ALL FAIRFAX READS - The Uncommon Reader - September. 2008

All Fairfax Reads celebrated, and concluded, its fifth successful season in September. The program began in 2004, when county residents were encouraged to read Harper Lee’s forceful novel To Kill a Mockingbird. With the choice of Hosseini’s bestseller The Kite Runner in 2005, the program soared. All Fairfax Reads is a comprehensive effort to promote literature, an initiative spearheaded by the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL). From May through September, every adult in the county is challenged to read and discuss one book, which has been nominated by a committee of enthusiastic, knowledgeable readers. Study guides for the book, library talks, blogs, lectures, films, and demonstrations are components of AFR. The event culminates during The Fall for a Book Festival, a week-long series of lively literary activities at or near George Mason University.

In 2008, Alan Bennett’s novel The Uncommon Reader was chosen for All Fairfax Reads. Bennett is considered one of England’s foremost contemporary playwrights. Since his first play was produced in 1960, he has kept audiences in stitches. “What a brilliant choice!” his many Fairfax fans undoubtedly exclaimed. Others less familiar with his writing might have been put off by the volume’s plain cover, its brevity, and its seemingly prosaic title. But the truth of a couple of old saws becomes quickly apparent; good things do come in small packages, and judging a book by its cover is indeed shortsighted. After the first few paragraphs, the title’s clever pun is revealed. When the Queen’s rowdy Corgis are introduced on the second page of the slender novella, readers are enchanted – and hooked, relishing every turn in the plot and savoring each delicious phrase.

The planning of All Fairfax Reads is managed by the office of Katie Strotman, the FCPL Programming Coordinator. Each year, a book is nominated, and a committee, composed of residents, professors, FCPL personnel and Board members, staff from other County agencies and representatives from the business world, develops program ideas. Strotman and her committee have a realistic, but inspiring goal for the program: “We hope this project gives our citizens a comfortable place to start reading and discussing books with friends and neighbors, and maybe that will lead to continued conversations and a deeper understanding of others and of the community.”

George Mason University’s Theater of the First Amendment (TFA) was a valued participant in All Fairfax Reads. A Celebration of Alan Bennett was offered on Sept. 23 at the Old Town Village Gallery in Fairfax. TFA Managing Director Kevin Murray picked the play Habeas Corpus for this presentation because, he observed, “it struck me as the most accessible and funniest of the plays I read. Much of Bennett’s work is commentary on the political and social life of Britain, and I am not an expert in that area. But I know comedy. It's also refreshing for TFA, which often does serious, thought-provoking work, to have a little fun with this.” And fun they had with Bennett’s mildly risqué, wildly funny farce. The staged reading sparkled. Cast members included Naomi Jacobson, Lynn-Jane Foreman, Frank Robinson, Jr, and Lisa Nanni-Messegee, who have all performed in previous TFA productions. “The City of Fairfax and Fall for the Book both sponsored the event, and we were proud to be part of it,” concluded Murray.

Like book clubs all over Fairfax, the Democratic Women of Clifton’s book club focused on The Uncommon Reader. The group, which is organized by Peggy Azouqha, held its September meeting in Springfield. Leah Johnson, who lives in Little Rocky Run, was the moderator. She began by presenting a brief biography of Alan Bennett, then moving on to questions in the FCPL study guide. Clifton resident Jane Barker commented that everyone at the meeting enjoyed the novella. Captivated by the British humor, they “loved the irony of the title.” The unanticipated ending delighted the participants immensely. Gretchen Klimoski, also of Clifton, found it interesting that such a “small book” could make an extremely important point. “Through her reading, the Queen learned how little she knew of real people and their concerns. Can we make a comparison with the Queen and our political leaders today? Do our elected officials read, and if they do, what is the impact of their reading?” To Klimoski, “this funny little story’s relevance to our choice of leaders today” is significant.

Many activities to enhance our appreciation of The Uncommon Reader were developed by the Fairfax County Public Library. The Web site is easy to use and informative (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/allfxreads/). It contains not only a thought –provoking reading guide, but also Her Majesty’s Reading List, which is impressive. Discussion groups were scheduled at the Oakton and Burke Centre Libraries and the George Mason, Reston, Sherwood and Centreville Regional Libraries. In addition, horticulturist Bruce Nash gave a well-attended lecture and demonstration on The Art of Flower Arranging, UK Style, at Pohick. Helen Mirren’s 2006 Film, The Queen, was screened at the George Mason Regional Library, and British writer Alison Larkin spoke about her recent novel, The English American.

