Middleburg Life | December 2020

Volume 37 Issue 12 | December 2020 | middleburglife.com

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E Christmas Is Still Coming To Middleburg + Historic Small Town Churches + Holiday Family Traditions & How to Help Our Community

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DECEMBER 2020

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Annapolis, MD 410-990-1700 DECEMBER 2020

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MIDDLEBURG

LI F E DEC. 2020 middleburglife.com

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Gray | editor@middleburglife.com COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Christian Bentley | christian@middleburglife.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Rebekah Greenhill | info@middleburglife.com Vicky Mashaw | vmashaw@middleburglife.com Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR: Joanne Maisano DIGITAL SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST: Laura Luck DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR: Laticia Headings DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ON THE COVER In the photo, Kristal Ville receives a kiss under the mistletoe from her son Zachary at Glengary Tree Farm in Amissville, Va. This is the winning cover photo of our December photography contest.

It was shot by Kelly Chance of Kelly Chance Photography. See more on page 10.

ON THIS PAGE Santa Claus snuggles a furry friend in Fauquier County, Va. Photograph by Jackie Logan of MNEME Media House.

CONTRIBUTORS Heidi Baumstark, Chelsea Moore, Kaitlin Hill, Laticia Headings, Shayda Windle, Patrick Mulrooney, and Joanne Maisano.

ADVERTISE IN MIDDLEBURG LIFE Greenhill Media, LLC P.O. Box 328 | Middleburg VA 20118-0328 540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Aldie, Alexandria, Ashburn, Boyce, Delaplane, Dulles, Front Royal, Gainesville, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Reston, Tysons, Upperville, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.

FIND US ON: Instagram @middleburglife Twitter @middleburglife Facebook.com/middleburglife LOOKING FOR MORE?

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DECEMBER 2020

GET ADDITIONAL CONTENT ONLINE!

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR

T

here’s no doubt this year will be noticeably different for us all during the holidays. For some, it may be the additional spare seat created by the loss of a family member or by the purposeful distance designed to protect them; for others, it may be the loss of income caused by this pandemic or the sickness that’s changed so many things in our culture. Perhaps Wendy Mass is correct when she said, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” But I’d like to add this to that sentiment: Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about … until you ask and listen to them.

We come across situations in our everyday lives where we can be better listeners, but we fail to see them because we are too busy

rushing through the day without pause or focusing too much on our own needs. We are all guilty of this mistake. I believe, in some small way, the pandemic has begun to help us notice the err in our ways, and created the pause we needed to change them.

If you should happen to find yourself in a dark place this season, I have faith you will meet someone who will listen, should you offer the same of yourself. I encourage you to read the inspirational stories in this special December issue, concentrating on the local non-profits that need help within our community. Because as Norman Peale put it, “When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you will be able to cope with your own more effectively.

Somehow, the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor.”

From all of us at Middleburg Life, we wish you and your family a warm Merry Christmas and hopefully a blessed and happier year in 2021! ML

Jennifer Gray | Editor-in-chief

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DECEMBER 2020

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MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR:

Billie-Jo Pearl of the Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America Written by Kaitlin Hill

I

n Middleburg, fox hunting scenes aren’t hard to find. From the painted portrayals lining the Red Fox Inn, to the six-foot bronze fox sitting outside the Middleburg Community Center, or the rotating exhibits at the National Sporting Library and Museum, and the familiar display at the Christmas Parade, fox hunting is part of the fabric of the community. But more than the recognizable scarlet coats and prowling hounds, formal fox hunting is a carefully coordinated event requiring a huge behind-the-scenes effort led by the team at the Masters of the Foxhounds Association (MFHA) of North America. Vital to the team is the director of operations, Bille-Jo Pearl, whose passion for all things fox hunt is palpable. She joined the organization in 2007, and 13 years later, she remains dedicated to the group’s mission of preserving the centuries-old tradition, educating the next generation, conserving the land at the heart of Hunt Country, and making all feel welcome.

Though a native of the northeast, Pearl’s introduction to horseback activities would take place in Australia.

“My husband was in the Army, I was a defense contractor for many years, and my daughter started riding in Australia when we lived there. She was eight,” she says. “When we moved to the Millwood area, she continued riding. Of course, Millwood, and in this area, the horse world and the fox hunting world are combined.”

Neighbor | Page 7 Top: Billie-Jo Pearl in the library. Photo by Kaitlin Hill. Bottom left: Masters of Foxhounds Association of North America. Photo by Joanne Maisano. Bottom right: Lobby. Photo by Joanne Maisano.

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DECEMBER 2020

Neighbor | From page 6 From that initial interest, Pearl would build a new career. “I joined Masters of the Foxhounds in 2007 and worked under Dennis Foster, our former executive director,” she says. “He taught me everything I know, and he really instilled in me the passion for what we do.”

Though Pearl and her family would move back overseas during her 13-year tenure with MFHA, she remained a dedicated helper. “We went back overseas for seven years … but I always helped remotely with studbook registrations and behind the scenes,” she says. “I wasn’t full-time until we came back in 2016.”

In 2019, the MFHA office moved from Millwood to Middleburg, just on the edge of the main strip in the Old Allen House. And even more recently, the organization named her director of operations.

For Pearl, the new title hasn’t noticeably changed the work she has mastered over the past 13 years. “Since I’ve worked for MFHA, I’ve always done the same and I’m still doing the same today,” she says.

While unchanged, her work is no small feat. She manages the day-to-day operations of the organization which includes nearly 6,000 members, 145 hunts in North America and Canada, and two foundations.

And at the heart of her work is the MFHA’s focus on preservation of the past, education in the present, and conservation for the future.

“Our mission is to promote, preserve, and protect the sport of mounted hunting with hounds, establish and maintain standards of conduct for fox hunting, and register eligible foxhounds and improve the breed of foxhounds,” she says. “Our role is to assist our members in any way and ensure that everyone is following our standards and guidelines.”

Part of preservation is education in the form of seminars and informational material.

“The MFHA Foundation is really an educational foundation,” she says. “The Foundation provides books, CDs, tapes, and videos. We conduct seminars covering all the elements of the sport, including breeding, training, and hunting. [It also] funds and supports research that contributes to hound health and disease prevention.”

In light of COVID-19, Pearl’s seminars have transitioned to a virtual format or smaller scale. “We are holding all of our seminars via Zoom or holding them for hunt staff and for masters of the hounds,” she says. “We do

have our normal schedule of educational activities, but not the public gathering. But, we’re happy to do it one-on-one. We just have to be careful to maintain social distancing.”

Though educational aspects of the MFHA’s work have been shifted or scaled down, the hunts have not. According to Pearl, they have even become more popular.

“There’s been a resurgence of interest and participation because it’s an outdoor activity. Children are at home and families are looking for an activity they can do together. They are able to participate in fox hunting or visiting a member and seeing what we are all about.

It’s really nice to see it, people getting back to nature and the outdoors.”

— Billie-Jo Pearl

“There’s been a resurgence of interest and participation because it’s an outdoor activity,” she says. “Children are at home and families are looking for an activity they can do together. They are able to participate in fox hunting or visiting a member and seeing what we are all about. It’s really nice to see it, people getting back to nature and the outdoors.”

Getting back to nature is another main focus of Pearl’s work at the MFHA, especially as she looks to the future. “Within the next 10

years, I think we need to maintain our focus and continue working for land conservation and preserving open spaces,” she says. “We need to share our values of enjoying the outdoors and the benefits of being a good steward of our animals and our land. And show families that this is something they can be proud to be a part of because we are preserving the land for the younger generation.”

A final piece of Pearl’s role is the charitable work MFHA does through its Hunt Staff Benefit Foundation, which speaks to the organization’s focus on community.

“The Hunt Staff Benefit Foundation exists to assist professional hunt staff,” she says.

“Hunt staff play a very important role in the welfare of mounted fox hunting. Their dedication to our lifestyle … has many intrinsic rewards, but few of them are financial. We give them financial help, maybe a monthly grant or help with medical bills … or other relief in old age, periods of disability, emergency, or any financial inadequacies that occur.”

But for Pearl, that sense of community, unique to fox hunt participants and Middleburg’s small-town state of mind, is central to MFHA’s success. “I think there is something about the fox hunting community that is just so special,” she says. “We have a sense of community within ourselves. We share the same values, we are a very passionate community, and we have a very tight sense of comradery.

And Middleburg is such a diverse town, but it still has the small-town mentality to be a good neighbor. It’s just comfortable and welcoming.”

For her part, Pearl certainly adds to the neighborly feel between fox hunt participants and, more broadly, within the town of Middleburg. She works hard, but always with a smile, and her love of her job and the community she serves is obvious.

“I feel like I have the best job in the world,” she says. “Our sense of community is something special. I hope people know that they can be a part of it too, because it’s such a nice feeling to be welcomed and know that you are part of something bigger. I want everyone to know that we would love to have them come visit, have coffee with us, share their stories. I would love to be able to tell our story and encourage them to participate and be a part of the organization. We want everybody to feel welcome to come any time.” ML

DECEMBER 2020

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TRAPPE TRAPPE HILLHILL FARM** FARM** MONTANA OAKFIELD** OAKFIELD**

HALL 6499 6499 WALNUTDALE WALNUTDALE LN* LN*

UPPERVILLE UPPERVILLE |$3,200,000 $4,400,000 | $4,400,000 | SOLD | SOLD WHITE POST | SOLD UPPERVILLE UPPERVILLE | $4,495,000 | $4,495,000 | SOLD | SOLD MIDDLEBURG MIDDLEBURG || $3,200,000 | $3,200,000 | SOLD | SOLD

PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH E W. MCINTOSH 540.270.3835 540.270.3835 540.454.1399 540.454.1399 540.270.3835 540.270.3835 09.4499

ANNE ANNE W. MCINTOSH W. MCINTOSH MARIAMARIA ELDREDGE ELDREDGE SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLIKERRIE KERRIE JENKINS JENKINS MARIA ELDREDGE 703.509.4499 703.509.4499 540.454.3829 540.454.3829 540.454.1399 540.454.1399302.463.5547 302.463.5547 540.454.3829

35359 35359 CREEK CREEK RIDGE RIDGE LN**LN** 35387 35387 CREEK CREEK RIDGE RIDGE LN LN 276 DELAPLANE

OLDOLD TAKARO TAKARO FARM FARM GRADE

RD* 12761276 DELAPLANE DELAPLANE GRADE GRADE RD*RD*

MIDDLEBURG MIDDLEBURG | $2,400,000 | $2,400,000 | SOLD | SOLD MIDDLEBURG| MIDDLEBURG| $2,250,000 $2,250,000 | SOLD | SOLD MIDDLEBURG| MIDDLEBURG| $1,995,000 $1,995,000 | SOLD | SOLD UPPERVILLE| $1,825,000 | SOLD

PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI R PEJACSEVICH SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI 540.270.3835 540.270.3835 540.454.1399 540.454.1399 270.3835 540.454.1399 540.454.1399

MONTANA MONTANA HALL HALL

WHITE WHITE POSTPOST | $3,200,000 | $3,200,000 | SOLD | SOLD

UPPERVILLE| UPPERVILLE| $1,825,000 $1,825,000 | SOLD | SOLD

PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICHEMILYEMILY JOHNSON JOHNSON SCOTT KERRIE KERRIE JENKINS JENKINS BUZZELLI PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI K 540.270.3835 540.270.3835703.401.7993 703.401.7993 540.454.1399 302.463.5547 302.463.5547540.270.3835 540.270.3835 540.454.1399 540.454.1399 3

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LEESBURG LEESBURG | $1,495,000 | $1,495,000 | SOLD | SOLD

UPPERVILLE UPPERVILLE | $1,500,000 | $1,500,000 | SOLD | SOLD

SUZANNE SUZANNE AGER AGER 540.454.0107 540.454.0107

MARYMARY ROTH ROTH 540.535.6854 540.535.6854

SI M I MPP LY LY E T T E S R .BBEET TT TEERR. .

16855 HICKORY HICKORY GROVE GROVE

YORKFIELD CT 10594 10594 CARR CARR LN** LN** 19862 19862 ANNENBERG ANNENBERG DR DR

16855 16855 YORKFIELD YORKFIELD CT CT

PURCELLVILLE PURCELLVILLE | $899,000 | $899,000 | SOLD | SOLD PURCELLVILLE | $899,000 | SOLD PURCELLVILLE PURCELLVILLE | $1,199,999 | $1,199,999 | SOLD | SOLD DELAPLANE DELAPLANE | $1,060,000 | $1,060,000 | SOLD | SOLD ASHBURN ASHBURN | $1,125,000 | $1,125,000 | SOLD | SOLD

NNE KRISTIN KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON AGER DILLON-JOHNSON 454.0107 703.673.6920 703.673.6920

SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI 540.454.1399 540.454.1399

433 230 230 LIME LIME MARL MARL RD RD

PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICHPETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH ALANNA SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLISUZANNE NICHOLS SUZANNE AGER AGER ALANNA ALANNA NICHOLS NICHOLSS 540.270.3835 540.270.3835540.270.3835 540.270.3835 540.454.1399 571.258.7962 540.454.1399540.454.0107 540.454.0107 571.258.7962 571.258.79625

CATHER 586 586 BERRYS BERRYS FERRY FERRY RD*RD* 8RD* MEADOWBROOK 8 MEADOWBROOK CT CT

BERRYVILLE | | BOYCE BOYCE | $699,000 | $699,000 |SOLD |SOLD WHITE WHITE POST POST | $540,000 |$439,000 $540,000 | SOLD | SOLD MIDDLEBURG MIDDLEBURG | $525,000 |SOLD $525,000 | SOLD | SOLD

KRISTIN KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON DILLON-JOHNSON TIN ANNEDILLON-JOHNSON ANNE W. MCINTOSH W. MCINTOSH MARIAMARIA ELDREDGE ELDREDGE 703.673.6920 703.673.6920 673.6920 703.509.4499 703.509.4499 540.454.3829 540.454.3829

ANNE ANNE W. MCINTOSH W. MCINTOSH 703.509.4499 703.509.4499

433 433 CATHER CATHER RD*RD*

BERRYVILLE BERRYVILLE | $439,000 | $439,000 | SOLD | SOLD

MARIAMARIA ELDREDGE ELDREDGEKRISTIN KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON DILLON-JOHNSON 540.454.3829 540.454.3829703.673.6920 703.673.6920

7 0 3 . 4 3MIDDLEBURG 6 MIDDLEBURG . 0| 540.687.6321 0 | 540.687.6321 7 7 PURCELLVILLE PURCELLVILLE | 540.338.7770 | 540.338.7770 LEESBURG LEESBURG | 703.777.1170 | 703.777.1170 ASHBURN ASHBURN | 703.436.0077 | 703.436.0077

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Washington Sampling Sampling of homes of homes sold bysold MREby| MRE AP from | AP11/30/2019 from 11/30/2019 St, through through 12/1/2020.

