Local News: Spring Events
Spring in New Market means that warm weather events are on their way! May sees the opening of the New Market Farmer’s Market, which operates every Friday from 2-6 P.M. This year’s season starts on May 19th, and will last until the weather cools off in October. You can find local produce, baked goods, meat, and more at 277 Old Cross Rd., which is behind the old Wine Cellar building and near 7-11.
The New Market Rebels also begin their baseball season in May. On May 30th, they’ll host a “Meet the Rebels” picnic at 6 P.M. The picnic is held at the Rebel Park Picnic Shelter, and will give fans a chance to interact with players and team staff. The Rebels offer many themed nights and special events throughout the baseball season, so be sure to cheer for our home team.
The Town of New Market’s website has great information about the Farmer’s Market, the Rebels, and more! Visit their page to learn about the New Market Community Pool, the Cross Roads Music Fest, and more spring and summer happenings! You’ll find them at www.newmarketvirginia.com. We hope you enjoy a slice of summer in our town.
Shenandoah Place News
Spring is off to a great start at Shenandoah Place. Though winter was mild here in New Market, there are still certain seasonal pleasures our residents have been looking forward to. They’re excited to get back on the patios and enjoy our outdoor spaces. They’re also looking forward to new plantings and harvests from our garden. When the vegetables reach their peak, we’ll bring them in for residents to taste.
We hope to see many of you this spring, too. Thanks for your continued support of our community. Read on for suggestions about things to do while you’re in New Market, a peek into our recent tea party, and a profile of resident Liz Twombly.
Resident Announcement
Since our last newsletter, we’ve been privileged to welcome four new residents. Please say a warm “Hello” to Hope, Maxine, Liz, and Roxie.
Resident Spotlight: Liz Twombly
In the years before she joined us at Shenandoah Place, Liz Twombly lived in cities near and far. She was born in Fairfax, Virginia, but spent time in Florida, in California, and even just outside Paris, France. Liz traveled alongside her husband, Donald, who was in the US Air Force.
Donald and Liz both grew up in Fairfax, where their families’ lives entwined. She knew his younger brother, while her sisters were familiar with his older brothers. Though Liz was “scared to death” that Donald’s mother wouldn’t like her, she felt “right at home” with his “wonderful” parents. The pair became high school sweethearts, dating for four years before they married.
Liz recalls that Donald was “fun to be with.” He could ease her worries and make her smile. She particularly remembers their wedding day, when she was trembling from nerves. Walking down the aisle with her father helped, but Liz didn’t stop shaking until Donald touched her hand at the alter. “He always had that capability,” she says. “If I was nervous or something – shook up, upset – he could just touch me.”
Soon after their marriage, Donald and Liz moved to France with their first child, who was only six months old. The couple lived 45 miles outside of Paris in a government-owned apartment building that was off-base. Liz met people from many different nationalities and experienced colorful European customs during their three years abroad. She once attended a bullfight (“I cheered for the bull,” she says), and Donald took culinary classes.
After France, the Twomblys moved to California and welcomed their second child. But, their time out West was short-lived. Donald took a position at the Pentagon after six months in California, so the family returned to the Washington, D.C. area. While Donald worked for the Air Force, Liz found work as an executive secretary for Mitre. Though she occasionally switched departments, she remained with the company for more than 20 years. Her work also took her to Florida for 9 years. Donald was retired at that point and able to accompany her.
In Manassas, Liz and Donald had a third child. Their family was complete with two boys and a girl. Donald retired from the Air Force around age 40 and began working for the capitol police. He frequently accompanied congressmen both in the U.S. and abroad. Liz vividly recalls some of his more harrowing adventures. For instance, Donald and his fellow travelers were once put under three-day “house arrest” in a foreign hotel while authorities investigated an unrelated plane crash. He had to scrounge for food, and said that they searched all of his belongings from his suitcase to his toothpaste tube. Back home, Liz read about the incident in the paper without realizing her husband was involved. She remembers being glad she hadn’t known!
Liz likes seeing Donald’s qualities in her children, who all live in Virginia. Steven, who is in nearby Mount Jackson, comes to visit often and is a calming influence in the same way that his father was. Liz also has three grandchildren. One is a lawyer in Florida, one is a photographer in California, and the other resides in Boston. We are glad to have Liz here in New Market and hope you’ll say hello if you see her around Shenandoah Place.
Activity Spotlight: A Classic Tea Party
From the Starbucks drive-thru to electric kettles and Keurig brewers, there are plenty of ways to get a good cup of tea these days. But, in our opinion, it’s hard to beat the ritual of an old-fashioned tea party. Shenandoah Place residents recently enjoyed an afternoon of conversation, snacks, and tea with our Activities Director, the fabulous Melissa Hedrick.
Melissa wore her finest bonnet and read aloud about the etiquette of tea service. Residents chose their favorite variety of tea to sip, and steeped it in water poured from our beautiful teakettle. A plate of tea cookies was the perfect accompaniment.
We had a great turnout for the party. Residents shared lively conversations and plenty of smiles around tables filled with teacups and flowers. While tea parties are lovely in any weather, ours was a beautiful way to welcome spring.
