Middleburg Eccentric January 2022 by Middleburg Eccentric, LLC.

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January 27, 2022

Middleburg’s New Town Hall Breaks Ground

saw no scenario where the project cost would reduce; instead, it would have continued to escalate. “This is a generational project for the Town of Middleburg. The need was first identified in 2006 and will allow us to serve the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Middleburg for decades to come,” said Vice-Mayor Peter Leonard-Morgan, who serves as the public information liaison for the project. “While it is a challenging time to construct a new building, we unanimously support the project and are eager to see it completed.” Mayor Bridge Littleton said, “The Town remains in a very strong financial situation, perhaps the strongest in its history. Over the last ten years the Town has worked very hard to put ourselves in this financial position. We have saved approximately 200% of our annual operating expenses in our fiscal reserves.” The Town’s reserve fund is approximately $6.7 Million, with its annual general fund expenses at $3.5m. The Town’s Reserve policy requires the Town to hold at least 125% of annual expenses as a fiscal reserve. As a result, the Town has a healthy reserve balance for handling unforeseen emergencies, economic stresses, or financial challenges should they arrive in the future while still moving forward with this project. The Town was able to secure $8 million in bonded debt for the project at a very low rate of 2.72%, and a $500 thousand grant from the Loudoun Country Capital Improvement Program; as a result, no increase in residential property taxes are required to pay for the project’s cost. The Town’s current revenue streams are sufficient to cover the Town’s debt service and continue to show strength during recovery from the pandemic. Public Information Session on the Town Hall project in the coming weeks.

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Philip Miller - town Council Martin Crim - Town Attorney Bridge Littleton - Mayor Peter Leonard-Morgan - Vice-Mayor Photo By Jay Hubbard

he Town of Middleburg broke ground on its new Town Hall on Monday, January 24. Cooper Building Services, LLC, of Frederick, Maryland (“Cooper”), was awarded the contract for site development and construction of new Town Hall, Totaling $10.7 Million. After a ten-month design and engineering process, which included approvals and input by multiple citizen-led advisory committees and commissions, the Town completed its construction documents in November 2021. During this process in 2021, the Town held two-hour-long public information sessions to keep citizens informed of the process and to allow them to provide feedback. Eleven pre-qualified firms were issued the Invitation for Bids. Of these firms, four submitted responsive bids, which varied in cost between $10.7 and $11.1 Million, and Cooper was the lowest bidder. The Town is working with Cooper and its construction management team to find value engineering cost improvements. The cost of the Town Hall project has increased from the most recent estimates for various reasons. Specifically, the construction industry is experiencing significant cost increases due to COVID-19 impacts, supply chain issues, labor challenges, record inflation, and strong demand for construction in the region. Since the pandemic’s beginning, some building materials have increased in price by over 200%. It is more than likely that waiting will only lead to further costs over time. Many construction sectors are seeing 1-2% monthly escalations. In addition, the influx of federal dollars into infrastructure projects will increase demand and further push costs higher. If the Town Hall were not built at this time, the Town and its consultants

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• January 27, 2022

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January 27, 2022 Page 3

Fauquier Habitat Accepting Applications for 2022-23 Homeownership Program

auquier Habitat for Humanity is opening the 2022 Homeownership Program application process with Applicant Information Sessions held virtually on March 5 at 10 am and 9th at 6:30 pm. When individuals and families attend one of these sessions, they will learn more about Habitat homeownership and will be eligible to apply for the 202223 program; an opportunity only offered once a year. The information session will discuss the requirements and details of the program, where we will build in 2023, new home designs, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session. Fauquier Habitat’s new homes are built to last for generations. The build process increases each house’s longevity and energy-efficiency, using cement composite materials like Hardi Plank siding, standing seam roofing, and advanced framing. These homes are also visually capti-

vating, each designed to blend in with historical aspects of the neighborhoods in which they are built. Fauquier Habitat’s homeownership program is a longterm partnership between Fauquier Habitat for Humanity and its partnering families. The application process takes an average of three to four months, and the typical timeframe between approval for homeownership and purchase of a home is between 18 to 24 months. In those months, families will complete 250 “sweat equity” hours volunteering with Habitat and participating in finance, home maintenance, and community building classes. This program is developed to prepare families better to own a new, affordable home, offering them a hand-up, not a hand-out. When evaluating whether Fauquier Habitat’s partnership program is right for you or someone you know, it may be helpful to know that qualified Habitat homebuyers are:

• In need of better housing • Willing to partner with

Fauquier Habitat • Able to pay an affordable mortgage • Live, work or attend school in Fauquier or Rappahannock counties for at least one year • Meet the below income requirements: Household Size Income Range Family of 1- $27,090- $54,180 Family of 2 - $30,960- $61,920 Family of 3 - $34,830- $69,660 Family of 4- $38,700- $77,400 Family of 5 - $41,820- $83,640 Family of 6 - $44,910- $89,820 Family of 7 - $48,000- $96,000 Family of 8 - $51,090- $102,180 If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the Habitat Homeownership Program, email familyservices@fauquierhabitat.org.

MIDDLEBURG ECCENTRIC FEBRUARY 17TH AD DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY 24TH ISSUE

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Page 4 Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022

News of Note

Single-use plastic Bag regulation comes to Loudoun County

Middleburg Sustainability Committee he Town of Middleburg’s Sustainability Committee, formerly the Go Green Committee, has for some years been pressing the powers that be in Richmond, through the town’s membership of the Virginia Municipal League, or VML, to pass some form of single use plastic bag regulation. Disposable plastic bags have become a significant form of pollution in rivers and streams, and a danger to wildlife, with birds and other animals suffocating in plas-

tic bag litter. Landfills have experienced a continual increase in the volume of disposable plastic bags which do not decompose, but eventually break up into miniscule fragments, or microplastics, which in turn enter the groundwater system and, potentially, the water we drink. During its 2020 session, the General Assembly passed House Bill 534, becoming Virginia Code § 58.1-1745, which allows any county or city in the Commonwealth to impose a tax of 5 cents on a disposable plastic

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bag provided by certain retailers, primarily grocery stores, pharmacies and convenience stores, with exceptions being made to food banks and clothing stores, as well as for bags offered to carry ice cream, meat, fish, poultry, leftover restaurant food, newspapers, dry cleaning, alcoholic beverages and prescription drugs. The bill also does not apply to durable plastic bags with handles which were designed to be used multiple times, and have a thickness of 4 mils or more, and bags sold in packages for use in yard leaf cleanup, pet waste cleanup or as trash bags. Following the passage of this bill, the onus then fell on individual counties and cities to decide whether or not to implement the tax. Early adopters were Fairfax and Arlington Counties, and the

Cities of Alexandria, Roanoke and Fredericksburg. During its January 18th, 2022 business meeting, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors narrowly passed the tax which will be adopted throughout the county, and therefore in Middleburg, on July 1st, 2022. The reference to ‘tax’ however could be better defined, because in fact none of the 5 cents will result as county revenue. The majority, 3 cents, will go toward pollution cleanup and mitigation and providing reusable grocery bags to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC). Until January 1st, 2023, stores which supply disposable plastic

bags will be able to retain 2 cents of the 5 cents per bag, after which date it will be reduced to 1 cent. The hope and intention is that fewer and fewer shoppers will use disposable plastic bags, preferring to take their own, much sturdier reusable bags when they go to the store, in turn reducing this terrible form of pollution and helping to assure a future, healthy ecosystem. During its annual wellness day events, held before the pandemic, the Go Green Committee teamed up with local businesses to provide sponsored reusable grocery bags which are seen to this day being used by locals. We see an opportunity for more such sponsorship in the future, in a win-win situation for all.

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January 27, 2022 Page 5

BodyBloom® Massage & Reflexology

y name is Peggy Finnegan, owner of BodyBloom® in Middleburg. I’m a licensed massage therapist & certified reflexologist dedicated to providing comfort and peace amid these profoundly stressful times. My approach is thorough and unhurried, allowing folks time to decompress while I quietly work to ease some of the adverse effects of daily life. I love what I do and consider it a genuine privilege to share the beautiful power of touch. My private studio is a cozy oasis of calm where everyone is treated with kindness and respect. I specialize in restorative relaxation massage, reflexology, and luxurious shea butter/sugar body scrubs. Clients value my attention to detail, communication skills & personalized service. As a solo practitioner, I serve one person at a time. Parties of two may book back-to-back services and are welcome to wait in my comfortable seating area. Caring for others comes naturally to me. My background includes years of rewarding work as an in-home nursing assistant & hospice volunteer. Since graduating from massage school in 2012, I’ve completed 600+ hours of continuing education, contributing to my good standing as a member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals and the Reflexology Association of America. In addition to my private practice, I also spent several years at Spa Walden, a Forbes Four-Star luxury spa near Cleveland, where I provided a wide variety of services. These days, I work exclusively at BodyBloom and have returned to my first love, restorative relaxation. I believe relaxation services are needed more than ever as we struggle to cope with the unrelenting stress. When cli-

ents come in feeling worn down, anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, I lend a listening ear and provide skilled, compassionate touch to help ease muscle tension, soothe frazzled nerves, quiet their mind & comfort their weary souls. After drifting or dozing throughout their session, clients usually leave feeling calmer, breathing deeper & thinking more clearly. What is reflexology? It’s a complementary therapy that benefits everyone. Reflexology maps a reflection of the body on the hands & feet. Clients remain dressed, lying comfortably on the massage table while unique hand techniques deliver pressure to specific reflex points,

stimulating neural pathways to help the body balance & function optimally. Simply stated, it’s profoundly relaxing & feels great! The effectiveness of reflexology is recognized worldwide by various national health institutions & the public at large as a distinct, complementary practice within the holistic health field. Receiving massage, reflexology, or other professional bodywork is a smart investment in your health & wellness. That being said, it’s essential to find the right practitioner for your needs. For example, if you need to relax, come to BodyBloom®. But if you need treatment for a painful injury or help manage a chronic condition, or you prefer very deep tissue, then look for the practitioner with the optimal training & skills to help you safely & effectively. Fortunately, we have several highly skilled LMTs & PTs in Middleburg. Do your research, ask lots of questions, then book an appointment. You’ll be so glad you did! I couldn’t be happier that BodyBloom® is located here in Middleburg! The genuine support & encouragement I’ve received over the last three years from my loyal clients, fellow business owners, residents, and town officials have been nothing short of amazing! Such a pleasure to know so many fascinating, engaging, big-hearted folks. I’m proud to be a part of this unique community, and I look forward to being here for many years to come. Visit my websitefor services, rates, online booking, eGift cards, Covid safety & other details. www.BodyBloomMassage.com (540) 579 2400 call/text

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Page 6 Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022

News of Note

What’s the Buzz?

How Local Bee Lovers do their Part

equivocally critical parts of the environment. In the local community, some share a love for bees. For example, two local beekeepers, the Roberts family, and Mrs. Joan Gardiner, share this appreciation. Their passion is to raise awareness around threats bees face, change the narrative surrounding bees, and produce natural products for the community. The Roberts family dedicates their time to raising bees. Their passion and drive are truly admirable. The Roberts began keeping bees in 2019 in Aldie, Virginia. Their sons’ interests in

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hen thinking of bees, often what comes to mind are bee stings. They are a seemingly menacing threat to comfort. So, to prevent these stings, we share cautionary tales of bees with our children. Now, it is reasonable to steer clear of a possible sting. However, the true beauty of bees then gets lost in fear. In reality, bees are harmless, unprovoked. Further, we owe bees greatly for the food we eat. They are un-

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insects and agriculture greatly influenced their love for bees. Their youngest son, Aris Roberts, recalls, “I have always been interested in insects since I was a little kid - my mom will even tell you how it sometimes got out of hand” (Roberts). This, along with his older brother, Soren Robert’s interest in agriculture, spurred them to “do [their] share in the world” (Roberts) any way they could. However, their passion does not stop there. The Roberts got even more involved. At their apiary, they “have ongoing research on integrative pest management” (Roberts). This addresses the problems created by the Varroa destructor mite. The Varroa destructor mite is a mite that attacks and destroys hives. It is a dangerous threat in apiaries and the wild. Thus, there is a lot of work that goes into raising bees. Aris states that “[t]he supportive work we do follows the honeybee’s seasonal lifecycle: in the spring, we support the growth of the hive, in the summer we harvest honey, in the fall we prepare them for winter and do more intense pest management, and in the winter when the bees are tucked in, we read and prepare for the next year” (Roberts). This requires tremendous amounts of work from everyone involved. The Roberts can be seen in the bee yard for hours on end. Additionally, the Roberts produce and sell honey. They believe that is a great way to provide products to the community. Aris and Soren wrote a children’s book called Bizzy’s Wings to make even more impact. They wish to spread awareness of the threats bees face. Further, to reach out to a younger audience. The book is about a bee named Bizzy, “who was born with deformed wing syndrome - a disorder caused by a virus transmitted by the Varroa destructor mite” (Roberts). The book follows Bizzy’s journey of self-discovery. Aris expresses, “I wrote the book with the message in mind being, if you have faced adversity in your life and have faced backlash for being different, you should not be afraid to be yourself” (Roberts). Writing and publishing Bizzy’s Wings was very long and tedious. They faced rejection from publishers and difficulties in story composition. Luckily, they ended up self-publishing.

Bizzy’s Wings can even be found on Amazon. With this book, they wish “to spread awareness about the plight of bees and specifically show how bees struggle with the Varroa destructor mite” (Roberts). The Roberts are scheduling reading events around the community to spread the book’s message, including at the Highland Lower School. Further, the Roberts are happy to read Bizzy’s Wings to anyone willing to help spread its message. Mrs. Joan Gardiner is also an excellent example of persistence and humanity. She is approaching her nineteenth spring taking care of hives. Her love for bees grew from her father’s passion for insects. She remarks how “[t] here was never an insect he didn’t like” (Gardiner). Thus, bees were something they could share. However, there is a lot of work that goes into raising bees. Mrs. Gardiner notes that “a lot of the work is seasonal and changes” (Gardiner). In the spring, you can find Mrs. Gardiner treating the bees for mites, splitting the hives, and feeding them. She also produces honey and sells bees. Mrs. Gardiner expresses how “comb honey is one of [her] goals” (Gardiner). Although, it is pretty challenging to get. Now, not only does Mrs. Gardiner raise bees, but she visits schools to teach about bees. Mrs. Gardiner exclaims, “I like to go into schools, especially, preschool and kindergarten…and getting people to understand not to be afraid of bees” (Gardiner). Mrs. Gardiner dedicates her time teaching young kids to look at bees differently. Further, to understand how special they are. To do this, she puts on animated shows that illustrate the life of bees. This works to change the narrative surrounding bees. Further, to teach that the lives of bees are genuinely fascinating and critical to life. Overall, Mrs. Gardiner expresses “a positive image about [bees]” and wants to share her love for them. Beekeepers like the Roberts and Mrs. Gardiner strive to save bees and raise awareness for their struggles. They even take great strides to be involved in the community. Bees, overall, are fascinating. They are also critical parts of life on earth. As a community, supporting apiaries is a great way to show support.

Middleburg Eccentric

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January 27, 2022 Page 7

Changing Lands Changing Hands

are we ready for the necessary concessions

Robert Banner

ou couldn’t miss it. The equipment trailer on Zulla Road spanned the lane’s width from double yellow line to white line with barely an inch to spare. My 2-horse gooseneck covers the same width, and how many of those travel Zulla each day? I realize our region has become a Mecca for bikers, but for the life of me, I wonder why bikers enjoy trailers like this constantly breezing past them. Our roads showcase stunning views but sharing the road is really hard and often dangerous. This summer, my Facebook feed was filled with friends who groused at the bikers. Large clubs of riders regularly lined up to meander the roads from Middleburg to The Plains, Upperville, and beyond. But with so many trailers and bikers navigating the same blind hills, blind curves, low shoulders, or no shoulders, there is little room to share. And now, the law allows bikers to travel side-by-side, instead of end-to-end. I applaud anyone who appreciates our region. I am adamant; it should be shared with all! The conservation easement was intended to protect the scenic viewshed for everyone. On top of the federal tax deductions, Virginia

rewards landowners with the nation’s largest state tax credit supplement for protecting its scenic views. If we don’t share the views we protect, our legislature may be inclined to reduce the reward. This leads to the far more significant question, what is on the doorstep? Property values here have soared as at-home workers abandon their commutes for houses in the country. If you have internet, you have Zoom and online shopping. You’re all set. But do these new owners embrace the equestrian lifestyles that make the region desirable in the first place? I remember how Potomac changed overnight. That was horse country, too. Who works with new landowners to better understand the world where they now live? MFHs do, but there are a lot of changing lands changing hands. Further, a Washington Post article (1/16/22/Metro) reports Loudoun County hosts 140 data centers. Prince William County is now home to 33, with more on the way. The typical data center occupies 100 acres of land. Electric utilities power it all, but upgrades to the grid must be made eventually, or we end up like the debacle in Texas. We all hunger for better cell and internet service with reliable power to feed it all, but are we ready for the neces-

sary concessions? So far, we’ve successfully upended, discouraged, or worked with most development in the name of progress. The best has succeeded. The rest has been tabled. But the world is marching on and is changing more quickly than we expected. What will happen in 5 years? Ten years? 25 years? Or beyond? It is all being negotiated now. I asked 96-year-old lifelong conservationist Marie Ridder her advice, and she succinctly answered, “Two words, Mr. Banner … birth control!” The late George Ohrstrom, Jr. was a past president of the Orange County Hounds and a lifelong supporter of the Piedmont Environmental Council. Some time ago, I complained of impending change. He wisely replied, “It’s going to change, Rob. Be a part of the change.” So, I try. Here’s how, and I encourage your support, too. The Equine Land Conservation Resource, a national nonprofit based in Lexington, KY, helps protect equestrian regions all across the country, so I’ve joined their board. Florida, New York, Kentucky, Ohio, and California have similar problems to Virginia’s. With deep foxhunting roots, the ELCR connects all experiences to equestrians everywhere. Together, ELCR reaches

out to groups (a bike club, for instance) to explain how we can all live together. ELCR is trying to upgrade its website to make its networking notifications more robust. Today’s world expects today’s website. Yes, it is expensive but well worth the investment in our future. Holly Groshek, the ELCR Executive Director, said, “The equine world is remarkably small with similar problems everywhere. Our world is your world. We may have addressed your problem elsewhere and can share the solutions that worked.” Want to help? Send ELCR your support through membership and donation. It will be money well spent to help solve our problems here or in the states where our friends live and ride

horses. If you do, you have my thanks. In the meantime, I’ll see you around the campus. Drive carefully. Equine Land Conservation Resource is a qualified 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission to preserve equestrian regions across the nation. Visit www.elcr.org. Contact Holley Groshek at hgroshek@elcr.org, or (859) 3274584 cell. Send deductible donations to ELCR, 4037 Ironworks Parkway, Suite 120, Lexington, KY 40511. Earmark “Changing Lands.” Robert Banner is Senior Project Officer at ACRE Investment Management in The Plains, VA, managing ecological credits for all concerned landowners. Contact Rob at rob@acre-investment.com, or call his cell (540) 729-1335.

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Page 8 Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022

News of Note

Talkin’ Trash, 2021 Foxcroft Road Pig Pen Awards

William H. McCormick VMD

he year 2021 was the twentieth consecutive year of volunteer action to control trash on Foxcroft Road. The author conducts this survey as a single observer. The numbers here noted are somewhat understated in that there must be other individuals who pick up trash on these roads. In 2021 the author retrieved 1106 individual pieces of trash. The twenty-year total of this project has been 21,295 pieces. To aid those first-time readers, and as a reminder to past readers of this column, the course of trash collection is a 4.6-mile route of dirt and hard road that includes portions of the Polecat Hill Rd. (Rt. 696), the Foxcroft Rd. (Rt. 626), the Snake Hill Rd. (Rt. 744), and the Millville Rd. (Rt. 743). In conclusion, the top ten stand out contributors to our road trash

study ranked by single numbers and percentages of total trash are:

• AB InBev: 98 (9%) • Generic Cups and Bottles: 83 (8%)

• Bags, Plastic and Paper: 77 • • • • • • •

(7%) Paper Towels and Napkins: 72 (7%) Miller/Coor’s: 44 (4%) Pepsico: 37 (3%) Modelo: 33 (3%) Coca-Cola: 33 (3%) Seven-Eleven: 33 (3%) Car Parts: 22 (2%)

2021 marked the second year in which COVID-19 and other societal changes could have been expected to influence roadside trash. One newcomer to the

scene has been discarded surgical masks (10) and disposable gloves (5). There has been some change in the rankings of producers. McDonald’s seems to have fallen off the top ten. Seven-Eleven has maintained its relative position. Beer, especially “light beers,” namely Coor’s Light and Bud Light, are popular. Modelo and AB InBev and Miller / Coor’s occupy three places in the top ten. Miscellaneous trash without legible labels accounts for 37% of the total. The total trash items for 2021 were 1106. The average for the preceding nineteen years is 1063. Therefore, 2021 was a bit more than average. In contrast, 2020 at 847 items was below average. Our biggest recent year was 2018, with 1377 pieces. These totals show no trend but how intractable the problem of roadside trash is. As with any complex problem, such as global warming or world peace, the solution depends on multilayered action by

all the principal actors. Actions deemed essential are the following: individual consciousnessraising, corporate responsibility, individual and state participation, recycling, enforcement of existing laws, and the desired

Town of Middleburg Condemns Hate-Filled Flyers Distriputed Throughout Western Loudoun County

he Town of Middleburg Police Department was made aware of hate-filled flyers distributed throughout Western Loudoun County and the Town of Middleburg during the early morning hours of Friday, January 14. These flyers expressed sentiments that are hateful, vile, and

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goal of litter-free country roads. To paraphrase Steven Dubner of NPR (National Public Radio), “Take care of your road, and, if you can, take care of somebody else’s road too!”

not representative of the community values of Middleburg, Loudoun County, Virginia, or our Nation. “The Town of Middleburg is disgusted by this assault. We wholeheartedly condemn the type of speech that was spread throughout Western Loudoun County on Friday, January 14,” said Mayor Bridge Littleton. “The citizens and community of Middleburg believe and embody the ideal that all people are created equal, and we are proud that Middleburg was the first town in Virginia to desegregate in 1961 through the heroic efforts of our citizens.” “The best way to fight hate is for us to continue doing what we do, by treating all with honor, dignity, equality and respect,” said Vice-Mayor Peter LeonardMorgan. “Our community is the great place it is because of the diversity that can be found in all our residents, businesses, and patrons.” The Town’s Police Department and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office are aware of the flyers and are working to identify any potential crimes that occurred and ensure justice is served. For any additional information, don’t hesitate to contact the Town Manager at ddavis@ middleburgva.gov or by phone at 540-687-5152. If any member of the public has helpful information regarding these activities, you may contact the Police Department at 540-687-6633 or chiefaj@middleburgva.gov.

Middleburg Eccentric

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January 27, 2022 Page 9

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

ALL’S WELL FARM MArSHALL, VIrgINIA

$7,500,000 Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

50 WEST VINEYARDS MIDDLEBUrg, VIrgINIA

Existing farm winery established in 2015 | 38.47 acres recorded in two parcels | Hilltop setting with magnificent views | 2,500 sq ft wine tasting room, main level consists of tasting room, seating areas, kitchen, restrooms | 2nd story more seating areas & bathroom | Club House of 5,100 sq ft contemporary style, wine tasting bar, seating areas, bathrooms, large deck, terrace & pool | 40 x 60 Butler building, large parking area | Unique opportunity

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RUTLEDGE FARM MIDDLEBUrg, VIrgINIA

HALFWAY FARM THE 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 manager’s house, 2 stables, machine shed and work shop | Extensive Little River frontage and 2 ponds | Tremendous views

(also available witH 113 acres for $7,000,000)

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MASON FARM, LIGHTRIDGE FARM ROAD

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ALDIE, VIrgINIA

$3,462,000 Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

THE PLAINS, VIrgINIA

Gorgeous 71 acre parcel in a wonderful location between Middleburg and The Plains | rolling land with stone walls and 2 ponds | Enchanting property | Property is in conservation easement and may not be divided further

$1,950,000 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

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JOHN MARSHALL HIGHWAY MArKHAM, VIrgINIA

162.89 acres | 3 recorded parcels in Markham, VA | Frontage on goose Creek, land rises to great views, mountain meadows on upper portion | Access over railroad and creek | Excellent hunting land, surrounded by large tracts

$997,160 Paul MacMaHon 703.609.1905

MILL HOUSE WArrENTON, VIrgINIA

Heart of Warrenton Hunt Country on Springs Road minutes to town | “Mill House,” main house circa 1900 | 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths | Stone and stucco exterior, hardwood floors | Property also includes (8572 Springs road), original mill, converted to a tenant house with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath | Much of the mill components still exist | Could be charming office or guest house | 3.5 acres | Property sold “AS IS” condition

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FREE STATE ROAD MArSHALL, VIrgINIA

5+ acres in a great location south of Marshal | Good access to Route 66 | Not many small parcels available in this part of the county | Nice mature woods and creek running through the property | Septic permit from 2000 on record with the health department for 3 bedroom septic will need to be renewed but all the information is available

$175,000 Helen MacMaHon 540.454.1930

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Page 10 Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022

News of Note

Middleburg Town Council Review

TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG COMMITTEE VACANCIES The Middleburg Town Council is accepting letters of interest from individuals who wish to be considered for service on the Middleburg Arts Council. MAC is responsible for coordinating the community cultural and art events sponsored by the Town of Middleburg, excluding Christmas in Middleburg. MAC is responsible for staffing the events; for the formulation of the appropriate rules for the events; for organizing any entertainment associated with the events; and, for advertising, promoting and marketing the events. Members are encouraged to have an interest in arts and/or cultural activities; however, members are also needed whose strong suits are administrative related. This appointment is to fill a vacancy. Normally, terms are for a two year-period. MAC meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month; and, in work session on an as-needed basis. Anyone interested in serving on any of these committees is asked to send a letter of interest, to include any relevant qualifications, no later than February 28, 2022 to the following: Mayor and Members of Town Council Town of Middleburg P. O. Box 187 10 W. Marshall Street Middleburg, Virginia 20118 Attn: Rhonda North, Town Clerk Letters of interest may be included in a public agenda packet. Applicants who do not wish for their contact information to be made public should indicate this in their letter of interest.

he Town of Middleburg broke ground on the new the Town Hall. The Town was able to secure $8 million in bonded debt for the project at a very low rate of 2.72%, and a $500 thousand grant from the Loudoun Country Capital Improvement Program; as a result, no increase in residential property taxes are required to pay for the project’s cost. The Town’s current revenue streams are sufficient to cover the Town’s debt service and continue to show strength during recovery from the pandemic. The Town Council named Peter Leonard-Morgan as Vice Mayor. Peter was elected to fill a vacant seat on Council in 2016 and has been reelected in 2018 and 2021. The Town Council autho-

rized the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with Blink Charging for electric vehicle charging stations in the Town. As part of the agreement and based on grants, the Town will not expend any funds on these EV Chargers. They will be located at the South Liberty Street Parking Lot and likely along West Federal Street. We are also planning to add EV Chargers at the new Town Hall Parking Lot, to include a DC Fast Charging Station. Blink Charging will cover all installation and operational costs, and any charging revenues will be split with the Town 50/50. The Town Council approved a contract to upgrade all of the Town’s old water meters and add radio transmitters to all of the meters in Town. Allowing the Town staff to capture daily reads of water consumption throughout the Town. This will help the Town and customers by identifying possible leaks very early, which avoids lost water and limits the financial impact to customers. In addition, this will save ongoing staff time that is required to read every meter for each billing cycle. The funds for this project came from federal ARPA funds and not from user fees. The Town Council honored the Fun Shop for its 65th Year of operation, and the Town Council recognized Antwan Montford for his amazing service to the Town during his two years working at the Post Office.

Cathy McGehee from Foxcroft School presented to the Town Council a discussion on the need for affordable housing, specific to the education sector. She provided information from The Hill School, Foxcroft, Middleburg Community Charter School, Banneker Elementary, and Middleburg Montessori. This data showed the clear need for finding options for attainable/workforce housing in and near Middleburg.

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Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022 Page 11

The Salvation Army Local Midshipman Rings Bell of Loudoun Extends after defeating Army Appreciation to Our Community Following the Holiday Season

“

Some people think The Salvation Army takes a break after Thanksgiving and Christmas,” says Sergeant McKee of The Salvation Army of Loudoun. Even without the Red Kettles at Giant, Safeway, and Walmart or the bustling activity of our Angel Tree program, The Salvation Army continues its work in assisting those in need with rental assistance, eviction prevention, utility assistance, food, clothing, case management, and so much more. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, this year’s holiday season was a challenge from the start, as The Salvation Army continued striving to meet increased demand for services while inperson fundraising opportunities were reduced. “We want to say, ‘thank you’ to local supporters in 2021 who made it possible for us to provide life-saving services to the hungry, homeless and families and individuals feeling hopeless in our community and surrounding communities 365 days a year, 7 days a week,” said Sergeant John McKee. “I want to thank ALL the donors and volunteers who made the Christmas season happy and bright for 1,238 children who received Christmas gifts through our Angel Tree program. The Salvation Army of Loudoun’s Angel Tree program is incredibly run and managed by 3 amazing volunteers along with our staff. More importantly, 420 devoted volunteers came – some multiple times - to our distribution center to assist with the organization and the distribution of the presents. I also want to express our appreciation to the Village of Leesburg who donated the site to us. My Guys Moving donated their time and equipment to pick up and deliver thousands of gifts to the distribution center. These gifts were donated by many businesses, HCA communities, the faith community and families”, said Sergeant McKee. The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle campaign was conducted from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Mayor Kelly Burk kicked off this year’s campaign at Main Street Station. The Brass Ensemble of the National Capital Area Band of DC also performed at the event. Kettles were located at Giant, Safeway, and Walmart stores in Loudoun. The funds we receive from the kettle program help us provide rental assistance, eviction prevention, utility assistance, and emergency food assistance throughout the year. “Our Red Kettle campaign is critical to our ability to provide basic and

essential needs to those struggling in our community,” said Sergeant McKee. With the help of donors and volunteers, The Salvation Army embodied their Christmas theme, “Hope Marches On.” – thanks to the generosity of so many. Learn more about the work that The Salvation Army of Loudoun does throughout the year on their https://salvationarmypotomac.org/loudouncountycorps/, or call 703-771-3371.

Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Pierce Banbury, from Aldie, Va., rings the bell during the semi-annual bell-ringing ceremony in Tcourt. The ceremony recognizes

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the varsity sports that defeated Army during the fall semester. As the undergraduate college of our country’s naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young

men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

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Page 12 Middleburg Eccentric

. . . or f s u

• January 27, 2022

n oi j e s a Ple s ’ g r u b e l d d i M h nuAl t An 11 e t a m i t l U

February 18, 19, 20 2022 Presidents’ Weekend

lOOk FOr the winter white & blue ballOOns at PartiCiPatiOn businesses

CheCk Our FaCebOOk Page Visit Middleburg FOr uPdates httPs://www.FaCebOOk.COM/Middleburgbusiness Sponsored by: The Middleburg Business & Professional Association ~ Be Local ~

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News of Note

Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022 Page 13

NURTURE, EMPOWER, HEAL Lola Ogbonlowo family practice Opens

ollowing her heart since age eight, when she decided to become a doctor, Lola Ogbonlowo inaugurates her private family practice on Monday, January 31, 2022. Leesburg resident and mother of two, one daughter is following her into medicine while the other is contemplating a career in law. Experienced in both Telemedicine and clinical practice, Dr. Lola is a superb diagnosti-

Family Practice, in addition to which she is a Certified Lactation Consultant. Caring for patients from infant to geriatric, she believes family practice to be the patient’s “first line of defense,” which she carries out with her “NURTURE, EMPOWER, HEAL” credo, nurturing the whole patient in-

stead of treating a bundle of symptoms; empowering each to be a partner with her in the lifelong health journey; healing with compassion. Her vast medical experience is international, with volunteerism including the Loudoun Free Clinic, the Healthy Babies project of the D.C. Birthing Center, and

medical mission trips to Haiti and El Salvador. Beginning January 31, Monday, Dr. Lola welcomes you to her Lighthouse Family Medicine and Wellness in the Lansdowne Office Park. www.LighthouseFamilyDoctors.com

cian who saved the life of a telemedicine patient by recognizing potentially fatal pulmonary embolism symptomatology and immediately directing her to inpatient care. In addition to her M.D., she has studied Biology at George Mason University and earned a Master’s Degree in Science and Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins. Her internship and three years of residency focused on

February Special Events and Programs

Sky Meadows State Park ll the February events and programs with their corresponding dates, times, location within the park and description. All programs and events are free with a $10 parking fee per car. Children are welcome at all February programs and events. All programs and events are held at Sky Meadows State Park: 11012 Edmonds Lane Delaplane, VA 20144. Astronomy for Everyone – Feb. 5, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – Historic Area

Discover our International Dark-Sky Park! Our evenings begin with a half-hour children’s “Junior Astronomer” program, followed by a discussion about the importance of dark skies and light conservation. Then join NASA Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) Ambassadors for a presentation on the latest news in astronomy. Finish the evening by relaxing and enjoying the night’s beauty with the members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club for a tour of the night sky. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and/or blankets. Feel free to bring your telescope or binoculars for your own exploration. Details: Parking fees apply. Entrance gates close one

hour after the program start time. SkyMeadows@dcr.virginia.gov or (540) 592-3556

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Page 14 Middleburg Eccentric

Progeny

• January 27, 2022

Music Teaches us That the Show Must Go On

usic and French students performed on the stage of Buchanan Hall at Studio Papillon’s winter recital. The kids played a variety of solo piano selections and sang in French. Applause filled the hall for the budding musicians, who demonstrated a core music performance principle: the show must go on. More information on Studio Papillon at www.studiopapillon.org.

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Middleburg Eccentric

Pastimes

• January 27, 2022 Page 15

Contemporary Transformation with a Phased Renovation Ask a Remodeler

Tim Burch

aving lived in the house since 2006, this family desperately wanted to update and modernize their home to create more comfortable and functional spaces for their everyday lives. They approached BOWA in 2019, and our design-build team developed a plan to help them tackle their renovation needs in a phased manner, with the priority being a complete kitchen renovation and screen porch addition.

The original kitchen was dated, had builder-grade finishes, lacked the sophisticated aesthetic and easy-flow the owners wanted for family gatherings and entertaining. BOWA’s design-build team set out to transform the traditionally styled house into a more contemporary, light-filled space that improves usability and connects seamlessly with the new family-friendly screen porch. The updated kitchen features custom cabinetry in Designer White with a matte finish and Rhodonite quartzite counters

with a leather finish and easededge detail. The appliances were upgraded to Wolf and Sub-Zero, and a careful plan for both ambient and task lighting adds to the functionality and appeal. A shallow tray ceiling detail was crafted to add interest and designate separate functional areas in the large kitchen. A wider-plank hardwood floor in a graphite color was installed throughout the first floor to unify and ground the spaces and provide warmth. Easily accessible from the kitchen, the new screened porch

features a linear gas fireplace with a white stone surround and an outdoor television with builtin audio—the integrated heaters and ceiling fan help extend the usable season. A staircase with a contemporary railing provides convenient access to the rear yard and a new stone patio below. Despite a highly aggressive deadline set by the client and the fact that the project began shortly before the pandemic hit, which created significant challenges due to logistics and material delays, the construction team was

able to call on their vast experience to deliver the project on time and budget. The clients are thrilled with the result. In fact, upon completion, they engaged BOWA for the second and now, third phases of their plan. Tim Burch is a Vice President and Owner of BOWA, an awardwinning design and construction firm specializing in renovations ranging from owners’ suites and kitchens to whole-house remodels and equestrian facilities. For more information, visit bowa. com or call 540-687-6771.

THE HILL SCHOOL VOTED #1 PRIVATE SCHOOL IN LOUDOUN COUNTY 2019, 2020, & 2021! Total education: academics, art, music, drama, and athletics for every student

Individualized, caring attention with a 6:1 studentteacher ratio

Outdoor science center, ponds and wetlands on our 140-acre campus

Bus service and before-and-after school care

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Junior Kindergarten through 8th Grade Middleburg, VA Since 1926

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Page 16 Middleburg Eccentric

Pastimes

• January 27, 2022

The Other Best of Lists for 2021 In Unison

Steve Chase

ast month I gave you a list of albums that held my attention in 2021. This time, let’s look at some great music websites and their best of 2021 lists that reach across the musical spectrum. I rely on some of these websites for their good musical judgement year-round, I love discovering new music. Some sites I ignore because the music they push just isn’t my thing or they’re repetitive and stale-- they are unable to get out of the music holes they have dug for themselves. Here are some music places on the Internet that I recommend, including a star rating of one to four, bad to great.

Downbeat Magazine--It’s been around since 1934, and today Downbeat is still a powerhouse information source for all things Jazz and progressive music. If you are a musician and have your recording reviewed in Downbeat, it’s a pretty big deal. If you get a five-star review in Downbeat, that is a career achievement. the magazine has a popular Listeners Poll every year with a wide range of categories, and in late December they release a Best of List for the year. My high school band teacher loved Downbeat, but I wonder if he would enjoy some if this year’s best, which reflects the ever-expanding musical reach of the Downbeat editors. I’m happy that a couple of the albums I paid

attention to this year made the top list, including Jim Snidero’s Live at the Deer Head Inn, and Kenny Garrett’s latest, Sounds from the Ancestors. I recommend checking in the Downbeat on a regular basis to find out what’s new and hot. More at downbeat.com . 4 Stars at downbeat.com . JazzWise--If you are into Jazz like I am, Jazzwise is a great place to click into. Their 2021 Best of list included some of my picks for the year, and the other recordings easily could have been on my list. The also site includes regularly updated news, reviews, and a helpful “The 100 Jazz Albums that Shook the World” list, which is a fine introduction to jazz music for you Newbs out there. Check it

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out at jazzwise.com. 4 stars. Pitchfork is one of the top music blogs out there, and they have a solid set of annual lists that cover pop, rock, jazz, electronic, a reader’s poll, and best underrated albums. The editors ensure that the selections are a variety of new artists, obscure bands, and groups that are way out there--I like that. I discovered the band Spirit of the Beehive on Pitchfork, and their new album ENTERTAINMENT, DEATH is a real humdinger. These lists will keep you busy for weeks as you scroll through and plays the bands on Spotify . 4 stars at pitchfork.com . Spotify Playlists--I like to go grassroots and hear what ordinary music lovers are listening to. I just type best of 2021 into the Spotify search box, and a ton of listener made playlists come up, enough to keep your ears busy for a year. The amount of music on Spotify is staggering, and listening to these playlists can rapidly broaden your musical palate--it doesn’t get better than this. 4 stars at spotify.com . The New York Times--I look forward every year to the NYT best of lists and their music reviews year-round. For their best of lists, they ask several critics across genres to give you their picks, and they provide a fine diversity of music for you to choose from. This year is no different; you could spend a couple of weekends going through the Spotify playlists their people create to supplement their lists. Start with this one: www.nytimes. com/2021/12/02/arts/music/bestjazz-albums.html . 31/2 stars. Metal Injection is a great site to visit when you want it loud. While they didn’t not have a 2021 wrap up, the site has a huge variety of recent album reviews, some of which are pretty darn good. You’ll hear bands like Doom Crew Inc., and Lock Up, both best listened to after five cups of triple caffeinated

Italian roast. More seriously, for metal fans, this is a fun site with enough music to keep your ears pounding for weeks. Turn it up at metalinjection.net 3 stars. Guardian Music--This UK newspaper is a must visit for a wide range of music coverage. They have an excellent annual rollup of the best albums of the year over a number of genres including pop, contemporary, jazz and folk, and they also have great reviews year-round. Check out their lists at https://www.theguardian.com/ music/series/best-music-of-2021. 3 stars. NPR Music-- One of the more disappointing annual wrap-ups for me is the NPR All Songs Considered Best of 2021 lists. The NPR music crew has been reviewing and promoting music for many years now, and yes, they can get it right occasionally. But most of the time for my ears, the selections they discuss and play are limited to the niche of hipster indy pop that has little long-term value other than they all sound the same. I mean, how much Death Cab for Cutie, WetLeg, Toth, or Palehound can we take? Bottom line, every time All Songs Considered music critic Bob Boilan has a review on Morning Edition, it’s time to put on Sirius XM...enough already, Bob. But there are bright lights at NPR, the sublime Tiny Desk Concert Series and their Jazz coverage, which is pretty solid as they rely on some smart critics such as the former NY Times and now NPR Jazz critic Nate Chinen to guide you through the year. Head over the NPR music at https://www. npr.org/sections/the-best-musicof-2021-staff-picks , if you think your ears can take it. Tiny Desk4 stars, NPR Jazz-3.5 stars, All Songs Considered-2 stars. Steve Chase is playing mandolin around the woodstove in Unison.

Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022 Page 17

Back to the Future Sincerely me

Brandy Greenwell

appy New Year, Middleburg! Usually at this time of year we are generally making

(or breaking) resolutions for the upcoming year. Survey says the most common areas where people pledge change are to save more, lose a few, exercise, dry up, and clean out. All lovely in-

tentions for the future. But what if you could Marty McFly back in time? What advice would you give your younger self to resolve?

Be nice to everyone, particularly the underdog but also the bully. Nothing is attractive about overly Aqua-netted bangs. Don’t do it. Save the Ozone Layer. You will want those eyebrows one day. Don’t over pluck no matter what look is on the cover. It’s airbrushed. Learn to establish boundaries with others and stick by them. It will be the most valuable tool in all aspects of your life. Knowing how to drive a stick shift will set you apart. Listen to the stories of your elders. Write them down. Ask for more. Fall in love with the one that broke your heart again. It’s part of your foundation. Always be truthful. Quality over quantity in everything. Take more pictures. Make photo albums when the memories are fresh. Keep a journal. Don’t eliminate doing the

stupid things. Just don’t do the ones that will get you or someone else killed. Lessons are valuable. So is life. Buy Apple stock. Lots of it. Unless you know the locale of a flux capacitor sporting Delorean in your ‘hood, I’m not hopeful for time traveling lessons of yore. But the good news is, it’s never too late (except maybe for your eyebrows and Apple stock) to start now. Take the advice you’d give to your past and make it present and future. Wishing you all blessings, peace and love in 2022.

A Small Town of Neighbors and Dogs Around the Town

Hazel Sweitzer

irst, HAPPY NEW YEAR! All of you know I love our town of Middleburg and I think for both Tom and me, we are more grateful than ever to live in a small village where everyone cares about each other. Now, don’t get me wrong, it can also get annoying. Sometimes people are nosy and at times you don’t want to share all your business with everyone. Even we dogs needs some space. Tom used to complain about how hard it used to be to get thru shopping for groceries, because he would talk to people, or be asked things. What should have been a tenminute shopping excursion took an hour. And all he wanted to was broccoli and dog treats. Well, that is not at all how Tom feels anymore. Since the Pandemic he and I both love seeing people and talking to people. We both missed people greatly. But being a part of a town where we know each other gives you a sense of community and connection and I think that is more important than ever, especially during these last two hard years. Two neighbors that we care about had major life events happen to them within the last month. It is wonderful to watch all of you humans in town come together for a purpose. First, I will be honest. I have been very sad because one of my favorite humans left town. Antwon, who worked at the Post office counter

moved onto a new job in Florida. Much warmer than here. He was always so nice. In fact, one of the kindest and most consistent humans I had ever met. That is truly how dogs learn to trust. Maybe humans too? When you meet a human who is kind, but also consistent. Consistency is everything when it comes to trust. We loved seeing him every time we got the mail. He would ask questions and sometimes even ask about me. And no matter how many times Tom forgot his key, Antwon never made us feel bad for Tom’s Covid-brain. Tom became a friend to him and on Antwon’s last day I heard Tom out loud say, “Gunna miss him.” The town even gave Antwon an award and many neighbors were moved to tears as they said goodbye to him. Our post office will be different without him. It’s say a lot about a human, that an entire town misses you. We also had a neighbor who Tom had been friends with for twenty-five years. She became very ill and had to go into the hospital. Tom considers her one of the nicest neighbors and friends he has ever had. He told me she hadn’t missed one performance of theater or music since they met. That would mean she attended over 200 events of Tom’s over the years. She also helped Tom edit his book, and she constantly asked about what she could do to help Tom out. When we found out that she was sick, Tom put a message out to then neighborhood and hundreds

of messages and gifts came in, for him to bring to her. Everyone asking how she was and sending their love. When Tom visited her, she cried about how loved she felt by her neighbors. I’m telling you that doesn’t happen

everywhere. And this dog knows. More than ever, we must think about our neighbors, and being a good neighbor. There is somebody somewhere in need of something you can give. I’ll see you all in town. Thanks

for being great neighbors! Love, Hazel

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for My Child? Let’s Talk Facts: The Pfizer vaccine has received emergency approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children’s use. The other companies are also testing vaccines for children.

What Does this Mean?

The COVID vaccine is going through the same approval process as other vaccines your children get – like measles, polio, and the flu shot. The FDA provides the most rigorous safety testing in the world. And after full approval, vaccine safety monitoring continues, so you can be sure the vaccine is safe. If you have questions, talk to your pediatrician and visit www.StayWellNoVa.com to learn more.

Protect Yourself and Your Family!

Schedule your COVID – and flu – vaccines today. Dr. Warren S. Levy, MD, FACC President & Chief Medical Officer Virginia Heart

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Page 18 Middleburg Eccentric

Pastimes

• January 27, 2022

Chinese 5-Spice Vegetable Beef Soup The Kitchen Philosophy - www.thekitchenphilosophy.com

Emily Tyler

he combination of the turnips and 5-spice powder gives this humble soup such rich flavor and the Manchego makes it hardy - Make a double batch and you will be happy to have the leftovers in the fridge - my kind of hamburger helper. Serves 4 generously 1 pound ground beef ½ cup chopped onion 1 tablespoon olive oil 1½ teaspoons Chinese 5-spice powder 1 large turnip, diced 2 large carrots, cut into ¼” coins 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced crosswise 1 14½-ounce can diced tomatoes ½ cup Tawny Port 4 cups water 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon chicken “Betterthan-Bouillon” paste 1 tablespoon kosher salt or to taste 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon lemon juice 4 ounces shredded Manchego cheese for serving

In a Dutch oven combine the onions, ground beef and olive oil Saute until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft Add the Chinese 5-spice and

stir until fragrant Add the turnip, carrots and celery and stir Add the tomatoes, port, water, bay leaf, salt and bouillon paste

and stir Simmer the soup for about 20 minutes or until all of the vegetables are tender Remove from the heat and stir

in the honey and lemon juice and taste to adjust the seasoning. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the shredded Manchego cheese and serve

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Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022 Page 19

Let’s Go Racing! Horse-Crazy

Incredible photo opportunities at the races, people watching, tailgate centerpieces, hats, scenic vistas, horses, horses, horses – Thoroughbreds galloping to their next fence: poetry in motion. Photo by Lauren R Giannin

Lauren R. Giannini

re you suffering from cabin fever? Do you crave wide-open spaces, spectacular views, and really fresh air? Are you up for some excitement? It’s time to start planning your day(s) at the races. It doesn’t matter whether you’re local or frequent visitor or an occasional tourist. because this “field trip” makes a terrific outing for family, friends and professional members of your bubble, maybe even a special date with that certain someone. It’s great fun to party out of the trunk of your car, cargo space of your SUV, or pickup truck with the requisite hinged gate on the rear end of the bed for which this nifty al fresco tradition is named. Tailgate parties demand a picnic. You and your guests are going to work up serious appetites and thirsts from all that fresh air and energy expended to socialize and cheer home the winner of each race. This means abundant food and beverages, including bottled water, perhaps a thermos or two of coffee and hot water, maybe some tea bags. Your menu can be simple: fried chicken, deviled eggs, deli platters, cold shrimp, dips, chips, hummus and salsa. Or complex and fancy: smoked salmon, scallops wrapped in crisp bacon, paté, fondue and hot entrées that require chafing dishes, someone to carve, maybe a bartender to refill drink cups. Pull items from simple and fancy—it all adds up to a feast. You can do your tailgate picnic on your own although some guests love to contribute food and drink, and some might want to help with the cost of your reserved space. Yet another option

is catering. You can treat your friends or everyone chips in to hire a local caterer to cook your favorite party foods. Once you decide how to organize your tailgate party, keep a list, even if catered: who will do what. Often it’s the little things that get left behind, like a corkscrew, but no worries. A nearby tailgate will help you with only a hint of a smile. We’ve all been there… Let’s keep it real in terms of the weather: expect extremes when racing in Virginia gets underway in early March and continues through April and May. Give your guests a “heads up” to be prepared. The best advice is to dress in layers with warmth in mind. That means gloves, waterproof coat, hat, boots, umbrellas, just in case. Don’t be fooled by the lovely morning: you might be in for brisk temps, maybe some rain, chilling wind, maybe snow. Even if the race meet takes place in April or May, it could be cold and wet or unseasonably warm. Have fun and do some shopping, on-line or in-person. Tack stores and country clothiers have all sorts of inner and outer attire to keep you prepared for all contingencies. Heads Up! Footwear: preaching to the choir here, but some race meets, especially in relatively warmer months, provide dedicated fashionistas a remarkable stage on which to strut their sartorial splendor. Walking across all that turf in stiletto heels will be hard going, especially if the ground is soft, and probably painful. Please consider sensible footwear. Out here in the country, horsey or not, boots are elemental. Most rural people end up with several pairs, especially “casual” knee-high waterproof leather boots. You can’t miss them as

they are worn proudly outside jeans or dress pants. When your outfit ends in incredibly elegant boots designed specifically to be functional and stylish for rural lifestyles, no one will notice anything else – not your hair, maybe your hat, but not what you’re wearing – not even spinach dip stuck in your teeth. They will have eyes only for your bling boots, which go with absolutely everything. Bling boots require occasional daring… Why not make it a day at the races? Thoroughbred racing on the flat and over fences is exciting from start to finish. Plus you get to see glorious equine pulchritude in the pre-race paddock parade where they are walked around the enclosure and last minute discussions take place between trainer and jockey with owners, proud and excited to watch their horse. At the call “Riders, up!”, trainers walk alongside the jockeys who spring up as if defying gravity at the touch of the trainer’s gloved hands and settle soft as a feather on the relatively small leather plate that is their racing saddles, well-secured by elastic overgirths. The horses take another turn or so while their riders make any necessary adjustments to stirrup leathers, checking that their reins are knotted just so, stirrup resting exactly where it should be on the ball of their booted foot. It is sheer poetry in motion when the paddock steward releases the horses in a particular race to follow an outrider onto the course. They stream down the homestretch, stretching their brisk canter into a nice hand gallop, their tails floating behind them. It’s a beautiful sight. The jockeys walk up their mounts up to a fence like the ones they’ll be

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jumping, stop and show it to their mounts. They stand at the timber or hurdle and look beyond it for several seconds, then turn away and continue their warming gallop to the start of the race. They circle the starter person, usually on foot with a flag… until the starter deems the field of horses is lined up as evenly as possible for a fair start and drops the flag as Will O’Keefe thrills the crowd with his enthusiastic “AND THEY’RE OFF!!!!!” Point-to-points are hosted by hunts and the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) governs sanctioned races, which are graded according to the amount of purse money. Both run timber, hurdle and flat races over the natural terrain of various racecourses located in spectacularly scenic settings in the heart of Virginia Hunt Country. Lots of photo opportunities, so make sure your batteries can last the day. You’ll find schedule and contact information for several spring months of weekend jump racing by clicking the Calendar tab (Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Valley) at Central Entry Office and by scrolling down the National Steeplechase home page to just below the red “Need To Know” sign and NSA Network Livestream button and click the red See Full Schedule. Ask the hosting organization about covid precautions. It’s a simple courtesy to keep masks handy if you socialize outside your usual bubble and better safe than sorry. The 2022 steeplechase season in Virginia begins with point-topoint racing sponsored by Rappahannock Hunt on Saturday, March 5, at Larry Levy’s The Hill Farm just outside Culpeper on Sperryville Turnpike. The card offers timber and flat rac-

ing on the relatively new course whose debut took place in March 2020, right before shutdown. Half way through 2019, Levy decided to revive his hunt’s races, which had not run since 2008. The longtime rural and horse sports enthusiast put his farm into conservation easement about 10 years ago to protect The Hill for future generations. Levy knew exactly where to build his course. The views are beautiful. Reserved parking and general admission have hillsides, like natural grandstands, which allow spectators to see almost every stride of the course, all the timber fences and just about everything in between. Call soon for reserved tailgate spaces and general admission. There will be two food trucks on the grounds. For out-of-towners: just to the west of The Hill and on the same side: Boston’s general store with gas pump and deli counter. Celebrate the sporting rites of spring – lots of choices, Saturdays and two Sundays: Rappahannock PTP - March 5; Warrenton PTP - March 19; Piedmont PTP - March 26; Old Dominion PTP - April 9; Blue Ridge PTP - April 17 Sunday, Middleburg Spring (Glenwood Park) - April 23; Loudoun PTP - April 24 Sunday; Foxfield Spring (Charlottesville) - April 30; Middleburg PTP (Glenwood Park) - May 1; Virginia Gold Cup (Great Meadow), May 7. Hope to see you at the races! For calendar, contact information, results, standings and much more: centralentryoffice.com Ditto NSA racing: nationalsteeplechase.com

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Page 20 Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022

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Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022 Page 21

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Page 22 Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022

Opinion - Letters@middleburgeccentric.com

Kudos to the Town of Middleburg

Kudos to the Town of Middleburg. This week marks a significant step forward, a new Town Hall’s groundbreaking. After watching this Town grow, stretch and change for the last 40 years, I am proud to call Middleburg home. As the Town continues to forge its way through and plan for what lay ahead, the future is bright.

Letter from The Plains

categorized as light and heavy rare earth materials. The heavier ones are more difficult and more We live in an age of serious expensive to refine and are climate change and the urgent therefore more expensive. need to reduce green house The United States has to gases. So does coal have a future in this new world of ours? The end China’s monopoly. It’s answer is a resounding “Yes”. that simple. This is a national This seems inherently wrong and strategic issue. It cannot be contradictory. There is possible ignored by delaying major policy life in American coal in ways that actions, supporting the massive were hitherto totally unknown investment required and setting by most, and unpredicted by up the necessary government the technically savvy. But first, architecture with the right let’s all think about the rare highly qualified technically and earth elements issues raised financially capable people. These in the December Letter. Most are not tasks for the average will never have heard of, or run of the mill government ever had any need to know of, civil servant. It’s a little like the the Mountain Pass mine (MP Manhattan Project. Only the best Materials is the corporate name) and the brightest will do. No in California. This is the United more, no less. States’ one and only “technology We need to expand mining minerals gold mine”, but without and refining The process is traditional gold. This 60 years extraordinarily complex: X-Ray old mine has our nation’s highest fluorescence is used with GPS concentration of rare earth coordinates to determine the elements. All and every future presence of rare earth elements in electric vehicle, wind turbines, the boulders fed into the grinders. your smartphone, a host of Mines are in business to make a critical medical equipment, fiber profit. The money makers are optic cables, every conceivable the materials that go into the type and application of high manufacture of high performance performance magnets need these magnets – Neodymium (Nd), rare earth elements. dysprosium (Dy) and samarium China has a monopoly of (Sm) are three key materials that processing and refining 16 out of most people have naturally never the 17 rare earth elements from heard of. But, they are critical for the basic source material. Green all our well being. energy systems and technology Boulders are reduced to such as wind turbines and electric 100-micron particles, and various vehicles are totally dependent on chemical processes yield the rare these materials. The good news is earth materials from the massive that we here in the United States waste. The rare earth materials have an abundance of what are Anthony Wells

The people who rose and are doing and have done their civic duties for this Town need to take great solace in the fantastic fiscal thriving community it has become. Thank you, and keep up the excellent work as we move through the next 40 years. Never forget where you came from and always keep your eyes on the horizon.

float to the top. The United States has to, as a matter of urgency, to both encourage and support the building of refining facilities in those areas where it is known rare earth elements exist in abundance. For example, Round Top Mine near to El Paso, Texas, is getting on board. Investors recognize that, for examples, lithium and gallium, are critical in the semi conductor chips without which the 5G systems and their successors, could not exist. So where is coal in all this? There are rare earth minerals in our nation’s abundant coal seams. The US department of Energy has found rare earth elements for examples in Illinois, Northern Appalachia, Central Appalachia, the Rocky Mountain, and in the Anthracite regions of Pennsylvania. The National Energy Technology Laboratory has found typically in these regions rare earth elements deposit s of in excess of 300 parts per million. Kentucky, for example, can potentially witness a total revitalization of its coal mines. A new technology, “Tornado in a Can”, pulverizes coal into a fine dust and then spins the powder to separate the rare earth elements, thus without “burning the coal to obtain the ashes”, clearly a negative, non green process. This is American brain power and investment at work. The coal seams also contain lithium. We all now know how critical lithium is in our

daily lives. American coal has therefore a new and critical lease of life. The by products of the latest green energy steel manufacturing are rare earth minerals, especially a high concentration of thorium used in manufacturing nuclear fuels. This is just one example of where the United States can in due course create the ways and means to meet the global demand for rare earth minerals, a massive and long term investment that will yield high profits in overseas sales, improving our balance of payments and challenging Chinese dominance in this critical domain. A whole new era should commence where new mines and processing plants are opened in the United States. Eccentric readers should know that the Chinese back in 1987 made it clear that rare earth elements would be the backbone of manufacturing. In the electric vehicle market alone we could see, potentially, where Chinese indigenous demand restricts their exports to the huge detriment of importing nations’ manufacturing bases. The Middle East was once the focus of the politics of oil and its myriad energy sources for all the things that everyone needs. This has changed, and now we face a new challenge. The London based Polar Research and Policy Initiative has recommended that the Five Eyes Intelligence community set its sights on Greenland’s rare earth minerals. Greenland is believed to hold

Americans Would Pay a Heavy Price for Amnesty Mark Thies

Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill are scrambling to find a way to amnesty illegal immigrants in their nearly $2 trillion budget bill. The Senate parliamentarian, who decides what provisions can and can’t be included in the bill that’s being advanced under the filibuster-proof “reconciliation” process, shot down their first two proposals. So now, lawmakers are proceeding with “Plan C” -- which would grant illegal immigrants “parole,” a status that gives illegal immigrants work permits and a reprieve from deportation, without immediately granting them green cards. Lawmakers are also plotting

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to expand legal immigration levels. All told, their current plan would increase the number of immigrants living and working in this country by several million people at a minimum. Such rapid growth will put immense strain on our resources, both financial and natural, and the ensuing damage to our environment threatens to set progress there back by a generation or more. Our country is not underpopulated by any reasonable reckoning. Schools are already overcrowded, especially for young children. California, for instance, would need to build a new school every day for five years to provide class sizes of 15-19 students. Over

the next 50 years, immigration is set to account for 96% of the increase in school-age children. Mass migration is making life more difficult -- and expensive -- for working-class citizens. Just like everyone else, migrants need a roof over their heads -- so they compete against low-income Americans for our scarce supply of rental housing. Nationally, the median rent has surged over 16% since January, in part because of competition from new arrivals. Environmental groups pretend to be blissfully unaware that adding so many people to the population does irreparable harm to the environment. Transportation is another example: more people mean more cars, gas or electric, creating

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more traffic and more emissions (electric cars pollute too -- albeit at the power plant, rather than the tailpipe). More development requires the clearing of woods and fields to make way for pavement and parking lots. Federal data shows that around 90% of open space lost in the past decade -- both urban and rural -can be attributed to population growth. Yes, more and more of our unique outdoor heritage is being lost. This sprawl comes with serious environmental and health consequences, threatening wetlands critical for clean water and flood protection as well as harming endangered species. The American Southwest, in particular, faces a dystopian future of water shortages as its

the world’s largest deposits of undeveloped rare earth materials. China has already invested in Greenland, through a China backed Australian company, Greenland Minerals. This is the “Kvanefjeld” project. The Greenland government is working hard to stop this project. More than 60% of the world’s solar panels are made in China, and by 2023 China is projected to produce 13 million electric vehicles. In 1992 Deng Xiaoping said, “The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths”. This is a simple and profound statement and we ignore it at our peril. President Biden’s policy for green energy is totally dependent on rare earth minerals. Wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles cannot function without them. In my humble opinion it is a matter of national priority that the President leads in a new rare earth materials strategy and implementation plan for the United States. We can do it. The United States can regain the high ground and become the world leader in rare earth minerals, their mining, refining, and incredible applications across the human experience. Happy New Year to all Eccentric readers and their families and friends. Let’s all march onwards and upwards in 2022 and, if not already, please do be vaccinated. Anthony Wells.

population skyrockets. Lake Powell just above the Grand Canyon is now at 29% of capacity, an all-time low, an astounding 156 feet below full capacity. Poll after poll shows that amnesty is unpopular -- as we all see right before our very eyes that such an unsustainable flood of migrants is worsening the quality of life for all. The only question is whether our leaders will grow backbones before it’s too late. Mark Thies, Ph.D. is an Engineering Professor at Clemson University whose research is focused on energy and sustainability. This piece originally ran in The Hill.

Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022 Page 23

Obituaries

Phillip Swing Thomas hillip Thomas passed away on December 16, 2021 after a lengthy illness. He was born on October 15, 1934 to Mary Margaret Swing and C. Reed Thomas. A fifth-generation resident of Loudoun County, Virginia he also boasted that he had roots in California. His maternal grandfather was the six term California Congressman Philip David Swing. Winfal Farm in Oakton,Virginia was home until the family relocated to their Ovoka Farm at Paris, Virginia in 1948. Life at Ovoka Farm is where Mr. Thomas nurtured a passion for hunt country of Northern Virginia. A recently unearthed birth certificate reveals that his mother chose the name Phil and not the name Phillip which he preferred. Unlike his grandfather, he preferred the spelling with two L’s. Probably did not matter to most because he was almost always addressed simply as, Mr. T. His education at Augusta Military Academy prepared him well. Mr. T. often joked that Augusta Military Academy was chosen because it specialized in “backward and wayward boys”. His school records are evidence that Phillip was no great academic, but he was a refined marksman and excelled at Epee fencing. And he was adored by his instructors. Upon graduation he joined the Marines. He served at Parris Island, Camp Lejeune,

and aboard numerous ships. He was immensely proud of his military record. His longevity in the area made him uniquely qualified as he began a career in country real estate. With borrowed money and a shared desk, the basement of The Middleburg Bank building became his first office and he founded Thomas & Talbot Real Estate in 1967 in the building where it stands today. He quickly realized he possessed a skill for matching a person with a property to buy. Many sales were accomplished after only a single showing, so keen was his intuition. As the years passed, he became well invested in Middleburg and he enthusiastically shared with others all he knew that was good and special about these environs. Mr. T. believed that to know a place is to be the one who enters through its kitchen door. This enthusiasm drew clients who were professional and amateur equestrians, celebrities as well as the common man. All were treated with like and diligent attention. Mr. T spent his entire life in step with Middleburg, a person synonymous with the place itself. Although Middleburg is renowned for its equestrian sports, he was not an avid rider, and he often joked, “If they told me to get outta town before sundown (by horse) I could do it!” He respected both the

William Standley Stokes, IV illiam Standley Stokes, IV, of Alexandria and Upperville, VA, a widely-respected business consultant with a background in international trade and national security issues as well as a loving partner, father, son and brother, passed away on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022. He was 57. Mr. Stokes was born on Jan. 5, 1964 in Washington, D.C. to William S. (Tommy) Stokes III (deceased) and Mary Stokes. He was a graduate of The Hill School in Middleburg, Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire and the College of William & Mary in Virginia. He also pursued graduate studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University and studied at the University of Trier in Germany and Georgetown University. Mr. Stokes was considered a brilliant critical thinker and spoke German well enough to get himself into serious trouble. He launched his career in Washington, working at think tanks that eventually led him into business consulting. Over the years he worked with a number of U.S. and international clients

to address their business, human resources and leadership needs. An exceptional connector and people person, he was the founder and chairman of the Washington Network Group (WNG), a Washington-based organization of senior-level executives and professionals from the private, public and independent sectors. The WNG membership includes leaders in companies, professional service firms, associations, and nonprofit organizations, multilateral institutions, the Congress, government agencies, foreign embassies, and the media. He also served as a leadership development coach and mentor to numerous organizations, including the BMW Foundation’s RESPOND Accelerator, the Founder Institute, Accelerate Athens, and the Exonian Mentors program of Phillips Exeter Academy. He is a BMW Foundation Responsible Leader and a past BMW TransAtlantic Forum (TAF) Fellow. Additionally, he served as a Professional Networks Leader for the College of William & Mary. Mr. Stokes is a past board member of the George C.

client and the land. Many will remember him as a respected business owner, one-man welcoming committee, and goodwill ambassador for the Town of Middleburg. But he was also presented the 2001 Piedmont Environmental Council’s Land Conservation Award for the preservation of nearly two thousand acres in the Paris valley. One of Phil’s original sales agents said “It was good to learn from the best. You knew he was right.” A poster hangs in the offices of Thomas & Talbot that reads, “Earth, this is God! I want all you people to clear out before the end of the month. I have a client who’s interested in the property.” Mr. T had both taste and style. Rarely was he seen out of his daily uniform. An average day consisted of knife-creased khakis, a blue blazer with custom buttons and a tie. A tie was de rigueur. His tweed jacket with suede elbow patches and wide wale corduroys signaled the start of foxhunting season. For Mr. T, foxhunting meant the preservation of Middleburg’s open space; he also demonstrated that the hunt breakfast was an important aspect of the sport! He was frequently seen exiting through the Chinese red door of the stylish offices of Thomas & Talbot as he prepared to stroll about town engaging locals in conversation. Prior to its closure, The Coach Stop was a frequent destination for lunch. He would

hold court in the front booth. One friend stated, “When I first met Phil he scared the hell out of me, but I learned that underneath that gruff exterior was a real softie who was kind, wanted to help where appropriate, and I loved the twinkle in his eye when he smiled or laughed”. Mr. T was a selfproclaimed curmudgeon, and admitted on many occasions to being a bit grouchy. Regardless, many have said, “Phil was really good to me”. He was quietly generous and a mentor to many. Discovered among his personal belongings were a treasure trove of greeting cards and meaningful personal letters he received over the decades. Obviously, sentimental too. Mr. Thomas was immensely attached to his in-town home, identified by many people as ‘the house behind the wall’, which he named Ceilidh. Ceilidh is Gaelic for ‘welcome’ or ‘party’, although Mr. Thomas was known to use the anachronous word,

‘hoedown’. Ceilidh was a house he curated and loved for half a century. Many are aware of his love affair with his house, a place he decorated and tended with utter joy often outshining the hired design professionals. The doors were frequently opened for holiday parties and hoedowns. He married his wife Patti 32 years ago in the boxwood garden of the residence. It was also in his beloved home that he departed this existence on December 16, 2021. Despite his illness that took from him so much, he never lost his wit. He had absolute recall of his military serial number, his childhood dog, and fondly remembered his lifelong friends and cohorts. He was grateful for what he described as “a short life”. Per his wishes, his treasured garden at Ceilidh will host a reception in the Spring. In addition to his wife Patti, Mr. Thomas is survived by his sons, Richard and Phillip Jr..

Marshall International Center (GCMIC), the World Affairs Council of Washington (executive committee), the Phillips Exeter Academy Alumni Association of Washington (president), and The Hill School Alumni Association (president). He was a founding member of First Tuesday Washington, RecruitDC, and the International Business Council of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. He served on the board of directors of the German-American Business Association (GABA) and was director of the Manfred-WoernerSeminar for German-American understanding, a leading transatlantic exchange program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. Mr. Stokes leaves a lasting legacy of leadership and loving relationships and lived his life fully and lovingly every minute, to the very last day. His family and anyone who knew him will recall and miss his bright mind, quick wit, love of music, gardens, travel, the farm and horse racing. He loved the outdoors and being in nature, and was well-known for his generosity, empathy, devotion to civility and social impact, a winning smile, unforgettable

laugh, and twinkling blue eyes. Mr. Stokes is survived by his mother, Mary Merchant Stokes, of Upperville; his brother, Claiborne Merchant Stokes of Mobile, AL(Leder Lamar); sister Stormy Buchanan Dudley (Philip) of Upperville; his son, Will Stokes of Arlington, VA; his beloved life partner, Cathy Puskar of Alexandria, VA and nieces and nephews, Peter, Thomas and Forbes, Clara Leder and Tommy. The visitation will be held on Thursday, January 20th from

4pm-7pm at Everly Wheatley funeral home, 1500 W.Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22302. The funeral will be held on Friday, January 21st at 1pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 9108 John S. Mosby Hwy, Upperville, VA followed by a reception at Buchanan Hall, 8549 John S. Mosby Hwy, Upperville, VA 20184. Donations in Mr. Stokes memory may be made to Buchanan Hall and The Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association.

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~ Be Local ~

Page 24 Middleburg Eccentric

• January 27, 2022

WANT TO MAKE THINGS JUMP IN 2022? CALL CRICKET LD

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4+ acres $1,195,000 Middleburg – A turn key property located minutes east of the historic village of Middleburg. The home has been meticulously renovated with no details spared. Property is fully fenced and includes a swimming pool, pergola and mature gardens.

.45 acres $1,200,000 Middleburg – Charming cottage stylishly renovated w/4 BRs / 2.5 BAs. Detached 1-car garage w/ 1 BR / 1BA guest house. Fenced back yard, mature landscaping, rear flagstone terrace, vegetable bed & chicken coop. Enjoy hamlet life where you can walk to town.

5+ acres $755,000 Unison – Turnkey horse farm located just outside the historic village of Unison in western Loudoun County. Unique log home offers today’s desired open floor plan with 3 main level BRs and a lower level apartment. Barn and Paddocks.

Cricket Bedford (540) 229-3201 Real Estate Professional As one of the top selling agents in the area, Cricket views every property as it is—unique. She instinctively knows exactly what it takes to successfully match buyers and sellers. Add experience, perseverance and personality to the equation and there you have Cricket Bedford. Get a jump on the Spring market, call Cricket.

THOMAS & TALBOT ESTATE PROPERTIES

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