Middleburg, 12/1/2020.

Original Original List Price Listincluded.

Price included. *Represented *Represented Buyer Only Buyer VA Only **Represented **Represented 20117 Buyer & Buyer Seller & Seller | Corporate | Corporate Office:Office: 10 E Washington 10 E Washington St, Middleburg, St, Middleburg, VA 20117 VA 20117

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DECEMBER 2020

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WEST WEST RIDING* RIDING* OATLANDS MOUNT MOUNT AIRY AIRY

OATLANDS OATLANDS RD RD

22492 22492 CREIGHTON CREIGHTON FARMS FARMS DR*DR* RD

THE PLAINS THE PLAINS | $2,850,000 | $2,850,000 | SOLD | SOLD ALDIE | $2,999,000 UPPERVILLE UPPERVILLE | $2,775,000 | $2,775,000 | SOLD | SOLD |

ALDIEALDIE | $2,999,000 | $2,999,000 | SOLD | SOLD

SUZANNE SUZANNE AGER AGER SUZANNE AGER PETER PETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH 540.454.0107 540.454.0107 540.454.0107 540.270.3835 540.270.3835

20544 20544 BEAVERDAM 20544 BEAVERDAM BRIDGE BRIDGE RD RD

PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLIPETERPETER 540.270.3835 540.454.1399 540.454.1399540.270.3835

SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI KERRIE KERRIE JENKINS JENKINS 540.454.1399 540.454.1399 540.270.3835 540.270.3835

NARNIA** NARNIA** 8398 8398 LEES LEES RIDGE RIDGE RD*RD* BEAVERDAM

WARRENTON WARRENTON | $1,700,000 | $1,700,000 | SOLD | SOLD PHILOMONT PHILOMONT | $1,750,000 | $1,750,000 | SOLD | SOLD PHILOMONT

KERRIE KERRIE JENKINS KERRIE JENKINS JENKINS SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI 302.463.5547 302.463.5547 302.463.5547 540.454.1399 540.454.1399

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24117 24117 GRAND GRAND ELLISON ELLISON CT* CT*

SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI SCOTT BUZZELLI PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH BUZZELLI PEJACSEVICH SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI 540.454.1399 540.454.1399 540.454.1399 540.270.3835 540.270.3835 540.454.1399 540.454.1399

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776 776 KENNEL KENNEL RD RD 22992299 SCUFFLEBURG SCUFFLEBURG RD RD 14699 14699 CLOVER CLOVER HILLHILL RD**RD**MELMORE 23443 PL

WATERFORD WATERFORD | $889,500 | $889,500 | SOLD | SOLD MIDDLEBURG MIDDLEBURG | $898,000 | $898,000 | SOLD | SOLD MIDDLEBURG

BERRYVILLE BERRYVILLE | $424,000 | $424,000 | SOLD | SOLD

PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH 540.270.3835 540.270.3835

DELAPLANE DELAPLANE | $1,320,000 | $1,320,000 | SOLD | SOLD

ALDIEALDIE | $1,400,000 | $1,400,000 | SOLD | SOLD

SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI 540.454.1399 540.454.1399

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MICHELE MICHELE NOEL NOEL 540.878.8635 540.878.8635

HAYMARKET HAYMARKET | $1,575,000 | $1,575,000 | SOLD | SOLD PURCELLVILLE | $1,575,000 | $1,575,000 | SOLD | SOLD | PURCELLVILLE $1,750,000 | SOLD

Rep’d Seller Rep’d Seller KERRIE KERRIE JENKINS JENKINS PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH EMILYEMILY JOHNSON JOHNSON 540.270.3835 540.270.3835

Through Through Through allall thethe uncertainty, uncertainty, you you trusted trusted

LEESBURG LEESBURG | $2,400,000 | $2,400,000 | SOLD | SOLD SOLD

BOYCE BOYCE | $845,000 | $845,000 | SOLD | SOLD | $898,000

PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICHANNE ANNE W. MCINTOSH W. MCINTOSH 540.270.3835 540.270.3835703.509.4499 703.509.4499

MARIAMARIA ELDREDGE ELDREDGE PETER PETERPETER PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEVICH PEJACSEV SCOTTSCOTT BUZZELLI BUZZELLI 540.454.3829 540.454.3829540.270.3835 540.270.3835 540.270.3 540.454.1399 540.454.1399

320 219 320 HOPKINS HOPKINS DR DRACADEMY 110 WILSON 110 WILSON AVEAVE NW*NW*

BOYCE BOYCE | $414,999 | $414,999 | SOLD | SOLD BERRYVILLE

ANNE ANNE W. MCINTOSH W. MCINTOSH MARIA MARIA ELDREDGE ELDREDGE ANNE W. MCINTOSH KRISTIN KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON DILLON-JOHNSON 703.509.4499 703.509.4499 540.454.3829 540.454.3829 703.509.4499 703.673.6920 703.673.6920

LEESBURG LEESBURG | $279,000 | $279,000 | SOLD | SOLD | $424,000

KRISTIN KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON DILLON-JOHNSON 703.673.6920 703.673.6920

DELAPLANE DELAPLANE | $799,000 | $799,000 | SOLD | SOLD | SOLD

ST 268 268 GUNGUN CLUB CLUB RD*RD*

| SOLD STEPHENSON STEPHENSON | $189,900 | $189,900 | SOLD | SOLD

KRISTIN KRISTIN DILLON-JOHNSON DILLON-JOHNSON MARIA ELDRED 703.673.6920 703.673.6920 540.454.3

S IS MI P MLY P LY B EBTETTETRE. R .| |M IM D S ID DLDELBE I UBRUM GRRGERAELAELS P ETSATTAET. L C E .OCM OM Y DECEMBER 2020

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Sharing with the December Photography Contest

D

eciding on just one winner for this year’s December cover was no easy task. The submissions we received were all beautiful for unique reasons.

The winning cover photo was shot by Kelly Chance of Kelly Chance Photography in Warrenton, Va. The authentic connection Chance captured between this mother and son was so undeniable, and it truly fills us with joy. In the photo, Kristal Ville receives a kiss from her son Zachary under the mistletoe at Glengary Tree Farm in Amissville, Va. ML

Congratulations To Our Top Three Finalists!

Photo by Ronda Ann Gregorio of Gregorio Photography This enchanting scene is truly worthy of the spotlight and was captured at Elizabeth Wolf ’s private barn, Somerset Farm, in Middleburg, Va. The little girl is Ryland Rogers, and the horse is a rescued mustang owned by Meghan Kavanah.

Photo by Gayle T. Tiller of Gayle Tiller Photography We thought this shaggy pup Marci was so adorable in this charming Christmas boat scene, taken at Gayle’s farm in Leesburg, Va. Photo by Rebekah Murray The Olmstead family swept us away in the magic of their Christmas tradition of hunting for a tree at Snickers Gap Christmas Tree Farm in Loudoun County, Va.

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NOW AND THEN:

Small Town Historic Churches Adapt to COVID-19 Story and photos by Kaitlin Hill

H

unt Country is home to many of Virginia’s best-preserved historic churches. They stand serenely on rolling hills or nestle brick-to-brick with modern neighbors, lining the main streets of small towns. Spending time staring out of the stained glass windows or taking a moment of silent meditation in hand-hewn pews offers a glance into yesteryear as the 21st century rages on outside. But far from pieces of antiquity, places of faith have modernized their methods of spreading their messages, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sermons are live-streamed and offerings of peace are shared in virtual chats, as many people turn to places of worship for comfort in these weary times. As times change, so do the churches, ever-ready to serve the people who seek solace through their faith. In that spirit, here is a look at how some local places of worship started and what they are doing today.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church Emmanuel Episcopal Church has a long history in Middleburg, dating back to 1842.

On June 25 of that year, four trustees of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Middleburg bought the quarter-acre lot that sits at the corner of Washington and Liberty Streets.

They began construction of the main building right away. Just over a year later, Virginia Assistant Bishop John Johns consecrated the church. In 1856, the church would acquire two more lots in Middleburg, one with an existing brick structure that would later serve as the parsonage.

Many early parishioners are people of historical note. Parishioner Charlotte Haxall Noland opened the Foxcroft School in 1914 and would serve as head of the school for 40 years. She also founded the Foxcroft Social Services Clinic, providing medical aid to the poor.

In 1926, the church’s footprint was ex-

Left: Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Right: Middleburg Baptist Church.

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panded to accommodate a gifted pipe organ, bringing the dimensions to 30x60 feet and the congregation capacity up to 70 from 40.

The annual Christmas Shop was founded in 1948 to support the church. In more recent years, funds raised have been directed to local charities like A Place to Be, the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, Seven Loaves Pantry, and Windy Hill housing. In its 72nd year, for the first time ever, the Christmas Shop will be held virtually in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the pandemic, Emmanuel Episcopal Church worship has moved online. The 10:30 a.m. Sunday Celtic Morning Prayer and the 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Evening Prayers are both available on YouTube, linked on the website. Full copies of Reverend Eugene LeCouteur’s sermons are also available on the website. In addition, the doors to the church are always open for moments of silent Historic | Page 15

Historic | From page 14 prayer and meditation.

105 East Washington Street Middleburg, Va. 20117 540-687-6297 emmanuelmiddleburg.org Middleburg Baptist Church Initially known as the Free Church, the brick structure on top of the hill behind Middleburg’s main street was once home to many different Christian groups that practiced there in turn. Shiloh Baptist Church, Middleburg Methodist Church, Aldie Presbyterian Church and Middleburg Baptist all shared the Free Church, until Middleburg Baptist Church became the sole owner and inhabitant of the building. Middleburg Baptist Church was officially founded on April 27, 1874. The picturesque site between Sharon Cemetery and Memorial Cemetery is built of locally fired brick and still looks as it did nearly 150 years ago. Many of the windows contain the original glass, and some of the initial iron hardware are still in the inner doors. During the Civil War, the site was used as a hospital following the Second Battle of Manassas.

Though much has stayed the same at Middleburg Baptist Church, they have made necessary adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Worship services shifted outdoors for the majority of 2020, and they are keeping that option in mind for any unseasonably warm December days. On Nov. 15, they reopened their church’s doors for in-person services at 10 a.m., but not without a long list of precautions. Masks are required at all times, social distancing is enforced and temperatures are taken at the door. Services are kept to one hour, and ventilation is accomplished by propping open doors. The church has also invested in air scrubbers for an added layer of sanitation. Members of the congregation who are uncomfortable with in-person worship can watch a Facebook live-stream every Sunday at 9 a.m.

The team at Middleburg Baptist is monitoring the changing state and local guidelines carefully, and they don’t have any set plans for the holiday season. But the staff is considering a carol-inspired outdoor service for Christmas Eve, weather permitting.

209 E. Federal Street Middleburg, Va. 20117 540-687-5222 middleburgbaptistchurch.org

United Methodist Church Founded after the Revolutionary War and named at the Christmas Conference of 1784, the Methodist Episcopal Church in Middleburg was initially part of the Free Church located on Federal Street. After leaving the Free Church, MEC parishioners practiced their faith at Asbury Church, founded in 1829. In 1858, a larger church was built on Washington Street. The congregation moved there, and remains there today as the United Methodist Church.

Though, before being renamed “United,” the Methodist church actually split over the issue of slavery, becoming the Methodist Episcopal Church South (MEC South) and the Methodist Episcopal Church. The official schism occurred at the MEC General Conference in 1844. Though part of the MEC South, the Washington Street church became a hospital for wounded soldiers from either side during the Civil War, and the old Asbury location became supply storage and a mortuary. In 1864, a year before the end of the Civil War, The Asbury Church was donated to the black congregation of the Methodist church.

In the 1930s the divided Methodist Church reunited, and in 1968 merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the United Methodist Church as it is known today.

After divisions and unifications, Middleburg’s United Methodists still practice at the Washington Street church built in 1858, all these years later. However, these days look a little different. Closed from the end of March due to COVID-19, services shifted online where parishioners can live-stream Reverend Steve Weedling’s services filmed at a sister church in Rectortown. In person service in Middleburg resumed on Nov. 1, but with health conscious precautions set in place for safety. In-person service is at 11:30 a.m., and streaming starts at 10 a.m. every Sunday, but can be watched anytime. The United Methodist Church in Middleburg is following state and CDC guidelines for in-person worship along with rules set forth by Virginia’s United Methodist Church Bishop, Sharma D. Lewis.

15 W. Washington Street Middleburg, Va. 20117 540-687-6492 middleburgunitedmethodistchurch.org Historic | Page 16

Top: United Methodist Church. Middle: St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church. Bottom: Trinity Episcopal Church.

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Historic | From page 15 St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church was established under the Diocese of Richmond in 1957. Before building its current structure, it used to meet at the Middleburg Community Center. Six years later in 1963, the building, still standing on Sam Fred Road, was officially dedicated and would go on to become a parish in 1975. For a long time, it was believed to be one of the only Catholic churches between Winchester and Clarke County. It is often referred to as “Kennedy’s Church” as President John F. Kennedy and his family attended mass there under Father Albert Francis Pereira. The building even has a soundproof and bulletproof usher’s room where Kennedy could take calls if needed.

Sadly, Kennedy only attended mass twice at the Sam Fred Road location on Oct. 27 and Nov. 10 of 1963. He was assassinated 12 days after his second visit to St. Stephen’s.

Now, under Reverend Christopher D. Murphy, the church has undergone a few recent upgrades. Renovations include a new Italian marble altar, tile flooring, a redone baptismal font, refurbished pews, and energy efficient lighting.

Currently, mass is held in-person with masks and social distancing. The church is in the process of setting up a web broadcast for those who would prefer to stay home.

Worship times are Sunday at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. in English, and 12:30 p.m. in Spanish. Mass is held Monday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in English, and on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Spanish.

