Rappahannock News, February 23, 2000

far-•** ICHMGND ' 123st Year ... No. 8 Phone (540)675-3338 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2000 www.timespapers.com •V 50 cents Rapp Briefs Cut to the chase The Rappahannock News special section on steeplechasing previews the spring season. Schedules, a map, profiles on top riders and some historical perspective highlight the section. See inside Easement Protection tops 10,000 acres Four recent donations to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation bring total Rappahannock land protected by conservation easements to 10,047 acres. Three of these each permanently merge previouslyexisting lots of record into parcels which cannot be subdivided - Dyke and Judith Halle’s property on Route 231 at the Hazel River, Susan and Bruce Jones’ land on Long Mountain Road, and the John and Brenda Van Ness farm in Gid Brown Hollow.. The fourth new easement cements a “win-win” arrangements among landowners, county and state: the Board of Supervisors in effect relaxed an existing restriction on Bob Bridges, Gid Brown Hollow holding in return for an amendment to a previous easement that closes out a possible family subdivision and brings additional acreages under protection. These are the first donations in Rappahannock County potentially eligible for the new Virginia income tax credit for easement contributions. Anyone with questions or those desiring additional information should contact Bob Dennis at 364-2569. Bland contest set The Rappahannock Lions Club will once again sponsor the annual Bland Music contest on Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at The Theatre in Washington. The Lions Club has participated in the event for many years as part of a statewide program dedicated to encouraging students’ skills and to provide a showcase for their unique talents. As in past years, cash awards to the winners and certificates of participation to all students who perform will be contributed by the Lions Club. For more information contact Lion David Gillis at 9878096 or 987-8817 or Lion Bob Scott at 937-2147. Happenings • Rappahannock Board of Zoning Appeals to meet Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rappahannock County Courthouse. • Monday, March 6 Rappahannock Board of Supervisors will meet at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Rappahannock Courthouse. • Wednesday, March 8 the Washington Town Council will meet at 7:30 at the Town Hall. Rappahannock News P.O. Box 59 Washington, Va. 22747 (540) 675-3338 (540) 675-3088 (fax) Maazel’s application tabled for one month BY GERALD OCHS Rappahannock News Special Writer At last week’s meeting of the Rappahannock County Planning Commission, Commissioners voted unanimously to table the Special Exception application by Loren and Dietlinde Maazel to convert a temporary school facility to permanent use, and to increase maximum school enrollment to 115. The Maazels’ reaction to the Planning Commission action and public comment, according to a spokesman, was a careful consideration of the issues raised at the hearing, and it is possible that this consideration will lead to the modification of the application. The Maazels have provided the Hearthstone Whole Family Learning Center with land and facilities for the school, and the school is independently owned and operated. Most of the issues raised at the hearing are germane, but Chairman Werner Krebser’s suggestion that the Maazels put their land into scenic easement in exchange for the Commission’s positive consideration may not be, said Maazel friends. They seem to agree that the safety issues raised will to be addressed, but the voluntary easement issue is one that the Maazels are no doubt investigating in the context of land conservation and estate planning. The Maazel’s Castleton Farms comprises nearly 500 acres, and is zoned and used for agriculture, but also houses the school facility and a concert hall used largely for the benefit of the Maazel’s Chateauville Foundation charitable causes. The original Special Exception permits, said Maazel’s attorney Doug Baumgardner, allowed for a temporary site for , the school with a capacity of thirty students, which was later increased to forty. The site was temporary, he noted, because the school was to move to a permanent site in Castleton Meadows with a capacity of seventy-five full time students, but the permanent facility is Photo courtesy of Stephen Day CASTLETON MEADOW BARN: The future Hearthstone School. not yet ready. The temporary permit expires on 9/1/00, and thus the request to amend the existing permits was forwarded. Comment on the application ranged from supportive to opposed. Zoning Administrator John McCarthy said that he had “no problem with the numbers (of the proposed enrollment) but had a problem, possibly, or a concern with making what is temporary, permanent.” He also voiced reservations about the temporary school proximity to Castleton View Road, stating that he has “a concern about kids being so close to the road . . . we’ve been playing the odds.” Hearthstorie teacher Kate Pentland responded to the safety concern by noting that the school is fenced, that there is a gate that is kept closed when the children are in school, and that there is a parking lot between the fence and the road. Mr. Baumgardner had also mentioned that the Maazel’s had constructed a tunnel under Castleton View Road to assure student safety, and were seeking approval on another under Hope Hill Road for access to the permanent facility. Neighbor Steve Hensley expressed concern about the temporary site’s septic system. Both Mr. Baumgardner and architect and builder Sam Clifton responded by noting that the system was designed for school use in accordance with Health Department guidelines and, since Castleton Farms is a working farm, the owners had to ensure that the septic system worked properly and that the system is tested regularly. Another neighbor, Jimmy Cannon, said that he was concerned about traffic and possible problems that would create with emergency vehicle access, and also read from a letter that his father, Ray Cannon, had sent Opposing the application. In that letter Ray Cannon complimented the Planning Commission on keeping Rappahannock rural, and said that he would “like to see it kept that way." Sam Clifton responded by saying that any increase in traffic would likely affect the permanent, and not the temporary site, and both he and Mr. Baumgardner said that the school functions See PLANNING, Page A6 ■yffiS y Michael Leake named Executive Vice President and CEO In their most recent board meeting the Board of Directors for Rappahannock National Bank named Michael T. Leake Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer for Rappahannock National Bank. Leake came to Rappahannock National Bank in January of 1999 as Vice President. A life-long resident of Rappahannock County, Leake is a graduate of the Virginia Bankers Association School of Bank Management, Longwood College and Rappahannock High School. Rappahannock National Bank is a member of Union Bankshares Corporation, a community bank holding company headquartered in Bowling Green. In addition to Rappahannock National Bank, its subsidiaries are Union Bank & Trust, Northern Neck State Bank, Bank of Williamsburg, Mortgage Capital Investors, and Union Investment Services. Total assets of Union Bankshares are more than $822 million. Union Bankshares’ Common Stock is traded on the National Over The Counter Market and is quoted on the National Market System of NASDAQ under ticket symbol UBSH. It is also listed in some newspapers under the NASDAQ National Market heading “UNBkCp” or “UnionBS.” Micheal T. Leake Ice, Ice, Everywhere Photo courtesy of Joyce Hunt This was a typical scene in Rappahannock County early last Friday morning. Public and private schools were closed for the day and many residents remained at home for the morning hours. Point-to-Point race to move The Rappahannock Hunt will be moving their annual Point-to-Point races from Thornton Hill in Sperryville to Brandywine Park in Culpeper for the 2000 race year. The Inskeep family and the Bull Run Hunt have graciously made their race facility available to the Rappahannock group while they are making arrangements for a permanent home back in Rappahannock. Nine races are scheduled for Saturday, March 4 beginning at noon. “The Masters, Board of Directors and members of the Rappahannock Hunt have always appreciated the support that the residents of Rappahannock County have given us and we hope that you will continue to support us this year in our temporary location while we make arrangements to return to beautiful Rappahannock County,” said a spokesperson. Brandywine Park is located on Route 15 South of Culpeper. For more information please contact Oliver Brown at 547-2810 or Janet O’Keefe at 547-2993. Rappahannock News File Photo Last year’s races at Thornton Hill.

Panther Pause: Rappahannock public school news BY JAN MAKE LA Volunteer Coordinator Public School System • The joy of performing in front of an audience was experienced by the sixth and seventh Grade Band Enrichment students as they visited third and fourth grade classes this week to talk about their instruments and perform selections on them. They having been researching the history of their instruments and a variety of composers for the past month. Through their presentations they enchanted the younger students as they gave them an opportunity to see, hear and learn about a variety of instruments. The third and fourth grade students will travel to hear a professional orchestra in the near future. This “up close and personal” experience will give the a-10 year old students a chance, in advance, to ask questions and discover a little of the excitement of being able to play an instrument! Many thanks to the third and fourth grade teachers for giving the band students this opportunity. • Third Grade students at RCES have been involved in SOL “Predictor” Testing this week. Fifth Grade will be tested in the near future. The purpose of this preliminary test is to see how much the students have mastered so far, and which areas need additional emphasis, before the actual SOL tests are administered later this year. • In addition to this practice, untested grades (second, fourth, etc.) will take a test at the end of this year to determine their levels of proficiency. These test scores will travel with the students to the next grade, and will provide their next 1 teachers a better idea of where students formi n g and how best t o J achieve r mastery in needed areas. • The RCHS Public Speaking Team took firstplace “Small School Sweepstakes” honors at the Hill City Invitational in Lynchburg on Jan. 15! The allday event attracted approximately 300 students from 30 schools competing in ten Forehsics categories. Five of ten RCHS students who competed at the event qualified for final rounds where each earned an individual events trophy. They were: senior Rebecca Metcalfe, first in Original Oratory; senior Adam Rogers, second in Humorous Poetry; senior Jami Gillis, fourth in Impromptu; senior Ian Blubaugh, sixth in Extemporaneous; junior Tatiana Siccardi, sixth in Original Oratory. • Other RCHS students competed in the sanctioned Virginia High School League (VHSL) tournament: seniors Ryland Pace and Katrina Smoot, Impromptu; senior Sara Opseth, Original 3£-fc-i30 do you - I ; i"4 f y# ;■ 4>- ci/f W-TO-DATE ...ana giving you the PROTECTION you need? To be sure, you should evaluate your coverage occasionally, and Farm Bureau Insurance can help. We’ll review your auto, home and life protection to make sure you have adequate coverage. We’ll also see where you’re getting value and where you might do better. It doesn’t cost you anything and it may save you a lot. _ HELPING YOU is what we do best. AUTO*HOME»LIFK Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. Virginia Farm Bureau Town and Country Insurance Co. Virginia Farm Bureau Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. FARM BUREAU Pat Vest Whorton 11929 Lee Highway P.O. Box 470 Sperryville, VA 22740 540-987-8225 J-v/O# □ Please enter my new subscription to: Happahannoeh Subscription Rates By Rappahannock.*21. Elsewhere in the U.S.*27. , , Name Address City. State_ Zip Mai) subscriptions are payable in advance. Make check or money order payable to: Rappahannock News, P.O. Box 59, Washington, VA 22747 This form may also be used for CHANGE OF ADDRESS Old Address: New Address: I__I The Rappahannock Nri** (ISSN #’s 1050-7655 & 188280) is published every Wednesday at 39 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, Virginia 20186 by Rappahannock News, a division of Arundel Communications, Inc. Periodicals postage paid at Warrenton, Virginia and at additional mailing offices. Subscriptions $21.00 a year in Rappahannock; $27.00 elsewhere in U.S. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Rappahannock News, P.O. Box 59, Washington, Virginia 22747._ Oratory; senior Julie Payne, Humorous Interpretation; and sophomore Amanda Swift, Impromptu. All students competed in four preliminary rounds. Ian Blubaugh earned first place in all four preliminary rounds! Be sure to congratulate these tal^ ented students when ^ you see them. m • RCHS will host, ^ for the fourth consecutive year, the Bull Run District Tournament o n k Wednesday, Feb. 23. 1 • RCHS V a r s i t. v Volleyball had a great season and needs recognition! The team ended its season with seven wins and one loss in District play. Great show! • Quarter finals for Boys’ Varsity Basketball will be held on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. The site is to be announced. Please stay tuned. • Technology Students of America (TSA) members stayed after school before the Christmas holidays to construct 18 bird houses that were distributed by Reynolds Memorial Baptist Church to members of the community as gifts for the holiday season. This is just one of the many community service projects TSA students perform throughout the year. The club is sponsored by Mr. Scott Schlosser. • Make plans now to attend the Bland Music Contest on Sunday, Feb. 27 at i The Theatre in Washington. The contest sponsored by the Rappahannock Lions Club always attracts students from our school system and is tremendously entertaining. If you have not yet signed up to participate, it may not be too late. Please see Mrs. Lynne Fournier, RCPS Band Director, as soon as possible. • Oranges are once again on sale by members of the RCPS Band Program and Band Booster members. If you have not yet ordered your delicious fruit, please call Mrs. Fournier at 987-8259 to place your order. “Orange” you glad 1 reminded you? • One last reminder, the RCES School Program, “Making Waves” will be presented at three different times for your convenience and enjoyment. Please plan to attend one of these wonderful productions: Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m., or Friday March 3 at 10 or 2. Students in grades two-seven, under the direction of professional artists Rose Marie Prins, Paul Reisler and Sharon Wyrrick, will star in this extravaganza. It will be a treat for the eyes, ears and heart! • “Making Waves” will also be our Volunteer Recognition Event this year. If you have not received an invitation, but have volunteered your time and. energy to benefit our students in any way, please came and enjoy this program and allow us to thank you in style. • There will be an early release at 1:40 on Friday, Feb. 25. Please mark your calendars. • The RCPS Spelling Bee for students in fourth-seventh grades will also be on the 25 at 9 a.m. Please plan to come and cheer on the competitors. We need to support all of our students whenever they strive for excellence in any arena. • The Kindergarten-First Grade Team celebrated the One Hundredth Day of School with a special program for parents recently. The children have counted to 100, drawn 100 of many different things, skipped 100 times, run 100 yards, counted by five to 100 and so much more in preparation for this special day. They had great fun as they worked on many valuable skills! • The District 14 Band Festival at Sherando High School will be held on March 11. This is a wonderful performance opportunity for our students. Please encourage your band students to practice a lit tie harder in preparation. • Mrs. Karen Ellis, National Honor Society Sponsor at RCHS, is happy to announce that two NHS seniors were nominated for the National Honor Society Scholarship Program. They are: Jami Gillis of Sperryville and Mark Williams of Chester Gap. Only two seniors from each high school could be nominated and the 200 winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship. , Winners will be announced in May. • Nominees were selected based on their leadership skills, participation in service organizations and clubs, achievement in arts and sciences, employment experience, and academic record. They also were required to write an essay. We wish these two outstanding seniors the very best as they await the final announcement. • As March approaches, thoughts of warmer aqd longer days fill our minds. If your students are interested in playing a community sport this spring, please watch the paper for registration deadlines. Hanging out on the soccer or baseball fields in the springtime can become a healthy habit! • Have a great week! The pileated woodpecker [Editor’s note: This is the first part of a three-part article on the woodpecker.] In the central North Carolina of my growing-up years, the bold, black and white woodpecker with the flaming red crest was called the “Great God Woodpecker.” Surely one feels like saying “Great God,” or something like it, on seeing this crow-sized bird for the first time, or even the second or third. To answer a question frequently asked me, the common name of this woodpecker — the pileated — is correctly pronounced as “PIE-leh-ted” or “PIL-ea-ted.” The word “pileated” is derived from a Latin word for crested. Dryocopus pileatus is the full Latin designation of this great bird. “Dry” is Greek for a tree, or more specifically, an oak; “copus,” or more accurately “kopis,” means “cleaver.” The Latin name translates to “crested wood cleaver.” The bird is certainly that. Controversy over the name goes back to the early 19th century, when in 1911, it was called “log-cock” by my personal hero, Alexander Wilson, known today as the father of American ornithology. “Log-cock” became the commonly accepted name of the bird. i An early 20th century writer deplored the modern name. describing “log-cock” as “apt, picturesque and widely used.” He went on to write: “And now upon this splendid creature a dull piece of pedantry remains hopeless fixed.” The pileated woodpecker has always provoked strong emotion. Watching the 19-inch bird tear into a tree or stump after , carpenter ants is an awesome sight. It is a challenge to find the right words to describe not only the bird’s striking plumage, but its abrupt, aggressive movements and k Does Your Home Have You... Out on a Limb? Get the payments you want!!! Low Iitw Rates For Onr Purchase and Refinance Programs * Purchase your home and pay the same as rent * Lower existing payments * Pay off your credit cards * Need cash for any reason * Government programs available Start Saving Money Now! Call Toll Free 877-884-1400 Ask for a free copy of our 10 most common home buying mistakes. Courtesy of Community Mortgage Centers, LLC Strenthening Our Local Communities. One Family At A Time. Community Mortgage Centers determination to get at carpenter ants that have tunneled into a tree trunk. The “log-cock” has no difficulty making 6-inch-long cnips ny as it digs out great, squarish holes in a tree. Like all I woodpeckers, L the PRETTY TILE UGLY GROUT? (The Stuff Between The Tiles!) Tired of moldy, missing, dirty cracked grout? We can clean, seal, repair, regrout & stain/change grout color! FREE ESTIMATES Licensed • Bonded • Insured , .Grout Doctor I. DC & MD 202-331-4431 I Virginia 703-923-3988 Financial Problems? Bankruptcy May Help! • Too Many Bills • Harassing Phone Calls • Collection Suits • Auto Repossession • Wage Garnishments • Home Foreclosures our new location in Culpeper. 400 South Main Street, 3rd Floor (Upstairs from the Social Security Office) ' - , Earl J. Oberbauer, Jr. Attorney At Law 540-829-6900 • 1-800434-3059 FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION /’nn iding Affordable, Qualify Legal Sendees Snice / 075 % - ' ** V_# V % # V, m All ThingsWild And Wonderful John Trott pileated is well equipped for life on the vertical. Two toes in front and two behind are equipped with strongly claimed feet for clinging to tree trunks. Stiff and sharply pointed tail feathers are used as a prop while they work at their excavations with a sharp, chisellike, 2-inch-long bill. With this bill, the bird can strip great chunks of bark from the trunk of a dead tree in search of k beetles and their larvae hiding underneath. • I have seen strips of bark L3 and 4 feet long at the base of a tree where the “log-cock” has k been at work. x uavc <x friend who k . calls the ^ p i 1 e a t e d woodpecker the “clown prince of the woods.” Though perfectly equipped for life on the perpendicular, a pileated can be clownish when his weight and size require him to operate on or near the horizontal. I observed this one February afternoon on the grounds of the Madeira School in McLean. Calling loudly, a “log-cock” thrashed around at the end of a branch of a holly tree heavy with red berries that the woodpecker was eating. This particular holly was the territory of a fiercely territorial mockingbird that regarded all berries to be his. Though smaller than the “log-cock,” the mockingbird attacked over and over. In confusion, the woodpecker lost his grip and fell to the ground, landing at the feet of the dean of students, who was out walking her dog. The dean, an English lady, commented to me afterwards: “The three of us just looked at each other. I think Winky (her pet) was afraid of that big bird.” Eventually, the pileafpd regained his ruffled dignity and took to the air with the mockingbird in pursuit, leaving the dean and her dog bemused by the encounter. • At the same time the next afternoon, the woodpecker was again in the holly tree. By staying close to the trunk apd well within the prickly foliage, the pileated was able to feed on berries, safe from the angry mockingbird. Virginia naturalist Jofin Trott welcomes reader comments and questions care'.of this newspaper: PO. Box $9, Washington, Va., 22747. RECYCLE

Contest deadline March 22 An essay contest entitled, Thinking About Rappahannock: Today and Tomorrow is being sponsored by the Rappahannock National Bank, Trash Free Rappahannock, Hampton Foundation and the Rappahannock News. As we enter a new century, this contest is intended to stimulate thought and discussion within the county about the qualities that make Rappahannock a special place and how to preserve what is important. There will be two age groups: one for 18 and over and one for under 18. Guidelines will be the same for each age group.. 1. These are personal essays which should address two questions: a. What are the qualities of county life the writer values most today? b. What should the county leadership do in the coming years to preserve what the writer values? 2. Length: 800 words or less. 3. Prizes: $500 for 18 and over; $400 for under 18. 4. Award criteria: responsiveness to questions, quality of writing, content. 5. Deadline for submissions: March 22, 2000. Send to: Rappahannock News, Essay Response, P.O. Box 59, Washington, Va. 22747. 6. Award panel will be comprised of Pete Estes, Judge R.V. Snead and Linda Dietel. 7. Winning essays will be published in the Rappahannock News and on Rappnet. 8. Prize sponsors: Hampton Foundation, Rappahannock National Bank, Trash Free Rappahannock and Rappahannock News. RAAC’s 4th of July effort bearing fruit BY GERALD OCHS Rappahannock News Special Writer Efforts by The Rappahannock Association for the Arts and the Community(RAAC) and the Washington Town Council to revamp the Town’s Fourth of July celebration appear to be bearing fruit—in more than a figurative sense. Led by Town Councilman and RAAC President Charlie Tompson and RAAC Vice President Ellen Manson, the Fourth of July Committee has opted to steer a course that will bring the event ‘back home,’ and feature the skills and wares of more Rappahannock folk and fewer outside vendors. Already there are plans to promote the exhibition of Rappahannock-produced food products, organic foods, and wines, as well as pottery and handcrafts and the works of local artists. The event looks as though it is becoming a “love Rappahannock-fest,” as well it should. Committee chairs and members appear to be in accord that a return to a Rappahannock County focus will serve well both local residents and visitors to the Fourth celebration. RAAC preparatory work is well under way, and the Fourth of July Committee has formulated preliminary plans for this year’s event and is looking for broad community support to pull it off. Plans to date are broadranging, and are designed to showcase all nature of Rappahannock endeavors. Exhibitions will include local food and wine sales, tastings, displays and demonstrations; local organic food sales, tastings, displays and demonstrations; local arts and crafts sales, displays, and interactive activities for children; live caricature drawing, painting, chain saw sculpting, and saw mill operation; a parade featuring children’s decorated bicycles, local villages floats, the Panther Band, miniature hors es, an honor guard, antique cars and trucks, and miscellaneous floats and groups from the county; live music; and, of course, fireworks. One cannot help but get excited at the thought of this year’s festivities—it will surely be a great kick-off for the new millennium—and feel the need to rush to participate in its planning and execution. There is still the opportunity to get involved; RAAC is looking for the participation of all, from creators of new and better ideas to volunteers to assist in parking. The next meeting of the Fourth of July Committee is scheduled for March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rappahannock County Library, and meetings will be held at least twice monthly right up to the Fourth. For information on how to get involved in the Fourth of July - Festival 2000, show up at the meeting, log on to RAAC’s web site at www.raac.org, or call RAAC at 675-3193. Unlawful entry under investigation - The unlawful entry into a house in Old Hollow and the . theft of food, cooking utensils and other personal items is ■ under investigation by the Rappahannock County ; Sheriff’s Office. , The incident occurred on Jan. 29. There were no signs of forced entry, and it is believed Local man charged in accident A Sperryville man was Charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after he wrecked his car on Route 707 last week. Lawrence Church, 62, was driving on Rt. 707 east of Route 231 on the afternoon of Feb. 16 when he ran off the right side of the road and struck an embankment. Church, who was alone in the car, suffered minor injuries. He was charged with DUI by Trooper Gary Settle, Virginia State Police. Church’s 1988 Buick 4door received an estimated $1500 in damages. that a key hidden outside was used to gain access to the house. Among items taken were hams, steaks, side meat, and canned goods, as well as a frying pan and cooking oil. Also taken were prescription drugs and electric fishing reels, according to the investigating officer, Lt. David Sollesbee. The case is problematic due to the circumstances of the entry, and the fact that “there is no way to trace stolen meat,” said Rappahannock County Sheriff Larry Sherertz. The investigation is continuing. Persons with information about the incident are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (540) 675-3331. AUTOMATIC WASHER Whirlpool LSR6132EQ Super Capacity Plus Automatic Washer Super Capacity Washer • 6 Cycles including Permanent Press • Surgilator® Agitator • 3 Temperature Settings • 2 Water Level Selections • Magic Clean® Self Cleaning1 Lint Filter % • White-on-White Styling ^ RAPPAHANNOCK FARMERS CO-OP Sperryville, Virginia 540-987-8555, Lillian Aylor represents Democrats in Richmond BY MEREDITH GORFEIN Rappahannock News Contributing Writer Lillian Aylor, Vice-Chair of the Rappahannock County Democratic Committee represented Rappahannock Democrats during the day long meetings of the Democratic Party of Virginia held on Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Richmond Marriott. At the first meeting of her day, Ms. Aylor was appointed Temporary Secretary for the Virginia Association of Democratic Chairs (VADC). The VADC is an association of all city and county chairs in the State. This was a reorgani Lillian Aylor ful fpr the chance to learn more about our presidential nominating process and the three steps which will elect the 99 delegates and 13 alternates, forming the Virginia delegation to Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles in August. She will be sharing what she learned from the workshop at the next meeting of the Rappahannock County Democratic Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the library. Accompanying Ms. Aylor to Richmond was her daughter-in-law, Yvette Aylor. FlVP nt.hpr Rnnnafiannnplr zatiuu meeting wnere a new Chair and officers were elected. Stephen Heretick of Portsmouth was elected Chair. Ms. Aylor thought the choice of Mr. Heretick as Chair was an excellent one. “I’m just so impressed by his enthusiasm and optimism,” she said. “I know he’ll do a great job in helping to turn things around.” Lillian Aylor also represented Rappahannock County Democrats at the Workshop on Presidential Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action, which was held at 12:30. Ms. Aylor said she was grate citizens attended the day’s events and stayed to hear U.S. Senator Blanche Lambert Lincoln of Arkansas, the keynote speaker, and enjoyed the annual elegant Jefferson Jackson Dinner that evening, Nancy and Kent Reeve and their son, Rob, Carson Johnson and James Swindler. There will be ample time given at the next meeting of the RCDC for them to share their reactions to the speech, the dinner and the camaraderie of the day. For more information, contact Meredith Gorfein at 675-3515 or gorfein ©citizen, infi .net. “Making Waves” to be presented The Artist-In-Residency Project for RCES “Making Waves - A Diversity of Forms, Functions and Feelings will be presented to the community on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. and Friday , March 3 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (snow dates Monday, March 6 for day times and Thursday, March 9 for evening). The theme of this project “Making Waves” was chosen to inspire different ideas, perspectives and approaches in creating music, visual art, dance, theater and performance. The artists presenting the program are Rose Marie Prins (visual artist) of Amherst, and Rappahannock artists Paul Reisler (composer and musician) and Sharon Wyrrick (dance, drama, performance). All of the second, third and fourth graders and many of the fifth, sixth and seventh graders have worked with one or more of the artists during the residency which began last September. RCES teachers Joy Rollins, music and Harriette Rosenblatt, art, are the project coordinators, who have devoted an enormous amount of planning time to structure what amounts to a highly organized three ring circus of activity. The residency is partially funded by a generous grant from The Virginia Commission of the Arts, Artist-in-Education program. This is a matching grant that requires at least a dollar per dollar match of the funds by the community and school system in which the residency occurs. The funding match is being provided by the school division, the Curriculum Enrichment Program, the PTO and a Headwaters mini-grant. $2, lilHY Offered by FRIENDS OF BILL CAMERON for the arrest and conviction of person or persons entering his home on Saturday, Jan. 29 between the hours of 4:30 and 9-30 p.m. ITEMS TAKEN INCLUDED: Hams, side meat, steaks, canned goods, groceries in addition to electric fishing reel, poles, tackle equipment. Anyone with information should call 987-8466 or the Rappahannock Sheriff's Office at 675-3331. Anyone trespassing on White Rose Mountain Lane without written or proper permission shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. Crime Does Pay Up to $10,000 reward for tips on auto theft. 1-800-947-HEAT $ye !*CAFE 11763 Lee Hwy., Sperryville. Vfi Thursday 2/24: OPEN NIC. Sponsored by Oasis CD Saturday 2/26 Th« Usual Suspects Open Than. - Sunday 5:30 to cloflno Family Dining & Fine Mask 540-987-3162 www.bloemooncafe com Tfumfyounote lease accept 3 our sincere thanks for ' the prayers, food, cards, > calls, flowers, visits and [ all acts of kindness i shown to us during the t loss of Ira Sam Bailey. t ‘MayQod bless each t one of you. i Wife, Elsie Bailey and family , ATTENTION AGRICULTURE PRODUCERS! Spring Agricultural Question and Answer OPEN HOUSE Saturday, February 26, 10 a.m. to 12 noon RAPPAHANNOCK FARMERS COOPERATIVE 987-8555 Agronomy, Animal Health & Nutrition Specialists will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Come take advantage of pre-season seed discounts and outstanding savings on animal health products. Bring this ad to be entered in drawings for valuable door prizes. You cant get hometown banking from an out-of-town bank. Rappahannock National Bank. Big enough to offer virtually every kind of account, service or loan you’ll ever need. Small enough to treat you like a neighbor. Rappahannock National Bank 257 Gay Street • P.O. Box 179 Washington, Virginia 22747 540-675-3519 Member FDIC ATM - 211 Q-Mart 12663 Lee Highway Washington, Virginia 22747 www.uhsh.com

