November 2021

Volume 38 Issue 11 | November 2021 | middleburglife.com

Nearly 300 Sporting Dogs Rescued from Spain

Fowl Hunting

MIDDLEBURG FILM FESTIVAL

IN THE

PIEDMONT

Fox Hunting for Beginners Subscribe Here

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE

ATOKA

PROPERTIES

S I M P LY B E T T E R .

SOLD

33846 FOXLEASE LN | UPPERVILLE

5742 KEYSER RD | HUME

$9,500,000 | Magnificent Foxlease Farm on 160+/- acres. One-of-a-kind equestrian facility: 2 horse barns (12 stalls/17 stalls), 3 run-ins, machine shed, hay barn, riding ring, multiple fenced paddocks, 2 silos. Beautiful stone center building added to the existing 19th-century home.

$1,550,000 | This spectacular property, located in the heart of Virginia's Piedmont, is filled with special features!

41 rolling acres, privately situated with lovely mountain views, stocked pond and breath-taking vistas from every window.

Eric M. Diello is currently with Middleburg Real Estate.

Represented Buyer under Sheridan-Mac Mahon Ltd. Buyer’s Agent: Eric Diello 703.232.7265 Listing Courtesy of Patti Brown, CENTRURY 21 New Millennium

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1339

36933 & 36939 CHARLES TOWN PIKE | HILLSBORO

19475 JODHPUR DR | LEESBURG

$1,300,000 | A unique commercial and residential offering, the Hill Tom Market and adjacent stone building, located in the heart of Hillsboro on route 9 are now available for sale! The Hill Tom Market currently operates as a thriving local convenience store.

$1,200,000 | Custom built all brick home on 17 very private acres sitting on a bluff overlooking North Fork Goose Creek. This 5,960 sqft, three bedroom, two and a half bath home features a downstairs master suite, an elegant living room with a wall of French doors, a conditioned 3-car garage and plenty of room for expansion in the unfinished basement. A great place to enjoy wildlife in a peaceful setting.

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1339

Maria Eldredge 540.454.3829

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Anne McIntosh 703.509.4499

SOLD

2754 & 2744 MILLWOOD PIKE | WINCHESTER

3718 ROLLING HILLS DR | DELAPLANE $937,000 | Wonderful custom home on 10 Acres in Delaplane! This 4 bedroom, 4 full bath home has 4,228 finished sqft! Step into the open main level with kitchen, livingroom, stone hearth w/woodstove, and dining room!

Lots of natural light throughout.

Eric M. Diello is currently with Middleburg Real Estate.

Represented Buyer under Sheridan-Mac Mahon Ltd. Paul MacMahon, Co-Selling Agent.

Buyer’s Agent: Eric Diello 703.232.7265 Listing Courtesy of Rick Urben, Redfin Corporation

$496,000 | This property has it all! A well-built 3BR, 3BA Cape Cod main house with a 2BR/1BA guest house, a separate 3-room shop behind the main house of approx. 600 sqft, an oversized 2-car garage with electric service and work area, a 12 X 8 shed and an 800 sq ft garage round out the buildings, all on a level 2.92 AC of ground.

Mary Roth 540.535.6854

S I M P LY B E T T E R . | M I D D L E B U R G R E A L E S TAT E . C O M MIDDLEBURG, MARSHALL, PURCELLVILLE, LEESBURG, ASHBURN, WINCHESTER & CHARLES TOWN | CORPORATE: 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDELBURG, VA 20117 | 540.687.6321 | LICENSED IN VA + WV (WV BROKER JOSH BEALL)

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HOME RESTORATION CUSTOM HOMES CUSTOM BARNS CUSTOM HOMES CUSTOM HOMES HOME RESTORATION CUSTOM HOMES ESTATE PLANNING HOME RESTORATION HOME RESTORATION HOME RESTORATION CUSTOM BARNS CUSTOM BARNS RIDING & POLO ARENAS CUSTOM BARNS CUSTOM BARNS ESTATE PLANNING ESTATE PLANNING ESTATE ESTATE PLANNING PLANNING RIDING & POLO ARENAS RIDING & POLO ARENAS RIDING RIDING & & POLO POLO ARENAS ARENAS

At Aisling, we specialize in custom home and barn construction, At Aisling, we specialize in custom home and barn construction, on, At Aisling, we restoration specialize in custom home and barn construction, remodeling, and in the Fairfax, Middleburg, Aldie, Atoka, remodeling, and restoration in the Fairfax, Middleburg, Aldie, Atoka, toka, restoration in the Fairfax, Middleburg, Aldie, Atoka, Atremodeling, Aisling, we and specialize in custom home and barn construction, Loudoun, Bull Run, Upperville, Dulles, and Vienna areas.

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1 • m i d d l e b u r g l i f e . c o m aislingbuilding.com | 36582 Leith Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117

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ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Vicky Mashaw | vmashaw@middleburglife.com Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com MARKETING: Shell Peterson, Connor Duszynski DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok HOST OF THE MIDDLEBURG LIFE DOCU-SERIES: Laticia Headings

NOV. 2021 middleburglife.com

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Gray | editor@middleburglife.com COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore ADVERTISING | ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Christian Bentley | christian@middleburglife.com ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR: Joanne Maisano

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ON THE COVER For the November issue of Middleburg Life, we wanted to spotlight a different kind of hunting in the Piedmont. Our cover stories focus on bird hunting, a sport that does not get as much attention as fox hunting in this area, but is still quite popular with locals. For the cover shoot, we were excited to work with photographer Georgina Preston who crossed the pond all the way from Somerset, a county in southwest England. Make sure to follow Middleburg Life on social media to see a behind-the-scenes film and interview from this hunt shoot. Photography by Georgina Preston.

ON THIS PAGE The Middleburg Hunt. Another beautiful moment is frozen in time by Georgina Preston during her stay in Middleburg with the hunt.

CONTRIBUTORS Kaitlin Hill, Victoria Peace, Heidi Baumstark,

m i d d l e b u r g l Looking i f e . c o m • for N OV E M B E R www.MiddleburgLife.com 2021 more?

Chelsea Moore, Shayda Windle, and Dulcy Hooper WHAT TO WATCH Now on Middleburglife.com IGTV series, watch The Middleburg Life | Virginia Wine Episode Celebrating Virginia Wine Month.

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

| Get additional content online!

GRENATA $6,775,000 40483 Grenata Preserve Place, Leesburg, VA Francie Baroody +1 703 622 8550

FALCON RIDGE $3,250,000 10009 Windy Hollow Road, Great Falls, VA Molly Decker +1 703 819 6991 Carol Ellickson +1 703 862 2135

SAGEVIEW $4,350,000 1388 Crenshaw Road, Upperville, VA | 5 acres Jonathan Taylor +1 202 276 3344

MIDDLEBURG CONTRACT PENDING | $2,650,000 34679 Atoka Chase Lane, Middleburg, VA Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

THE ACADEMY $1,595,000 300 E Washington Street, Middleburg, VA Byron V. Hughey +1 703 447 1992

FAUQUIER COUNTY $1,500,000 8079 Cannonball Ridge Lane, Warrenton, VA Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

FAIRFAX $1,925,000 4636 Holly Avenue, Fairfax, VA Designed and Built for Multigenerational Living Lorraine Barclay Nordlinger +1 202 285 3935

MIDDLEBURG $3,900,000 | Development Opportunity 115 Washington Street, Middleburg, VA Bundles Murdock +1 540 454 3499 Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

WOODLEA MILLS $3,750,000 8418 Brookewood Court, McLean, VA Tracy Williams +1 703 867 4309

SPRINGHAVEN ESTATES $4,450,000 1048 Rector Lane, McLean, VA Andre Amini +1 703 622 4473

PENTHOUSE CONDOMINIUM $5,999,999 4201 Cathedral Avenue NW #PH1215E, Washington, DC Mark C. Lowham +1 703 966 6949 Gregg Gaddy +1 202 421 4734

GEORGETOWN $2,995,000 3127 N Street NW, Washington, DC Michael Rankin +1 202 271 3344

THE PLAINS BROKERAGE 6474 MAIN STREET, THE PLAINS, VA | +1 540 212 9993 | TTRSIR.COM ©2021 TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Equal housing opportunity. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Price and availability subject to change. US dollar conversion as of 05/28/19.

