000; a figure that may be headed even further south.
Declining M.D. prestige?
Scores of doctors today are being forced to adapt to transformational changes; changes that often eviscerate the pride and satisfaction of a career in healing. Expansion of health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act to include 20 million people coupled with changes in Medicare are revamping how physicians are paid.
Added to the compensation issue is a pronounced increase in hours spent in administering patient computer files and insurance company claims. As an example, the implementation of a system called ICD-10 raised the number of disease classification codes physicians use from 14,000 to 68,000. Ponder the impact on record keeping with just that change.
The overall effect has been to send a chill throughout the medical industry centered on physician burnout. It’s simply not as gratifying to make people well as it used to be.
Further on, the “corporatization” of healthcare including ongoing mergers of hospitals places more focus of the bottom line to the detriment of patient welfare.
Under this broad scenario it’s projected by 2025 there will be a nationwide deficit of 90,400 doctors. Underscoring the bleak picture is the alarming trend of doctor suicide. One doctor commits suicide in the U.S. every day, the highest rate of any profession and twice the suicide rate of the general population.
Stress and depression are the leading causes and physicians need relief on multiple fronts. PAs seek to ease the workload for many of these overburdened doctors while delivering quality care.
Physician Assistant ascendency
To underscore the expansion of this unique specialty, the profession has grown over 54% in just the last eight years. Annually more than 400 million patient interactions unfold under the experienced care of PAs.
And less you think the educational requirements to practice as a PA are relatively undemanding, consider the cohort must earn a four-year college degree followed by three years earning a master’s in physician assistant medicine. Moreover, many doctors seek PAs who have additional experience as an EMT, paramedic or nurse.
Suffice it to say, you’re in good hands with a rigorously trained PA.
Once ensconced in a white coat environment, PAs can perform most of the functions of a regular doctor, including conducting physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, ordering and interpreting tests such as x-rays, MRIs, blood work, and prescribing medications.
“I feel PAs are an integral part of a health care team. With the population aging and expansion of Medicaid, there is a growing need for health care. The PA profession is rising to meet that need,” said Rose Rutherford, president of the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants.
She goes on to opine, “People who enjoy people gravitate toward the medical practice. They are happy with their careers” and it shows in how they interact with patients. It’s not unusual for someone seen by a PA to have a positive reaction with the encounter.
In 1980, 36 percent of PAs were female. Today that number is 68 percent, underscoring the advancement of women in the workforce and the nature of caregiving by women. PAs typically spend more time with a patient listening and providing care and health advice than a physician can and does.
But whether a PA is male or female, the perception of many patients is that a more positive medical interface can be achieved when being seen by a PA.
Michele Glowicki
One of the most experienced PAs in Virginia works in Warrenton. Michele Glowicki is the senior PA at Blue Ridge Orthopaedic & Spine Center and supervises the work of four other PAs.
Raised in Alexandria she obtained her degree to practice in 1984 and has spent 34 years treating patients.
“There are generally two reactions when patients encounter PAs,” said Glowicki. “The first group doesn’t want to see one. They want to see a doctor. But other patients like to see us versus a physician because we do spend on average more time with them than a doctor does.”
However, she underscores a theme heard whenever the subject of PAs arises in a clinical setting. “The second group realizes we are a team and do have the resources of a physician available. They feel comfortable with us treating them.”
The team concept of medical practice is embedded in today’s medical world. For previously mentioned reasons physicians are increasingly relying on PAs to help provide comprehensive care for their patient panel.
“In my years of experience, I do have patients that I follow but when I feel the need for them to see a surgeon we go back and forth as needed acting as a team to treat each individual.”
Echoing the pressures placed on doctors today, Glowicki says, “I think that’s the way medicine is working today. Physicians are under pressure, not being fairly reimbursed and if a doctor can use a PA I think the patients are better served.”
On the subject of compensation, it might appear doctors are in fact well compensated for their skills. On average, physician incomes range from $200,000 to over $300,000 annually based on the type of medicine they practice. Surgeons fall into the higher income ranges.
But stagnating compensation appears to be a real problem with many physicians seeing their incomes fail to keep place with the cost of living. Many have worked decades and invested heavily to achieve their high earning years only to see their compensation flatline.
PAs salaries reflect the importance of their growing contribution to medicine and range from $100,000 to $120,000; again, depending on the discipline they’ve chosen to pursue. Working alongside surgeons reaps higher rewards.
With industry estimates of up to a 43 percent of doctors considering cutting back, retiring or switching to non-clinical work, the future of physician assistants appears bright. So if faced with a decision to see a doctor or PA in the future, consider embracing the future of medicine and give a PA an opportunity to heal.
Published in the August 1, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
Goal setting is the purview of seemingly every self-help book. Set your goals and it will motivate, create focus, jettison procrastination, produce results and lead to a better you. All lofty promises harnessed to hard work.
But set extraordinary goals and the unexpected may well become reality. In Fauquier County there is an individual who reaches for the stars; stars that may some day gift back to the community and the Nation the sound of music.
“It’s important for our generation to reach out and find the next Mozart, the next Beethoven. When you have a child that cannot reach that potential because of any reason whatsoever the next generation is going to lose out,” said Diana Traietta.
And Traietta, executive director of the Fauquier Youth Orchestra, doesn’t like losing. More importantly, she loves winning for the youth of the county; especially youth that may be disadvantaged for any number of reasons.
Traietta founded the orchestra six years ago; it completed its fifth successful season in June. Her day job is regional manager for Music and Arts in Frederick, MD, a nationwide chain that’s a music-everything hub offering sales, rentals, lessons and accessories.
In the course of her workday activities, Traietta discovered a segment of Fauquier County students who were not being musically served. There were many reasons including the lack of family income for instruments and lessons and conflicts with scheduling practices because some students were taking classes to improve their academic scores. Even sports created conflicts.
“I learned a large percentage of students wanted to participate in music but couldn’t because remediation classes were happening during orchestra practice,” said Traietta.