-Rappahannock iSetos— , Established 1877 An Independent Newspaper Published Every Wednesday ARTHUR W. ARUNDEL, PUBLISHER Barbara C. Wayland, Executive Editor and General Manager Carl Eborn, Staff Photographer Peter W. Arundel, President John T. Toler Executive Vice President To Subscribe Phone (540) 675-3338 BY MAIL: $21 a year in Rappahannock County $27 a year elsewhere in the United States Back Copies: Recent 2 months, 50 cents Older copies to 1960, $5 (as available) Office: Rappahannock News Building, Washington, Va. 22747-0059 Telephone (540) 675-3338 Fax: (540) 675-3088 e-mail: RappNews@timespapers.com Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday Member. Audit Bureau of Circulations WEDNESDAY, FEBRUAURY 23, 2000 Our View John McCain Never in modern history has there been a Presidential election primary campaign which has so captured popular interest here as the contest between Texas Governor George W. Bush and Arizona U.S. Senator John McCain - - both because of the extraordinary political battle itself and because it will give Virginia voters, who usually choose presidential delegates by the convention process, their first chance in at least 100 years to vote on Tuesday, Feb. 29 in a wide open binding GOP presidential primary. Traveling into the new century, this election further coincides with extraordinary public interest in seeing someone of strong moral and national leadership character succeed President Clinton. Democrats have good reason to fear Senator McCain, since national polls now show the straight talking Republican reformer far more likely than Mr. Bush to beat Vice President Gore or Bill Bradley for the Presidency in November. In the South Carolina Primary last weekend, Mr. Bush won substantially by embracing the worst extreme right wing elements of the Republican Party. In his long hard fight against the tobacco industry, moneybags democracy, porkbarrel spending and similar entrenched government ways, Senator McCain may be at odds with many of his GOP establishment comrades. But he stands in the solid mainstream of Virginia today and is connecting easily and comfortably with moderate Republicans, Democrats and independents. The Vietnam fighter pilot’s wartime heroism gives his call for American strength and idealism a power and resonance which George Bush can’t match. Those who underestimate Mr. McCain are sleeping through a revolution at work. Rappahannock Today ttniVitia. Photo courtesy of Jim Jennings Cub Scouts from Troop 550, Den 8 in Jeffersonton, paid a visit on Saturday, Feb. 12 to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Amissville construction crew lot. While at the VDOT lot, the cubs learned from Jack Hillman, how the VDOT crews mix the sand and salt mix used on the roads, and which roads are plowed first. A big treat for the cub scouts was when Neal Atkins from the Washington area headquarters fired up the big snowblower. Letters Lines defined, families are central focus Well, if you believe Steve Ralls’ letter attacking me last week, the lines are drawn clearly. If you are a Christian who believes that marriage is the union between one man and one woman you should support Walt Longyear for the House of Delegates. On the other hand, if you are anti-Christian and/or believe that marriage is the union between any number of people without regard to their sex, you should oppose Walt Longyear. That sounds good to me. For those who question whether marriage, families and Christianity are under attack should re-read Mr. Ralls’ letter. What is striking is the intolerance that he directs toward anyone who has a different point of view from his own. You can see right through this, can’t you? According to him, anyone who disagrees with gay marriage is “small minded, out-of-date, ignorant and hatefully espouses a tired and ineffective Christian ethic.” Anyone who agrees with him is enlightened and modem. The underlying premise of Mr. Ralls’ belief in gay marriage is that there are no objective truths by which our society should operate. According to him we should be free to create our own truth and let the chips fall where they may. Well, the chips have fallen and it’s not pretty. This attitude has given us an AIDS epidemic, abortion-ondemand, a pandemic of out-of-wedlock births, severely dysfunctional relationships and homes tom apart by drugs, pornography, abuse and infidelity. The center piece of my campaign for the House of Delegates is my belief that families are worthy of our efforts to strengthen and support them. As a father, I know that marriage and children are two important things that give meaning and pleasure to life. I also know that being a parent is a tough job today and one made more difficult by negative influences of the entertainment industry, improper peer pressure and common disre gard for decent behavior and respect for others. The pressures on parents today are enormous. We’re busier than ever. We work longer hours. It’s more costly to raise children. It’s almost impossible to raise kids without two incomes. We come home tired after long, stressful days on the job and are faced with the responsibilities of a household to care for. As tough as it is for two parents to raise children today, I , can only imagine the stress that single parents face. My heart goes out to single mothers and fathers who must juggle all parental responsibilities on their shoulders. Mr. Ralls criticizes me for expressing that sentiment and demands an apology. I can’t imagine why he feels so offended that I want to lessen the burdens government places on parents. Too many parents are forced to work second jobs and longer hours because their tax burden is so high. It bothers me that every time taxes are increased, that’s money that parents can’t spend on their families. Yes, families are the central focus of my campaign for the -; House of Delegates. I will faithfully and forcefully work on their behalf as I’ve always done. Walt Longyear Washington See more letters, Page A5 Down Memory Lane From Back Issues of the Rappahannock News 50 YEARS AGO Feb. 23, 1950 Dr. James Gideon Brown, who died at his home in Woodville Wednesday morning, Feb. 15, at the age of 82, was one of the oldest and best loved physicians who began practice in Rappahannock County during the era of the horse-and-buggy doctor. He practiced in the county for 50 years. In one of the most outstanding social and hunting events of the season, the Rappahannock Hunt was host to the Old Dominion Hunt and other distinguished visitors yesterday at Double Gates for the beginning of the hunt and for breakfast at Mt. Prospect. A field of about 40 turned out at Fletcher’s Double Gates. At Mt. Prospect a delightful breakfast waited the fine company of the day. The dining table was centered with an elaborate three-tiered cake, presented for the occasion by Mrs. J. Armistead Lewis. Mrs. Lewis had exhibited her excellent taste in making the cake appropriate, atop the cake was a pinkcoated hunter, the top tier represented Rappahannock Hunt, the second tier the guests, and the base tier was decorated with cherries in honor of the day, Washington’s birthday. Mayor W. F. Moffett Jr. on behalf of Rappahannock Hunt, presented a gift, a bottle of perfume to Mrs. W.A. Miller as a token of appreciation for her hospitality, which helped make the occasion so delightful. 25 YEARS AGO Feb. 27, 1975 A spokesman for the State Corporation Commission has said that a decision on the controversial Vepco power line route through Rappahannock and Fauquier Counties would not be made for another six weeks. The contested matter is “still hanging,” he said, because Vepco has cut back on construction, and is not “pushing for anything speedy.” Various scouting groups in Rappahannock will receive American and Troop flags through the courtesy of the Amissville Ruritan Club and the Rappahannock Woman’s Club. Girls Scout Troop 547 of Flint Hill was given an American flag by the Amissville Ruritan Club. The Woman’s Club has contributed funds for the purchase of four troop flags for county groups. A craft workshop held Wednesday under the direction of the Rappahannock Extension Service included making egg jewelry and tole pictures. Eunice Enkoge and Phyllis Saker of Harrisonburg instructed the group in these crafts. Among those present were Mrs. Frances Lawrence, Mrs. Lewellyn Allison, Home Agent, Mrs. Mary Jordan, Mrs. Alice Lawrence, Mrs. Violet Cooley and Mrs. Mary Priest. 10 YEARS AGO Feb. 22, 1990 The School Board got a taste of the budget Superintendent David Gangel will submit in March at its meeting last Tuesday evening. With no additional monies expected from the state, indeed with the strong possibility that Rappahannock will get fewer dollars from Richmond, Dr. Gangel said he will ask for a six percent across-the-board salary increase for school system employees. Sperryville High School’s class of 1949 held its 40th reunion at Panorama recently. Gathering were Wayne Brown, H.B. Wood, Betty Welch, Colleen Dennis, Charles Sisk, Nancy Yowell Starr, Gordon Thornhill, Betty Brown Overhulser, Barbara Wayland Blalock, Evelyn Sisk Dellinger and Myrtle Burke Falls. Of the 15 graduates, all but three attended, along with teachers Mary Quaintance Snead, Pauline Bruce and Stella Dennis Johnson, and all enjoyed an evening of reminiscences, photos and other memories of the past 40 years. —COMPILED BY BARBARA C. WAYLAID Photo courtesy ot Mary Fletcher OUT-OF-THE-ATTIC: “Oldies but faithful” was the way a member described this group at First Baptist Church in Washington. Trustees of the church include front row, left to right, Mary T. Fletcher and Dorothy C. Butler. Second row, left to right Maude E. Roy, Chairperson and Deacon Lewis S. Butler Sr. The group faithfully attends the church and is active in its affairs. r

Letters Readers offended by Oyster’s letter I am writing about Jim Oyster’s letter of Feb. 16. Mr. Oyster seems confused. He refers to two different kinds of discipline as if they are the same things. ; The two differ in that one is typically imposed with or without the consent of the disciplined (corporal/criminal/military), and the other is embraced willingly with enthusiasm (academic excellence) because of an understanding the importance of, or a love for, the activity. Forcing compliance does not instill self-motivation. I’m really exhausted by the tactic of throwing ^Columbine” at every problem to frighten people into doing what they probably shouldn’t do, if irrational fear and panic is what it takes to get them to do it. I At Columbine one group of students repeatedly, with full knowledge of teachers, fnolested female students, cheated on tests and/or received “adjusted” grades. Buoyed by this power they Ehysically attacked and arassed weaker students With full confidence they would not be held accountable. 1 The whole grisly tragedy exploded when two tormented and horribly misguided students decided they would rather die than live like that. I don’t think anything like that is going on in our schools. To leave any child in this county with the impression that it is, is cruel. At the qpd of the day, hyperbole is still a lie. For most of this century, millions of Americans have fought and sacrificed to eliminate discrimination, first and foremost, in education. Because Mr. Oyster is in a panic over a freak event in Colorado, he’s figured out « that the answer is to undo our commitment to equal educational opportunity. Mr. Oyster’s proposal Would have the state give millions to schools that can dis criminate against anyone for any reason. Most of these, so called, schools have no standards of learning or any other kind of accountability. Columbine really teaches us what happens when there is no accountability. Vouchers are nothing but a recipe for big trouble. The first year over $150 million would go to religious schools. Requiring reasonable educational standards of learning would likely violate the separation of church and state, so we will have no say in how our tax dollars are spent. All the followers of under funded doomsday cults and money-grubbing gurus will be grateful for your generosity and gullibility. The disruptive students Mr. Oyster fears are most often those children whose special needs are not receiving the attention they require. In a small school system the number of students with special needs, whether remedial or accelerated, is small and a staff with highly specialized skills is required. Only smaller class sizes and more competitive pay for teachers will remedy the situation. The almost two hundred million dollars that would be given away yearly in vouchers, if applied to the public schools, would go a long way toward building academic excellence, creative expression, and the safe educational environment Mr. Oyster wants for his children. Bill Tieckelmann Washington I found Jim Oyster’s letter (2-16-00) deeply offensive, invoking his childs death in such a way. What kind of talk is this? Sacrificed? On the altar of what? And that crude and garbled analogy about Federal Express. Slow down Mr. Oyster. You’re making some pretty big leaps here. Bob Etchells Washington RAPPAHANNOCK HUNT Point-to-Point Races Brandywine Park Culpeper, Virginia Saturday, March 4, 2000 Timber, Hurdle and Flat Races First Race 12 Noon For Information Contact: Oliver Brown 540-547-2810 Evenings Janet O'Keefe 540-508-0227 Days Varsity basketball wins BY RHONDA JENKINS Rappahannock News Special Writer The boys basketball teams were in action last Tuesday at home. This was the last regular season game with the Brentsville Tigers. The Varsity team scored first, but the Tigers answered with a 6-0 run to take the lead after the first quarter 12-10. Ervin Phillips, Daniel Settle and Alex Baumgardner hit several key shots in the second to take the lead at the half 23-19. The team came out in the second half determined not to let the Tigers back in the game. Daniel and Michael Settle had a lot of key steals in the final quarter to seal the victory, 48-38. Michael Settle led the team in scoring with 12 points, Ervin finished with ten, Alex had ten points and nine rebounds. The final three seconds brought the crowd to its feet when Ervin stole the ball, and raced down the court and jammed the ball for the final bucket. This was a great game, especially since it was parents night, aprd the last home game for the seniors.' The seniors on the team this year are Ervin Phillips, Michael and Daniel Settle, Abe McClear, Clint Wines, Brian Compton and Alex Baumgardner. J.V. team The J.V. Squad played really well in the first half, and was only down by four at the half 25-21. The team came out cold in the third and only scored one point. The final was Brentsville 53, Rapp 36. Jamie Keys led the team in scoring with 11 points, Greg Jackson contributed with nine points and seven rebounds. Rappahannock Nems Business & Service Directory Only $4.60per week for a 1 inch space (540) 675-3338 Next Deadline March 23 AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR RIVERSIDE AUTO SERVICE Quality Auto Body Repairs Mechanical Repairs Towing Service State Inspection Sperryvifle (540) 987-8264 BUILDING SUPPLIES CHERRY STREET BUILDING SUPPLY CORP. See Us For All Your Building Supply Needs 540/825-0397 1418 Orange Rd.( Culpeper Brandy Station Rt. 762 825-9690 M-F 7:30-6:00 Sat. 7:30-4:00 Closed Sunday CLEANING MAID SERVICE ResidentialCommercial 5th Anniversary UK - discount on first denning Reasonable Prices Free Estimates 540-937-4247/540-937-5576 Cabinetmaker Gene Lyman Cabinetmaker Repairs • Reftmshiny • Restorations • Reproductions 540-987-8443 CPA . MacRae Associates, p.c. Full Service CPA firm Washington, Virginia (540) 675-2043 CONSTRUCTION Joseph F. Keyser Building Construction Quality Renovations & Custom Homes VA Class A Contractor 540-675-2395 EXCAVATING BROWN’S EXCAVATING 7 Quann Lane. Chester Gap, VA 22623 (540)635-7273 Specialized Backhoe CemUA irucK Bush togging Service Iruc* Mowing Water, Utility, Gravel, Sand, Dirt Landscaping Drains Lines Topsoil & Mulch Snow Removal Footers & Hauling Culverts Driveways NO JOB TOO SMALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES CALL TODD BROWN FENCING FENCING High Tensile, Barb Wire, American Wire, Chain Link, Board and Electric, Split Rail Privacy Fencing Available Alto Curtis Crawford Home: 540-675-3943 Pager: 399-2688 CARPET EARLY’S CARPET, INC. The One-Slop Shop tor complete Home Decorafcng Service Floor Coverings • Window Treatments Wallpaper • Shp Covers & Upholstery Residential A Commercial Rt. 211 Amissvitto, VA 937-5500 CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimney Sweeping Relining OU Sewiee Fully Insured t6 "tfum St^vUuut Bruce Vierling (540) 675-3508 CONSTRUCTION T.G. TAYLOR CONSTRUCTION, L.L.C. Custom Homebuilder Class A License 640-987-8043 KREYUNG CONSTRUCTION Top Quality Custom Homes Since 1975 540-987-3145 Interior trim • Wood working • Built-in cabinets • Remodeling/ New construction New River Homes 25 yrs. experience Class A Lie. • Insured 540-675-2255 540-351-7027 paaer EXCAVATING Hfe offer quality work with years of experience. 540-987-9259 excavating Division of Lite Trucking & Kquipmcnt Inc Ponds • Basements Riding Rmgt» Paring Quality Work and Satisfied Customers an Our #i Priority Maun Sutphin (540) 675-3429 374 Ben Venue Rd Hint Hill, VA 22627 EQUIPMENT RENTAL H6£ CO-OP BENTftL CENTER 139 Virginia Avenue • Luray, VA 22835 (888) 843-2670 Seeders • Trencher • Chain Saws Jack Hammer • Pressure Washers Log Splitter • Generators Carpet Cleaners WHY BUY, WHEN YOU CAN RENT? CompMt Small Engine Repair A Service EXCAVATING Excavating SpedafeedBackhoe. Dump Truck Hauling, Dkch Digging, Cuk/ertB, Mowing, Bushhoggrig 4 Driveway GradngTsriow Removal 675-1117 INSPECTIONS Home Inspections Construction MgmL/Q.C/Consulting Since 1987 DPL Engineers Civil engineer Reskfenrial/Commercial 540-937-8219 MASONRY Don Corbin MASONRY Brick & Stone Restoration Patios, etc. (540) $47*3452 PAINTING Specialty Paint & Spackle Vinyl Siding Interior & Exterior c Painting rull Service Experienced Gina Johnson 540-923-4652 RESTAURANT THE COUNTRY CAFE WntorTTtnday8amto8pm FrrtySaHrtBy8am.to9pjn. Suxtay8am.to3p/n. 675-1066 Take out Available PUMP INSTALLATION EXPERT PUMP INSTALLATION & REPAIR SERVICE • Available at RAPPAHANNOCK FARMERS CO-OP Sperryville, VA 987-8555 STORAGE SPERRTVILLE STORAGE CO. Safe Handy Storage Residential t'oannaercial Reasonable Rates 540/987-8507 SPERRTVILLE. VA TV & APPLIANCE GREYSTONETV ft APPUANCE Sales & Service QE & RCA Video Products Antennas & Satellite Systems Radio Shack Dealer. Kitchen Aid. Whirlpool S Roper Appliances 312 North Main S»„ Madison (540) 948-2200 STORAGE South Wales Business & Mini Storag Located 5 miles west of Warrentoii at intersection of Route 211 and Route 229 All Size* Available Monthly and yearly rates, all ground-level units, tractor & trailer acess, individual wide roll-up doors, restroom, business and vendors welcome. (540) 341-7000 WATER TREATMENT WATER RIGHT Water Problems? Have your water tested in your home for PH (green stains), Hardness, Iron, Rust, Stains, etc. Correct any of these problems with WATER RIGHT Treatment System Call for more information Pullen's Electric & Plumbing Also: Pumps & Waterheaters, in stock installation Class A Certified 540-675-3249

RESPECT THE EARTH .RECYCLE! stvAufa TRAILERS i.S3nOBH S1N3I10 IV SAVM3QIS AdOO 9NISIib3A0VP dixiej juojj apisqjna e Sflld sajnjBaj jau/v\opuns iPaj§ atues aq; ||e l|;ja\ ja||ej; >pauasoo§ peo| jqSjejis y 4623 Lee Highway, Warrenton, VA (Rt. 29, New Baltimore) 540-341-2146 *1011 Free: 1-888-743-6825 See Us On Line! www.shen-valley.com KHN3S009 (TOOT JJH9MUS 3SHOH OAU Planning From Page A1 best in a rural setting, and that it is the Maazel’s intention to keep the farm as it is. Final public comment came from Phil Irwin who said that “Castleton is one of the most rural parts of the county, and it seems inappropriate to have a total of 115 (students).” Mr. Baumgardner responded by saying that the “question as to whether it is appropriate was decided when the ordinance was written,” referring to the acceptability of both the proposed use and student population. On a motion by Commissioner Tom Tepper, action on the application was tabled for one month. The first application heard by the Planning Commission was not nearly as controversial. Lawrence and Kathy Nolan requested Commission approval to increase the number of permitted dogs at their kennel from ten to thirty. One letter was cited in opposition to the application for concerns about additional noise, but the Nolans said that they bring all of the animals in by 9 p.m., and the barking referred to did not originate at their facility. Their application included plans of their 17 acre property on Scrabble Road and of kennel improvements designed to accommodate the increased pet population. Public comment supported the Nolan’s application and the quality of pet care provided by The Pet Tailor, and the Commission voted to approve and forward the application to the Board of Zoning Appeals. q* em ffomsfe' Grades PreK-12 Wednesday, March 8 • 8:15 AM to 10:30 AM Where: Come Visit Highland School where it is OK to Academic Success Study and Excel U rosiuve ^eii-nsieem Leadership Athletics Stability are the Rule, not the Exception! Highland School 597 Broadview Avenue • Warrenton, VA 20186 540-347-1221 • Fax: 540-347-5860 E-mail: admin@highland-school.org • Web: http://www.highland-8chool.org SUBSCRIBE TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK NEWS. Call 675-3338. BIGGEST MID WINTER CLEARANCE AT CHYRSLER OF CULPEPER 0.9% *APR For Up To 60 Months Savings Up To $6,000** REBATES Up To $1,750* ALL CHRYSLER, JEEP & DODGE MODELS ON SALE Guaranteed Happy! We've Never Lost A Deal Over Price! III. I I 10387 96 Ford F150 Lariat, Ext. Cab, 4x4, Must See $22,995 3055A 98 GMC Quad Cab 4x4 $22,995 10323 98 Chevy S10 4x4 Ext. Cab, Loaded, 5K Mi. $17,995 28598 94 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 i— mm mr~$6,995 3044A 99 Dodge Ram 4x4 $18,995 10327A 95 Nissan 4x4, Ext. Cab $9,995 2920A 99 Nissan Altima, Like New $12,995 3043A 98 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab 4x4 Diesel $27,995 10303 98 Dodge Durango, 5.9 Itr. V8 Magnum $25,995 10400 99 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Cummings Diesel $28,995 3060A 97 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 $15,995 10320 97 Dodge Ram Club Cab 4x4 $19,900 290T* 99 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4x4 $24,995 10386 92 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 $7,995 n 3033A 95 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 $11,995 Dodge Caravan* ft Plymouth Voyagars Several to Chooae US 29N (South of Culpeper) 11030 James Monroe Hwy., Culpeper, Virginia 10373 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Leather, CD 926,995 94-96 Jaap Grand Charokaaa 10 to Chooaa From CHYRSLER OF CULPEPER www.chryslcrofculpeper.com • (540) 547-3900 • (800) 547-7 Bin 758 win aUow towers on state property By John Toler Rappahannock News Staff Writer While many Rappahannock residents were focused on other issues being addressed by the Virginia General Assembly, a bill that would seriously diminish local planning and zoning authority narrowly passed in the state Senate last week. Senate Bill 758, patroned by Sen. Martin A. Williams (K-lst District), chairman ot the Transportation Committee, would give cellular com-; munications companies the right to locate and erect towers on state-owned properties — principally highway rightsof-way — without the approval of local jurisdictions. On Wednesday morning, the bill will be debated by House Transportation Subcommittee 2, chaired by Delegate Jay Katzen (R-31st). Katzen opposes the bill and is bracing for a contentious discussion. “If we have a quorum, we will vote, and the recommendation (of the majority) forwarded to the full committee. And if it passes in subcommittee, I’ll vote against it again in full committee,” said Katzen. “I want the counties to have control over what impacts them.” Hard-fought in Senate SB 758, an amendment to the Code 6f Virginia, is officially described as the “sharing of resources in support of the Intelligent Transportation System Program.” While amendments were made to the bill in the Senate to make it more palatable, the main thrust is still clearly to exempt tower structures on state-owned lands from “local zoning or comprehensive plan authority.” nit; uni was in st utJieateu in the senate on Feb. 14 by a 17-19 vote. But after reconsicU eration, SB 758 passed 19-18, with Sen. Stephen D. Newman (R-23rd) changing sides and Sen. Louise Lucas (D-18th), who didn’t vote the first time, voting for passage. Sen. Edd Houck (D-17th), who voted against the bill every time, found fault with both the intent and scope of the legislation. “What you are doing is allowing a state agency to negotiate with private companies without regard to local authority,” said Houck. “With all the pressing needs of technology, I understand the need for these towers. But where they are placed is another issue. This bill goes too far.” After debate that Houck characterized as “ugly,” SB 758 passed and was forwarded to the House Committee on Transportation. From there, it was assigned to Katzen’s subcommittee. Local reaction Rappahannock County has responded to the problem of new communications towers by formulating its own ordinances, but if SB 758 becomes law, communications tower builders could simply apply for sites in VDOT rights-of-way, and put up their towers without going through the county approval process. Some fear that the tie-in with the state’s Intelligent Transportation System Program and the open-ended interpretation of what is “deemed to be in the public interest” could virtually guarantee that tower permits filed with VDOT would be approved.

