A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite | 7 additional BR | 5 stone FP | Beautiful
| Old d
RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA
ISAAC EATON HOUSE
PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kaitlin Hill | kaitlin@middleburglife.com
COPY EDITOR & DIGITAL ASSISTANT
Susan Stark
ADVERTISING SALES
Jamie Null | jamie@middleburglife.com
Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com
Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com
ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR
Joanne Maisano
DESIGNER
Elisa Hernandez
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR
Nicky Marshok
ON THE COVER
Dr. Tim Casey, his daughter Shannon, and Nabucco. On page 6, Middleburg Life’s Beth Rasin shares Casey’s inspiring story of a life of horses, hope, and healing. Photo by Gracie Savage.
ON THIS PAGE
Bob Lee, Sophie Langenberg, and Kevin Ramundo of Citizens for Fauquier County. Middleburg Life’s Heidi Baumstark caught up with Ramundo for the latest from the organization and its fight to preserve the unique character of Fauquier County. Read the full story on page 10. Photo by Sherri Holdridge.
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CONTRIBUTORS
Shannon Ayres is a Reston-based freelance photographer. His work has appeared in Arlington, Chesapeake Life, Northern Virginia, Virginia Business, and USA Today magazines. He has an MFA in fine art photography from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. His editorial work can be seen at sdayres.com
Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia. After seven years as a book designer at National Geographic Kids, Callie founded the nonprofit, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, in 2019. Callie’s land preservation projects and focus on youth empowerment are aided by her talent as a professional photographer. In her spare time, Callie enjoys Earl Grey tea, “Harry Potter” trivia, and dreaming of getting back into the jumper ring.
Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based conservation and freelance photographer. A Virginia native and MBA graduate from the University of Virginia, her work blends a love for exploration, nature, and horses with her fashion background. When not behind the camera, Caroline enjoys hiking with her Labrador, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and exploring new restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. A former clinical physician and public health administrator, she has returned to her humanities roots. Diane’s latest book, “I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl,” is a rollicking biography. Her novel “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” won the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association novel competition in the historical/romance category.
Dulcy B. Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C., nearly 10 years ago. Shortly thereafter, both began writing occasional articles for Middleburg Life. Dogs are a big part of the Hoopers’ lives and several of Dulcy’s earlier articles focused on the couple’s Chinese crested powderpuffs!
Beth Rasin graduated from Middlebury College, where she studied nonfiction creative writing. She worked as a writer and editor at The Chronicle of the Horse for more than 25 years, including 10 years as the president and executive editor. As a freelancer, she’s contributed since 2015 to Middleburg Life, as well as Northern Virginia Magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, the former Loudoun Magazine, and many others. She lives in Hume, where she and her husband and daughter run a boarding facility for retired horses. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her adopted dogs and cats.
Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, people, and places that make Hunt Country so special. Her work has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and several online media outlets. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors and exploring Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.
Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and consider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.
Michael Butcher is the owner of Butcher Photography. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, he resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his family. For the past 15 years, Michael has specialized in portraiture, event, and editorial photography. When not behind the lens, he enjoys gardening and swimming. More of Michael’s work can be found at butcherphotography.com.
Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has come back to the event every year since as a volunteer and attendee. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), and for the documentary film
Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known for her blog, Uplift Loudoun. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.
Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 national and regional publications including The Washington Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for The New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.
Gracie Savage is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. Her passion began when she received her first camera in middle school and she continued to study the craft in high school and in college. She was a photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.
Also in this issue: Erin Gilmore Photography, Sherri Holdridge, Hugh Kenny, Douglas Lees, and Emerson Leger.
“Everest: A Climb for Peace.”
Horses, Hope, & Healing with Dr. Tim Casey
Written by Beth Rasin | Photos by Gracie Savage
When Maurice “Tim” and Diane Casey were dating, they would drive from Clifton, Virginia, to wander the winding roads of Loudoun and Fauquier counties while dreaming about a life in horse country. Tim never imagined he would go on to not only live in the heart of this community, but become one of its most respected equine veterinarians.
For more than three decades, the Caseys
built that dream, raising three children on their Marshall farm while Dr. Casey treated countless horses.
“I’ve been a vet for 40 years and in Marshall for 31 or 32 years, and I can’t believe it’s been that long,” he says. “It’s flown by. It’s like looking at a horse that I bred, and it’s suddenly 17 years old.”
Casey started his career as a farrier for nine years before attending veterinary school.
“I can’t remember when I didn’t want to become a veterinarian,” he shares, recalling how he used to collect and treat injured turtles as a child. “Before I even knew there were veterinarians, I’ve just wanted to work on animals all my life.”
He did just that until March 2024, when a 10-day case of hiccups prevented him from Healing | Page 7
sleeping. He went to Fairfax Hospital, expecting to get a quick treatment, and was instead admitted. Soon after, he collapsed, paralyzed. He would eventually be diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), an autoimmune disease that attacks the spinal cord and optic nerves. The diagnosis changed his life, but it couldn’t touch his lifelong optimism.
DRIVEN AND DETERMINED
As a child, Casey was drawn to riding, stubbornly continuing with the sport despite once falling off 33 lessons in a row (and later getting a more suitable mount). He’s shown the same determination as he battles NMO.
“When any person has anything like this occur to them, they’re lying if they say they don’t think about suicide,” he admits. “You think your whole life is gone. At some point,” he continues, “you decide you want to live.”
For Casey, that time came when he was in the hospital, being prepared for a shower. “They went to move me from one thing to another and almost dropped me,” he recalls. “My heart went into my throat and I said, ‘OK, I want to live.’ I just look at it as a bump in the road, and I’m thankful to be alive and still enjoy life every day and am glad that I wake up, especially because I can go ride.”
That riding takes place at Sprout Therapeutic in Aldie, where he once treated horses like Thor, the Percheron-Welsh cross he now rides.
“Judy Collins does this great rendition of ‘Both Sides Now,’ and that’s what I feel like at Sprout,” he shares. “I used to be their vet, and then when they first heard about me being injured, when I first got out of the hospital into rehab, they brought a miniature horse to me. I was so ecstatic.”
Sprout encouraged Casey to ride at its facility and sponsored his lessons. Operations Director Anna Koopman has been amazed by his progress.
“He’s really super determined to get back to his regular life again, and that’s the best thing he has going for him, is his drive to get back to normal, to be able to go home,” Koopman says. “The change in him from when we first saw him to now is really, really huge. He could barely lift his hands, and now he has full capability in his hands.”
When Casey began working with Sprout in February, he started with driving. “We’d go around a corner to the left, and Anna would be sitting next to me and grab me and pull me back in,” he says with a laugh. “I was Mr. Gumby to start with.”
The progress continued when two months ago, he was told he’d regained significant trunk control and it was time to get on a horse. “They have a lift that picks me up and puts me on the horse’s back on a bareback pad, with a vaulting thing to hold on to,” he explains. “Off we went. It’s just an amazing therapy place, with all the equipment to help.”
He notes that even when he feels he’s had the occasional bad day, the therapists will tell him they see improvement in his core strength or balance. “I asked if I could trot next. I said if I don’t fall, I’m not progressing.”
He also looks forward to trips from The Villa at Suffield Meadows in Warrenton, where he’s currently living, to Charles Town, West Virginia, on Saturdays to see the mares and foals he’s bred. “I love doing that,” he adds. “It all puts life in perspective and makes you appreciate every day. It gives you time to go out and look at the beauty of the world we live in.”
NEW DIRECTIONS
Casey treasures meeting people who’ve helped him on his path through rehab. “Some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met in the journey of my life,” is how he describes them. “People I’d have never met, would never have understood what they go through. At skilled nursing, where they have people with strokes, if I was having a pity day, I’d look at the stroke victims and say, ‘How lucky am I?’ You don’t have a choice. This is your life, and you might as well enjoy it and be happy for it.”
After his diagnosis, his son encouraged him to read “The Dark Tower” by Stephen King, in which the main character continuously talks about his younger days. “[The character] would say, ‘But the world has moved on.’ So that’s what I’d say to myself when I couldn’t do something: ‘The world has moved on, and I’m in a different world now,’” he says.
Casey believes his new situation has simply required him to adopt a different approach to life.
“There’s nobody for me to be mad at,” he explains. “I don’t have a choice but to be happy, and that’s what I want to be.
“There’s never a ‘no,’” he adds. “There’s always a plan B, C, and D. Just keep going to those plans and a door is going to open. You just may have to come from a different direction.”
He expressed gratitude for the horse community’s support, including an ongoing GoFundMe that helps to offset his medical bills. “It’s an amazing community, and they take care of each other.”
As he reflects on his life, Casey knows he’s one of those lucky people who loved his work as a veterinarian and his life among the equestrian community. “I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ve had 74 years of the greatest life anyone could dream of. It’s been so absolutely wonderful.” ML
Left: Dr. Casey and his daughter’s show jumper, Nabucco. Above: Family photo with Dr. Casey’s wife, Diane, and daughter Shannon joining in.