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Hunt Feast with

Menu by Chef Ryan Ross Floral design by Amanda Hall, Posy Express Tablescape design by Amanda Hall and Jennifer Gray Photos by Jennifer Gray for Middleburg Life Oven-roasted maple-glazed Cornish game hens Brûléed golden squash, roasted grapes and pears, charred shallots, and herbs Ingredients: Cornish game hens Maple

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Chef Ryan Ross

Dijon Tamari Kabocha squash Koginut squash Honeynut squash Delicata squash Black grapes Pears Honeycrisp apples Shallot Rosemary Thyme Sage Bay leaf

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Kumquats Paprika marigold Flower arrangements of zinnias, dahlias, hydrangeas, and pheasant feathers Sterling silver hunting shotgun serving dish and buffalo print napkins sold at Tri-County Feeds, Fashion, Finds Greenhill Vineyards Blanc de Blancs Reserve Catering contact: thechefryanross@gmail.com IG: @thechefryanross @lovageandcompany Floral contact: posyexpressflowers@gmail.com IG: @Posy.express

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Worship & Events - Advent & Christmas 2021 Sunday, December 12 4:00pm Worship Events - Advent & Christmas 2021 Sweeter,&Still…

A Christmas Concert Sunday, December 12 with the Blue Ridge Singers 4:00pm Sunday, December 19 Sweeter, Still…

4:00pm A Christmas Concert with the Blue Ridge Singers Lessons & Carols with the Master Sunday, December 19 Singers 4:00pm Lessons & Carols with24 the Master Friday, December Singers Christmas Eve 5:00pm Christmas Friday, December 24 Family Service 8:00pmEve Celebration Choral Christmas Eucharist 5:00pm Christmas Family Service 8:00pm Celebration 11:00pm CandlelitChoral Eucharist Eucharist Sunday, December 26 11:00pm Candlelit Eucharist 10:30am Sunday, December 26 Children’s Christmas Pageant 10:30am Children’s Christmas Sunday, January 2Pageant 8:00am Sunday, January 2 8:00am Traditional Eucharist Traditional 10.30amEucharist 10.30am Service of Lessons & Carols Service of Lessons & Carols A lel lw e lm c oem All w co ! e!

CELEBRATING THE HOLIDAYS IN HUNT&WINE COUNTRY. C

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Nearly

300 S

porting Dogs Rescued from Spain

Thanks to a Virginia Woman’s Captivation Written by Dulcy B. Hooper

“In some ways, they are 30 or 40 years behind in their view of dogs. It’s beginning to change — and I think that millennials will change everything — but they see them as disposable tools to do what has to be done.”

— Leone

Epi a French Brittany hunting dog rescued in Spain by (SDRI) and adopted by Christian Bentley. Photo

by Jennifer Gray

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ina Leone, founder and CEO of Sporting Dog Rescue International (SDRI), found her first Brittany in the back of a truck following an afternoon spent shooting sporting clays. “A friend invited me to meet his new hunting dog, and when I looked in the back of that truck, there was the most beautiful creature I had seen in my entire life,” she said. “She actually changed my life.”

Leone said that looking into the back of that truck really did change everything for her. “Her name was Gee Whiz, and I had to have her,” she said. “I had to do whatever it took. And I needed a house in order to make that happen.” Leone

or 40 years behind in their view of dogs. It’s beginning to change — and I think that millennials will change everything — but they see them as disposable tools to do what has to be done.” Leone said that at the end of hunting season, thousands of hunting dogs are taken down. “They are sometimes taken down at birth, if there’s a thought that they won’t make a good hunting dog.”

SDRI’s international efforts are most focused in Greece, Spain, and Serbia. Leone estimates that she has helped rescue nearly 300 dogs from Spain alone. According to Leone, there are over 100 individuals here waiting to adopt a Brittany or other sporting dog. “We have 10 in Serbia right now,

promptly went out and bought a house. “It really was love at first sight, and she’s still the love of my life,” she said. “I think about her every day.” Gee Whiz died at the age of 14 and a half.

Captivated by the breed, Leone began doing volunteer work for American Brittany Rescue, eventually becoming a member of the board and serving as treasurer (she is a certified public accountant). She transported dogs, conducted home visits, and fostered around 30 dogs. American Brittany Rescue had embarked on a two-year pilot program to do international work, but when that program ended, Leone founded Sporting Dog Rescue International. She saw the need and felt that it was too important to not keep moving forward.

“There’s a different mindset in some other countries,” Leone said. “In some ways, they are 30

all Brittanys except for one pointer, waiting for us to get them out.” COVID has made the rescue efforts even more complicated, with restrictions on where U.S. passengers can fly and the need to have direct flights to cut down on complications for the dogs.

Leone has now been involved in rescue for around 15 years. The last group of dogs she brought to the United States occurred on March 8, 2020, when she landed with 11 dogs just days prior to COVID shutting down international flights and so much else. Leone has been funding her own rescues, as well as counting on donations.

With so many flight restrictions now, Leone has had to pivot to do what is right for the rescues. She has directed many rescues to the UK through ground transport and is in partnership

with UK-based rescue organizations. She is also working on rescue arrangements involving the Netherlands, all of which allow SDRI to rescue even more sporting dogs and give them good lives.

So what is it about Brittanys that has elicited Leone’s commitment? “They are known for being excellent bird hunters,” Leone said. “But they are really just all-round great dogs. She describes them as “intelligent, trainable, easy to care for.

And good looks, it goes without saying!” Leone also commented on their high energy. “That’s a plus for some, but maybe not for everybody,” she

said. “A ‘walk’ for a Brittany is a long jog.”

As much good as Tina Leone accomplishes through her rescue efforts, that is only part of what is entailed in her busy life. She became the founding CEO of the Ballston Business Improvement District in 2011, winning awards for communications, media placements, public art, and support of the business community. Former positions included President/CEO of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, President/CEO/ CFO of The Lorton Arts Foundation, and other management, accounting, auditing, and business consulting since 1994. ML Sporting Dog Rescue International was incorporated in 2019 and is a nonprofit charitable organization with 501(c)3 status, for anyone interested in offering their support to this mission. For more information, visit sportingdog.org.

Above: Tina Leone with one of her rescues.

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LOCATED AT 10 S. LIBERTY STREET MIDDLEBURG, VA •

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540.758.7546

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

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ALL’S WELL FARM

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Prime Fauquier County location on the Atoka Road | 88.34 acres with bold Blue Ridge views | Neoclassical brick home with slate roof completely updated & expanded | 5 BR, 5 full, 2 half baths, 5 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen | 10 stall barn with attached indoor arena | Pool, pool house, tenant house | Beautiful gardens | Superb condition

RUTLEDGE FARM

HALFWAY FARM

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

Premier Middleburg estate | Main house of stone and frame construction circa 1740 w/addition in 1820. 6 BR, 3 1/2 BA, 5 FP, high ceilings, moldings & detailed woodwork throughout | Equestrian facilities are unmatched | 113 lush acres. 5 barns totaling 35 stalls | 19 paddocks | Derby field | 218 x 80 indoor arena | 250 x 150 all-weather outdoor arena | 80’ lunging arena | Polo field (or 2 grand prix fields) | 4 board, double fencing & automated nelson waterers | Other improvements include 3 BR, 2 1/2 BA guest house | Farm office attached to 3 BR house | Machine shed | Carriage house w/apartment | Stone spring house/office | 3 BR apartment | Pond with gazebo

SPRING GLADE

$7,500,000 MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

PLAINS, VIRGINIA

Privacy and 107 acres between Middleburg and The Plains | Residential enclave of great character within a rich array of natural resources | Classic Virginia stone and stucco c. 1820 | 4 bedrooms, antique floors and rich pine paneling Two guest houses, stone cottage, farm managers house, 2 stables, machine shed and work shop| Extensive Little River frontage and 2 ponds | Tremendous views.

SALEM HILL

$3,975,000

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

$7,000,000

Paul MacMahon Well 703.609.1905 French Country home, with renovations in 1999 protected Fauquier location | 6 bedrooms | Sandra Bravo Greenberg 202.308.3813 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood 4 full and 2 half baths | 3 fireplaces | Great views floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop | Pool with large flagstone terrace | Large county stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Imkitchen | 4-car detached garage with apartment/ provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest office | 9-stall barn | Covered arena | Outdoor house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | ring | 4 stall shed row barn | 51 fenced acres Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

$3,690,000

$3,900,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 DEERFIELD FOX HOLLOW MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA M M 540.454.1930 h Stately brick manor house c.1844 | 4 bedrooms, lovely Stone and stucco home built in 2000 | 7 potential bedrooms, 7 full baths UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA elen ac ahon

kitchen, multiple porches, beautiful pine floors, 7 fireplaces, original mantels, large windows and detailed millwork throughout | Great natural light in every room | Additional outbuildings include the c. 1810 log cabin used as the pool house & a converted barn now serves as a guest house with movie theatre | 2 ponds, miles of trails, 178 acres | Separate workshop and 5 car garage

2 half baths, 3 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, attached 3-car garage | High ceilings, detailed workmanship | Improvements include 6 stall barn with heated tack room | Board fence, sand riding ring, heated pool | 25.2 very private acres east of Middleburg with frontage on Little River| Private yet close to everything.