• Neighbors/B2 • Obituaries/B5 • Classifieds/B4, B5 • Real Estate/B6 February 23, 2000 Citizen of the Week Ruth F. Clark Hometown: Washington Occupation: Wife, mother, grandmother and retired. Accomplishments: Mrs. Clark was born and raised in the Washington area. Mrs. Clark and her husband, Edward are the parents of two daughters. They have four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The Clarks were high school sweethearts and this upcoming October they will be celebrating 54 years of marriage. Mrs. Clark is one of the oldest members of the Washington Baptist Church, where she remains very active. She is in charge of the annual April Spring Event called Grandma’s Attic. In addition to her church involvements, Mrs. Clark has also done volunteer work with the Red Cross, Cancer Society and the Washington Fire and Rescue Department. Mrs. Clark was President of the Washington Ladies Auxiliary for over 30 years and served as past Treasurer for the Washington Volunteer Fire Department for a number of years. Mrs. Clark was very active with the Washington Rescue Squad for many years, while her husband served as Captain of the Squad. Mrs. Clark remembers a time when she and Rev. Jennings Hobson went on a call on Route 231 to the home of a lady having a baby. Mrs. Clark attended to the patient and baby and “Jenks drove" recalls Mrs. Clark. Mrs. Clark worked for nine years at the Aileen Factory in Flint Hill. She also did private duty for the elderly as well as various babysitting jobs. Her connections to the Rappahannock News goes back to the days of Bruce Bowie when she contributed “Bits and Pieces” of various news items. She. continues today as the Washington community correspondent. Mrs. Clark’s hobbies include word puzzles and watching TV game shows. She enjoys collecting coins and TY Beanie Babies. Mrs. Clark concludes with “I love my God and thank Him everyday tor my wonderful family and friends.” When you have a news item for the Washington column do not hesitate to give Mrs. Clark a call at €75-3608. She is at home most of the time and would Welcome your Monday call before Jh$ deadline rolls around for another week. Weekend Pick “An Ideal Husband” playing Friday “An Ideal Husband” will be presented by Rappahannock for the Arts and the Community on Friday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. at The Theatre in Washington. Come see “An Ideal Husband,” a movie based on an Oscar Wilde play written at the turn of the Century (the last one). 'Though most of RAAC is resting this week (no dinner; no live musicians), there will be snacks and a postmovie discussion at the office next door to the lobby. Come, relax and enjoy. Postmaster Rowan begins eighth year in SperryviUe BY LEE COGHLAN Rappahannock News Special Writer Susan Rowan has been the postmaster in Sperryville since March of 1992. Due to a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities, the job is ever challenging and stimulating for the mother of two who lives in Culpeper with her husband, Dan. Rowan says, “In my particular job, I do a tremendous variety of different tasks. I’m not doing the exact same thing all day long. There are millions of little things involved. Every time you thing you’ve finally figured it out, someone else in the office in the sky thinks there is something else that they need you to do.” A non-profit organization The federal government oversees the postal service, but the service has been a business since 1971 and does not receive any tax money. The postal service earns all operating revenue through the rates that they assess. Rowan explains, “We are mandated to break even over time. We are not in business to make a profit off of you. We’re here to perform this service of delivering your mail in the most efficient way we can.” Recently, profits have been used as outlays for sophisticated automated sorting machines that Rowan says, “I can’t even understand. They have what they call processing plants. The machine goes faster than you and I can blink, sorts that letter, bar codes it and sends it on to wherever it’s going.” The machines are housed in what is known as a processing plant. Not long ago, the 10 acre plant for sorting mail at Dulles, Va. became fully operational. This plant serves the western part of Northern Virginia. Rowan says, “I would personally say that once the plant in Dulles got fully operational, the mail service in this area has been very good.” Rowan’s beginnings Growing up, Rowan attended schools all over the world due to her father being in the military. She graduated from a high school in London, England and received an English degree from George Mason University. At the university, she met her future husband. Rowan recalls the events that led to her employment with the postal service, “I was working part time at Susan Rowan, the postmaster in Sperryville. the Culpeper library. My husband came home one day and said he had 9een a notice that the postal service was giving a test.” Rowan took the test. Two years later she was offered a clerk’s position. At that time, Rowan was seven months pregnant and could not accept the job which entailed lifting packages weighing up to 70 pounds. Rowan says, “Then, two years after that, I got another call. At that time I felt I could take the part time job.” She became a part time postal clerk in Sperryville. Two and a half years later, Rowan assumed the postmaster position at the Stevensburg branch, five miles to the east of Culpeper. After five years there, she transferred back to the Sperryville branch and has been there ever since. Rowan’s wish for the new millennium With her hands pressed together as if in prayer, Rowan confides, “If I had one wish in the world, it would be that people give out their correct mailing address, including their post office box number.” “But, the customers here in Rappahannock are so delightful, it makes it a pleasure to come to work every morning.” Rowan concludes the interview by saying, “The other people working here in the office are a great crew to work with.” Quartet to play music of Haydn and Mozart 1999-2000 “Smithsonian at Little Washington” season will take place on Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m. when The Theatre at Washington, presents a program of quartets by Haydn and Mozart. Kenneth Slowik is featured as the guest forte pianist with this program by the Coolidge Quartet, who are an exciting young prize-winning ensemble comprising talented musicians from Denmark, Australia, Boston and San Francisco. The concert will include Haydn’s Quartet in G Major, Op. 76, No. 1, and two works by Mozart: the Piano Quartet in G Minor and the String Quartet in D Major, K499, known as the “Hoflmeister.” The Coolidge Quartet was formed in 1997. They have performed concerts in Europe, Israel, Hong Kong, Australia, Guatemala, and throughout the United States. The youthful musicians, both individually and as a quartet, have won several prizes and awards. The various members of the quartet studied at the New England Conservatory, the Royal Danish Academy and Yale University. The quartet is currently in residence at the University of Maryland, where it received the three-year Guarneri Fellowship. It is made up of violinists Hasse Borup and Se-Yun Lee, cellist Amy Leung and Stephen King who plays viola. Recent reviews of the quartet’s concerts and recordings have praised its “dramatic and dreamy playing”, Politiken, and its “crisp precision and a darkrhued, velvet tone colour.” The Strad, while the San Diego Union-Tribune has described its “impressive blending of playing Styles.” Kenneth Slowik, guest fortepianist in Mozart’s Piano Quartet in G Minor, is well known to audiences in Washington, principally as a cellist and for his work with the Smithson String Quartet, the Castle Trio and several other ensembles. He is artistic director of the Smithsonian Chamber Players. Tickets for the concert at the Theatre at Washington, on Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.ra., are $15 for adults and $5 for students 18 and under. For reservations, or to obtain a copy of the Theatre’s spring schedule, phone 675-1253, or send email to: 'nmatreVa@aol.com. Members learn showing techniques BY HAZEL ZINN-DAY 4-H Program Support Technician, Senior The Rappahannock County 4-H Dog Club learned about showing dogs at their February meeting. Cecilia Dove of FoxclifFe in Flint Hill demonstrated the techniques of showing with her Scottish Deerhounds. She provided the 4-H club members knowledge on how to place their dogs in the show ring and what the judges look for in the dog. Mrs. Dove also shared a wonderful pictorial of the history of her dog showing experiences and shared how different dog breeds are categorized by the AKC. The Rappahannock County 4-H Dog Club is planning dog obedience workshops. There will be a dog show with the participants of the workshop in May. If you are between the ages of 9 and 19 years and are interested in participating in the workshops, please call the Extension Office at 675-3619. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in any of these activities, please call 6753619 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, five days prior to the event. Photo courtesy of Hazel Zinn-Day 4-H DOG CLUB: Members at a recent meeting included: back row, Jenkins Dove, Allison Antony, Devin Day, Alexander Neill-Dore, front row, Volunteer Leader, Lisa Reid, Cecilia Dove and Ben Pendleton. The Usual Suspects performing at Blue Moon The Usual Suspects will be performing at the Blue Moon Cafe, located at 11763 Lee Highway, l in opciijrvinc tin Saturday, Feb. 26 beginning at y:dl) p.m. The Usual Suspects play American roots music: rock and roll dance tunes, blended with blues, ballads, and a little bit of country, along with alternative music woven-in for good measure. The Usual Suspects celebrate five decades of music favorites, spanning from Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello. They have performed in various incarnations for the last six years, participating in community festivals, fundraisers for the Windmore Foundation for the Arts Inc., domestic violence awareness vigils, numerous clubs and roadhouses, and for the Bluemont Concert Series. Members are: David Leckie Gilmore on lead and rhythm guitar, harmonica, and lead vocals; Donna Lynn Rector, vocalist; Bill Hughes on rhythm guitar and vocals; Lee Goldsborough on bass; Darrell Dixon on drums; and Vince Vala on lead and rhythm guitar and lead vocals. Tb contact the Blue Moon Cafe call 987-3162. -jr

•■ -/ £.'41 • jW . Church Activities Praise service atF.T. Baptist On Sunday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. the Montpelier Singers from Madison will be performing at F.T. Baptist Church on Slate Mills Road. They sing choral as well as contemporary music. Before the praise service there will be a mid-day dinner at 12:30. All are welcome to attend. Contact Marilyn Armor at 987-8020 for directions or additional information. Flint Hill Pentecostal Pastor: Rev. Jack Campbell Saturday: Gospel Singing 7 p.m. Sunday: Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 6:30 a.m. Wednesday: Worship Service 7:30 p.m. Macedonia to host program Macedonia Baptist Church presents Heritage & Horizon: The African American Legacy and the Challenges of the 21st Century on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. The speaker will be Cornell Brooks. Mr. Brooks is a fourth generation ordained minister, former federal trial attorney and a public interest lawyer. While a graduate of Yale Law School, he is also a graduate of Head Start. Inspirational music will be provided by The Gospel Travelers. Refreshments will be served immediately following the program. Everyone is invited to attend. Woodville Baptist Pastor: Rev. Alpheus Atkins Sunday: Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Night Service 7 p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study & Prayer Meeting 7 p.m. Choir Practice 7:45 p.m. Fellowship Assembly of God Pastor: Joel Cress Sunday: Sunday School 9:45 p.m. Worship/Children’s Church 11 a.m. Evening Service 6 p.m. Wednesday: Adult Bible Study 7 p.m. Youth Prayer and Praise 7 p.m. County Methodist services Rappahannock County Methodist Churches will have worship services for Sunday, Feb. 27 as follows: Flint Hill at 8:45 a.m.; Sperryville at 11:15 a.m. and Willis Chapel at 10 a.m. The Rev. Merlin Shorb is pastor and invites the public. Five Forks Regular Baptist Pastor: Rev. Wilfred Deppen Sunday: Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Baptist Women s Day set Gourdvine Baptist Church will sponsor Baptist Women’s Day on Sunday, Feb. 27. Sunday School will begin at 9;45 a.m.; morning worship at 11. “Come and join us for Sunday service and an Italian dinner afterwards," said a spokesperson. The church is located on Route 729. Call Pastor John Miller at 937-6001 for information. St. Peter’s Catholic Mission Father Jerry Pokorsky Masses: Saturday Vigil, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, 8:30 and10 a.m. Holy Days of Obligation call 675-3432 Weekdays Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. Confessions: 4:30-5 p.m., Saturday, after masses Forest Grove Baptist Sunday. Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Amissville United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Richard S. Gordon Sunday. Sunday School 9:45 p.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Monday: Adult Choir 7:30 p.m. Washington Baptist Pastor: Rev. Phillip Bailey Sunday. Sunday School 9:45 a m. Worship Services 11 a m. Tuesday. Children’s Choir 6 p.m. Adult Choir 7 p.m. Hope Hill Baptist Pastor: Rev. Milton Switzer Sunday: Sunday School 10 a m. Morning Service 11 a m. Evening Service 7 p.m. Chester Gap Baptist Pastor: Rev. James W. Burke Sunday: Sunday School 10 a.m. Morning Service 11 a.m. Evening Service 6:30 p.m. Bible School 7 p.m. Trinity Episcopal Rector: Rev. Jennings W. Hobson III Sunday: Holy Eucharist 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10 a.m. Morning Prayer 11 a.m. Wednesday: Bible Study, Holy Eucharist 9:30 a.m. Thornton’s Gap Regular Baptist Rev. Kirby Shenk Sunday: Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service 11 a.m. Flint Hill Baptist Church Pastor: Robert Goff Second & Fourth Sunday: Worship Service 11 a.m. Photo courtesy of Marge Leake METHODIST WOMEN: The ladies of the Amissville United Methodist Women recently gathered for their first meeting of the year. Pictured from left to right, front row, Irma Holmes, Treasurer; Mary Holmes, Secretary and Catherine Paul, President. Back row, left to right, Alice Hitt, Ruby Smith, Pauline Latham, Kitty Gollaher, Gerty Poling, Christine Judd, Thelma Colvin and Judy Chandler. Methodist ladies meet BY MARGE LEAKE Rappahannock News Contributing Writer The Amissville United Methodist Women, an organized unit of the United Methodist Church, held their first meeting of the new millennium on Jan. 12. Their primary purpose is to raise funds to support local, state and world missions. For example, last year hundreds of dollars were given to aid the starving children in Rowanda and the flood victims in the Midwest United States of America. Women of all religious denominations are invited to join the Amissville United Methodist Women. United Methodist Church membership is not a requirement, however, new church members are always welcome. The group meetings are held at the Amissville United Methodist Church at 12:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information about the group call Catherine Paul at 937-4911 or Gerty Poling at 937-5205. Families enjoy gathering On Saturday Mrs. Denise Jakubowicz and children, Matthew, Kristi and Andrea of Doylestown, Pa. and Mr. and Mrs. John Schultz joined Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sengstack and sons Eric and Jason in Centreville for a family get together to celebrate Valentine’s Day and John Schultz’s birthday. They all enjoyed dinner at Don Pablo Restaurant in Fnirfav Washington By RUTH CLARK 675-3608 Castleton who has his day on Monday, Feb. 28. Mrs. Mary C. Atkins of Sperryville is a patient at Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton and we wish her a nice recovery. . On Saturday Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Clark visited Mrs. Mary C. Atkins at Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton. Richard and Rena Rnrkp r>f WnnHvillo wprp We extend belated birthday wishes to Mr. Schultz and much happiness for the coming year. Happy birthday to Vergil Atkins of Sperryville who will have his 83rd birthday on Saturday, Feb. 26. Saturday guests of Mrs. Addie Keyser were Donald Keyser and family of Alexandria. Guests Sunday of Mrs. Addie Keyser were Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Keyser of Sperryville, Mrs. Marie Rutherford of Front Royal and Mrs. Jeanetta Pullen of Flint Hill. Happy birthday to Keith Settle of Sunday visitors of Mrs. Marilyn Bailey. Have you noticed Mrs. Mary Fletcher sporting around in her new car? She’s extremely proud of it. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 15 as the Fodderstack Race and the annual Washington Baptist Church’s Spring Event will be held that day. It’s actually just a few weeks away and always seems to welcome spring in the community. Several other organizations are most likely planning spring events and we will advise you of the same as they become known in the community. Sperryville residents entertain The Sperryville United Methodist Church has services each Sunday at 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Merlin Shorb is pastor and invites the community. I— CATHY PULLEN "• 987-8740 .-••«« A press release received this week from The Longaberger Company showed a beautiful Easter basket and related products. Locally, the company is represented by Kelly Jo Settle of Sperryville and Kathleen Thornhill of Boston. Give either of these ladies a call to order your basket. They are available through Feb. 29. Easter will be here before you know it! Lots of people are wondering when Cooter’s is going to reopen. According to their answering machine, it is the first day of spring. Hang tight, they will reopen soon. Just a reminder that the annual Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point races will not be held this year at Thornton Hill in Sperryville. The race has been moved to Brandywine Park in Culpeper. The event will be held as usual the first Saturday in March beginning at noon. Birthday wishes go out to Mrs. Lillie Corbin who will celebrate hers today, Feb. 23. Birthday wishes also go out to my sister-in-law Mrs. Sandra Jenkins who will celebrate hers on Feb. 28. Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Jenkins were Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Dodson of Orange and Mr. Russell Cave of Boston. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Pastor Daniel A. Courtney of Culpeper who died Feb. 19. Pastor Courtney was the pastor at Bible Baptist Church in Culpeper and a number of area residents attended his church. Monday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Jenkins were Mrs. Lillie Corbin and Mrs. Frances Corbin. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Baldwin and David were Friday night guests of Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Pullen and Ashleigh - in Washington. ' ’ Brookside Restaurant & Gift Shop U S. 211 E. Luray Foothills of Blue Ridge Mountains Sun. to Thurs. 7 a m. - 8:30 p.m. (540) 743-5698 ROBERT J. CLATTERBUCK Plumbing and Heating Flint Hill, VA 675-3378 W.C. THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME 503-7 NORTH MAIN ST. CULPEPER, VIRGINIA (540) 825-6700 ssrmfss. “See Us For All Your Building Supply Needs" 1418 Oranae Road Culpeper (540)825-0937 SperryviUe Emporium “The Shop that has EVERYTHING” U. S. 211, West SperryviUe, VA (540) 987-8235 Ephesians 1:1-14 Monday Ephesians 1:15-22 Tuesday Ephesians 2:1-10 Wednesday Ephesians 2:11-22 Thursday Ephesians 3:1-13 Friday Ephesians 3:14-21 Saturday Ephesians 4:1-16 “Mom, I don’t want to taka my medicine. It tastes yukky! ’ “Please take it It's good for you!” How many times did we hear that as a youngster? Yet, we didn’t have a whole lot of choice, if we were going to get better As adults, we often have a sense of deja vu when faced with a distasteful situation which gives us little choice but to take a deep breath and “swallow hard.” Yet, in hindsight, we often find that we become more complete and confident people as a result. A wise First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt said, “You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and the best mat you have to give.” We read in Psalm 31:24... "Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your hean ail ye that hope m the Lord." Grow in courage as you worship each week Then you can take whatever comes your way. It might just be good for you. Sw«k.«*s W Ttm Air+fKW ftO* y i.opywQW <*000 MiM* Wttarra fwwdCAywt *» O 8c* 0006 ChA'KHlesv** VA *»., **> ABERDEEN BARN Steaks • Seafood • Prime Rib Banquets • Luncheons in the Holiday Inn of Culpeper (540) 825-1037 Jimmie’s Auto Parts Complete line of foreign & domestic parts 161 Saunders St. • Culpeper. (540) 825-8030 The Color Shoppe Paint • Carpet • Wallcovering Blinds Rt. 29 South • 2 miles from Culpeper Old Hudson Ham Building 547-9743 GOLDEN CORRAL Family Steak House (540) 825-5888 • Culpeper r Church Activities are brought to you courtesy of these advertisers and the Rappahannock News j Jj

Baptist women in charge of service It looks like we are going to get a real taste of spring! I will be so glad, I’m tired of everything looking so dead. On Sunday, the WMU Women of Amissville Baptist Church, took over the service. Thirteen of the women had gone to the Women of Faith Conference in D.C. over a two day period and came back charged up. The church was rocking, with contemporary Christian music and testimony from Jackie Dawson. The younger girls ages 7-12 did a presentation of missionaries names, and the Acteens did the offering. It was a great time of praise and worship. If you would like to get a tape, call • the church office at 937-6159, and experience it for yourself. The next conference that would be close for us is in Philadelphia, Pa. I will let you know if we are planning to go. The GA Discovers of Amissville Baptist Church will have a bake sale on Saturday, Feb. 26 at Hackley’s Cquntry Store to benefit the Culpeper Women’s Shelter. Your support and encouragement of this event will be greatly appreciated. Youth Alive will meet this Saturday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Viewtown Store. Refreshments of pizza and subs will be available after the irieeting for purchase. So bring your children ages ten and up. If you want more information, call the Willoughbys at 9374929 or 937-5210. The last day for baseball registration is Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rappahannock County Library. Bring a birth certificate for first time players, boys and girls ages five and up are all eligible to play. . . The Amissville Homemakers monthly meeting will be on Monday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Amissville Baptist Church. The Amissville Health and Fitness Club meets every Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Amissville United Methodist Church. If you want to go and see what’s going on you are more than welcome. Gray Ghost Vineyard is planning a Spring Barrel Tasting on March 18 and 19. You will receive a wine glass with the Gray Ghost logo on it and appetizers. It should be a real experience, I’ve never had wine out of a barrel. If you want more information call Amy Kellert at 937-4869. Also, if anyone is interested in going on a missionary trip to help the residents of Franklin, the Baptist Church is sending a group on March 911. Painters, dry-wall hangers, carpenters, roofers and gophers are all needed. If you or your group would like to go or make a materials donation, contact Wes Mills at 937-6159. A lot of people have been asking how they could support the fire department. They have bingo every Monday night and they always accept tax deductible donations. Jack Atkins is the president and can be reached at 937-5282 if you would like more information. Well that’s it for this week, next week is birthday time, if you have any birthdays or anniversaries give me a call. Have a beautiful week and enjoy the warm weather! Woodville news notes Rena Burke and her sister visited with Mrs. Virginia Brown in Culpeper on Monday. They also had lunch at the Golden Corral. On Sunday afternoon Richard and Rena Burke visited with Mrs. Marilyn Bailey in Washington. * • Our own, Theresa Light will be guest speaker at the March 1 meeting of the Episcopal Church Women. She ivul be speaking on “Communicating with People who are Deaf and Hard of hearing.” The public is invited to' the presentation at 1:30 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall. ; Mrs. L. Starke Jones was guest speaker at the Washington Baptist Church pn Sunday as the Southern . Marriage : License ! The following marriage license was issued recently at the Rappahannock Clerk’s Office on Gay Street in Washington. * Mohamed Said El-Rafai, Lorton and Charlotte Ann Couzzo, Warrenton. Crime Does Pay Up to $10,000 reward : for tips on auto theft. 1-800-947-HEAT " Baptist Churches ended a week on Women in Missions. Mrs. Jones gave a very informative talk on her experiences. It was enjoyed by all. The warmer temperatures earlier in the week were sure welcomed. Have a great week! Sean VanDusen and Melissa Kindall Melissa D. Kindall to wed Sean VanDusen Thomas and Harriet Kindall of Washington have announced the engagement of their daugher, Melissa Dawn Kindall to Sean Christopher VanDusen. He is the son of Dan VanDusen of Livermore, Calif, and Angela VanDusen of Grants Pass, Ore. Miss Kindall is a 1997 graduate of Rappahannock County High School. Mr. VanDusen is a 1997 graduate of Granada High School in California. The announcement took place on Feb. 14 at the Sperryville Volunteer Rescue Squad Building with Melissa’s parents and younger sister, Jennifer in attendance. A Sept. 17, 2000 wedding date has been set. Viewtown social notes Mrs. Bertie Hackley has returned home after being a patient in Fauquier Hospital. She is doing fine. Sympathy is extended to the Smith family on the death of Mrs. Frances Smith on Saturday. Also to the family of Bobby Ray Chandler. Birthday wishes go out to Walter Reed who celebrates his on Feb. 25. Also wishes are extended to Acrey Dodson and Wayne Dodson as they celebrate on Feb. 28. Happy belated wishes to Dan Richard Smith who celebrated his on Feb. 15. The Youth Alive group . By GLADYS DODSON 937-4904 met at the Viewtown store Saturday and had a great turnout. Have a great week and give me a call when you have news for this column. SUBSCRIBE TO THE RAPPAHANNOCK NEWS. Call 675-3338. Upcoming Events Yoga classes to begin “Yoga with Lilo" classes will begin on Feb. 24 at the Trinity Episcopal Church parish hall. Classes will be held on Mondays from 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information call 675-3584. Mrs. Light to be guest speaker at ECW Mrs. Theresa Light of Woodville will be guest speaker at the next regular bi-monthly meeting of Episcopal Church Women (ECW). Mrs. Light’s subject will be “Communicating with People who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing”. The public is invited to attend this presentation on Wednesday, March 1, at 1:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hail. Spring soccer registration Soccer registration for the spring season of the Rappahannock County Soccer League will end March 1. If your son and/or daughter would like to play _ soccer with the leaaue. Dlease sian up soon. Anyone four years or older is welcome to play. Registration fees are $35 for the first child and $30 for each additional child. Scholarships are available. New players must submit a copy of their birth certificate. Registration forms have been placed at the main office of Rappahannock County Elementary School and the front desk of the Rappahannock County Library. Please feel free to call the Registrar, Sara Lawrey at 675-1781 with any ques tions you may have. Youth sought for activity “Youth Alive” of Amissville invites youth, ages 10-18 years old to meet at the Viewtown Store Saturday night, Feb. 26 from 7:30 to 9. There will be contemporary praise and worship music and awesome Bible teaching. Subs, pizza and drinks will be available for purchase following the meeting. For more information call Kent and Mary Jo Willoughby at 937-4929 or Duane and Joyce Willoughby at 9375210. Viewtown Store is located on Viewtown Road, Route 642, 3.3 miles from Hackley’s Store. Shooting matches at Castleton The Castleton Community Volunteer Fire Department will hold shooting matches every Saturday at 3 p.m. at their building. Rules are: 12 gauge shotgun, no scopes, no sleeves and limit to 30 inch barrels. Food will be sold at the matches. Opportunity to purchase cookies Anyone that didn’t have an opportunity to order girl scout cookies may do so on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at Mayhugh’s in Amissville. For additional information call Michelle Herbert at 937-5901. Wakefield hosts open house Wakefield School will host an Admissions Open House on Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m. The public and especially rising fourth through 12th graders and their families are invited to attend. Wakefield is an independent day school with a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum for 345 boys and girls. The school is located one-half mile north of I-66, Exit 31 at 4439 Old Tavern Road, The Plains. For more information call 253-5393 or visit the school’s web site at www.wakefieldschool.com Boy Scout Troop 36 to meet Boy Scout Troop 36 meets every Monday night from 7 to 8:30 at the Washington Volunteer Fire Hall. Boys, ages 11 to 17 from all parts of Rappahannock County are welcome to join. For more information call Scout Master Bill Ralston at 675-1038 or Troop Committee Chairman at 675-3679. Counselor training in March If you are age 13 as of Jan. 1, 2000 and you are interested in being a counselor in training at any of the 4-H camp programs, please register to attend the Teen and Adult Leader Training at the 4-H Educational Center the weekend of March 3-4 at the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational Center. For more information or registration forms, call the Rappahannock Extension Office at 675-3619. Workshop scheduled A Super Sitters 4-H workshop will be held on Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rappahannock Extension Office. A minimum of five people must sign up or this workshop will be canceled. The workshop is geared toward teens between the ages of 12 and 19 and will teach them about proper babysitting, first aid for children and proper foods for children. Call the Extension Office at 675-3619 to sign up as soon as possible. Black History program set In celebration of Black History Month, the Culpeper County Library presents a special program for the whole family on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in the meeting room. Sylvia Tabb Lee, a professional historical interpreter, will enthrall the audience with an educational and entertaining program that shows and tells what life was like under slavery for African-Americans. Ms. Lee has done numerous character portrayals as well as singing, dancing, and storytelling performances at Colonial Williamsburg. Be sure to arrive early, as seating is limited for this free program that is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. 5K race scheduled On Saturday, Feb. 26 the Shenandoah Valley Runners Club will host the Predicted Time 5K at Frederick County Middle School in Winchester. The race will start at 9:45 a.m.; registration begins one hour earlier. Entry fees are $3 for members, $4 for nonmembers and $1 for students. Runners of all abilities are welcome. Call 635-7539 or 6623381 for more information or visit http://svr.simplenet.com/ws.