CHECK-IN WITH Citizens for fauquier County
Written by Heidi Baumstark | Photos by Sherri Holdridge
Almost 60 years ago, Citizens for Fauquier County (CFFC) was founded with a simple mission: to protect Fauquier’s future. Motivated by the development spreading in surrounding jurisdictions, pioneer preservationist Hope Porter, of Warrenton, helped establish the
mont Heritage Area (VPHA), and others. “The threat environment has changed,” CFFC President Kevin Ramundo says of the last five years. “People share our concerns for protecting this county.”
Until recently, CFFC operated with an all-vol-
age operations. Plans are also in the works for an executive director staff position. Additional CFFC initiatives include raising funds to build an operating reserve and continue legal battles surrounding potential data centers; finalizing the implementation of a new membership dataorganization in 1968. It’s now distinguished as the oldest nonprofit in the county and serves to maintain open spaces, preserve historic resources, and support agriculture, with a 100% geographical focus on Fauquier County.
“People share our concerns for protecting this county.” – Ramundo
CFFC’S LATEST BATTLE: DATA CENTERS
CFFC has been instrumental in pausing the development of a 220,000-squarefoot Amazon data center on 42 acres at the intersection of the Warrenton bypass (Route 15/ Route 29) adjacent to Country Chevrolet. Lawsuits have halted the project’s progress until March 2026 — so, for now, this site on Blackwell Road remains vacant.
The organization’s increased visibility and advocacy efforts have resulted in membership growth — both in headcount, about 2,000 strong, and increased donation sizes — transitioning from a concentration on smaller land-use issues to a broader view of the huge chunks of landscape threatened by base; and organizing more public events to generate interest and community involvement.
data centers and their supporting infrastructure. To that end, CFFC collaborates with other like-minded organizations, such as the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), Virginia Pied -
Bob Lee, Sophie Langenberg, and Kevin Ramundo.
unteer board of engaged members. Though this model served them well in the past, it’s no longer sustainable, and last fall the organization hired its first employee, Shelley Merryman, to man-
Ramundo adds, “We have a definite path to win; we feel good about the outcome of the trial next year.”
County | Page 11
County | From page 10
CFFC also aligns with the community groups Protect Remington and the Catlett Project to lessen the impact of industrialization on these rural communities. CFFC played a leading role in organizing opposition against Haymarket-based developer Gigaland, which proposed a more than 200-acre data center complex in Remington that would consist of seven 80-foot-high concrete buildings covering over 2.2 million square feet. At a Fauquier County Planning Commission meeting in June, which several CFFC board members including Ramundo attended, a 4-1 vote rejected the proposal. Over 200 public comments were submitted, nearly 80% of which opposed the project. At a Fauquier County Board of Supervisors meeting in August, Gigaland was not on the official agenda, but about 50 people spoke about it during the citizens’ time, including Hope Porter. The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on the Gigaland project at its September 11 meeting.
Historic Remington is in the bull’s-eye of three proposed data center projects, and this Gigaland complex would be the first. If the county moves forward with Gigaland, critics argue it opens the door for more, creating a “data center desert.” All three proposed projects would require rezoning and other land-use exceptions, setting a precedent and adding miles of electric transmission lines cutting across Fauquier’s landscape to supply the immense amount of power that these, and potentially other facilities, would require. “We have a saying: ‘What happens in Remington doesn’t stay in Remington,’” Ramundo says. Dissidents to the proposed data centers want to continue the revitalization of Remington into a livable community with a diversified economy, including more public recreation, homes, small businesses, and tourism.
MEMBERSHIP IS GROWING
In addition to recent preservation wins, membership has grown by 30%. The increase has been reflected in fundraising outcomes as well. “I find it very encouraging that about half of what we’ve raised comes from new members and existing members who are contributing more. We’ve become more robust than ever,” Ramundo
says. Since 2023, the nonprofit has significantly increased fundraising efforts to keep up with rising costs due to litigation and build an operating reserve.
Ramundo also spearheaded the implementation of a new membership management software to ensure efficiency and improve communication. CFFC publishes a monthly online newsletter, The Monitor, to keep members advised about advocacy opportunities and up-to-date information. It also recently distributed its first-ever annual report.
BRINGING CONCERNED CITIZENS TOGETHER
Last year, Ramundo says, “We did a couple of events so people can connect with what we’re doing,” including screening a video about Hope Porter’s early conservation efforts as well as a Celebrate Fauquier event at Highland School that included festivities for Porter’s 100th birthday. Looking ahead, “I’d love to have an annual Celebrate Fauquier event,” Ramundo says. “We have a lot to celebrate in this county.”
On October 27, 2024, CFFC bestowed its annual Kitty P. Smith Award honoring recipient Ann Mudge Backer at Hopefield, the historic home of Hope Porter, in Warrenton. This award, established in 2015, is to recognize outstanding lifetime conservationists who have contributed greatly to preserving the county’s rural landscape, historical resources, and agricultural economy.
Earlier this year, in collaboration with other land preservation organizations, CFFC also partnered with the Old Dominion Conservation and Educational Foundation for a free, informative session at the Orlean Fire and Rescue to help landowners better understand how to protect and enhance their properties. The goal is to bring members together, invite the public to join, and educate residents on land-use issues and the county’s conservation efforts.
More recently, CFFC has been working with VPHA for an event about the history of Remington. “Historic preservation lines up nicely with our mission,” Ramundo shares. “The challenges are so substantial that the more folks and organizations working on these issues, the better. That’s part of what we do: working with others to suc-
ceed in keeping this place as special as it is.” Through education and events, CFFC’s board continues to inspire the next generation of con-
“That’s part of what we do: working with others to succeed in keeping this place as special as it is.”
– Ramundo
servationists. Learn more about supporting CFFC, membership opportunities, and how to contribute through a tax-deductible donation at citizensforfauquier.org ML
Kevin Ramundo.
As Foxcroft School enters its 2025-26 academic year, the institution welcomes Dr. Lisa Kaenzig as its new head of school. Moving from upstate New York, Kaenzig, who earned her Ph.D. from the College of William & Mary, returns to Virginia with decades of ad-
Meet your neighbor: Q&A with Dr. Kaenzig, Foxcroft’s 11th Head of School
Written by Emerson Leger | Photos by Caroline Gray
ministrative experience and an obvious zest for the job and her new community.
Kaenzig sat down with Middleburg Life to discuss her plans as head of school, with the main goal of community never far from her mind, she says. This focus, along with her devotion to furthering girls’ education, is Kaenzig’s driving aim as she prepares for the school year ahead.
ML: Can you share some of your plans for the upcoming school year?
LK: I am excited to get to know the entire Foxcroft community, including our new and returning students, alumnae, faculty and staff, and members of the surrounding Middleburg community.
We have so much to celebrate in this 112th academic year of the school. The campus is beautiful — each day I feel like I’m literally walking in a storybook, as I stroll from my home at Covert to my office in Schoolhouse. We are starting to think about our next strategic plan and dreaming about the next chapter for Foxcroft.
ML: What skills will you bring to Foxcroft from your two-decade career as a dean?
LK: It was a joy to serve as a college dean for women at Hobart and William Smith Colleges for 22 years. I learned so much, first as a dean for first-year women entering college from high school and then for more than seven years as dean of William Smith College, where I was able to lead a community of people focused on supporting our students. HWS is a small liberal arts college with a diverse student body focused on the individual student’s journey. Foxcroft is similar in many ways — we care about each girl as a unique person. I also learned so much about building a sense of community, working closely with colleagues across campus, and understanding the wider system of a school. I will bring all of that wonderful experience to my new role as the head of school at Foxcroft.
ML: What are you looking forward to most
Neighbor | Page 13
Dr. Lisa Kaenzig.
about serving as Foxcroft’s 11th head of school?
LK: I so enjoy watching girls and young women transform over their teenage and college years. It is remarkable to see the evolution of girls coming from middle school, where there’s so much change in their lives, to where they are as they launch into their collegiate experience. My hope for all of our Foxcroft girls is that we help them find their voices and share their enthusiasm about all that they’re learning here on campus, in the classrooms, in sports, with their friends, and with our outstanding faculty and staff. This is a very special place, and I am honored to be part of such a storied school.
ML: How do you plan to contribute to Foxcroft’s mission and values?
LK: I could not possibly be more aligned with the mission and values of Foxcroft. Our mission is to “help every girl explore her unique voice and to develop the skills, confidence, and courage to
share it with the world.” My entire career has been devoted to the education and leadership development of young women, so this could not be a better fit for me at this stage of my life and career. We also have an incredibly talented faculty and staff here at Foxcroft and devoted alumnae, including many who serve on our outstanding board of trustees. We will all continue to work together to make sure that our girls, both today and for generations to come, find and use their voices as they move forward here on our campus and out in the world.
ML: How do you plan to foster a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff at Foxcroft?