$3,300,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

$3,900,000 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

GAME CREEK c.1890 Absolutely charming home in a private setting | Lovely stucco home with 4/5 bedrooms, copper roof, beautiful original floors, 4 fireplaces, large swimming pool, spring house, two small ponds, large pastures, completely fenced | Multiple outbuildings for storage and a studio space for guest, office, pool house etc | Located at the end of a quiet gravel road surrounded by large farms

MASON FARM, LIGHTRIDGE FARM ROAD

$3,462,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

THE STABLE

109 THE PLAINS ROAD RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

WARRENTON, VIRGINIA

Originally a stable built in 1940 was converted to a Hunt Box by the current family decades ago | Recent upgrades to exterior, plumbing, and electrical | Top Warrenton location on Springs Road, surrounded by large tracts | 7.4 acres, potential hill top building site, frontage on Great Run.

Very private office building in Middleburg | Located on The Plains Road directly across from the Sporting Library | Charming office - 3 levels with lower level used for over flow and break room/kitchen | Surprisingly large parking lot behind the building offers what many other buildings are lacking in town | Building has many potential uses with C-3 Zoning

A remarkable property located within a private 17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco of Rectortown | Convenient to both Routes 50 manor house with main level master suite | 7 $795,000& 66 | Newly renovated | Private setting with additional BR | 5 stone FP | Beautiful gardens, magnificent mountain views | 4 bedrooms, Paul MacMahon 703.609.1095 $1,750,000 terraces, salt water pool, cabana, carriage house & 4 full bath, 1 half bath, 2 fireplaces | Heated Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930 $589,000 stable with 2 paddocks | Lovely finishes throughout pool & spa | 2 bedroom guest house | Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930 & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek | Large shed & 2-car garage 31 acres | Private, elegant & convenient

$2,650,000

al

ALDIE, VIRGINIA

20+/- acres in fast growing Loudoun location | Currently zoned TR3UBF | Willowsford, South Riding, Stone Ridge, minutes away | New county high school under construction next to property | Currently improved by 2 residences, 2 ponds | Northstar Blvd around corner

HALCYON HILL

TWO SPRINGS MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

203 acres i River fronta 4 full & 3 1/2 Gunnite pool and private | 5 stall Ji paddocks, pa | Old d

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Circa 18 rebuilt a beams an Barn a 2 bedroom multiple b outsi 13

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he phrase “bird hunting” likely, and appropriately, summons mental images of orange vests, double barrel shotguns, and Boykin Spaniels in pursuit of pheasants. What may seem counterintuitive is the symbiotic relationship between hunting and conservation. However, a conversation about Upland Hunting with Piedmont-based hunters Kathy Theis, Teresa Condon, and Annie Bishop reveals a profound respect for and desired perpetuation of the circle of life, a dedication to their dogs, a razor sharp focus on safety, and an appreciation of nature’s beauty.

Distinct from the umbrella term of bird hunting, Upland Hunting focuses on a more narrow set of species. “Bird hunting is a broader term for any wingedbird,” Kathy Theis, a hunt guide at Rose Hill Game Preserve in Culpepper, says.

“You have duck, goose, grouse, or even woodcock hunting … Upland Hunting historically is just three specific species.”

“Upland hunting is pursuing pheasant, quail, partridge, and the like, while walking through the countryside with your pointing dog and your shotgun,” Teresa Condon, local hunting enthusiast, says. “And, the birds are hidden in the ground cover.”

The distinction in the types of birds and where they can be found is important, as it influences the breeds of dog appropriate to this style and the role they will play during the hunt. “The dogs hunt by scent,” Theis says. “They smell the bird and then, depending on the type of dog, they either point or they flush the bird.” Most of them aptly-named, pointers can include English setters, German shorthaired pointers, German wirehaired pointers, English pointers, and Brittany spaniels. And flushers are often cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, and boykin spaniels, according to Theis.

Regardless of the breed of dog, something true of all bird hunting is that powerful bond between person and pup. “Honestly, the main reason I hunt at all is for the dogs,” Annie Bishop, another local bird hunter, says. “For me, so much of it is watching the dogs work and seeing how their natural instincts and training have prepared them. And, when they are going through the brush or the marsh and bringing back a bird, they are about as happy as they’ve ever been.”

Teresa Condon with her English setter Dougal. Photo by Kaitlin Hill.

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WHY THEY HUNT A LOOK INTO THE VIRGINIA BIRD HUNTING SCENE Written by Kaitlin Hill

“We love our dogs,” Condon says. “They live in our homes, they come hunting with us, they are part of the family, and part of our hunting livelihood.”

That love of animals described by Condon extends, perhaps surprisingly, to the birds that are hunted. “We respect our birds,” she says. “Our hunting, our love for hunting has fed our family. We eat what we shoot, and my children have been raised on quail, pheasant, and dove. They have learned to appreciate that.” Among Condon’s favorite recipes are pheasant pie, bacon-wrapped dove, and duck breast prepared like jalapeño poppers with Hunt | Page 15

Hunt | From page 14 cream cheese and jalapeños stuffed inside.

Respect is a major factor in a bird hunter’s treatment of the environment too. All three women agree that conservation is a key aspect of the Upland, and more broadly, the bird hunting community’s goals. “Conservation is absolutely essential,” Theis says. “Without the environment, we would not have the game to hunt of course.”

While Condon notes, “We’re

ened with suburban sprawl.

In addition, preserves offer beginners the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of upland hunting safely – a priority of all hunters. “Preserve hunting is definitely a good way to be introduced to the sport because it’s a little more controlled than wild bird hunting,” Theis says. “You know what you are getting into before you go out into the field.”

“One of the main drivers for me is making sure that we preserve the land, so that the wildlife thrives.”

— Bishop

great proponents of conservation, to keep the land open for all wildlife … Conservation is everything for a hunter and that is why there are many organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Unlimited that are constantly fighting off development to keep the land as an open space.”

“One of the main drivers for me is making sure that we preserve the land, so that the wildlife thrives,” Bishop says.

A large part of preservation is, unsurprisingly, preserves. Preserves like Rose Hill Game Preserve, Primland Resort, Sundance Kennel and Hunting Preserve and Sundance Preserve (all in the Piedmont region) maintain huge swaths of land that might otherwise be threat-

fortable.”

“Safety is an absolute priority,” Condon says.

She encourages anyone interested in bird hunting to “Go out and get some shooting lessons with clays, and then find a mentor to take you out bird hunting.”

Once a new shooter feels safe around a shotgun, what gauge they use is “all up to personal preference,” Bishop says. For upland hunting, participants commonly shoot with a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun, according to Theis. “But, there are a few select people who hunt with a 16 gauge or 28 gauge,” Condon says.

“You have to have the right gun for the right person. And again, this should all be done before you go out hunting. And, of course, one must have the correct ammunition for the type of hunt you’re going to do.”

“We respect our birds. Our hunting, our love for hunting has fed our family…”

— Condon

Bishop, Condon, and Theis agree that familiarizing oneself with the sport, specifically the sporting equipment, is a must. “Start with being around a shotgun first,” Bishop says. “So much of this is about safety, so make sure you are com-

With a season that runs from September to April, a bevy of local hunters, and preserves with guided instruction, now is the perfect time to try upland hunting. As Bishop says, “It’s about being outdoors … and understanding the beauty that surrounds us. It is a way to really enjoy where we live, because we are incredibly lucky to be where we are. We live in one of the most gorgeous places in the world.” ML

Annie Bishop. Photo by Georgina Preston.

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2021

Please join us in welcoming our newest McEnearney Associate, Christine Binnix! There’s a reason clients work with Christine time and time again... she makes a commitment to guide her clients through the challenging process of buying and/or selling a home and a promise to meet and exceed their expectations.

At McEnearney, we have been guiding our clients home in Middleburg and beyond for forty years with one key difference: it’s never about us, it’s always about you. Learn more about Christine and the McEnearney Difference at www.McEnearney.com.

Meet Christine Binnix Let’s grab a cup of coffee to talk about your next move.

Christine Binnix I 11 West Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 I 540.687.5490 I CBinnix@McEnearney.com I Insta: @sellingwarrencountyva Middleburg I Leesburg I Alexandria I North Arlington I Clarendon I McLean I Vienna I Spring Valley I 14th Street I Kensington I Equal Housing Opportunity

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Photography by Georgina Preston Creative Direction by Jennifer Gray for Middleburg Life Hunters: Tom Rice (The Plains), Annie Bishop (Middleburg), Brian Courtney (Middleburg).

Hunting Dogs: Boykin Spaniels, owned by Annie Bishop.

Vehicle: Land Rover by Expedition Vintage.

HEXy, the camo green Rover, is a Series 3 109 Land Rover. Owned by John Carter.

