Recipe Roundup!

Still looking for something sweet to eat on Christmas morning?  Want to "WOW" your guests with a tasty side dish or dessert for your holiday gathering?  Hoping to try out some new cookie recipes this year or bring a little bit of Capon to your holiday table?  Well, we’ve got you covered!  In the spirit of the season we thought we'd share some of Capon's popular recipes...  HAPPY HOLIDAYS from all of us at Capon!

Since winter weather hasn't yet made an appearance...
here's a pic of a snowfall from last winter to get you in the holiday spirit!

2015 Season Recreation Highlights

By:  Jonathan Bellingham, Recreation Manager and 3rd Generation Family Member

Glenn Austin calling BINGO

Every summer part of the Capon experience includes spirited contests for guests looking for both sporting and puzzle-solving fun. This past June, July and August, we had a few modifications and additions to the regular recreation mix. Not surprisingly, any change provided much fodder for front porch chatter.  One notable addition was my rec assistant for the season, Kyra Kenney.  Kyra served as the first full-time female recreation helper, following in her father's footsteps from when he was rec assistant at Capon almost 30 years ago.  At the other end of the spectrum, 3rd generation Capon family member Glenn Austin used 2015 as his "farewell tour".  He is set to retire at the beginning of the 2016 season.  Most guests encountered "Mr. G" either at the first tee on the golf course or as the regular Wednesday and Sunday night Bingo caller. It will be hard to replace his experience, calm demeanor and gentle humor.

Besides all the usual antics and anecdotes, here are some of my top recreation highlights from 2015:

REROUTED RUNNERS:

After 28 years running the same route, the 2015 Capon One Mile Race followed a somewhat simpler and safer course.  With less downhill racing, times posted 20-40 seconds slower overall than previous years. Still... just as many participants came out for this fun run.

Race participant Bryan Wolf cools off with some refreshing Capon Water

Fastest times for 2015:

Male: Austin Riddaugh 5:37 August 18th

Female: Eliza Hoover* 6:10  July 21st

*This 11 year old competitor left Capon at the end of her week and participated in National Junior Track & Field Championships!

THE CAPON WATER CURE REVEALED:

The 2015 edition of Caponchase Adventure (a code-cracking treasure hunt) returned to its roots both literally and figuratively.  Besides focusing on the 250th anniversary of the discovery of the famous spring, its style, format and difficulty harkened back to the first series 8 years ago.  While this challenging puzzling quest meant very few teams solved it completely, all three of the final summer weeks had one team with perfect results:

1st August week: Donna & Katie Katterman, Courtney & Leah Golden
2nd August week: Cathy Fisher, James & Brooke Steele, Chris Fox, Kendal Marking
3rd August week*: Bailey Ham, Emily Ferdon, Will Ervin, Sallie Permar, Fiona Gannon
*This last summer week had the fastest completion time of 2 hrs 37 minutes.

DISC GOLF FUN:

The New Disc (Frisbee) Golf course enjoyed instant popularity with a doubles "best throw" tourney.   During the grand opening May 29-31, twin brothers Kit & Tim Ravenscroft set the best mark of 8 under par with a score of 19.  In mid July, father/son duo Colin & Connor Callaghan tied that record.  In the last tourney of the season, David Miller scored the first "ACE", with a hole in one throw off the first tee with an excited crowd celebrating this amazing achievement.  Later in the October, Rob Tombes scored the second documented 1-throw, this time on hole number two.  Who will get the next one in the 3rd?

PICKLE-WHAT?

Capon managers Tom Austin and Jonathan Bellingham try their hand at pickleball.

The most unheard of sport in 2015 was Pickleball.  With an unusual name and unfamiliar format, this doubles wooden paddle/wiffle ball activity was slow to catch on.  While only a few summer regulars climbed the hill to the upper all-weather court to try this cross between badminton, tennis and ping pong, fall guests enjoyed the indoor version set up in the Meeting House for rainy day fun.   James Fischer & Leah Wingeart of Henderson, NV especially enjoyed this fast-paced volleying sport.

