January
As is the tradition, on the cover, was an excellent review of where we have been in 2016! As we began the New Year we wanted readers to take a moment to look back, so we’d pulled together the best from 2016 and put them all in one place. We wished everyone a new year that’s quite simply the best. Key parts of each month’s issue for 2016 were summarized with the highlights to bring it all back to the time or place that has gone too soon or perhaps not soon enough. Most importantly, we took the journey together, as Keswickians.
As Keswickians, we celebrated the life of Hugh Motley, with special contributor Leonard Shapiro writing of the man who loved life, and in turn was loved by so many, truly a character with great spirit right to the very end. The article featured comments and thoughts from many beloved friends and family members that gave a unique insight into this local hero. Shapiro reminded us that, “Yes, he loved horse racing. Most of all, he loved Winkie, his beloved wife of 40 years, and his daughter, Sheila, the gorgeous and multi-talented mom of his precious grandson, Collins. He loved his friends; he loved his family, he loved a party, riding in the hunt, driving an open-top convertible, making birdies and reading a good book, usually with a cold Budweiser nearby.”
Sporting Life, we took a trip with Sandy Rives, Keswick local and special contributor, with Keswickian Hugh Motley of more than 25 years ago, and hundreds of foxhunts since then, but they remember it like it was yesterday. Barclay Rives, Bruce Eckert, Hugh Motley and Sandy Rives loaded up in Hugh Motley’s Imperatore box Horse Van and hit the road!
Life Happens, Mary Morony opened her monthly column with the thought that “there isn’t a man or woman alive today who doesn’t feel the angst of a world operating with little virtue.” We joined the conversation and jotted down our thoughts.
Travel regular columnist, Joe Sheilds took us on a traveling tale to Mossy Creek, near Bridgewater, for some brown trout fishing. But as is often the case the trip takes on a turn in another direction – where life, learning and talking to cows all cross paths with rod and reel.
February
It’s February, Punxsutawney Phil, the Pennsylvania groundhog renowned for his ability to forecast the onset of spring did not see his shadow after emerging from his burrow on that fateful Tuesday morning, predicting an early spring. Phil’s prediction came at about 7:25 a.m. and was met with cheers from a crowd of thousands who participated under a clear sky and 21-degree Fahrenheit (-6.1 Celsius) temperatures in the folk tradition that have been embraced by winter-weary Americans for more than a century. According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow on Groundhog Day, February 2, the cold weather will not loosen its grip on North America for six weeks. But if the morning is cloudy, and no shadow appears, spring-like weather is supposedly around the corner.
We nestled up next to a cozy fire, grabbed our copy of Keswick Life and filled up with the warmth of the latest issue, packed with the practical, hysterical, informative and of course, the ‘Overheard’. When we dug out, we reported in and told it to Keswick Life.
Life Happens, Mary Morony’s column, says who needs an unreliable groundhog or a top hat sporting member of the Ground Hog Club to foretell the coming of an early spring? Mary Morony sits you down at the kitchen table with her warm and authentic writing style, captures your attention with this funny, witty and telling the tale of change ahead!
Keswickian, Mary Jane Timmerman takes us to a gathering of Keswickians at their Farm, Round Hill, in honor of The Wildlife Center of Virginia and its past and present donors. We all know what a natural treasure Central Virginia is, for us and for the native species that share their habitat with us. Get the details on this particular night of honor and awareness – get involved!
Keswick Scene, see all the goings on in Keswick and the environs with this month’s photo journals on the Keswick Scene – we visited the 2016 Keswick Hunt Ball, the hunt at Mt. Sharon in Horsin Around plus the Keswick Hunt Club’s annual Beer and Bingo night with winner Larry Tharpe! If you see something happening, be sure to write in and tell Keswick Life!
March
The cover, Spring Has Sprung, each spring visitors are welcomed to over 250 of Virginia’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historical landmarks during “America’s Largest Open House.”
This 8-day statewide event provides visitors a unique opportunity to see unforgettable gardens at the peak of Virginia’s springtime color, as well as beautiful houses sparkling with over 2,000 flower arrangements created by Garden Club of Virginia members. Get all the details for tours in our area by reading our comprehensive guide to the Garden Week!
Only in Keswick, Tony Vanderwarker takes us on a humorous tale of life in Keswick “according to Tony” – Can Westminster Canterbury Be That Far Away? Growing old isn’t for sissies!