Location: Private farm in Upperville, Virginia owned by Jacob and Jacqui Porter.

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Annie’s look: Dubarry vest, blouse, and boots, sold at Tri-County, Feeds, Fashion, Finds.

Annie’s hat is by Jack Murphy/Ireland, pheasant feather hat fastener by Spruced Plume, Haley Fitzgerald sold at Highcliffe Clothiers.

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Brian’s look: Dubarry pheasant tie, Dubarry cap, Dubarry cable knit sweater, Dubarry boots and Barbour jacket sold at Tri-County, Feeds, Fashion, Finds.

Guns: Baretta Silver Pigeons shotguns in 20 and 28 gauges. Owned by Annie Bishop.

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Tom’s look: Barbour jacket, Dubarry pheasant tie, and men’s shirt all available at Tri-County, Feeds, Fashion, Finds.

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LD

LD

SO

Heronwood

LD

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Ardarra

SO

Muster Lane

236 acres $12,000,000 Middleburg – Spectacular estate on Zulla Rd. built around 1933. In Orange County Hunt Territory. 3 tenant houses, stone horse barn, pool, pool house, tennis court, 2 lakes. Breathtaking views, mature landscaping and beautiful gardens.

108 acres $6,650,000 Stately and historic estate in prime OCH territory. Features a pool and pool house, 5-bay garage w/office, 2 tenant houses, newly remodeled 11-stall stable with apt. & office, riding arena, exceptional ride-out to wooded trails and open pastures.

130 acres $6,150,000 Rich in history, Glen Ora, ca. 1815, is the epitome of a very private and charming hunt country estate, restored and renovated for today’s lifestyle. In Orange County Hunt Territory, the estate features courtyard stables and gorgeous views.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

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Legacy Farm

Claytonville

Innisfree Farm

LD

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Glenbrook

450 acres $4,750,000 Stretching from 5 Points Rd in the Plains to Rectortown and Frogtown Roads in Marshall. Protected by an Easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation.

Located in prime Orange County Hunt Territory, a most prestigious location.

102+ acres $4,600,000 Boyce – This exquisite country estate is surrounded by some of the finest estates in Clarke Co. and enjoys stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views. Designed for elegant living and grand entertaining.

Protected by a VOF Easement.

53 acres $4,500,000 Marshall – 6 BR/6 BA stucco & stone home with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lovingly cared for with a wonderful mix of formal rooms and comfortable spaces. Features salt water pool, guest house, pond and barn.

22 acres $4,425,000 Glenbrook combines country ambience in a traditional stone manor house, with all the luxuries of modern living. Set on 22 acres, just a mile from Middleburg, Glenbrook offers convenience and privacy with lovely vistas.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

John Coles | 540-270-0094

LD

LD

SO

SO

Rock Ridge

NOVEMBER 2021

Glen – Ora

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 and Reagan National airports and Washington, D.C.

White Oak Farm

Chestnut Hill

Orchard Manor

94+ acres $3,750,000 The Plains – French Country manor with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 5 BR/6 BA, 5 fireplaces, 1st floor primary suite, 22-stall center aisle barn, fenced paddocks and riding ring. Easy access to I-66 & Dulles International Airport.

93+ acres $3,600,000 Middleburg – 1st time offering of this wonderful ‘Hanback built’ home with spectacular Blue Ridge Mtn views. 5 BR/5.5 BA. 4 fireplaces, hardwood floors. Pool & mature landscaping. 2 BR/1 BA tenant house, 6-stall barn w/paddocks. 2 ponds.

37+ acres $3,495,000 Bluemont – Just north of Middleburg, this stunning 12-room colonial has 6,240 sq. ft. of living space with 10-foot ceilings, 4 BR/4.5 BA, wood-burning fireplaces, gourmet kitchen. A 6-stall stable and board-fenced paddocks. Blue Ridge Mountain views.

33.3 Acres $3,250,000 Leesburg – Historic native-stone manor house that has been enlarged and restored twice over the last 200 years is today more than 7,200 finished sq. ft. There are 4/5 BR, 4 full BA & 2 half BA. Top-notch equine facilities for hunter/jumpers.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

Susie Ashcom | 540-729-1478

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warrante

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Our international connections translate to sales.

Hunt Country Estate v 104 acres $4,900,000 Bluemont – Estate includes lush pastures with spectacular mountain views. Features 9,000 sq. ft. of elegant living space, a pond, pool & spa, guest house, an apartment over the 4-bay garage, 6-stall stable & paddocks, all in an idyllic setting!

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

Deerfield Farm

178 acres $3,900,000 Upperville – Impeccably restored brick manor house, ca. 1844. Perennial gardens and orchard, guest house with theatre, guest/pool house, pool, 5-bay garage, workshop, 2 ponds, fenced fields and paddocks.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

George Miller House

100 acres $3,000,000 This estate is waiting for someone with an eye for interior finishes to bring it to life.

Minutes from the charming village of Sperryville and in convenient proximity to Culpeper Regional and Warrenton-Fauquier airports.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

ed nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

Prioritizing relationships across the globe has given us incomparable reach when it comes to sharing the horse country lifestyle we cherish and know so well. With our ability to open doors around the world, we can always make the right connections.

THOMAS & TALBOT ESTATE PROPERTIES Opening the door to Horse Country for generations

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FOX HUNTING 101:

HOW TO BREAK INTO THE INTIMIDATING

SPORT OF FOX HUNTING Written by Victoria Peace | Photos by Joanne Maisano

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stepped out of my 12-year-old Volkswagen convertible and peered down at the creek. It looked to be about a foot deep, but the water was flowing pretty fast, so it was difficult to tell for sure. I didn't want to chance it. I hopped back into the car, reversed toward the gate that separated the creek from a larger field, and then dashed out to close it behind me. Sighing, I realized I had lost the hound truck for good. How had I found myself in this situation? It’s a long story.

That chilly March morning, Gregg Ryan, Joint Master of the Snickersville Hounds, had invited me to witness my first-ever fox hunt. Coincidentally, it also happened to be their last hunt of the season. So, without time to borrow my dad’s truck for the weekend, I decided to brave the morning in my trusty Volkswagen. Initially, I had only planned on watching the start.

However, after Kennel Huntsman Gale Cayce invited me to follow the hound truck in my car, I accepted, not wanting to miss any of the action.

I grew up showing in the jumper ring in southern Maryland. While I’ve always known fox hunting existed, it wasn’t until my family bought a house in Middleburg just over two years ago that I gained any first-hand exposure to the sport. Initially, I didn’t expect to spend much time in Middleburg since I was a full-time college student living and working in D.C. However, the pandemic dramatically changed my plans, and within the span of a few months, I suddenly found myself thrust into the heart of hunt country for the very first time. A passionate student of art and history, I decided to spend my summer interning for the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg (NSLM). And, it was this experience that really sparked my interest in hunting. The sense of tradition, the rich artistic heritage of the sport — I was fascinated.

Over the course of the year and a half I spent at home in Middleburg, I was lucky enough to make several amazing contacts in the fox hunting world through both my internship at the NSLM, my part-time job at a local tack shop, and my work as a contributor for Middleburg Life. Through their generous invitations, I attended point-to-point races hosted by local hunts, interviewed jockeys, and toured the Snickersville kennels. And, this was how I ended up just narrowly avoiding bottoming out my Volkwagen in a creek on that chilly but wonderful morning in March, trying to keep up with the hound truck.

After months of learning about the world of huntSport | Page 25 Pictured is Victoria Peace hunting with the Snickersville Hounds.

Sport | From page 24 ing from the outside looking in, I had finally started dreaming of actually riding to hounds myself. But, there was just one problem. As many of you may know, fox hunting is not the easiest sport to break into for beginners: it requires time, patience, specialized equipment, solid horsemanship skills, and financial investment. And despite having a background in riding, there was no getting around the fact that I was a college student with no horse, no hunting experience, and limited funds. I didn’t think it would be possible for me to participate.

However, the fox hunting community is one of the most open and generous groups of people I have ever met. I was continuously astonished at how willing they were to introduce a newcomer to different aspects of the sport. And when I expressed an interest in trying hunting for myself, the staff and members of the Snickersville Hunt went above and beyond to help me have a safe, and incredibly fun, first experience. Just six months after observing my first hunt, I found myself swinging into the saddle of a sturdy blackand-white horse named Rolls Royce. Nervous, but brimming with excitement, I set off with the second field. True to his name, Royce piloted me across the rolling hills in an expertly smooth manner — it was a feeling of pure joy.