A BINGO PROPOSAL

Besides the usual fabulous prizes given away at Bingo, on August 19th, Gabrielle Dowell took home the most treasured.  Her boyfriend Kenny Flynn had arranged to have a diamond ring placed in the surprise box and for Gabby to be the lucky winner.  Then, in front of 250 of Gabby's closest family and friends, Kenny pulled out the treasure, got down on one knee and proposed.  Not a dry eye remained in the Meeting House after this creative demonstration of love.

WHAT'S COMING NEXT IN 2016?

Stay tuned for some more exciting additions to the recreation fun next year.....

Capon Water: History of Healing Continues

By: Jonathan Bellingham, 3rd Generation Family Member and Manager

The Spring House as it is today

“If you use your imagination, you can picture Capon water flowing into the creek, which flows into the Capon River, which flows into the Potomac, which flows into the Atlantic.  In that sense, Capon water really is everywhere!”  

I have shared that observation during the Spring House tour every Saturday of the Capon season over the last 25+ years without giving much thought to the mystery of the water itself and how those of us who have benefited from it over the years are connected. With 2015 being the 250th anniversary of its discovery, now seems like as good a time as any to contemplate its significance through the American experience-- past, present and future.

Capon Water flowing from one of Capon's many drinking fountains

So I wonder, when Henry Frye (the first known European to discover the Spring) filled his thirst in 1765 after a day of hunting bear, did he have any idea one day it would be a watering hole of presidents and military leaders or part of the debt to settle a war between a country that hadn’t even formed yet?  Could he have ever considered that two American Olympic Teams would drink Capon Water exclusively?  Or, that someone like me would someday be enjoying my morning pool dips, post run hydrations or relaxing hot soaks at the Spa?

Soaking Bath at Capon's Hygeia Bath House & Spa

Certainly from personal experience he might have been able to envision it becoming a prescribed medicine; after all, his wife was restored to health after she consumed it. Though he did not have the means to do it at the time, it would not have been that far-fetched to dream that 150 years after they first sipped Capon water, it would be prized as a bottled product delivered to home and office.

Ad for Capon Springs Water from 1924 and 1928

I certainly am amazed how our own family entered the story when our grandfather got into the water distribution business in 1928, which led to the purchase of the spring and eventually resurrecting the resort.  After his failed efforts to make a go of the bottling business, the water eventually became the life-blood of the resort.  Now many come to fill up their containers so they can continue Henry Frye’s efforts to maintain good health for their families.  And guests still tell us stories of how the water has restored them to a better quality of living.  My own experience supports their testimony.

Water bottle filling station in the Main House vestibule

And when I think about the hydrologic cycle itself, I realize that those of us who partake of this precious liquid are tied both to our predecessors and our descendants in a very concrete way.  For in the process of the water flowing, past meets present and future.  Consider for a moment that the spring water coming to the surface now first came down as rain many decades ago.  So whether we drink, soak or bathe with it, we could be experiencing the same water that our grandparents watched come down on a lazy September afternoon back in the 1940s when they were our age.  Likewise, the thundershower that got us wet recently is the same substance our great grandkids could be splashing about in the kiddie pool someday down the road.  And there is great comfort in just the contemplation of that connection.

Thus, the water's healing power continues from generation to generation...  drink up!

Fall Update from Eddie

By:  Eddie Brill, 3rd Generation Family Member and Manager

Dear Capon Friends,

Here we are a few days after Labor Day weekend, a wonderful summer behind us, and the fall colors looking us in the face. The unseasonably cool temperatures, especially at night, and lower humidity during the day made for great weather days at Capon this summer.  It was great seeing so many familiar faces enjoying that great summer weather.

This season is ending up to be the most numbers of people ever visiting in one year, averaging 220 people a day for 70 days straight since.   We got to see people that we haven't seen for a few years as well as many new faces that came through our front door.  It is great to see so many families meet here from all over the country and just enjoy the outdoors, being together, porch sitting, or enjoying a homemade meal together.  In the hustle bustle of day to day life it is a rarity to see people taking time to just enjoy each other's company.