LK: This is such a special community, and I plan to continue building on the important work of the 10 heads of school before me. I am so excited to work with our outstanding faculty members and make sure they have all the support they need to do their important work in the classroom
and beyond. We have more than 3,000 Foxcroft alumnae, some right here on our campus and in the Middleburg community, and many more who live across the country and around the globe. I am excited to meet as many as possible in the years ahead and to continue to share the stories of the transformative experiences of our girls at Foxcroft today.
ML: What are you most excited about in Virginia horse country as it compares to New York?
LK: I was born in Portsmouth, while my Dad was serving there in the U.S. Navy, and I spent the early years of my career in Washington, D.C. I returned to Virginia to earn my Ph.D. at William Neighbor | Page 14
Top left: Foxcroft School. Top right: Kaenzig with Executive Assistant to the Head of School Julia Jackson. Bottom right: Foxcroft memorabilia.
Neighbor | From page 12
Neighbor | From page 13
& Mary. So, moving back to Virginia feels like coming home. However, I have not spent as much time in this incredibly beautiful area of the state. My partner and I are having fun exploring the local parks, and we recently spent a lovely morning tubing on the Shenandoah River and exploring the countryside in Hume and near Front Royal. We are also enjoying shopping and eating at the amazing restaurants in downtown Middleburg.
As part of our summer retreat, the Foxcroft administrative team recently spent time at the National Sporting Library & Museum, where we learned so much about the amazing history of our area. I also had a lot of fun meeting local business owners and other community members at my first Middleburg Biz Buzz! Everyone has been so welcoming, and I look forward to the Middleburg Hunt coming through our campus this fall and
learning much more about horses!
ML: When you’re not on campus, how do you spend your time?
LK: We have two daughters who are recent college graduates, now living and working in Manhattan and Charlotte. So, I enjoy checking in with both of them and hearing about their daily adventures! Most of my extended family lives in the Southeast, so I am also trying to make more time for trips to see them now that I live closer. And they are all excited to come visit us in our new home here on the Foxcroft campus! We are also having fun walking around downtown Middleburg. I am a big reader, so I have already visited Middleburg Books — leaving that beautiful store with stacks of new books and great cards — several times since we moved here in late June. I also enjoy swimming and doing yoga! ML
The Foxcroft grounds.
Middleburg Charitable foundation: fulfilling CoMMunity needs
Written by Lia Hobel | Photo by Caroline Gray
“Our vision is a Middleburg where no one faces obstacles to basic needs, but everyone lives with dignity and enjoys equal opportunities, regardless of background.”
This stated vision for the Middleburg Charitable Foundation (MCF) is a testament to something that’s not always visible to the naked eye in town. “There’s always this perception that Middleburg has an abundance of resources,” says Pam Curran, a member of the Town Council and the foundation’s board. “And really, I think what we’ve seen through the foundation is that … it’s true and it’s not. We’ve seen there is a definite need for us to give more.”
The Middleburg Charitable Foundation was
established in 2023 as a not-for-profit organization separate from the Town of Middleburg. The foundation continues the legacy of serving the disadvantaged and underserved in the area, which began with the Loudoun-Fauquier Health Center on South Madison Street in 1939. When it closed, the town took over ownership of the building. In 1993, the town formed the Health Center Advisory Board to manage the property and distribute charitable contributions throughout the community.
Building on this legacy, MCF’s recent initiatives have had a tangible impact on local nonprofits and community programs. In the last grant cycle, nearly $60,000 was distributed among almost a dozen organizations — including longtime
Middleburg fixtures like Seven Loaves, A Place To Be, the Middleburg Community Center, and the Middleburg Library Advisory Board. Notably, the YMCA received funding for the first time, enabling it to launch after-school programs and a summer camp at the Middleburg Community Charter School.
Howard Armfield is the vice chair of the MCF board and also a founding member of the town’s Health Center Advisory Board. He says the foundation’s grant fulfillments show “the continuity of the need to do charitable purposes” as well as uphold Paul Mellon’s request for the Health Center to always be for charitable giving, even once the
Community | Page 17
Howard Armfield, Pam Curran, and Erik Scheps.
health center was no longer around.
“It’s an application process,” MCF Board Chair Erik Scheps explains. “We have a committee that votes whether or not the grant will be accepted.” There are seven people on the board, including two Town Council members. In addition to Scheps, Armfield, and Curran, there is Darlene Kirk, Jan Neuharth, Philip Miller, and Ray Morales who make up the board. Each one offers expertise in areas of philanthropy, business, law, and supporting communities.
Recognizing the interconnectedness of neighboring communities, Scheps says the foundation’s influence extends beyond Middleburg itself, thoughtfully supporting initiatives in surrounding areas whenever such efforts directly benefit local residents.
One example is Tree of Life in Purcellville. “There’s a percentage of their families here in Middleburg,” Armfield adds. At Tree of Life, volunteers “take food to the people so they can get the lay of the land and the circumstances that people are living in.”
profit organizations to submit their funding applications to MCF before the October 6 application deadline. The mission of the foundation is to serve those in the areas of health, education, personal safety, or food security. Grant requests will not be considered for infrastructure needs.
Applicants have to demonstrate how the donation will benefit the Middleburg community, state their target beneficiaries, and include supporting evidence. After the applications are submitted, the board will ask any questions they may have by late October, with an optional presentation to the MCF board on October 29, 2025, to follow. Curran says presenters “truly put their heart on the table,” delivering exceptional presentations. The board has also seen new partnerships form by representatives from different causes sitting together in the lobby as they wait to present to the board.
The board extends an open invitation for any nonprofit affiliated with the Middleburg community to apply for funding. Additionally, contributions to the foundation are welcomed.
nization. The simple answer is that “it’s an easy way for people to give to multiple charities,” with the legwork being done for you. “Some people that are new don’t have the familiarity that, you know, people who have lived here for generations [have]. So, it’s a good way for them to be introduced to different charities in Middleburg.”
Even after the grants are awarded, Scheps says, “We follow up with them after the fact within six months. We want to know, did it work or did it not work? Did you need more? We try to get as much information as possible.” The intent is to track this data as the years go by to see how great of an impact the foundation has made and how it can do more.
Those who apply for a grant by the October 6 deadline will be notified of the board’s decision no later than November 11, 2025.
As an organization itself, the foundation plans to find ways to fundraise and receive donor support. Anyone interested in learning more about supporting the foundation’s mission or grant opportunities should visit the foundation’s website, middleburgcharitablefoundation.org. ML Community | From page 16
September marks the final weeks for not-for-
Curran says people often ask why they should donate to MCF instead of directly to an orga-
Willing Warriors Retreat Celebrates 10 Years and Looks to the Future
Written by Kaitlin Hill
“We started with the mission of providing cost-free respite stays for warrior families.” – Ford
“The past 10 years have been a decade of tremendous growth for the organization,” shares Sarah Ford, Willing Warriors’ executive director.
The Willing Warriors Retreat at Bull Run in Haymarket was established in 2015 as a “home away from home” for service members and their families. “We started with the mission of providing cost-free respite stays for warrior families,” Ford says. In 10 years, the organization has served over 3,000 warriors and their loved ones.
For those who partake in the five-night retreat, “every stay here is different, but several things are universal,” Ford explains. Each family, no matter their needs, is paired with a guest coordinator. “This individual is one of our wonderful volunteers.” From there, the experience is tailored to accommodate the family’s preferences of the 40 available activities, ages of their children, and even “what their favorite dessert is.” Ford continues, “When they walk into the home, the kitchen counter will be filled with gifts, games, and tokens of appreciation for each member of the family, so each member knows that they’re loved, they’ re appreciated, they’re welcomed. It’s like Christmas morning.”
In addition to the core mission, “the goal has always been to be responsive to the needs of our community and our service members,” Ford shares. In the past decade, the program’s leadership, volunteers, and community partners have certainly made good on that goal, and then some, increasing its lodging to accommodate more families and expanding offerings to support more vulnerable groups.
“We look at where we came from, just being able to host one family at a time to adding a second home to host two families at a time,” Ford says, “and now here we are with a beautiful grand lodge where we can expand our programs and truly increase our impact on the community.”
The PenFed Grand Lodge not only offers a third accommodation site, featuring a chef’s kitchen, luxurious patio, and plenty of space to spread out, but its 2,000-square-foot layout is the perfect venue for hosting various groups for educational and therapeutic gatherings. Sessions include programs for warriors, couples, and families addressing post-traumatic stress — essential to reducing the suicide rate — and therapy
Warriors | Page 19
Top: A warrior and his son relax with a game of football. Bottom: A family takes advantage of the firepit to make s’mores. Photos courtesy of Willing Warriors.
Warriors | From page 18
for military sexual assault survivors, as well as job training, STEM programs, financial literacy courses, and career guidance. Beyond warriors, “we are expanding our programs for first responders in the community,” Ford adds.
The addition of the Grand Lodge has helped Willing Warriors take in over 600 additional warriors each year.