“Our program is designed to help students that for any reason can’t take orchestra in school.”
Her organization helps identify those students and make sure they have the same opportunities as any other child in the county to learn a band or orchestra instrument.
Research confirms that learning music improves academic life. It builds confidence, teamwork, language, arts and even math skills.
“Music is very special because it encompasses many disciplines and contributes to the educational growth of a student. When a child does not have an opportunity to learn music, it can lead to a breakdown in overall school performance,” said Traietta.
Joining the orchestra is a voluntary decision on the part of a student. The orchestra accepts any interested pupil without the use of an audition so every child who wants to learn an instrument has the means to accomplish it.
Financial support
For a small fee of $10 a week a young musician receives one hour of rehearsal at the Highland School. But an instrument is a must if music is to be created. “If a child cannot afford an instrument we will provide one for them. The support comes through the Gloria Faye Dingus Music Alliance, a non-profit organization created by Tim Dingus who owns Warrenton’s Drum and Strum Music Center,” said Traietta.
The orchestra’s four instructors are all talented musicians who devote 100 percent of their time to teaching students on a volunteer basis. Traietta establishes the rehearsal schedules at Highland School by working with public, private and homeschool networks.
“We offer three orchestra programs and a band; beginning, intermediate, advanced and a jazz band”. The orchestra holds performances throughout the year with an emphasis on a seasonal concert in December and an end-of-season performance in June.
Mark Wood Performs
Traietta led a fundraising effort this past year to bring in world-renowned and Emmy-winning composer electric violinist Mark Wood. Wood gained fame when he played with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, an American rock band noted for their driving, high energy performances. The Washington Post referred to them as “an arena-rock juggernaut”.
Wood worked with the band for two days teaching them how to perform better as a team and improving their musical skills. The orchestra then played with Wood in a gala performance of classic rock songs.
“The kids loved the rock aspect of the concert. They picked up a new genre of music they were not accustomed to playing. Many of the kids had never heard of Led Zeppelin, Police, Sting and others. He introduced them to a different time period of music. It was awesome,” Traietta said.
One of the students, Kendra Lyons, a 13-year-old from Broad Run was chosen to play first violin alongside Wood at the concluding concert. “I really like the orchestra. I play violin and have been going there for three years. Its opened more opportunities to grow over the years and that’s cool too,” said Lyons. “I think anyone thinking about would really like it.”
Kendra’s father Rick explains she’s not limited her performances to Highland School but has played at First Night Warrenton, for senior citizens groups and even a wedding. “I even travelled to New York. We competed in the Big Apple Music Festival. I’ll be playing again next year with the orchestra,” said Kenda Lyons.
Program structure
Currently the orchestra has 40 participating students but will range in size from 40 to 60 young musicians depending on the time of the year. The students span the fifth through the 12th grades.
What makes the program unique is students are not required or expected to sign up for a full season. “We understand that as much as music is important so is homework, studying and sports so we work really hard so the children can take part in our program but also in other after school activities too,” said Traietta.
As a result, some young musicians may play only during the fall while others sign up for the entire season.
It’s also not limited to just in-county children but encompasses the greater Fauquier area, including Prince William, Culpeper and Warren counties. All rehearsals take place at Highland School where the orchestra rents space.
Traietta is gearing up now for her sixth season and is welcoming children from throughout Virginia to join if circumstances permit.
“We believe every child should learn music and we arrange to give them that opportunity to do so. There should never be any reason that a family has to choose between putting food on the table or having their child learn a musical instrument.
“Unfortunately, some families have to make that choice and we want them to know we are here to help,” Traietta said.
The success of the program has led to plans to even further expand its geographic reach. “We are going to take the show on the road. We are going throughout the entire state identifying those counties that do not have a string program offered in their public schools. We will go in and create one.
“We are extremely proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in five years and we’re excited about what we can accomplish as an organization over the next 100 years,” said Traietta.
But whether those goals result in the next Mozart or Ron Wood making beautiful music in the future, the true gift is the joy given to youngsters fortunate enough to have fallen under the musical spell of Diana Traietta and her supporting cast.
The instructors
Diana Traietta
Traietta is executive director of the FSO. She studied music education and violin performance at Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania. She teaches all string instruments and performs with the Piedmont Symphony in Warrenton.
Laura O’Konski
O’Konski is co-director of the FSO and holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from George Mason University. She is also the director of the intermediate orchestra with the FSO.
Laura Morgan
Morgan is co-director of the FSO and holds a major in music education and viola performance from East Carolina University. She recently graduated with a masters in orchestral conducting.
Craig Dye
Dye is band director with the FSO and has taught and conducted bands for nearly three decades. He is also a free-lance trumpet artist and has performed with the Virginia Grand Military Band.
For additional information on the Fauquier Youth Orchestra visit http://www.fauquieryouthorchestra.org/
Published in the July 28, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
Fauquier’s Katie and Kelly Hagarty launch music career
The music industry is a labor of love…coupled with extraordinary work. The odds of reaching stardom is a formidable challenge. But if talent and commitment are soulmates to success, keep an eye on two local young ladies as they begin their climb up the ladder.
On July 4, Katie and Kelly Hagarty released their first song, titled Indecisive. It’s available on popular music apps iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon and is receiving positive reviews. The music genre the duo focuses on is country-rock.
Katie & Kelly Hagarty
The talented twosome has been making music together since their preteens but in the last year have taken dead aim at a professional career. Typical of many emerging young stars it’s been a family affair with mom and dad guiding and encouraging their youthful charges.
The family connection further extends to this writer who is the grandfather of the ladies. But a familial relationship in no way leads to embellishing the gifts of these two singers.
Their talent is real.
Parents Brian and Diane Hagarty live just outside Warrenton. Brian Hagarty is a local real estate agent assisted by his wife.