Eddie, age 2

Ginny and I have some great news to share with you.  Some of you may have heard already over the summer when you arrived for your time with us here at Capon Springs: Our daughter, Megan and her husband Brian are expecting their first child, a son and our first grandchild!  They are expecting him to arrive in about 8 weeks which will be around the time Capon will be closing for the season.  It has been a long time since we had a little one in our household, needless to say we will get our baby fix right away and then all winter long.  I didn't tell them but I have been ready to be a grandfather for awhile now and can't wait until his arrival.

The baby's Uncle Sam, "Farmer Sam", has increased the size of his cattle herd, Scottish Highland cows, from four to seven.  The anticipated arrival of 3 baby calves this spring was a welcomed sight on the scenic Hilltop property by the second fishing pond.  Sam has also been busy with his lady friends, 200 red sexlink laying hens that lay brown eggs, supplying Capon with about half of the amount of eggs needed to serve those high guest counts during the summer with brown eggs for poached and fried eggs  for breakfast.  The mobile chicken house Sam built has made a wonderful home for those ladies where they can go outside to roam and scratch for food on the ground and come inside when weather is bad when they want.  His 15 piglets purchased in June for kids to feed left over bread and rolls to at Hog Heaven, are doing well and getting big and fat.  Sam's friendly sidekick - loveable 100 pound dog, (a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix), Leonard will greet anyone he comes in contact with.  He will definitely give you a lick on the face if you want him to.  Sam could show you some of the tricks he has taught him if you ask about it.

Ginny and I plan to go on a trip out west at the end of November with my brother and his wife and then to the beach sometime in February for our summer in the winter beach trip.  We hope this update finds all of you doing well and we are still open for another two months so we may still see some of you before we have to close for the winter.  We wish all of you a colorful fall! 

Take care,

Eddie

Guest Blog Post: Family Time at Capon

We are bringing you a guest blog post today from long-time guest, Paige Wolf.  Paige writes about some of her favorite memories shared with family and friends and what makes Capon so special to her.  Take it away, Paige!

"Capon has been part of my life since 1972 when my parents wanted to find a place to take their 2 year old and golf. They found the perfect fit in Capon Springs and I haven’t missed a year since. As a young child, I have fond memories of playing on the playground, swimming in the pool, and eating lots of ice cream. 

As my family settled into “our week” in 1980, we developed close friendships with other Capon guests.  It has been truly wonderful to see my children repeat the cycle with their Capon friends.  As these pictures may capture, the technology-free activities (e.g., ping pong, hiking, shuffleboard) create authentic moments and connections among people of all ages.   

While there is a lot of downtime for spontaneous fun, there is so much to do that I created a schedule so that I was sure to get everything in!

	Before Breakfast	Morning	Afternoon	Night
Sun			Golf	Socialize on Porch
Mon	Tennis	Golf	Golf w/ kids; Pool	Dinner on the Hill; Kid’s Softball; Hayride
Tues	Tennis/ Walk	Golf Tourney	Frisbee Golf; Relax; Mile Race	Fishing; Live Music
Wed	Walk/ Exercise Room	Tennis Tourney	Father/ Son Golf Tourney; Massages	Family Bath Night; BINGO
Thurs	Walk/ Exercise Room	Kid’s Shuffleboard; White Cliff or Golf	Golf; Ping Pong Tourney	Dinner on the Hill; Adult Softball
Fri	Sleep in	Golf Tourney	Badminton Tourney; Free Throw Contest	Shuffleboard playing/watching; Patio Dancing
Sat	Walk/ Exercise Room	Hike to Eagle Rock	Golf	Adult Shuffleboard Tourney; Bonfire

As you can see, you can be quite busy at Capon. But you can also take time to catch up on sleep, read, or chat with others. As I’ve gotten older, I find the simple peacefulness of Capon and the mountain air of West Virginia is truly restorative both physically and mentally. And, best of all, you don’t have to cook!"

What are some of YOUR favorite things to do as a family at Capon?  What makes Capon special to YOU?