The word of Willing Warriors is communicated through “multiple channels,” according to Ford. She explains, “We have great relationships with military installations in the region and soldier recovery units, like Fort Belvoir as an example. [They] work closely with us to identify active-duty service members that need a respite stay here at the Retreat or the programs we provide.” She continues, “We also have great working relationships with case managers, caregivers, and the medical team at Walter Reed. Having those partnerships is huge for us.”
Warrior to warrior is yet another way that soldiers find the Retreat. “They reach out to other service members, people that they’ve served with, battle buddies that they recognize would benefit from coming” for a stay. Ford adds, “That is really rewarding to see.”
As Ford and her team look to the next 10 years, it is apparent that the need extends beyond Haymarket. Ford says, “We want to see where we can make an impact like we have here in Haymarket, where we can make an impact in another part of the country that has tremendous need. If we have something here that is saving lives and changing lives, it would be a disservice not to provide that elsewhere.”
For now, Ford shares, “I want [warriors] to know that we are here because of them. That we are here because of this wonderful community that has wrapped its arms around these service members. And that our community of volunteers, donors, and supporters makes this retreat possible.” ML
“If we have something here that is saving lives and changing lives, it would be a disservice not to provide that elsewhere.” – Ford
Top: The PenFed Grand Lodge. Photo by Kaitlin Hill. Bottom: A group of guests enjoys the outdoors. Photo courtesy of Willing Warriors.
FOR THE CATS’ SAKE: Where No Cat Is Unwanted
Written by Dulcy B. Hooper
by Shannon Ayres
Alifelong cat lover, Frances Sip began her volunteer efforts with a cat rescue organization focused only on “friendly cats,” as she describes it. Along the way, she met many members of the community who sought her help with free roaming cats that continued to reproduce year after year. “Some were feral,” Sip recalls. “They were just not used to people at all. Others were friendly strays. And then, of course, there were all the kittens.”
In response to “all the kittens,” Sip founded For the Cats’ Sake in 2014. “I felt that it was so important,” she says, “and such a better use of funds to be doing T.N.R. work [trap, neuter, and return] to prevent the huge number of unwanted kittens and to help people who really cared about the cats, but who could not afford to fix them all.”
When Sip and volunteers began to trap and fix cats, they quickly recognized that there were a lot of adoptable cats they did not want to return to “less than lovely situations.” Sip raised the issue of adding adoption to the organization’s mission.
“The board voted 50/50,” she explains, “and we decided to see if we could find homes for several [cats].” With the help of other rescue groups, they
quickly found homes for the strays and decided to move forward with adoptions and fostering as an additional component of their mission. Since then, For the Cats’ Sake has also added neonatal fosters for the “tiny bottle babies” and initiated a barn adoption program for feral cats that cannot be returned.
Sip says she is committed to placing each cat where it will be happiest. “We have encountered many situations where there is no place for the cats to be returned,” she notes. “In other instances, the cats are friendly but need socialization and foster care.” The nonprofit also provides urgent veterinary care when owners lack the funds or the cats are strays.
While there have been times when the organization has struggled to find volunteers and been low on resources, they’ve managed to survive and grow. The pandemic “posed major challenges, as all the shelters basically closed,” Sip remembers. “We had to keep taking in cats in need that could not go to shelters, and had to deal with all the volunteers getting sick and take all the necessary precautions.” Even so, she says, “We never stopped helping cats… I can only say it’s been amazing, really.”
Sip has numerous stories of rescues that are memorable to her. “One that stands out is a senior cat who was almost blind and was found with another cat at the end of a rural driveway,” she shares. “Clearly, they were pets who seemed to have been just left there. They were not really moving and were so scared.” In another case, For the Cats’ Sake trapped a colony of about 20 cats as
Cats | Page 21
Photos
Left: Cats relax outside. Right: Frances Sip.
Cats | From page 20
the caregivers were moving out of state and abandoning them. “Sultan was a Siamese feral,” she reminisces. “It took us time to make him friendly, but the transformation to a friendly and happy cat is amazing.”
Sip is thrilled by the response from the community. “For the Cats’ Sake depends upon donations and the help and support of the community,” she says. “Grants are few and far between, so it is pretty much from donations that we survive.” Sip adds that adopters often become donors and even refer others. For the Cats’ Sake currently has around 40 volunteers, including teams focused on handling fundraising, T.N.R. work, adoption events, transportation, fostering, and data management. Sip credits Claudia Ross as a cofounder of the organization. “She had to take years off to care for her partner,” she says, “but now, in her 80s, she’s back helping!”
For the Cats’ Sake is an all-volunteer nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating in Rappahannock, Culpeper, Warren, and Fauquier counties. “People are incredibly grateful when we find them a cat that becomes a family member and companion, or when we go and trap 20 cats they feed and there is no more fighting or kittens. They bring us tiny kittens that they know would not make it otherwise, and injured and old cats that nobody else wants to deal with. We are one of the few groups that loves the ferals and will trap and relocate them to new homes when caregivers die or move.” ML
For the Cats’ Sake P.O. Box 471 Flint Hill, VA 22627 forthecatssake.org
Top: A lucky black cat. Middle left: Words to live by. Middle right: A Cats’ Sake cat on the prowl. Bottom: Another kitty getting help from the kind team at For the Cats’ Sake.
AQUINNAH 41 acres | $6,150,000
Marshall – Gracious country living meets modern luxury. OCH territory minutes from Rt 66 or Middleburg. 7 BR / 8 full and 2 half-BA. Spectacular views–Ashby Gap to Cobbler Mountain!
Isabella Wolf | 703-338-7452
WOODMONT 18 acres | $4,295,000
Marshall – Orange County Hunt Territory, completely renovated historic estate with high ceilings, gleaming wood floors & fabulous casement windows. Rear terrace and inground pool.
Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233
BARRON ACRES 16+ acres | $2,480,000
Bluemont – Contemporary all brick residence, in pristine, turn-key condition. Brand new 2 stall barn, pond, and perennial gardens. 3 levels of stunning living space, must be seen to appreciate!
Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233
LITTLE RIVER TPKE. 2+ acres | $925,000
Aldie – Charming historic home, ca. 1820, with kitchen and baths recently renovated. Move-in ready. Verizon FIOS, 2-car garage, a party barn, a studio/office, gardens and mature landscaping.
Rebecca Poston | 540-771-7520
CLOVERWOOD 78+ acres | $5,400,000
The Plains – With frontage on Zulla Rd. & Burrland Rd. the estate features an elegant one level main residence, pool, guest house, 2 tenant houses, 2 stables–w/ total 26 stalls and a 4 acre pond. John Coles | 540-270-0094
MORNINGSTAR FARM 31 acres | $3,495,000
The Plains – Sophisticated, French country home. Designed by renowned architect. Great entertaining spaces. Pool. 2 barns, 10 stalls, paddocks, arena. In OCH hunt territory. Great ride out. Emily Ristau | 540-454-9083
NORTHWOOD 3 acres | $1,985,000
Middleburg – Fully updated brick Colonial in sought after Middleburg Downs. Mature trees, stone walls, fenced garden with a garden shed, and lush landscaping that surrounds the house. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201
DEERE RIDGE 8+ acres | $895,000
Boyce – A picturesque, private rural setting on a bluff just west of the Shenandoah River, is a great place to hang your hat! This 8.53 acre lot has an additional building right - a rare find in Clarke. Maria Eldredge 540-454-3829 | Anne McIntosh 703-509-4499
The Plains—Ideally located 5 BR / 4 full, 2 ½ BA home on a knoll overlooking protected land. Open pastures, hayfields and mature trees. Stabling for 10 horses. In OCH territory with great ride out. Emily Ristau | 540-454-9083
Markham – Renovated stone and cedar house with stunning views of the Cobbler Mountains. Includes 2-car garage, separate office/studio w/ kitchenette, pool house & pool. Also, 3 BR / 2 BA cabin. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201
HILLS
Bluemont – Country charm meets modern convenience. 3 BR / 3 BAs in sought-after location, 6 stall barn and a riding ring. Ready for you and your horses to come home. Kristin Dillon-Johnson | 703-673-6920
acres | $1,499,999 Marshall – Generous c. 1927 stucco home blends modern amenities with historic charm. 4 BR / 4.5 BA on 3 levels. Mountain views. Updated systems throughout. Generator and high-speed internet. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201
Boyce – First time offering! Custom home with spectacular views. 6 BRs / 5 full & 2 half BAs. No details spared. Greenhouse, garage, and separate 4-season room. A mix of open pasture and woods. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201
OLD MILL FARM 18+ acres | $2,490,000
Middleburg – Enjoy a refined lifestyle in a picturesque setting. Updated 4 BR w/ mountain views. 2 stall barn, 4 paddocks, 2 run-in sheds. Ride out w/ permission. Middleburg Hunt territory. Kristin Dillon-Johnson | 703-673-6920
FRIEND’S CABIN 1+ acres | $1,200,000
Plains – Parklike setting. 3 BR / 2BA, c. 1800s cottage. Thoughtfully restored. New kitchen and baths. Character w/ modern comforts. Walk to the village. Minutes to I-66, Marshall and Middleburg. Emily Ristau | 540-454-9083
HAYMAN LANE .45 acres | $725,000
Round Hill – Fully renovated in the 1990’s by local architect Beckham Dickerson. Minutes to Route 7, location offers unbeatable convenience. Own a piece of history with all the comforts of today!
Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201
HATCHER’S COTTAGE .44 acres | $967,000
Upperville – Complete renovation offers rustic charm of hunt country with the comfort and style of today. Refined and inviting spaces. 3 BR / 3 BAs. Pool, pool house and 2-car detached garage. Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201
GREEN MEADOW
$3,300/mo
Warrenton – 4 BRs, 3 1/2 BAs. Quiet country setting yet 6 minutes to Warrenton, immaculate condition. Front porch and large covered back porch, 2 car garage. Pets–case by case, no smoking. Rein duPont | 540-454-3355
Photo
COMING SOON TO Oak Spring Garden Foundation
Written by Diane Helentjaris
One of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon’s final gifts to the world was the Oak Spring Garden Foundation. Dedicated to carrying on her love of horticulture and garden design, OSGF is headquartered on the site of Mellon’s home, Oak Springs. It’s a rolling piece of the Piedmont surrounded by Blue Ridge and Bull Run mountains under a wide canopy of sky. The bucolic landscape offers a variety of unique programs and activities for all ages, partners with local organizations, and has some exciting events and updates around the corner. Here’s what’s coming up:
September 6: Butterfly Walk and Monarch Tagging
Spend a morning rambling and exploring the world of butterflies with entomologist Dr. Rea Manderino. As part of the national Monarch Watch citizen science program, participants will learn to handle and tag monarch butterflies. They will record their information and later be able to find out if their butterflies were found in Mexico.
September 27: Second Annual Rokeby Community Festival
This event offers nature-oriented fun for all ages, including a scavenger hunt, hay bale competition, and — in a departure from the usual corn field — a sorghum maze. Educational offerings include booths from local environmental groups, plant talks, and field walks. Craft market stalls, food trucks, local libations, and live music will keep attendees entertained. Admission is free for children 12 and under.
Threads of Oak Spring: 2026 Quilters
Competition
Next year, up to 18 quilters will be invited to Oak Spring for guided tours of the estate and the
rare book library and to view fabric acquired by Bunny Mellon. Two crafters will be invited to design original quilts incorporating a selection of this fabric. The deadline to apply for this international competition is November 18, 2025.
Big News: Transformation of the Children’s
Garden
Across from her home and down a long lane, Bunny Mellon raised flowers to fill her vases, freshen her table, and adorn her home. She nurtured varieties in a walled garden and, in greenhouses, coaxed bulbs to bloom early. The walls that protected them from wind and nibbling wildlife still stand.
This garden has evolved into the Children’s Garden. Rows of indigo grow where Mellon once had her flowers; children use it to create a natural blue dye. Rows of lettuce, left to bolt to a height of two feet, are capped with tendrils holding tiny seeds. Kids harvest these seeds and learn to properly preserve them.
The children have fun and learn in the garden while attending Oak Spring’s Summer Plant
Camps, school field trips, and other programs. Ginger Anderson, OSGF’s education and outreach specialist, heads the team responsible for these activities. Anderson grew up on a dairy farm in the Shenandoah Valley, graduated from Virginia Tech, and taught middle school agricultural education for 15 years. She exudes enthusiasm and expertise when it comes to plants and kids.
She explains that the garden is undergoing change, describing it as “an intensification of our efforts to make it child-friendly… [It] has been an amazing space for us.”
To make this happen, the Foundation has tapped Omega, a Middleburg-based construction company.
Owners Megan and Mackie Jenkins, both of whom grew up in the area, attribute a certain poignancy to this assignment. “Both of our daughters attend the plant camp there every summer, and I think it’s really cool that their dad gets to build it,” says Megan.
“Now it will be ADA accessible, and I’m really
An archival photo of the space that will become the Children’s Garden, taken by Beverly Ellis, an Oak Spring intern in 1979. Photo courtesy of Oak Spring Garden Foundation.
Garden | From page 24
excited about that,” Mackie says. “We’re most excited to be continuing Bunny Mellon’s wishes — to actually be digging in her topsoil. I’m sure she would be ecstatic to hear what’s going on.”
Megan says Omega is dedicated to building “structures and landscapes where memories are made.” According to Mackie, the plan for the Children’s Garden is to widen pathways originally created for adults and increase open space to accommodate rambunctious, energetic children and wheelchairs. Sinks, display cubbies, work benches, raised beds, and a wheelchair ramp are being built. A large, covered pergola, to give a reprieve from the sun, is in the works. Local fieldstone will meld seamlessly with the original hardscape. A portion of the area will continue as a cutting garden.
Mackie emphasizes that he is “personally excited to be part of the local history of Upperville ... to allow more kids from different cultures and
[with] different needs to [participate], and to continue to educate youth in horticulture.”
The Foundation’s outreach to children extends beyond the walled garden. Free programs are scheduled throughout the year in collaboration with local libraries and schools.
“We’re all doing this together for kids to make life better, to give them a chance to get back into nature, to explore,” Anderson says. “I just love seeing kids rediscover it. [They are] so used to screens and phones.” At OSGF, they “get to care about the environment… It’s good for their well-
ness overall to be exposed to this. I love the Foundation.” ML
Learn more about the Oak Spring Garden Foundation at osgf.com, and visit omegalandscapeconstruction.com for more information on Omega.
Mackie Jenkins of Omega Construction; Ginger Anderson, Skip Glascock, and Natalie Carver of OSGF; and Jennifer Horn and Allie Connell of Horn & Co. Photo by Shannon Ayres.
VETERANS FIND SUPPORT AT LOUDOUN THERAPEUTIC RIDING
Written by Laticia Headings | Photos by Gracie Savage
Loudoun County is a haven for horse farms and well known for its array of equestrian sports, but horses also play a key role in therapeutic riding centers across the region by helping humans heal.
Loudoun Therapeutic Riding (LTR), which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, continues to lead the way in equine-assisted programs at its 25-acre farm in Lovettsville. Guided by the motto “Love, Trust, & Respect,” the program welcomes individuals of all ages into its barn, providing support to those with physical, intellectual, or emotional needs and challenges. “We mostly do adaptive riding, but we also have adaptive driving, equine-assisted learning, and equine-assisted psychotherapy,” says Executive Director Laura Smith.
Since 1974, over 14,000 clients have traveled in and out of LTR’s stable doors and more than
5,000 volunteers have donated their time, including the likes of actors Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Duvall.
The Equine Services for Heroes program, founded in 2010 by retired U.S. Navy commander and LTR staff member Mary Jo Beckman, accounts for 20% of LTR’s ridership. “Mary Jo initially began working with the caisson horses at Arlington Cemetery and is known internationally for her work with veterans,” Smith shares.
The program offers equine-assisted services to wounded warriors in recovery, including those with post-traumatic stress disorder or a traumatic brain injury, at no charge to the veteran.
“We’ve had veterans come in who have never ridden a horse before... and I know it’s making a difference because they keep coming back,” retired Army veteran Karyn Brown says. In 2001, her unit was among the first responders to the
September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City, where she witnessed the aftermath firsthand.
“PTSD comes in a lot of forms. I used to be more gregarious and more social, and then I completely shut down,” says Brown, who volunteers and rides at LTR twice a week. She says the program has “opened me back up again. I’ve got more self-confidence, I’ve got more trust in people, and it gets me out of the house … and moving.”
Highly trained staff members and volunteers are adept at handling the unique needs of veterans. Meanwhile, horses, who can sense a human heartbeat from five feet away, provide an atmosphere of trust and comfort and help to build self-confidence and discipline.
“We have a lot of veterans who start with groundwork like grooming and leading, just
Riding | Page 27
Left: Veteran, rider, and volunteer Karen Brown; instructor and herd manager Debbie Gerbich, who is celebrating 25 years with LTR; LTR Director of Operations Caitlin Barnhouse; LTR Executive Director Laura Smith; and Rachel Doyle, a program coordinator. Middle: A “Veteran Owned” sign hangs beneath a stall. Right: One of LTR’s horses.
| From page 26 sessions. Any additional sessions for veterans are funded through LTR’s own fundraising efforts. “Once they start, they don’t want to stop,” Smith says.
to learn horse behavior and get an emotional connection and relationship with a horse. We then work on riding the horse after they’ve gotten comfortable,” Program Coordinator Rachel
LTR sign to welcome those who enter the
Doyle says. But the biggest goal is “transferring these skills to their daily lives.”
LTR partners with the Wounded Warrior Project, which regularly refers Gulf War veterans to the program and covers the cost of up to 10
Debbie
Between now and Veterans Day on November 11, Veros Technologies, an LTR sponsor, will match donations up to $25,000. Smith says, “We have new veterans coming to the barn every day, and we rely on community support to cover the cost of their continued participation.”