If you have ever considered trying fox hunting, this article is your sign to do so. It may seem daunting at first, but there are many resources for riders who are interested in getting involved with their local hunt. Here are some of the best ways to break into the sport from the perspective of a fellow beginner. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Research and Outreach Most hunt clubs have websites with helpful

information about their history, territory, schedule, staff, and contact information. Once you find this information, don’t be afraid to reach out! You can send a message expressing your interest to the general inbox, or to one of the masters if their contact information is listed.

Many hunt clubs also host “introduction to fox hunting” courses. These are a great way to meet the members of the hunt and gain a solid

countryside.

However, other types of cross-country riding can also be great ways to prepare for hunting. A few months before my first hunt, I took a monthlong job exercising polo ponies in Millwood, Virginia. I practiced galloping up and down hills in an open field, which was a major confidence builder for my first time in the hunt field.

It is also important to keep in mind that there

“That chilly March morning, Gregg Ryan, Joint Master of the Snickersville Hounds, had invited me to witness my first-ever fox hunt.”

introduction to the sport. Before my first hunt, I also read William Wadsworth’s book, “Riding to Hounds in America.” It provided a helpful foundation of knowledge for what to expect in the field.

Getting Outside the Ring One of the biggest obstacles to hunting is learning how to ride outside of a ring over rugged terrain. This can be nerve-wracking at first, especially if you are riding an unfamiliar horse.

However, a great way to become more comfortable with the environment is by participating in hunt trail rides. According to Snickersville Kennel Huntsman Gale Cayce, the trail rides are great because they give you an idea of what fox hunting is like in a casual environment before you are actually pursuing a fox and galloping through the

are different fields that you can ride with when you hunt. First field is for experienced fox hunters with fit horses who can jump obstacles at a gallop and keep pace with the hounds. However, second field riders have the option to circumvent jumps, and ride at a slower pace than first field. And, if you are not yet comfortable galloping, the third field or the “hilltoppers” allow riders to observe the hunt and enjoy the country at a leisurely pace.

There are many options for different skill levels.

Visiting the Kennels While riding through the Virginia countryside is a thrill, as Cayce told me during my visit to the Snickersville Kennels, during a hunt, “the hounds are the real magic.” Understanding the hunting process, how the hounds work together Sport | Page 26

Hounds.

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Sport | From page 25 as a group, and what special characteristics enable them to do their job is fascinating and contributes immensely to the enjoyment of the sport.

Each noise a hound makes during a hunt signals something different. Experienced fox hunters can decipher this “hound music” and know exactly what is going on in the hunting process.

Although, as a beginner, it’s hard to think about anything else besides staying on your horse, and staying out of everyone’s way.

If you’re interested in trying out hunting and would like to learn about the hounds in a more relaxed environment, consider setting up an appointment to visit the kennels. Many hunt clubs are happy to have people come to the kennels and talk to the Kennel Huntsman if you reach out in advance. Several also host puppy shows, puppy walks, and hound walks, which are great ways to get up close and personal with the key players of the hunt.

Finding a Horse The most important aspect to having a successful first hunt is having the right horse. According to Cayce, it is important, especially for beginners, to have “a horse that takes care of you and knows a little bit more about the hunting process than you do.”

If, like me, you don’t own a horse that is an experienced fox-hunter, don’t panic — there are cost-effective options available to you. For my first hunt, I rented a horse that was extremely experienced and took amazing care of me. This is an economical way to gain an introduction to the sport in a safe and fun manner since you don’t need to worry about buying tack, committing to a several-month-long lease, or covering trailering fees. If you are interested in renting a horse, reach

out to the staff of your local hunt, and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Looking the Part Besides the horse, the amount of stylish and specialized clothing and gear that fox hunters use might seem daunting. However, when I went on my first hunt, it was still cubbing season. Cubbing season starts in autumn and is a time when horses,

hounds, and riders are focusing on getting conditioned for the months ahead. It is less formal than the regular season, and the pace is a little slower, making it a perfect time for beginners to try the sport out. The attire required is also less formal — I was able to wear the same clothing that I wore when I competed in the show ring. Each hunt does have its own guidelines about attire, so be sure to check with their website or local staff before making a final decision on what to wear. But, especially if you are going during cubbing season, you won’t have to sink hundreds of dollars into attire before finding out if you even like the sport.

In addition, if you do decide to commit to buying a full hunting kit, there are several used tack and clothing stores in the Middleburg area where you will be able to find wonderful pieces at much-discounted prices.

MFH Gregg Ryan, Al Griffin, and Maureen Britell.

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Hunting Gregg Ryan’s favorite part of hunting is “when the hounds are in full cry and screaming after the fox.” He explains that “both you and your horse will get your blood up and off you will go jumping and galloping along to keep up with the pack.

The chase will conclude when the fox gives the hounds the slip or he will find his hole (gone to ground). You will look around and see a lot of smiling faces.”

After my first hunt, I couldn’t stop smiling for the entire day. I kept thinking about the beauty of the territory I was privileged enough to go hunting on, the incredible talent of the hounds and horses, and the feeling of community that came from experiencing both of these things with a group of other people who love the countryside and riding as much as I do.

As someone who didn’t grow up fox hunting and who is relatively new to the Middleburg area, I wasn’t sure I would be able to participate in such a specialized sport. However, with the support of an amazing community, the many resources available for beginners here in hunt country, and a little bit of determination, I not only tried it but fell in love with it. If you are at all interested in fox hunting, reach out, attend events hosted by local hunts, and look for ways you can get involved.

You never know what might happen! ML Some helpful links to start your research: mfha.com blueridgehunt.org middleburghunt.com facebook.com/PiedmontFoxHounds theolddominionhounds.com snickersvillehounds.com warrentonhunt.com

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Notable Moments From Middleburg Film Festival 2021 Written by Kaitlin Hill Photos by Shannon Finney

C

elebrating its ninth year and a return to fully in-person screenings, the 2021 Middleburg Film Festival did not disappoint.

Passholders and ticket buyers were treated to celebrity appearances, fascinating Q&As, special spotlight events, well-deserved tributes to some of Hollywood’s finest, and, as always, a wonderfully diverse set of films with something for everyone. Here is a look back at some of the highlights from the mid-October weekend hosted by Sheila Johnson.

BIG NAMES HEADLINE THE WEEKEND Past Middleburg Film Festivals have always hosted their share of celebrities, and this year was no exception. Day two of the festival opened with a screening of “The Lost Daughter” at The Salamander Resort and Spa, followed by a tribute to lead actress Dakota Johnson. During the tribute

and conversation, Johnson was awarded the actor spotlight award for her role opposite Academy Award winner Olivia Colman.

Also on-site throughout the weekend was actress Ann Dowd, perhaps best known for her role as the brutal Aunt Lydia in Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Dowd attended the film festival as a representative of the film “Mass,” which debuted Friday afternoon at The Hill School. Dowd not only attended the post-screening tribute to her, but she also mixed, mingled, and posed for photos at the Women in Film luncheon at Greenhill Winery.

“Capote” (2005) and “Star Trek” (2009) fans will have recognized actor Clifton Collins Jr. who showed up to present his new film “Jockey” in which he plays the main character, Jackson Silva.

In a post-screening conversation with Clayton

MFF ensemble cast spotlight award conversation: the cast of Red Rocket, hosted by Clayton Davis.

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Festival | Page 31

Festival | From page 30 Davis from Variety, Collins Jr. delighted viewers with anecdotes from filming on a live track with real jockeys. “I got there a week and a half early to hang out with the jockeys – spending all day with them, helping them with the horses, whatever I needed to do,” he says. “I didn’t want to be ‘the actor.’ I told [my producer] I don’t care if my house has burned down. I don’t want to know until I wrap because I have to be here.” His dedication to the project earned him a standing ovation as the credits rolled and the distinguished performance award.

A highly anticipated appearance of the weekend was that of actor, director, and five-time Academy Award nominee, Kenneth Branagh who came to Middleburg to showcase his autobiographical hit “Belfast.” “Belfast” was the sold-out centerpiece film of Saturday night with moviegoers eager to view the film following its success in Telluride and hear from Branagh in the subsequent Q&A session. Branagh also greeted festival attendees Sunday morning on the Salamander Resort Middleburg Terrace for a well-deserved and illuminating tribute. Those up early enough were treated to an artfully crafted highlight reel of Branagh’s best work from “Othello” to “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” Additionally, Branagh sat down with festival advisory board member John Horn for a conversation covering Branagh’s life and career where he described his latest project about childhood in Northern Ireland as “tender.” He also regaled the crowd with some of his favorite on-set moments with cast members Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Ciarán Hinds, Gerard Horan, and Jude Hill. For his work as the film’s director, Branagh was awarded the director spotlight award by Sheila Johnson.