Capon Art Workshop Leaves Lasting Impression

By: Capon guest Bill Beckler, NY, NY who has been a regular visitor since early childhood

Like many kids who grew up coming to Capon, our family made the annual trip each summer. In our case, living in Florida, that meant a 1000 miles trek. While I loved those regular family outings and have continued with my own kids, I had no idea watercolor painting at Capon would change my life. In fact, I had no idea they even had watercolor painting at Capon.

My only intention on that particular trip was to have Janna, the girl who swept me off my feet, to pass "the Capon test". It just so happened to coincide with the annual watercolor workshop with master artist, Fran Call. Honestly, I was embarrassed by what I considered my artistic handicap, but Janna had an interest in water color and I was in love, so we tried it. At first, when we walked in and I saw the teacher's watercolor masterpieces displayed around the room, I wanted to run out. Then I saw there were a few kids in the class who were as eager as Janna, and I bucked up for the challenge. In fact the teacher was great for all levels of painting. She covered the basics in a way that was entertaining for the old pros, and she covered advanced techniques in a way that was useful to a total newbie like me. When we finished anything she helped us feel like the next Picasso. Janna and I were in love and painting together in one of earth's great paradises was the height of happiness.

We got married a month later. We brought a set of watercolors paints and papers on our honeymoon to Croatia and painted the sunset together from our rocky island in the Adriatic Sea. Since then we have traveled the world, living in four countries and having three kids, and in each home we have hung on our walls our watercolor clovers from Capon Springs and sunsets from Croatia. Now I'm not saying that same experience is going to happen for you if you come to Fran's program this year.... but I'm not saying it won't!

Fran Call returns in 2015 for her 20th year: May 31- June 3; Sept. 27-Oct 1. Come be inspired by her wit and whimsy as she adds a 4th day of instruction to her popular program. All abilities welcome. You are encouraged to bring your own supplies or buy them during the workshop. Bonus: On the last evening, have other guests admire your work at the popular Artist Show as everyone enjoys live music from a local dynamic duet.

Pool Dipping Done Right!

By:  Jonathan Bellingham, 3rd Generation Capon Family Member

Generations of Capon guests have debated the proper method for entering and enjoying the fresh spring water in Capon’s historic pool. While I don’t intend to provide the definitive ruling on “THE” best way, I would like to share my 30 years of near daily dawn dips. While this provided me with plenty of experience to test what works, there are many of you who have joined me who can certainly testify to the results.

To my way of thinking, an understanding of the Capon pool experience begins with an appreciation for its history. This year marks the 250th anniversary of Henry Frye’s “discovering” and subsequent sharing of the spring that set in motion our ability to enjoy it today. Although guests could enjoy the soaking in the Bath Pavilion in the 1850s, it wasn’t until the 1880 season that the pool was completed. Back then, guests had to pay 25 cents to enter what was billed as “the largest mineral pool in the United States”. A 1890s brochure quoted one bather: “A plunge in it has all the stimulating, exhilarating effects of champagne, without the evil effects of that fascinating beverage.” When our grandparents bought the property in 1932, they resurfaced the pool with concrete. As it was patched over the years, members of the Austin family, co-workers and friends started the tradition of etching their initials in the bottom. The kiddie pools were added in the mid to late 1930s. So a part of his daily ritual, our grandfather’s early morning trips to the pool continued up to a week before his passing in 1976.

Swimmers gathered around the Capon pool in 1900

Listen to any conversation about the Capon pool and you will first here mention of its most obvious property- its temperature.  Geologically classified as a warm spring, its 65 degree temperature as it reaches the surface is either described as “refreshing” or “freezing” depending on your constitution.  Here in lies the critical factor which determines the degree of effort guests put into whether the pool is a cherished or avoided part of their Capon stay.   And while 65 might be the starting figure, during the season it can fluctuate as much as 20 degrees depending on the air temperature.   If fact, when the sundeck was built in the early 1990s, the removing of trees had the unintended effect of increasing the average temperature of the pool. (So it has been “heated” over the years!)