On Stage, the Dave Matthews Band turns 25! On May 11, 1991, the Dave Matthews Band played its first official gig at a warehouse on South Street in downtown Charlottesville. On May 7, the band, which has sold more than 30 million records worldwide in the quarter-century since that first show, will celebrate its silver anniversary in a much larger venue just a few miles away – read all about it in Keswick Life’s On Stage column.
Community, the University of Virginia and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello will present their highest honors, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medals in Architecture, Law, Citizen Leadership, and Global Innovation during their joint Founder’s Day activities. Read all about it in Keswick Life’s Community section.
Mary Morony’s March column opens with “Spring is positively ripe with metaphor and more so than ever this election year. I write this in an attempt to sort out my feelings on the political season while delving into spring’s metaphors. I always look forward to spring—likely the season I anticipate most.” Read her unique and warm outlook on her life in “Life Happens.” Join Mary in the journey!
April
On the cover, It’s Showtime, the 112th Annual Keswick Horse is coming to town. Get Out and enjoy the competition at the historic showgrounds in Keswick and remember the Keswick Horse Show food stand will be serving their fabulous food- breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Get the details of the big event, get out and enjoy and be sure to tell it to Keswick Life!
Keswick Scene, the 82nd Annual Garden Club of Virginia Daffodil Show was on March 30th and March 31st held at the Hampton Roads Convention Center and hosted by the Huntington Garden Club – the results are in along with those from the Keswick Flower Show held at Grace Church, Keswick, Va.
What’s Cooking, Sam Johnson is no stranger to keeping it cool under pressure. He works hunt club events, caters with the best in Charlottesville and pours over the details of elegant Palm Beach weddings all keeping his cool and with a big warm smile. We suspect the culinary interests are inspired by his Mother; Sam has always learned from the best – here is his go to Salmon dish!
Bookworm, mornings are still a bit chilly so it is the perfect time to curl up in bed on my days off with a cup of tea and a few good books to start the day – says Suzanne Nash our book reviewer. Don’t miss her great reads and tips to keep your appetite high for great books!
Featured Property, Old Manse was built in 1868 by Reverend Dr. Isaac W. K. Handy in his role as Pastor of Orange Presbyterian Church. Of frame construction over a brick foundation capped with a standing seam metal roof, this is a lovely center hall colonial situated on 46 acres inside the town boundaries. Get all the details in our Featured Property section this month!
May
On the cover, Beyond the Gates, the Insiders Guide to the Grace Church Historic Farm Tour! Grace Church Celebrates Seventh Annual “beyond the gates” Farm Tour and Country Fair, Saturday, June 11, 2016, What’s better than a day in the country exploring some of Virginia’s fabulous historic farms? On Saturday, June 11, 2016, visitors are invited “beyond the gates” here they may view the lands and agrarian lifestyles known to some of the nation’s founders and alike! We received a railside preview of Keswick’s Grace Church Farm Tour! Keswick Life’s coverage is the only resource you will need to get all the information you need before you go!
Life Happens, regular columnist Mary Morony shared updates with her devoted readers on the status of Hagar, the Great Dane, on his road to recovery after Wobblers and Cruciate Degeneration Disorder.
Keswickian, Fritz Kundrun running the London Marathon to raise awareness for Brooke USA. Photo courtesy of the London Marathon – the full story in Keswick Scene!
What’s Cooking, Ann Coles and Norma Ballheim give us a taste of what’s inside the Keswick Garden Club’s 2016 cookbook – take a look and buy a copy!
Community, Summer Camp Guide 2016 in the Keswick area is ready to kick off! It is not too late to get in on the action and give the kiddos something fun and enriching to do for a few hours while you run around town!
June
On the Cover, Two Blind Brothers – One Bold Vision, Keswick ‘sons’ and UVA grads Bradford and Bryan Manning have launched a company with a charitable aim: curing the disease that is robbing them of their sight. We’re very excited about the potential for growth and impact of Two Blind Brothers,” added co-founder Bryan Manning. “We’ve received an outpouring of support from social media and are striving to create a community around the fight for a cure. We have 50,000 hits and counting on a video we recently released on Facebook and have already sold out of popular styles. We’re happy to be producing in New York, creating ethical luxury products that look and feel great.”
Keswick Scene, Farm Tour 2016 – the stage is set, and guests started to arrive, feather banners naming the sponsors billowed in the breeze as cars pulled into the circle at Airslie for valet parking. The night was electric, no really a massive storm was being predicted, and our hope was just to get all those arriving safe inside. Get all the details of the kickoff party, the big day, and the many thank yous to volunteers and sponsors alike!