23331 Sam Fred Road Middleburg, Va. 20117 540-687-6433 saint-stephen.org Trinity of Upperville The “trinity” of Trinity Episcopal Church is an appropriate name, as the current campus is the third rendition of the site. The trustees of the church bought the land from Robert Singleton on September 30, 1842 for $100. Unfortunately, the original structure built the same year suffered extreme dampness and was torn down in February 1895. Its replacement lasted until 1948, but was also demolished as the building was in bad condition. The current structure, which sits on 35 acres, was a gift to the parish by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, two members of the church.

Building of the third structure began in 1951

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envisioned by architect H. Page Cross. Mostly made of native sandstone, the structure is Cross’ adaptation of 12th and 13th century French churches. Local craftspeople handled the stone and woodwork, but the bells were made in England and the stained glass windows were created in the Netherlands by Joep Nicolas. Nine years after construction began, the first service was held there on Sept. 28, 1960.

On July 1, 2020, the church welcomed a new Rector, Jonathan V. Adams, who came from St. Martin’s Church in Houston, Texas.

Though he started at Trinity during a pandemic, he has enjoyed the opportunity to get to know the community in smaller groups.

In light of COVID-19, the services have been held outdoors in the Bishop’s Garden, employing the use of “worship pods.” Service attendance requires social distancing and mask wearing. As of mid-November, the church purchased four outdoor heaters and they are planning to buy a dozen more to continue worship in the courtyard throughout the winter. They also offer a full service and a children’s sermon online.

Their annual children’s Christmas pageant will be held on Christmas Eve at 2 p.m. on the steps of the courtyard. A succinct, 35-minute Eucharist will follow the festive pageant at 3 p.m.

9108 John S Mosby Hwy Upperville, Va. 20184 540-592-3343 trinityupperville.org Congregation Sha’are Shalom The history of Jewish congregations in Virginia is largely centered in Alexandria, where a large Jewish community resided.

There were hardly any Jewish communities outside Alexandria until the 1940s. In part due to Roosevelt’s expansion of federal agencies, Jewish communities started to spread Bottom: Congregation Sha’are Shalom.

DECEMBER 2020

throughout Northern Virginia. According to the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, the completion of the Pentagon in 1943 attracted federal workers and led to an expanded Jewish population in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., reaching nearly 700 families by 1946.

With the installment of Washington Dulles Airport in 1962, Jewish families continued to move further west. And, instead of a long commute to D.C., Arlington, or Alexandria to practice their faith, they built churches in the expanding suburbs of Falls Church, Herndon, and Fairfax.

Considered the first synagogue in Loudoun County’s 250-year history, Congregation Sha’are Shalom, meaning “Gates of Peace,” in Leesburg is a blend of traditional and modern for those who practice Judaism.

Led by Rabbi Bruce D. Aft, Congregation Sha’are Shalom offers three services weekly.

Ereu Shabbat is on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m., Shabbat is on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m., and Shabbat B’Yachad is once a month at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday mornings. And they welcome all to their congregation, as they say, “from Orthodox to non-Jewish.”

For the safety of their community, Congregation Sha’are Shalom has moved Shabbat services online. The religious school, youth activities, and adult education are virtual as well. Congregation Sha’are Shalom’s website offers resources to help the congregation navigate the traditions of Judaism during this challenging time. For in-person gatherings, the Congregation Sha’are Shalom is following the guidance of the Loudoun County Health and Human Services Department, the Virginia Department of Health, the CDC, and the Secure Community Network, a branch of the Jewish Federations of North America. ML 19357 Evergreen Mills Road Leesburg, Va. 20175 703-757-6500 shaareshalomleesburg.org

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Caretakers of the

By Patrick Mulrooney

H

idden amongst the high-canopied woodlands of Millwood, Va., there is a wonderland to be found.

Following the signage, guests wind their way along forested pathways up to a dynamic compound that looks part nature center, part hospital and part Jurassic Park. Welcome to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center. If you’re a finder of an injured animal, a person who is eager to learn about nature, or if you’re a sick native animal in need of care, you have found the right place.

One side of the facility boasts a large wooden compound with tall fences, comprised of enclosures for rehabilitating animals, with a wide wooden trail running along the face of each cage. Native plants have been cultivated throughout and can even be found in the turtle pond, which bustles with aquatic life.

The other side is a full-service wildlife hospital and education center. With administrative offices, a large conference room designed for education programs, and a hospital facility equipped to handle most surgeries,

the center employs a regular staff of six. The nonprofit receives no state or federal funds and relies solely on private donations. New executive director Annie Bradfield is familiar with these kinds of challenges, as she has spent her entire career in nonprofit fundraising.

“We are a small shop, and we all wear many hats,” Bradfield says. “That is the nature of a small nonprofit; you work with the resources you have. You get into this line of work because you’re passionate about the mission — and you have to be because it is hard work.”

At the helm of the hospital side is Dr. Jennifer Riley, or Dr. Jen, the director of veterinary services. With a strong background in wildlife medicine and rehabilitation, she received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and her veterinary degree from Tufts University.

While many of the procedures are simple, such as treating animals for mange, a common illness for immuno-compromised animals, others can be quite complex and require

“You get into this line of work because you are passionate about the mission — and you have to be because it is hard work.” — Annie Bradfield a great deal of time and resources. “[Raptors] break more than one thing in more than one place,” Riley says, referring to the complicated orthopedic surgeries that are often necessary.

When asked about her most challenging operations or rewarding success stories, Riley doesn’t think back too far. “We released four vultures yesterday,” she says.

Her focus on the present is an occupationWild | Page 19

Left: Dopey. Photo by Katie Hertrich. Top right: Snow. Photo by Katie Hertrich. Bottom right: Annie Bradfield, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center executive director.

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Wild | From page 18 al necessity, as the day-to-day operations in the animal hospital can be unpredictable.

“You never know what will come through that door,” Riley says. “This isn’t like a typical veterinary hospital where appointments are scheduled ahead of time. We typically find out a patient is coming in for care when they arrive at our door.”

This year their doorbell has been busier than ever, with over 2,700 patients admitted, an increase of approximately 500 over last year. The rise in admissions may be due to COVID-19 and increased human activity outside, says Bradfield, who also points out that revenue from the education programs has almost completely dried up for the same reason.

The mission of the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is a multifaceted one that integrates veterinary medicine, physical rehabilitation, education and research — a system described on the website as One Health. The primary goal is to help and heal native animals and get them back into the wild. The second goal is education — The Ronald M. Bradley Learning Center houses some of their more temperature-sensitive wildlife ambassadors, such as southern flying squirrels, turtles, snakes and Bruce, the big brown bat.

Bradfield says the outreach doesn’t end with the education programs. “Every conversation with a caller on the wildlife hotline is an opportunity to educate,” she says.

Additionally, the wildlife center hosts a summertime Wildlife Discovery Camp for ages 6-14 and maintains a “Wildlife Walk,” which will be open to the public spring of 2021, featuring a diverse group of raptors, including a peregrine falcon, a bald eagle, redtailed hawks and owls.

In between the exhibits, guests pass among dozens of native plant species, such as lobelia, ferns, blueberry and winterberry, complete with plant identifier placards. A high ceiling of native trees hangs overhead. Patches and Dopey, the Eastern screech owls, live here, along with Snow, the arctic fox, their one non-native species, who once belonged to a Winchester drug dealer.

Due to the nature of the work at Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, the staff perform a largely thankless job: Their patients do not send checks, or write Yelp reviews or thank-you cards. They aim to send each patient into the wild again, never to return. However, there are some signs of their work for those who wish to visit the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center.

Just take a look at Snow, the Arctic fox. ML Top: Jess with Jefferson. Bottom left: Sheldon.

Bottom right: Nigel. Photos provided by BRWC.

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Places You Can Give Back to This Season Written by Laticia Headings

I

n the spring, Middleburg Life began to spotlight a local non-profit every month.

We’re happy to bring attention to these organizations doing great work in their area of expertise. Each of these non-profits takes donations and has volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved, so please consider them this holiday season.

To recap, here are the non-profits we highlighted and where they are now.

MAY — A Place to Be When A Place to Be (APTB) was co-founded by Tom Sweitzer and Kim Tapper in September of 2010, it was meant to help an underserved population — people with disabilities, medical and mental challenges, and at-risk youth — using scientifically-based music therapy practices, as well as therapeu-

tic and expressive arts.

On the heels of their 10-year anniversary, APTB is helping people navigate and overcome life’s challenges through music. “We use music therapy as an intervention tool to help people who have any kind of challenge in life to find some sort of healing,” Sweitzer says.

During the pandemic, APTB pivoted from in-person to virtual sessions, and is currently serving 125 families. They have a new YouTube channel with various shows, including Land of Music, a series that helps children process the ongoing pandemic through music, engaging characters, and messages of hope. To subscribe, search “A Place To Be Family” on YouTube.

The new musical, Hope for Christmas, produced and performed by APTB cast members, will premiere on Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7

p.m. Viewers can watch on the APTB website or Facebook page. It will be hosted and narrated by J. Robert Spencer, an original Jersey Boy in Jersey Boys and Tony nominee from the Pulitzer-prize winning Next to Normal. aplacetobeva.org

JUNE — Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity continues to be on the forefront of remedying the vast inadequacies of local affordable housing. Habitat understands that the key to building sustainable, long-term affordable housing options requires strong community partnerships and the willingness to embrace innovative and creative solutions.

Both Loudoun Habitat and Fauquier Give | Page 23

Andi Riemenschneider, Nancy Dillon and Kathy Mylan are greeted by cyclist Kasey Clark along Unison Road on their way to a morning meet. Photo by Doug Graham, Wild Light Photos.

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Give | From page 22 Habitat raise local funds to help local families. Each has dedicated homes to families in need in their individual counties — 58 and 55 homes, respectively. In addition to building new houses, Habitat also rehabs and renovates homes to add to its inventory. The motto that universally echoes throughout all Habitat affiliates is it’s “a hand up, not a hand out.”

Both Loudoun and Fauquier Habitats have a ReStore, a place to shop for home and building supplies at a fraction of retail costs.

It provides a place to donate furniture and materials, keeping them out of the landfill.

Both organizations work at the federal, state, and local level to bring awareness to affordable housing issues.

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity With the high cost and limited availability of land in Loudoun County, it is almost impossible for Habitat to just build new houses.

Loudoun Habitat is moving beyond the build by offering a variety of homeowner programs, which focus on buying, rehabbing, and selling existing properties to Habitat families. These programs expand revitalization for identified neighborhoods, matching Loudoun Habitat’s goal to continually increase the number of families served year-over-year.

The home repair program rehabs homes by addressing safety, accessibility, and weatherization issues especially for the elderly, veterans, and the disabled.

For the past year, the Tools for Life Learning Center has offered 40 educational workshops on topics such as homeownership, financial health, and budgeting to all members of our community. loudounhabitat.org

Fauquier Habitat for Humanity In 2020, Fauquier Habitat acquired 10 properties in Warrenton. They are in the process of finalizing a revitalization and development plan to build and renovate affordable single-family homes and multifamily rental units that are much needed in the community.

They piloted the critical home repair program, which stabilized housing situations for 20 families, and accepted three families into their home buyers program, all of whom are currently on the path to homeownership.

Fauquier Habitat is launching a state-wide community land trust — in partnership with Northern Virginia Habitat, Louisa Habitat, and Habitat Virginia — to ensure homes built remain affordable for the lifetime of that home.

These programs are made possible because of community partners such as the PATH Foundation, Piedmont Environmental Council, Town of Warrenton, Fauquier County Government, and The Fauquier Bank. Together with Habitat, these organizations are taking on the challenge to ensure every neighbor has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live. fauquierhabitat.org JULY — Holistic Horsemanship Services Holistic Horsemanship Services (HHS) offers clients the opportunity to be in nature and bond with horses to address personal issues through leadership, partnership, and connection. Because HHS is a work-based program and different from a traditional “up and on” therapeutic riding center, clients have the opportunity to build a relationship with the horse before ever sitting on the animal.

The founder of HHS, Adrienne Freeland,

has worked with many populations of people over the past two decades. “Everyone from those dealing with concussion recovery, to veterans and kids being bullied, grievers, people with autism and attention-deficit, women who have been abused, and those dealing with sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress,” Freeland says.

Through basic horsemanship, clients learn how to control the energy in their body, and gain practical experience that transfers into learning how to read people, take non-verbal cues, and communicate without words.

“Grief is even more challenging in these difficult times,” Freeland says, who offers a grief support group at HHS the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m., held in conjunction with Blue Ridge Hospice. Freeland encourages people who are grieving to reach out and attend one of these sessions to find relief and support from others.

For more information, email adesacres@ gmail.com or visit the HHS Facebook page “Holistic Horsemanship Services LLC.” AUGUST — Friends of Homeless Animals Friends of Homeless Animals (FOHA) has rescued and found homes for more than 16,000 dogs and cats during its 47-year existence. A strictly no-kill shelter, FOHA can house up to 70 dogs and 40 cats. The facility has three large enclosed dog play areas, both open and covered, two catteries, an adoption center, a senior “village” for aging animals, and a sizable cabin where potential adopters can experience animals in a “home” environment.

Though protocols have changed, and visits are now by appointment, the adoption rate has skyrocketed due to people spending more Give | Page 24

Left: Volunteers for Women Giving Back working. Photos by WGB. Right: Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity building a house. Photo by Habitat for Humanity.

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Give | From page 23 time at home and having time to care for a pet. Potential adopters can expect a thorough application process, including a home visit (now done virtually) and vet check to assess prior pet histories.

Over the summer, FOHA hit record adoption levels. To date in 2020, the organization has rescued over 370 pets, leading to 362 adoptions and 72 foster home placements. As they approach their 50th anniversary, FOHA remains dedicated to their mission: Home with us, until they’re home with you. foha.org SEPTEMBER — Women Giving Back Women Giving Back (WGB) supports women and children in crisis by providing quality clothing at no cost. The organization, established in 2007, has a 13,000 square foot warehouse in Sterling that includes a clothing boutique, childcare area, fashionable dressing rooms, and plenty of storage. The space may sound like an average department store, but to women facing tough challenges and uncertainty, it can be a much-needed lifeline.

WGB does accommodate single fathers (by appointment only), but primarily serves women fleeing domestic abuse who have had to leave everything behind, women coming out of incarceration and re-entering the workforce, pregnant women, and victims of sex trafficking.

The annual “Santa’s Workshop” event will be held on Dec. 12 under a large tent in the parking lot of WGB. While kids meet Santa and make crafts, this special holiday event allows mothers to choose new toys, bikes, and other gifts for their children, free of charge.