All this explanation provides insight into the method behind the madness of this quirky ritual.  For you see, it is only by taking advantage of this lower than normal aquatic condition, that one can receive the full benefit of its restorative effects.  So, patient reader, here is my prescriptive formula for maximum success:

     Take a really hot shower- at least 5 minutes 
            (To open pores and bring body temperature up)

       Dive or jump right in, no gradual process
            (To close pores rapidly to excrete toxins from skin)

       Swim and move about for at least 3-5 minutes
            (To keep blood flowing and body temp up)

       Hang out as long as you can- meditate, visit with family and friends
            (To ease the mind and socialize)

       Get a back massage in the spray
            (To relax neck, shoulders and lower back)

       Take one last underwater plunge
            (To see pure spring water with no chemicals to the eyes)

       Repeat as often as necessary
            (Once is usually enough, but up to three may be warranted)

       Optional finish with hot shower
            (In spring and fall when outside air keeps body temp low)

So what are the benefits of this pool dipping drama?

           Cleans your skin letting it feel smooth and soft

           Soothes sore muscles like a gentle massage

           Restores energy and vigor to face the day with confidence and courage

          Awe from your family and friends who have yet to understand its power

For me personally, my pool dipping experiences have provided a connection with both my immediate ancestors and the history of healing that predates our family.  It has aided in the recovery of any number of running related ailments and just as importantly served as a “reboot button” to my overall operating system.  To all of you who all ready know of what I speak, I say: “Polar bears rule!”  To all those yet to be converted, I say: “A whole new world of body, mind and spirit healing awaits.  So dive right in!”

That is all,
Jonathan
3rd Generation Capon Family Member
Marketing and Recreation Manager

2015 Housecleaning Has Begun!

This St. Patrick’s Day, while most people were putting on their green, over 30 Capon co-workers were putting on their clean!  This year’s start for the annual top to bottom scrub down began at 7:30 am March 17^th, thirty days before the first guests walk through the door.  (Although the official Capon calendar shows April 30^th as “opening day”, the Wilkinson/Eastlick families will arrive 4/17 for an exclusive use wedding weekend.)

Third generation family member Ginny Brill, who took over food service department last year after the retirement of Carolyn Budnyk, started the morning off by welcoming everyone back and thanking them for their support during this time of transition. Next, to prepare the cleaners for what they would encounter in the buildings, Maintenance Supervisor Bub Brill highlighted a list of fixes, repairs and upgrades they have been working on over the winter.

Maintenance Supervisor, Bub Brill, addresses the group.

Before the cleaning crews can come into the buildings to clean, the water (which was drained from all the pipes in the fall) has to be turned back on to the buildings.  The maintenance workers go around and open up all the water valves, checking for leaks and broken pipes.  Then every room is checked for heat and hot water to make sure all are working properly.  Bub remarked, “There were so many catch up projects like the water line leaks and so on and so forth, that I would have taken up their first day of cleaning if I had to list them all.”  In fact, it took a little more than four days just to get all the water lines open and running properly.  This includes over 225 sinks, 200 toilets and 180 shower/tubs.  (Four days may seem like a long time, but due to maintenance upgrades the last few years, this process now only takes 4-5 days when it used to take 10-12.  Its one reason we have been able to open earlier and stay open longer!)

A new 6 in. water line being installed to replace the original cast iron pipe
from the 1880s that leads to the pool.

Also starting back to work before spring housecleaning begins are Back Kitchen Supervisor, Patricia Helmick and Housekeeping Supervisor, Vicki Smith.  They spend the week before Spring Housecleaning starts making sure cleaners have everything they need: stocking all the supply kits for each working pair (5 types of cleaners, 4 types brushes/rags, brooms, mops, fix-it tools). They also begin to get the first layer of winter dust out of the kitchen, and take down and start washing all the curtains hanging around the property.  

A group of co-workers clean one of the Main House bathrooms.

Patricia, with 45+ years of experience in the Capon kitchen has been co-directing the annual "scrubbing effort" for about 25 years.  She and Vicki have been teamed together for the last 10 years.  They direct an interdepartmental team of about 13 full time and 17 part time cooks, bakers, waitresses, room workers, spa attendants, grounds keepers and night shift workers.  They have just four weeks to clean every building (guest lodging, recreation and storage buildings) top to bottom-- including porches.  Their goal is to average 2-3 guest rooms/day.  It is back-breaking work.  As a testament to the strong work ethic among these co-workers, about a third of the crew is either near or above retirement age.