What’s Cooking, Arnold and Ernest, on the Keswick scene, after sitting down with these two gentlemen it is obvious to see their passion for not only the drinks they create but the people they create them for. They can do it some ways, as the saying goes – straight up, neat on the rocks or if you’re flexible with a twist!
July
On the cover, Butcher, Chef and Partisan! Nate Anda takes his meat seriously: a combination of classic culinary training, immersion in the art of charcuterie, and an unshakable commitment to the tradition of butchery has shaped every aspect of his work. Read the story of this local son in Keswick Life!
Horsin’ Around, has all the details on our local Keswickians headed to the Olympics, the US Saddle Seat World Cup results, Fitch’s Corner event and so much more! Get all the details of the events, results, and hopes and dreams realized!
Keswickian Ashley Sieg Williams and Chef Brice Cunningham have joined forces to launch Absolute Cuisine, an upscale catering company that is ready to wow you and your guests with innovative, Michelin Star-worthy dishes. Get all the details in this month’s ‘What’s Cooking”, plan a party and tell all about it in Keswick Life!
Bookwork, so if you are in the mood for literary indulgence take a trip to the library and grab a selection of titles to tempt you into some late night reading – Suzanne Nash brings us through some great books for those end of the summer moments!
Life Happens, Mary Morony, a favorite and regular columnist at Keswick Life, with a new book out and touring – still takes the times to write for us! She tempts us in a ‘make a wish’ piece that is sure to entertain!
Weddings, Christopher Dammann, son of Ralph and Charlotte Dammann of Keswick and Mia Magruder daughter of Mark and Ella Magruder tie the knot!
August
On the cover, Retail Revival – the shops at 205 Main Street in Gordonsville!
A new door opened in Gordonsville and beyond lies a treasure-house full of imagination, experience, and magic! European antiques, stuffed toy animals, ladies’ beautiful accessories, Belgium crystal, French chandeliers and a Kangaroo Rocker are certain to capture your attention.
Horsin’ Around has all the details on over 100 horses and riders that came from throughout central Virginia to participate in an old-fashioned summer horse show at the historic Keswick hunt club show grounds.
What’s Cooking, Rick O’Connell, chef, and proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington will be a keynote speaker for the exciting preview event for the Heritage Harvest Festival which is hosted at the Paramount Theater – read all about the event right here in Keswick Life!
On Exhibit, the National Sporting Library & Museum presents ‘The Chronicle of the Horse in Art’ – a major exhibition that gathers a sampling of forty-six American, British, and Continental oil paintings, watercolors, and sculptures. The exhibit highlights a variety of material that was placed in front of readers, on the covers of the Chronicle of the Horse, a national equestrian magazine, for almost seventy years.
Life, Make It Happen, Morony changes up the column with a revised name and theme – Life, Make It Happen!, Make A Wish. Take A Chance. Make A Change.
September
On the cover, Keswickian, Tony Vanderwarker has just released his new book. The title, “I’m Not From the South But I Got Down Here As Fast As I Could – How a Connecticut Yankee Learned To Love Grits and Fried Green Tomatoes And Lived To Tell About It.” Keswick Life’s Colin Dougherty caught up with Tony to get an inside look at the author, his writing process, the new book and life in general. Tony has published three books, Writing With the Master, Sleeping Dogs, and Ads For God. He has four grown children and now lives on a farm in Keswick with his wife, four dogs, a horse and a Sicilian donkey named Jethro.
Horsin’ Around has all the details on the handlers, owners, and breeders that showcased their top hunter prospects this past week at the 2016 Sallie B. Wheeler/US Hunter Breeding National Championship. Get all the details on the winners and the competition in Keswick Life’s Horsin’ Around.
Life, Make It Happen columnist Mary Morony writes from a modified column title this month with here latest work titled Laughing at Fears and Uncertainty. She begins with reminding us “there is an extreme amount of uncertainty for us to fear currently. There’s the presidential election, enough said. There’s also climate change, international, economic and political uncertainty all around us.” Put your fears aside and read on, Mary will ‘make it happen”.
Business Insider, takes us to Mason Insurance which turns 125 this year – the company’s history surrounds them daily—pictures of their ancestors who worked at the same company adorn the walls. A photo of Mason as a child hangs in his office. In it, there’s a telegram telling his mother that a desk had already been picked out for the youngest family member.
On Exhibit, masterworks from one of the world’s great private libraries devoted to the plant world, Redouté to Warhol: Bunny Mellon’s Botanical Art will be on view at the LuEsther Mertz Library at The New York Botanical Garden beginning October 8, 2016.
October
On the cover, Foxhunting Etiquette – Traditions That Harken Back Hundreds of Years to the Very Beginning of Foxhunting. This year 2016/17 being the 120th season of the Keswick Hunt Club, we often need to refresh the traditions and etiquette of this age old sport. Foxhunting is meant to be a fun sport, after all, most fox hunters have risen early, cleaned a horse, tack, clothes, etc. shipped to the meet and then are expecting a fun morning in the sport. Our Editor, Winkie Motley, takes us on a refresher of traditions that matter for hundreds of years, since the very beginning – with thanks to Norman Fine’s “Foxhunting Life.”
Horsin’ Around, has all the details on Stellar Wind, a chestnut filly with a white blaze bred in Virginia by Keswick Stables & Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings. Read all about it in Keswick Life!
Community, our Editor, Winkie Motley, reached out to follow up on an invitation to an event held in support of the Town of Gordonsville. Lauren Bauk, of PBM Capital Group in Charlottesville, filled us in on the goings-on in the Town, a possible new use for some vacant buildings and a new program at the University of Virginia.
Bookworm, Suzanne Nash sits in retreat, writing her reviews on a porch in beautiful Orkney Springs, enjoying the smell of wood burning in the fireplace and the company of good friends.
Travel, Charles Thacher, a first-time contributor, enjoys fishing in two ponds on his property and on surrounding farms. Catching a large bass or catfish, or even a good brim, on a fly rod is exciting. But, the allure of traveling to far-flung locations to experience the joys of fly fishing while immersed in an entirely different culture continues to be addictive – get set for a tale in Bhutan as Charlie takes you on an incredible journey.
November
On the cover, Virginia Field Hunter Championship. Shortly after World War II, a group of Virginia Foxhunters wanted to hold a hunter trial for horses that had been hunted regularly for the past hunting season from each hunt within the State of Virginia. The masters from each hunt were to nominate two horses to represent their hunt in a class which they called the Virginia Field Hunter Championship. Get some of the history and the story of this year’s winner, our very own Will Coleman, Sr.
Keswick Scene, the 82nd running of the Montpelier Hunt Races, an annual celebration of steeplechase racing and Virginia Piedmont hospitality, was held on Saturday, November 5, at James Madison’s Montpelier. Keswick Life has covered it, and the photo journal takes you right there!
Travel, Joe Shields is back and brings us to Peanut Island! The Island, created in 1918 with excavation debris from the construction of the Palm Beach Inlet. It was formerly called Inlet Island, but the name changed after plans were made to use the island for a peanut-shipping operation. The venture never happened, but the name stuck.
Weddings, Keswickian Katie Manning, tied the knot with Chris Henry on September 17 in Keswick, Virginia, at Grace Episcopal Church. Get all the details of the celebration with Friends and family gathered in the property’s restored 1903 cattle barn – don’t miss this story full of surprises and special touches, congratulations!
Photo Journal, George Payne, a frequent contributor, with an amazing eye and ability to get the shot!
December
Seems like just yesterday, but five years ago, Keswickians shared their intimate Christmas thoughts, decorations, gift giving and traditions with Keswick Life. Have a merry and the happiest for the New Year from Keswick Life!
Keswick Scene, the photos are in – check out Keswickians as they celebrate this glorious time of the year at various events in and around Keswick. Get out and celebrate or lift someone’s spirits with a Christmas visit filled with cheer – and be sure to tell it to Keswick Life!
Bookworm, Suzanne Nash gives us multiple good books to light your way in the New Year! She goes local, with Keswick’s very own Fred Shackelford upon the release of his new novel The Ticket. It’s a great way to start your year off right. Catch Suzanne’s review on page 18 and write into Keswick Life with your letters and comments!
Life, Make It Happen columnist Mary Morony’s latest, Forgiveness Starts With Me, recounts an experience last month where she learned where forgiveness must originate for it to be real. A lesson with this much value requires sharing. Giving yourself a break, besides making a lot of sense has benefits galore. So, grab a cup of tea, a cozy blanket and warm up with Mary and be sure to take some time to reflect and comment!
Travel, Charlie Thacher takes us to Tasmania! He recounts his travel there, the scenery and the wildlife. For the intrepid angler, he speaks of hundreds of rivers that are virtually unfished, where those eight-pound monsters could be lurking. Oh, and one might encounter a deadly snake, a platypus or even the devil. Get all the details of their family adventure here in Keswick Life!