Hundreds of “elves” volunteer for this event, which serves over 400 children.

WGB accepts new and lightly-worn clothes. They are also in need of new socks and underwear for women and children, gently-worn bras, and new toiletries. You can make this holiday season special for a child in need by donating new and unwrapped gifts and toys ($25 - $60 price range) by Friday, Dec. 11. To volunteer or get gift ideas, visit the website. womengivingback.org OCTOBER — America’s Routes America’s Routes is a non-profit focused

on preserving Loudoun’s roads, with the goal of protecting their intrinsic value and making sure they perform to modern standards.

Loudoun County has one of the largest and oldest intact networks of rural roads in the U.S., as many predate America. The roads weave the past and the present together, with 300 unpaved miles of “living museum.” Established by pioneers, these byways shaped the way communities prospered and wars were fought, telling the story of slavery, agriculture, and the automobile.

This year, the organization achieved a major milestone. America’s Routes — and 300 miles of rural roads — is now eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.

Kasey Clark, a local farmer and cyclist, rode 284.07 miles with a total ride time of 23:21:25 at a 12.2 mph pace through Loudoun County’s rural roads, raising $6,000 for America’s Routes. The fundraiser, which was done solo, took place in a 24-hour period from Oct. 31 — Nov. 1. Read more by visiting americasroutes.com/portfolio-2/.

New self-guided tours and “Stories from the Road,” produced by Danielle Nadler and Doug Graham, will be available on the website in 2021. The EX2’s annual Gravel Grinder event is scheduled for June 13, 2021.

America’s Routes encourages people to connect and share their stories from the road. americasroutes.com

Above: Women Giving Back volunteers. Photos by WGB.

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NOVEMBER — Shelters to Shutters Shelters to Shutters believes homelessness is a circumstance, not an identity.

Seventy percent of Americans have little or no savings set aside for an emergency situation and live on the brink of life-altering financial disaster, which often results in the loss of housing. Most end up in shelters, living in cars or find themselves on the streets.

Of the three million people affected by homelessness every year, a staggering 83% of them are situationally homeless. “Situationally homeless refers to individuals who have been in the workforce before and have marketable skills but through a series of circumstances or bad luck, find themselves without a place to live,” Andy Helmer, CEO of Shelters to Shutters, says.

Through the trillion-dollar apartment complex industry, Shelter to Shutters offers people who are situationally homeless two of life’s critical necessities: employment and housing.

Shelters to Shutters has 44 industry partners around the country, ranging from family-owned businesses to publicly traded companies, who refer potential candidates to them. Qualified individuals can apply for jobs at a local multi-family apartment complex and live on the property at a deeply discounted rate, enabling them to get back on their feet. ML shelterstoshutters.org

Find stylish gifts for the naughty and the nice.

Whether they’ve been naughty or nice, ‘tis the season to shop at Chloe’s. A unique women’s boutique where you’ll always find fashions and accessories that are stylish and on trend. You’re certain to find something for everyone on your list, including yourself. Wrap up the holidays in style with a gift from Chloe’s.

12 E. Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 | chloesofmiddleburg.com | (540) 326-8936

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DESKS FOR DISTANCE

One Teenager’s Story of Giving Back Story and photos by Laticia Headings

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olby Samide, a junior at Woodgrove High School in Purcellville, had no idea that his inspiration to make desks for underprivileged kids would earn nationwide attention and land him on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, The Dr. Oz Show, and online in a People Magazine Exclusive.

The 17-year old grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved to Purcellville in 2017 with his parents and younger brother. Samide adjusted well to the move and fit in easily. “I love it here, it’s a really cool town and the people are awesome,” he says. “I’m lucky to live here.”

Samide, who plays baseball and loves to ski, found a new hobby and realized a passion after taking a woodworking class at Woodgrove. “I fell in love with it. We made these cool wind-up cars and picture frames,” he says.

At home, Samide put his carpentry skills to use and built a hanging daybed for his

mom, a fire pit bench, and his own desk for distance learning. “I love to tinker. I’ve always loved to build things ever since I can remember,” he says.

In August, Samide came across a Facebook page called Desks by Dads, a group of Maryland men who were building desks for kids at home from school because of the pandemic. Samide immediately jumped on the idea to create a similar initiative. “It was a great way to combine my woodworking skills and my love for giving back,” he says.

Samide and his family frequently volunteered at homeless shelters and soup kitchens when they lived in Cincinnati. “My mom always said to spread kindness where you can … so that’s definitely been instilled in me,” he says.

At a young age, Samide displayed an entrepreneurial spirit. To earn spending money, he started a business. “When I was in 6th grade, I started my own lawn company in

Top: Screenshot of Colby Samide on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

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“What started out as a simple idea to give back turned into this cool thing that inspired other people … which was the best part, that people were continuing [the idea] in their locations.”

— Samide

Cincinnati and continued it when I moved here,” he says.

Originally, Samide intended to make five to ten desks to help families struggling financially, and to assist kids who needed their own space to study in a home setting. He set up shop in his family’s garage with a miter saw and the necessary tools and got to work.

He also started a Facebook page called Desks for Distance. The next day, the page had 250 shares. Soon after, Samide was contacted by a local newspaper and WJLA ABC-7 in Alexandria to do stories.

In just two weeks, Samide raised $4,000 from generous donors for building supplies through a Venmo account. He researched desks on YouTube and, after changing several dimensions and adding a back brace, he settled on a production-friendly design. “I can usually do four in an hour,” he says, noting Giving | Page 27

Giving | From page 26 that the time includes cutting the wood but not shopping for materials. “I build them in sets of four, so I’ll do the legs for all of them first and then the back brace, and then I attach the top.”

“In the early days, it was really overwhelming,” Samide says, who had a little help from his dad and family members. “Once I had a good design down, it really ramped up.

I got used to building them and it became more robotic.”

When Moss Building & Design, a residential remodeling company in Chantilly, reached out, Samide had over 60 requests for desks and was grateful for the help. By joining forces with Moss for a “build day,” Samide and others built over 50 desks in one day.

Two other build days with the non-profit Makersmiths in Purcellville, a community facility providing tools, training, and workspace for entrepreneurs looking to prototype new ideas, produced 20 desks.

Samide says his favorite part of making the desks is the delivery. “That’s the ‘golden moment,’ when you drop off the desk and see the kid’s reaction,” he says. “You can tell they’re really excited to get it.”

Most of the recipients of the desks are children ranging from eight to 12 years old.

“Sometimes the parents will send photos of their kid sitting at the new desk and that’s a really good feeling,” Samide says.

In September, People Magazine picked up the story and featured it as an online exclusive. After the article was published, Samide got an email from NBC Nightly News with

Lester Holt saying they wanted to do a story. “They actually wanted to send out a [film] crew at 4 p.m. that day,” he says. “A few days later, Ellen reached out, so it was insanely fast-paced.”

Ellen DeGeneres actually saw Samide’s segment on NBC Nightly News and she and her team loved the story. “Goes to show you never know who’s watching the news,” Samide says, laughing.

Samide was in Spanish class when he got a Facebook message inviting him to be on the Ellen Show. At first, he thought it was a joke, but was soon on a Zoom call to coordinate camera lighting and test WiFi signal strength.

On Oct. 7, Samide appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, an experience he recalls as thrilling. “It was incredible to be on her show,” he says. “She was really energetic about the story and liked what I was doing, so it was really cool to get recognition from that show.”

Samide got a surprise during the show when he received two checks from Lowe’s for $10,000 each, one to be used towards his college education and another to buy building supplies for Desks for Distance.

The five-minute segment was posted on The Ellen show’s Facebook page and received over a half-million hits, with viewers lauding Samide for his philanthropy. “Just reading the comments was incredible,” he says. “What started out as a simple idea to give back turned into this cool thing that inspired other people … which was the best part, that people were continuing [the idea] in their locations.”

Samide has since started another Facebook page called Desks for Distance Outreach

to assist people around the country who have been inspired by his story and started desk builds in their own communities. The page includes directions on how to get started, a tutorial on making his version of the desk, and raising funds.

The story continued to garner accolades when the Dr. Oz Show spotlighted Samide’s story on his “1 Good Thing” segment on Oct. 23.

Every dollar Samide raises is used to buy desk materials. “I take nothing from this,” he says, noting that he has bought out the wood department at Lowe’s on several occasions.

With over 120 desks built to date, Samide has applied to make Desks for Distance an official non-profit and is currently awaiting 501c3 status. In the meantime, Samide is pausing production on making desks to focus on school but plans to build at least 20 desks during his Christmas break and will start regular production again next summer. His goal is to reach 300 desks by August 2021.

As for the future, Samide has interests in engineering, architecture, and marketing. “I like the idea of doing something hands-on, so engineering is appealing to me,” he says.

His goals include starting another non-profit to accompany whatever path he chooses. “I want to start a non-profit to help people in my community and continue giving back whenever I can,” he says. ML For more information and updates, visit the “Desks for Distance” Facebook page.

Above: Colby Samide.

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John Coles 540-270- 0094 Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520 Specializing in Large Land Holdings

Heronwood

108 Acres $6,950,000 The Plains – This stately and historic estate with its grand rooms is in prime Orange County Hunt territory, minutes to Middleburg. It also features a pool and pool house, 5 bay garage with office, 2 tenant houses, newly remodeled 11 stall center aisle stable with apt. & office, riding arena and exceptional ride-out to wooded trails and open pastures.

Sweet Bay Farm

127 Acres $6,800,000 The Plains – Exquisite estate features the custom designed residence built in 2004 with first floor master suite. To the right of the home, a relocated bank barn, ca. 1795 serves as a 2 bedroom guest house and pool house. To the left of the home there is a 3 bedroom caretaker cottage with garage. Horse facilities include a 7 stall stable, board fenced paddocks and fields. 2 ponds. Orange County Hunt Territory.

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501 Acres $19,500,000 Upperville – Private 18 hole golf course built to USGA standards. 2 world class stables, 45 stalls, arena, 28 fenced paddocks. 500+ spectacular acres with Blue Ridge Mountain views. Convenient to Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport and Washington, D.C.

Muster Lane

Windsor Farm

90.95 Acres $4,475,000 Sweeping panoramic views and grand trees surround this recently renovated, turn-key residence set on a private 90-acre estate. The home has been finished to the highest standards and features three meticulously finished levels with a modern floor plan, which includes a first-floor master bedroom suite. The location is in prime Orange County Hunt Territory.

37 Acres $3,299,000 Middleburg – A gracious stone manor conveniently located on 37 private acres just 2 miles from Middleburg. Historic property has been meticulously renovated with luxury finishes and tasteful upgrades throughout. 4 BR / 4 ½ BA. Formal dining room, large garden/family room with stone floor, Ballroom, Chef’s kitchen, library, 6 fireplaces. Charming guest house, pool, 2 barns. Large exercise/art studio.

Dressage arena and grass jumping arena. Gardens, ponds and views. OCH hunt territory.

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115 Acres $4,500,000 Upperville – Windsor Farm is an extraordinary horse property specializing in the training of Grand Prix horses.

The elegant Manor House dates to the 1700’s and has been expanded through the years to create the current gracious home with formal gardens and expansive views. In addition to the main home, the estate includes 3 tenant houses, and 3 apartments.

Hathaway

Holly Hill

Spring Hill

Mountville

145+ Acres $2,465,250 Middleburg – Sought after location on Mountville Rd. near Foxcroft School. Several home sites with wonderful views and vistas yet extremely private, half wooded and half pasture with over 2,000’ of Goose Creek frontage. Minutes from Middleburg with easy access to Dulles International Airport & Washington DC. Middleburg Hunt Territory.

20 Acres $2,250,000 Spring Hill Farm offers a charming setting for its main residence, accessory dwelling and it’s office/gathering house, with stone walls, gardens, pastures, pond and pool. Below the guesthouse is a 4 stall stable with it’s own parking area and driveway. The original 1870 log cabin was expanded several times creating a very welcoming home. This farm and its prime location, halfway between Middleburg and The Plains, provides the perfect way to social distance while being able to keep family and friends close.

Hill Crest

153 Acres $1,990,170 Delaplane – This beautiful parcel is located in prime Virginia Wine Country and is in Piedmont Hunt Territory.

Surrounded by magnificent views, this gently rolling land offers over half of the property cleared and the remaining in forestry. This property is protected by an Easement with Fauquier County, which allows the purchaser to purchase 78 Acres in lieu of the entire 153 Acre Parcel, please call the listing agent for details. Convenient to Upperville, Middleburg and Marshall, this location also offers easy access to I66.

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com

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John Coles 540-270- 0094 Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520 LD SO

SO

LD

Specializing in Large Land Holdings

Tuleyries

Hidden trail

Deerfield Farm

181 Acres $4,500,000 Upperville – Gracious Hunt Country Estate with and impeccably restored brick manor house, ca. 1844, perennial gardens and orchard, guest house with theatre, guest/pool house, pool, 2 tenant houses, 5 bay garage, workshop, 2 ponds, high elevation with fenced fields and paddocks.

Additional 40 acre parcel, with equestrian facilities and manager’s house available separately.

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107.48 Acres $4,900,000 Magnificent horse property in the midst of the serene countryside. From the picturesque Young Road two driveways access the 107 acres of Hidden Trail Farm. The first leads to one of the finest indoor arenas surrounded by exquisite ride out. The second is the graceful, park-like drive, which parallels a creek and then gently curves up to the elegant manor home.

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406 Acres $5,000,000 Boyce – Exquisite Federal Style Mansion, c. 1833, features 12’ ceiling height, dramatic curved stairway and 5 en-suite bedrooms. Sited on 406 Acres in 3 parcels with Easement Potential. Built by Joseph Tuley, Jr., it was later purchased

by Graham Blandy, who bequeathed over half of the original estate to the University of Virginia (State Arboretum of Virginia). Estate also includes 3 tenant houses, 12 stall stable with renovated 3 bd. apt. & numerous historic structures.

Chilly Bleak

Stone House Stables

16 Acres $1,195,000 Lovely horse property minutes from Warrenton. With history dating back to land grants, the main home, ca. 1790, features thick stone walls, exposed beam ceilings, hardwood pegged floors, and exposed stone walls on the interior of the house. property also offers a 10 stall barn, 5 bay machine shed, 2 car garage, 4 paddocks, and a grass riding ring, making this an ideal property for a horse enthusiast.

Conveniently located near Rt 17 between Warrenton and Marshall. This property cannot be divided.

Smitten Farm Lane

20 Acres $2,950,000 The Plains – Finely built custom residence on 16 acres minutes from Middleburg in Prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Designed for Grand Entertaining both inside and outside. The rooms graciously open into one another and lead out to the deep porches, which wrap the home and overlook the pool, grounds, gardens and conservatory.

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200 Acres $3,272,973 This spectacular 200 Acre parcel is located in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Rolling fields, stone walls and scenic views provide the perfect backdrop for your country home. This property is protected by a Virginia Outdoors Foundation Easement.

152 Acres $3,250,000 Marshall – This horse farm features beautiful open gently rolling pastures and fields in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. The historic fieldstone home dates to 1820 with later additions creating a 5 BR / 5 BA home with stone terrace and pool. Two Stables - 15 stalls and 6 stalls, Kraft Walker, 8 paddocks, 6 fields, 3 cottages. The home is perfectly sited for privacy with easy access to I-66 and Rt. 50.

VOF Easement. Shared listing with Sotheby’s.

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Logans Mill

Five Forks Farm

39 Acres $1,100,000 In a beautiful rural setting this charming home boasts log walls and exposed beams. Convenient to Culpeper, Warrenton, Little Washington, Shenandoah National Park, Sperryville and Luray attractions. This property is a nature lovers paradise with miles of hunting trails and surrounded by large estates. In addition to the main home, the property has an 8 stall barn, a 3 bay machine shed, a small storage shed and a small guest house.

O’Bannon Land

50 Acre $995,000 This parcel of land has a perfect building site for your next country get away. Conveniently located between I-66 and route 17. The well maintained trails that surround the property make for a great potential ride out. The gently rolling hills offer numerous building sites with amazing views.

There is an existing home with a tenant; please do not drive

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com

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SEVEN LOAVES SHINES A BRIGHT LIGHT IN A WEARY WORLD Written by Kaitlin Hill

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hakespeare wrote, “How that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” Perhaps a little candle, Seven Loaves Services in Middleburg certainly shines a bright light across Virginia.

At the heart of the food pantry is its commitment to serving anyone, a word often found in all capital letters on the organization’s website. With an enthusiastic director, dedicated group of volunteers, and robust support of the community, Seven Loaves provides meals for families in 13 counties across Virginia and West Virginia. But more impressive than the broad reach is the endless capacity for gen-

erosity, keeping the mission moving, even during a pandemic.

Seven Loaves was founded by a group of ministers in the Middleburg area, and officially incorporated in 1994. Over the past 26 years, the food pantry has expanded.

Three years ago, one of its former volunteers, Carleigh Underwood, became the new director.

As a Middleburg native, Underwood’s connection to the Seven Loaves mission started in her childhood kitchen. “I have always had a connection with food,” she says. “Food is very important in my family, and I just re-

member seeing my mom and dad delivering hot meals to people without any questions.

They were always just very big on making sure everyone had enough to eat.” As a child, her dad instilled in her the idea of helping others. “‘Always be a part of bringing someone up, never bringing them down,’ she says, quoting her father. “That’s a famous quote of his in my house.”

The lessons she learned from her parents led her to Seven Loaves. “I started as a volunteer driver at Seven Loaves, and I became completely engulfed in the mission,” she says.

Loaves | Page 31

Left: Volunteer holding beans, photo provided by Seven Loaves Services, Inc. Right: Carleigh Underwood, Seven Loaves director. Photo by Jennifer Gray.

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Loaves | From page 30 “I wanted to learn everything there was to be able to help.”

After a year of volunteering, Underwood’s dedication to the mission made her a promising candidate for the director position when it became available. “I volunteered my time with different aspects of the organization,” she says. “One thing led to another, and then the director at the time [Debbie Gallagher] wanted to retire, and I was fortunate enough to get the job. Debbie and Jim McGlaughlin [the former Vice President] taught me everything I know, and I wear many hats. But I just love it. I just love the mission.”

She is now in her third year as director.

With the exception of Underwood’s role, Seven Loaves is entirely volunteer-based. “The rest of the workforce is based on volunteers,” she says. “They are just amazing. Most are locals from Middleburg, Marshall, Upperville, and the South Riding area.” Volunteers known as “loafers” can participate in a variety of ways, from unloading and stocking, to distributing and serving as pickup drivers.

Donations are often locally sourced too.

Seven Loaves has standing partnerships with local organizations, including the Warrenton Farmers Market, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and Archwood Green Barns in The Plains. And the generosity of the Middleburg community is a big player in Seven Loaves’ success as well.

“I’ll ask for canned chicken, and I’ll turn around and have a thousand cans of chicken,” she says. “The caring nature just spreads like wildfire here. That generosity is contagious here.”

More than canned goods, Seven Loaves has a dairy, fresh produce, and personal hygiene product program. “We’ve been fortunate to be able to provide an abundance of food, fresh produce in particular, because of the local farms and really generous people in the community,” Underwood says.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Underwood has had to scale back the number of volunteers, the spirit of generosity

hasn’t dimmed.

“Before the pandemic, we had about 80 volunteers, but we’ve had to cut that in half because of the amount of people we can have inside,” she says. “But a lot of volunteers are still doing outreach or different projects for us outside of Seven Loaves. They are having hygiene bag assembly lines or their own coordinated drives, and then they bring that to us.

I’m trying to keep people involved as much as possible.”

And as the season of giving approaches, there is no slow down in sight. “Once the Fourth of July is over, I’m like ‘Alright, let’s get into the Thanksgiving mindset, especially this year,’” she says. “Thanksgiving and Christmas are really our crazy time of year, but we have a good system down. And we’re running out of room to store stuff, which I love. That is a good problem to have.”

Having a good system and an overflow of donations is crucial when serving between 90 and 100 families per week. “Our data runs on a unique system and a duplicate system,” Underwood says. “So unique just counts the household that comes and they are counted as one. And the duplicate, it counts that household every time they come to get food.”

With that perspective, Seven Loaves has served 486 unique households, and they have served over 4,000 times. “We just try to keep everybody fed as much as possible every week,” she says.

Even more than impressive numbers, it is Underwood’s contagious passion for what she does and the hard work of dedicated volunteers that make Seven Loaves an abundantly bright light in an often-weary world.

“It’s hard to put into words,” she says. “I like the connection we have with the people we serve. I meet so many people and learn their stories. When kids come in with their parents, seeing them makes it all worth it.

They are just so grateful, so happy knowing that they’ll have something to eat. It’s just a humbling experience to be able to give the God-given right to eat. We all need to eat.”

ML

“I started as a volunteer driver at Seven Loaves, and I became completely engulfed in the mission. I wanted to learn everything there was to be able to help.” — Underwood

Top: Fresh produce, photo provided by Seven Loaves Services, Inc. Bottom: In October 2020, the National Sporting Library & Museum presented Seven Loaves with a check from funds raised by this year’s NSLM Polo Classic. L to R: Seven Loaves director, Carleigh Underwood, National Sporting Library & Museum director of development, Reid O’Connor, and National Sporting Library & Museum executive director, Elizabeth von Hassell. Photo by Jennifer Gray.

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SEALED BID SALE

Major Real Estate Assets

Rare Offering of Elegant Hotel-Senior-Living/ApartmentComplex!

Hotel – Senior Living – Apt. Complex 40miles close Now to Middleburg!

Accepting Bids!

EB-5 Potential SEALED BID SALE

Rare Offering of Elegant Hotel – Senior Living – Complex ProximityApt. to Washington, DC Specific Asset Groups are Available Separately or as an Entirety Now Accepting Bids!

EB-5 Potential Major Real Estate Assets

ALED BID SALE

The Inn and Conference Center

Apartment Building w/ 5 Units

Chandler House w/ 4 Units

Taylor House w/ 4 Units

Rare Offering of Elegant Specific Asset Groups For more information: email jconnelly@summitcre.com or Text 202-491-5300 – Senior Living – Apt. ComplexSummit Commercial Real Estate in cooperation with MGA, Inc.

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Neither Summit CRE, MGA, Inc., their affiliates, employees, nor representatives makes any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or reliability of this information. We encourage any user of this information to independently confirm its accuracy and completeness.

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Neither Summit CRE, MGA, Inc., their affiliates, employees, nor representatives makes any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or reliability of this information. We encourage any user of this

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NEWSTEAD FARM | SOLD-Represented Purchaser Upperville, VA | $9,500,000 Listed by Kathryn Harrell & Debbie Meighan, Washington Fine Properties

MIDDLEBURG | SOLD-Represented Seller Grasty Place, Middleburg, VA | $1,400,000

THE PLAINS | SOLD-Represented Purchaser Burrland Lane, The Plains, VA | $1,312,500 Listed by Cricket Bedford, Thomas & Talbot Real Estate

GREAT FALLS | SOLD-Represented Purchaser Millwood Road, Great Falls, VA | $1,275,000 Listed by Tracy Williams, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

PURCELLVILLE | SOLD-Represented Seller Paxson Road, Purcellville, VA | $1,200,000

MARSHALL | SOLD-Represented Seller Crest Hill Road, Marshall, VA | $875,000

MARSHALL | SOLD-Represented Seller Cliff Mills Road, Marshall, VA | $800,000

MARSHALL | SOLD-Represented Seller Janes Lane, Marshall, VA | $799,000

MARSHALL | SOLD-Represented Seller Fireside Place, Marshall, VA | $750,000

MARSHALL | SOLD-Represented Seller Rectortown Road, Marshall, VA | $750,000

MIDDLEBURG | SOLD-Represented Seller West Washington Street, Middleburg, VA | $580,000

MARSHALL | SOLD-Represented Seller Crenshaw Road, Marshall, VA | $500,000

ALSO SOLD IN 2020 BY LAURA FARRELL & BUNDLES MURDOCK: Purcellville | Silcott Springs | $985,000 | Represented Purchaser Leesburg | Riverpoint Drive | $817,500 | Represented Purchaser Middleburg | Walnut Street | $740,000 | Represented Seller Huntly | Gordon Clan Lane | $775,575 | Represented Seller Warrenton | Deborah Drive | $675,000 | Represented Seller PLEASE VISIT OUR OFFICE IN

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Middleburg | Meadowbrook Court | $525,000 | Represented Purchaser Middleburg | Locust Street | $512,5000 | Represented Seller The Plains | Bunker Hill Road | $485,000 | Represented Seller Round Hill | Sarasota Street| $455,000 | Represented Purchaser Middleburg | Leith Lane | $250,000 | Represented Seller

Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680 | lfarrell@ttrsir.com Bundles Murdock +1 540 454 3499 | bmurdock@ttrsir.com

©2020 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. SIR1

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TAKE HUNT COUNTRY HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THESE LOCAL GIFT IDEAS

Written by Shayda Windle

T

here’s nothing quite like the gift of art.

It’s a personal, one-of-a-kind gift, often lasting a lifetime. So, we’ve done

the work for you and rounded up some of our favorite gifts of art currently available in Loudoun County. Stop by any one of these retailers for your holiday shopping and give the gift of art — a memorable gift that will last a lifetime.

BYRNE GALLERY The Byrne Gallery is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special exhibition from internationally-acclaimed artist Yuri Gorbachev. The exhibition will feature rare works from his private collection, on display from now until Jan. 3.

Gorbachev creates colorful, richly-textured canvases in oil and gold leaf. His pieces

include a radiant kaleidoscope of folk celebrations, street fairs, circuses, fairy-tales, animals, snowy winter landscapes, and images of the Romanov dynasty. When you purchase an original Yuri Gorbachev piece, you are buying a piece of the Russian heritage and the whimsical nature of their orthodox festivities that come with it. We can’t think of anything more vibrant than an original piece from Local | Page 37

Top Row: Left: “Two Horses,” 20”X24,” oil and mixed media on canvas. Middle: “Santa Claus and Cat,” 20”X24,” oil and mixed media on canvas. Right: “Fox Study IV,” Gail Guirreri Maslyk, 12”X12,” oil on canvas. Bottom Row: Left: Two fox Christmas carolers, hand-painted and sculpted fox faces, Debbie Cadenas, 10” tall.

Middle: Prints from the Wild Wander. Photo by Shayda Windle. Right: Dock 6 pottery. Photo by Shayda Windle.

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DECEMBER 2020

Create a New Tradition.

If you’ve never been to Middleburg for Christmas, you might be surprised at just how big our little town does it up!

Come on out for the day or the weekend, and experience the truly unique Christmas in Middleburg. We’re proud that it’s earned international recognition – but even more proud that you’ll still enjoy the same charm, character and community that we’re known for. We can’t wait to see you!

Shop Local

An ideal village blend of refined luxury and unpretentious comfort.

Eat Well

Our restaurants, bistros, cafés, pubs, and brewery scene in our village rivals that of any big city.

Wineries

More than 20 wineries within a 30-minute radius.

Accommodations

Choose from a historic inn, traditional B&B, or a 5-star sprawling country estate and spa.

Holiday Activities

Join us for horse drawn carriage rides, complimentary hot cocoa, classic decorations throughout Town, and much more!

Visit our website for additional details.

Middleburgva.gov/holidays

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‘tis the season to share our wishes. having a place to call home tops the list.

For more than 50 years, Thomas & Talbot has helped people find their perfect home in Hunt Country. We’ve also helped locate homes for some special donkeys on occasion, that otherwise may have been forgotten.

Thomas & Talbot shares a passion for life with everyone who calls Hunt Country home—equine, human or otherwise. In this unique season when being together is a luxury, sharing our wishes and our love means more than ever. Contact us today to locate your ideal property and enjoy your own charmed life in Hunt Country.

THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Opening the door to Hunt Country for generations 2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com

T&T- Donkey Holiday ad_v2.indd 1

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DECEMBER 2020

11/23/20 3:21 PM

Local | From page 34 Gorbachev this year.

In addition to the Gorbachev exhibit, The Byrne Gallery will be displaying pieces from Debbie Cadenas, including a series of hand-painted fox silhouettes by local artists.

Stop by today to see these whimsical Hunt Country-inspired pieces in person.

TWIGS Just a few miles north of Middleburg is Twigs, a boutique situated in Purcellville, offering an eclectic variety of products, including fair-trade and locally made goods.

Whether it’s an art print, a piece of pottery, handmade jewelry, or a gift for the kids, there’s something for everyone at Twigs.

This year, Twigs is featuring works from Virginia artists like Clara Cline of the Wild Wander, who creates natural history inspired paper goods and gifts that she says are “inspired by dusty libraries, cluttered studies full of artifacts, and an abiding curiosity for forgotten history and the natural world.” Cline’s collection at Twigs includes hand-drawn illustrations like these botanical prints you see here.

Perhaps you’re looking for something functional and decorative like a piece of pottery, dinnerware, or trinkets dishes. The artists at Dock 6 Pottery create stunning pottery pieces fused with glass to create the famous “geode crackle” you see here. As durable pieces, they are perfect for everyday use and always maintain their vibrant colors.

How about a piece of jewelry for the mother, daughter, or sister in your life? Twigs carries a wide variety of bohemian and eclectic jewelry from artisans all over the country.

Anne Vaughan Jewelry designs and creates handcrafted layered jewelry collections with innovative color palettes. Using hand-selected gemstones and natural materials, Anne Vaughan’s designs are both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. Anne Vaughan Jewelry has grown from a solo artisan venture to a thriving small business in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. When you shop at Twigs, you are truly shopping local.

In addition to these locally sourced gifts, Twigs is celebrating the holidays every Saturday between now and Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. with a variety of food and drink vendors. Get your holiday shopping done while

grabbing a bite! While the vendors are on location every Saturday, Twigs has extended holiday hours and is open seven days a week.

PAUL BOLINGER CARVINGS Paul Bolinger is the brainchild of the iconic “Father Christmas” carvings seen throughout Neiman Marcus retailers in the ‘90s. Bolinger started carving when he was an executive with a semiconductor company in Silicon Valley and “needed an outlet.” As a self-taught artist, he says, “My wife wanted some Father Christmas figures for our house, so I carved a few, and she painted them. A friend with a small shop asked if he could try to sell a few in his window; the first three sold the first day they were there. After that, we were unable to keep up with the demand for carvings.”

These figures have a distinct “old world” look to them. We call them Father Christmas, as they do not resemble the American Santa Claus at all. Inspiration comes from pictures of antiques, books about old-world Christmas, and the whims of the wood as it is being carved.

While there are no carvings ready-for-sale at this time, Bolinger does take special orders through his website paulbolinger.com. Collectors usually wait 4 to 6 months before carvings are complete.

ATELIER DESIGN & DÉCOR Located in the heart of Middleburg on Washington Street, Atelier Design offers a variety of contemporary art, including gifts from all over the world. Today, Atelier carries work from many different artists, including local artist Leslie Archer. While Archer came from a family of artists, her calling into the arts wasn’t clear until she spent two decades working for a think-tank in Washington, D.C. It was then she realized “the calling for the arts was never silenced in me. Spending my free time with a paintbrush in hand, my body of work can now be found in private collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.” You can, of course, find many of Archer’s grand-scale paintings throughout Atelier Design. As Archer says, her “love of nature is the impetus for the fluidity, motion and layering” found in her work. Stop in today to see her work in person. ML

Top: Jewelry by Anne Vaughan. Second, left: “Welkin,” 49-1/2” w by 73-1/2” h. Second, right: “Go Deep,” 49-1/2”w x 73-1/2”h. Third: “Luminati’s,” 14 inches tall. Bottom: “Horse 1 & 2,” 41-1/2”w x 31-1/2”h. Courtesy photos.

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How’s School Going in 2020?

Now that they’re back in school two days a week, Spurrier said their behavior has already changed.

“They realized that their teacher was real; they had only seen her on a computer.”

— Megan Spurrier

Local Moms Share Experiences with Virtual, Homeschool, and Hybrid Learning

By Chelsea Rose Moore

J

ust a year ago, not many of us would have used the phrase “virtual schooling” in daily conversations. But in 2020, it’s become the norm and a hot topic of conversation. Regardless of your views, one thing is certain: Each of us is craving some level of normalcy again. We checked in with three families to see how their hybrid, virtual and homeschooling situations are going a few months into the fall semester.

Melissa Marie | Ashburn, Va. Melissa Marie has juggled school with two teenage daughters in virtual school and two children in elementary school. She decided to homeschool her youngest two children last January, just before the pandemic hit, but she hadn’t planned on having two teenagers home while she was homeschooling.

Her experience has been positive over-

all. At ages 16 and 17, her teenage daughters complete their work on their own.

“When they have breaks, [I tell them to] get fresh air, go outside, see the sun for a little bit, and get a little Vitamin D,” she said. “I try to help them be self-aware. I went on a walk [with one of my daughters on her] 35-minute lunch break. I think that [virtual schooling] has been surprisingly easy for me. The homeschooling has been harder. I think as moms, we just want to do the best at everything. But we aren’t going to be good at everything. I am giving myself more grace.”

She gives her children “pep talks” where she discusses the importance of real-life issues, from getting proper sleep to experiencing emotions. If they’re feeling lonely, she tells them this is normal. She works to give her kids plenty of social opportunities, from a homeschool co-op to afternoons at the play-

ground with friends. Her teenagers regularly see their boyfriends and friends.

In the midst of these challenging times, Marie has prioritized her mental health too.

“Middleburg has given me mental health days,” she said. “Anytime [I] go to Middleburg, [I am] happy.”

Spencer Radzanowski | Hamilton, Va. As a homeschool graduate herself, Spencer Radzanowski always planned to homeschool her own children. What she didn’t expect was to homeschool during a pandemic.

“We’ve always been really involved in church, sports and homeschool co-op,” Radzanowski said. “Being social and being involved in things has always been really important to us. This year, [with] so many things cancelled, we went from being a very

The virtual learning classroom Spurrier set up in fall 2020 for her children. Photo by Megan Spurrier Photography.

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DECEMBER 2020

Learning | Page 39

Learning | From page 38 busy family to, all of the sudden, having nothing available. Some of it was good; [we were] spending a lot more time together and finding a lot more we could do together. After spring and summer, I said enough is enough. I started planning activities for our co-op groups, getting out of the house, being in nature, and seeing people while still being under the regulations.”

One of the activities she planned for the fall was writing letters to senior citizens homebound because of COVID-19. She hopes to use it as a tool to spark a connection for the kids while making it a great learning activity.

In November, she and two other homeschool moms hosted a crafting workshop to teach kids basic sewing skills and have them make their own stuffed animal. She has also hosted nature hikes at nearby parks, where she talks about seasons, local animals and foliage, encouraging each child to bring a nature journal for notes and drawings.

Radzanowski, who has two sons aged 9 and 3.5 and a newborn daughter, plans workshops twice a month. Her workshops are open to families doing virtual learning too, who she said are facing the same challenges she is as a homeschooler. While her workshops are geared towards elementary school learners, she loves having younger kids around too.

“My younger son can play with other kids, or I can gear things to his age and help him,” she said. “He absorbs so much by being around the teaching and the environment. I want other families to know that learning can be a whole family experience.”

Since the pandemic started, one of her favorite resources has been all the organi-

zations and businesses offering free classes online. “We’ve done Zoom art classes and marine biology courses in the spring and summer [with a] nature preserve in Florida,” she said. “The opportunities are out there, but I don’t know that everyone is aware of them.

Sometimes you have to hunt for them.”

Megan Spurrier | Warrenton, Va. Megan Spurrier’s three children have been virtual schooling since March. With twin boys in second grade and a daughter in kindergarten at James G. Brumfield Elementary School in Warrenton, Spurrier was overjoyed at the move to hybrid learning in mid-November.

A former middle school and preschool teacher, Spurrier’s background in education helped as she taught her children for most of 2020. She felt comfortable around curriculum and understood the structure of a school day and the concept of teaching. Still, she said, it was challenging because she was doing this with her own kids, not somebody else’s kids.

During the spring, she purchased workbooks and printed resources from the internet. She worked with her kids’ teachers to receive activity packets and books. About a month after closing, the school released project activities, but they were not grade-specific. Spurrier did her best to work within the limitations of the projects they’d been given.

Virtual schooling was hard on her sons.

They struggled with seeing their friends on the screen but not in person. “They went from being the teacher’s pet to despising school,” she said.

Now that they’re back in school two days a week, Spurrier said their behavior has already changed. “They realized that their teacher

was real; they had only seen her on a computer,” she said. “They only have five kids in their class, so [there’s] a lot of face time with their teacher.”

For the fall semester, Spurrier arranged a separate school room in her home, with desks for each child, computers and headphones.

She loved that the school created a drive-up assembly line for parents to pick up new materials, supplies and books every two weeks.

The activity bags corresponded with their classwork.

Her advice to other parents navigating virtual schooling? “Set rewards and take breaks when needed,” she said.

“We go outside as much as possible and we take a lot of breaks,” she said, noting that sometimes they will clear their schedule and go outside for a picnic. “I had to really set goals for the day for what time we are going to be done by. I was like a military mom, telling my kids, ‘You will have this done by this time or you don’t get your iPad.’ Some days it worked, and some days it didn’t. It depended on their moods, their attention levels [and] how much school work they had.”

The benefit of virtual school was that it gave their family a more flexible schedule.

They could start the day on their own time. If a day started badly, they could choose not to do school and work on other projects instead.

If they wanted to spend the day at Spurrier’s parents’ house, they could do their work there.

Her favorite thing about having her kids back in school is the quiet. “I don’t have to get snacks all day,” she said, laughing. ML

Left: Melissa Marie’s four children Alexis, Ariel, Ricardo, Catalina. Photo by Melisa Pasero Photography. Right: Spurrier’s children Wes, Henry, and Elliot. Photo by Megan Spurrier Photography.

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540.687.6395

WFP.COM

FOR SALE

SOLD

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THE GODFREY ESTATE $2,300,000 40568 Hidden Hills Lane Paeonian Springs, VA

THE LAST RESORT $1,167,000 35748 John Mosby Highway Middleburg,VA

NEWSTEAD FARM $9,500,000 33542 Newstead Lane Upperville, VA

SHAWMARK FARM $3,750,000 6529 John S Mosby Hwy Middleburg,VA

SOLD COLD SPRING FARM $1,750,000 38057 Forest Mills Rd** Leesburg, VA

CONGRATULATIONS

to my all my clients in this difficult year.

I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me.

SOLD RIVER CREEK CC $1,499,000 18278 Riviera Way Leesburg, VA

Happy Holidays!

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PLEASANT MEADOW $1,149,000 20011 Pleasant Meadow Lane* Purcellville, VA

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CHARLES TOWN PIKE $430,000 36982 Charles Town Pike* Hillsboro, VA

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ROUND HILL $880,000 MARSHALL $601,000 20369 Woodtrail Road 8616 Woodward Road* Round Hill, VA Marshall, VA *Represented Buyer **Represented Buyer & Seller

Your Town and Country Real Estate Agent

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571-439-4027 debbie.meighan@wfp.com

BRINGING YOU THE FINEST AGENTS • PROPERTIES • EXPERIENCE

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DECEMBER 2020

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A Team of Hospice Angels Written by Heidi Baumstark

T

he concept of a team exists when a group of people come together to accomplish a desired goal. At The Medical Team, Inc. (TMT), every member stars in the “team” concept, providing expert medical services and compassionate care to all their clients.

Headquartered in Reston, Va., TMT also has offices in Louisiana, Texas, and Michigan. They provide everything from 24/7 skilled medical attention, to visits for help with personal care and daily living activities, typically following hospitalization. TMT is dedicated to supporting patients and their loved ones, providing care with genuine compassion, skill, and respect. Every year, they help thousands of patients live at home as independently as possible.

All this requires a dedicated, interdisciplinary team, including a physician, registered nurse, nurse aides, chaplain, social worker, pharmacist, music therapist, and trained volunteers with oversight from a hospice administrator. Laurie Chalice of Haymarket, Va. has been with TMT’s nursing team since 2014.

“I was inspired by my mom who was also a nurse,” Chalice says. “I always had that caring nature for people; my mom said this was my calling. In 2016, my boss asked if I’d be interested in hospice, so I thought I would try it. It was new for me since I was used to skilled nursing, but when I started hospice, I loved it.”

If a patient moves from skilled nursing requirements to needing hospice, TMT ensures the patient’s complete continuity of care. “Some patients I work with as a skilled nurse — and

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if they move into hospice — I’m still there,” Chalice says. “Seeing similar faces is very reassuring for the patient and family members to have that consistency; there’s a real bonding that takes place.”

With TMT, the team a patient starts with is the team the patient stays with.

If the patient passes, bereavement care is offered for 13 months to the family or anyone in that setting who cared for them. TMT’s social worker also helps with funeral arrangements and can coordinate assistance from local and state agencies, including practical services like Meals on Wheels.

Many of Chalice’s patients are in Loudoun, Fauquier, Prince William, and Fairfax counties. Wendy Stewart of Middleburg spoke about the care provided for her late husband, David Stewart. After a head injury in March 2019, he became a patient of TMT for about a year.

“David went into hospice and passed away in March [2020]; he was 93,” Stewart says. “We had a very positive experience. The Medical Team came about once a week. The people were really nice and David liked them all very much. They made it as pleasant as possible.” Their social worker still calls about once a month and sends materials about dealing with loss.

Chalice can relate. “I was there when my mom took her last breath on August 3, 2019; I was actually her hospice nurse,” she says.

Dr. Jennifer Winegarden, TMT’s medical director, runs the Reston office. She, too, has had personal experience with hospice. She was already a

DECEMBER 2020

physician, but after the death of her father, she dedicated herself solely to providing hospice care.

“It was a turning point. And I wanted to make a difference,” Winegarden says.

Since 2014, she has helped TMT roll out their hospice program. “What’s special about us is we can literally move on a dime. Companies that are more topheavy — that’s harder to do. We’re very patient-centric and ask, ‘What’s bringing the patient the most comfort?’”

Along with being board-certified, Winegarden has a master’s degree in pain medicine, dispensing cutting-edge, individualized medical treatment to each patient. Actively involved in research with several published articles, she looks at the specific pain and tries to avoid opioids — while still controlling the pain — so the patient can enjoy the quality of life of whatever time they have left.

Who is it for?

TMT is a free benefit to anyone covered by Medicare or Medicaid. For younger patients not yet on Medicare or Medicaid, private insurance is accepted. Medicare will pay for skilled nursing services when a physician has deemed that a patient requires skilled nursing care. If a patient isn’t ready yet for hospice, TMT can still come and supply medical equipment such as a hospital bed, bedside commode, and durable medical equipment. When the patient, family member, or physician has determined that the patient is no longer seeking medical care, then the physician sends an order to the hospice Angels | Page 43

“I found my calling in hospice,” Chalice says. “It’s a true honor when the family has asked you to be there.

My advice? Love your loved one — focus on them. That’s our mission: taking care of that person, respecting that person and their time, and their family.”— Chalice

Angels | From page 42 of the patient’s or family member’s choice.

Hospitals typically have hospice in-house; but there is a choice, and people can request another hospice group.

Winegarden explained that virtually every family who has had hospice care for a loved one wishes they had done it sooner. Some patients live longer because they don’t have to leave the house all the time for medical appointments.

“There’s such a relief to know there’s a team who has come into the family’s personal circle who can handle almost everything by coming to them,” Winegarden says. “They’re loving their loved one by bringing in hospice.

It’s a beautiful benefit.”

Chalice recalls one of her patients, Fawn Kemp of Haymarket, who recently lost her father.

“Accepting the reality that our loved one was ready for hospice was one of the most difficult decisions,” Kemp says. “Laurie went above and beyond anything we expected. She helped us with the notifications we had to make and prepared my dad for his last journey. It takes a special person to be there every day doing the work she does. Months have passed and Laurie and other medical team

workers have kept in touch and continue to give my mom support. Even if it’s coming for a cup of coffee.”

One way to honor the lives of passed loved ones was at a recent Butterfly Release event TMT held on Oct. 1 at Larmax Homes, an assisted living facility in McLean, Va. Family members gathered as butterflies were released. A butterfly bush was planted, so butterflies could annually return. A plaque was presented, which reads, “Butterflies appear when angels are near.”

“I found my calling in hospice,” Chalice says. “It’s a true honor when the family has asked you to be there. My advice? Love your loved one — focus on them. That’s our mission: taking care of that person, respecting that person and their time, and their family.”

Founded in 1978, TMT is a diversified, privately held healthcare services company serving patients at home or in senior communities. TMT’s family of companies includes The Medical Team, Inc., Med Team, Inc., and The Medical Team Personal Care Services; each is licensed and certified.

Truly, a team effort. ML To learn more about The Medical Team, visit medicalteam.com.

Top right: The Medical Team (TMT) staff, left to right: Christy Roberts, nursing team; Laurie Chalice, nursing team; Jennifer Toms, hospice administrator; Rolande Obei, nursing team; Suzanne Andress-Udall, social worker. Left: Laurie Chalice. Bottom: Butterfly release. Courtesy photos.

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The Magic of Christmastime

Written by Chelsea Rose Moore Photos by Yetta Reid Photography

I

t felt like we’d been waiting forever, but the most magical time of year was finally here. We wrote and then rewrote our Christmas lists, decorated our house with greenery, and displayed our nativities in eager anticipation of the season. Under the tree, the presents were wrapped in festive paper, waiting to be opened on Christmas Eve. As the days drew closer to Christmas, I would secretly shake the gifts with my name on them, hoping it would reveal the contents inside.

In my family, Christmas Eve was spent at my grandparents’ home. My cousins, aunt and uncle, parents and siblings would gather to celebrate the holiday together. As the adults caught up, the kids discussed the very important matter of gifts. What did we each want most for Christmas? And what was the likelihood of receiving it?

My grandparents had an open door policy for their friends and neighbors. The same faces often visited each holiday: the forever friends who had walked through the ups and

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downs of life with them, the neighbors who popped in to say hello, the blind friend who always brought gifts for us kids. Sometimes there were surprises when someone who had never come for Christmas before stopped by, and they were always warmly welcomed. The visitors never stayed for our full festivities.

They came for dinner or stopped in to say “Merry Christmas!” on their way to celebrate with their own families. Somehow, no matter how many people dropped by, there was always enough food.

In the kitchen, my grandmother, mother and aunt filled bowls with mashed potatoes and trays with appetizers, setting them on the table as they were ready. My grandmother always cooked the bird. The selection of food changed each year, but there was always a bowl filled with green olives, and for some reason, it was one of the things I looked forward to most.

As the sky darkened and the tree lights sparkled, we came together in the living

DECEMBER 2020

room, our chairs making a circle around the room. My grandfather read the story of Jesus’s birth from the Book of Luke and then read us “The Night Before Christmas” in the most dramatic of ways. His voice echoed through the house as he shouted the last line: “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

My grandfather was in charge of the gift distribution. We were not allowed to pick which presents we would open; he always chose for us. He would hand us a present, and we could not complain or ask to open a different gift first. It would break his rule, and therefore, break tradition.

There were always surprises on Christmas Eve. There were gifts we hadn’t expected to receive that we were overjoyed to open. There were the disappointments of things we desperately wanted but didn’t receive. There was playful banter between the adults, my grandfather’s jokes, and laughter from us all. There were carols and late-night snacks and hugs Magic | Page 47

Magic | From page 46 between family members. And there was always Christmas magic.

At the end of the night, we dressed in our Christmas pajamas, sleepy and dreamy-eyed.

My dad loaded our gifts into the back of the car, and we drove home and went to bed without complaining, because tomorrow was Christmas Day. Now, a few decades later, as a mother to my own children, there’s a lot that’s different about Christmas for me. But one thing is the same: Christmas is still the most magical time of year.

My hope is for the holiday season to be as magical for my children as it was for me.

But it’s not a hard goal.

All it takes for some Christmas magic is festive pajamas, hot cocoa and a holiday movie next to the tree.

I weave my favorite childhood traditions into December: baking Christmas cookies, cutting down a tree, collecting a new ornament each year, and counting down the days in December with an advent calendar.

What I love most about December is all of the stories it holds.

The stories give our traditions meaning, offering us reason to keep doing them and passing them on to the next generation.

Christmas conjures stories of relatives who are no longer here on earth, and the holiday smells and songs somehow make them feel a little closer. It’s like a gift I hold for myself: the memory of their smiles, their laughter, and their love that glowed all the brighter at Christmastime.

There are the stories of my childhood self.

I see myself hanging ornaments on the tree with my brothers as we listened to my parents tell us the story behind each one. I see myself making homemade gifts for grandparents, using a glue stick and construction paper. I see our holiday photos being taken for our

Christmas card, with my mom trying hard to get five children to look at the camera and smile at the same time. When I close my eyes, it almost feels like I’m there again.

Today, participating in these same traditions makes me feel like a child again. I watch my preschooler make homemade cards to mail to family members and give to the essential workers who faithfully served us all year.

It reminds me of the holiday crafts and cards I made as a child. I teach my daughters Christmas carols, remembering the carols sung with my family as we visited nursing homes.

We decorate our home with nutcrackers and listen to Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, reminding me how no childhood Christmas was complete until we had seen the ballet performed. I hang up a special advent calendar filled with cards to direct our holiday activities and give us ideas for service oriented opportunities.

Wa t c h i n g m y daughters’ excitement reminds me of my own anticipation as my brothers and I counted down the days until Christmas. Seeing the magic reflected in my children’s eyes makes the season more meaningful for me.

As an adult at Christmas, it’s easy to be weighed down by the stresses of life. We can make Christmas lose some of its brightness, this year perhaps more than others. But it’s deeply important to pause and let Christmas still be Christmas. We can give ourselves the opportunity to see Christmas through a child’s eye again, even if it’s our own inner child. We can even find healing in it.

When the world feels like it’s falling apart, Christmas is here to remind us that “all is calm and all is bright” in our hearts and homes. And that is all the Christmas magic I could ask for. ML

“As the sky darkened and the tree lights sparkled, we came together in the living room, our chairs making a circle around the room. My grandfather read the story of Jesus’s birth from the Book of Luke and then read us ‘The Night Before Christmas’ in the most dramatic of ways…”

— Moore

Photos are of Chelsea Moore’s oldest daughter, Amelia Moore, celebrating the Christmas season. Taken by Yetta Reid Photography.

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DECEMBER 2020

Washington St. | P.O. |Box 1380 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | 540.687.5588 | sheridanmacmahon.com Washington St. |110PE..O. Box 1380 Middleburg, VA 20118 | 540.687.5588 | sheridanmacmaho

FIDELIO

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UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

HUME, VIRGINIA

Prime Fauquier County location minutes from Middleburg | Unbelievable finishes throughout | Antique floors and mantels, vaulted ceilings | 6 BR, 5 full BA, 2 half BA | 6 FP, gourmet kitchen | Improvements include office/studio, stone cottage with office, spa, guest house, pool and lighted tennis court | Landscaped grounds with stream, waterfalls, boxwood and special plantings | 61 acres

Gracious Georgian Manor home, 11,000 sf, built in 1930 | Updated and suitable for large scale entertaining | 7 BR, 7 1/2 BA, 7 FP | High ceilings, formal gardens & private setting | Belmont style stable w/30 stalls and 2 apartments | 4 BR guest house/entertainment complex, 4-car garage w/office | 4 restored tenant houses, skeet range, pool & tennis court | 167.59 acres mostly open & rolling with bold mountain views and large spring-fed pond | Also available with 241 acres for $8,500,000

SPRING GLADE

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

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French Country home, with renovations in 1999 $8,750,000 $6,500,000 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 halfPaul BA, 5 FP, hardwood Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 MacMahon 703.609.1905 floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

$3,900,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 MacMahon 540.454.1930 helenFARM MAYAPPLE DIXONS MILL ROAD MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Original portion of house built in 1790 in Preston City, CT | House was dismantled and rebuilt at current site | Detail of work is museum quality | Log wing moved to site from Western Virginia circa 1830 | 4 BR, 4 full BA, 2 half BA, 9 FP & detached 2-car garage | Historic stone bank barn and log shed moved from Leesburg, VA | Private, minutes from town | Frontage on Goose Creek | 37.65 acres

$3,200,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Lovely brick home on hilltop setting, completely redone by current owners | Wood floors, high ceilings, lots of light | 6 BR, 5 1/2 BA, 5 FP, sweeping stair case in foyer | Basement level finished for family enjoyment w/ media room, office, gym, billiard room, full bar w/ kitchenette, full bath & outside entrance leading to pool and spa | Improvements include 3-car garage, heated 4-car garage w/car lift | Potting shed/studio w/ attached heated green house | 20 car barn for serious collector | Swimming pool with spa | 5-stall barn | Property fenced and cross fenced | 68.23 acres

$2,375,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

181 acres | Brick manor house c. 1844 | 4 bedrooms, lovely kitchen, multiple porches, pine floors, 7 fireplaces, original mantels, large windows, detailed millwork | c. 1810 log cabin/pool house, guest house with theater, 2 tenant houses, 5-bay garage and workshop | Sizable pond

203 immaculately maintained acres w/ approximately 1 mile river frontage | 1 acre stocked pond | Elegant stone & clapboard house | 5 BR, 4 full & 3 half baths, gourmet kitchen, spacious great room | Gunnite pool w/stunning views of Blue Ridge Mountains | Old Dominion Hunt | 5 stall Jim-Fletcher built barn | Residence set back 1/2 mile from road | VOF easement w/pot for 30 acre subdivision

SALEM HILL

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

$4,500,000 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

$3,600,000 Well protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | Alix Coolidge 703.625.1724 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county kitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 FIRETHORN LANE

BUST HEAD ROAD

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

Privately situated on 2 acres | 3 BR main residence - each BR with separate bath | Spacious master BR - Elegantly decorated and appointed | Conveniently located between Middleburg and The Plains | Large open eat-in kitchen w/ bar and center island | Living room w/ fireplace | Formal dining room | Space for home office w/ fireplace | Basement includes ample storage & exercise room | 1 BR guest house | Lovely gardens and wrap around porch for outdoor socializing

82.69 acres | Mostly wooded, mountain views, bold stream in very protected area | Conservation easement | Can not be subdivided | Prime Orange County Hunt location | Halfway between Middleburg and The Plains

$1,100,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

$1,250,000 Alix Coolidge 703.625.1724

HALCYON HILL

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

A remarkable property located within a private ALDIE SPRINGS enclave just minutes from town | ALDIE, StoneVIRGINIA and stucco MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA manor house level home master suite 2 |full7BA & 2 half The Old Middleburg Pharmacy with | Built in main Charming w ith 3 bedrooms, 1934 | Wonderful old stone building on BA, FP with insert in family room | Rear deck for additional BRwith| endless 5 stone FP | entertaining Beautiful Madison Street in Middleburg outdoor & frontgardens, porch add to the charm options | Main level retail, water full basement | Attached 2-car garage | Largehouse Morton building terraces, salt pool, cabana, carriage & for for storage or separate entrance and storage, workshop or more garage space | 28.34 mostly stable with 2 paddocks | Lovely finishes throughout 3 rental apartments upstairs | wooded & private acres, multiple springs & creek plus Approximately 7,000 sf | C-2 zoning waterfall | Trails throughout, hunters paradise | &provides sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek | for many uses | Rear parking Minutes to Route 50 and Route 15 | Property has Fios 31$1,100,000 acres | Private, elegant & convenient $1,010,000 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

$2,650,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

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$3,690,000

GAME CREEK 11 SOUTH MADISON STREET

20 Riv 4 fu Gun and

17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village 10 CHINN LANE 109 THE PLAINS ROAD ofMIDDLEBURG, Rectortown | Convenient toMIDDLEBURG, both Routes 50 VIRGINIA VIRGINIA & 66 Newly renovated | Private setting with In town living w| /main level primary bedroom with Very private office building in Middleburg | pocket doors that open into the living room | 3 BR, Located on The Plains Road directly across mountain | the 4 Sporting bedrooms, 2 1/5 BA,magnificent hardwood floors & fireplace | French doors views from Library | Charming office open to with mature gardens & space 2 fireplaces 3 levels with lower level used for over flow and 4private fullpatio bath, 1 half bath, | Heated for expansion | Great full time or weekend getaway break room/kitchen | Surprisingly large parking & spa | to2town. bedroom lotguest house | what many other propertypool within walking distance behind the building offers buildings are lacking in town | Building has $899,000 Large shed & 2-car garage many potential uses with C-3 Zoning

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Margaret Carroll 540.454.0650

$589,000 $2,475,000Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helen M D E ac C EM M Bahon E R 2 0 2540.454.1930 0 • middleburglife.com

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OPENING HUNT SCENES Photographed by Joanne Maisano *These photos were all taken prior to the new restrictions released in November for COVID-19.

BLUE RIDGE met at Long Branch on Oct. 31. Due to COVID-19, the hunt will not be having their annual Thanksgiving meet. Below: Huntsman Graham Buston with hounds and whips, Denya Dee Leakes, Sheri Buston, and Ross Salter. Middle: MFH-Jeff Lehew with daughter Lindsay followed by the rest of the first flight. Bottom: Graham taking the hounds around the front of historic Long Branch.

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DECEMBER 2020

ORANGE COUNTY HOUNDS met at Meredyth Farm on Nov. 7. Left: Jt-MFH Malcolm Matheson and Nancy West. Right: Huntsman Reg Spreadborough and hounds. Bottom: Hunt.

SNICKERSVILLE HOUNDS met at MFH-Gregg Ryan’s Creekside on Nov. 8. Left: Huntsman/Master Eva Smithwick. Middle: Maureen Brittell. Right: John Ryan, MFH Gregg Ryan’s son.

PIEDMONT FOX HOUNDS met at Oakley on Nov. 5. Left: Huntsman Jordan Hicks with Jt-MFH Tad Zimmerman, Shelby Bonnie, and Gregg Ryan following behind. Middle: Mo Baptiste jumping the historic stone walls of Rokeby Lane. Right: The side saddle ladies. Bottom: Hounds.

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The Byrne Gallery’s 25th Anniversary Exhibition with artist Yuri Gorbachev Photos by Joanne Maisano

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usan Byrne and Bill Byrne are celebrating The Byrne Gallery’s 25th anniversary this year in Middleburg with an exhibition of the vivid oil and enamel paintings of internationally-acclaimed artist Yuri Gorbachev. On Nov. 14, The Byrne Gallery welcomed Yuri Gorbachev back to celebrate his 17th annual exhibition. The gallery features rare works from his private collection, many of which have only been on exhibit in museum shows. In addition, there are some of his classic paintings along with new paintings from his 2020 museum world-tour. Visitors can view the exhibition through Jan. 3. ML

Top left: Bill Byrne and sister Susan Byrne. Top right: Will Rudy and Stephen Slade. Bottom left: Susan Byrne. Bottom right: Byrne Gallery.

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DECEMBER 2020

DECEMBER 2020

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS MIDDLEBURG HOLIDAY TREES & WINDOW DESIGN CONTEST ONGOING IN DECEMBER The Town of Middleburg and MBPA will be lining Washington Street with living Christmas trees in front of Town businesses. These trees will line and light the sidewalks of Middleburg from Dec. 4 until Jan. 1. Shops and local businesses will “sponsor” trees by decorating them for the season. We hope these will add delight and visual impact for our visitors and residents alike this holiday season. This year, the MBPA will also be hosting a town-wide Holiday Window Design Contest.

MIDDLEBURG TOWN TREE LIGHTING DEC. 4 | 6 – 7 p.m. themiddleburgmuseum.org The Middleburg Museum welcomes you to start the Christmas season with us as we light the town Christmas tree. This family friendly event will include caroling, hot cocoa, and Mrs. Claus! The tree lighting event grows every year and this year promises to be the best one yet!

WARRENTON “REVERSE” CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 4 | 6 – 9 p.m. warrentonchristmasparade.com This year we have reimagined the traditional Old Town parade to a “Reverse Parade” format. Floats will be parked and displayed along Main Street and attendees will drive by and view from the safety of their vehicles. This approach will allow for spacing between parade entries and no direct contact with the public.

SANTA’S SLEIGH FAMILY PHOTOS AT MIDDLEBURG HUMANE FOUNDATION DEC. 5 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. middleburghumane.org Take your holiday photos at Santa’s festive sleigh! Santa’s sleigh is parked at Middleburg Humane Foundation, right by the holly trees. You may take photos or MHF will take family photos for you on your phone! Afterward, visit the MHF horses,

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turkeys, ducks, and pigs. A bag of treats will be provided. Due to COVID, Santa is not able to join us. But his sleigh is very festive next to the holly trees! Tickets are required and slots are limited, due to COVID-restrictions. Additional dates are Dec. 12 & 19.

be same family). Children must be accompanied by a parent during this event. $50 per gingerbread house. Reservations required, please call 540-326-4070.

DIRT FARM CHRISTMAS MARKET + NOMINI BAY OYSTER FESTIVAL

DEC. 12 | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. salamanderresort.com Join us for a magical wagon ride to visit “Santa’s Workshop” for a safe visit that is fun for the whole family. Board a wagon drawn by Santa’s elves to his workshop where you have the opportunity for a socially-distanced photo op with Santa, tell him your Christmas wishes and create a memorable festive craft. After visiting with Santa, a friendly elf will bring you back to the Equestrian Center where the children in your party will be greeted with a special stuffed animal to take home as a gift from Santa. S’mores will be available for roasting as well as plenty of hot cocoa. $250 per family up to 8 guests. For questions, please call 540-326-4060 or email recreation@salamanderresort.com. Additional dates are Dec. 5, 6, 13, 19, 20.

DEC. 5 | 12 – 5 p.m. dirtfarmbrewing.com Kick off the holiday season at Dirt Farm’s Christmas Market! Sip on Dirt Farm beer and signature hot beverages while you shop unique, handmade items from local artisans and vendors. You are sure to find special gifts for your friends and loved ones, and maybe even take home something for yourself! The folks of Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch, LLC will be on the mountain all weekend serving their famous oysters! Enjoy them raw or charbroiled, with specialty options that pair perfectly with Dirt Farm beer. Please keep in mind that this is an outdoor event.

PURCELLVILLE DRIVE-IN CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DEC. 6 | 5 – 6 p.m. purbap.org/events As we light a star on top of Purcellville Baptist Church (PBC), this drive-in Christmas lighting will celebrate the season by safely experiencing Christmas spirit with our community. Christmas carols will be sung, tasty treats delivered to your vehicles, and lots of fun to be had! Held in the church parking lot with “drive-in style” parking, the music will be piping through a radio station, lyrics will be provided both on the web and passed out!

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING WORKSHOP DEC. 6 & 20 | 12 – 2 p.m. salamanderresort.com Spend a memorable afternoon with family decorating winter wonderland houses drizzled with icing icicles and pretzel picket fences during this fun, edible workshop.

Two guests maximum per gingerbread house and four guests maximum per table to accommodate physical distancing (must

DECEMBER 2020

SANTA EXPERIENCE AT SALAMANDER

SINGER/SONGWRITER + CERAMICS SHOWCASE AT WALSH FAMILY WINE DEC. 12 | 7 p.m. walshfamilywine.com Singer/Songwriter Sir Ashley Almond and White Hearth Pottery are being hosted

by Walsh Family wine for a trifecta of folk music, hand-made ceramics, and top shelf wines. Due to state ordinances, tickets are limited to 25 for the evening. Purchase tickets online.

CHRISTMAS DINNER AT HARRIMANS VIRGINIA PIEDMONT GRILL DEC. 25 | 2 – 8 p.m. salamanderresort.com Join Harriman’s for a festive family-style Christmas dinner. $175 per adult, $45 per child. Child-friendly menu available. Reservations required. For reservations, please call 540-326-4070. ML

Middleburg Humane Foundation congratulates the winners of its Thanksgiving Day

Run for the Rescues 5K and Fun Run races!

T H A NK Y OU T O OU R R A C E S P ONS OR S

ME D L I MI NA L

V A N ME T R E C OMP A NI E S

WE GMA NS

H A V E A S A F E A ND H A P P Y H OL I D A Y S E A S ON! Last Chance—Closing January 2!

Phyllis Mills Wyeth: A Celebration Jamie Wyeth (American, b. 1946), Connemara Four, 1991, oil on panel, 48 x 96 inches, on loan from The Phyllis and Jamie Wyeth Collection

Three self-guided tour times: 11am, 12pm, and 2pm Fridays & Saturdays To reserve tickets and view visitor requirements please visit: NationalSporting.org Just in time for the holidays—new gift shop items for sale and the Wyeth Catalog is back in stock!

NATIONAL SPORTING

LIBR ARY & MUSEUM DECEMBER 2020

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Raise the Paddle This year we are focusing on the most basic needs for Windy Hill families experiencing a financial burden due to Covid-19. The effects of the pandemic will be with us for many months ahead. Our goal is to keep all Windy Hill residents fed and housed with access to basic utilities, including critical internet services. Please join us by Raising Your Paddle your donation, no matter the amount, will go toward helping our residents, young and old alike, stay healthy and housed during the pandemic. www.windyhillfoundation.org/2020-gala Windy Hill Foundation P.O. Box 1593 Middleburg, VA 20118 540.687.3997 info@windyhillfoundation.org

Windy Hill Foundation “Our Hometown” Gala 2020 Raise the Paddle

This year we are focusing on the most basic needs for Windy Hill families experiencing a financial burden due to Covid-19.

The effects of the pandemic will be with us for many months ahead. Our goal is to keep all Windy Hill residents fed and housed with access to basic utilities, including critical internet services.

Please join us by Raising Your Paddle - your donation, no matter the amount, will go toward helping our residents, young and old alike, stay healthy and housed during the pandemic.

To give online or learn more about our stay-at-home Gala visit: www.windyhillfoundation.org/2020-gala Windy Hill Foundation P.O. Box 1593 Middleburg, VA 20118 540.687.3997 info@windyhillfoundation.org

“Our Hometown” Sponsors: My Hometown Double Wood Farm Racing in the Street Bank of Charles Town • Bob Foosaner James R. Kleeblatt • Leeds United • Middleburg Eccentric • Middleburg Life • Mr. & Mrs. Mark Ohrstrom Salamander Resort & Spa • TM Associates • YHB | CPAs & Consultants Glory Days AHT Insurance Marcy & Jimmy Harris • J. Preston Levis Charitable Foundation • Sheridan-MacMahon Land of Hopes and Dreams Clarke Construction Group, LLC • Bob & Kerry Dale Greenhill Winery & Vineyards • The Jackson Clinics-Physical Therapy • Marvin & Lisa Jawer Dan & Kerry Kaseman • Mitchell & Company • Oak View Bank • Piedmont Environmental Council Mr. Jim Thompson • Tri-County Feeds, Fashion, Finds • Mrs. Judy Washburn 56

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DECEMBER 2020

There’s no place like home.

340 acres of outdoor offerings and timeless holiday traditions adapted for your well-being. Your winter road trip to Virginia’s horse and wine country awaits.

Salamander

M O M E N T S T H AT M AT T E R .

877.840.2063

SalamanderResort.com

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THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Opening the door to Hunt Country for generations R CT DERA UN NT O C

E D C VE I PR RO P IM

Rock Ridge 94+ Acres $3,674,999 The Plains – French Country stone manor with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 5 BR / 6 BA. 5 fireplaces. 1st floor luxury Suite. Great Room opens to the terrace, formal Living and Dining, gourmet Kitchen and paneled Library.

Lower Level with Rec Room/Office and Fitness Room. 2 guest houses. 22-stall center aisle barn, fenced paddocks and riding ring. Easy access to I-66 & Dulles Airport.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

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The Orchard Fox Ford Farm $1,991,000 on 239+Acres or $1,443,000 on 142 Acres Jeffersonton – Unique 4 BR country house with pool and outbuildings. One and 1/2 mile of Rappahannock river frontage. Open, rolling fields. Investment, horse farm, brewery, B&B, or winery potential. All around views, flowering gardens, privacy and peace. 15 minutes to Warrenton.

Rein du Pont | 540-454-3355

4.82 Acres $1,950,000 Middleburg – 1st time offering one of the largest residential parcels available “in town!” Brick home built by local master builder WJ Hanback. 3/4 BRs, 3 full BAs, eat-in kitchen, combo living/dining room with two large bay windows overlooking terrace, sweeping lawns & large pond. Gorgeous details include spiral staircase, built-ins, hardwood floors and fireplaces. Fully finished LL. Fenced garden extensive landscaping and mature trees include.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

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Ashby Gap Trading Post

Moreland Farm 142 Acres $1,600,000 Delaplane – Spectacular Views! The primary parcel of 142 acres features the 3/BR, 3/BA stone home, 2 tenant homes, barn and 5 bay machine shed for $1,600,000.

Rebecca Poston | 540-771-7520

10 Acres $885,000 Amazing opportunity! Includes a 4 BR house; a separate 3,170 sq. ft. building (currently rented) with 2 BR apartment above. Commercial use permitted, certain restrictions apply.

High visibility, ample parking and road frontage for the commercial building. Separate access for the residence and additional building site. Divisible into 2 parcels and has a total of 3 DURs. Great location for retail space, farm store, antique shop, complete with employee housing... Rental income can support the business use. Or, work where you live!

Emily Ristau | 540-454-9083

Madison & Federal REDUCED $699,000 Middleburg – One commercial building that appears like two, which are adjoined on the corner of Madison & Federal Streets. 4 separate entrances. Zoned for mixed use with Retail & Office spaces. This building includes 7 rare parking spaces off Federal Street! Long time, active retail business in one building. Seller desires to rent back. Priced well below appraised value. Zoned C-2.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

E D IC VE R P RO P IM

Parker Street

Old Post Office

3.9 Acres $695,000 Upperville – Spacious brick home, updated and expanded to create ideal spaces for everyday living. Main level offers an eat-it kitchen w/island, tile flooring, updated appliances and custom cabinetry, living rm, dining rm, the primary BR, a guest BR and a full BA. Lower level is the family rm w/fireplace, guest BR, full BA, laundry/mudroom, bonus rm and separate office with custom built-ins. Fenced in pool w/small pool house.

Detached brick 2-car garage and separate storage shed.

Wonderful commuter location. Parcel may be subdivided.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

1 Acre $595,000 Paris – Charming!!! This single family home served as the Post Office from the 1800’s to the 1980’s in the historic village of Paris. Offered on 1 Acre with beautiful lawn and mature trees. Extensive renovations include NEW: separate HVAC system for the second level, kitchen, bathrooms, thermopane windows, gutters and shutters. The antique wood floors have been refinished. Easy access to Rt. 50, I-66 and I-81, convenient to Dulles International Airport and Washington, D.C. Rebecca Poston | 540-771-7520

205 Sycamore .26 Acre $555,000 Middleburg – Charming, fully renovated 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath house on quiet street in the village. Updated kitchen and bath on main level. Hardwood floors. New Recreation Room, full bath, laundry room and storage area in the walk out lower level. Spacious fenced in back yard with rear deck ideal for entertaining. Walk to downtown amenities.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com 11-10_ML_TTRE-BCVR.indd 1

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