Bu sines sProfile Wolfrom Upholstery and Interior Fashions Co. g. whillikers Toys & Books: Still Playing After 30 Years! Custom Window Treatments Drapery Hardware Decorative Trims THE HOLIDAYS Fabric ARE COMING, Leather ARE YOU Foam READY? Slipcovers Indoor & Outdoor Cushions Custom Bed & Table Linens Shortly after I moved to Warrenton nearly 15 years ago, a neighbor mentioned g. whillikers Toys & Books and was shocked that I didn’t know about it. “You have to go there,” she said. I dropped by a few days later with my three young boys in tow. As soon as I stepped inside, I understood. “Wow!” was probably what went through my head. Like a child discovering presents on Christmas morning, I didn’t know where to look first, but I went to the table with the train set on it since that’s what drew my sons’ attention. I was instantly reminded of how much fun it is to just sit and play. So I sat and played! This is the wish that Elna McMann launched 30 years ago, when she opened her gem of a shop: that people of all ages would discover (or rediscover) the joy of playing. Although “toys” is part of the shop’s name, “books” are just as important to Elna. In its original location in the Warrenton Village Center, the much smaller store had just a little corner—a “book nook” with a few selections, but that has greatly expanded over the years. Customers often peruse the books while their little ones play with the many toys out on display. I visited the shop last weekend with two of my children: 15-yearold Marc and 9-year-old Julia. A s I c h e c ke d out the games, Marc came zooming down the side aisle on a scooter, stopping to pick up a Rubik ’s “ Vo i d ” c u b e . Julia chose a b o ok c alled Strong is the New Pretty and a tiny p lush fox nam e d Slick. I picked up a “Spinsation,” which defies description—you just need to try it. We all left delighted with our purchases. On-Site Consultation . Pick-Up & Delivery Available 6049 Liberty Road 540. 439.8055 Bealeton, VA 22712 wolfromandco@gmail.com TOMMY’S TREE SERVICE FINEST QUALITY & SERVICE 32 YEARS EXPERIENCE ~ LICENSED & INSURED FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED Elna McMann Crowning and Trimming Firewood Tree Removal and Lot Cleaning Stump Grinding Spraying and Feeding Landscaping and Mulch “We need to go back to the basic truth of kids being kids—to explore and develop a love of learning so they become lifelong learners,” Elna says. “Computers are wonderful tools, but they don’t create ideas. Those come from people, and for us to produce those ideas and keep progressing, we need to have fun!” Yes, kids and adults need to have fun. It’s no mistake that the appropriate age ranges noted on some of the games say 3–99. “We try to honor the classics but get new innovations as well,” Elna says, which is why you’ll see some familiars like “Clue,” “Sorry,” and “Twister” among newer games like “Codenames” and “Who’s This Dude?” Bubbles, puppets, and dolls. Legos, science kits, and teacher supplies. Dress-up clothing and puzzles. Silly fun stuff like unicorn lip gloss, tongue tattoos, and Crazy Foam. The list goes on, and this is just a small sampling of the delights in this shop. For the rest, you’ll have to come see for yourself, and there’s no time like the present! 10% OFF WITH THIS AD NOW THROUGH 10/31/17 Culpeper, Virginia www.tommyfraziertreeservice.com CALL TOMMY! (cell) 540-729-5926 (office) 703-303-9157 Discover Fauquier ■ October 2017 All Major Credit Cards Accepted FREE ESTIMATES Celebrating its 30th birthday this month, g. whillikers Toys and Books plans a day of—what else?—playing and fun! On Saturday, October 14, drop in from 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. to help Elna and the staff celebrate. Any purchase of $30 will receive a 30% discount. There will be 30 gift certificates for $30 each (do you see a theme here?) given out to customers, plus surprise drawings And you’ll find that some other items are throughout the day. And of course, the for all ages too—like art supplies, which fun won’t stop after the party because the store has always carried. “Art is so there’s always a reason to play. open-ended,” Elna says. “There may be directions included, but you can always “I love what I do!” Elna says. “I’m so let your own creativity take over.” This lucky that I get to play every day.” To holds true for paint-by-number sets as learn more, call (540) 347-7563. Better well as kits that allow users to create yet, stop by for some play time! custom jewelry, scarves, and more. ~ Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire To advertise: 540-349-8060 www.discoverypubs.com 18