RECOGNITION OF WOMEN IN FILM Another bright spot of the weekend was the attention given to women in the film industry. Saturday morning’s Women in Film Music Conversation at the Salamander Resort Middleburg Terrace highlighted four talented film composers and songwriters including Kathryn Bostic (“Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America”), Dianne Warren (“Four Good Days”), Lesley Barber (“Manchester by the Sea”), and Amie Doherty (“Spirit Untamed”) in a panel hosted by Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s Senior Festival | Page 32

Top: Women in Film luncheon hosted by Greenhill Winery with Red Rocket cast, Brittney Rodriguez, Suzanna Son, and Bree Elrod. Second row: Women in Film luncheon hosted by Greenhill Winery with composer Kathryn Bostic, songwriter Diane Warren, actor Ann Dowd, and composers Lesley Barber and Amie Doherty. Third row, left: Lead actress Dakota Johnson “The Lost Daughter” at The Salamander Resort and Spa, MFF. Third row, right: Post screening conversation with actor Clifton Collins Jr. from “Jockey.” Bottom: The crowd cheers at MFF for the Belfast Q&A with Kenneth Branagh.

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Festival | From page 31 Artisans Editor. Women took the spotlight again at the Women in Film luncheon hosted by Greenhill Winery. The afternoon event was attended by Britney Rodriguez, Suzanna Son, and Bree Elrod from the film “Red Rocket,” as well as Ann Dowd from “Mass” who shared with attendees the realities of being a woman in the business.

Beyond luncheons and panels, notable women dominated the screen in the films on dock through the weekend. “Spencer” and “Julia” told the tales of real-life icons Princess Diana and Julia Childs. And “Passing,” “Prayers for the Stolen,” “Petit Maman,” and “The Lost Daughter” centered around female figures as well, powerfully sharing their stories.

But the theme of powerful women perhaps most notably extended to the awards granted throughout the weekend. In addition to Dakota Johnson’s actor spotlight award, Ann Dowd was recognized with the Agnès Varda trailblazing film artist award, and “The Power of the Dog” cinematographer Ari Wegner was awarded the distinguished cinematographer award.

A HEARTWARMING WINNER As always, attendees were given the chance to rate each film with one, two, three, or four stars immediately after viewing by ripping a slip of paper and returning it to one of the festival’s many helpful volunteers. Of the 34 films representing every genre, including documentaries and international entries, Kenneth Branagh’s “Belfast” was awarded the audience’s highest honor of top narrative prize. The film, which was sold out for both screenings, documents Branagh’s Northern Irish upbringing through the character “Buddy,” played by Jude Hill. Set in the 1960s, at the beginning of The Troubles, the black and white film blends meaningful humor with moments of tense violence, for a well-rounded film deserving of every laugh, tear, and standing ovation it received.

Branagh described the film best in his Sunday morning conversation with John Horn. He said writing this story was, “something riddled with pain and difficulty and loss, but through which there must be some way to find hope and a future. The film seems to be opening a portal for other people’s experiences of their own childhood. And that is the big thrill.” ML Top: John Horn, a host on KPCC and a member of the festival’s advisory board, with Kenneth Branagh on stage at Salamander. Second: Tim Gordon (from DC Radio/Keeping it Real with Film Gordon/co-President of the Washington Area Film Critics Association), Benjamin Price from Kids First! and Washington Post Chief Film Critic Ann Hornaday. Third: Betty and Dr. Ronald A. Crutcher (University of Richmond’s outgoing President) with composer Lesley Barber. Bottom: Film goers at MFF.

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A Conversation with Cinematographer

Ari Wegner Written by Kaitlin Hill

W

hat do Lady Macbeth, a trending Twitter stripper saga, and a rancher from 1925 Montana have in common? The answer is Australian-born cinematographer Ari Wegner’s talent for translating stories to screen. At just 37, Wegner’s resume is already impressive. She’s an Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award Nominee (2016), British Independent Film Awards Winner (2017), and Toronto International Film Festival Artisan Award Winner (2021). During her first visit to the Middleburg Film Festival, Wegner presented her film “The Power of the Dog” and took home the well-deserved award for distinguished cinematography. Starting behind-the-scenes to the big screen reveal, Wegner shares her process for producing stunning films and how she and director Jane Campion bring “The Power of the Dog” to life.

When asked how she picks projects as different as “The Power of the Dog” (2021), a moody Western with a dark secret, and “Zola” (2020) a stripper’s story that starts in a Detroit Hooter’s and un-

ravels over Twitter, Wegner says, “It’s really the combination of the director and the script … it’s a kind of alchemy or synchronicity of those two. Once I read the script and decide that it looks interesting, I’ll meet the director and see if there is chemistry.”

For “The Power of the Dog,” Wegner paired up with writer and director Jane Campion to adapt the 1967 Thomas Savage novel of the same name. Before learning the lighting of the landscape, framing the shots, and curating the color palette, Wegner starts new projects with a deep understanding of the director she is working with.

“I love working with directors and really getting to know them,” Wegner says. “You find out how they see the world, what’s important to them, what interests them, how detail-oriented they are, and what details they will fixate on … I love to use that pre-production time to get to know [a director], and then be able to create a shot that, hopefully, they are going to love based on what I know Conversation | Page 35

Top right: Ari Wegner at MFF. Photo by Shannon Finney. Bottom: Stills from Ari Wegner's film.

Photos courtesy of Netflix.

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Conversation | From page 34 about them.”

In getting to know Campion, Wegner discovered a common interest in art and artists like American realist painter Andrew Wyeth. “Jane has a fine arts background, and my father is a visual artist,” Wegner says. “So, we both had a pretty good common language in art. And usually, one of the first things I do when I start a new project is look at art. It really is a color palette. Or look at the minimalism of Wyeth’s work, I really love that. There is a real simplicity and minimalism of people in rooms or people in nature.”

Part-drama, part-romance, all-Western, “The Power of the Dog” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, tells the story of the Burbank Brothers and a twisted year of manipulation, intimidation, and gritty ranch work that takes place in the shadow of a menacing mountain which could fairly be considered an additional main character.

Avoiding any spoilers, as relationships shift and minds unravel, Wegner shapes the story with captivatingly simple shots and obvious influence from Wyeth. Transitions take place through open windows with unobstructed views of the imposing mountain in the distance. And empty rooms minimally laid with color schemes seemingly straight from Wyeth’s brush increase the feeling of isolation, so crucial to the film.

“We knew that we wanted to have a really restricted color palette … and Wyeth’s work really captured it,” Wegner says. “There is something in the atmosphere of his work that I like, the feel, the loneliness, or desperation. [His work] doesn’t romanticize the places. There is some kind of unease in his work that is hard to define.”

More than nailing this color palette, for Wegner transporting audiences to 1925 Montana and creating believable characters was about understanding the landscape, thus creating a set that felt “lived in.” “The landscape, in this film, in particular, is more than just a setting because the characters, especially Phil, have such a strong emotional connection to the place,” Wegner says.

For Phil Burbank, the film’s lead played by Benedict Cumberbatch, the sprawling family is part of his personality. “We wanted [the landscape] to be beautiful, striking, and hopefully, iconic,” Wegner says. “And we were also really interested in tiny things that make up a place

– whether it is a micro shot of the grass or a big wide shot of the house with the mountain behind it.”

Beyond character and narrative development, Wegner’s blend of minuscule detail and big pic-

ture shots results in an audience experience that is immersive, captivating, and almost unnervingly real. This feat is particularly impressive, given the convincingly classic Americana Western was filmed in New Zealand. “Obviously, not all of New Zealand looks like Montana …

It took some planning to make it convincing,” Wegner says, joking. “We did a lot of research and looked at photos of the landscape. I actually did a lot of driving around on Google Maps, just clicking along the road to see if this feels like New Zealand.”

In addition to pre-production research, onset framing was essential too. “We definitely needed to choose angles that worked,” Wegner says.

And where others might lean on green or blue screens, Wegner took a different approach aimed at achieving authenticity. “We actually ended up printing these billboard-sized backdrops of photos that we shot on location. We printed them, stretched them out, and had them in the studio.”

Filming with the printed backdrops, “allowed me to be riskier with my work because I knew what the final [look] was, versus having to be a bit safe because I couldn’t visualize what was going on outside the windows,” Wegner says. “That was something that started as a challenge, but ended up being incredibly satisfying and also just a super cool optical illusion.”

Perhaps optical illusionist is a better job title for Wegner, as her work on “The Power of the Dog” is nothing short of true movie magic. She pairs her razor-sharp vision with a willingness to let a film “reveal itself,” resulting in immersive viewing experiences that stay with her audiences and almost implore them to watch her films a second, if not third or fourth time.

“I think I can adapt to any style because I can break down the elements of something and pull them apart … but the really interesting part for me is knowing what image I want to create and then to create it,” she says. “I start to plan and then it starts to reveal itself even as I am shooting it.”

Though her next project is yet unknown, her success at the Middleburg Film Festival with “The Power of the Dog” (available to stream on Netflix starting December 1, 2021), it is a safe bet that Wegner’s talent will only continue to “reveal itself ” and she is certainly a cinematographer worth watching. ML

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IDENTIFYING SOME OF VIRGINIA’S OLDEST TREES

AN ARBORIST TAKES US ON A TREE TOUR IN VIRGINIA’S HUNT COUNTRY Written by Heidi Baumstark

It’s been said that a tree’s beauty lies in its branches, and its strength lies in its roots. Keeping roots strong and healthy is one of the primary missions of local arborist, Jim Donegan.

Since 1984 Donegan’s Tree Service in Leesburg has been servicing properties in Virginia’s hunt country, including the Middleburg area, Marshall, The Plains, Warrenton, and Haymarket. Owner Jim Donegan was one of the first one hundred people in the mid-Atlantic area to become an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist. He and his team are in the business of caring for and saving trees for residential, commercial, and government clients. His wife, Patty, handles the business advertising and office management for all these years — "that, and raising kids,” Donegan adds.

Donegan has always loved the outdoors. And it shows by the testament of his clients and the trees under his care. He provides complete tree care, including deep-root fertilizing to ensure healthy growth, pruning, and shaping. To protect from pests, an integrated pest management

program is incorporated to prevent disease and infestations; their focus is on natural alternative

Twisted branches of laceleaf Japanese maples. Photo by Heidi Baumstark.

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insect control over chemical treatments. And when emergencies arise no matter the season, Donegan’s handles everything from snow, ice, and wind damage to removing old diseased trees or ones damaged by lightning. Donegan’s also does tree inventories identifying all the trees on a property, mapping out potential hazards.

On a recent driving tour, Donegan highlighted some of the area’s oldest trees. The first stop was at one of his clients: Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg, a National Historic Landmark, and a site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

“We trimmed about a hundred trees here,” Donegan said. He also developed a GIS mapping system pinpointing the location of 17 historic trees on the property. Visitors can follow this link https:// hosted.arbor prousa.com/ DNGN-Oatlands/, which is a map showing the location of those 17 historic trees and their approximate age. When using the GIS map, touch one of the green dots on a mobile device screen and it will Trees | Page 39

Trees | From page 38 pull up that tree’s location. “GPS satellite tracking will follow you around when on the property, and when you’re close to a tree you want to know about, just touch it to get the information,” he added. “My favorite trees are the 150-year-old laceleaf Japanese maples in the back of the old greenhouse.”

Nearby is a shagbark hickory that resembles its name: shaggy bark. There’s also a 200-yearold American boxwood canopy near picnic tables for visitors to sit down and enjoy, and an old osage orange tree with its leaning trunk. Donegan’s company cleared the underbrush around the picnic area to make it more accessible to the public.

In the back of the mansion, Donegan pointed to the third largest ginkgo tree in the country. “It’s close to 200 years old,” he said. “Virginia Tech came out and did the measurements.” Its delicate fan-shaped leaves transform into brilliant fans of gold in the fall. There is also a state champion hornbeam (also known as ironwood) tree, which is native to eastern North America and is the oldest one in Virginia.

Near Oatlands’ entrance gravel road is a giant blue atlas cedar. A sign next to it shows the tree was planted by the Eustis family in the early 20th century. The property also includes 200-year-old yews. “To get the age of a tree, we examine the tree’s placement and sometimes get a core sample,” Donegan explained. “I also research the property to see how far back it goes.”

From Oatlands, Donegan drove south on Route 15 to Lime Kiln Road, then onto Snickersville Turnpike, which is a designated Virginia Byway. Donegan has several clients along this stretch, but our next stop was at an 87-acre equestrian farm owned by clients Joe Keating and Tiffany Lee of Jolee Farm.

(The farm’s name is a clever play-off of both of

their names.)

At the farm’s entrance stands a giant northern red oak. It’s one of the oldest red oaks; it’s been there for 175-200 years. In his four-wheeler, Keating drove up and down the hilly terrain pointing out various trees Donegan has worked on. Stopping at a special spot, Keating pointed to an ash tree stump with “The Secret Garden” artfully inscribed. Whimsi-

cal flowing flowers are carved in, with a carved wooden fox perched on top. Keating added, “We created The Secret Garden as a special place in memory of Tiffany’s sister, Caroline ‘Rexi’ Lee, who passed away in July 2020.”

Also in The Secret Garden is a 200-year-old white oak. Donegan cares for those trees along with others throughout the property, which was recently placed into a conservation easement in August by the Land Trust of Virginia (LTV). The Trees | Page 40

Top: Lupy family under their 200-year-old tulip poplar in The Plains. Photo by Jennifer Gray. Bottom left: Giant blue atlas cedar with Jim Donegan sitting on the bench. Bottom right: The Secret Garden at Jolee Farm in Middleburg. Photos by Heidi Baumstark.

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Trees | From page 39 entire 87.8 acres are in easement, including sections of the battlefield from the Civil War Battle of Aldie (June 17, 1863).

Leaving Jolee, our next stop was a drive to The Plains in Fauquier County at Kyle and Sarah Jo Luby’s farm on Coon Tree Road, another LTV property. The Luby’s 31-acre easement was recorded by LTV in September 2018. Donegan’s measurement of the 200-year-old tulip poplar near the entrance shows it is 6.9 feet in diameter and 20 feet in circumference. “It’s one of the biggest poplars I’ve seen in this area — and I’ve seen

a lot,” he adds. The tree had a lightning protection cable connected to a ground rod, so if lightning struck the electrical charge would go underground preventing damage to the tree’s trunk

and limbs.

Last stop on the driving tour was at Melrose Castle in Warrenton on Rogues Road. The stone pillar at the castle’s entrance reads “1857.” This is another one of Donegan’s clients. In 1983, the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It served as a Confederate hospital, a Union headquarters during the Civil War, and was home to a large Angus cattle herd. Today, Warren Ours is king of this castle and has lived there since 2019. On one side of his castle stands a tulip poplar. Behind, is a white oak; both are about 200 years old. “The white oak is the granddaddy of them all,” Donegan says.

How did Donegan get into this business?

His career started in 1978 in Northern Virginia, working with Forman & Biller Tree Expert Company in Arlington as a groundsman and climber.

“We worked on very old trees including those at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate in Mount Vernon, Virginia; the U.S. Naval Observatory in D.C.; the French ambassador’s D.C. residence; and several embassies. Working under Jim Biller — one of the leading arborists of his time — Donegan’s knowledge of trees expanded. “He [Biller] taught me how to care for trees as well as the clients,” Donegan says.

One of his first jobs was on the 18-acre White House grounds and working on trees on other federal government property: Sherman Circle Park, Lafayette Park, First Division Monument in President’s Park, and The Ellipse. “We worked on 480 trees total, some of which were the oldest in the area,” Donegan says.

“My job is to save trees,” he says. “The cool thing about doing these tree inventories is visiting farms and estates; I get to be around these old trees and create a care plan for them,” Donegan says. “Our job as arborists is to save trees. I’m always looking for new ways to improve my knowledge and we’re committed to serving clients with the best tree care possible.” ML For more information on Donegan’s Tree Service, visit doneganstreeservice.com or call 703-3276675. More information on Oatlands Historic House and Gardens at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane in Leesburg can be found at oatlands.org.

Top: Melrose Castle with Jim Donegan looking up at white oak in backyard. Middle: Two hundred-year-old white oak at Jolee Farm. Bottom: Huge ginkgo tree at Oatlands. Photos by Heidi Baumstark.

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THE Arts in The Plains

Sunday, November 21st, 5:00 pm

Paragon Philharmonia

... at the space at Grace

FALL FANFARE

Revel in the majesty of our Brass Quintet with a special appearance by Grace Church organist Jason Farris.

Sunday, November 14th, 5:00 pm

Grace Church Concert Series

Anthony Trionfo, flute Albert Cano Smit, piano

Sunday, December 12th, 5:00 pm

Paragon Philharmonia A BAROQUE CHRISTMAS Comfort and joy! Relish both the solemnity and exhuberance of Baroque orchestral music and be filled with holiday cheer. The Grace Church Choir will join us!

Sergei Prokofiev, Sonata in D Major Carl Reinecke, Sonota “Udine,” Op. 167

Thursday, November 18th, 6:00 pm

Piedmont Film Club

Based on award-winning journalist Michael Pollan’s best-selling book, the program explores how the modern diet has been making us sick and what we can do to change it.

Tickets and location: All events are at Grace Church,

6507 Main St, The Plains, VA 20198. For more information, please visit:

Grace Church Concert Series: https://www.gracetheplains.org/ Paragon Philharmonia: https://www.paragonphilharmonia.org/ Piedmont Film Club: https://piedmontfilmclub.com/

Please get tickets early because space is limited.