The Uncommon Reader gives us a peek into a world unfamiliar to most of us. While presentng a vision of the insularity of leaders who must depend on their staff for information, it emphasizes the importance of reading widely with style and charm. In describing The Uncommon Reader, Gerald E. Connolly, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, commented astutely: “This year’s book selection is a witty, quick read that speaks to the importance of literacy in an active community. I strongly encourage you to read this book, or any of the previous All Fairfax Reads selections, and discuss them with family, friends and neighbors.” What a ringing endorsement both for the book and for the many activities surrounding it!

HORSE BUSINESS BOOMS IN FAIRFAX

An updated Equine Survey Report was recently published by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in cooperation with the National Agricultural Statistics Services. Detailed questionnaires were sent to horse owners and businesses in 2006, seeking information about their livestock and related expenses. When the first Equine Survey was released in 2001, Virginians owned 170,000 horses, ponies, mules, and donkeys; now we have approximately 215,000, an increase of 26%. They are housed at 41,000 facilities statewide, in contrast with 29,000 in 2001. These equines are valued at $1.65 billion, with an average cost of $7,697. In 2006, 15,600 equines traded hands at a cost of almost $107 million. Based on these sales figures, equines are now Virginia’s sixth most important agricultural product.

Virginia’s Northern District includes Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Loudoun, Culpeper, and nine other counties. Approximately 71,500 equines call this area home. Their value of $813 million dwarfs the value of equines in the other districts. In Fairfax alone, we support 5,800 horses and ponies. Many of them live in Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton, Mason Neck, Great Falls, and Oakton, where farms and backyard barns still flourish. Horses thrive in Fairfax, in part, because they are fostered by strong local organizations and services.

The Clifton Horse Society (CHS), which has more than 300 members, has made invaluable contributions to the community since 1977. Founded by a handful of horse enthusiasts, the group has four aims: recreation, education, service, and social activities. The overriding goal is making sure that horses remain “a part of the future of this area of Virginia, as they have been in the past” (www.cliftonhorsesociety.org). A glance at the CHS calendar reveals a monthly whirlwind of events – hay rides, barbecues, 4th of July parades, and Christmas caroling on horseback in the Town of Clifton. The club also hosts monthly rides throughout Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, arranges seminars and clinics, and helps maintain the trails along the Occoquan Watershed. CHS volunteers work tirelessly on the trails at Hemlock Overlook, Fountainhead Regional Park, Bull Run Regional Park, and Bull Run Marina. Thanks to them, you can walk for miles on the clearly marked trails without losing your way or tripping on underbrush.

During the 2007-08 fiscal year, reports Mary Flowers, a Fairfax Station resident who has been a member since 1988, CHS contributed approximately $6,700 to worthy causes. These included veterinarian hospitals, rescue organizations, publicly-operated equestrian facilities, and therapeutic riding programs. The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center just received a generous donation for its molecular research laboratory, and on May 9, Virginia Tech vet student Leslie Rhodes was awarded a CHS scholarship. The monthly newsletter, The Lead Line, edited by Katie Teitel, provides a wealth of information about equines and responsible horse ownership. To learn more about this hard-working, fun-loving group, visit their Website or send an e-mail to forhorses@cox.net.

The Mason Neck Horse Coalition (MNHC) supports horse and nature lovers in the South County area. Its slogan says it all -- "Horses and the Environment: Compatible Companions!” The group's mission includes preserving open land and conserving natural resources, while emphasizing the rich role of horses in Virginia's history and their contribution to the protection of open spaces. Marilyn Hildebeidel continues as MHNC’s “terrific president,” reports Board member Holly Perlick. She also notes that Brian Purdy “has volunteered countless hours in working with Pohick Bay Regional Park, Gunston Hall Plantation, and Meadowood Special Recreation Area to coordinate work parties and special recreation days for the community. Perlick credits Purdy with developing “close relationships with those three parks, which are extremely horse friendly.”

In 2007-08, the Coalition’s members were amazingly busy. Volunteers mended fences, cleared and marked trails, and built new trails in the local parks. They helped with the Wild Mustang and Burro Adoption Days at Meadowood, rode their horses in Lorton’s 4th of July parade, and sponsored fund raisers for charitable groups. They raised $3000 for Saddle Up for St. Jude, a trail ride which benefits the celebrated children’s research hospital. Turning to the needs of local programs, the MNHC sponsored a trail ride and scavenger hunt in April; at this event, they raised $4500 for Simple Changes, a therapeutic riding group at Meadowood. They also enjoy helping Girl Scouts the coveted horse-related badges. and have a blast introducing their horses to the troops.

Fairfax4Horses (F4H) got its start in 2002, when equestrians became concerned about the loss of land to development. Their unease was spurred by the closing of two large barns, Centreville’s Bay Ridge and the Great Falls Horse Center, within a year of each other. Because many of the lessons at these facilities were offered through Fairfax’s recreational and park programs, F4H President Kevin O’Connor and Vice-President Beverley Dickerson began a campaign to include riding facilities at the new Laurel Hill Park in Lorton. Both the Park Authority and the Park Foundation agreed to work with F4H to develop and help fund the proposed equestrian center. Initial construction will begin this fall when several of the ramshackle buildings and sheds near the prison dairy barn will be torn down. A ring and parking lot are scheduled, and nearby trails will be cleared. This construction will be financed by proffers from developers and funding from a 2004 bond. F4H, lovers of horses, and proponents of land preservation in Fairfax County are grateful to the entire Park Authority Board, especially to Gilbert McCutcheon of the Mt. Vernon District.

The price of a horse is cheap compared with the upkeep. Virginians spent $783 million on their horses in 2006, largely on bedding, feed, capital improvements, and equipment. These categories include shavings, straw, hay, grain, saddles, helmets, fly spray, brushes, buckets, carts, tractors, rakes, fencing, and a myriad other items to keep horse and rider happy and safe. In our area, horse owners probably headed straight to Woodlawn Saddlery on Richmond Highway or to Clifton Saddlery. A beautiful store with exceptional merchandise, Woodlawn was opened in 1986 by Joan and Cindy Mitchell, who also own Woodlawn Stables. To the sadness of its clientele, Woodlawn Saddlery closed on June 30, 2008.

Clifton Saddlery had its own change of hands almost two years ago. This charming shop, located in the heart of picturesque Clifton, was launched by Sue and Gary Clairmonte in 1987. After putting it on the market for a while, the Clairmontes considered closing the business altogether. But to the rescue raced Liz Nuti, who lives two miles down the road in Fairfax Station and owns four horses. As a rider, she felt that “an institution like the Clifton Saddlery” shouldn’t vanish. As an accountant,” she reflected, “I run businesses for others. Why not for myself?” In February, 2007, Liz purchased the Saddlery. Longtime customers are happy to find that the welcoming atmosphere and the excellent service have not changed.

To draw new visitors to Clifton Saddlery, Liz has instituted one or two changes. Last summer, for example, she scheduled a visit from Thumbelina, the world’s tiniest horse. During the weekend of Thumbelina’s appearance, hundreds of fans, vendors, therapeutic riding groups, riding clubs, and community members thronged the town. It was Clifton Day in miniature! In conjunction with the town’s many holiday festivities in December, the Saddlery sponsored a Blessing of the Animals. Hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, cats and dogs were all welcome. In addition to hosting events like these, Liz Nuti is testing the waters – “getting her feet wet locally,” she explains – with a mobile tack shop, which she has taken to horse shows at Frying Pan Park. During the winter, she plans to hold workshops on different aspects of horsemanship. What a great opportunity to get out with your horsy friends when it’s too cold for most of us to ride!

Associations like the Clifton Horse Society, the Mason Neck Horse Coalition, and Fairfax4Horses and stores like the Clifton Saddlery are outstanding community resources. They are major factors in the growth of our horse industry. Riding is a life-long skill, not a sport you put aside like basketball or soccer when you grow up. Owning horses is a way of life, “a passion,” explains CHS president Jean Voss, which Fairfax County residents are fortunate to indulge.