INDEX Rentals 001. Rentals - Apartments 011. Rentals - Condo 022. Rentals - House 033. Rentals - Lots & Acreage 044. Rentals - Mobile Home 055. Rentals - Room 066. Rentals - Shared Housing/Roomates 077. Rentals - Townhouse 080. Rentals - Office 088. Rentals - Wanted Vacation Places 090. Vacation - Rent 095. Vacation - Sale 099. Vacation - Wanted Residential Sales 100. For Sale By Owner 111 Sales - Condo 122. Sales - Houses 133. Sales - Lots & Acreage 144. Sales - Manufactured/Custom Housing 155. Sales - Mobile Homes 166. Sales - Townhouses 177. Sales - Wanted Commercial Real Estate 180. Commercial - Rent 188. Commercial - Sale 196. Franchises/ Business Opportunities Merchandise 200. Antiques & Collectibles 204. Arts & Crafts 208. Auctions 212. Cemetery Lots 216. Computers/Electronics 220. Farm Equipment & Supplies 224 Firewood 228. Furniture/Appliances 232. Garaae/Yard/Moving Sales 236. Hay, Straw & Feed 240. Horses 248. Lawn/Garden Equipment 252. Livestock 256. Miscellaneous For Sale 260. Miscellaneous For Rent 261. Miscellaneous Wanted 262. Musical Instruments/Equipment 266. Office Furniture & Equipment 270. Penny-Pinchers 273. Pets 274. Pet Supplies/Sale/Service 278. Produce 282. Recreational Equipment/Health 286. Seasonal Sales Please refer lo category you wish to use FIM MMCMIKHM 290. Found 294. Giveaways 298. Lost Services 350. Business Services 355. Child Care Services Offered 356. Child Care Services Wanted 360. Commuters Corner 365. Domestic Services 370. Financial/Mortgages 375. Home Health Care 376. Home Improvement 380 Instruction 385. Lawn/Garden 390. Personal Services 391 Miscellaneour Services 395 Services Wanted .. Announcements 400. Adoption 410. Announcements 420. Birthdays/Happy Ads 430. Coming Events 440. Entertainment 450. Personals 460. Seasonal Specials 470 Tributes Lefla| Not|c#, 480. ABC License 490. Legal Notices 485. Bids & Proposals Career Education Career Education 500. Domestic Help Wanted 515. Employment Services 545. Full Time Employment 560. Part Time Employment 590. Wanted: Jobs Transportation 600. Antiques & Classics 605. Automobiles 610. Jeeps 620. Aviation 625. Boats & Accessories 630. Campers/RVs 635. Construction/Heavy Equipment 640. Motorcycles 645. Off-Road/Unlicensed 650. Parts/Accessories 655 Rentals 660. Repair/Service 665. Sport Utility Vehicle 670. Trailers 675. Trucks/Pickups 680. Vans/ Buses 685. Vehicles Wanted Employment General Classified Legal Notices Real Estate Rmviak/ iUR lUlla/ Sales Automotive Use, Directory Tin: Sen ri i: for Bi sinkssi s, SlRVIllS \NI) I’ROFKSSIONALS. Community Newspapers I...-I I ■ NORTHERN VIRGINIA* f\A- PlAO*hOhZ New Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. By Phone: Loudoun 703-777-1110 Loudoun 703-689-1260 Metro 703-444-4480 Fauquier 540-347-4222 Clarke 1-800-3300267 Rappahannock 1-8008524797 By Fax: 703-689-1278 Bv Web: http://www.tiniespapers.coni By Mail: Times Community Newspapers Classified Department, P.O. Box 359 Leesburg, VA 20176-3013 In Person: Stop by our offices located at: Loudoun Times-Mirror 9 East Market St., Leesburg, Virginia Eastern Loudoun Times 101 East Holly Ave., Suite 7 Sterling, Virginia Fairfax County Office 1760 Reston Parkway, Suite 411 Heston, Virginia Fauquier Times-Democrat 39 Culpeper St., Warrant on, Virginia Clarke Times-Courier 16 West Main St., Benyville, Virginia Rappahannock News Rappahannock News Building Washington, Virginia DtfiJJbwA Employment Classified 4:00 p.m. Monday General Classified 6:00 p.m. Monday Legal Notices 5:00 p.m. Friday Your Community Directory 12 Noon Friday Horse & Farm Directory 1:00 p.m. Monday EQUAL MOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations, or discrimination. Additionally, the Commonwealth of Virginia forbids discrimination based on elderliness, parenthood, or handicap. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. After An Ad Is Ordered it cannot be changed or cancelled after the posted deadline for that issue. At the time of placing your ad, it will be read or faxed back to you for any corrections to be made. Read your ad carefully the first time it appears in the paper. If it contains an error, or if you wish to make changes, call at once No adjustments will be made on errors that do not materially affect the value of the advertisement. All errors must be reported by 3:00 p.m. Monday following the date of publication. The Times will not accept liability for its failure, for any cause, to insert an advertisement and reserve j the right to reject any advertisement deemed objection - abte m subject matter, phraseology or setup. The Times Newspapers are not fable for the quality of advertised products or services. We Accept |» »| H |_J SPERRYVILLE area: 1BR, No pets. Refs. & Sec. req. $375/ month. Call 540-987-8789. GID BROWN HOLLOW area, 3 BR 1BA, $625 monthly. Call Wanda at Sam Snead Realty. 540-635-9753. WARRENTON, LOG HOME ON 10 acs fenced with 3 stall barn, 3 BR, 2.5 BA, loft overlooking great room. $1,850/mo. Sec. dep. & ref. 703-912-9708 + ' " 1 ’ 1 ....■v v ■■■■■■-.". J NEED A HOME to rent starting Apr. 1. PI. contact at 540-937-1712. QUAINT LOG CABIN located on Rt. 211, near Washington VA. $450/ mo. Call Wanda, Sam Snead Realty, 540-6359753. ANTIQUE OAK HOOSIER cabinet. $450, 540-347-9272 BOOTH NOW AVAILABLE. Feb Special! Sign lease in Feb. get March FREE. Blue Ridge Emporium, Rt. 29N. Madison, VA 540948-2255. >.-..-. MUST SELL IMMEDIATELY! 3 Undelivered Arch Steel Buildings 25x30, 40x64, 50x110. Factory Direct. Priced To Go! Financing Available. Great Workshops/Garages. 1-800-341-7007 www.steelm9*ter»u»*,com f-:-> v V FREE SLAB WOOD long length 540-453-2079 EREE SLAB WOOD long length 540-543-2079. FREE TO GOOD home 9-mo old male purebred Jack Russell puppy. Must be familiar w/breed. 304-728-1011. EARLY’S CARPET, INC. I "hr one-stop shop lor cnmpleir Home Decorating Service Floor C overmgs • Window Treatments Wallpaper* Slip Covers & I phutsttrv Residential A Commericat Rt. 211 Amimvillt. VA 937-5500 v_ J CONVALESCENT AIDS, loaned free of charge. Wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, etc. Rappahannock Convalescent Loan Closet. 540937-5292, 540-6753398, 540-675-3765, 540-675-3602 , 540987-3116, 540-9374410. (-S 60S Automate. V_) ACURA INTEGRA 1994 LS, black, 5 sp, all power, sunroof, exc. cond.. $6750. OBO 540-351-0861 HONDA 1996 ACCORD LX four door Power windows and locks. AM/FM radio and cassette player *A/C 68,000 miles. Excellent condition Call 703-4505864 $11,500 FORD RANGER ’97 4x4 XLT, ext cab, 4ltr, AT, loaded, dk green w/ match, fiberglass cap, 1 owner, 78K, $15,300/ obo. 540-987-9005. AUTO PARTS COUNTER SALES Part-time Positions. 16 Northern VA locations, (Prince William, Loudoun & Fairfax Counties), Exp required. Call: Fairfax Auto Parts 703*323-5300 CASHIERS We are looking for people who love working with people. We offer a positive working environments. Benefits include 401k, health ins. & vacation. Please call, Nicole Balding G Street Fabrics Centreville, VA 703-818-8090 CONSTRUCTION/ MAINTENANCE HELPER FT, full benefits, not seasonal. Chantilly, VA area. Good driving record req. Call 703-323-5300 DRIVERS/ DELIVERY Full-time and parttime positions. AM & PM shifts. Full benefits, year-round work, not seasonal. Locations in Loudoun, Prince William & Fairfax Counties. Call: Fairfax Auto Parts 703-323-5300 ELECTRICIANS & HELPERS Residential TOP PAY AND BENEFITS Sundance Electric Contractors, Inc. (540) 349-8200 EQUIPMENT SALES Local leader in the agricultural industry has an opening for one individual with knowledge of tractors, hay products, implements and related products. Base salary, commissions, health & 401k plan. Apply in confidence 6:30AM-6PM @ 703-969-8476 Theros Equipment Farm Mgr. Sm. farm/estate needs exp., motivated person for overall farm maint, a ”Mr Fix-it” type. Knowl. horseman for family hunt horses Attractive apartment, utilities, Medical ins. included 540-347-1516 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Part-time, Flexible hours, must know Quark Express, Photoshop and Front Page. Salaiy commensurate with experience. 540-364-6200 HOUSEKEEPER Needed for Bed & Breakfast in Washington, VA. Occasional weekend and evening work required. Experienced preferred. Good starting rate. Please contact Michelle 540-675-2020 to schedule an interview. KENNEL ASSISTANT NEEDED Part-time 18 yrs or older540-937-3336 540937-3283 LIFEGUARDS YEAR ROUND DAYTIME Call Becky at FAST Aquatics. (540)349-4858 LOADER, DOZER, HOE OPERATORS 703-368-5249 NURSING! RN's WANTED$500 Sign-On Bonus! Med Surg., Tele, ICU Up to $38/hour to start. Same day pay. Call: Frontier Nursing, L.C. 1-877-634-6406 OFFICE ASSISTANT Full or part time Have computer skills. Good pay and perks. Will train. 540-347-2514 ext.134 or 888-550-9664 ext. 134 PART-TIME Vineyard Work On your own time. Almost Full-time. Not hard, good pay. Farfelu Vineyard 540-364-2930 RETIAL SALES/ RECEIVING CLERK Must have good customer service skills. Computer knowledge and agricultrual background helpful. Apply in person. Remington Farmers’Co-op. TOP QU ALITY HORSEMANS POSITION On first class farm. Benefits. Refs. Call 540-636-2220. TRUCK DRIVER Mechanic experience helpful for small construction company. 703-368-5249 With 17 Newspapers In Our Times Community Newspapers Group, We’ve Got Northern Virginia Wrapped up! Call 347-4222 or FAX 349-8676 Auctions It_ Public Storage Auction February 24, 2000 Per Virginia Self-Storage Act 55-418 selling contents of Unit numbers: 10:00AM: 614 OLD BRANDY ROAD 63-JACKSON 106-CRA WFORD 10:15AM: 510 GERMANNA HWY 65-SMITH 110-SHEPHERD 133-GASKINS 176-HOLMES 10:30 AM: 14434 GERMANNA HWY 115-ADAMS 206-LE LAND 238-WEBSTER 262-GRANT 422-SLAUGHTER 441-ROBINSON 450-SNOW 451-WEIMER 352-CALTER 547-STEELMAN 662-LARWNOROGG 601-BROWN 11:30AM: Rts. 229 & 211 (South Wales) 332-JOHNSTON 408-WILSON 355-COATES 509-TRIBBY 533-MILLARD 556-MARUCHA 1:30PM: 1214 EAST MAIN ST., LURAY B220-RUSSELL C340-STANDRIDGE D414-BAILEY D422-STAWDERMAN TERMS OF SALE: Cash or check with proper ID Bennett Realty & Auction Co. 14434 Germanna Highway Culpeper, Virginia 22701 540-825-4554 Lawrence K. Bennett, #551 CAI 540-825-4589 Mini Storage 2572/63659 HARRIS TRUCKING CO YOUR DOOR TO OPPORTUNTTY DON’T LET IT PASS YOU BY! EXPERIENCE PAYS! -♦ Earn up to .35c/mile * Layover and Stop Off Pay ■♦Safety Bonus and Awards -♦Paid Health/Life Insurance -♦2Wks Vac/ 6 Paid Holidays -♦401 K/Matching Funds *Passenger Program/ Assigned Equip. COME GROW WITH US 1-800-929-5003 www.harristrk.com Owner Operators Flatbed Drivers Call Steve Brown 800-444-4168 It took 6 YEARS to graduate Find a job in about 6 MINUTES Call 347-4222 or Fax 349-8676 ""."■ " Bids Ik Proposals _ ——— SALE O&SURPLUS VEHICLE The County of Rappahannock, VA is soliciting sealed bids for the sale of a surplus Sheriff's Office automobile described as follows; 1994 Chevrolet Caprice 4-D Police Package VIN 1G1BL52PXRR191377 350 LT-1 Engine, pw, pi, cloth bucket seats, cloth rear bench, AM/FM Radio, no spare tire security screen @ 131,000 miles The vehicle was damaged in an accident involving a deer and needs a front clip, both air bags and a windshield. Vehicle may be inspected at the Courthouse parking lot in Washington, Virginia during normal business hours. Sealed bids will be accepted until Friday, February 25, 2000 at 3:00 PM at the County Administration Office, PO Box 519, 290 Gay Street, Washington, VA 22747, at which time they will be opened and publicly read. 2-23-00 •300090 TOWN COUNCIL TOWN OF WASHINGTON, VIRGINIA Pursuant to Section 6-1-1 of the Town of Washington Zoning Ordinance and Section 15.2-2204 of the 1950 Code of Virginia as amended, notice is hereby given that the Town Council of Washington. Virginia will hold a public hearing on Wednesday. March 8, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall on Gay and Calvert Streets in Washington. Virginia to consider the following application: TW SU #00-02-01 Harry Carlip d/b/a Heritage House Annex desires a Special Use permit to create a bed and breakfast use of the residence to the rear of Heritage House for overnight rental. Offstreet parking is provided and there is separate septic tank/drainfield service. Use allowed under Section 1-4-3 of the Town of Washington Zoning Ordinance: additional standards in Section 6-1-2(1) of the Ordinance. Existing Town Special Use Permit #1. A copy of the foregoing application is on file at the Zoning Office and available for public inspection, Monday through Friday 8:30 a m. to 4:30 p.m. at 290 Gay Street. Washington, Virginia 22747, The above-named applicant, adjacent property owners, and any other parties wishing to be heard should be present at said meeting or should address their written comments to the County Administrator, P O. Box 519, Washington. Virginia 22747, in advance thereof By: John W. McCarthy County Administrator 2-23, 3-1-00 #300003 TRUCK DRIVER Needed for excavation company. Monomoy Services, Inc. is now hiring. Work locally. Benefits offered include insurance, retirement, and vacation. Class A CDL required. CALL (540) 253-5500 RESIDENT CARE COORDINATOR Position available for a long-term health care experienced R.N. with excellent nursing care, communication, organizational and computer skills. Assists Director of Nursing in the planning, organizational and implementation of activities in nursing services with emphasis on the patient care planning process. Two years’ nursing experience, preferable in longterm care. Knowledge of MDS and Care Planning a must. Contact: Alice Skupnick, Director of Nursing Culpeper Heath Care Center 602 Madison Road Culpeper, VA 22701 540*825-2884 We Promote A Drug Free Work Zone EOEJWF/V/D DISPATCHER Shorten your commute! M.C. Dean Inc., a Chantilly based firm, is looking for a Lead Dispatcher. Organize, schedule and coordinate a group of 5 dispatchers for our growing 24 x 7 dispatch operation. You will be responsible for dally reports, reviewing quality control, and making sure procedures are followed Training is available. You must possess a work history that shows stability, have experience using personal computers and have excellent leadership and communications skills. Visit our website at www.mcdean.com for more information on our growing company. MCDEAN mviLoimm Fax Resume and salary requirements to: (202) 552-9010 M.C. Dean, Inc. Attn: Mark McIntosh 2951 V Street N.E. Washington, DC 20018 Visit our web site at www.mcdean.com EOE M/F/H/V CNA Positions Join our Team of Dedicated. Professionals S1.000 SIGN-ON BONUS FOR FULL-TIME S750 SIGN-ON BONUS FOR PART-TIME OFFERED FOR A LIMITED TIME • New Administration • New and improved staffing patterns with lower ratios • Recent base pay increase with pay for experience • New medical plan at lower cost • Positions available all shifts Requirements: • Virginia License/Certificate • Caring • Compassionate • Dependable • Team Oriented Apply to: Culpeper Health Care Center 602 Madison Road Culpeper, Va 22701 (540) 825 2884 EOE-V/D/M/F WE PROMOTE A DRUG FREE WORK ZONE!

Employment Restaurant , B!°? R°ck Inn, located In SPOWyRoWashlnaton, VA Is expanding its facilities and personnel needs. Please Apply In person for the following positions: e Breakfast Cooks • Dishwashers • Waitpersons, experience preferred • Bartenders • Maitred’ 540-987-3190 RECEPTIONIST Busy 2 practice OB/GYN office has an immediate requirement for a full-time receptionist. Heavy phone work. Prior office experience. Must have excellent communication skills and be detailed oriented. Knowledge of Medical Manager and managed care plans a plus. Send resume and salary requirements toThomas E. Myers, M.D., P.C. ATTN: Administrator 428 Hospital Drive Warrenton, VA 20186 RN 3-11 Supervisor Full Time and Part Time Positions Culpeper Health Care Center seeks a qualified Registered Nurse to be a 3-11 Supervisor. Full Time and Part Time Available Long term care and supervisory experience * is a must. Excellent Salary and Benefits. * Contact' ALICE SKUPNICK, RN.DON Culpeper Health Care Center 602 Madison Road Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 825 2884 EOE _ Drug Free Workplace ■ - - - . THE CULPEPER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT is seeking qualified candidates for the following positions: ONE (1) BUILDING TECHNICIAN yith emphasis on HVAC and Electrical disciplines. Applicants will be given a written test. ONE (1) BUILDING TECHNICIAN APPRENTICE with minimal basic knowledge in electricity, HVAC, machinery and components. Applicants will be given a written test. Job packet (application, benefits, etc.) is available by calling 540-825-0661, M-F, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. Closing date for applications is until finished. PSYCHOLCIAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST - MH #0078 FT in Culpeper. Provide job readiness and interpersonal skills training for MH consumers. Exp. in pre-vocational training preferred. &18.804 p/yr. Apply with RRCSB application be 4:30 PM, Friday, March 3, 2000 to: Human Resources P.O. Box 1568 Culpeper, VA 22701 540-825-3100 TDD: 540-825-7391 RAPPAHANNOCK RAPID AN •. MVM-'MT. .\WEEO/AA PROJECT MANAGER needed to work with local governments in Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison, and Rappahannock counties creating and managing grants and other projects. Excellent communications and organizational skills essential. Projects range from environmental monitoring, housing rehabilitation, transit-transportation and human services support. Bachelors degree or experience preferred. Starting salary range $29,000 - $32,000. Send cover letter and resume to Gary Christie, Executive Director Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission 420 Southridge Parkway, Suite 106 Culpeper, VA 22701 ICNA Positions Join our Team of Dedicated _Professionals S1.000 SIGN-ON BONUS FOR FULL-TIME S750 SIGN-ON BONUS FOR PART-TIME OFFERED FOR A LIMITED TIME • New Administration • New and improved staffing patterns with lower ratios • Recent base pay increase with pay for experience • New medical plan at lower cost • Positions available all shifts Requirements: • Virginia License/Certificate • Caring • Compassionate • Dependable • Team Oriented Apply to: Culpeper Health Care Center 602 Madison Road Culpeper, Va 22701 (540) 825 2884 EOE-V/D/M/F WE PROMOTE A DRUG FREE WORK ZONE! Classified ADS WORK! Call Your Rep TODAY! Call 540-347-4222 For Classified And Employment Advertising or FAX 540-349-8676 Keep Virginia Moving VDOT is growing in order to Keep Virginia Moving. We are seeking qualified applicants for the following opening in the Culpeper District: BRIDGE/STRUCTURE INSPECTOR #02908 District Structure and Bridge Section Will operate an underbridge inspection device, locally and throughout the State of Virginia, to provide access for bridge inspections. Performs preventive maintenance on heavy-duty bridge equipment. May also perform inspections of all bridge components for deterioration, deficiencies and defects in accordance with National Bridge Inspection Standards; complies and maintains bridge/structure inspection reports, obtains photographs and measurements, prepares sketches and performs basic trigonometry computations. Candidates must have current working knowledge of basic math and drafting procedures and skill using computers. Must have demonstrated ability to operate and maintain heavy equipment, especially bridge inspection equipment; perform manual labor in all types of weather and at heights; and use hand tools and inspection equipment; and prepare reports. Requires extensive, over night statewide travel, Commercial Driver’s license, physical examination and safety shoes. Bridge inspection experience as required by the National Bridge Inspection Standards; certification based on either successful completion of the comprehensive training course that is based on the “Bridge Inspection Training Manual”: or Level II Bridge Safety Inspection certification under the NICET program is preferred. Selected candidate subject to a pre-employment drug test. Salary: $23,675 - $36,962. NOTE: If there is an insufficient number of qualified applicants for the Bridge/Structure Inspector, the position may be filled as a Bridge/Structure Inspector Trainee with a salary of $18,218 - $23,276. Comparable duties/qualifications as stated above. Additional positions may be filled from this applicant pool for the Culpeper District Structures and Bridge Section for 90 days after the closing date. ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN VI #10212 Warrenton Residency Will meet with local government planning staffs, developers, and attorneys to coordinate roadway planning and land development activities. Review and approve engineering plans prepared by consultant engineers for engineering integrity, accuracy, and completeness, considering compatibility of future road projects with the proposed development. Review traffic impact studies to determine impact of proposed land development on the transportation system. Represent the residency at public meetings by developing and presenting comments and recommendations. Review proposals for major subdivisions, rezonings, and site plans, and make recommendations on the Department’s position on proposals in detailed reports. Assist in monitoring, tracking and updating of the 6-year plan program for interstate, primary, urban and secondary systems. Meet with property owners and homeowner’s associations to negotiate and secure signed deeds for donated right of way for secondary road improvement projects. Position may assist with other special projects within the residencies, i.e., task force assignments; respond to and address citizen concerns; monitoring budgets; or other duties as directed. Candidates must have working knowledge of planning principles, practices and procedures; of various transportation modes; and of computer applications. Demonstrated ability to apply planning principles, practices and procedures to a variety of engi•neering planning and construction programs; to analyze various data and draw logical conclusions; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals inside and outside the agency; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to review the ■work of others. Valid Virginia Driver’s license is required. NOTE: This position will work a variable work schedule within the 40-hour workweek, requiring some evening and weekend work hours. Salary: $30,929 - $48,287. Selected Candidates will be subject to DMV driving record review. Benefits package includes 11 paid holidays; 8 paid sick days & 4 paid personal days to start; up to 12 paid vacation days 1st year; paid retirement contributions; and health and life insurance are provided with no waiting periods. If qualified, send or fax a completed Virginia State Application to Human Resources, VDOT, 1601 Orange Road, Culpeper, VA 22701; Fax number 540-8297448. Incomplete or late applications (originals or faxed) will not be considered. Virginia Relay Center toll free number: TDD/PC: 1-800828-1120 or Voice: 1-800-828-1140. Applications must include the position title and position number. A separate application is required for each position applied. Consideration for an interview will be based solely on the information that you provide on the application materials. Applications are available at http://www.dot.state.va. us: any VDOT location or the Virginia Employment Commission. Applications must be received by the Culpeper District Human Resources Office no later then 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 3,2000. Reasonable accommodation will be provided pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act. WE KEEP VIRGINIA MOVING VDOT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER CUSTOMER SERVICE If you love dogs and want to love your job too, come to work for us. We are looking for an enthusiastic person with good people skills and a pleasant telephone manner to be our receptionist in out Chantilly. VA office. If you are detail oriented with the ability to work in a fast paced environment and would enjoy working for the best in what they do, give us a call. We want to talk to you. We are Clark Associates Invisible Fencing, Virginia's largest and fastest growing Invisible Fence® Dealership. We offer a great work environment, a competitive salary and good benefits. Some computer experience preferred. To apply call Kyle or Tania at (703) 968-6500 or fax your resume to (703) 502-8544 HEALTHCARE <7 Fkiquier Hospital Bring Your Future To Our Community Radiology ♦ Office Manager - FT ♦ Staff Technologist - FT and PT ♦ MR] Technologist - FT Nursing ♦ Commercial Insurance Biller - Home Health ♦ Registered Nurse - FT (all shifts) ♦ Cert. Nursing Asst. - FT ♦ Clinical Coordinator - FT ♦ Director - FT ♦ Telemetry Tech - FT Laboratory ♦ Phlebotomist - FT/PT Health h\fo Systems ♦ Clerk - FT Marketing ♦ Community Relations & F*ublication Manager - FT ♦ Program Assistant -FT Physical Therapy & Rehab ♦ Occupational Therapist - FT ♦ Cert. Occupational Therapy Asst. - FT Send Resumes to: Human Resources Department The Fauquier Hospital 500 Hospital Drive Warren ton, VA 20186 540-347-2550 Fax: 540-341-0823 bennettr@Fauquierhospital.org BOB /Obituaries Gloria Sisk Amissville resident Gloria Jane Sisk, 56, of Amissville died on Monday, Feb. 14. She was the daughter of the late James and Nellie Wines. In addition to her parents, she was also predeceased by her husband, Athey H. Sisk in 1980 and her eldest brother, Ernest Wines. Survivors include two sons, Athey J. Sisk of Amissville and R. Eugene Sisk of Colchester, Vt. and three grandchildren, Nicholas, Jeremy and Brittney, all of Vermont. Other survivors include her aunt, Virginia Edwards of Airlie; three sisters, Doris Howson of Florida, Mary Trenum of Indianapolis, Ind. and Joan Stanley of Amissville; three brothers, Preston Wines of West Virginia, David Wines of Ohio and Ray Wines of Warrenton and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted on Friday, Feb. 18 at Hazel River Assembly of God Church in Rixeyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hazel River Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 338, Rixeyville, Va. 22737. Bobby Chandler Viewtown resident Bobby Ray (Bob) Chandler, 60, of Viewtown died Friday, Lzincj by Randy Minter A LIFE WELL-LIVED While life may seem to be a challenging exercise when experienced in the heat of the moment, there is another way of looking at things. If one views life and one's place in it from a broader perspective, a more reinforcing image may appear. As Diane Ackerman sees it, "When you consider something like death, after which (there being no news flash to the contrary) we may well go out like a candle flame, then it probably doesn't matter if we try too hard, are awkward sometimes, care for one another too deeply, are excessively curious about nature, are too open to experience, enjoy a nonstop expease of the seases in an effort to know life intimately and lovingly." We often hold back from life through fears that we might embarrass ourselves. This is never more true than when saying goodbye to loved ones. At the MOSER FUNERAL HOME, we are known for our excellence in our services, and we can only offer such high quality because of the dedicated work of everyone who works here. Call 347-3431 (233 Broadview Avenue) 24 hours a day. Bright View Cemetery is located just outside Warrenton, and offers memorials and monuments for all cemeteries. QUOTE: "Not everyone's life is what they make it. Some people's life is what other people make it." -Alice Walker Feb. 18 at the Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton. He was bom March 14, 1939 in Galax, Va., a son of the late Everett Brady Chandler and Lessie Myrtle Phillips Chandler. He was retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service and serving during the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, Judy J. Chandler; two stepchildren, Julie Davis of Staunton and Joe Davis of Viewtown; one brother, Charles Chandler of Bluefield, W. Va. and two step-grandchildren, Joseph and Judson Davis, both of Viewtown and several nephews. Graveside services were conducted on Monday, Feb. 21 at the Amissville United Methodist Church Cemetery by the Rev. Richard Gordon. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7203 Poplar Street, Annandale, Va. 22003 or to Amissville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company, P.O. Box 147, Amissville, Va. 20106. John Powers Cattleman John Harrison Powers, 56, of Flint Hill died Friday, Feb. 18 at Fauquier Hospital in Warrenton. Graveside services were conducted Monday, Feb. 21 at Orlean Cemetery by the Rev. Ernest Long. Mr. Powers was bom Dec. 26, 1943 in Rappahannock County, son of the late John Harold and Catherine Long Powers. He was a Virginia Cattleman, a member of American Agricultural Movement since 1970 and 4-H All Star member. Surviving are his wife, Nancy H. Powers; a daughter, Leslie C.P. Caton of Linden and a brother, George E. Powers of Flint Hill. Royston Funeral Home in Marshall was in charge of the arrangements. How to take the stress out of caregiving BY LINDA G. MURPHY Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences “How To Take the Stress Out of Caregiving” is a workshop for childcare providers/ early, childhood educators about caregivers’ stress and how to deal with it. It is not about stress producing children and what to do with them. We are all living with stress. Stress is what makes the world go around, up and down, side to side and sometimes stop. Stress is life’s most continuous problem. We need to remember though that we cannot and should not avoid stress; because to eliminate stress completely would mean to destroy life itself. Whatever you do places demands on you, creates stress for you. Stress works positively for us by providing the extra needed energy to help us work through problems, play active games, or avoid hitting a deer that suddenly appears in front of our automobile. But stress works negatively for us when it becomes too great for us to handle. Being able to identify signs of stress and how to cope with it will be addressed by this workshop. Discussion will also center on how a stressed provider might affect the children in her/his care. The workshop is being offered Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Center in Madison and Warrenton. There is no charge to attend the workshop, but you must pre-register, lb register, call 727-3435, extension 2 at the Culpeper County office of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Recycle your newspapers at the Rappahannock landfill. "The Home of Thoughtful Service" 11190 James Monroe Highway (Rt. 29 South) Culpeper, VA 540-825-2361 • 540-825-Q395 Wayne English, General Manager Social Security Disability Claims • Disabled? Turned Down? • Over 31 Years Experience • No Recovery - NO FEE Earl J. Oberbauer, Jr. Attorney At Law 540-829-6900 • 1-800-434-3059 FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION l*nn'i(liiii> Affordable, Onalitx Ir^al Scn’iccs Since 1 (> 75

Feng Shui: The power of place and placement BY CAROL LUCKING Rappahannock News Contributing Writer Many people have had the experience of being in an environment which made them so ill at ease that all they could think about was leaving. Conversely, many of us have also experienced places where we feel enhanced, more vital and alive. Why the difference? Mary Boudreau thinks it has a lot to do with the concepts of balance and being in time with the harmonies of the natural world. She believes nature’s balance wheel and tuning fork can be found in the ancient Chinese art of placement and design, Feng Shui. “What feng shui, (pronounced, fung schway), means is wind and water, a kind of shorthand for natural surroundings,” says Boudreau, a feng shui consultant and owner of “Sacred Space Environments” in Sperryville. “With feng shui, we bring balance to ourselves within our home or office environment by arranging the space for maximum success and comfort. It’s an intuitive art, a healing art” that combines good design, scientific principles and thousands of years of observation of natural law.” Devotees of this ancient art believe that feng shui can not only bring harmony to one’s home, but can also help to attract wealth, success, health, happiness and good fortune. It’s all a matter of repelling negative energy and attracting positive energy or For skeptics, take note that major corporations, recognized leaders in industry and CEOs around the globe are hiring feng shui consultants with reported remarkable results. “The three basic concepts of feng shui are: everything is composed of energy, everything is connected and everything is always changing in cycles. This energy of life, known also as “prana” and “ki” and in Western scientific terms as “orgone energy”, the basic stuff of life, composes the sea of energy which surrounds us. Once we understand the underlying principles governing how ch’i moves in a particular space, we can align ourselves with the most positive, supportive aspects of that energy.” For millennia, the Chinese have studied and arranged man-made and natural objects in ways which would maximize harmony with nature, and in the process have discovered that certain patterns, placements, and arrangements in homes and offices are more nleasine to the senses and afford more success to the occupants. While today feng shui is applied mostly to dwellings of the living, it is believed to have originated in China three to five thousand years ago as a way to find the most auspicious burial site for the emperor. Boudreau became interested in feng shui when she happened to come across a book on the subject ten years ago. “I was fascinated by the book because it presented a very holistic way of working with the environment that went beyond traditional interior design, color theory or landscape architecture”, said Boudreau, who is a graduate of Penn State University and has studied Oriental philosophy since 1977. She holds two diplomas in feng shui studies, the most recent of which she earned last year through the Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design in New York. She has practiced the art professionally for three years. Although she loves to travel and has given consultations and workshops in places as far afield as Florida and New Mexico, she loves the Blue Ridge Mountains and Rappahannock. “Feng Shui holds that ch’i comes out from the earth. Where it’s very deep in the earth you get flat, featureless terrain, like a desert area. In our area, that powerful lifeforce energy is close to the surface, pushing out those rolling "fulls and mountains. It’s great to live surrounded by that energy.” The study of earth energy is basic to each of the several different schools of feng shui. The approach practiced by Boudreau has its roots in the Tibetan Tantric tradition, called the Black Sect Tradition., This tradition was brought to the West by Lin Yun, the Chinese feng shui master considered by many to be the worlds’ foremost authority on the art. Feng shui consultants like Boudreau use remedies or “cures” to correct imbalances and to alter, moderate and raise the flow of ch’i within and around a person’s environment. Included in the nine basic cures are such things as mirrors, sounds produced by such things as wind chimes and bells, living objects such as plants and fish in aquariums, and other objects such as fountains and stones. There is even a special category of cures in which ribbons, chalk and even the portrait of a beloved child can be used to restore balance and harmony. “Because feng shui deals with energy that can’t be seen and especially with the power of intention, some people might see it in a sort of ‘smoke and mirrors’ way. I think healthy skepticism is a good thing. Personally, I continue to be amazed at how effectively this works and how the space will ask for what it needs.” “Often when I’m working with people in a space, we can do some simple things right off the bat that will demonstrate a change in the feel of a place, something as simple as letting in some light, placing different colors in a room or re-locating a piece of furniture.” Boudreau feels that spring can be an ideal time to learn to apply the principles of feng shui to one’s environment. “Spring has to do with rebirth, renewal, growth and new energy. We engage in the ritual of spring cleaning at that time, making way for the blessings of the new season. The fact that we do this shows that we are connected to this natural cycle”. Mary Boudreau is affiliated with the Rappahannock Healing Arts Center and is offering a work shop on Sunday, March 12 entitled “Feng Shui and the Energy of Spring”. She can be reached at 987-9300. RESPECT THE EARTH .RECYCLE! Real Estate Directory * Real estate transactions The following real estate transactions were recorded during the past week at the Rappahannock Clerk’s Office on Gay Street in Washington. James E. Swindler and wife to Russell A. Jenkins, 41.2742 acres, Piedmont District. $165,096.80. Lis K. Gylys to Lowell B. Lewis and wife, 58.8384 acres, Hawthorne District. $250,000. Joseph Nordone and wife to James A. Holt and other, trustees, 14.0222 acres, Piedmont District. $345,000. Dyke D. Halle and wife to Virginia Outdoors Foundation. Deed of gift. Peter C. Skowronski to F. Stanley Skowronski and wife, 19.175 acres, Hampton District. $76,700. Emory C. Russell and wife to Ralph S. Markee and wife, 25 acres, Wakefield District. $320,00. Robert O. Bridges to Elaine Hay, 25 acres, Hampton District. $350,000. Truman Edwin Grimsley to James Michael Oliver, Rappahannock and Culpeper Counties. $340,000. If you are looking for a Reliable Tenant to rent a farm house or other suitable weekend/ parttime "Getaway" please call Harry Clarkson RO. Bridges-Real Estate 987-8222. Natural by iditlonal or contemporary We Will WOI l\ u it h youi arc hitect oi diri'c I ly with you to build the home ol your dreams. ANTIQUE TABLES 3wg» MADE Da ill gsassa: PRIME COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Famous landmark location for Sperryville. Grosses nearly 1/2 million annually. Business has expanded and is moving. Located on busy 211 near Skyline Drive, next to Cooter’s. Perfect for antiques, restaurant, hardware store, you name it. Commercial well, town septic. 2,400 square feet, $225,000 Call Tom at 540-987-8834 j Prawing Feb 25,2000, at the /FT Min' 2000 Sock Bop at the McLean Hilton (you need not be present to win) AARLEY-OAVIWOH FUTC Htiitage Softs! I Classic or 112.000 CASH! 2000 Podge Dakota Magnum VO or MOOOO CASH! Nltro 17$ Sport Fishing t Skiing boat w/Trallsr or 17500 CASH! Raffle Tickets $100 each Each raffle ticket bought wi indude: 1 ticket to the Rockin' 2000 Sock Hop featuring Kathie Martin and the Hot Rods on february 25,2000 r 4th Prize *5,000 Oift Certificate (ram Soone t torn Jewelers! 5th Prize Hew York Weekend for TWo with gift certificate for the MhMor Aitorfa, shuttle airfare, and lOOO CASM ftMOlh prize* lOOO Tyeons OaDeru Offt Certifcite Hfr15th pruw *500 Tysons Mena Oift Certificate IWfffllh prvos *250 Tysons Comer Oift Certificate 2lsHOOth prizes ft25 Tysons Comer Oift Certificate 100 Prizes will be awarded!! ORDI R YOUR TIC KI TS TODAY! I lick Visa. Masu rctul Call: 703-631-3360 or 703-368-7003 SUBSCRIBE TO TIIK RAPPAHANNOCK NEWS. Call 675-3338. Sperryville Realty James W. Leake, Broker 540-987-8088/office NICE of county, only nrv^es to Rt. 211, 2b.5 y$y6deti acres, priced toonly $80,000 FORMER^x5odville Post Office, ngSfcrn 3 BR, 2 BA brickpretty landscaped \o\/y $115,000 FT. VALLEY 10.1 acres park boundary, strong stream, long road frontage. $75,000 James W. Leake 987-8236 sperryvi llerlty@aol. com Bud Corder • John Eubank 675-3291 ^ 987-8146 58 ACRES just listed! Wooded site with great access in superior location. $290,500 NEW HOME on 27 acres! Land has two streams, 15 open and 12 wooded acres suitable for horses. Country Rambler with porch and basement. Home under construction. $249,900 BEST VIEW AROUND! Custom cabin on 91 acres with detached garage. Views of Old Rag Mountain! Year round retreat. $595,000 Call Emily Henry RAINBOW-V. I.P. 675-3490 540-341-3528 or 800-523-8846 H & VILLAGE COMMER CIAL - Historic property in the town of Sperryville. Formerly used as a tea room & retail store. Registered in National Historical Society. Upstairs & downstairs metered separately. Perfect for upstairs apartment & downstairs business. $129,950 Call Bud Kreh for more details (888) 948-2121. START YOUR OWN BUSINESS - Property John Kiger built the Conestoga Wagons in the 1800s. Registered in the National Historical Society. Great potential for a small retail store, art gallerv or museum. $93,000 Call Bud Kreh for more details (888) 948-2121. r:^t£ ■ Madison, VA 540-948-5659 _ 187 acres of outstanding views: Heavily wooded mountain land crests Aaron Mountain. Four separate building lots, all with western views of the Blue Ridge. $549,000 141 wooded acres: rolling land, very private yet convenient to Rt. 522. Great for hunting or homesite. Excellent for Rappahannock County Land, $390,000 May be purchased as 3 separate lots; 50 acres $140,000; 50 acres $130,000; 41+ acres $120,000 Classic Rambler on hillside has terrific views of the valley and mountains. This home provides large entertaining spaces, including a superb family room and large partly finished basement. Several useful farm buildings and a guest or tenant house off the paved drive below the house. $269,900 Well built brick Rambler: Full basement with 4 BRs/ 2 BAs, family room and den. Stunning mountain views, garage and 1.4 acres. $169,500 Starter or retirement home: Easy maintenance 1 acre lot for this 3 BR/ 2 BA vinyl Rancher in immaculate condition. $129,000 Real Estate III Ci.n Si 11k llu.iUT Buildinti Ruk K«*hki \Iii/k Votmu \m\ sl< W .ishinuton. Virginia ,}^h ° Sf>( [0 £=} 675-1373 Pit .iso call tor a confidential, no obligation listing, appraisal. CUSTOM BUILT COUNTRY COLONIAL Five wooded acres, 14 miles west of Warrenton. Deck & porch, hardwood floors, stone fireplace. For sale by owner, who is the builder and a Real Estate Broker, . licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Buyer's Agency, Inc. Butch Zindel, Broker (540) 675-1190 ‘540-937-5703 Owner is licensed Real Estate Broker butchz@summit.net

Jaiiquin dime^-Deuionat OarkeuimcvCouvier t loiuioun <Iimc‘>'!Uu rov ifuipuahaimoeh Xcuk

Table r °f Contents ■ What’s your point?....3 ■ Circuit rule changes varied.4 ■ Sunny Bank’s Bobby Simmons wins Woodville Award 5 ■ Middleburg’s Woods Winants captures jockey title... 7 ■ Pace yourself for prizes.9 ■ The horse in Virginia history..10 ■ Word seek: Can you read between the lines?.12 ■ News from National Steeplechase. 13 ■ Photo essay: ’99 champions in living color..16 ■ Virginia, National calendars.18 ■ Map of point-to-point courses.19 ■ Pony up a bet on these young riders.22 ■ VSA, VPPA champion totals....23 ■ What makes a horse a horse?.24 ■ The joke’s on you. Or - getting a jockey to listen (apparently it’s quite hard to do).30 ■ Fairfax Hunt, racing circuit, mourn loss of huntsman, friend ian Milne.31 l £umes I Community Newspapers NORTHERN VIRGINIA Executive Editor/General Manager: John Toler Assistant General Manager: Barbara Norris Managing Editor: Robin Earl Section Editor: Betsy Parker Writers: Julie Reardon, Galen McBride Advertising Manager: Kathleen Keller Advertising Representatives: Pam Symington, Dawn Martin, Cathy Carlton, Kathy Mills Production: Stephannie Addison, Kim Phillips, Maryanne Stuart, Margriet Grant, Jackie Colvin Call: (540) 347-4222 E-mail: ftdeditor@timespapers.com Write: Fauquier Times-Democrat, P.O. Box 631, Warrenton, Va. 20188 Issue Date: Feb. 23, 2000 Cover Photo: Betsy Parker Cover Design: Kim Phillips Saddlery & Such “Everything for H or re and Rider” - featuring the finest in English made tack and equipment. 609 East Main St, PureellviUe (540)338-6005 Opening Soon Call for details TRUST. YOU DON’T GIVE IT FREELY. WE DON’T TAKE IT LIGHTLY. You should be able to give your horses the best possible trailer. We’ll do everything possible to make that happen. Visit us and see how we can get you into a Sundowner. 4623 Lee Highway, Warrenton, VA 20187 www.shen-valley.com 888.743.6825 540.341.4974 Fax TRAILERS

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point Saturday, April 8 • Noon post time Ben Venue Farm, Ben Venue 16 miles west of Warrenton on U.S. 211 Seven races featuring Leeds Don Open Timber honoring that Old Dominion specialist and three-time Virginia Gold Cup winner, pictured above. 540-364-4573 or 540-636-1507 THE BLACK HORSE INN A 19th Century Inn in the heart of Virginia's finest vineyards and hunt country. Weddings ♦ Garden Receptions ♦ Gazebo Formal Gardens ♦ Corporate Retreats Canopy Beds ♦ Fireplaces ♦ Whirlpool Baths 8393 Meetze Rd. • Warrenton, VA 20187 (540) 349-4020 Only 45 minutes from Washington, DC and ' 35 minutes from Dulles Airport http://www.blackhorseinn.com Times Newspapers Staff Photo/Betsy Parker Get to the point of Virginia’s point-to-point racing season By Betsy Parker Times Newspapers Staff Writer Like narcotics and rabid dogs, there is no stopping steeplechase addiction once it takes hold. The rush-at-you sport of jump racing overflows with action to beguile — shiny, fit thoroughbred horses eager to race; tailgate parking spots providing close-up al fresco party venues, indeed, with picnicking as competition at some of the spring events. Steeplechasing, once a friendly competition across the countryside for bored foxhunters, has morphed into a sport-cum-business that finds northern Virginia a comfortable centerpiece. Initially, the sport of steeplechasing was precisely that — a 1752 ‘chase from point to visible point (two church steeples, naturally) for two Irish foxhunters grew to the international tradition of today. Jump racing takes place Steeplechase sport popular in state on six of seven continents: only Antarctica does not have racing. ‘Chasing centers are found in England, Ireland, Australia, Chile, Japan, a recent and surprising addition, and of course, good old Virginia. Of 50 steeplechase meetings from February through May in the U.S., Virginia leads the way with 16 scheduled. Of those, four meets are sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association along with the Virginia Steeplechase Association. The balance are run under the auspices of the Virginia Point-toPoint Association. There is little difference between point-to-points and sanctioned steeplechases; indeed, the term “steeplechase” is vernacular for any racing that involves jumping, be it hurdles, timber, point-to-point or even old-fashioned. To make it even harder for the ‘chasing novice, steeplechases take their own form according. to the course over which they are contested. The Feb. 26 Casanova races, for instance, though the first of the season for all starters, are held over the gently rolling Mt. Sterling course. The oval has wide, sweeping turns and a level run-in to the finish wire. What were expected to be “easy” races for horses, and riders, just getting tuned up for the long spring ahead often turn out to be some of the most competitive races of the year. By comparison, the Foxfield Races near Charlottesville April 29 are run in far different style. The steep uphill run, a steep quarter mile about a furlong from the finish, makes jockey timing and horse stamina critical. See POINT, Pag* 4

Association changes series regulations A number of changes to Virginia Point-to-Point Association series rules will change the complexion of several of the historically most competitive divisions. The Seven Corners series for owner-riders over timber has been re-restricted to “gentlemen” riders this year. In 1995, the series was opened to lady riders, but the rule change was repealed this year. “The ladies timber riders have their own division,” explained Blue Wetherall, Blue Ridge Hunt race coordinator. “The gentlemen can have their own division back now. The Orange County Foxhunters’ Series will now exclude from competition any horse and rider combination that has won five races over fences prior to Jan. 1, 2000. A rider that has won five races may enter series events with another horse, or a horse may be sold or leased to a rider who has not won five races with him, but the pair cannot continue to compete. Also new this year, foxhunters’ entries are open to riders who have not won two races over fences (in any other race division or NSA sanctioned) for five years prior to Jan. 1, 2000. The previous rule only allowed one outside victory. In open races on the pointto-point circuit, horses that Point From Page 3 The main difference between point-to-points and NSA sanctioned races is the money: only two point-topoints offer purses (and those are new this year) while Virginia’s NSA races offer one of the spring’s richest hurdle stakes (the $50,000 Temple Gwathmey April 22 at r Times Newspapers Staff Photo/Betsy Parker Full fields are expected in series divisions and open races when the steeplechase season opens this Saturday at Casanova. have won over fences (timber or hurdles) under National Steeplechase Association rules will be assessed a penalty of 10 pounds extra. Otherwise, point-to-point conditions at the circuit’s 12 events remain much the same as in years past. Most meets offer a variety of hurdle, timber and flat races, with several also including pony races to open the program. Divisions include the Seven Corners and Orange County series, the Pageland owner-rider hurdle series, the Southern States ladies timber Middleburg) and the richest timber race (the $50,000 Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadow.) Otherwise, the rules are the same. Point-to-points often have smaller crowds, cheaper tickets and less stringent admission limits, making the day more enjoyable for fans who want to stand close to the action and mingle with the participants. This annual Steeplechasing Times spring guide helps lead the racing fan through the season. Included are a series and the SHR Fred novice flat series. Other championships include the Coach Stop timber horse of the year; the Gunnell hurdle horse of the year; the EMO Agency race mare of the year; the Trackside leading rider; the Phillips’-sponsored leading open rider; Dominion Saddlery leading trainer; Shen Valley leading novice rider over fences; Rappahannock and Warrenton hunt-sponsored hunter pace prizes; and the Meadow Outdoor Foundation pony prizes. — By Betsy Parker number of helpful items: a pull-out map and calendar lead to the action, feature articles and photo essays introduce and define some of the sport’s champions, and an indepth report of one of the game’s long-term insider shows how steeplechasing gets into the blood. First-time racegoers can use this tabloid as a guide to the faces and places involved in steeplechasing;, veterans can catch up the latest in news. Did you know? National Steeplechase Association total purses rose more than $115,000 from 1998 to 1999. Purses totaled $4,496 million given out in 195 races on last year's calendar. There were 512 horses that started in those races in '99. Peace of Mind... ...in Classic Style. The Dignified, Affordable Alternative • Elegant Assisted Living • Specialized Alzheimer's Care • Respite Care Marshall Manor 4248 Manor Drive • Post Office Box 749 Marshall, Virginia 20116 1-800-296-2273 • (540) 364-1200 Ricky Hagenbuch Building Contractor, Inc. \ldic. \ V We Specialize in... Custom Built Bams & Riding Arenas. Also: Run-In Sheds 1-703-327-4545 Fax: 1-703-327-2300

Horseman recognized for long service to sport Middleburg’s Bobby Simmons wins Woodville prize By Betsy Parker Times Community Newspapers Staff Writer MIDDLEBURG — Gray lamplight washes the barnyard, splashing the tired facade of stable walls with eerie man-made rays. The hens in their snug house purr quietly as the unmistakable metal on metal clang of the bam door opening breaks the pre-dawn silence. From the dark shadows comes a single set of regular footfalls. Frost hangs in the air. Bobby Simmons is starting the day at Sunny Bank Farm on schedule, as he’s done for 45 years. It is not yet 5 a.m. Simmons flicks a switch, sending watery beams in all directions from the bam eaves. A few horses who spent the night inside look expectantly to their keeper. From under his pulled-down camouflage cap, Simmons peers back. “Ho, there,” he says, swinging a feed bucket from the central bin. “You’ll get yours. Just wait ...” The 59-year-old horse professional tugs down his long, graying sideburns, mustache twitching in amusement. His voice sounds gruff, but the hors es hear the affection. Dark thoroughbred heads bob eagerly for their feed. Simmons’ morning routine is smoothed by 45 years of practice. He has operated Dorothy Smithwick’s steeplechase training center, a 1,900acre working farm east of town, his entire adult life. Even his childhood was spent at the estate; his father, Walter, farmed the land for Smithwick’s father Sam Fred. Simmons continues the pre-dawn rounds. Though the order is not logged, not part of Smithwick’s scribbled notation on the shedrow’s chalkboard, Simmons attends to each stabled horse in turn before returning to the coldly lit barnyard to bring others in from their fields. The early morning routine is cursory — feed in and move on, Simmons explains: “You gotta get the horses into their breakfast so they have time to eat and relax” before training hours. He leaves them to it. It is later in the day, he adds, that they get far more attention: See SIMMONS, Page 6 Times-Democrat Staff Photo/Betsy Parker Bobby Simmons spends part of his morning at Middleburg’s Sunny Bank Farm in the ‘hurry up and wait’ mode. Here the Woodville Award recipient awaits horses returning from the gallops so he can hotwalk, water and groom them. GEORGE STUBBS in thejCollection Paul Mellon A memorial Exhibition February 17—May 14 Discover magnificent works of sporting art by George Stubbs, a painter now regarded as one of England’s 18th-century greats. The exhibition features works lovingly collected by the late Paul Mellon and is a tribute to one of our most generous patrons. © 2000 Virginia Mwcuni of Fine Aril All nghla rewrved VIRGINIA MIS I V M O !' Boulevard and Grove, Richmond v()4 140 1400 r 1 N I. A R T S www.vmta.statc.va.us UwalTv"?!. ««** SuMf-IMty floret Stubb*. 1761. ul on p»rW FVJ Mdlon CoBtcnnn. Upiwilk, Vlreum Specialist to help horse lovers Wlt'W'W'WW'WWW *★★★★★★★★★★★★* Call Today J For Your It Jf Complimentary J ^ Exam * “Jodhpurs AIiii/ihp UAoI/'nm/} 493 Blackv >uite 1 99

Simmons From Page 5 grooming, riding, any required vet and farrier care. But first thing in the morning, he says, their “ .... day hasn’t really started yet.” It’s just a typical day on a horse training farm. The Sunny Bank difference? Simmons is not just any old caretaker. Not to the steeplechasing world, anyway. He’s the newly crowned king of his domain. On the surface he’s still Uncle Bobby to some, just plain Bob to others, Mr. Simmons to a very few. He still likes camouflage coveralls, still keeps the handlebar sidebums. But since his selection for the WoodviHe Award of Merit through the National Steeplechase Association annual championships, Simmons no longer needs an i nt rnH unf inn “One of Bobby’s greatest qualities is the amount of attention he showers over each horse in the barn,” said Cricket Whitner, who with husband Jim nominated Simmons for the Woodville Award in December. “In Bobby’s eyes it does not matter whether they are a point-topoint horse or a champion, because each horse is special, and he loves them all. If I had to describe horse heaven, it would be Sunny bank Farm under the care of Bobby Simmons.” i ne wooavine committee agreed. Simmons was selected from an elite field of nominated “steeplechase stable employees who exhibit behindthe-scenes effort and ability.” He was recognized at the NSA awards banquet in Reston Jan. 14. “It is important to honor and recognize hard work at every level,” said 1998 Woodville recipient Juliet Lombardi of Monkton, Md. at the banquet. “The Woodville Award is a great way to show how important steeplechase horse handlers are to the future of the sport. People like Bobby are the ones that keep these horses running.” “Bobby is always dependable, always reliable,” said Sunny Bank owner and 1999 Virginia Point-to-Point Association leading trainer Dorothy Smithwick. “He’s always on time. Bob is part of the success of this stable.” Assistant trainer Pippy McCormick agreed. “When everything goes wrong, Bob has the answers,” she said. “He has the sort of knowledge, about horses and about life, that you can’t learn from any book.” Simmons insists he isn’t changed by all the attention. “I’m still gonna work ‘til I can’t. Simmons is circumspect: no one expected him to up and leave Sunny Bank. He’s too much part of the fabric here. Sunny Bank fixture 66 If I had to describe horse heaven, it would be Sunny Bank Farm under the care of Bobby Simmons. Cricket Whitner Nominated Simmons for Woodville Award Born Feb. 13, 1941, Glenn Elwood Simmons has farming in his blood. His father cared for field and show hunters at Sunny Bank his entire life, cutting hay from the fields and running cattle, too. Son “Bobby,” one of 12 children, said that farm life agreed with him from the start. “Farm life is better than any of it,” he said. “It’s two different ways. Out here, you’ve gotta have responsibility, these horses depend on vou.” work no more,” he says, mulling his options over warm Gatorade (his own concoction: “It warms you up from inside, and I get too hyper with too much coffee,”) in Sunny Bank’s tiny tack room. “My dad worked [here at the farm] ‘til he was 95. I’ll never retire. You gotta keep working to stay healthy.” In his youth, Simmons also helped ride for Fred and other hunter trainers that used Sunny Bank as a Virginia base. “When I started working here, it was all show horses and foxhunters,” he said, recalling a fall day 1962 sitting at the Washington See SIMMONS, Page 27 The Middleburg Hunt cordially invites you to The Middleburg Hunt 1 Point-' JoJ Point Sunday, April 30,2000 Post T*me 1:00 P.M. Glenwood Park Middleburg, Virginia General admission tickets are $5 per person in advance or $10 the day of the race. General admission parking is $5 per car. For information call Mrs. Liam Tuohy (540) 338-5231 Middleburg’s Bobby Simmons has handled three Hall of Fame steeplechasers, so far, during his career. They include Neji, Oedipus and Bon Nouvel. He traveled to France with the latter. YOUR TREES DESERVE THE BEST OF CARE Trees are valuable assets. Don't entrust their future to less than caring professionals. Bartlett leads the way in tree care with trained arborists, research facilities, nationwide experience and specialized equipment.For a professional evaluation of your tree care needs, call today. There is no obligation. All Phases of Tree Care: Residential and Commercial BARTLETT ii&l >•! 'i/ii T® BARTLETT &?gfc TREE EXPERTS Since 1907 P.O. Box 398, Marshall, VA (540) 364*2401 Backed by the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Experimental Grounds, Charlotte, North Carolina • 1991 Bartlett TYee Experts

Virginia champion Winants unveiled Fiber optic technician finds time to reap rewards of steeplechase circuit By Galen McBride Times Community Newspapers Special Writer “I love it with all my heart,” professed amateur rider Woods Winants. Despite the rigors of early morning gallops and a constant struggle to maintain riding weight, the 1999 Virginia Steeplechase Association champion jockey “can’t think of a better way to . tart the day. As springtime approaches, I always get the bug to be back on the horses.” Quick to share credit, Winants volunteered that he is only part of a hard-working team. “I’m just a very small link in the operation. It starts off with the owners and the trainers. And the horse makes the rider. Riders are a dime a dozen.” Like most thoroughbred trainers, Mairead Carr, Hickory Tree Farm, Middleburg, gets her horses out of the bam by daylight. Winants meets her to exercise the horses daily, then rushes off to his “real job” as a fiber optic technician. “If I could make a living with the horses,” he said wistfully, “I’d still be doing it full time.” Instead, he lives for the racing. “The highs are extremely high. When I get on a well-trained thoroughbred that can jump with the wind, it’s a feeling that’s just not paralleled.” A native of Baltimore, Winants and his family moved to Middleburg as a child. Father Peter Winants, now the director emeritus of the National Sporting Library, was also a talented amateur rider and encouraged his chil Photo by Douglas Lees Virginia Steeplechase Association champion jockey Woods Winants jumps to win with Hay Has It. dren in the sport. Woods learned to ride the “old-fashioned way,” he said with a smile. “I fell off and got back on. I had a very adventurous childhood.” FAST TO THE FINISH... Horsemans Edae Track! HIGH PALATABILITY - A high fat sweet feed with processed molasses. CONTAINS ATHLETE - A Purina feed additive to provide energy reserves... Better overall stamina, fitness, as well as hair coat, skin, and hoof condition. WITH BEET PULP - A good source of highly digestible fiber. HIGHLY FORTIFIED - High vitamin and mi al levels with added iron, Thiamine, ar tamin E. Get it delivered along with hay, bedding, other Purina Horse Chows, PMI Pet Foods, stable hardware and thousands of other horse related items. i MID-COUNTY FARM SUPPLY Falmouth St. (Rt. 15 Business) Warrenton, Virginia 347-1742 or 800-282-3087 His first opportunity to work seriously with horses came from Dot Smithwick of Sunny bank Farm — hot walking and grooming, then breaking and schooling young horses. “When you’re young and small” — Winants now towers nearly six feet — “you’re just the right size for getting on a yearling.” But taking jumps at 30 miles per hour is a bit different than breaking babies. “When it comes to riding a race,” Winants explained, “you have to have a certain level of confidence in your horse. You have to have an attitude that you’re going to get from one side of the fence to another and you’re going to have a wonderful ride.” Smithwick introduced the teenaged Woods to steeplechasing aboard a seasoned campaigner who knew how to do the job and he has been at it ever since. “I felt I had to learn everything the hard way,” said Winants. “Speedy Smithwick (Dot’s son) was my mentor.” But isn’t this dangerous, especially for an amateur? “The risk is always there,” Winant acknowledged. “It’s somet' ing you can’t think See WINANTS, Page 8 Woods Winants Trainer Mairead Carr has “seen Woods ride for years.” In the fall of 1998, “I suddenly realized that, even though he wasn’t doing much winning, he was getting the horses around, teaching them to jump and giving them a good ride.” Many of these were “difficult horses,” she added. “And many of mine are difficult horses. “Woods is a super timber rider. I feel kind of silly that I didn’t use him sooner. He’s a very good horseman and did all of my = -- riding last year” on such winning horses as Lochi, Select Holding and Honest Ricky. Cai dn’t use just any amau they’re at a great a.~t antage. When you’ve got a lot of horses, you can afford an occasional mistake, but with a small stable like mine, every race really counts.” Because of Winants’ skill and genuine liking of the horses, she said, ”l ended up fourth Virginia trainer. They were all in the money every time they ran.”

WlNANTS From Page 7 about. My mother just came to watch me ride for the first time last fall. But there is so much danger involved, that most jockeys have a lot of respect for it and don’t add to it by being too bold or too reckless or too brave. Winning is important, but it’s more important that you don’t hurt the horse doing it.” Carr used Winants exclusively last year. Hay Has It, a 5-year-old dark brown gelding owned by Anthony Montesano III, “was my favorite,” Winants said. “He had a lot of character. We had a very good reiauonsnip. ne a ao wnatever you asked him to. In the last half mile, he’d fire and come running like a madman.” Winants was deeply saddened when Hay Has It colicked last fall and died. “He’d give you all he had.” Winants’ ability to establish relationships with his mounts is one of his strongest points, suggested Carr. “He’s very patient with them and has extremely good hands. He never loses his temper or goes out and picks on a horse. He’s very kind to them and spoils 66 I learned to ride the ‘old-fashioned way. I fell off and got back on. Woods Winants Champion jockey . ■■..■■MM, I them dreadfully.” Another generation of steeplechasing Winants is rpoving up. Competing in pony races and flat races, Woods’ daughter, 11-year-old Remy, “won more races than I did last year,” he said with obvious pride. “I don’t expect that to change. I get a huge kick out of watching her ride. She 66 He was [doing the job] on difficult horses. And many of mine are difficult horses. Mairead Carr Trainer has more natural ability than I ever possessed!” Remy, who lives with her mother, steeplechase trainer Lilith Boucher in Unionville, Pa., also foxhunts and shows in dressage. “If she wants to make a career out of riding,” her dad continued, “there’s a lot of promise there.” Times-Democrat Staff Photo/Betsy Parker Amateur Woods Winants, shown above winning with Jiva Jr., is a lifetime horseman with special skills on hard-to-ride’ horses. POINT-TO-POINT -RACES—— Sunday, March 26,2000 First Race - 12 Noon Montpelier Race Course Montpelier Station, Virginia General Admission: $6.00 Reserved Parking Available _Mule and Pony Races! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 804-980-9926 No Dogs Please -V—nS W l Equine Reproduction 8c Insemination Center Services for all breeds • Boarding mares and foals • Pre-breeding evaluation ^ • Artificial Insemination \ • Pregnancy Diagnostics • Foaling Eric J. Myer, D.V.M. Roseville Farm 50 South Greenway Ave. Boyce, Virginia 22620 540-837-1519 540-837-9811 (Fax)

Point-to-Point Races 7 A L toe Brandywine Park Culpeper, Virginia Sat., March 4, 2000 Timber, Hurdle & Flat Races For Information Contact: Oliver Brown 540-547-2810 Evenings Janet O Keete 540-368-0227 Days The Power To Tackle The Toughest Jobs. Model 7260 M Compact Ttactor • 26 HP 3-Cyl. Diesel Engine • Gear drive fully synchronized w/3 speed ranges. 9 forward/3 reverse. • Selectable 2 or 4 wheel drive • Live independent 540 rpm rear PTO • Foldable 3 position ROPS CULPEPER MOTOR CORP. "Downtown" Culpeper I mile south of Wal-Mart on Rt 29 540-825-8381 Photo by Julie Reardon Hunter pacing brings the fun of the hunt field into the realm of competition: pairs of riders race over hunt country courses trying to duplicate a pre-set ‘ideal time.’ Hunter pace circuit parallels ’chase dates By Julie Reardon Times Community Newspapers Special Writer While the National Steeplechase Association seeks to involve more amateurs in racing with its new Foxhunters Timber Series, the Virginia point-to-point circuit already has an established series that attracts hundreds of them each year. It’s called hunter pacing, and the series, which began Feb. 20 with Bull Run Hunt’s pace, continues through April. Hunter paces have something for everyone, from hilltoppers to fast timers racing against the clock over a course with or without fences typically two to four miles in length. Like the point-to-points, the paces are sponsored by the hunt clubs in conjunction with their races and are usually held the day after. And, like their racetracks, the courses usually represent a sampling of the host hunt’s territory. The regular paces are usually restricted to members of a hunt club, although many have hilltopper and other divisions that are open to all. Regular divisions include junior-adult (one of the riders must be under 18); adult, and fast time, with year-end prizes offered to the horse and rider pairs with the best overall record. Following is a list of hunter paces on the Virginia circuit with a brief course description: • Bull Run Hunt Pace. Noon, Sunday, Feb. 20. Regular divisions plus open and hilltoppers, Hawthorne Grange Farm near Culpeper. An inviting course of about 2 1/2 miles with one steep hill. (703) 866-0507. • Casanova Pace. Noon, Sunday, Feb. 27. Regular divisions plus open and hilltoppers. Mt. Sterling Farm near Warrenton. Regular entries by Feb. 21, (703) 777-2575; hilltoppers and open may be postentered. (540) 788-4806. A fairly level, 2 to 3-mile course with some trappy spots. • Rappahannock Pace. Noon, Sunday, March 5. Regular plus hill-topper divisions. Birmingham Farm near Culpeper. Regular entries by Feb. 28 to (703) 777-2575; hilltoppers may post enter; (540) 547-3413. Some hills and a variety of different types of fences characterize this course. • Blue Ridge Pace. 1 p.m. Sunday, March 12. Greenwood Farm, Clarke County near White Post. Regular divisions plus an open division that may be post-entered. Regular entries by March 6 to (703) 777-2575; information (540) 837-1951. A course of about 3 miles with some larger jumps over Blue Ridge’s finest country. No hill-topper divisions. • Warrenton Pace, 1 p.m. Sunday, March 19. Clovercroft See PACE, Page 10 Want to win? Hunter pacing, which starts Sunday, Feb. .20 with Bull Run’s pace at Hawthorne Grange Farm near Culpeper, has something for everyone, from novices in the hilltopper divisions to daredevils racing the clock in the fast time divisions. Three divisions are sanctioned by the Virginia Point-to-Point Association, offering year-end awards for paiis meeting the conditions. These divisions include adult ojftimum, which is for pairs of orliilto nr on orlnlt onrl n junior rider, riding horses that have been fairly hunted. Riders must be members of a recognized or registered hunt, and for points to count for the year-end awards, the pair must remain the same — same partner, same horse for each pace entered. Riders may enter as many times as they wish, but for each different partner or different horse, that pair is treated as a separate entry. Open divisions are for post entries and riders who may not belong to a hunt. These run over the same course, and for the same time, as the adult and junior-adult divisions. Hilltopper See WIN, Page 20

Think the world civilized? Thank your local horse. For work, pleasure quiet hero excels By Arthur W. Arundel Times Community Newspapers Staff Writer Since earliest recorded human time, the horse has played an indispensable role in the civilization of the world. And to fully understand Virginia history, we should respectfully recognize the fascinating and powerful role this quiet four-legged unsung hero has played. Virginians of all ranks and denominations Are excessively fond of horses...In short, Their horses are their pleasure and their pride. J.F.D. Smyth, 1772 Roots of the Virginia horse It all began when six mares and a horse arrived with the “Third Supply” from England at Jamestown in August 1610. In those times, hard necessity forced many to be eaten during the starving time. Yet they became the backbone of Virginia frontier days. Over most of Virginia’s fascinating history, the horse is found at the central core of its life. Until the motorcar arrived, nearly three centuries after Jamestown, they were the main fneans of transportation. Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Lafayette could Photo by Douglas Lees Jockey Matt McCarron and horseman Mike Brown are both from equestrian families, like many on Virginia’s racing circuit. not have traveled to unify the young nation without them. People either rode them or traveled in horse-drawn car riages to get around. Nearly everything was hauled, carried See HORSE, Page 11 Pace From Page 9 Farm, near Warrenton. Regular plus open and hill-topper divisions. Regular entries by March 13 to (703) 777-2575, hill-toppers and open may post enter; information (540) 937-3057. A beautiful course that has a little bit of everything, usually a little over 3 miles. • Piedmont Pace, 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25. Held on the Salem Race Course on Rt. 50 near Upperville, just before the point-to-point. Regular divisions only, must enter by March 14. Entries (703) 777-2575; information (540) 592-3032. A demanding course over some of Piedmont’s finest country with lots of stone walls and drop jumps. • Orange County Pace, 9 a.m. Saturday, April 1 at Locust Hill Farm near Middleburg. Held on the race course the morning before the point-to-point. Regular divisions only. Entries by March 27 to (703) 777-2575, information (540) 364-2595. This course showcases some of the hunt’s most beautiful territory around Middleburg, with incredible views and generally good footing over rolling open fields. • Old Dominion Pace, 1 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at Ben Venue Farm in Ben Venue. Regular divisions plus hilltoppers. Regular divisions enter by April 3 to (703) 777-2575. Rappahannock County’s mountainous terrain and rolling hills characterize this course, always a favorite of competitors. • Middleburg Pace, Sunday April 15 (time not stated). Sterling Woods immediately north of Middleburg, regular divisions only. Entries by April 10 to (703) 777-2575, information, (540) 687-5446. Steep hills, trappy woods and open rolling fields characterize this course, held right outside the town of Middleburg. • Loudoun Hunter Pace, 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22 at Valley View Farm near Hamilton. Regular plus hilltopper and open divisions. Regular division entries by April 16 to (703) 777-2576, other divisions may be post-entered up to the day of races. Information (540) 3382218. Loudoun’s pace moves from Morven Park to Valley View farm to the west for 2000 on a new course. jiffy lube Si^Hotune S&uaccc® Includes: Change oil with up to 5 Install new filter Check air filter Check wiper blades Vacuum interior floors Wash exterior windows Check brake fluid level As Needed: Lubricate chassis Check & fill transmission/ tra^axle flu^ Check & fill differential fltfid Check & fill power steeril Check & fill windshield washe Check & fill battery water Inflate tires to proper pressuteT r ” \ OPEN 7 DAYS AwEEKJ Mon. - Thurs. 8-8, Ri> 8-6 ’ Sat. 8-5, Sun. 10-4 We Take Customer Service PERSONALLY r f SiQKatcete Senvcce® Oil Change Every 3000 miles Additional cost for bottled and synthetic oil. Not eood with any other offers, expires 03-8-00. FD-1 SAVEl $5j SAVE I .$5J

Horse From Page io or delivered on horse-drawn wagons. They even pulled the first trolleys. This versatile friend played a crucial role in colonial farming times and was widely used in early manufacturing. They plowed fields, turned mills and pulled canal boats. A whole economy revolved around them — livery stables, blacksmiths, farriers, veterinarians, harness makers, wagon and coach makers, coachmen, plow manufacturers and grooms. Horses were everywhere. They played a pivotal role in every battle fought on Virginia soil. Early sports Horse racing, and a “little wager on the ponies,” stretches back to the foundations of the Virginia colony. The first settlers, then favoring “quarter racing” (matchups over quarter-mile courses), turned Jamestown’s streets into race paths. Later, during the prosperous mid-1700s, Virginians adopted the British fondness for foxhunting and distance racing. Jefferson and Washington raced each other across Virginia fields and, with others, took up the popular sport of foxhunting, which carries on to this day. Wealthy planters in the 1800s imported “blooded” horses, descendants of such noble steeds as Darley and the Godolphin Arabians, names like Jolly Roger, Janus and Fearnought. These stallions, in turn, produced such as Sir Archy, whose success as a stud ended American dependence on imported horses. Virginia led in the creation of the American thoroughbred. Ravaged by war The horse population has crashed twice in Virginia history, both times it was rebuilt from the ruins. First, Virginia’s horse stock was decimated during the Revolutionary War, largely because that bloody engagement depended on horse cavalry — its horses falling on the battlefield or seized by British troops roaming the countryside to take Virginia’s best blood stock to revitalize their own badly-depleted cavalry inventory. The Virginia horse population rose after the Revolution to unparalleled heights, only to be shattered again by the Civil War, which took an even Times-Democrat Staff Photo/Betsy Parker Virginia horsemen such as Middleburg-based trainer Dorothy Smithwick and steeplechase and show hunter owner Gary Baker are an integral part of the state’s equestrian tradition. greater battle toll on its horses. At least 1.5 million horses were lost in the fighting, the worst coming at the largest cavalry battle in American history, at Brandy Station. Notre Dame Academy a Catholic, Coeducational College Preparatory High School Tradition, Opportunity Accomplishment Honoring the Past, Embracing the Present, Preparing for the Future Notre Dame Academy has been providing students with a rigorous academic program since 1965. NDA provides a safe community where students develop self-respec t. compassion for others, and service to the community. Small classes prepare students for successful college careers! For information rontact Cathy StTllder (540) 687-5581 email:nda@mnsinc.com OPEN HOUSE Sunday, March 12, 200# 2-5 pm Out of the ashes of the Civil War, Virginia horsemen began a rebuilding process which continues to this day. The U.S. Army’s last national cavalry Remount Station was in Virginia, near Front Royal. 20th-century role change Over the past century, Virginia horses have provided the foundation of modern American breeding and racing. While the roots of the Virginia horse lay in its Southside, the 20th century brought a move to Northern Virginia’s better grass and breeding grounds. The virtual flood to Virginia by rail and cur of rich New York, Boston and Pittsburgh families in the early 20th Century inspired the start of formal foxhunts in Loudoun and Fauquier counties, where mild winters permitted a long October-to-April hunting season. Thoroughbred horsemanship took a major leap when those wealthy Northerners began settling in Virginia in the 1920s and ’30s. William DuPont, who bought President Madison’s Montpelier, and Paul Mellon’s Rokeby stable, are two which have produced outstanding race horses and steeplechasers. Virginia produced Secretariat, winner of the Triple Crown in 1973, and Ann Stern’s Saluter, who has won six straight runnings of the Virginia Gold Cup. Uncommon with much of the rest of America in the 20th century, a little wager on a horse race was never immoral, just illegal, in Virginia. Then, after a 200-year history of “informal” racing and betting, Virginia in 1997 opened its first legalized pari-mutual racing at Colonial Downs, near Williamsburg, with the largest turf course in America. Virginia has become, over the centuries, the equestrian cradle of America. a The human side In its first centuries, most horses were a mainstay of the working and fighting life. Modern technology has made the horse in Virginia largely a pleasure animal and a billion dollar industry. The Virginia horse has been carried on and is led today by a special breed of sporting people: The owner breeds or purchases young horses to campaign in equestrian sports. They form the risk-taking backbone of the sport. The only reward an owner can safely look forward to is the pride and pleasure of producing a winner on the flat, a first between the flags in steeplechasing, a ribbon, piece of silver or small cash reward from the show ring, eventing, or roping. The foxhunter popularized the hunting chase began here even before George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Lord Fairfax, settling in Virginia in 1746, was the first Master of Hounds in America and the first man of record to keep a regular establishment for hunting. Those who ride to See HOR?P Pane 29

D F T C S H s D F 0 T A W B A 0 R M E J L R Y 0 0 P N T G F K L U H P E U K U T L F N L I T L GU * I 1 wl L» H N O I M m^cssm . K A _ •; ___ K F J M I C Q I R N B Z A I N G U B F A P E R T Y fi At G E J N C D E A F B S S D E S L E R D F G Q M K G R G N U« . 1 r fc rl u E Y T D Y R Word Find steeplechase thoroughbred racing (three times) hurdles timber Double Found Company Eight Smithwick McCarron Kingsley Words can be found up. down, straight across or diagonally. Some letters could be used more than once. CRISWOOD FARM 5304 Hoodly Rood (Off Prmc* William Porkway) (703) 590-4224 We offer: Horseback Riding Lessons. Summer Comp Birthday Parties - Scouts TACK SHOP We carry: Equestrian clothing. Horse supplies. Breyer Horses. A Sift items Piedmont E<5t)iNE Practice veterinary medicine and surgery for fiorses and f ionics John H Nolan, Jr.. D.V.M Joseph F. Davis, Jr., D.V.M. Sean w. Down tan. D.V.M »»o nox^iM vtHisi kiN, va am is 540-364-4950 540-3644967 <6iX) FIRST 2000 VIRGINIA POINT-TO-POINT CASANOVA POINT-TO-POINT 43rd Annual Running Tailgate Competition • First Race 12 Noon Official Caterer Fairfield Farm Caterers by Marriott Ranch (540) 364-3221 February 26, 2000 Mt. Sterling Farm, Warrenton, Virginia RACES OVER HURDLES, TIMBER AND ON THE FLAT Three Hunter Pace Events to be held February 27, 2000 12 Noon at Mt. Sterling Farm, Rt. 605, Warrenton, Virginia General Admission $5 per person • Patron and Subscriber Parking Available Information: (540) 785-4806 Wi'ki Ai m wn.Ji Mm*! N \\ i mi n\n S\r \i’kii |S.2(HXI strawiicrky inu. racks ( '« >1 < >\l \i 1* AV S \MI l< V I . \i \\ I 'I U | .**!4 ''2's uuv. ii r.» »vu\Inin 'iii Dressing the part of a jump jockey The steeplechase jockey has a wardrobe all his own. The attire depends on the division. Though professional divisions require use of silks to designate horse ownership, foxhunters’ races call for, and some ownerrider divisions allow, hunting attire. Foxhunters’ series competitors must wear a hunt coat; they may otherwise choose between regulation hunting breeches (heavier but more comfortable for some) and jockeys breeches (nylon - very light but very slick.) Boots used likewise may be heavier hunt or lighter jockey boots. Helmets may be velvet hunt caps or jockey-style crash helmets, but either must have a certified safety harness. Shirt, stock, gloves, goggles and whip are as used in professional divisions, though some riders prefer a turtleneck while others elect to use a lighter t-shirt and dickie. Foxhunter riders may choose to use their hunt saddle or a lighter race saddle. An overgirth is required. The assigned weight for foxhunters’ is 170 pounds: heavier riders take any cut they can to “make weight.” Lighter saddles and boots go a long way. -obtown THju SNAPPER U-HAUL Sales Service Parts Hitches 8 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT (540)364-3800 8534 Maidstone Road Skeeter's Tack Shop 5377 Telephone Rd.Warrenton, VA 20187 Skeeter says ‘Thanks to all for a nice hunt season For the next hunt season let Skeeter put brown tops on your hunt boots and rubber boots and also patent leather tops. If you re going to store your hunt equipment for the summer, call Skeeter with any questions on proper storage or fax your questions to him at 347-5270. Edward “Skeeter” Hembry Shop: 347-0488 • Home: 347-9620 Toll Free 1-888-314-0488 • Fax: 347-5270

NSA calendar slates stops in Florida, Japan $1.5 million ’chase planned April 15 in Tokyo By Betsy Parker Times Community Newspapers Staff Writer The Y2K National Steeplechase Association season opens in just 10 days, a full three weeks earlier than ever before. Virginia’s first NSA meet is April 15. The NSA calendar includes all the old haunts, but several developments stand out on the schedule. Tampa Bay Downs in Florida joins the expanding list of major track hosts to the jumpers with a $25,000 Sport of Kings maiden hurdle slated there March 4. Billed as an invitational, the race will be the first NSA steeplechase in 2000, and it leads off a busy weekend in the Sunshine State that also includes the new Everglades point-to-point March 5. The April 15 Strawberry Hill Races will move to their new — possibly temporary — home at Colonial Downs near Richmond. Strawberry’s origi_ •%._ nal home at the old State Fairgrounds on Lambumum Avenue was sold last year for a NASCAR track. A new fairgrounds is being planned for eastern Henrico County, but the Strawberry races will be held this term at Colonial Downs in nearby New Kent County. Though Colonial is a parimutuel track, no on-track wagering is planned for the April 15 event. Infield parking, however, is expected, and regular admission will be offered as usual. The race card will also be similar to the old one; portable timber fences are being considered so the historic Deep Rim Hunt Cup open timber race can be contested on the track. Halfway around the world, literally, the inaugural Nakayama Grand Jump will be run at the Nakayama Racecourse near Tokyo, Japan. An international, invitational steeplechase, eight horses from the host nation 58TH RUNNING OF THE Warrenton Hunt Point-toPoint Races Saturday, March 18,2000 Airlie Race Course Warrenton, Virginia Post Time: TOO pm • 8 races GENERAL ADMISSION One car and two people .......... $10.00 Each additional person ........... $5.00 PATRON I (Upper Hill).$100.00 PATRON II (Middle Hill).$80.00 (540) 347-5095 Wishing All A Happy ^Healthy Spring! f , Let us fill your next prescription 1 ®be JDlams fftarmatp WF Merchant, Pharmacist The Plains, VA 1540) 253-5275 convaless@erols.com Times-Democrat Staff Photo/Betsy Parker The National Steeplechase circuit will carry top runners not only around the U.S. this year, but to Japan and England as well. The NSA calendar also features a race in Florida to open the calendar. are invited to participate, with eight more to be invited from Australia, New Zealand, America, England, Ireland and France. Leading money earner in the U.S. last year, the Jonathan Sheppardtrained veteran Ninepins is expected to represent the Stars and Stripes in the innovative ‘chasing first. The purse is 152 yen (approximately $1.5 million) — the richest steeplechase ever held. Keeneland Racetrack in Kentucky is back on the sched Heve You Ever hod on Arborist help you with your Trees & Shrubs'? We would like to meet with you and your trees. | the CARE of TREES ISA Certified J. Peter DeaKl D. H. LEES REAL ESTATE, INC. 3 Hotel Street, Comer of Culpeper P.O. Box 1036 Wartenton, Virginia 20188 (540) 347-3100 • Fax (540) 347-9713 t Brokers of Distmctiw Properties dhlecs@cittzen.infi.net __ If, indeed, "A man's home is his castle.. we would like to help you find yours. From the manicured manse with a flawless emerald lawn to the perfect and picturesque cabin nestled in the Virginia hilb, we can show you a full range of beautiful homes. Our emphasis is always on quality and service. Please call Anne Kessler for an appointment at (540) 3473100 or Anne Kessler 347-6641. D. H. LEES REAL ESTATE, INC. _ESTABLISHED 19t0_ ule again this year with the Grade I Royal Chase on April 28. With a $200,000 purse, the weight-for-age event is expected to attract the nation’s top hurdlers. See NSA, Page 15 , iSK!5?Vi. ^ Mi—gr Therapy Give your horse the Competitive Edge Equine Sports Massage Therapy For the Performance Horse ESMT can greatly reduce hip, hock, stifle and shoulder problems. I would like to give you the opportunity to see how ESMT can make a difference in your horse. Sessions are approximately one hour. Please call for an appointment. Becke Blood, CMT, ESMT 540-972-0416 Nationally Certified Human Massage Therapist CertAed by E<Msh«b. Inc in Equna Sports Massage Therapy ESMT is not a substitute for vatarinary cara The wder Co., Inc. B.G. So wder, Broker, Realtor, GRI, CRB Home Sales, Farms, Lots Commercial/Industrial Class "A" Licensed Member VA, MD, DE Throroughbred Breeder's Assoc. Serving Fauquier, Culpeper, Prince William, Stafford 54 E. Lee St. • Warrenton, VA (540) 347-7726 • (800) 348-7726 II6 m

Locals capture three national ’chase titles Virginia-connections captured three of nine National Steeplechase Association 1999 championships. Middleburg’s Kinross Farm, owned by Zohar BenDov, emerged as a force on the NSA circuit, winning eight of 28 timber starts, with four seconds and a third and nearly $100,000 as “leading timber owner” for the 1999 season. Kinross won twice as many timber races as any other owner last year, with newcomer Company Eight, a Virginiabred, winning three of four. Gold Quoit won twice, including once beating NSA timber champion Saluter, and pocketed $33,000. Trained by English native Neil Morris, Kinross horses also enjoyed a solid season over hurdles; the stable placed 10th in the overall owners’ standings with $114,250 in earnings. While cracking the top 10 as an NSA trainer for the first time with nine sanctioned wins, Morris also rode five winners to lead all apprentice r jockeys to capture that championship. Kinross timber horses Company Eight, Jakob’s Pal and Stopped Silence provided the wins for Morris’ title. In 12 NSA starts, Morris won five and was twice second. Virginia-bred and -owned Saluter jumped into legend status last season, setting a new NSA career timber victory record of 21 wins (so far). In five 1999 starts, the veteran captured his sixth consecutive Virginia Gold Cup, his second straight International Gold Cup, his fourth Virginia Hunt Cup and a record-tying fourth NSA timber championship. Saluter’s ‘99 earnings pushed his lifetime American earnings to $405,839, a record for timber horses. Adding his win percentage from an English victory in 1997, plus the World Timber Championship bonus prize, Ann Stem’s 11-year-old gelding has earned well over $500,000. — By Betsy Parker Bowed tendons, a common injury The average thoroughbred racehorse weighs 1,100 pounds. He carries this heft, often at speeds over 35 miles per hour, on slender legs narrower than the human shin. Though horses are “pretty tough” when you get right down to it, they are fragile as glass. The tendon is perhaps the most delicate, and most often injured, part of the front leg. A tendon is a tough, inelastic band of fibers that connects muscle to bone. Tendons are classified as either flexors or extensors, depending on whether they bend or straighten the limb. Most tendon injuries occur in the lower half of the leg; likewise, the front tegs carry the bulk of a running horse’s weight and therefore are more susceptible to injury. Perhaps the most common injury to a racehorse is a bowed tendon. The bow is described by its location; i.e. “high bow” - just below the knee; “middle bow” - most common, at midcannon bone level, or “low bow” - in the annular ligament area just above the ankle joint. Treatment of a bowed tendon calls for reduction of inflammation, support and rehabilitation. Surgical treatment is indicated in some cases - the ‘tendon splitting* of the flexor tendon and cutting of the check ligament have both been used successfully. Given adequate time off, racehorses often recover well enough from a bowed tendon to return with success to the races. Some national champions who have come back from tendon injuries include *99 National Steeplechase Association timber champion Saluter, *94 hurdle champ Warm Spell and two of America's three nominees for the April 15 $1.5 million Japan steeplechase *99 NSA champ and Eclipse winner Ninepins and *96 hurdle champion Correggio. meVirgn*, Races By William Myzk. Edited by Raymond Woolfe. Illustrations by Custer Cassidy i(T I History and Origins of the JL Virginia Gold Cup, a classic book about a classic event Through this narrative, lavishly illustrated with drawings and photographs, you can relive the excitement and grandeur of this breathtaking race. Our story centers on a single horse race, not one for the weak of heart which is run each year over four miles of rugged four-foot post and rail jumps in Virginia. The deluxe leather bound collector’s edition, with its parchI ment paper and gold leaf edging, makes a unique gift The cloth bound version will make a beautiful addition to any coffee table or library. Be sure to order several copies for your gift list | Proceeds To Benefit The Meadow Outdoors Foundation Home of the Virginia Gold Cup Steeplechase A501 (c)3 Charitable Organization Special v Discount Copies may be purchased at the Fauquier Times-Deraocrat hWarrenton, Virginia ^ or ordered Mow) f “Storming back out of the misty past, this classic book for the first time brings alive again the mystique of one of the world’s most challenging sporting events. * -Dick Francis I Hie History and Origins of the Virginia Gold Cup Book Order Form | Name __ | Address __ I City___ State_Zip ■___ — ^ M.iilini’Information. Il'diilt n nl from | Name __ | Address __ I City _State_Zip I_ Leather bound, in case.each Cloth Bound.each Va. Tax 4.936 if applicable. Shipping Charge.per book Total . Make Checks Payable To: Meadow Outdoors Foundation Mail Your Order To: Fauquier Times-Democrat PO. Box 631 Warrenton, VA 22186

NSA From Page 13 . The second annual Steeplechasing Triple Crown kicks off May 4 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. with the first of three $100,000 novice hurdle stakes. Each championship steeplechase is connected to the 3-year-old Triple Crown of flat racing series — the jump equivalents are held the Thursday before each. ‘Chasers go to Pimlico in Baltimore May 18 before the Preakness, and June 8 to Belmont Park in New York City before the Belmont Stakes. Flint Hill-owned Popular Gigalo won at Churchill and Belmont last year, with The Colonial Downs will host the April 15 Strawberry Hill Races. Plain8-trained Grand Nord capturing the Pimlico leg for a Virginia-connected sweep of the Triple. Other NSA changes include a new racecourse for the April 29 Charlotte, N.C. steeplechase and the renewal of the May 29 Oxmoor Races in Louisville. In the money On the National Steeplechase Association 1999 list of champions, 11 of the leading steeplechase owners earned more than $100,000 with their runners. The winning trainer traditionally gets 10 percent of the winning owner’s share, as does the winning jockey. Given that an average horse in training costs $50 per day, plus shoeing, vet bills and shipping, the seemingly high total disappears. * Times-Democrat Staff Photo/Betsy Parker Stops on the National Steeplechase Association circuit include Richmond’s Colonial Downs and Louisville’s Churchill Downs. POLO — AT — G R E AT MEADOW Join us every Friday evening at 7:00 for tailgating at the Great Meadow Arena for fast-paced polo excitement. Tailgate memberships are selling fast. Polo lessons available. Call 253-5156 y Custom Made" I SADDLERY and WESTERN WEAR || Custom Western Saddles, Racing Saddles, Reenactment Saddles & Exercise Saddles Tack & Saddle Repair - ueorge c? tony mu 3086 Tenerife Road • Catlett, VA 22019 • 540-788-4434 Hours: Tues - Thurs. 10-6 • Fri. 10-8 • Sat. 10-4 Read the Races. Times Community Newspapers is Northern Virginia’s premier source for local news, advertising and equestrian sports. (Times SoSTHiSi^viSalSiI Subscribe Today. I MMOMV iVA GOLD CUP FENCING & STABLES, INC. 6044 Enon School Rd. Marshall, VA20115 Toll Free: 1-888-GOLD CUP -All Posts Set In Concrete-Barns, Sheds, Equip. Buildings-No Job Too LargeVA Class A Lie. #2705 04704 )A Horse 1 railer Rkpaik Hi akrs • W n mu • I ighlinj l’aiiiliii'4 • 1 lilt In-n ( >1 )1 ISl'lll'l k l‘l.Ill's West End Trailer Repair 253-5200 \ n ’/l l /•*/> s'*/v/iv s III

1999 CHAMPIONS: Ellen Homer, leading at right, was the Shen Valley Trailers leading novice rider over fences. Below, Woods Winants captured the Virginia Steeplechase Association leading rider prize. Virginia champs - The Bold Ones By Marilyn Skiffington Larger than life, though silent of frame, Participants in a dangerous game. They garner no riches nor passing fame — Steeplechase riders, a time-honored name. On for the thrill of the race Driving from far off the pace. No thought of the fences they face — Just to have a role in the chase. A small, loyal hand to cheer for them, A few tender hearts to fear for them, Their horses (ill will dare for them. Someone upstairs must care for them ... VIRGINIA SPECIALISTS: Neil Morris, at far left in photo at left, was VS A leading trainer and second-leading rider. Mason Lampton, above, won the Orange County Foxhunters’ series.

They dare it all for victory. _ . i 11 Li ^ . Silks, saddles, smiles, horse-sweat and leather '... - Ife HOMEGROWN HEROES: Loudoun native Arch Kingsley, at left above and at right, was runner-up in the leading jockey race for the National Steeplechase Association. Many of his 21 NSA wins came in Virginia, as above at Morven Park. Below, Kinross Farm owner Zohar Ben-Dov considers his ’99 season; Kinross was the VSA leading owner and NSA leading timber owner. WIN, WIN, WIN: Shown at top, ladies’ timber champ Julie G o m e n a ; center, Audior Stables’ owner Loring Heard and third leading rider Simon Hobson; at right, ownerrider timber champion Henry Wood Jr.

Clip and save: National, Virginia guide in handy list National Steeplechase Association 2000 racing schedule Saturday, March 4 Tampa Bay Downs, Oldsmar, Fla. Saturday, March 25 Aiken, Aiken, S.C. Saturday, April 1 Carolina Cup, Camden, S.C. Saturday, April 15 Atlanta, Kingston, Ga. Saturday April 15 My Lady’s Manor, Monkton, Md. Saturday, April 15 Strawberry Hill, Richmond, Va. Saturday, April 22 Block House, Tryon, N.C. Saturday, April 22 Grand National, Butler, Md. Saturday, April 22 Middleburg, Middleburg, Va. Friday, April 28 Keeneland, Lexington, Ky. Saturday, April 29 Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C. Saturday, April 29 Foxfield, Charlottesville, Va. Saturday, April 29 Maryland Hunt Cup, Glyndon, Md. Thursday, May 4 Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky. Saturday, May 6 Brookhill, Raleigh, N.C. Saturday, May 6 Virginia Gold Cup, The Plains, Va. Saturday, May 13 Iroquois, Nashville, Tenn. Sunday, May 14 Willowdale, Kennett Square, Pa. Thursday, May 18 Pimlico, Baltimore, Md. Saturday, May 20 Radnor, Malvern, Pa. Sunday, May 21 High Hope, Lexington, Ky. Sunday, May 28 Oxmoor, Louisville, Ky. Monday, May 29 Fair Hill, Fair Hill, Md. Thursday, June 8 Belmont Park, Elmont, N.Y. Virginia Point-to-Point Association 2000 racing schedule stretches from Leesburg to Colonial Downs in Richmond Saturday, Feb. 26, noon Casanova Hunt Point-to-Point Mt. Sterling Farm, Warrenton Information (540) 788-4806 Saturday, March 4, noon Rappahannock Hunt Point-toPoint Brandywine Park, Culpeper Information (540) 547-2810 (evenings), (540) 371-5349 (days) Saturday, March 11, noon Blue Ridge Hunt Point-toPoint Woodley Farm, Berryville Information (540) 837-2262 Saturday, March 18,1 p.m. Warrenton Hunt Point-toPoint Airlie Race Course, Warrenton Information (540) 347-1888 (days), (540) 347-5095 (evenings) Saturday, March 25,12:30 p.m. Piedmont Fox Hounds Pointto-Point Salem Course, Upperville Information (540) 592-3032, (540) 592-3035 Sunday, March 26, noon Farmington Hunt Keswick Hunt Point-to-Point Montpelier Race course, Montpelier Station Information (804) 980-9926 Saturday, April 1,1 p.m. Orange County Hunt Point-toPoint Locust Hill Farm, Middleburg Information (540) 687-6060 Saturday, April 8, noon Old Dominion Hounds Pointto-Point Ben Venue Farm, Ben Venue Information (540) 364-4573, (540) 636-1507 Saturday, April 15,1 p.m. Strawberry Hill Races Colonial Downs, New Kent County Information (804) 228-3238 Sunday, April 16,12:30 p.m. Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point Oatlands, Leesburg Information (703) 777-8480, (540) 338-4031 Saturday, April 22,1:30 p.m. Middleburg Spring Races Glenwood Park, Middleburg Information (540) 687-6545 Sunday, April 23,1:30 p.m. Fairfax Hunt Point-to-Point Belmont Plantation, Leesburg Information (703) 787-6673 Saturday, April 29,1 p.m. Foxfield Spring Races Foxfield Race Course, Charlottesville Information (804) 293-9501 Sunday, April 30,1 p.m. Middleburg Hunt Point-toPoint Glenwood Park, Middleburg Information (540) 338-5231 Saturday, May-6,1 p.m. Virginia Gold Cup Races Great Meadow Course, The Plains Information (540) 347-2612 Sunday, May 7, noon Bull Run Hunt Point-to-Point Brandywine Park, Culpeper Information (703) 866-0507 Fuog/InterBuild, Inc. Builders, Contractors Post Office Box 237 Purcellville, VA 20134 Jj Post Frame Construction • Horse Bams • Arenas • Light Commercial 36'+6'x36’ 10' Eave Height, 5:12 Pitch Colored Steel Roofing Board & Batten Siding For Additional Information Please Contact Us At: Fuog/InterBuild, Inc. 540-338-2306 703-689-1217 (Metro) 800-432-3864 (Fax) 540-338-3015 o CHASE One of the leading names in mortgages is right in your own back yard. When you select Chase, you're guaranteed a variety of mortgage programs to meet your individual needs. An experienced mortgage specialist will personally work with you from application through closing - beginning with helping you select the right mortgage. We'll even meet with you at your convenience. And you'll always receive a prompt loan decision. We're right in your neighborhood, so call your Chase mortgage specialist today. Laura Wyne 183 Keith Street • Warrenton, VA 20186 540-349-2424 • 800-292-6161 CHASE. The right relationship is everything.* CHASE MANHATTAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION All loans are subject to credit and properly approval Program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or lor all loan amount. Other restrictions and limitations apply 01999 The Chase Manhattan Corporation. All Rights 0399 __

* -*. , / Spring Virginia Meet Locations Times Newspapers Graphic/John Bretschneider

Win From Page 9 courses may have gates, bars and small jumps, but all of the jumps are optional. Hunts that offer these types of paces usually accept post entries on race days, but those interested may want to call the information number to be sure. Beginning in 1999, the junior division changed to junior-adult, and these pairs may consist of two juniors, or one junior and one adult. Both adult and junior-adult pairs compete over a preset course in the host hunt’s country to try to reach an optimum time which is set by the host hunt. Courses range from 2 to 4 miles, with 10 to 20 jumps, which usually include an assortment of coops, poles, or stone walls. Most jumps are about 3 feet. Though no schooling is allowed on the courses, riders can usually pick up maps and walk the courses the week before the pace. 1 he object is to be the pair closest to the optimum time, which is set by the host hunt. Typically, a pair of volunteers will ride the course just before the pace so that the time is taken under the same footing conditions as competitors will face on race day. Some hunts, however, average all the times and use that figure for the optimum time. In any case, the time is kept secret until after the last pair has competed the course. The pair closest to the optimum time is the winner. Points for year-end awards are awarded as follows: five for a win, three for second, two for third, and one for fourth. The fast time division is just that — the fastest time wins. Rappahannock Hunt competitor Joe Kincheloe, who has dominated the division since 1993 with partner Michael Brown, is a fierce competitor who hates to divulge his secrets, but he’s known to learn each courses thoroughly, sometimes walking it three or four times. He and Brown are also fearless at galloping down steep hills, where many less intrepid pairs may check their horses and lose valuable time. The Rappahannock Hunt, which sponsors the year-end awards for junior-adult as well as adult optimum and hilltoppers, has fielded many winning teams of juniors and adults over the past decade, with perhaps none so successful as Janet O’Keefe, who won the competitive adult optimum division five years in a row, riding five different horses and with five different partners. lliuugll guessing 11 tilt; optimum time for a particular pace is fast, average or slow, and trying to ride at that speed, is part of it, O’Keefe thinks maintaining a steady pace is most important. “A good brisk canter, a hunting pace, is necessary,” she said. O’Keefe added that the person who leads needs a good steady horse, that jumps without a lead. “You can’t have something out in front spooking at every cow or new coop,” she explained. Fitness, too, factors in. Riders who gallop madly for the first mile or two, and then pull up to a walk or jog because they’re out of horse — or think their time will be too fast — don’t fare as well as those that keep that steady hunting pace. O’Keefe also recommends carrying a stopwatch, as some of the times can get mixed up, especially at the paces with lots of entries or when several pairs cross the finish line at the same time. Call 347-1858 for information. Recycle your newspapers on Wednesdays. Home Delivery will bring tiie action to you. 9 East Market Street • Leesburg, Virginia • 703-777-1111 Jauquier ©mes-Democrat 39 Culpeper Street • Warrenton, Virginia • 540-3474222 Clark dime*-Courier 16 West Main Street • Berryville, Virginia • 540-955-1111 Happahannock News Rappahannock News Bldg. • Washington, Virginia • 540675-3349 Subscribe now to your local Times Community Newspaper. It’s a great time to take advantage of home delivery. You’ll save off the newsstand price-and get ajl you need to know about your - local news, sports, features, events, businesses and of course, equestrian sports action. Get on track, subscribe or renew today. Call any one of our circulation departments today!

Times-Democrat Staff Photo/Betsy Parker TAKE-OFF: Glenwood Park in Middleburg is one of the nation’s finest steeplechase courses, both for horses and spectators. A natural amphitheater is formed by the hillside at right. is pleased to announce the release of a set of limited edition prints of a painting of Oak Hill, home of Chief justice John Marshall, 17551835, entitled "Glimpse of Tradition" donated by Kenneth Allison. The 24" x 30" prints, suitable for framing, will be numbered and signed by the artist. The cost of the print is $ 175, $ 100 is contributed to the Heritage Foundation and $75 will go to one of the following non-profit organizations of your choice. You can make a donation by I contacting one of the following to purchase a print: Alzheimer's Assoc. - Janet tight 347-4273 • Equine Rescue League (703) 771-1240 Fauquier County Fair, Inc. - Brenda E. Rich 788-9549 Fauquier Family Shelter 351-0130 Fauquier Heritage and Preservation Foundation, Inc. Bob Sinclair 253-4514 • Duke Yowell 364-27% Fauquier Times-Democrat - Dawn Martin 347-4222 March of Dimes c/o Southern Financial Bank (Old Town) • Pam BottoMson 349-3900 Marshall Volunteer Fire Department 364-2047 • Meadows Outdoor Foundation 253-5001 Northwestern Elementary School P.T.O. - Carina Elgin (540) 687-5138 Warrenton Volunteer Fire Department - Mike Adams 349-8125 On track. Or, catching ’em coming and going Photo by Sarah Greenhalgh EAGLE-EYE: Middleburg-based photographer Janet Hitchen, above, is a regular at Virginia steeplechase meets. Below, Michael Cooney leads the field at a Pimlico steeplechase. ^alM Lt Times-Oemocrat Staff Photo/Betsy Parker

Riders, young and old, can take part in variety of racing divisions By Betsy Parker Times Community Newspapers Staff Writer Thoroughbred horses don’t have a lock on the spring steeplechasing season: ponies and horses of questionable, or unknown, heritage are invited to participate at 10 Virginia point-to-point events this spring. The junior pony racing series is open to riders who have not reached their 18th birthday as of Jan. 1, 2000, mounted on small, medium or large ponies. Juniors taking part in pony races may not hold a steeplechase jockey’s license. (A qualified rider may obtain a National Sstppnlapliaao Accnciof inn Jockey Club, jockey’s license on his 16th birthday.) Pony races are on the flat, with the course length ranging from a quarter- to a half-mile. If entries warrant, ponies will be divided into separate divisions according to size. Meets offering pony races include the March 4 Rappahannock Hunt; March 25 Piedmont Fox Hounds; March 26 FarmingtonKeswick hunts; April 8 Old Dominion Hounds; April 16 Loudoun Hunt; May 6 Virginia Gold Cup and May 7 Bull Run Hunt races. Many steeplechasing professionals are happy to give assistance in prepping pony, and rider, for the racing season. Jim Lawrence of Marshall — whose son Chuck started out in pony racing before going on to be two-time NSA chamr pion jockey — can answer questions and give help. He can be reached at (540) 3642420. The Bull Run event will also offer races for draft horses (on the flat, at three-eighths of a mile) and a hunter team chase. With a purse of $1,000, the race is for teams of four horse and riders representing the same hunt club. Each rider will run the one-mile course over hunt-type obstacles (no larger than 3 feet) and pass off the hunting whipbaton to the next rider. Certified field hunters can also prove their mettle in the Ruhsam old-fashioned pointt n.nmnf cnriac An ioned point-to-point is a throwback to the very birth of the sport of steeplechasing. Three mandatory markers are placed at approximately onemile intervals in the hunt’s territory. Starters may choose their own course to arrive at each point, selecting shorter, often trappy, routes or a longer, though easier, circuit. Prizes are given for the first to finish, the first “opposite sex” finisher (to the first man if a woman wins the overall prize, to the first woman if it is a man who wins) and the first heavyweight finisher. Bull Run will host an oldfashioned March 11, Rappahannock on March 26 and Orange County on April 9. More information on the Ruhsam series is available at the Central Entry office, (703) 777-2575. Purses offered The Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point, to be held at a new location this Though some have in the past, no other point-topoint offers purses for year — me duii Run Hunt’s course at 4 RranHuwinA Park near Culpeper — will ^ offer purses in excess ™ of $4,(XX). The open flat race, set at 1 1/4 miles, is for $1,000. with the 1 3/4 traditional thoroughbred races. The Bull Run nunt field a $1,000 hunter team chase slated, but W otherwise, the “pots r and pans” circuit is mite novice hurdle and 2 1/2 mite novice timber to run for $1,500 each. ^ WHIVIIJ lull IUI JIIVCI trophies and racing experience, and for the fun of it. Choose o Stunning and Secure Morton Eqoestrian Facility... Ask to see one of Morton's local barns or arenas. MORTON BUILDINGS 18478 Industrial Road • Culpeper, Virginia 22701 • (540) 825-3633 Where the readers are in Northern Virginia. dimes Northern Virginia Northern Virginia’s premier source for news and advertising Fairfax County Office 703-437-5400 Loudoun County Office 703-777-1 111 Fauquier County Office Clarice County Office 540-955-1111 Rappahannock County Office

TimesNewspapers Staff Photo/Betsy Parker Middleburg’s Loring Heard, here leading aboard Timber Way to win at the Piedmont Point-toPoint, captured his first Pageland owner-rider hurdle series championship in '99. Huffman Trailer Sales FEATHERLITE Special We have in stock: 3 or 4 horse trailers with living quarters More than 100 trailers to choose from Division of Huffman Litter Service Rt. 11 North, near Exit 251 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-3530 • 800-825-2545 FEATHERLITE TRAILERS /// Sterling Meadows Apparel & Tack Annual Truckload SALE! 29th fi 3»0 Loaded with Bargains Give-aways, Prizes & Surprises... Apparel Store 3926 Indian River Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23456 757-471-6001 Stay tuned tor more details Tack Store 3756 Indian River Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23456 757-471-2133 Montgomery Shade & Awning Award winning awnings, blinds, shades and shutters of every available type! \ \ (* W ' £,'(>/ \ Oil ( DM '/'(*f /. 540-347-1941 800-100-1941 Horse & Pet Supplies 540-675-1650 I800 4MYTACK 667 Zachary Taylor Hwy. (Rt.522) Flint Hill, VA Sloe kxMed 12 mifcs south of Front Koyol on Kt 522. joes* hom the Pom (Mae Phone Orders Welcome Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.horsenhound.com Last year’s champions: Keep an eye out for them during Y2K 1999 Virginia Pointto-Point Association final standings Timber Horae of the Year Company Eight, r/Kinross Farm. Hurdle Horse of the Year. Double Found, r/Raymond Moffett Jr. Orange County foxhunters’ series. 1. Waukey, r/Mason Lampton - 28; 2. (tie) Cleardedfortakeoff, r/Rick Laimbeer and Lady Catcher, r/Jennifer Simmons - 7; 3. (tie) Master Magoo, r/Laurie McClary and Bart Man, r/Matt Vanderwoude - 6. Pageland owner-rider hurdle series. 1. Timber Way, r/Loring Heard - 18; 2. Murray's Ruler, r/Matt Hatcher - 17; 3. Justcallmecasey. r/Ben Swope -12; 4. Deal Again, r/Tom Kirlin - 8. Seven Corners owner-rider timber series. 1. Be Nimble, r/Henry Wood Jr. - 20; 2. Chatham Field, r/Jim Whitner IV - 16.5; 3. Italian Wolf, r/Jim Whitner IV - 10; 4. Its A Star, r/Will Phipps II - 6. Southern States ladies timber series. 1. Julie Gomena - 20; 2. Michelle Rouse - 10; 3. Blair Waterman - 8; 4. Anne Moran - 5. Trackside leading rider over fences. 1. Matt McCarron - 58; 2. Neil Morris - 50; 3. Simon Hobson - 42; 4. Woods Winants - 34 Shen Valley Trailers leading novice rider over fences. 1. Ellen Homer - 12; 2. Tom Foley - 7; 3. Blair Waterman - 5; 4. John DeMichele - 3. SHR Fred leading novice rider on the flat. 1. Aynsley Musgrave - 17; 2. Danielle Hodson - 14; 3. Ellen Homer - 12; 4. John DeMichele - 10. Dominion Saddlery leading trainer. 1. Dot Smithwick - 22; 2. Neil Morris - 11.5; 3. Don Yovanovich - 7.5; 4. Jill Waterman - 6. EMO Agency race mare of the year. 1. Vingt Sept, o/Audior Stable ■ 5; 2. Delightful Rink, o/Felton Lea Farm - 2. Meadow Outdoor* Foundation leading ponies. Small. 1. Summer, r/Natasha Aylor - 21; 2. Mango, r/Chaslee Bateman - 11; 3. Diamond Girt, r/Ellen McWade - 8; 4. Reeses. r/Shelby Singletary - 5. Medium. 1. Nickles and Dimes, r/Sarah Gibson - 12.5; 2. (tie) Doll House Little Red. r/Nicolette Merle Smith and Jiminy Cricket, r/Alexandra Wildfong - 3. Large. 1. Lizzie. r/Kelly Bowman - 5; 2. Travelin Man, r/Jessica Cummings - 3; 3. Madison, r/Cariey Leins - 2.5. Warrenton Hunt fast time pairs. 1. Chain Saw, r/Joe Kincheloe and Black Forest, r/Michae! Brown - 26; 2. Garth of Birmingham. r/Joe Kincheloe and Aye There, r/Michael Brown - 19; 3. Carpet Dance, r/Ken Shreve and Cber Phuds, r/Richard Lewis - 12. Rappahannock Hunt optimum time pairs. Juniors. 1. Lizzie, r/Nicolette Merle Smith and Total Grip, r/Rosemarie Merle Smith - 17; 2. Sparkling Burgundy, r/D. Kirby and Woodstock, r/Laura Hitchcock - 7; 3. (tie) Peebles, r/S. Williams and Sleepy, r/R. Miller and Hilliate, r/Kaitlin Baldwin and Junebob, r/Cathy Baldwin - 6. Adult. 1. Gertrude Brown, r/M. Marks and Snappy Decision, r/Liam deStanley - 8; 2. (tie) Tommy. r/A. Ghafouri and Kirkby, r/James Plaskitt and Diva, r/K. Berger and Fiddle Sticks, r/T. Sands and Ruby, r/Hubert Davy and Evan, r/M. Lawrence - 6. Hilltoppers. 1. Last Mountain Tiberius, r/Rosemarie Merle Smith and Doll House Little Red, r/Alexander Merle Smith - 7; 2. (tie) Bo, r/N. Baudhuin and Peter Rabbit, r/j. Berger and Buster, r/M. Pearcy and Jasper, r/A. Pearcy -6. Virginia Steeplechase Association final standings. Leading owner. 1. Kinross Farm - 62; 2. Ann Stem - 48; 3. Clorevia Farm -19; 4. Jill Waterman -18. Leading trainer. 1. Neil Morris - 62; 2. Dot Smithwick - 26; 3. Jill Waterman - 18; 4. Mairead Carr -16. Leading rider. 1. Woods Winants - 23; 2. Neil Morris - 21; 3. Simon Hobson -17; 4. Michael Cooney - 13. Leading timber horse. 1. Saluter. a/Ann Stern -18; 2. Gold Quoit, * o/Kinross Farm - 16; 3. Jakob’s Pal. o/Kinross Farm - 10; 4. Exploding Tune, o/Jill Waterman - 9. Leading hurdle horse. 1. Haveplanwilltravel, a/Ann Stem - 13; 2. Patrician Power, o/Clorevia Farm - 11 ;3. Devil's Reach, o/Bruce Smart Jr. - 10; 4. (tie) Antique, o/Kinross Farm and Smart N True, o/Clorevia Farm - 8. VSA highweight flat. 1. (tie) Sharp Tomahawk, o/Clovelly Farm and Company Eight - 5; 2. (tie) Northern Nights. o/Hi Rock Stables and Thawing, r/Destinaire Farm - 3. Filly and mare flat. 1. Special Affinity. a/Julia Thieriot - 10; 2. (tie) Classy Code. o/Hume Stable and Thinker Upper, o/Ada ms Apple Stable - 3; 3. Whitey’s Baby, o/Clovelly Farm - 2. VSA claiming series. 1. (tie) Patrician Power, r/Clorevia and Antique, r/Kinross Farm - 8; 2. Haveplanwilltravel - 5; 3. Saudi Sea, a/Berkley Stable • 3. Did You Know? Ait-time leading owner of steeplechase horses in America, Augustin Stables in Pennsylvania, captured its 19th National Steeplechase Association owner title in 1999. George Strawbridge, a former amateur jockey and heir to die Campbell’s Soup fortune, is also NSA president. Twenty-one Augustin horses campaigned last year, winning 12 races of 50 starts for earnings of $479,097. Homebreds Floating Interest, Invest West, South woods and Sundin all won for the stable last year.

A racehorse: Greater than ‘ ’ '■* | r - ■* I : | the sum of its New, low-resistance profile: Notice how the horse has literally ‘flattened out’ his topline during the late stages of this Aerodynamics: Note how the jockey holds his body to be in total balance with the racing horse’s balance, well-forward over the shoulders. i Speed-activated rear spoiler. A running horse holds his tail straight out, but will 'wring’ it (literally spin the tail in circles) if not happy. w Off-road capabilities: Hind shoes are often fitted with ‘block heels’ that offer a bit more grip on the soft turf, and a little more traction when taking off for a steeplechase jump. Inde Jendent^^j r suspension: The gallop is a true four-beat gait. In this stride, the footfalls are left rear, right rear, left front (almost m simultaneously as right rear) then right front. This horse would be said to be on his ‘right lead,’ with the right foot leading the stride. Loads of leg room: Stirrup length is also dictated by speed and balance. Short stirrups allow the rider to stay with the motion at high speeds, but, especially in steeplechases, the saying goes ‘the longer you ride, the longer you ride.’ Onboard navigational system: This horse is competitive and focused. His ears are alertly pricked to the task at hand, meeting the finish line. / Responsive handling: This horse races in a plain ‘full-cheek’ snaffle, a very soft bit for well-schooled horses.The tall pieces aid steering. cheek All-weather traction: Most steeplechase horses race in light steel shoes, though some trainers prefer the even-lighter aluminum pi ate. 1 r Y2K Models now available!! a Taking orders for 2001!!! r ^ Options/Features: Unlimited colors available . Leather accessory package standard Permanent sunroof Traction control optional Heated seat included Versatile Increasingly affordable Import or domestic models

Bits and bitting: Horse anatomy, and horse’s enthusiasm all important in making right choice By Betsy Parker Times Community Newspapers Staff Writer The metal, rubber or nylon bit is an important tool of communication for rider to horse. In addition to the regulation “pull left to go left, pull right to go right, pull both to stop” learnings of the average horse, the racehorse is also taught, by design and by his own competitive nature, to “take the bit” when asked to run faster. Some may think that to get a racehorse to go faster, they must release the reins and loosen The Pelham is two bits in one. If the rider pulls on the top rein (attached to the top ring) it is just a snaffle, but pull on the bottom for stronger curb action. the hold on the bit. But in reality, the opposite is true. The racehorse is educated working with the thoroughbred’s natural desire to win, to finish first. To get the horse to run faster, in the final stages of a race, for instance, notice what a jpckey does. He “takes a fresh hold” of the reins, actually moving the bit in the horse’s mouth to keep a continuous connection. The fresh, strong, good horse will respond with a new burst of speed and concentrated efforts to move faster. The so-called ring bit is very prevalent on the flat track, and some steeplechasers need one, too. By its design, the bit prevents a horse lugging either to the inside or outside. To that end, a racehorse trainer does not want to overbit his horses. But the jockey, of course, does not want them under-bitted. Every horse can find a happy medium, with a metal or rubber bit, or, sometimes, with nothing at all in the mouth. Working from the softest bit of all, the snaffle in its many variations is most often used on racehorses. From the softest of the soft, a soft rubber snaffle (malleable with no metal at all, except the rings,) to the stronger twist The Kimberwicke, often seen in the hunt field, is unusual on the track, but is sometimes used. It is a harsh bit that always uses the ‘curb action.’ ed snaffle, most well-schooled horses can race in a snaffle bit. There are special types of snaffles for different needs: The hill cheek snaffle adds to the guiding ability of the rider. The tall metal cheekpieces come into play laterally when, for instance, the rider pulls on the left rein - the right side of the bit presses on the outside of the horse’s mouth and he is thus encouraged to turn. See BITS, Page 26 Three types of snaffles, the softest bit, are D-ring, left, full cheek, center, and slow twist at right. The full cheek helps keep a horse straight with the tall bars. 1 Invest In The Future The International Hunter Futurity A show program for yearlings, two year olds, three year olds & four year olds. The International Hunter Futurity has awarded over $2.000.000 since 1986. Breed to an International Hunter Futurity nominated stallion. For a complete list of over 100 nominated stallions or for further information: The International Hunter Futurity P.0. Box 13244 • Lexington, KY 40583 800-852-1162 • 502-857-9671 INTHF@bellsouth.net • Web Site: www.INTHF.org Kathy Gilbertson, Executive Director MIDDLEBURG TACK EXCHANGE New and used quality consignments saddles and hard'to-find items BUY - SELL - CONSIGN 540-687-6608 Fax (540) 687-3065 P.O. Box 190 103 W. Federal St. Middleburg, VA 20118 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 pm Mon. thru Sat. www.muldiclMJfgtnck.cam ["jorsc people guiding for fcople Quality Built Horse Barns... Storage Buildings... Run In Sheds 800-314-1417 540-338-7074 PO Box 2099 540-338-7480 Fax PurceiMIe, VA 20134 Quality cm. Specializing in the design and construction of Light Commercial. Suburban. Horse and Farm buildings. (Material packages available) Lumber • Hardware Roof Trusses Metal Roofing & Siding Treated Posts/Solid & Glu lam 130 N. 21st St., Purcellville, VA 540"338*3338

When a horse is responsive to the snaffle but needs something slightly stronger, an overcheck that adds poll and nose pressure when the reins are pulled, as above, can be used. The full cheek snaffle helps turn a horse that may not want to steer too well. It also prevents the bit from pulling right through the mouth. - Above, bit guards can aid in the same manner with a plain snaffle. Below, if this horse wasn’t wearing a full cheek, the bit might have come all the way out on the left side. RECYCLE Bits From Page 25 Another guidance assistant is the ring bit, which again, is designed to come into play on the opposite side from the rein being pulled to help “push” the horse around a turn. Racehorses, especially ones that have run a lot on the flat, often tend to “lug in” or, less often, “lug out.” As all U.S. tracks are laid out left-handed, horses race on their left lead much of the time and can get into the habit of laying on the inside rail. That lugging action makes the jockey tire quickly, especially his right arm (if the horse is lugging to the left.) Other horses are more comfortable with no bit at all. A famous example is Jamaica Bay, winner of the 1993 International Gold Cup at Great Meadow. He raced in a mechanical hackamore, which is a bitless bridle that uses leverage and pressure from a curb chain for guidance and stopping. A very headstrong horse may not be controllable in a hackamore as they are not built for a horse that leans on the bit, however, for the responsive Jamaica Bay, the hackamore was just right. Invest In Kubota. Quality IcffiDsaa Browning pQUIPMEMT Purcellville, VA (540)338-7123 ^DC (703)478-1977 Winchester (540)665-0310 9 miles west of Leesburg on Business Rt. 7 Times Community Newspapers Staff Photos/Betsy Parker Jamaica Bay was one of a very few horses who prefers no bit at all. He acted so well in his hackamore that he won the 1993 International Gold Cup timber classic in near record time. EARLYS CARPET, INC. Over 34 Years in One Location THE LARGEST IN-STOCK INVENTORY ON CARPETS • VINYL • HARDWOODS • REMNANTS The One-Stop Shop For Complete Home Decorating Service Floor Coverings • Carpet • Vinyls • Tile • Hardwood • Ceramics Laminates • Area Rugs • Remnants • Orientals • Shades Wallpaper • Slipcovers & Reupholstery Window Treatments Residential • Commercial Serving Fauquier, Rappahannock and Culpeper Counties by appointment only Local Dialing Area Use 937-5500 Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday 9 a m.-5 p.m. John & Lorraine Early, Owners & Operators Out of area use 1-800-870-9098 I4RS? IIK.IIW \N KOMI 211 \\ I SI • WIISSN II II. \ \

Simmons From Page 6 International Horse Show in downtown D.C. during the Cuban missile crisis. “That was a long day, but the show went right on. But then we started getting racehorses in to train at the farm. I liked them better than show horses. Not such a long day.” With Hall of Fame trainer D. Michael Smithwick and Hall of Fame jockeys Paddy Smithwick and Joe Aitcheson, Simmons worked with some of steeplechasing’s best: he handled Hall of Fame ‘chasers Neji, Oedipus and Bon Nouvel, Virginia Gold Cup winners Walrus (‘68), Hill Tie (‘62 and ‘63), and 1971 Colonial Cup winner Inkslinger. It was steeplechasing that led Simmons on his one trip out of the U.S. Theodora Randolph’s Bon Nouvel shipped to France to run in the 1968 Grand Steeplechase de Paris for trainer Mikey Smithwick. “We were supposed to be there for a month,” Simmons recalled. But that was the spring of the studentled riots that basically closed down Paris and rocked the world. “Racing went on,” Simmons said. Bon Nouvel finished third in Grand Steeplechase but shipped home after just two weeks. Bull Run Hunt Point-to-Point Brandywine Park • May 7 • 12 Noon Culpeper, VA Highway 15 South 8 Races Plus Draft Sprint Terrier Racing Tailgate Contest For Tickets or Info, Call Martha Thompson 540-825-0814 ^ee l In Your Pickup, Horse Van or RV? Let Us Help You Get MORE POWER! S&B - Authorized Dealer for Banks Engineering can help! Their PowerPack & Stinger Systems can give you UP TO 86+ HP. 118 -/♦ lb-ft. Torque. 23% Better Acceleration 8i 11+ MPH Hill Climb Speed! EC S8B TRUCKING 8 SUPPLY, INC. An Authorized NAPA Auto Care Center 4176 B«*<* Rd.. Mart*. \A 20115 (Comer of Rt. 56 4 Rt 709) . 540-263-5026 . Ft* 540-253-5035 , Accepting MqrteCam. V4o. NAPA 8 Ptesovw_ People that stay with the game, like Bobby, are the future of the sport. Juliet Lombardi 1998 Woodville Award After Mikey Smithwick moved to Maryland to train steeplechasers from a base there, Simmons stayed on at Sunny Bank for new trainer, Dot and Mikey’s son Speedy. And when Speedy left to train in Kentucky, again, Simmons remained, this time with Dot Smithwick at the helm. Simmons said the farm schedule has stayed about the same. “The horses are counting on you,” he said. “You can’t just break their routine.” This year, Simmons said, Sunny Bank has a varied group of steeplechasers for the spring season. Young horses, old campaigners, first-time See SIMMONS, Page 28 Freudy Photo Bobby Simmons has worked at Sunny Bank Farm for most of his 59 years. He handled 1962 and ’63 Gold Cup winner Hill Tie. Wannest Wishes from all of its at family ( are... Rudolf G. Bickel, M.D. Ellen Barbara, R.N., B.S. Nurse Practitioner, A.N.A. Certified Patricia Newton, R.N., B.S. Nurse Practitioner, A.N.A. Certified Chyquieta Fox Medical Technician WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS NOW OFFICE HOURS Call ter prompt appointment Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu: Noon-7 p.m. • Sat 9 a.m.-l p.m. We make every effort to accommodate patients l without appointment. ► FamilyCare - in The Plains Mon, wed, inurs. Pn: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues: Noon-7 p.m. Alternate Sat: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 4JUD/1 tauqurr TV Plans, VA 540.25X5776 THE PLAINS Cathe Robinson Suited For Savvy Wardrobe Alternative O011 caster (’lass it. S n U t I* a tu] u i c r Springs ( <• u in i \ ( I u h \ t b. 19 2 4, 2 0 0 0 ___ Complimentary 30-Minute Wardrobe Consultation Appointment For appointment call 540-347-3092 ViM our webate: www.tloncastcr.com ‘What they say’ about Uncle Bob • “He can do just about anything.” This according to Sunny Bank Farm trainer Dorothy Smithwick. “He’s just finished building wooden trunks for my two granddaughters.” (They call him Uncle Bob.) • “I remember a time Peter Winants and I were trying to set up a tent that we’d gotten for some of the kids,” agreed assistant Pippy McCormick. “None of us could do anything with it. Peter knew what to do, though. He threw away the directions and called Bobby. He had that tent up in 10 minutes.” • “It is the only award in the NSA that rewards the behind-the-scenes efforts and ability of what are actually the most important part of the sport besides the horses.” Janet Elliot,, owner of Woodville Stable and founder ‘ of the Woodville Award of Merit. Past winners include Jonathan Sheppard employee Bob Bailey and former Jack Fisher assistant Juliet Lombardi. • “Bob? He knows everything.” This clincher from 'miTRWWrtlftffi'Ml,

Simmons From Page 27 starters: Simmons handles all of them nearly every day. Feeding, hotwalking, grooming, turn-out, medical care — he does it all. Riding is the only thing he doesn’t do anymore. “I don’t miss it really,” he said. “You’ve gotta have somebody on the ground to keep things rolling. That’s very important.” Simmons rises to gaze across the Sunny Bank barnyard, looking for the string of horses to return from training. All the reminiscing has been fun, he says, but now its time to get back to work. Speaking the language of the horse Simmons takes the reins of Irish, a big chestnut, from rider Julie Gomena as she swings to the ground. It’s almost 10:30 a.m., and Gomena bubbles with excitement over the youngster’s morning gallop. But just as quickly, she’s out the door to her next riding assignment. The bam is quiet. Simmons leads the gelding into the covered walking ring attached to the stable block. Tack conies off, the bridle is replaced with a halter. “You want a drink?” Simmons asks, tugging the horse’s sweaty forelock. He pulls the leadrope. “Here, this one has more.” The pair walks a turn around the shedrow. “You want a drink?” he asks again. Always the same. Simmons knows the importance of routine in a racing stable. After Irish drinks his fill, he is cool and ready for grooming. Simmons leads him to the center of the walking ring and drops his leadrope. It dangles to the ground, still attached to the halter. Simmons turns to grab a soft-bristled brush. The fit, well-fed, well-bred thoroughbred racehorse in hard training? No one is holding him. He is free to go. What does he do? He stands ground-tied like a quarter horse on the range. Simmons turns back to the horse. “Yeah, I teach ‘em all to ground tie,” he said to the surprised querry. “Most of ‘em don’t know diddly squat when they come here from the racetrack. But they learn. Nothin’ to it.” Irish stands motionless except for head bobbing while Simmons brushes him and picks his feet. “Alright, that’s enough,” Simmons continues his one-sided conversation. “Back in.” Simmons next mounts the farm’s ancient pickup truck to make rounds of feeding older or convalescing horses in farflung pastures around the large farm. The horses stand in orderly rows awaiting their feed at each stop. “You’ll get yours, just wait a minute,” Simmons tells a pushy bay gelding. The horse backs off, just like that. The mutual respect is clear. “There ya’ go.” Simmons pats the horse’s rump as he leaves the field for his next stop. Winter has a slower pace than summer at Sunny Bank, Simmons said. Cattle are still fed, but there are no crops to plant, no hay to bring in, not even a garden to tend. “I love my garden,” Simmons said. “You shoulda’ seen the cukes last year. We had a helluva crop. “ “I’m usually done by lunchtime,” he says. “Things are quiet again in the afternoon for a few hours after the horses get their lunch.” Simmons relishes his own lunch at Magpies, his favorite Middleburg haunt. “Coach Stop has good food, but that’s where all the gossip is. Everybody there wants to know your business.” He digs into a garden burger, the usual. “Fruit for breakfast,” he said. “I like these garden burgers for lunch, they’re better for you.” Surprising, coming from an avid deer hunter and cattle farmer. “You live longer if you take care of yourself,” he said. The guacamole and bean sprout garnishes followed the garden burger. Farm life keeps him pretty busy, Simmons said. Lunch in town is about the extent of his regular outings. Unless, of course, he said, he’s following the Grateful Dead. The Grateful Dead? “My good friend Leigh Louria got me into the DeadHead scene a few years ago,” Simmons said. “Before Jerry [Garcia, lead singer for the group! died. I saw ‘em four times in D.C., and we went to see ‘em in Boston and at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. “I’ve even got my own tiedye collection,” he added. “My favorite’s the one with Tigger on it.” Simmons is filled with surprises. Garden burgers for lunch from a salt-of-the-earth deer hunter; Grateful Dead camp-follower from a Virginia country boy. He’s not surprised at the writer’s surprise. “Gotta keep 'em guessing,” he laughed. “Those horses, they keep you young. Nobody can tell you you’re too old to ‘do’ horses. Nobody can tell you that.” Simmons admits he was surprised at all the attention from the Woodville Award. “It’s a real honor to get this award,” he said. “I’ve gotta thank Janet [Elliott, steeplechase trainer whose Woodville Farm sponsors the prize] when I see her next.” That should be soon, Simmons said, looking at the calendar in the tack room. “Steeplechase season is here. She’ll be around.” Simmons finishes his lunch and looks at his watch. “Gotta get back to check on the bam soon,” he says, rocking back in his chair. “They count on me. “I haven’t missed a day yet,” he adds. “I’, never sick. Not so far, anyway. I guess I’m too ornery.” Simmons heads back to work without a look back. STATE LINE TACK* We Build Champions One Stride at a Time Whether you're just starting out or facing tough competition in the show ring, State Line Tack is with you every step of the way. We offer hundreds of brand name products for you and your horse - all at affordable prices and 100% guaranteed! Visit our Manassas Store 10834 Sudley Manor Dr. 703-335-1755 10% off your next purchase at a State Line Tack store. Discount does not apply to certain brand name items. Please ask your equine associate for assistance Otter is not retroactive and cannot be used with any other offer Oder is good for a one-time purchase made by March 31, 2000

Horse From Page 11 hounds today are at the core of preservation of Virginia’s open spaces and farming countryside. Sterling Larrabee, a great hunting man and one of the founding fathers of the Virginia Gold Cup, once wrote that, “Everyone who hunts in Virginia today owes to the early Virginia spprtsman an everlasting debt of gratitude. ..these distinguished pioneers developed and fostered a love for the chase which has persisted amongst Virginians even to the present time.” The Rider. For the Virginian, life in the saddle grows from foxhunting, then to take the horse on to the show ring, the point-to-point, eventing or the steeplechase circuit. Something of a romantic adventurer, if young and knows no better, he or she will ride anyone’s horse in about any race just for the kick of a ride and the honor of winning. The Groom is expected to carry the water, apply the bandage, administer the medicine, clean out and bed down the stall, rake the shed and cooling ring, and clean out the feed tubs twice daily. Spending hard hours in the pursuit of knowledge and love of his charges, he receives no great salary and occasionally his bed, board and a ride. He is the indispensable part of it all. The owner risks his horse, the trainer his reputation, the groom his livelihood, and the rider his life for fleeting moments in the sun of a win. Finally, what is the part of our silent partner, the horse himself. Perhaps it was long ago said best this way: “Out from the past, the dim bloody, shifting past, came this noble animal, the horse, side by side with man, fighting with him the battles of progress, bearing with him the burdens of the centuries. Down the long hard road, through flint or mire, through swamp or sand, wherever there has been a footprint also will be seen a hoof print. They have been one and inseparable, the aim and the object, the means and the end. And if the time shall ever come, as some boastingly declare, when the one shall breed away from the other, the puny relic of a once perfect manhood will not live long enough to trace the record of it on the tablet of the time.” Virginia and its people would not have happened without him. Times-Democrat Staff Photo/Betsy Parker Steeplechase horsemen follow a long tradition of working in the racing sport. Racing over fences followed foxhunting from England along with the Jamestown settlers. Chosen for strength & value by the veterinarians and engineers of Virginia Tech Vet School Customer Barn - Williamsburg, VA Display Barn - Montpelier, VA BARNMASTER MAXIMUM SAFETY Minimum Maintenance Fireproof • Cribproof • Kickproof Baked enamel (10 colors) or hardipanel exterior *15 roof color choices Easily moved or expanded 18 years experience - original ownership America's #1 horse barn builder A stronger barn - A better value BARNS & STABLES, LTD. Richmond, VA (800) 878-6183 (888) VA STALL Authorized Distributor

English import Bavario, neither blind nor deaf, makes a hash of his first-ever timber fence at Glenwood Park last fall. Jockey Michael Traurig does well to stay with him. Do riders pay attention to their orders? Read on. The champion steeplechase jockey is about to enter an important race on a horse he’s never ridden before. The horse’s trainer meets him in the paddock for prerace instructions. “All you have to remember with this horse is that every time you approach a jump, you have to Seven fences later on the second circuit of the course, Bavario jumps like an old pro. First-time starters are always schooled over fences beforehand, but nothing takes the place of a race. Did you know? Virginia-bred timber race in England in ’97. But champion Saluter, winner of in the ’98 English race, Mia naei civ «inmnrtc rvl th/o tho ci tra.fAntorl Virginia Gold Cup, has won 21 National Steeplechase Aeenrbtinn ttmhflr races, plus one timber t champion did snmAthinn he’d W never done before, or r after, he feM over timber He came back to finish third there in ’99. shout, ‘ALLLLEEE OOOP!’ really loudly in the horse’s ear. Providing you do that, you’ll win,” explained the trainer. The jockey thinks the trainer must be nuts, but he promises to shout the command. *_ The race begins and the field approaches the first hurdle. The jockey ignores the trainer’s ridiculous advice and sure enough, his horse crashes straight through the center of the jump. Reorganized, they carry on and approach the second hurdle. The jockey, somewhat embarrassed, whispers “Aleeee ooop” in the horse’s ear. The same thing happens — the horse crashes straight through the center of the jump, sending cedar branches flying. At the third hurdle, the jockey thinks, “It’s no good, I’ll have to do it” and yells, “ALLLEEE OOOP!” really loudly. Sure enough, the horse sails over in fine form. This continues for the rest of the race, but, due to the earlier problems, the horse only finishes third. The trainer is fuming and asks the jockey what went wrong. The jockey says in a huff: “Nothing is wrong with me — it’s this bloody horse. What is he, deaf or something?” The trainer replies: “Deaf? DEAF?? He’s not deaf — he’s BLIND!” No Compromises. No Reason To. AIULE READY TO WORK WHEN YOU ARE. Kawasaki Let the good times toll Sales • Parts • Service • Accessories SCHAFER MOTOR CO Route 15 • Orange, Virginia 540-672-5555

“Your Race Day Caterer” Fairfield Farm INSPIRED CATERING FOR ALL YOUR LEGENDARY AFFAIRS. 540.364.322i I .lifrAkaroolt. . MAglt»TT RANCH www.marriottranch.com Retreats & Events 540.364.z627 The Inn at Fairfield Farm 540-364-3221 Horseback Riding 540.364.3741 ot* of l.nck to All Competitor*! Ian Milne, longtime huntsman for the Fairfax Hunt, died Jan. 19 after a nineyear battle with cancer. A native of Yorkshire, England, Milne worked for three British hunts before moving to t Canada’s Hamilton Hunt in 1971. He worked as huntsman to the Sedgefield Hunt in North Carolina before coming to Fairfax in 1981. Here, he is pictured at a hound show with friend Gerald Keal of the Old Dominion Hounds. Fairfax Hunt suffers loss of longtime huntsman, friend Ian Milne The Fairfax Hunt Point-to-Point races will be held as usual this year, April 23 at Belmont Plantation near Leesburg. But there will be an overriding sense of sadness at the 2000 renewal. Ian Neil Milne, for 19 years the huntsman for Fairfax, died following a long illness on Jan. 19. The 57-year-old foxhunting veteran regularly acted as head outrider at the hunt’s spring steeplechase, often presenting his wellmannered pack of Crossbred hounds to the crowd between races. Milne was bom in Helmsley, Yorkshire in England. He moved to North America in the early 1970s to act as professional whipper-in to Canada’s Hamilton Hunt. He acted as huntsman for the Sedgefield Hunt in Greensboro, N.C. before moving to Fairfax. While at Fairfax, Milne won many hound show championships for the local pack. He captured the coveted Marlborough Bowl 10 times for the club. He also bred Border Terriers. “Ian saw foxhunting in its proper perspective,” recalled Fairfax Hunt master of foxhounds Randolph Rouse. “He viewed it as way to have a great day in the countryside. Ian was always very serious about his sport, but the main point was to have fun following the hounds. “He was a kind, gentle, warm fellow who was an expert at creating wonderful sport with foxhounds,” Rouse added. “It is a shame that more hunting professionals aren’t more like him.” Rouse said that the hunt’s point-to-point races would be sadder without Milne to lead the post parades. * “Ian will certainly be missed.” Kevin Palmer is now the Fairfax huntsman. He spent two seasons working directly with 4 Milne. “With the guidance Ian gave him, Kevin has been able to pick up the horn and have the hounds work for him, and with him,” Rouse said. Milne is survived by his wife Brenda Varner Milne, a sister in Massachusetts, and two sisters and a brother in England. ^ Memorial contributions may be made to the Masters of Foxhounds Association benefit foundation at Morven Park, P.O. Box 2420, Leesburg, Va. 20177. I

IT'S GOLP CUP TIME! The 75th Running of & World Timber Championship Series Saturday, Ma^^Wfhe Plains, Virginia Call 540-347-1215 for Entertainment Packages and Reserved Parking Call 1-800-69-RACES for Ticket Outlet Information nr www.vaeoldcuo.com Mercedes Benz Sauhcaatliemm Society TOP 20 EVENTS Ticket Prices Subject to Increase Race Week Races to run Rain or Shine Gates Open 10:00 am Pre-Race Entertainment Begins 10:30 am First of Seven Races 1:30 pm Z Sprint Jtumott