On November 8, LTR will hold a veterans’ reception and screening of “War Horse” at the Middleburg Community Center. This event is open to the public, and Smith hopes it will have a great turnout. “We are looking forward to celebrating our veterans and first responders and honoring the sacrifices they’ve made to keep us safe.” ML
Visit ltrf.org for more information or to make a donation.
and Rachel Doyle discussing the new strategic plan, “Bloom where you are
Left:
barn. Right:
Gerbich, Caitlin Barnhouse,
planted.”
Riding
HOTEL BURG OPENS IN LEESBURG
Blending Hunt Country Heritage with Modern Luxury
Written by Shayda Windle | Photos courtesy of Hotel Burg
Hotel Burg, a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Leesburg, combines elevated charm with timeless design. Located on historic King Street, the recently opened inn pays homage to the region’s rich heritage, balancing intimacy with grandeur.
The vision for Hotel Burg was brought to life by developer Kevin Ash and his wife, Remington Ash, of Madison Dale, a leading real estate development and design firm based in the D.C. area. Though Kevin’s career began in Middleburg, it took him around the globe before ultimately bringing him back home to Hunt Country. Along the way, he met Remington, who grew up in Europe, speaks four languages, and embodies the spirit of “a life well lived.” Together, they envisioned a hotel that incorporates authenticity, elegance, and their love of diverse cultures paired with the enduring beauty of Hunt Country.
Each of the hotel’s 39 guest rooms, including eight distinctive suites, is designed to feel like the private estate of a well-traveled friend — curated, comfortable, and quietly luxurious. Richly lay-
ered with personal touches and storied details, the interiors reflect the appeal of classic American design infused with the warmth of Virginia hospitality.
The couple partnered with local design studio wldwst and the renowned Michael Graves Architecture & Design. The result is a striking blend of Federal, Colonial, and Italianate styles woven across three buildings, including a meticulously preserved 1885 historic home. “Every single room in the building contains a painting of a horse in some form,” Kevin Ash shares, reflecting the region’s equestrian legacy and the hotel’s refined aesthetic.
But Hotel Burg is more than a place to stay; it’s a destination.
“It’s where people can gather, unwind, and celebrate the best of what this town and region have to offer in style,” Ash says. He notes that post-pandemic, Leesburg and western Loudoun have seen an influx of new residents, especially young professionals drawn to the area’s charm and quality of life. “I love the historic character of these towns, but there’s also a need to evolve. It’s an ‘adapt or die’ moment.”
Hotel Burg | Page 29
Top left: Hotel Burg in Leesburg. Top right: The Chase. Bottom: The lobby.
Positioned at the gateway to western Loudoun’s thriving agritourism scene, with more than 20 wineries and breweries within easy reach, Hotel Burg is both a luxurious retreat and a launchpad for exploration.
The property features three on-site restaurants, a rooftop bar with sweeping views of Leesburg, a cozy speakeasy, and 4,000 square feet of coworking and private club space. At the heart of it all is The Chase, the hotel’s exclusive membership club. It’s a nod, Ash explains, to the shared pursuit of connection and joy. “We’re all chasing something — a community, a great glass of wine, a place to belong.”
But The Chase is far from a traditional exclusive club. “We set out to create something more inclusive. We want to be a space where people from all backgrounds can connect, collaborate, and thrive,” he says. Nearly half of the club’s founding members are women, and the emphasis is on diversity, community, and universal experiences.
Members enjoy access to more than 50 curated events annually, including monthly Wines
Around the World tastings, wellness programming, and talks hosted by Orvis featuring everything from fly rods and shotguns to Barbour fashion. Perks for members of The Chase also include preferred hotel rates, entry to the speakeasy and rooftop bar, and full use of the coworking and wellness amenities.
For those looking for a formal restaurant, The Huntōn — Old English for “the hunt” — offers a dining experience as rich as its name. Wood-paneled and centered around open-fire cooking, the eatery pays tribute to Virginia’s culinary heritage.
Under the direction of Michelin-recognized Chef Vincent Badiee and developed in partnership with Jason Miller of Leesburg’s beloved Wine Kitchen, The Huntōn’s menu features wild game, foraged herbs, and inventive seasonal dishes that celebrate Loudoun County’s agricultural bounty.
Starting next year, many ingredients served at The Huntōn will come directly from The Manor 1858, a 22-acre estate in Aldie owned by the Ash family. Plans are underway to grow fruits and vegetables, raise chickens, and even cultivate olive trees, making The Huntōn the first restaurant on the East Coast to press its own olive oil on-site.
Then there’s The Diana Lounge, a concept by Remington Ash to honor Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt. This walk-in, first come, first served space offers a more casual menu. Guests can enjoy signature sandwiches, handcrafted cocktails, and comforting classics like steak frites and burgers.
In February, the Ashes will unveil eight additional hotel rooms as part of phase two of Hotel Burg. The development also includes six luxury condominiums, which have already been sold, adding a residential element to the property.
Hotel Burg is a space that honors the region’s past while embracing modern luxury, where members and their guests can expect an upscale destination designed to meet every need. To mark its debut, Hotel Burg is offering a Grand Opening Package: 12% off the best available rate plus two complimentary cocktails at The Diana Lounge. The offer is valid for stays through October 31, 2025, and subject to blackout dates and availability. ML
For more information or to book a stay, visit hotelburg.com.
Left: Inside a guest room. Right: The rooftop.
Hotel Burg | From page 28
Paul Desmond Brown (American, 1893–1958) The Water-Aintree, 1931 print, 11 1/2 x 19 inches
Middleburg-based ProduCer ChaMPions “soul on fire” filM
Written by Laticia Headings
When Linda Huntington started reading the memoir “On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life” in 2016, she had no idea how profoundly it would change her own life — or that she would go on to champion the story’s feature film, which would overcome numerous challenges including a global pandemic, 148-day writers’ strike, and raging Los Angeles wildfires.
The book chronicles the life of John O’Leary, who at just 9 years old survived a harrowing accident that left him with severe burns covering his entire body. Given only a 1% chance of survival, O’Leary defied the odds with the help of a team of devoted caretakers and chose to turn his tragedy into a life of positivity and purpose.
“The whole story was steeped in miracles, bravery, and friendship,” Huntington says. “At 60 years old, it sparked several epiphanies for me, one being that people move through life sometimes unaware of the extraordinary impact they have on others. What often feels ordinary can leave an indelible mark on someone’s life.”
In 2017, Huntington met O’Leary when he spoke in front of her company’s leadership team. Their enthusiastic response sparked the idea to invite him to headline the company’s 20,000-person global convention.
Huntington approached O’Leary about ac -
quiring the rights to his book. She recalls his initial reaction as modest, questioning why anyone would be interested, but that he ultimately replied, “I haven’t found the right people yet.”
After securing the rights, Huntington assembled a small team of three other producers and raised seed money for a screenwriter who would be able to capture the right faith-adjacent tone of the story. Gregory Poirier (“National Treasure: Book of Secrets”) joined the team and delivered a script in less than six months.
When the pandemic brought the world to a halt in 2020, the team realized that if the film was ever going to be made, they would have to selffund. Determined to see it through, Huntington raised more capital and began the search for a director.
Veteran director Sean McNamara (“Soul Surfer,” “Reagan”) deeply connected with the story and signed on in 2021. Huntington explains, “We chose carefully. Sean was incredible. When you have a director who actors love to work with, it’s magic.”
Just as momentum was building, production faced another hurdle. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike from May to September 2023, forcing productions associated with major film studios to shut down. Independent films like “Soul on Fire” were able to apply for a
“The whole story was steeped in miracles, bravery, and friendship.” – Huntington
Linda Huntington at her Middleburg home. Photo by Shannon Ayres.
waiver from the WGA and Screen Actors Guild to continue. After a lengthy process, the film secured an “interim agreement” to begin filming in St. Louis, Missouri, O’Leary’s hometown.
Cameras finally rolled in November 2023, and over five weeks of filming, Huntington watched her movie come to life. With A-listers John Corbett (“Sex and the City,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) and William H. Macy (“Shameless,” “Fargo”) leading the cast, she describes the experience as “unbelievable and remarkable.”
“The cast was an absolute joy. There were no egos; everyone brought a generosity and authenticity to the project,” says the executive producer. “There were so many brilliant moments on set,
took, the 21-year-old discovered her passion. She developed a keen ear for unique songs and had an aptitude for identifying emerging talent. In 1979 Huntington joined the flourishing Arista Records, and spent the next five years gaining more traction. “I earned a reputation for being able to pick hits that weren’t necessarily the norm and matching them to artists,” she says. Two years later, she met then-unknown songwriter Diane Warren, just as she was beginning her prolific, four-decade career.