In addition to Katie, 17, and Kelly, 20, they have two sons, Preston and Peyton. Preston, 23, is a former Marine who operates a successful physical fitness business in Wilmington, N.C. Their youngest child, Peyton, 13, lives at home and works as videographer on his sisters’ videos.
In the beginning
Singers often begin to warble as youngsters and so it was with the Hagarty twosome. It started over a decade ago when Kelly Hagarty first sang at church. From there they entered local talent competitions taking first place in three of the events.
With many activities to engage them at the early teen level, the music was set aside and occasionally employed at family get togethers; all fun with no expectations.
Then in 2017, Diane Hagarty spotted her daughters sitting on a gently sloping roof of their home singing. Mom’s cell phone recorded one of the impromptu performances for posterity.
Fast forward one month and Brian Hagarty, along with his newly minted real estate agent daughter, Kelly, were in Hoboken, N.J attending a real estate seminar. A restaurant conversation commenced with two West Coast diners who were, ironically, in the music business. Kelly Hagarty showed the men the video her mother had taken.
“Hey, hand me that phone. Is that really you guys singing?” asked one of the incredulous men. Indeed, it was. “Can we call you tomorrow? We hear something different in your voices. We think you have something special. We’d like to help develop it.”
The other music guru was also a professional bus driver. He had a colorful past that included driving for Johnny Cash, BB King and other notables, including a short stint wheeling for Bob Dylan when the legendary singer was having a new engine installed in his own highway behemoth.
As the fortuitous dinner encounter concluded, the ace driver turned to Kelly Hagarty and said, “Keep in touch. When you girls make it to the top I’ll come back and drive for you.”
Heady stuff for the young lass.
“That evening is where it all started,” said Diane Hagarty. The men were successful music entrepreneurs on the scout for new talent. A short time later one of the men flew in from Calif. for a three-day stay at the Hagarty home.
The long weekend was spent discussing the singers’ goals, and more importantly, teaching them how to write songs. After a few months of collaborative work the young talent decided the style of music the men were seeking did not match theirs and the two parties parted amicably.
Getting serious
Brian Hagarty then set in motion a series of actions to accelerate his daughters’ goals. One involved a trip to Nashville to meet with a leading entertainment lawyer.
In researching the industry, he learned, “If you have any potential talent and start making money, hire an entertainment attorney and a business manager. I wanted the best and found such a lawyer in Nashville.” For now, Brian Hagarty acts as the business manager.
Next came outlays for future artistic growth. Purchases included a piano, acoustic guitars, microphones, video software programs and other assorted equipment.
One microphone alone ran $5,000. To date, $30,000 has been invested in his daughters burgeoning careers; expenditures that are a given in firing up a professional career.
The next move was building live performance skills. Open mic performances at local venues such a Molly’s Pub, Denim and Pearls, Old Bust Head Brewery and others acted as an incubation environment for building a repertoire, learning stage presence and honing entertainer skills.
One upcoming volunteer performance that the pair are proud to perform at is a September 8 fundraiser at Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane. The event is called BeLEIGHve Fest that will raise funds to help cover medical costs for the Leigh family of Marshall whose two sons, Noah and Kaleb, suffer from cancer.
After that performance a shift will be made to focus on paid performances as they advance their career. It will also include performing at private parties and corporate events.
In the interim, Katie Hagarty will finish her final year of high school by home schooling.
Further to their aspirations, Katie and Kelly have been accepted into the Nashville Songwriters Association International, the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade association. They will travel to Nashville on August 2 to sharpen their song crafting skills under the guidance of the country’s top songwriters.
They are also members of BMI, an organization that collects license fees on behalf of songwriters. Each time one of their songs is aired a percent of the money is paid back to the them; a critical function for artists writing their own material.
The Future
So what thoughts swirl through the minds of these young singers as they hit the career pedal?
“When we started out we didn’t have anybody helping us. There was no set plan or detailed map. We had to learn a lot by ourselves. It was hard to research and learn; especially Logic Pro X, the software for recording our videos,” said Kelly Hagarty.
Because of her inherent technical skills, however, she was soon navigating the intricacies of producing demos and videos.
She also differed with Katie on an important function: stage presence. “In the beginning I suffered from anxiety on stage. Katie never did. Soon it became fun to perform. I also enjoy talking with members of the audience after a show is over.”
Individual skill sets are now established with Kelly handling the mixing board, sound equipment, guitar work, harmonies and other aspects of both videos and live shows. Katie is the lead singer and co-writes all of their material with Kelly.
Katie Hagarty said, “The most satisfying part of the career so far is to go back and listen to the first songs we recorded on our phones. It’s amazing to see how much work and layers go into the final product. It’s really amazing to see the progress.
“When we go back and listen to our early cover songs on YouTube we kinda cringe. We definitely got better the more we did it.”
Soon the team will begin designing and creating their own line of merchandise, including shirts, jackets and other clothing items for sale at their performances and online. The intent is to start slowly and see what sells and then expand the product line based on sales success.
In the short term, they will continue as a sister act but will likely expand to include a band within a year. “We want to play bigger venues. We plan on having a drummer, electric guitarist and bass player but we’d still be writing the songs,” said Katie Hagarty.
Katie Hagarty closes with an assessment of their hectic existence: “We are very blessed to be where we are at this point in our life. It’s been hard to get here, what with school and other work that we’re involved in. But it’s been an amazing experience; very humbling, because it’s satisfying to make music for a living and meet with some success.”
Kelly Hagarty said, “I find it enlightening to now have a job where I get to create music, putting emotions into my guitar and creating emotions for others.”
Visitors can reach the singers on their website KatieandKellyMusic.com. Interested listeners can purchase music and view videos while enjoying the sound of a blossoming career.
Published in the June 18, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
Family owned firm rockin’ along at bone rattling pace
Curtis and Michele Hambrick were high school sweethearts and after the 31 years of marriage the love still shows. So does the hard work that has made this Marshall small business a unique success.