Remaining tickets will be available at the door.

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Composed for CBS television in 1951, Amahl and the Night Visitors’ heartwarming tale became an instant Christmas classic. The determination of three wise men from the East, a young boy, and his mother, make this one act opera a thoughtful treat for the entire family.

Othello

Iago’s ambition, Cassio’s naivete, Desdemona’s carelessness and Othello’s jealousy set the course for one of Shakespeare’s most tragic plays. Combined with Verdi’s powerful operatic treatment, this masterpiece reaches soaring new heights.

shakespeareoperatheatre.com WE'RE BACK! Presenting Shakespeare Opera Theatre’s Winter 2021-22 Season!

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SPROUT 5K/1K FUN RUN AT CLYDE’S WILLOW CREEK FARM November 7 | 9 a.m. | sproutcenter.org Run, walk, or roll a 5K/1K and become a Sprout possibilitarian! Whether you plan to roll our 1k course, complete your first 5K, or come out to reach a personal best, join us! If you would rather, you can run, walk, or roll in your own “neigh”borhood by participating virtually. The purpose of this great community event is to raise funds for Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center, a Loudoun-based non-profit that changes lives through partnerships with horses.

OPEN HOUSE FOR 2020 HINDSIGHT: 40 YEARS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF EQUINE ART November 13 | 12 - 5 p.m. | nationalsporting.org 2020 Hindsight: 40 Years of the American Academy of Equine Art is now open! Reserve your free tickets online and explore the rich history of the AAEA and the dynamic selection of works from historic members to contemporary artists in diverse media. To promote health and safety and to create an exceptional experience, timed tickets are required. This event is free and open to the public. For questions, please email VPeacock@ nationalsporting.org.

HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP AT BOXWOOD ESTATE WINERY November 13 | 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. | boxwoodwinery.com

Enjoy the spirit of the holiday season with chocolatier Rob Kingsbury. This event will allow your inner “chocolatier” to evolve by making your chocolate bar! Top off your chocolate bar with an array of ingredients, including almond toffee, candied nuts, and more! Afterward, enjoy a presentation of Kingsbury chocolates paired with four wines. The ticket price includes a split of red, white, or rosé … your choice! Tickets are limited, so secure your spot today!

RECEPTION FOR YURI GORBACHEV AT THE BYRNE GALLERY November 13 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | thebyrnegallery. com The Byrne Gallery is delighted to announce a historic landmark in its art career. Susan Byrne and Bill Byrne are celebrating their Gallery’s 26th anniversary this year in Middleburg with a celebration and exhibition of the vivid oil and enamel paintings of internationally acclaimed artist Yuri Gorbachev. The Byrne Gallery welcomes Yuri Gorbachev back to the Gallery for his 18th annual exhibition. The Gallery will feature rare works from his private collection, which have only been exhibited in museum shows.

HISTORIC HOUSES DINNER SERIES WITH THE VIRGINIA PIEDMONT HERITAGE AREA ASSOCIATION November 13 | 6:30 p.m. | piedmontheritage.org Enjoy an elegant evening in a historic private home in the Heritage Area! Attendees will be

Right: Thanksgiving Weekend at The Red Fox Inn. Photo by Jodi and Kurt Photo.

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appointed to one of our participating homes by lottery, where they will enjoy a delicious meal and learn about the history of one of our area’s architectural treasures. Tickets for this event are limited. For more information on the historic houses dinners or to reserve tickets, please call 540-6876681 or email ian@piedmontheritage.org.

BOHO DISCO AT LOST BARREL BREWING November 14 | 5 - 8 p.m. | lostbarrel.com Join Lost Barrel Brewing for the Boho Disco with live disco and all the vibes! Channel your inner disco bohemian and join us for a night of communal dance floor fun. The third installment of the Boho Disco is hosted by DJ Heather Femia.

Our DJs will provide a soundtrack of old and new disco, perfect for lounging, dancing, drinking, and mingling! Experience a taste of shopping from Tu-Anh, a fashion and lifestyle Boutique with a collection of unique items that soothe the soul and awaken the senses. No ticket needed.

HISTORIC ENCOUNTERS DAYS AT THE LOUDOUN HERITAGE FARM MUSEUM November 16 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | heritagefarmmuseum.org This series of family-friendly history days are back! Visit the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum for hands-on activities, see historic trades in action, and meet farm animals in person. Each day includes a variety of stations to explore, and is perfect for students of all ages. Registration is Calendar | Page 43

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar | From page 42 required to attend. Get your tickets online.

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND AT THE RED FOX INN November 24, 26-28 | 4 - 8 p.m. | redfox.com Join us during the Thanksgiving holidays for our five-course game and seafood dinner experience!

We are serving from 4 - 8 p.m. during November 24 - 28. We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day. TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE November 24 - December 10 | salamanderresort.com Make a child’s day this holiday season! Drop off a monetary donation and get 10% off a Mary Jennings art class. Visit our gift shop to purchase a donation leaf to be displayed on our tree in the living room. All donations need to be dropped off

by December 10th. Only monetary donations are accepted.

GRAND THANKSGIVING BUFFET November 25 | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | salamanderresort.com

Give thanks this holiday, and join us for an elaborate Thanksgiving buffet! Indulge in a cornucopia of flavors, featuring an elaborate raw bar display, pumpkin and sage ravioli, bourbon-glazed country ham, roasted turkey, an endless array of delectable desserts, and so much more. Start a new family tradition and celebrate with us. The cost is $125 per adult, $45 per child. Prices do not

include tax and gratuity. For reservations, please call 540-326-4070.

gratuity are not included.

A BRIEF GUIDE TO THE HISTORY OF ANIMAL SCULPTURE WITH WALTER MATIA

TURKEY TROT 5K November 25 | 8:30 a.m. salamanderresort.com Join us on Thanksgiving morning for our fun run or walk 5k. Please bring one canned food item for entry. Donated items will go to Seven Loaves Services in Middleburg. For questions, please call the fitness center at 540-326-4060.

December 2 | 6 - 7:30 p.m. | nationalsporting.org

Contemporary sculptor Walter Matia presents an engaging discussion on the history of animal sculpture. As an artist, Matia finds that art history has been an influential force on his work and that if you possess a love for art history, then the art will flow from your hands. Free for members; $10 non-members. Sign up online.

LOST BARREL BREWING CARS & COFFEE November 27 | 9 - 11 a.m. | lostbarrel.com Join Lost Barrel Brewing for Cars & Coffee on the last Saturday every month! Car enthusiasts meet up at Lost Barrel Brewing in Middleburg.

Bring your vehicle (cars, motorcycles) out on the last Saturday of each month. All makes/models welcome. Coffee and breakfast treats available for sale. Come hang out, enjoy the outdoors, socialize and view cars. No ticket needed!

MIDDLEBURG TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY & CAROLS

December 3 | 5 p.m. | christmasinmiddleburg.org

O Holy Night! The tree lighting ceremony and carols, behind the Pink Box (12 North Madison St.).

CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 4 | 2 p.m. | christmasinmiddleburg.org

The parade is back! For the safety and enjoyment of all of our guests, Christmas in Middleburg will offer limited parking. We are so excited to be back together safely outside! Please join us on Dec. 4th for a full day of festivities. To keep all of our residents and guests safe, kindly bring a mask for indoor shopping/dining and consider other families as you navigate the village.

SUNDAY SUPPERS AT THE BUTTERY — RAMEN NIGHT November 28 | 7 - 9 p.m. | thebutteryva.com Join us for a progressive, family-style dinner at The Buttery. Dinner will feature a seasonally-inspired menu from executive chef Ellie McMillen and The Buttery Kitchen, along with a menu of hand-picked wines, beers, and cocktails. Reservations are $55 per person and include multiple courses throughout the evening. Drinks and

For more events in hunt country, please visit the online calendar at MiddleburgLife.com

Left: Eve Prime Fout (American, 1929–2007) Hidden Capitol, 1982, oil on canvas, 18 1/8 x 22 inches, private collection.

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24/7 Emergency | Behavior | Cardiology | Critical Care/ICU | Dermatology & Allergy Dentistry & Oral Surgery | Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy | Imaging: MRI & CT Scan | Internal Medicine Neurology & Neurosurgery | Ophthalmology | Oncology: Medical & Radiation | Rehabilitation | Surgery

We're Redefining Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Care

Our partner practices are now in 3 Leesburg, VA locations! | TLCVets.com |

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Emergency Room: 703.777.5755

Your Plate Reimagined Take your palate on an extraordinary journey. Discover freshly cultivated flavors that will awaken your senses and feed your soul. Enjoy our fine cuisine al-fresco with endless views of the scenic countryside.

RESERVATIONS AT 855.297.7051 MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

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