“Linda is amazing, she’s smart, she’s funny,” says Warren, now a Grammy, Emmy, and Honorary Academy Award winner with 16 Best Song nominations. At the time, “I was a nobody,” she says, but with Huntington’s help, her song
“When I discovered Middleburg, it felt like stepping into a storybook.” – Huntington
from John and Bill strumming ukuleles together between takes to filming at Busch Stadium with legendary Cardinal baseball player Ozzie Smith in attendance and watching our investors light up with childlike excitement.”
A year later, Sony Pictures’ Affirm Films made an offer and determined the film’s title, “Soul on Fire.”
The youngest of three children, Huntington grew up in New Rochelle, New York. After a stint as a headhunter in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles in 1978 and reconnected with a friend who worked in music. “I got bit by the Hollywood bug and wanted to do something in entertainment. I would go to his office every day and hang out there until they hired me,” Huntington remembers. “It was a total fluke and the greatest thing that ever happened, because it was a perfect career for me.”
Eager to learn and willing to do anything it
“Soul on Fire” poster. Image courtesy of Sony Affirm Films. Soul | From page 32
“Rhythm of the Night” climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for 23 weeks. “That was my first major hit song as a songwriter and she’s the one who made it happen,” Warren affirms. “When she believes, she just goes for it. That opened giant doors for me and I’m eternally grateful.”
Huntington also represented some of the era’s most influential songwriters, from Eddie Money and Tina Turner to Cheap Trick and Marilyn Manson. In 1988, Huntington and longtime colleague Marla McNally struck out on their own to found Emerald Forest Entertainment. The duo found instant success when they signed singer Sophie B. Hawkin, whose smash hit, “Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover,” hit No. 5 on the Hot 100, followed by “As I Lay Me Down.”
“We were having so much fun. Marla has never ceased to surprise me,” Huntington says. “I remember one day … she was leaving the office
with big, permed hair and a bottle of whiskey in her huge pink purse. I asked where she was going; she said, ‘To sign Guns N’ Roses!’”
The cofounders sold their company in 2003, which was when Huntington and her husband moved to Middleburg. “When I discovered Middleburg, it felt like stepping into a storybook,” she says. “It has a little bit of everything — community, charm, history, and beauty. For me, it’s not just a town. It’s home.”
Today, Huntington is focused on the October 10 release of her film in more than a thousand theaters nationwide. After eight challenging years of bringing this project to life, she remains undaunted and more inspired than ever. “Telling this story on the big screen was imperative, not
just for me, but to impact others the way it did my life,” she says. “When you believe in something deeply and refuse to give up, anything is possible.” ML
MORVEN PARK INTERNATIONAL & FALL HORSE TRIALS: Experience World-Class Equestrian Eventing
Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Erin Gilmore Photography
This October, against the backdrop of autumn’s golden light, Morven Park will welcome elite riders from across the globe, each vying for victory across a trio of challenging disciplines for the Morven Park International & Fall Horse Trials. Spectators will be treated to not only world-class competition but also the thrill of proximity as the thunder of hooves brings every moment to life.
“It’s a really unique experience where you can get up close and personal with Olympic athletes putting on their best performance,” describes Hannah McSween, director of equestrian programs at Morven Park. “It’s unlike any other sport.”
The prestigious event will take place the weekend of October 9 through 12. Morven Park is one of only five venues in the United States to host a CCI4*-L competition, or Concours Complet International level 4. The “L” stands for long, marking the event’s multiday duration. McSween says the team is excited to be growing the legacy of eventing at Morven Park, now in its 52nd year.
“We’re really fortunate to have beautiful, well-established terrain that makes for a really exceptional cross-country course,” she says. The expansion of the Mars Water Complex in particular has doubled the space to offer championlevel competition.
Last year, Morven Park welcomed the USEF/ USEA Developing Horse Eventing National Championships and entered into a partnership with the U.S. Equestrian Federation to host the U.S. Equestrian Open Eventing Final. The trials will feature three disciplines: dressage, show jumping, and cross-country, showcasing the skills of athletes from around the world, including Olympians.
“One of the super iconic challenges on our course is our leaf pit, which is modeled after one that is in England,” McSween shares, describing the eight-foot drop.
Though there are different skill levels, this sport stands out because men and women of all ages compete directly against each other with cash prizes at stake.
“This is unlike any other four-star event in the United States, especially with $200,000 in prize money on the line,” McSween explains. The awards ceremony will cap off the excitement on Sunday. International riders will travel from Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Colombia, and Great Britain, according to Morven Park’s competitor specifications. The U.S. will also be well represented: about 38% of athletes hail from Virginia, with Loudoun County contributing nearly a third of those.
As the event unfolds, the seamless progression from the graceful precision of dressage to the electrifying spectacle of cross-country and finally to the heart-stopping suspense of show jumping promises to captivate the audience. Every four minutes, spectators can expect a new display of skill, ensuring that the energy never wanes.
To make the most of the action-packed weekend, Morven Park offers a range of ways to participate. Free general admission passes make the event welcoming to all, while those seeking an elevated experience may opt for a VIP pass or secure a tailgate spot at the epicenter of the excitement. Comprehensive ticketing and event schedule details are available at morvenpark.org.
Guests who choose a VIP pass can enjoy the luxury of a covered tent with a prime view of the Grand Prix Arena from Thursday through Sunday. Passes are available for individual days or for the entire event, offering flexibility for every schedule. VIP ticket holders are also treated to catered meals and nonalcoholic beverages each day, along with exclusive brunches for VIPs and horse owners. To enhance convenience, a complimentary shuttle service and designated hospitality areas are provided for riders and grooms.
Equestrian | Page 35
Lucienne Bellissimo and Dyri making their way down the Davis Mansion lawn.
Equestrian | From page 34
Between showings, visitors can explore Vendor Village, featuring an array of local and specialty merchants that add to the festive atmosphere. Marketing and Communications Director Haydee Letonja says, “It’s the kind of experience where you can bring your kids and let them run free,” within limits. She adds, “If you’ve never been a spectator before, make sure to check out the water jump,” which has to be seen firsthand for the full experience.
To complement the thrill of the competition, guests will discover a wealth of opportunities for relaxation and entertainment beyond the main arena. Whether exploring the lively Vendor Village, enjoying the welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, or taking advantage of special hotel packages (see the full list at visitloudoun.org), Morven Park promises a memorable weekend for
everyone.
With so much to look forward to, here’s how the competition schedule unfolds:
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
• Thursday: U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage
• Friday: International, U.S. Equestrian Open Dressage
• Saturday: International Show Jumping | U.S. Equestrian Open Cross-Country
• Sunday: International Cross-Country | U.S. Equestrian Open Show Jumping Finale and Awards Presentation
Additionally, the U.S. Equestrian Open Eventing Final will be broadcast on ESPN 3 and the USEF Network. Further details regarding the livestream can be found at morvenpark.org ML
Top: Ashley Minion and Top Flite galloping by spectators. Bottom: 2024 U.S. Equestrian Open Qualifier winner Julie Wolfert and SSH Playboy over the final fence in show jumping.
reaCh the roots festival returns to KinloCh farM
Written by Bill Kent | Photo by Hugh Kenny
The Malik family is visiting Hunt Country in October, driving five hours north from Virginia Beach to visit a farm.
“Kinloch Farm is just so beautiful,” Leigh Malik says. “It truly gives off the vibe, ‘This is what it’s all about.’ If you’re looking for food trucks and bounce houses, this isn’t it. If your kids want great food, to learn a bunch, and dance to some fun music, this is it.”
Located on Hopewell Road less than a mile east of The Plains, the two-century-old, 3,000acre farm is one of a dozen Hunt Country cattle producers. Its humanely raised beef is served locally at Middleburg’s Red Fox Inn, Berryville’s Homespun Shakes & Burgers, Marshall’s Field & Main, and Sperryville’s Black Twig restaurants, and can be purchased at the Kinloch Farm Store on Old Tavern Road in The Plains and at the Roots 657 Market and Café in Lovettsville.
Kinloch’s beef sticks, a kind of jerky, are also sold throughout Hunt Country.
Though the farm is normally closed to the public, last October Kinloch welcomed more than 500 visitors — some coming from as far as southern Pennsylvania and western Maryland — for a three-hour open house. Called Reach the Roots, the event’s purpose, according to Kinloch Conservation Director Mike Peterson, was to “show the greater community what we’re doing here, feed them, give them a chance to take home some educational experiences, and have some family fun.”
After raising $1,700 for The Plains’ Grace Episcopal Church Peas & Grace food bank, last year’s Reach the Roots was so successful that Kinloch Farm owner Andrea Currier has decided to do it again, opening the doors on Saturday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition to giving visitors guided tours of the grazing areas, with a chance to get up close with cattle and calves, this year’s event will feature demonstrations by Warrenton’s Chef Ryan Ross, music by Jiamie Pyles and the Ribbon Rail Ramblers, and catering by Leesburg’s Open Fire, which will offer roasted root vegetables, roast beef sandwiches, and beef butifarra sausage.