Co-workers begin to clean and move furniture in one of the
Main House living rooms.

Co-workers hang freshly laundered curtains in the Main House
game and puzzle room.

Meanwhile, the painting crew, who also started before the cleaners, has been following behind the maintenance fixes, working on their own winter list.  Their crew of five has brightened up just about every building around Capon, including the large stairwell in the Fairfax.  One of their most time consuming jobs so far this spring has been repainting all the dining room chairs.  “There were 316 of them and it took Tammy Arbaugh and me 10 days,” reported Lydia Hott.   (Many guests know Lydia for her dining room duties and as Waitress Supervisor, but she has been part of the painting crew for about 25 years.  Tammy, who leads the painting crew, has been using her brush for about 15 years.  During the season, Tammy is the one who keeps "the pantry" stocked-- inventorying and ordering all the food that the Capon kitchen needs to prepare those delicious meals.)

Dining room chairs with fresh coat of paint.

Just like the past 82 Spring cleanings, it takes all these dedicated and diligent “elves” working their magic, so that Capon will be ready to welcome folks to their home away from home. Even though there is snow on the ground, we still have happy thoughts of spring and of upcoming visits with you!

February Greetings from Tom!

Dear Capon Friends,

Tom here!  A couple of weeks ago, the family was kidding me about dressing up like the Maytag Repairman and posing for a picture here at my desk.  Things were a little quiet "back then", like they have a tendency to be in late January.  Then at our first February meeting, we were brainstorming about how to fill in the last weekend in May.  We came up with a theme:  "Let's throw a Party!"  That was around noon on Monday, February 2.  An email blast went out on Tuesday and by Sunday afternoon, we had filled up the entire place!  I basically camped out at Capon for 4 days arranging (and then rearranging!) room assignments to fill all the requests.  I've been doing this for nearly 40 years, and I can truthfully say that we have never had a response like this before!  This has all the makings for one of our best seasons on record.

2015 SEASON NEWS AND SAVINGS

We want you to know that we do listen!  We take your suggestions seriously and try to fit your ideas into just how we map out our upcoming season.  Everyone was really thrilled with the rate specials that we offered last year; so much so that we have nearly doubled the number of nights when you can stay with us for just $99 per person!  Exactly how many?  (Take a guess and then check the bottom of the page to see how close you are!)  You also asked if we could give you more notice on just when we would offer these rates, so you could plan out your entire Capon year.   We've done that as well, and the $99 nights are all listed on the rates page on our website.

So now that your lonely Maytag Repairman has handled the onslaught of bookings for the last weekend in May, I'm primed and ready to take your requests for ANY time throughout the season from May until mid-November.  That's right!  Based on the totally positive comments surrounding our Veterans Day activities, we have decided to stay open again this season until November 11.  And here's an inside tip....We have never seen such demand for weekend space as early as this before.  This is partly due to SIX weddings already booked and a couple of others already in the works!

ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE...

Patty and I have plans to head to Florida in mid-march to celebrate our 10th anniversary.  (Yes, Ten Years!  Time flies when you're having fun!)  We will be vacationing on Anna Maria Island, thanks to the generosity of some very special friends!  We both continue to stay active in the community through the churches, Neighbor to Neighbor and Lions Club.  In fact, this past Saturday, Patty received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from the Wardensville Lions Club.  This is the highest form of individual recognition within this fine international organization.  Patty also stays very active with her children's and youth choirs in Winchester.  In late March, she will be the guest conductor for the All Virginia Elementary Chorus.  (Can you tell that I am the very proud husband!)

So if you happen to sense that I am pretty excited about the 2015 season, you are absolutely right.  Phil says that if I'm smiling in February, it's going to be a very good year.  Can't wait to see you all soon and to help make your Capon experience exceptional!   (BTW, there are 41 nights where $99 rates are being offered this season!)

Tom (Third Generation Family Member and Reservations Manager)

For the Capon Family