The company specializes in demolition of rock and concrete. And less you think it might be hard to conjure a viable business that simply breaks rock, think again.
Curtis Hambrick toiled in the construction industry for years before the idea struck him that the demand for rock and concrete removal held economic potential. And why?
Northern Virginia and the Piedmont region is a mother lode of subsurface rock. Combine that fact with the explosive growth in home and commercial construction, highways and pipeline trenches and the recipe for success was as clear as a mountain brook.
Nonetheless, it takes courage to create, fund and execute a new small business. The average life span of a small business is eight and a half years; 555,000 close their doors annually. This firm, however, is generating over a million dollars of business a year.
Michele Hambrick shared her thoughts on how that success was achieved and her pride in what her husband and her have built. Curtis Hambrick, 56, was not available for comment because he leaves the house at 4 a.m. five to six days a week and returns around 7 p.m.
“We run the business out of our home. But Curtis leased a shop on a nearby farm 10 years ago for the maintenance and repair of the machines,” she said. Repair work is so significant the company has its own mechanic.
The arsenal of heavy-duty tractors, backhoes and trucks totals 14 pieces valued at several million dollars. “The machines range in cost from $150,000 to over $300,000 each,” said Hambrick.
The workhorse and frontline agitator of peaceful rock is called a hoe-ram. Picture your one-man jack hammer plugging away at a piece of asphalt. Now put that jack hammer on steroids and attach it to the arm of a large backhoe and you’ve got the picture of what is brought to bear on recalcitrant rock and concrete.
And where is all this rock? Everywhere. But the company’s fortunes are centered on Northern Virginia and especially Loudoun County, where work on data centers, pipeline trenches and commercial and home construction thrive.
The company has six full-time workers who are all experts on the heavy-duty equipment. The Hambricks have known three of the men for decades. Suffice it to say loyalty is a reigning character trait among the small and highly experienced workforce.
While large rock removal jobs are the company’s forte, no job is too small to get their attention. “We have broken rock for individual homeowners putting in a swimming pool and for farmers seeking removal of rock and boulders in their pastures. The Orange County Hounds even used us to remove rock from their fields,” Hambrick said.
A particularly unique application was RdV Vineyards in Delaplane who needed some rock removed from their property. We’ll drink to the success of that job.
The firm is also licensed in West Virginia where Richmond American homebuilders is building subdivisions. Home construction firms may think site preparations will be a breeze until they stumbled upon the hard stuff. Lucky for them Hambrick Hammers is on their speed dial.
While the Hambricks were building their business, they were also raising two sons, Kurt and Carson. Kurt, 27, is newly married and living in Richmond and does not work for the firm.
Carson, 24, works full-time for his parents. “Carson is doing a good job and is well-liked by all the men. When we go out of town he handles everything.
“It’s hard to find young labor today. They don’t want to do this type of work,” Hambrick said. Perhaps prying cell phones out of their hands might help.
Asked why Michele Hambrick wanted to tell their story she said, “I wanted to get some recognition for Curtis. He works so hard. He’s good a man and tries to be good to his employees. All of them have their own service trucks and he gives them a lot of freedom to get the work done.”
If all of this sounds like a family making a solid contribution to their community, it’s the reason you might find them humming Billy Idol’s 1987 hit ‘Sweet Sixteen’ as they head off to work.
Published in the July 11, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
The joys of a walk in the woods
Time. It’s our most prized possession. There’s never enough of it and it flies faster than a thought. We try to husband our time to maximize its usefulness. At the end of the day we often reflect on where it went.
For many of us carving out time to exercise is a priority. And those who don’t pursue the elusive goal know they should. The medical, scientific, spiritual benefits of regular exercise have been reported with such frequency we tend to zone out when the subject is brought up. Yes, yes, we know we should exercise but…there’s never enough time.
Here’s a counterintuitive proposal: let’s waste some time. But think of it as an investment in your well-being; not frittering away a precious commodity. The only gear you’ll need is a pair of hiking shoes and a small day pack. In four hours or less one can reinvigorate mind and body under the canopy of life-giving greenery.
The most challenging aspect of hiking is the commitment to carve out a half-day from work and home responsibilities.
To create a further incentive to act let’s combine two concepts: exercise is good and a forest atmosphere is beneficial. The former is a given. The latter is the cornerstone of a preventive health practice that was developed in Japan in the 1980s.
It’s called Shinrin-yoko or “taking in the forest” or “forest bathing”. Researchers in Japan and South Korea have scientifically confirmed the health benefits of spending time under the canopy of a living forest.
The practice is simplicity itself. A person enters a natural area in a relaxed manner and achieves calming, rejuvenating and restorative benefits. The science behind the concept is that many trees give off organic compounds that support our “NK”, or natural killer cells; an integral part of our immune system.
The benefits of forest bathing include boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure and stress, improving mood, ability to focus, energy levels and sleep. The key to maximizing forest bathing is to combine it with hiking.
The only hitch is it takes time.
But even two or three forest hikes a month can generate a host of healthful benefits. Not to mention experiencing the beauty of a quiet forest or the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Where to go
Fortunately, Fauquier County residents have both the Whitney State Forest and the Shenandoah National Park, or SNP, within easy driving distance. Denizens living inside the beltway must devote a full day to enjoying either of these treasures.
Not so us locals. In a half a day or less an adventurous world of real nature awaits. Set your device on airplane mode and free yourself in the forest.
Whitney State Forest is a 148-acre State Forest located a few miles outside of Warrenton. The forest has a variety trees and animal life that transport a walker to venues similar to the more challenging nearby mountain trails but within minutes of town.
There are over six miles of trails crisscrossing a central fire road. Navigating the forest is easy and the rewards will include opportunities to encounter a variety of bird and animal life. Breathe deeply and walk gently in this forest.
From micro-to-macro describes heading out to a hike in the SNP. The Park has over 200,000 acres of forest, 500 miles of maintained trails, dozens of cascading waterfalls, peaceful backcountry camping and endless valley views.
The center piece is Skyline Drive that meanders the ridge line for 105 miles, from Front Royal to Waynesboro. The iconic Appalachian Trail parallels the Drive offering the opportunity to step back in time and experience the mountains as yesteryear mountain folk did.
When you arrive in the high country, finding your way around SNP is simple. Its trail obelisks and blazed trees easily guide a hiker from trailhead to trail’s end.
There are three color-coded trail blazes: white identifies the historic Appalachian Trail which runs 101 miles through the park; blue pinpoints side trails for hikers only; and yellow welcomes both hikers and horses. The park boundary is identified by red markers.
Hiking Clubs
While forest hiking contributes to a healthy lifestyle, social interaction is also a marker for longevity. Getting outdoors with friends and acquaintances is a double your pleasure double fun proposition. There’s no need to plan and execute the hike itself. Simply show up at the designated meeting spot, jump in a car and off to the mountains you go.
There are several organized hiking clubs in the area but the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is the granddaddy of them all. PATC was founded in 1927 for the purpose of building and maintaining the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking trail in the world meandering over mountains and through forests from Maine to Georgia. The 2,190-mile footpath traverses through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Nation.
Each month the club sponsors numerous hikes from easy parklike jaunts to more challenging mountain ascents.
Closer to home, Fauquier County has its own hiking club called Boots’n Beer. The nine-year-old club was founded by local resident and businessman Jim Carson.
Andreas Keller, treasurer and charter member of the club says, “Hiking is the most natural exercise. It’s great medicine for a long and happy life. Nothing beats a walk in the woods, hiking mountains or simply spending time in the outdoors.”
Given the demands of work today, stress relief is a goal among many Fauquier County citizens. Proof? The nine-year-old club has over 200 members. A typical hike will see 10 or more folks navigating the trails of the Shenandoah National Park or George Washington National Forest.
But it isn’t all heart pounding, sweat inducing physical labor that eases a worried mind. Each Boots’nBeer hike is followed by a rehydration stop at a local tavern.
The club’s motto embodies its fun-loving approach to the great outdoors: “A drinking club with a hiking problem”. Its whimsical logo depicts a pair of hiking boots, one with a mug handle and foaming beer head and the other lying on its side in a dreamy beer-induced repose. All hikes terminate with a hydration stop at a local pub or brewery for a cold draft and a bite to eat. Need we say more?
Hit parade of hikes
While there are hundreds of hiking options in the Shenandoah National Park, several are perennial keepers. Here are five proven favorites to place on your bucket list. You won’t be disappointed making tracks on any of these well-travelled trails.
Old Rag Mountain: One of the most popular hikes in the Mid-Atlantic region. The nine-mile loop has spectacular panoramic views and offers one of the most challenging rock scrambles in the park.
White Oak Canyon: Some of the best scenic waterfalls in Virginia are on display on this eight-mile loop. Be prepared for some serious elevation gain but it’s well worth the perspiration produced.
Dark Hollow Falls: Pressed for time? This stroll of less than two miles will reward with four waterfalls and an easy walk. It’s popular so mid-week hiking is suggested to avoid the crowds.
Stony Man: One of the more secluded loops in the SNP. The ten-mile hike provides picturesque views of both the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains. There is a nice swimming hole on the Rose River to cool the motor down on this workout.
Mary’s Rock: This favorite can be approached as either a four-mile or nine-mile hike. The shorter version starts at the Panorama parking lot and ascends to stunning views in less two miles. The more adventurous can begin in the valley and ascend the Buck Hollow Trail to reach the to
GETTING STARTED
There are several online sources for planning an adventurous day in the mountains. Here’s a few of the best.
Hiking Upward: This free site was created by a group of avid hikers who enjoy spending time in the forests and parks of the Mid-Atlantic states. They founded Hiking Upward to share what they’ve learned and create a meeting place for people who love the out-of-doors. The site lists dozens of detailed hikes. Each hike includes maps and reviews and photos by those who have walked it. Additionally, each trail description is accompanied by a numerical rating from one to five on its difficulty, streams, views, solitude and camping. One of the best hiking resources available. https://www.hikingupward.com/
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club: The breath of activities sponsored by PATC is impressive. Its core mission is the care of the hundreds of miles of trails and numerous shelters and cabins in Virginia and parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Each month the club newsletter posts numerous hikes ranging from easy five milers with modest elevation gains to more challenging 15+ mile ventures to mountain peaks with sweeping views. The club has a large selection of guide books and maps to shepherd the way to trail joy.
https://www.patc.net/
Boots’n Beer: Warrenton’s own. A passionate group of your local neighbors who explore the state and national forests in our region. Join this group of enthusiasts and find both rewarding trail workouts and friends.
http://bootsnbeer.com/
Whitney State Forest: A local hidden treasure located a few minutes outside of Warrenton. Indulge your trail urges and get back home with no fuss.
https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt/sites/whitney-state-forest/
Shenandoah National Park: One of the Nation’s premier national parks less than an hour west of Warrenton. Challenge yourself to explore this park but don’t expect to experience it all; simply too much to see and do.
https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm
Published in the June 20, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
Once again, the Fauquier County Fair will hold its annual get together showcasing all things agricultural and much more. Spread over four days—July 11 through July 14—there will be over 100 events packed into one of the most successful county fairs in Virginia.
The schedule features an array of activities including: poultry shows, bike rodeos, pedal tractor pulls, cattle shows, extreme illusions & escape demonstrations, comedy shows, rodeos, ATV rodeos, hot dog and pizza eating contests to mention a mere handful.
The history of county fairs dates to the early 1800s when rural folk gathered together for community cohesion and to show off their hard-earned crafts, produce and livestock.
Today, there are some 3,200 fairs nationwide generating three million attendees. Given that America’s agrarian past has largely faded from the scene its remarkable the concept of a celebration of all things farm-like endures and thrives.
Much of that success can be traced to the passion of fair organizers and volunteers who intuitively know the value of young people being involved in something bigger than themselves.
Smiling youngsters adjusting displays, grooming livestock or displaying craft projects are a refreshing counter to the ubiquitous mobile devices locked in the hands of many of today’s youth.
“I think the only reason we do it is for the kids,” said Brenda Rich, president of the Fauquier Fair. She’s held the position for 20 years. “It takes a lot of work but it makes the kids so happy. People call us in January to find out the dates for the next fair so there’s no conflict in their planning vacations.”
Rich also says the makeup of the board of directors is important. For a while it consisted of older, experienced hands but the organization has worked hard to get a younger cohort to join. “We’ve been fortunate to incorporate a bunch of young blood onto the board. That’s really good.”
So how much work is involved for these dedicated board members? “We start planning for next year’s fair on the last day of the current one. Both board members and volunteers contribute thousands of hours of work each year,” said Rich. With 30 members of the board of directors and over 100 volunteers on-site at each fair, the work gets done in a spirit of cooperative joy.
To underscore the depth of that spirit no one gets paid, including the president.
Planning unfolds throughout the year, including an annual conference in January hosted by the Virginia Association of Fairs. The four-day conference features classes and workshops geared to improving the production and building attendance at the events. “All of us are out to entertain the public and promote agriculture.” The association helps achieve those goals.
As backdrop to the exhibits and demonstrations there are 13 food vendors and 60 craft vendors creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Burgers, fries, fried chicken, pizza, brats and specialty dishes nourish the crowd as they shop at craft tents and visit agricultural and livestock displays.
As expected, weather plays a role too. Attendance over the four days is anticipated to be around 12,000. However, rain or heat can affect those numbers. “Heat is worse than rain,” said Rich.
“If you have a heat index over 100 there will be less of a crowd.” The index is a combination of heat and humidity.
As a nod to modernity, youth who display small animals or craft projects do not have to reside on a farm. Rich believes “you don’t need to live on a farm to appreciate agriculture.” Youth who live in subdivisions can easily raise rabbits, other small animals, create art, photography, garden crops, flowers and more.
The 45 to 50 judges who are on-site to award ribbons are also volunteers. “Once in a while a professional judge is paid to judge an animal show,” said Rich. Such a person would be the only financially compensated individual over the entire four days.
In reflecting on what the fair contributes to Fauquier County, Rich said, “Seeing these kids walking around with big smiles on their faces and carrying rabbits and chickens in their arms, marching in the chicken parade, competing in the zucchini car race, or washing and grooming their cows and calves is so exciting.”
She believes the youthful energy is given back to the county in the form of future productive adults.
The Fauquier Country Fair will be held on its 10-acre fair grounds located at 6209 Old Auburn Road. Fair hours are:
Wednesday, July 11 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday, July 12 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, July 13 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 14 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Adult admission is $10; children and seniors $5. Babes in arms are free.
For additional information and a full schedule of events visit https://www.fauquierfair.com/
Published in the July 6, 2018 edition of the Fauquier Times.
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club is premier outdoors fraternity
Research confirms the life-giving benefits of outdoor exercise. Study after study demonstrate the gifts of emotional well-being and physical conditioning that are bestowed on those who roam field, forest or mountains.
Walking or hiking your way to a healthier lifestyle may well be the most enjoyable way to achieve and maintain peak health. It’s particularly beneficial to folks who have passed the half-century mark.
Sitting in the rocking chair is comfort sublime. It’s also a relaxing way to stop moving altogether. The fountain of youth is embedded in one word. Movement.
Reducing the amount of steps taken each day is a short cut to taking few steps at all. Participating in outdoor activities with others provides emotional elements critical to enjoying your older years.
Moreover, anxiety and depression can fade with an increase in social exercise as the sense of well-being is enhanced.
But enough about the wonderful benefits of moving about. You knew that already, right? The question before the court is how to make it happen.
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club
There are dozens of ways to get physically moving from gym memberships to solo neighborhood walks. All are good and beneficial. But an important adjunct to the tried and true is participating in organized excursions that enhance your current exercise routine.
Where to start? Consider PATC. That’s the moniker members of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club use when referring to their organization.
PATC was founded in 1927 for the purpose of building and maintaining the Appalachian Trail, the longest hiking trail in the world meandering over mountains and through forests from Maine to Georgia. The 2,190 mile footpath courses through some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation. And there are no toll booths.
The trail is maintained by 31 service clubs along its entire length. PATC was the first club formed to perform this volunteer work and is responsible for maintaining over 1,000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Pick your favorites
The breath of activities sponsored by PATC is impressive. The core mission of the club is its care of the hundreds of miles of trails and numerous shelters and cabins in its geographical area. Each year members rack up over 50,000 hours of volunteer work. However, the word “work” is subjective because the volunteers will tell you it’s more fun than labor.
But beyond the contributions of its valued volunteers, the playtime side of the club offers a horn of plenty for the most passionate of outdoor enthusiasts.
Hikes: Each month the club newsletter posts numerous hikes ranging from easy five milers with modest elevation gains to more challenging 15+ mile ventures to mountain peaks offering sweeping views. The club has a large selection of guide books and maps to shepherd the way to trail joy.
Trail Work: Elect to participate in trail or shelter maintenance and you may well become a regular member of these valued teams. Camaraderie and esprit de corps are hallmarks of these crews making their participation compelling. Alternatively, you can sign up to maintain a section of trail yourself by becoming an overseer.
Cabins: The club rents 42 cabins stretching from Charlottesville, VA to Pine Grove, PA offering opportunities to hike and explore hundreds of miles of maintained trails. Each dwelling has a unique history with some dating to the mid-1800s. Accommodations range from primitive to full electric and water but most showcase lifestyles of a century ago.
Classes: Presentations on hiking and outdoor life are offered monthly by experienced outdoors men and women. The recreational store REI sponsors many of these presentations in concert with the club.
Ski Touring Section: Cold weather is no time to stop venturing outdoors. Winterscapes provide serene and bracing opportunities to burn calories with like-minded souls. STS sponsors weekend cross-country trips throughout the mid-Atlantic mountains. More extensive “free heeling” trips are offered to western and New England ski venues.
Trail Patrol: As you gain experience hiking the mountains consider becoming a goodwill trail ambassador. These individuals provide a visible and reassuring presence on the trails educating the public on good hiking practices, camping ethics and minimum impact hiking.
Mountaineering Section: Geared for area climbers who share a common interest in promoting safe climbing, conservation and developing new climber skills. Weekend trips are the norm.
As we enter 2018 it’s not too late to make a retroactive New Year’s resolution to take advantage of our nearby national parks and forests. Find new life, health and friends on footpaths that are within an hour’s drive of your front door.
To learn more, visit patc.net.
Then lace’em up!
Homebrewing offers tasty and creative outlet for boomers
In 1980 there were 80 craft breweries in the United States. Today, over 5,300 dot our sudsy landscape. Even small towns and villages often sport a wee brewhouse where locals gather to quaff artisan beer.
There’s never been a better time to hoist flavorful brews that are the polar opposite of the watery libations that have dominated our domestic beer world for decades.
So what triggered the shift from quantity to quality?
Homebrewers.
In 1979 a Federal law was enacted permitting brewing at home. States vary on exactly how much is allowed; in Virginia it’s 200 gallons annually for a two adult household. That’s about 2,000 bottles.
But please, don’t go there unless you’re sharing.
With such dramatic growth many nascent brewers began to realize, “Hey, my stuff tastes pretty good. Maybe I should go commercial” which they did in droves resulting in today’s commercial craft beer ascendancy.
It’s a classic example of free enterprise coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit being unleashed by market opportunity.
There are now 1.2 million homebrewers scattered across all 50 states with new adherents joining the hop army daily. A growing number of hobby brewers are baby boomers looking for a creative outlet for their newly available spare time.
It also offers the sociability inherent in a local community of homebrewers. A double your pleasure double your fun success story.
Getting started
Open a bottle of today’s craft beer and the furthest thing from most folks mind is, “I bet I could make something this tasty.” Well here’s a shocker. You can.
Homebrewing has advanced to the degree that producing a beer that will win friends and influence people is not only easy but fun and rewarding. Google the term Homebrewing and you’ll get 6.8 million results. You won’t be wandering in a brewer’s desert in your quest for a good, personally made beer.
Added to that level of support are homebrew shops, online suppliers and local clubs that thrive by assuring good beer is as easy to make as using a church key. If you can successfully bake a box of brownies, you can craft a beer you’ll be proud of.
As you launch your career as a brewmaster be sure to sip before your guzzle. In the beginning it’s recommended you start with easy extract malt kits and later migrate to all-grain brewing. These initial recipes are stovetop renditions made with syrup-like malt extract rather than barley.
As with any endeavor, the complexity of brewing at home ranges from easy to complex. At the high end of the game expensive equipment and personally created recipes come into play.
But your basic equipment kit and ingredients can cost less than a $150. This will include a brew pot, fermenter, tools, bottling gear and ingredients. After producing extract beers you’ll be tempted to branch out to partial-grain and then all-grain brewing.
Let “slow, slow catch monkey” be your mantra.
Enough said. Let’s get brewing!
Making it happen
Your beer career will likely start at your keyboard. Google Homebrewing then stand back and watch the hops fly. Your choices for equipment and ready-to-make kits is seemingly endless. Here are few digital and brick and mortar options to help you achieve successful lift off.
- Midwest Supplies: One of the largest homebrew and wine making supply shops in the nation. Its website is a cornucopia of all things brewing with competitive prices and educational links to satisfy any newbie brewer. Visit them at midwestsupplies.com.
- Northern Brewer: Another leading supply house that is equally good at providing equipment, recipe kits and guidance as you learn the brewer’s craft. Take a peek at www.northernbrewer.com/
- Jay’s Brewing: Located in Manassas and affording the opportunity to look before you brew. It’s the oldest brew shop in the area with a knowledgeable staff and large selection of equipment and ingredients. Visit them at jaysbrewing.com or 9790 Center Street, Manassas, VA. (703) 361-2908.
- My Local Home Brew Shop is another local resource for all wine and beer making supplies. Drop in on them at mylhbs.com or at 6201 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA. (703) 241-3874.
- Downright Obsessed Homebrewers: A local club of homebrewers located in Manassas. The club brings together both new and experienced home brewers sharing beers and recipes in a collegial atmosphere. Visit them at dohnova.com.
- American Homebrewers Association: The granddaddy of educational websites that offers information on a large number of recipes, events and competitions. Its members total over 4,100 brewers. Its charter is to promote and protect American craft brewers. Learn more at homebrewersassociation.org/
Published in the January 2018 edition of BOOM magazine.
THE HIDDEN WORLD OF CULPEPER’S SPIRITS
The proprietors often start off as skeptics. Then things happen. Strange, unexplained things. And previous convictions begin to waiver.
Welcome to Davis Street’s world of apparitions.
If ghosts exist–45 percent of the U.S. population believe they do–the shops and restaurants on Davis Street might be good place to start looking. But be forewarned, owners and employees appear to have a greater chance of encountering them than the clientele.
Proximity deepens relationships.
Ground Zero in the world of Davis Street spirits may well be 195 E. Davis St.
Today it is the locale of the Grass Rootes restaurant. Its namesake was T.R. Rootes, a noted Virginia lawyer, member of the House of Delegates and holder of the first deed of sale. The building dates to 1790 making it the oldest commercial dwelling in Culpeper.
In the ensuing 227 years, the structure has had a varied life. It was the original town jail, then a runaway slave prison, civil war jail for deserters–both Yankee and Confederate–tin shop, warehouse, hardware and restaurants.
A host of humanity has lived, worked, and some likely died under its roof making it an exceptional location for encountering souls from beyond.
The owner of Grass Rootes is Andrew Ferlazzo. He purchased the restaurant in February 2016 from Peter and Karen Stogbuchner who operated it as the Hazel River Restaurant for 17 years. After five months of restoration its opening was the highlight of his three decades of restaurant work.
“I wanted to be in this building since I was 13-years-old,” said Ferlazzo “I went to my senior prom dinner in this restaurant, then called the Davis Street Ordinary.”
A resident of Culpeper County he and his wife are raising two girls, ages 10 and 15, in the county he loves. Owning and operating a restaurant in the historic building brought his career dreams to fruition.
STORIES FROM THE PAST
After purchasing the restaurant, Karen Stogbuchner suggested she share with Ferlazzo her experiences before he opened to the public. “I knew about the stories. Everybody on Davis Street knows the stories. A lot of proprietors talk about their ghosts. All the buildings are old,” he said. “There’s no need to talk,” he assured her.
Ferlazzo characterizes his initial attitude as closed-minded. He had never been exposed to anything like he was about to experience in his new eatery.
Within a few weeks the new owner and skeptic, however, had a change of heart. “What’s going on here? What do I do?” he asked Stogbuchner. The doubting Thomas had become, if not a believer, then a more opened-minded restaurateur.
And what was he encountering? “There was an energy in the building that began as little things like singing, laughing and chains or keys rattling against a wall. Then wine bottles began flying across the room. Not once but on several occasions. Boxes moved across the floor and plates spun while sitting on a table,” he said.
“I can’t explain it but every staff member has had similar experiences. A flying wine bottle was seen simultaneously by five staff members on one occasion.”
The incidences continued to the point where the owner was beginning to question his own reality. “I was fearful in the beginning. I thought I was losing it.”
One startling incidence occurred when a staffer came to him in tears on a busy night claiming a young African American girl was in the bathroom singing. When he went to investigate there was no one there. The young bus waitress resigned.
And what was Karen Stogbuchner’s advice? She counseled that he should announce himself when entering an empty room or going down the staircase to the bottom floor. She further suggested thanking the spirits for letting him work in the building.
In short order the scary encounters became more fun than terrifying. Today the owner still employs the dialogue tactic to settle not only his nerves but apparently those of his unseen guests.
Ferlazzo’s executive chef, Kevin Scott, reinforces the stories, saying, “I’m not sure what ghost means but I’ve repeatedly seen shadows moving against the wall in the basement when there was no sunshine down there.”
It’s his belief the heavy paranormal activity erupted soon after they began working in the building because it had been empty for months. “I think they were kind of lonely. Nobody had been here and we woke them up, surprised them,” Scott said.
The most alarming thing he has observed was a 300 pound mixer sliding off a counter when no one was near it.
THE INVESTIGATORS
Three separate paranormal groups have conducted investigations in the building since Ferlazzo’s purchase. The groups are sometimes deemed pseudoscience practitioners by nonbelievers, but not surprisingly, they have confirmed what the owner and his staff have seen or heard.
Typically these groups use a host of equipment such as electromagnetic meters, thermometers, digital video cameras, thermographic night vision cameras, audio recorders and flashlights to identify and communicate with the spirits.
All the groups have targeted an alcohol storage room in the basement as one center of ghost presence in the building; employees confirm a strong energy emanating from the room. One group identified it as an angry, black Civil War soldier.
In the hard evidence world of investigative science, no scientific body has ever been able to confirm the existence of ghosts. Nonetheless, graphic descriptions and multi-witnessed occurrences continue to intrigue and excite those who have seen or heard what they think are apparitions.
HAZEL RIVER RESTAURANT
Since ghosts imply history it’s no surprise the previous owners echo the same stories Ferlazzo has encountered over the last year. The Stogbuchner’s 17 years of experience simply mirrors what is happening today.
“From the beginning I could always hear my name,’ said Karen Stogbuchner. “I’d turn around and nobody would be there.
“At first we had four or five ghosts in the building. I couldn’t tell the differences in personalities.”
Like Ferlazzo, several groups probed the restaurant during the Stogbuchner’s ownership. Then a group called Twisted Paranormal conducted an in-depth investigation.
The focal point of the group’s visit was a flashlight session that taught the owners how to communicate with their ghosts. The key was the use of a Mini Maglite flashlight. The flashlight was placed on a table and positioned in the middle of the on-off switch. With a slight a twist it would come on but was delicately turned off to start the dialogue.
A series of yes and no questions were then posed to the spirits. If any of the ghosts wished to communicate, the light would surge on, brighter than possible through its conventional use.
“It was an amazing experience because I could finally talk with my ghosts. Peter would come and take the flashlight apart and say something was wrong with it,” Karen Stogbuchner said.
In 2014 a German man, Burkhard Reike, conducted an extended investigation into the flashlight phenomenon and concluded an energy leak in the flashlight in the half on/half off position caused the reflector to expand and make electrical contact, turning the light on but brighter than normal. It would then overheat the reflector and switch it off. As it cooled down the energy level rose again triggering the light to go back on.
Notwithstanding his findings, all of the ghost contacts over the last two decades continue unexplained.
Karen Stogbuchner contends between 75 and 100 ghosts dwell in the building. To underscore that possibility, it’s said that a roof collapse long ago caused the deaths of many people.
Like Ferlazzo today, the Stogbuchner’s had no fear of the spirits they’ve lived with for so many years. “I felt safer with them there. I felt like they had my back. Like they would protect me if anything would have happened,” said Karen Stogbuchner.
As we approach another Halloween the apparent vibrant spirit life of Davis Street thrives and, shall we say, lives on.
Perhaps science simply hasn’t yet marshaled the technology to confirm or deny the reality of ghosts. And therein lies the magic and mystery of the world beyond.
Published in the September/October 2017 edition of The Piedmont Virginian.