Kinloch’s staff and volunteers will also show guests examples of regenerative agriculture, a style of farming defined by the Noble Research Institute, an educational land management nonprofit based in Oklahoma, as working “with nature rather than against it. It is more than just being sustainable. It is about reversing degradation and building up the soil to make it healthier than its current state.”
Karissa Epley, who has worked for the Piedmont Environmental Council and blogs about conservation from her home in Marshall, finds Kinloch to be an exemplar of regenerative agriculture. “They are blending land management best practices and ecosystem restoration,” she explains. “I’ve really come to view Kinloch as a demonstration site for how all who own land in the region can be better stewards of the land, whether or not you manage livestock.”
The event is not to be missed for those who have never visited a working farm or don’t know what humane farming is. Todd Meade, Kinloch’s farm manager and Reach the Roots grazing area tour guide, finds visitors are “kind of amazed at how much we care about our livestock. They’re surprised how close they can get to the cattle, and how peaceful and docile they can be when they’re treated properly.” ML
Reach the Roots is open to families with children of all ages and will be held rain or shine. Admission and parking are free. Tour tickets can be reserved through Eventbrite.
Last year’s festival as seen from above.
Remembering Norman Michael Fine September 23, 1934 – August 16, 2025
Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photo by Douglas Lees
Norman Michael Fine passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 90.
Known to many as “Norm,” Fine graduated from Dartmouth College in 1955 and Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering in 1956.
In 1962, Fine established Beta Instrument Corporation, which would design and build high-resolution radar screens and infrared scopes for the U.S. armed forces during the Cold War. His company’s technology would aid in NASA’s Apollo-11 mission by supplying display scopes instrumental in broadcasting Neil Armstrong’s moon landing. Beta Instrument Corporation technology also contributed to the first ultrasound images of the human eye, MGM Studios’ first color-correction equipment, and the first programmable computer-to-microfilm systems.
In 1988, Fine and his wife, Joan, moved from Concord, Massachusetts, to Clarke County, Virginia, where he would explore interests like writing and foxhunting. He established Covertside, the country’s first foxhunting magazine, and Foxhunting Life, a website for foxhunters. He rode in the U.S., Canada, England, and Ireland, documenting his experiences and interviewing huntsmen for several books and countless articles.
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Locally, he was a member of the Blue Ridge Hunt and is remembered by Anne McIntosh as “a most special member of the Blue Ridge Hunt. His membership spanned over 40 years, four huntsmen, seven masters, and hundreds of hounds — he witnessed plenty and he wrote about most all of it... His knowledge of the sport was amazing. I always loved seeing him at our meets. His smile when he saw the hounds come out of the trailer was fantastic and energizing — it reminded you why you had come out that day.”
“We at the Masters of Foxhounds Association greatly mourn the passing of Norman Fine, a foxhunter with an adept and memorable way with words,” shares Penny Denegre, president of the association. “Lucky for us and our sport, after a successful career in electronics engineering, Norman … became a writer. … He gave voice to our beloved sport, helping us in our mission to promote, preserve, and protect foxhunting. Norman, we are most grateful.”
Longtime friend David Greve concludes, “He was known by many for so many things. He was a good man, but most of all he was kind. He lived a wonderful life, in a beautiful place, with the perfect partner.”
Fine is survived by his wife, Joan, his daughters Lisa and Robin Fine, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Unit 405, Winchester, VA 22601, or the Blue Ridge Hunt, P.O. Box 96, Boyce, VA 22620.
Our Favorite Local Gifts for Equestrians
Photos by Callie Broaddus
Equestrian Greeting
Charlie Horse Dress, $90, Available at Posh Pixies
Nameplate Bracelets, $25 - $35, Available at Journeymen Saddlers
Boot Socks, $8.95 each, Available at The Tack Box
New and Used Saddle Pads, $10 - $300, Available at The Tack Exchange
Fox Teapot, $41.95, Available at Horse Country
Snaffles Horse Bit Sandals, $275, Available at Chloe’s of Middleburg
Cards, $6 each, Available at Atelier Maison
“The Ride of Her Life,” $30, Available at Middleburg Books
Silk Scarves, $25 - $35, Available at The Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America
Diamond Horse Pendant, $1,819, Available at Mystique Jewelers
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PRIVATE TOUR OF “THE HEART OF THE TURF: RACING’S BLACK PIONEERS”
September 5 | 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. | chloesofmiddleburg.com
Chloe’s of Middleburg will host two private tours of the National Sporting Library & Museum’s exhibit “The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers.” There are two tour times, 10:30 a.m. or noon, and a reception will be held at 1:30 p.m. The reception will feature an inspired menu by Chef Roderick Pete Smith. Tour tickets are required and can be purchased through the Chloe’s of Middleburg website.
WEEKLY WATERCOLOR SERIES AT AIM
September 8, 15, 22, & 29 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | theartistsinmiddleburg.org
Artist Patty Craighill will guide participants through sessions covering drawing, composition, and guided exercises to master the art of watercolor painting. Each week will feature a still-life setup as Craighill demonstrates techniques and artists work toward completing pieces. Class members are also encouraged to bring
their own reference photos for inspiration, if desired. Registration is required and can be submitted through the Artists in Middleburg website. Classes are $80 each.
FOXHUNTING PAINTINGS BY SAM ROBINSON EXHIBITION & SALE
September 11 - October 12 | mhhna.org
Experience Sam Robinson’s “An Artist’s View of Horse and Hound” at the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America in Middleburg. The museum will host an opening reception with refreshments on Thursday, September 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for museum members and $35 for non-members and guests.
BEER TASTING & TOUR AT LOST BARREL
September 12 | 6 to 7 p.m. | lostbarrel.com
Get a behind-the-scenes look at all the Lost Barrel Brewing action with Head Brewer Dan Sickmen. Sickmen will also lead participants through a guided tasting. Tickets are required and can be reserved by emailing events@lostbarrel.com.
DESCENDANTS DAY AT OATLANDS HISTORIC HOUSE
September 13 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | oatlands.org
Join Oatlands Historic House & Gardens in honoring the descendants of those once enslaved at Oatlands and nearby plantations. The event will include opportunities to mingle with descendants, view family history presentations, and enjoy catering from SDS Soul Food Truck and gospel music by Bryan Fox and Friends. There will also be a brick-laying ceremony and prayer.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT FLEETWOOD FARM WINERY
September 19 | 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | fleetwoodfarmwinery.com
Assemble a team for a trivia night hosted by Barton Smart Trivia & Puzzles. This isn’t your typical trivia, as Barton Smart makes it more of a puzzle establishing patterns and connections for participants to uncover throughout the night. Don’t miss the opportunity to win prizes while surrounded by the rural beauty of Calendar | Page 43
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
| From page 42
Fleetwood Farm.
MIDDLEBURG’S FIFTH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST
September 20 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | middleburgva.gov
Don’t miss Middleburg’s Oktoberfest this month! The event will take place on South Madison and Federal streets with two biergartens, traditional German food, live music, festival games, and local beer, wine, and cider. Explore Artist’s Alley, which will showcase local artists and offer patrons the opportunity to purchase fine art, pottery, jewelry, and more.
CLOVERLEAF POLO CLASSIC
September 20 | 12 p.m. | cloverleafequinecenter.org
Experience world-class polo while supporting Cloverleaf Equine Center’s mission to serve adults and children with disabilities. This is the
center’s largest fundraising event of the year and guests will enjoy live and silent auctions, music, drinks, and dining at Great Meadow in The Plains. Tickets can be purchased through Cloverleaf’s website.
OLD BUST HEAD’S HARVEST FESTIVAL
September 20 | 12 to 5 p.m. | oldbusthead.com
Get into the spirit of fall with a day of live music, crafters and artists, and pumpkin painting at Old Bust Head Brewing Co. Local vendors will include Driftwood Home Candles, Sweet Delights by Farmstead, Branch & Vine, Uncle Brian’s Hot Sauce, RS Wooden Creations, and many more. Baby goats from Auld Oaks Farm will be on-site from 12 to 3 p.m.
LIVE MUSIC WITH EMMA G AT CANA VINEYARDS
September 27 | 12 to 4 p.m. | canavineyards.com
As part of Cana Vineyards’ Live Music Series, author, TEDx speaker, and singer-songwrit -
er Emma G will perform. Born with a rare neurological disorder, Emma G aims to empower, uplift, and inspire audiences through the magic of music. For more information on Emma G or Cana’s live music events, visit canavineyards.com/calendar.
LOCO WINE FESTIVAL AT OLD FARM WINERY AT HARTLAND
September 27 & 28 | 12 to 5 p.m. | oldfarmwineryhartland.com
Celebrate Loudoun County wine at Old Farm Winery at Hartland this September. The two-day event will feature wine tastings from different local wineries, meet and greets with local wine aficionados, live music, delicious food, and local artisans. Spend the weekend sipping, shopping, and relaxing. Tickets are $45 per person and can be booked through Old Farm Winery’s website.
For more Hunt Country events and our Fall Festivals roundup, visit MiddleburgLife.com or scan here:
