Middleburg Eccentric December 2021 by Middleburg Eccentric, LLC.

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Think Local Middleburg’s Communit Community Newspaper Middleburg’s y Newspaper

Volume 18 Issue 9

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

History comes to life

Page 12

Christmas in Middleburg Giving back, the fabric that binds Us Middleburg non-profits

Payton Vogan

Continued Page 8

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he Middleburg community is a vibrant place to live. Every day, Middleburg provides unity, familiarity, joy, and tradition. Consequently, many feel it is their duty to give back to those in and around the community. Many local nonprofits emphasize this benevolence. For instance, nonprofits like Windy Hill, A Place to Be, and Seven Loaves work to help those in need. These local nonprofits also provide opportunities for the greater community to support their missions. For example, people can: volunteer, donate, and help with fundraisers. By doing their part, members of the community aid in fostering connections and compassion within Middleburg. Windy Hill is a local foundation in Middleburg. Its mission is to provide housing and other opportunities to low-income families. Windy Hill started its journey as a nonprofit back in 1981 when they renovated The Cottages on Windy Hill Road. Associate Director, Lisa Capraro, remarks how “Windy Hill has

grown since then to now house over 800 people” (Capraro). It currently has 310 units of housing within and around Middleburg. This significant growth illustrates the dedication of those involved with Windy Hill. Recently, Windy Hill “focused on resident’s basic needs including housing, making sure they have access to utility assistance, and food” (Capraro). Additionally, they take “the safety and wellness of [their] residents into consideration, especially the older adults at Levis Hill House, and [make] sure they [have] access to vaccines and masks, and socially safe activities” (Capraro). These initiatives are crucial in helping those within the Middleburg Community. Additionally, they partner with other nonprofits, meaning many people across Loudoun depend on Windy Hill. Thus, volunteering is critical to the Foundation. Lisa Capraro comments that Windy Hill has “a core group of volunteers” who they can depend on for specific programs. They also have additional programs that focus on cooking food, tutoring, arts and crafts, and mentoring. Windy Hill is even hiring a new volun-

Page 2 Middleburg Eccentric

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News of Note

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 3

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC returns to Middleburg

or the fourth time, Middleburg’s Emmanuel Episcopal Church welcomes an ensemble of The Gay Men’s Chorus as part of the At The Parish House performing arts series. The chorus will send their brilliant troupe “Seasons of Love” to deliver a variety of pop and show tunes guaranteed to lift spirits and get folks humming all the way home. This award-winning chorus has thrilled audiences close to home and as far away as Ukraine for over 40 years. They’ve performed at two presidential inaugurations and average over 100 outreach performances a year. The performance takes place on Sunday, January 30, 3 p.m. at the Emmanuel Parish House, 105 East Washington Street in Middleburg. Reservations are recommended but not required donation of $20 is suggested travel expenses, but no one and proof of Covid vaccina- formance awaits you! (540-687-6297). A free-will to help cover the Chorus’s will be turned away! Masks tion please. A thrilling per-

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

News of Note

Direct Primary Care Physician with local ties Opens Office in Warrenton

ara Kepple, D.O. opened the door to the new office of her Direct Primary Care Practice. She began accepting patients in January 2021 and finds her practice is growing quickly as people experience the convenience of true access to their primary care physician. Dr. Kepple prioritizes genuine patient advocacy with high standards of quality care and lower costs. “This is not concierge care,” said Dr. Kepple, founder of Prosperity Family Medicine. “This is Direct Primary Care, a medical business model that provides real access to your primary care physician. By limiting the number of patients the practice will serve, and working as a partner in the patient’s overall health

objectives, people will find that it provides them with a more integrated approach to their traditional medical needs.” Patient Community Impact Many patients have already discovered that Direct Primary Care provides them with timely in-person appointments and the ability to communicate and discuss their concerns with Dr. Kepple quickly. Appointments take place promptly upon arrival without additional time spent in the waiting room. Patients come in for a variety of reasons including routine preventative screening, chronic disease management, and acute illness. As with any primary care practice, patients’ needs vary but all the traditional primary care concerns can be addressed by Dr. Kepple.

“I studied various medical practice models extensively,” said Dr. Kepple, “and I knew this was the way I wanted to practice medicine because it gives my patients personal and accessible primary care. Using this structure means that I can include office visits, house calls, virtual visits, and quick consults over phone, email, and even text.” Direct Primary Care For those unfamiliar with the Direct Primary Care model, it is a membership model that is rapidly growing in popularity with primary care physicians and patients alike, with monthly fees ranging from $70-120 per month. Dr. Kepple uses age-based tiered pricing, with most patients paying $80 per month. The monthly fee includes appointments, house

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calls, virtual visits and phone consultations as needed, as well as an annual conversation and check-up to maintain timely information on each patient. When indicated, referrals to specialists and referrals for diagnostic imaging, such as mammograms, are also part of the relationship. Things like sports physicals and back to school physicals are included. The number of patients in the practice is limited to ensure everyone has ease of access to their primary care doctor. About Dr. Kepple After graduating from George Mason University with a degree in Neuroscience, Kepple took a year to explore equestrian training in Middleburg before attending Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 2020, she completed a three-year compre-

hensive family medicine residency in South Carolina and returned to the Northern Virginia area where she is currently working in a premier concierge practice in Reston, Virginia. Her experience in a fast-paced urgent care setting and in a concierge practice has reinforced her belief that creating a direct primary care practice is what is best for her patients. She wants to help people learn about and participate in their wellness and and maintains the objective to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms and illnesses. Prosperity Family Medicine is located at 32 Waterloo Street in Suite 105 on the ground floor. More information about Dr. Kepple and her practice can be found at www.prosperityfamilymedicine.com

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 5

SPROUTS Dream Big 10 Year Anniversary Gala

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abilities. Sprout works to bring hope, healing, empowerment and recovery through partnerships with horses and a community of believers.

PE N

Sprout is dedicated to providing therapy, adaptive recreation, high-quality individualized instruction, supported volunteerism, employment and community for individuals with dis-

eye to be found! With the conclusion of the impact video, the “Raise the Paddle” portion of the evening where guests donated directly to horse sponsorships and the program. From Sprout’s start in 2010, the goal was to ensure that services were accessible to all, regardless of financial means. The specific goal of each gala is to host a high-impact fundraiser that not only generates critical revenue, but also increases awareness about the mission by bringing donors to the barn to experience the true impact of their kindness. Kindness, selflessness and compassion were abundant amongst all in attendance (with friends from far away even calling in by phone to give), resulting in ALL 18 of the Sprout Horses being sponsored, in addition to raising much needed funds for the students and program(s). The event was SO successful, that it raised over $600,000 to support current operations and move the mission forward into its next decade of service! The evening concluded with guests enjoying coffee and dessert while they danced the evening away to the sounds of Deja Gruv, a ten-piece band based out of Washington, D.C.. Guests also enjoyed “Dream Big” cookies as a takeaway, baked and lovingly decorated by Stevi’s Cookies. The event would not be possible without the generosity and support of the “Dream Big” sponsors: The Presenting Sponsor, Double Wood Farm, Susan Fitzgerald and Associates, Pristine Acres, Embrace Home Loans, Tri-Sept Corporation, Sabey Data Centers, The DeTemple/O’Brien Family, The Spadafore Family, The Jaeger Family, Utopia, Aiken & Company, PC and Quality Buildings & Supplies. We also would like to thank our partners: Solace Brewery, Greenhill Vineyards, Bella Villa Antiques and Vintage Rentals, The Scout Guide Hunt Country, Tara Jelenic Photography and Damewood Auctioneers. We are grateful for your support and generosity of our program!

he first statement of Sprout’s Founder and Executive Director’s Impact speech perfectly summed up the organization’s “Dream Big” 10 Year Anniversary Gala. After a decade of serving the community - the organization chose to honor their milestone with forward-thinking rather than pats on the back. This mindset allowed the organization to “sprout” from rather humble beginnings and grow into a community-serving powerhouse in its first ten years of operation. Held on September 25 at Sprout’s barn in Aldie, the event honored the largest member of Sprout’s herd, horse of the year “Duke” with a night to impress and feelings of love, gratitude, togetherness and inspiration were palpable. Guests (215 in attendance) were greeted as family as they celebrated the many dreams that are now reality because of a community who chose to believe. As a nod to the “Dream Big” theme, the Sprout facility was transformed into an enchanted forest. The barn was decorated with crystal chandeliers, a hallway filled with gold-framed photos displaying 10 years of Sprout and framed portions of the gala manifesto. The barn was filled to the brim with beautiful greenery from liriope around the bars, to multiple cryptomeria trees to oak trees installed right in the middle of the main event floor! Guests arrived at a stunning garden trail (and photo backdrop) into the facility. Once in the barn, they enjoyed champagne and cocktails and visited with some of the Sprout Horses of Hope. As they entered the main event area (the riding ring fully covered with wood!), they enjoyed a robust silent auction featur-

ing unique pieces of jewelry to equestrian items to beautiful artwork and experiences and more! Hors d’oeuvres and dinner were provided by Rochelle Myers Catering and beverages provided by partners Greenhill Vineyards and Solace Brewing. Guests also enjoyed specialty cocktails, “The Duke”, a bourbon old fashioned and the “Dreamer” – a prosecco/lemon cocktail with fresh rosemary. As the program began, guests enjoyed dinner and welcoming remarks by Presenting Sponsor, Double Wood Farm, who then introduced Chairman of the Board, Susan Fitzgerald. Executive Director, Brooke Waldron, then delivered the impact speech noting, “Sprout is WHO we are, A COMMUNITY of people who help one another reach the highest, truest expression of ourselves, whose dream is to live without limits.” She told the story of Sprout’s therapy horse Duke, who overcame severe colic and continues to serve (now at 26 years of age). Remarking that, “We thought Duke was done. That he accomplished his goal. But as usual, horses show us the way. Duke showed us that he WASN’T done... he was merely at an inflection point... and that he was made for more. All in attendance were inspired by Duke’s story and then were able to honor his service, as he was brought out onto the floor by Sprout Director of Operations, Anna Koopman, in all of his glory. The live auction part of the evening kicked off, starting with auctioning off two magnum bottles of champagne for $1200 each! Guests then bid on experiences spanning from a private villa in Mexico, a Mardi-Gras float weekend experience, a trip to Napa, a trip to Disney as well as a private dinner in the wine room at iRicchi Restaurant in Washington, DC. Once the live auction finished, Sprout student, Kate Batson, then introduced the 2021 Impact Video and as one looked around, you could see that there was not a dry

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News of Note

Bay Watching

Robert Banner

o you love rockfish? How about crabs? I sure do, but oysters top the list. I’m not ashamed to admit I can wolf down scores of them in a single sitting. The King Street Oyster Bar in the center of Middleburg gets plenty from everywhere, but their Sweet Jesus selects come directly from the Chesapeake Bay. I sat there with friends during the Middleburg Christmas parade and lost count of the number I devoured. As I enjoyed the feast, I wondered how things were going in the Bay. While we may appreciate living so close to a resource like the Bay, balancing our life on land with the life in the water is tough. In the last decade, the states surrounding the Bay have done substantial work to improve the water quality that feeds it, but where are we today? Are our programs working? Can we expect marine harvests to grow? Remain stable? Or decline, as water quality tips the scales? I decided to check a few sources and let you know what I learned. Recently, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation reported that various programs had, in fact, slightly reduced the loathsome dead spot. The dead spot is created when fertilizer washes out of fields and into the streams and rivers feeding the Bay in the

form of phosphorous and nitrogen. The fertilizers do the same thing in the water that they do on the land. But instead of growing crops, they promote algae. As the algae grow and die, it consumes oxygen where no marine life can live … hence, the dead spot. The water can recover, but we’re chasing our tail unless we reduce the runoff. The CBF reports that by spring 2021, we may have made progress. Then summer came. Temperatures rose, and remnants of Hurricane Ida brought torrential rains and flooding. Washouts brought more nutrient pollution to the dead spot, and spiking temps incubated the milieu, reversing any gains made in the spring. The dead spot metrics, measured by the Chesapeake Bay Monitoring Program (including several federal agencies, ten academic institutions, and more than 30 scientists) showed, at best, we were treading water at best. Overall, the 2021 dead zone lasted over 89% of those recorded over the past 36 years. I ask if extreme weather events persist or grow worse, is climate change our worst enemy? After this summer, before a storm of horrific tornados hit Kentucky and nine other states, 1 in 3 Americans (100 million people) had suffered the effects of extreme weather. The takeaway? Climate change directly affects

us all. If it has not affected you personally, it soon will. After a season of hurricanes, floods, fires, and tornadoes, I saw Becoming Cousteau’s documentary. It was featured at the Middleburg Film Festival. MFF always presents well-timed, provocative work. Becoming Cousteau is the story of the visionary who took us all underwater by inventing the Aqua-Lung. His TV series, “The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau,” reached millions but lost support when his message became too dark and foreboding. Obsessed with the devastation our lifestyles have dumped in the sea, he preached that we take immediate action. That was 1992 … nearly 30 years ago. He died in 1997. Realistically, reversing climate change at this point is like

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turning the Titanic. But concerning the Bay, we are taking action. In 2005, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality developed a plan to reduce agricultural runoff (nutrient pollution) by planting banks of trees that filter the runoff with their root systems before it gets to a tributary. That way, the nutrients stay where you want them, not where you don’t. That’s what our company does. We plant the trees on your farm and share the valuable nutrient credits with you. In addition, we deliver the benefit that photosynthesis creates (carbon sequestration) and share carbon credits with you, too. Everyone wins by planting more trees. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation promotes numerous programs committed to facing the challenge. But what can you do right here in Middleburg? Rick

Allison, the owner of King Street Oyster Bar, works with the Oyster Recovery Program in Annapolis. They focus on seeding more oysters in deeper, cleaner water, a piece of the puzzle. I’m certainly not Jacques Cousteau, but I implore you to take action now like him. Cleaning the water and air is everyone’s job, and maybe now, you’re ready to ask, “What can I do?” What can you do that a government agency is not? Grow more trees … like there is no tomorrow. Robert Banner is Senior Project Officer at ACRE Investment Management in The Plains, VA. ACRE is a full-service platform helping landowners develop all the ecological assets on their property. Reach him at rob@ acre-investment.com.

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 7

Land Trust of Virginia Receives Grant from Virginia Environmental Endowment contributed to the hiring of two additional staff members, a Communications & Education Manager, and an additional Stewardship Associate. As LTVs portfolio of easements has expanded, so does critical stewardship work. With a larger team, LTV will be more responsive to current landowners, new landowners, and to conservation easement inquiries. The long-term sustainability of successful land conservation relies on maximizing opportunities to edu-

he Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) is pleased to announce they have been awarded a one year grant from the Virginia Environmental Endowment (VEE). As of Nov. 1, 2021, $20,000 has been awarded to LTV for their program titled Expanding the Elements of the Land Trust of Virginia’s Core Work. “LTV’s core work includes three programs,” said Sally Price, LTV’s executive director. “Conservation easement acquisition, easement stewardship, and public education of conservation easements. In the past 18 months our work in all three areas has expand-

cate the wider public about easements and there was evident need for LTV to hire a full-time staff member dedicated to communication and education. LTV holds more conservation easements than any other private land trust in Virginia. Founded in 1992, LTV was one of the first 54 land trusts (of more than 1,700 across the country) to be accredited by the Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission in 2009, one of the

first 45 land trusts to be reaccredited in 2014, and then one of only 28 land trusts across the country to be reaccredited again in 2019. The accredited status means LTV meets the highest standards for excellence and conservation permanence. To remain accredited a land trust has to successfully complete the application every five years, which LTV has done. For more information about their work, please visit http:// www.landtrustva.org.

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ed, prompting us to apply for funding from VEE to increase our capacity to continue performing high-quality land conservation.” The mission of the Virginia Environmental Endowment is to improve the quality of the environment by using its capital, expertise, and resources to encourage all sectors to work together to prevent pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote environmental literacy. When combined with matching funds, VEE has stimulated or assisted with over $120 million in environmental improvements since its beginnings in 1977. Funding from this grant has

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News of Note

Giving back, the fabric that binds Us Middleburg non-profits - By Payton Vogan - Continued from page 1

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teer coordinator with hopes to have “even more engagement with members of the community” (Capraro). However, volunteering is not the only way those in the community can help. Donating to Windy Hill through their annual gala helps them reach their Annual Giving goal. The annual gala is a fundraiser to help fund Windy Hill’s services and programs. It is a huge party that many look forward to attending. Lisa Capraro goes on to emphasize, “it is a lot to live up to, but somehow we pull it off every year” (Capraro). Volunteering, donating, and participating in Windy Hill’s fundraisers are excellent ways to give back. Doing so is necessary to maintain a caring, united community. Lisa Capraro concludes that “[w] e are all fortunate in our own ways and the best way to give thanks is to give back in whatever means we can. For myself, it is through dedication to an organization that makes a real impact. We can all contribute in a myriad of ways to make the community function the best for everyone who lives here” (Capraro). Mrs. Capraro said it perfectly, as members of the community, it is our job to give back in the ways we can. Further, Windy Hill provides the perfect opportunity to do so. Another local nonprofit that contributes to the community is A Place to Be. A Place to Be began 12 years ago. Their mission is to improve lives through music therapy and performances. They are centered in Middleburg and provide opportunities in Loudoun and Fairfax counties. Co-Founder and Creative Director, Tom Sweitzer, says that recently “we gave 6 months of free Teletherapy during the pandemic to ‘high-risk’ students from Loudoun County Public Schools” (Sweitzer). This initiative illustrates A Place to Be’s passion for reaching out and helping others. Further, their goals are to encourage acceptance and love in the community. They “offer a place for families who have a child or family who has a disability or difference, a place to learn independence, express themselves, and a community that cares and values them as being fully human” (Sweitzer). Having a safe place is a critical part of everyone’s life. A Place to Be provides this comfort and freedom of expression in the community. One way the community can support A Place to Be is by volunteering. Volunteering changed during the pandemic. Thus, A Place to Be is just beginning to return to in-person volunteering. They welcome new volunteers and helpers from the community. Additionally, people can donate on their website, par-

ticipate in shows, and go to recitals. Tom Sweitzer comments, “this community has wrapped their arms around our mission and our families and for that I am very grateful” (Sweitzer). It is essential to support nonprofits like A Place to Be as a community. Lastly, Seven Loaves is a Middleburg nonprofit that provides groceries to people in need. Seven Loaves has been operating in the community for twenty-seven years. However, it provides groceries to many communities. There are no residential boundaries to receive food. Pantry Operations Manager, Tami Erickson, expresses that Seven Loaves “serve[s] all people regardless of place of residence, income, faith, race, gender, sexual identity, disability, or other criteria” (Erickson). Seven Loaves’ welcoming attitude epitomizes their want to make a difference. For instance, to help the community, Seven Loaves offers “food distributions 3 times a week where we provide around 50-60 pounds of grocery foods per household. Households may come one time a week for food and we provide home deliveries to vulnerable patrons” (Erickson). This initiative illustrates their mission to aid those who need nutritional food. Donating is one way to support Seven Loaves. They “are always grateful for monetary and food donations” (Erickson). Additionally, they collect hygiene products. Donating allows Seven Loaves to continue to provide food and support to their “pantry patrons” (Erickson). Volunteering is also a great way to be involved. Seven Loaves currently has about fifty core volunteers, but they always welcome more. The community can aid Seven Loaves’ goal to continue its mission and raise awareness for food insecurity through donating and volunteering. Tami Erickson states, “[w]hen we give back to the community, it helps others to know that they are not alone in the challenges they face in their lives and it reminds us that we are all in this together” (Erickson). By giving back, the community grows stronger. It promotes togetherness and compassion. Seven Loaves is a great place to start being involved. Nonprofits like Windy Hill, A Place to Be, and Seven Loaves provide varied opportunities to assist the community through donating and volunteering. Providing support to others builds strength and humanity. Service is one way to support Middleburg and its citizens. Overall, by helping others, members of the community work to support nonprofits, citizens, and the greater world.

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 9

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THE PLAINS, VIrgINIA

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MIDDLEBUrg, VIrgINIA

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

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

Elegant and manageable home in the village of Middleburg | Custom finishes and hardwood floors throughout | Bright first floor bedroom has built-in book cases, a very large bathroom and substantial custom designed walk-in closet | Living room has a large fireplace and 2 sets of french doors opening to enclosed porch/sunroom | Second floor offers 2 charming guest bedrooms | Privacy wall encloses the garden area and provides an additional parking, detached heated garage with attached greenhouse

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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

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Page 10 Middleburg Eccentric

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News of Note

URSULA LANDSRATH ANIMAL RESCUE FUND GRANTS $57,000 TO ANIMAL WELFARE NONPROFITS

he Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties announced $57,000 in grant awards to 24 nonprofit animal rescue organizations across Virginia. Ursula Landsrath founded the Animal Rescue Fund of Virginia as an independent organization in 2008, distributing more than $1 million to Virginia-based animal rescue organizations before shutting down grantmaking operations in 2017 when she became seriously ill. Her husband and friends created the Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund within the Community Foundation at her passing in January 2019 to ensure her grantmaking legacy. Dedicated to her love of animals, the Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund continues to provide needed funds to grassroots animal rescue organizations while benefitting from

staffing and investment support unique within the Community Foundation. Last year, the Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund granted $46,000 to animal welfare nonprofits. “We are pleased to be able to continue to honor Ursula’s legacy by increasing the amount of funding available this year to organizations helping animals in need,” said Sandal Larose, member of the Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund Grants Committee. The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund selected 24 organizations to receive funding, after conducting a competitive grant process. This year’s grant awards are as follows: • $3,000 to Animal Care Assistance Program to support lowincome veterinary assistance program in Central Virginia • $3,000 to Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue to support med-

ical expenses for rescued Great Pyrenees dogs • $1,500 to Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA to support TrapNeuter-Return program for freeroaming cats in Charlottesville and Albemarle County • $3,000 to DC Area Weimaraner Rescue to support veterinary services for the rescued dogs • $2,000 to Dewey Animals, Inc. to support Trap-Neuter-Return program for community cats • $3,000 to Equine Rescue League Foundation to support ongoing needs of unwanted or neglected equines by purchasing feed, supplements and hay • $3,000 to For the Cats’ Sake to support Trap-Neuter-Return and vaccination program serving Rappahannock, Warren, Culpeper and Fauquier • $1,000 to Friends of Homeless Animals to support increased cat intakes so that more cats can be removed from shelters and the

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threat of euthanasia • $2,000 to Garfield’s Rescue, Inc. to support cat spay/neuter program and related medical costs in Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland counties • $3,000 to Goochland Pet Lovers to support their medical fund, which provides critical resources to underwrite the treatment for the animals served by GCASAC • $3,000 to Helping Homeless Felines to support medical and veterinary services for sick injured strays and feral cats • $2,000 to Hope’s Legacy Equine Rescue, Inc. to support Emergency Equine Veterinary Care program • $3,000 to Humane Society of Loudoun County to support Trap-Neuter-Return program for Loudoun’s feral cats • $1,000 to Lost Dog Foundation to support community cat Trap-Neuter-Return program in Richmond and Henrico County • $1,000 to Madison Community Cats to support for TrapNeuter-Return program through funding the purchase of additional humane traps • $3,000 to Middleburg Humane Foundation to support Community Cat Program in northern Virginia • $3,000 to Mutt Love Rescue, Inc. to support for extraordinary veterinary expenses, including surgeries and heart worm treatment • $1,500 to Operation Paws for Homes to support “Spay Day Everyday Program,” a dog spay/ neuter program sponsored by

Ken Rietz and Ursula Landsrath

OPH in low-income, rural communities • $2,500 to People for Pets Foundation to support rescuing stray, abused, neglected, abandoned, surrendered, special needs, FIV+ and physically disabled cats • $2,500 to Pets Bring Joy to support their medical care fund to offset emergency expenses incurred for a cat currently in their care • $2,000 to Promises Animal Rescue, Inc. to support their medical funds in order to help animal in need from high kill shelters • $2,000 to RappCats to support spay and neuter of Rappahannock County cats & kittens • $3,000 to The Community Cat Alliance to support for TrapNeuter-Return program for community cats in Frederick and Clarke Counties and the City of Winchester • $3,000 to Wildlife Veterinary Care to support the purchase of medical supplies needed to treat the sick and injured rescued wild animals

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Sunday, December 12 4:00pm Sweeter, Still… A Christmas Concert with the Blue Ridge Singers Sunday, December 19 4:00pm Lessons & Carols with the Master Singers Friday, December 24 Christmas Eve 5:00pm Christmas Family Service 8:00pm Celebration Choral Eucharist 11:00pm Candlelit Eucharist Sunday, December 26 10:30am Children’s Christmas Pageant Sunday, January 2 8:00am Traditional Eucharist 10.30am Service of Lessons & Carols All welcome! On Rt 50, Upperville, VA, just 15 minutes west of Middleburg

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Middleburg Eccentric

• December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 11

Closing the COVID Gap for the Broader Community Highland Leverages Grants to Help Local Students Strengthen Academic Standing

Cecilia Zugel

s 2021 comes to a close, the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic seems like ages ago. Back then, schools began using all kinds of distance learning techniques in order to keep students on track with their education. Now, looking back, we’ve learned so much about the long-term effects that online learning has on students. For this article, we sat down with the leaders of Highland and Verdun’s 2021 Summer Enrichment program to reflect on what they accomplished over the past year as they worked to combat issues that can arise from too much online learning. We also discussed the ways in which their program helped students from our broader community strengthen their academic standing. Online learning challenges for students At the start of the pandemic, schools across the United States were forced to transition to online courses. Some students were afraid of the challenges of learning over online platforms like Zoom®. Some were excited about attending classes from home. Mostly, everyone was asking when this strange new world would finally return to something vaguely normal. When the class of 2020 graduated and the 2020-21 school year began to draw closer, Highland was determined to start making that transition. The school promised students the possibility of a year of learning that would take place mostly in person, but it certainly wasn’t easy to deliver. In the face of significantly higher school upkeep costs associated with pandemic safety, combined with more restrictions on fundraising than ever before, Highland was caught in a bind. The school had to find a way to keep providing a top-notch education to all its students with fewer resources and increased expenses. Enter the PATH Foundation’s Community Resilience grant, which was created to help local nonprofits recoup resources lost due to the pandemic. In the summer of 2020, Highland applied for the grant and was awarded $25,000. This money went to enabling the school to function in person. With the grant, Highland bought personal protective equipment for students and faculty, acquired resources to care for mental health and wellness, and updated teaching and learning technology. Grant from PATH Foundation helped keep students in school The PATH Foundation helped Highland do something remarkable—they ensured that the school continued to operate in-person at its usual level, providing students with an exceptional college preparatory experience despite the pandemic. Thanks to this grant Highland students and faculty had the privilege of going to school and seeing each other face to (masked) face. The faculty and staff noticed that being back in person made all the difference. When asked if in-person learning was better for her students, Erica Deane, the Middle School

Technology Coordinator, didn’t even have to think about it. “Oh, one hundred and ten percent! It’s just so much more exhausting for kids and teachers to be online.” Seeking opportunities to help more students When Highland realized that most public schools in the surrounding area were going to end up online for the entire 2020-21 school year, its leadership knew that they had to do something to help. They’d already seen how much one grant could help their students get back to school and start learning normally again. So, when the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation announced a grant that would help two nonprofits partner together to bring a new program to Fauquier County and the surrounding area, it was a no-brainer to apply. Highland reached out to Verdun Adventure Bound in Culpeper, and the fully funded, tuition-free 2021 Summer Enrichment program was born. Highland Partnered with Verdun Adventure Bound After working together, Highland and Verdun ultimately received a $20,000 grant from the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation. The two organizations designed a summer program that would help public school students from the local community close the online vs. in-person gap. The goal? To prepare students both socially and emotion-

ally to move onto the next grade level when in-person school restarted. The program ran four days a week for two weeks during July of 2021. Two days each week were spent at Highland with Ms. Deane and her team for academic enrichment— campers got individual instruction to catch them up in math, language arts, STEM, and even the performing arts. For the other half of each week, campers journeyed to Verdun, where Executive Director Sean McElhinney helped them focus on resilience, team-building, and social-emotional health. As both of them will tell you, the program didn’t just help set students on course for the new school year. It helped them build skills that will impact their community for years. “There was a huge disparity between what teachers could do with online learning versus what students described from their perspective,” said Ms. Deane. “They were further behind than we expected. The level of education at different schools was also not equitable—students in the same grade were getting a very different education.” The solution? The team at Highland focused on interdisciplinary research and debate skills that the campers could use to be successful not just in the coming school year, but in life. “We tried to teach them how to understand the differences between facts, opinions, and infer-

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ences,” Ms. Deane explained. “They learned how to prepare an argument and have empathy for the other side of the debate.” Ms. Deane thought that simply coming together, talking about different points of view, and learning from each other was one of the most important skills the students practiced. “The social-emotional piece was huge.” Empathy and Connection were important byproducts Sean McElhinney agreed that helping campers practice empathy and ways to connect with others was a major part of the program’s impact. “The kids definitely seemed like they needed it, especially with the way society is divided these days, geopolitically. It’s so important for us to show

them that it’s okay to be together with people that are different from you. I think that is enriching to our community now and in the future.” Many interested parents have already asked if the camp will be running again, and Ms. Deane and Mr. McElhinney are certainly hoping to work together on another program this summer. “We thought that working together with Highland was a great partnership,” said McElhinney. “We tackled two different challenges kids might be facing. These aren’t unique challenges to CoVID times, but this program has never been done before. Having the social-emotional and academic pieces together in one camp made the whole experience more enriching.”

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

Places & Faces

History comes to life: Christmas in Middleburg

Story and Photos by Nancy Kleck

mong all the symbols of Christmas, the horse-drawn carriage is one of the most adored. The clip-clop sound is considered the sweetest melodies, especially here in Middleburg. The history of Santa Claus and his mode of transportation is a vague compilation of cultural versions worldwide. The most popular started with Santa’s ancestor, Bishop Nicolas de Myre, who lived between the third and fourth centuries. Known as Saint Nicholas, he was called “The Boss of Children” and was given the task to decide if the youngster was good or not, distributing gifts and sweets to those who were wise and well-behaved! Santa’s beard and red costume likely originated from northern hemisphere cultures, as well as the animals who carried him around the world. Santa was first known to travel with his sack of gifts on the back of a donkey. It wasn’t until author Clement Clark Moore describes Santa driving a sleigh in the beloved poem, “The Night before

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Christmas.” Published in 1823 in an American newspaper, St. Nicholas is a mischievous, portly figure in red with a long white beard flying from one rooftop to the next in a sleigh pulled by reindeer which we all know today as Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen. With his oh so bright red nose, Rudolf was added in the twentieth century and was put in front as the leader. Though commonly thought of as boy reindeer, the only reindeer with antlers during winter are girls, but Madison Avenue didn’t have fact-checkers then. As adorable as they may be, reindeer were not the most practical animals to pull wagons or carriages, so up trot the horse and mule. This year’s Christmas in Middleburg parade featured five wonderful horse- and muledrawn carriages. Well known in the area, Mark Duffell of Whitestone Farm originally started with a pair of Belgians, Waylon, and Willy, and later added matching geldings Kris and Cash to make a beautiful four-in-hand presentation pulling eight happy passengers in a Wagonette. Anyone detect a country singer theme? In the

winter season, Mark uses them to break up frozen ground (much more efficient than tractors, he says), and in the spring, he cuts and rakes hay, plows, chain harrows, logs, and hitches them to other farm wagons. On pretty days, the more elegant carriages are used. Mark says of the boys, “they love working, it keeps them fit and happy.” Pat and Daisy are mules used for driving and ridden out in the hunt field. Owned by Donna and Garon Stutzman of Old Denton Stables, the Percheron cross pair pulled a Wagonette full of members of the MOC Beagles. With so many beagles, a smaller wagon hitched behind for a handful of little ones. Donna and Garon have had mules for most of their lives and believe mules “can do anything a horse can. You just have to be patient and understand how a mule thinks. It’s well worth it. And they are as bombproof as you could want!” Next came a pair of the most adorable white Percherons named Colonel and Ozzie driven by Corinne Rohrbaugh of the Shenandoah Carriage Company in a Robert’s Wagonette. These pairs are seen all over the area, carrying brides and grooms to

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the altar or visitors around the countryside. New to this year’s parade was a show stopper. Members of the Piedmont Driving Club, Lisa and Albert Andersen’s pair of matching dappled gray full brothers, Amos and Encore, was nothing short of stunning. Sired by a Dutch Harness Horse of deep Gelderlander blood and out of a Percheron mare, she sweetly describes them as “Amish warmbloods.” Not only good-looking with great movement, but they also have an “outstanding character and high level versatility.” Lisa bred and trained them to ride, drive and hunt. Driving any wagon or carriage takes skill, a lot of practice, and a love for the sport. “Albert has become an excellent whip,” Lisa remarked with affection. This tall, lanky fellow looked marvelous, sitting six feet off the ground, tipping his top hat to the crowd during stops. Lisa wore a period hat and matching red gloves with red aprons to keep them warm for a classic but “old timey” look. And to complete the picture, their friend Curt Christensen, a professional symphony musician, played Christmas music with an old coaching horn from his brass

collection. The red and black carriage was a rebuilt Brewster Gentleman’s Shooting Break, c.1880, and has a louvered rear compartment where hunting dogs were once kept. “We find it ideal for packing a picnic, or Christmas presents!” she exclaimed. A few minutes later, Santa could be seen waving as he made his way down Washington Street. Perched high above the crowd in a c.1895 Park Drag coach by Henry Whitlock in London, the four-in-hand team of Shires from Sandy Lerner’s Ayrshire Farm were beautifully turned out. This sumptuously appointed and fitted coach was used by wealthy owner-drivers of both sexes to parade around public and private parks to show off driving skills, expensive equipages, and personal refinery. It was a requirement for elegant picnics at sporting events and other social outings and is considered the acme of horsedrawn vehicles. And a most fitting vehicle for Santa for his journey on Christmas Eve. We are wishing everyone, two and four-legged, a very Merry Christmas!

Middleburg Eccentric

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• December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 13

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

Foxcroft School Student Selected to Loudoun County All-District Chorus

ophomore Moriah Friendly of Manassas, VA, recently auditioned for the Loudoun County All-District Chorus and was accepted into the all-women’s choir. She will be performing in the All-District concert on February 12, 2022, and is also eligible to audition for the AllVirginia Chorus, which will hold performances in Richmond on April 21-22, 2022. “Moriah goes above and beyond each time she steps foot into my classroom,” praised Morgan Myers, Foxcroft Voice Instructor/Music Coordinator. “She always has a positive at-

titude and works hard to overcome new challenges which is made evident through her acceptance into the All-District Choir. I am very proud of her accomplishments and look forward to watching her grow as a musician through this experience.” Moriah and three other Foxcroft singers auditioned via a virtual audition panel. Students were evaluated on their sight-singing abilities, in addition to preparing the piece “Where E’er You Walk” by classical composer George Frideric Handel.

Foxcroft School Student Receives All-State Tennis Honor

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nis team. Undefeated in singles in the regular season, she was named GPAC Player of the Year and the team’s Most Valuable Player. Not only is her tennis game impressive, but she has a wonderful sense of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication to her sport.” Voting for the All-State teams is conducted by a special committee of coaches for each sport. Coaches nominate players from their teams and, while an athlete does not have to play in the state tournament to be eligible, it is difficult for a player to earn AllState honors if she has not been seen by the committee members.

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oxcroft Varsity Tennis player Vassiliki Margas ’23 has been selected to the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division I All-State Tennis Second Team in a superb finish to a memorable season. Posting a perfect 9-0 singles season as part of her phenomenal 16-2 record in both singles and doubles this year, Vassiliki also received Greater Piedmont Athletic Conference (GPAC) Player of the Year honors. Athletic Director Michelle Woodruff offered these words of praise: “Vassiliki was new to Foxcroft this fall but quickly made an impact on the ten-

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Middleburg Eccentric

• December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 15

Peek Inside this Fresh, Luxurious Renovation Ask a Remodeler

W Tim Burch

hen the owners purchased this 2001 home, they knew it would eventually be the perfect fit for them, but it required a much-needed whole-house renovation to get there. A recent addition added a guest bedroom, which would help to accommodate frequent visits from their adult children and older parents, but otherwise, the home hadn’t been suitably updated over the years. They felt it lacked the modern sensibilities and conveniences that would truly make this house their home. With an emphasis on creating

social spaces that would be inviting for both family and guests, BOWA assembled and directed the perfect team for the project. The uninspired paneling in the kitchen, drab flooring, and dated baseboards gave way to a blend of oak, glass, and earth metals to bring a warm, calming touch of nature to each of the updated rooms. To improve cohesiveness for gatherings, walls were removed to create open sightlines throughout the main level. In the kitchen, a wall to a rear hallway was removed to create an airy gourmet space featuring a marble waterfall countertop with island seating and beautiful cop-

per fixtures. The entry hallway was also widened to create a more gracious welcome and open feel. Black-framed windows and walls of sliding glass-doors bring the outdoors in. On the second floor, adjacent spaces were claimed to create a luxurious new owners’ suite. The expanded primary bath now features a glass-enclosed double steam shower, sculptural soaking tub and two spacious vanities. An amazing two-story closet was created by extending into the attic and adding a modern spiral staircase leading to the new storage loft above. A neighboring bedroom became a second closet in the suite.

The basement retained much of the original floor plan but repurposed several spaces to suit their interests. A large closet beneath the stairs in the recreation room was transformed into a warmly lit, glass-walled wine room, while a storage and mechanical area became a golf simulator room. A hidden door embedded into a beautiful white oak slat wall leads to a home theater. The pillars remained for structural integrity but were swapped with wood that match the rest of the updated interior. This new design maximizes the areas the homeowners knew they would use and appreciate and cut back on the redundan-

cies and dated spaces they knew they wouldn’t. The homeowner always dreamed of providing his family with a home worth living in, and with the help of BOWA and our partners, this aspiration became a welcome reality. 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.

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Page 16 Middleburg Eccentric

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

Steve’s Picks for 2021 In Unison

Steve Chase

t’s easy to get into a musical rut, so I look forward to tracking the newest music every year. In December I take some time to reflect on the new albums that I have listened to, and I put together a list of my picks for the year. While I don’t consider this list a “Best Albums of 2021” I instead consider this a list of recommendations for new music that might broaden your musical listening. Of course, my musical bias tends to be in the jazz rock and progressive acoustic, but I also try to discover new music no matter the genre, continuing to go by Duke Ellington’s wise quote “If it sounds good, it is good.” So here are my picks for 2021:

1) Side-Eye NYC (V1.IV)-Pat Metheny Guitarist Pat Metheny continues to expand his musical efforts by this time bringing together two young and upcoming artists to play some Metheny classics and new tunes destined to be classics. On this outing, keyboardist James Francies and drummer Marcus Gilmore are given plenty of time to show us what they have as they collaborate with likely the finest jazz guitarist in the last 40 years. Highlights for me include three new tunes, It Starts When We Disappear, Zenith Blue, and the rocker Lodger. Metheny, who has won many Grammys over the years is destined for another with this amazing album. 2) My Bluegrass Heart--Bela

Fleck Producer, composer, band leader, and Banjo player extraordinaire Fleck has been an innovator in progressive Bluegrass, folk, and jazz with his many outing, but this album brings him back to his roots with some of the best play-

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ers in the bluegrass world today including Chris Thile, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, David Grisman, Sierra Hull, Billy Strings, Edgar Meyer, Michael Cleveland, the list goes on and on. It’s a fresh look at a formidable genre, and a great listen. 3) Eberhard--Lyle Mays In this spectacular swan song, late composer Lyle Mays gives us a remarkable 13-minute suite to thrill still mourning fans of his formidable career and artistry. Mays, who passed away in February 2020, gave us some great solo albums along in addition to his fine work with the Pat Metheny Group. Named for the bass player Eberhard Weber, Mays’ composition uses a large ensemble of amazing musicians including bassist and album producer Steve Rodby, drummer Alex Acuna, and May’s niece, Aubrey Johnson. The 13 minutes piece takes you on a musical journey of May’s career, instilled with Weber’s influence, and for me, even some passages that seem inspired by Frank Zappa. Sit down in front of the fire, close up the laptop, close your eyes and savor every second of this extraordinary composition. 4) Battle at Garden’s Gate-Great Van Fleet Buckle up for some new, seventies style rock and roll. While the critics have been only slightly enthused by the album, I listened through the whole set and found a modern rock album highly influenced by Led Zeppelin, The Band, Rush, Kansas, Styx, Boston, and many more. While my daughter says the vocals remind her of Robert Plant, I think they are more like Geddy Lee. It’s an album that brings me back to high school, while still hearing new material. I mean, you can only listen to 2012 or Led Zep IV so many times in a week. Must be played very loud. 5) “12 Movements” --Floating Points, Pharoah Saunders, and the London Symphony Orchestra. When I listened to this new album, it brought me immediately back to some of the classic Brian Eno ambient albums, like Music for Films or Music for Airports. Sam Shephard, a.k.a. Floating Points, provides the electronic textures, along with the acoustic orchestral layers from the LSO. Saunder’s saxophone is a lyrical compliment for the most part, with his signature “squonk factor” minimized. It feels like a disc meant as contemplative background music for late night listening, and I really like it.

6) Ladies of the Canyon--Joni Mitchell, and Deja Vu--Crosby Stills Nash and Young. Quite possibly the two signature albums of the early 70s Laurel Canyon scene have been re-released this year, remastered and cleaned up. It is such a pleasure to give these two a listen and reflect on how they have become relevant again today. Everything Joni Mitchell did before was amplified in this great album, with such tunes as Woodstock and big Yellow taxi. Deja Vu has been called by critics “the most anticipated second rock album ever”, and most of the set has become signature for these four Laurel Canyon inhabitants. You know you love these songs, time to play them again. 7) Another Land--Dave Holland Bassist Dave Holland gives us the next generation recording from his Gateway albums, with a Tony Williams Lifetime vibe thrown in. Working with guitarist Kevin Eubanks and drummer Obed Calvaire, we get a set of jazz power trio tunes that keep me tapping my toes, nodding my head and smiling broadly. Give this one a shot, you’ll like it. 8) Renewal--Billy Strings Playing like a studio version of one of his live shows, Billy Strings gives us an “A set” of progressive bluegrass music on this outing. The boyish 29-year-old has major league chops on whatever stringed instrument he picks up, and his mature vocals deceive his looks. The record’s been nominated for a Grammy, so everyone who listens remembers the name Billy Strings and his great music. This one is just right for a backyard porch party during a January Indian Summer evening. 9) The Nightfly Live--Donald Fagen Steely Dan has not been keen on bootlegs, and fortunately, I was able to collect many of the old 1974 tour and more recent shows before the lawyers cracked down a decade ago. It’s a good move by Donald Fagen to start releasing live shows. For this first release, he picks a fine concert where he plays the entirety of the Nightfly, Fagen’s masterpiece from 1981 that has been called the next best thing to a real Steely Dan Album. Well worth a listen. I have put together a playlist of these albums, listen to it here: https://tinyurl.com/5n7fk9pw Steve Chase is in Unison, looking for new music for 2022, Happy Holidays, everyone!

Middleburg Eccentric

• December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 17

Believe Sincerely me

Brandy Greenwell

his marks the first year my twins comprehend the meaning of Christmas. I get to witness them learning both about the birth of Christ as well as the magic of Santa. Observing the newness through their eyes is just heart warming and the most special gift I could ask for. It has made the “reason for the season” extra special this year. Our decorations are themed with the word “Believe” and under our wreath a banner is displayed reading “Believe in the Magic of Christmas”. Leading up to Christmas, I helped my children thin out their toys, books and clothes and made them part of the process of donating them to other children. It took some patience and we all went through some tears, but in the end they were generally happy about sharing and giving to others something that meant something to them. Since they will be on Winter Break from school for a few weeks, I have started to plan some fun activities. We are going to the Air and Space Museum, a plethora of drive through light shows, a real life nativity, a Christmas animal village, visiting some antique trains- I tried to get tickets for the Polar Express but apparently I needed to plan that before they were born to successfully secure ticketsand making gifts for the special people in their lives.

Making cookies is top of the gift list to make. When asking them who they wanted to make cookies for, the first thing my daughter said was “for the

“Hamdogs”, which is what she calls her beloved pack of Foxhounds at the Middleburg Hunt. They also want to make cookies for Bubba the friendly

pony, mommy’s Pighorse, and of course Aunties Mimi, Bernie and Bridgett all who my son has a crush on and help develop his flirting skills.

My outgoing son recently said “God bless you”, blew a kiss and waved at a helpful sales person behind a retail counter. Her eyes and smile went wide and I beamed with pride at my caring little man. He chose to share emotion, compassion and love to a complete stranger. I am the one who is blessed with these little souls God entrusted me to raise. Now, if this has made you think our household is always glittery and filled with sweets, it’s not. I regularly have epic mom fails, my children throw the occasional temper tantrum and when life moves too fast, which it does, I forget things like the make up picture day at school and send my children with an oatmeal/snot combination glued on their faces. So what is the point here? Teach and learn to give. Express love and gratitude. Be genuine and humble. And Believe. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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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!

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Page 18 Middleburg Eccentric

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

Forgiveness Around the Town

Hazel Sweitzer

have walked in town many times and other dogs walk past me without a notice, humans don’t even look down, people walk in front of us or don’t hold the door open for

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us at the Post Office. Rude! But I forgive them. The ability to forgive is one of the best traits about dogs, especially with humans. Tom has yelled at me and has lost his patience with me, and I have for-

given him. He has forgotten my dinner and has forgotten to take me for a walk. I forgave him. No matter what Tom has done. I forgive him for everything. Unlike you humans, dogs have a powerful sense of empathy and understanding without even try-

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ing. I feel forgiveness is the most important part of being alive. Because every dog is trying to get along in this world, and we need to understand that we all deserve forgiveness. I also think without forgiving

another dog, or person is the best thing you can do for your mind and heart. Holding onto a grudge or anger only makes you sick or depressed. I also have had to be forgiven. I have maybe once or twice not been able to hold my pee, and went int the house, or growled at another dog for no apparent reason. I confess, I am moody, but have gotten much better, thanks to living with a therapist. The holidays are the perfect time to reflect and, investigate yourself about forgiveness. Who do you need to forgive? Who needs to forgive you? There are several ways you can reach beyond your grudge, your anger, and your negativity. This can be a simple message, an email, a little gift, or asking the person you need to forgive to sit with you. All of us, even us dogs have realized after the last years of Covid life is short. And well, for us a dog’s life is VERY short. You all often say one year is seven years in “dog years.” Well, that’s true and that is why we don’t waste a moment. We play, and love, and forgive because all we want to do is live in joy. Sometimes joy feels so good our tails can’t help but wag. So, I ask you all to consider forgiving someone in your life this Christmas. I am thinking of forgiving that Lab who snubbed me last week in town. I’ll have a better Christmas if I do that. Practice what you preach they say. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and may forgiveness be a gift you give this year!

Middleburg Eccentric

• December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 19

Molasses Ginger Spice Cookies

This has become our family favorite holiday cookie both crisp and chewy and full of all the sweet flavors of Christmas The Kitchen Philosophy - www.thekitchenphilosophy.com Emily Tyler

Molasses Ginger Spice Cookies Makes 28 3” cookies Dry Ingredients 2 ¼ cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons ground ginger ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Combine the above ingredients in a large bowl and set aside ¾ cup organic non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening such as Spectrum 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling the cookies) 1 egg ¼ cup molasses In a stand mixer add the shortening and sugar and beat until well combined and fluffy Add the egg and molasses and beat to combine Add the dry ingredients slowly and beat until the dough comes together - this is a stiff dough Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper Measure the dough with a 1 1/2 “ cookie scoop and roll the piece of dough into a ball Roll the ball in a small dish of granulated sugar to coat Place it on the cookie sheet, about 2 ½ inches apart - they will spread Bake the cookies at 350 degrees for 12 minutes - They will look puffy, but they flatten out when they cool Do not overbake as they will not be chewy in the center Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack

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•

December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

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Page 22 Middleburg Eccentric

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December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

Opinion - Letters@middleburgeccentric.com

Pigs can help the Environment

John P. Flannery

There may be no zero carbon footprint but we still have it as an environmental goal. The next generation is working on how we attack carbon emissions – and, sometimes, it’s downright fun. This narrative begins with a young Landon Hughes, about 4 years of age, when with his Mom, Cameron Hughes, he’d get upset at the litter he’d see and want to remove it, recycle it. In those days, young Landon would refer to “litter” as “glitter” but the result was the same. Away with the garbage. Be it litter or glitter. Landon is now an 8th grader, 14 years old, at the Hill School, and he favors math and science but also history. Of course, he enjoys sports (football and baseball). He has also been influenced by his teachers and, for our purpose, we focus on Susan McCaskey, one of Landon’s 6th grade teachers, who taught him about recycling. It’s ironic that his Mom, Cameron Hughes, attended the Hill School, graduating in ’03. Tal Mack taught Cameron and Tal is the one who started the recycling program at the Hill School. So what does this have to do with pigs? My wife, Holly Smith Flannery, has a pig sanctuary and rescue. “Holly’s Happy Hogs,” and, our pigs are pets; they are not going to market, and no pig is going to be crying “all the way

home.” Landon took it on himself to collect pumpkins to feed pigs. Holly’s Happy Hogs was one of the beneficiaries of his envirothusiasm. Landon confirmed that pumpkins can be harmful to a landfill, but are good for a compost pile. Landon, however, never gave compost a second thought. It was always about the pigs and recycling. Pumpkins are good for pigs to eat. They are high in antioxidants, have low calories, and have many vitamins and nutrients (Vitamins A, C, B2, B6, E, Iron, Thiamin, Niacin, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Copper, Phosphorus, Fiber, Carbs, Riboflavin, Protein, and Potassium) that help pigs with their digestive system and skin. Landon was all in to help the pigs. Landon appreciated the season for pumpkins was mid September through November. Many families that throw out their jack-o-lanterns, therefore don’t recycle. The pumpkins end up in the landfill – and not recycled. The US Department of Energy reports that most of the 1.3 Billion pounds of pumpkins produced in the United States end up in a landfill. Once there, they decompose and release methane gas, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, with more than 20 times the

Letter from The Plains Anthony Wells

Readers may have been in the market this year for a new cell phone or car. Some may have found that there was a supply chain issue centered on manufacturers’ ability to assemble computer parts, particularly the chips that drive the key systems. Toyota, for one example, has been particularly badly affected. Why is this and should we in our wonderful enclave in the Middleburg area be concerned? The simple answer is “Yes”, and very much so. The reason is the supply chain of rare earth elements, critical for every part of our lives, is in jeopardy unless closely protected. Almost everything electronic that you have now and in the future is controlled by these elements. The same applies at the national level. At the US strategic level let me give you just one example from tens of thousands. The key F-35 stealth aircraft contains more than 900 pounds of rare earth elements. The latter are crucial for the onboard systems that permit communications and critical targeting. Extrapolate this

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single illustration to the domestic and office levels and the point is clear. I hesitate to inundate with you a vast myriad of rare earth names and what they do for us all, but to make my concerns real let me provide just a few illustrations. Your LED lights and plasma displays depend on phosphorescent europium, also used in the control rods in nuclear reactors, and your camera lenses need Lanthanum for enhancing clarity, and Neodymium possesses the unique characteristic of having the greatest magnetic power of any substance on our planet. There are 17 total known rare earth metals. Here’s the bad news. We here in the United States depend on these metals, and if you had been in the business of building or acquiring a new jet engine, for just one of innumerable examples, you would be shocked to know that we depend on China providing us with approximately 80 percent of these rare earth materials. Until recently China also provided us with more than half of our annual consumption of 31

warming effect of carbon dioxide – CO2. Pumpkins are 90% water and add tons of water to the landfills, contributing to the problem of ground water contamination. Many farmers are no longer animal farmers for lots of reasons but also because animal farming provides just 18% of the calories while taking up 83% of our farmland. In addition, it takes significantly more water to yield foods that come from animals than foods that come from plants. Landon set out to collect as many pumpkins as he could to “feed the pigs.” He figured some pigs will get a great treat and the environment will get a break. How to go about this. Mom Cameron and son Landon resorted to Mom’s social media contacts and the pumpkins started filling up in the front yard.

They had cars backed up outside their home leaving off pumpkins, totaling 900 pumpkins this year. Hundreds contributed. This was not their first year. They had 600 pumpkins last year and 50 to 100 pumpkins the year before.

of the 35 materials assessed to be vital for our national security. It is not all about things to keep us awake at night. There is good news. For example, in southern California there is assessed to be about 40 percent of the world’s supply of lithium, so we are potentially free from any external control of this vital material in all things electronic. It is also a wider issue of not just rare earth metals and the other materials in the government’s list of 35 critical materials. The oceans of the world and their rich resources beneath are up for grabs in terms of exploitation in those areas where countries’ exploitation rights are not covered by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), typically within a 200 nautical zone around their coastlines. The Arctic for example is assessed to be home of a roughly estimated trillion dollars worth of rare earth metals, besides the rich oil deposits that even in an age when we all want to see the role of oil diminish in a carbon free atmosphere, we know that the Chinese have their eyes seriously set on Arctic exploitation, free from UNCLOS

legal constraints. The Chinese have already shown their total disregard for judgments against them by the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague for their territorial violations in the South China Sea. We clearly need US domestic supply chains of all these materials that are free of foreign control or interference. It is somewhat shocking to find that currently the Mountain Pass mine in San Bernardino County in California is the single operational rare earth mine in the United States, producing about 10 percent of the world’s supply according to US Geological Survey data. Rare earth metals have to be converted into usable metals employing large amounts of energy and what has been described as “environmentally unfriendly” technologies and procedures, a polite way of saying that if we lived near the processing facilities we would have serious health issues. It is no surprise to find therefore that China dominates the processing market and supply chain simply because it has loose or zero environmental controls that in the United States would

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Pumpkins collected by Cameron and Landon Huges in their front yard photo by Cameron Hughes Days ago, 800 pumpkins arrived to feed Holly’s Happy Hogs in Lovettsville. The caravan transporting the pumpkins consisted of 3 trucks, 2 minivans, and 1 Mazda. There was a team of 10 adults and 6 youngsters including Landon to transfer the pumpkins from the vehicles to the ground, and then to the pigs. Three herds of pigs, 24 pigs in all, can devour 50 pumpkins a day and they got right to it. Landon was busy hurling

pumpkins hard at the ground to break open the pumpkins, to save the pigs the trouble, to make it easier for them to get at the pumpkin meat. Landon hurling a pumpkin to the pigs Photo by J. Flannery Asked what he thought of all this, Landon said, “It’s a community coming together, working for a singular cause. I enjoyed watching everyone’s face seeing the big pumpkin pile around the Magnolia tree, and watching the kids help, and then feeding the pigs. Mom Cameron said, “I’m proud that Landon wants to help the Environment.” The next generation is shaping up well when you see this kind of voluntary effort to feed the pigs and conserve the environment. Finally, remember, next year, save your pumpkins for the pigs!

be impossible because of our stringent environmental control laws and regulations. The implications for Chinese control of the rare earth supply chain need no embellishments. China can take retribution on countries it may not like, such as Japan, by simply denying supply. A 2010 Chinese embargo on rare earth metal exports to Japan had major deleterious effects on Japanese cell phone and car manufacturers. China dominates the refining market. This is the key to the future for the United States and our allies and friends. We can create and control our own supply chain of rare earth metals indigenously and with our allies. What we need to do is get into the refining business quickly and effectively. Argonne National Laboratory has produced outstanding reports on the effects of supply chain interference by China. We need to create plans to mitigate the worst effects of Chinese supply denial or restrictions by providing the financial incentives to create indigenous refining centers for all rare earth metals. This is the Holiday Season and

Middleburg Eccentric

readers will be out there buying all manner of electronic gifts for their loved ones. Dwell a pause and consider the implications

White’s Ferry Chuck Kuhn

After purchasing historic White’s Ferry in February 2021, Chuck and Stacy Kuhn encountered obstacles to reopening this important Potomac River crossing, considering it needed to regain use rights in Virginia. In response to the suspended service, Loudoun and Montgomery Counties conducted a study to evaluate alternatives and address issues, challenges and opportunities for restoring this important regional transportation link. Following Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors and Montgomery County Department of Transportation meetings this

• December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022 Page 23

of all the above if things went south in the supply chain and refining of rare earth metals. We can overcome all this with

our allies and friends and use US finances and brainpower to overcome the somewhat menacing implications of

Chinese controls. I will address all this further in January’s Letter and meanwhile have a wonderful

Holiday Season. Be well and be safe. Best Wishes to All. Anthony Wells.

week to review the study, Chuck Kuhn, owner of White’s Ferry, released this statement: “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the governments on both sides of the river for their hard work and commitment to reopening White’s Ferry. This is important for my wife Stacy and me. We live and work here and know the importance of this historic crossing. After its closure in December 2020, there was no plan to reopen the ferry. The prior owner, Herb Brown, had attempted repeatedly and unsuccessfully to work with the Rockland Farm organization to find a way to land the ferry and serve his customers in a way that made business sense.

His reasonable offers weren’t accepted, and he was forced to close the business. We purchased the ferry in hopes for a different outcome. We were under no allusions that the ferry would be a profitable venture, as recent studies captured the difficulty and costs for running the ferry. Our goal was to offer an affordable, safe product with pricing that is fair and predictable for riders while protecting a unique, historic, and valued transportation route. Unfortunately, we have encountered the same issues as the previous owner when trying to negotiate with the Rockland Farm organization, part of a portfolio of assets

owned by hedge fund CEO Peter Brown, along with his minority shareholders, Libby Devlin and Harriett Dickerson. We have made numerous offers to lease and/or purchase the landing site with no success. At their request and our cost, we had the entire Rockland Farm appraised three times to explore the possibility of purchasing the whole farm as an option for reopening the landing site. We subsequently made a $13.5 million cash offer to purchase the entire farm--which was higher than two of the proposals. There was no counteroffer and was ultimately rejected. Rockland Farm’s repeated demands for $2 million cash or 50 cents a car each

way along with unacceptable deal terms made negotiations impossible. We further offered to donate the ferry and the land to the respective governments in an attempt to reopen the ferry for our region. Instead, we have been maligned through Rockland Farm’s aggressive and misleading online and signage campaigns and insulted in public by a Rockland Farm owner…as recently as Tuesday night in front of the Loudoun County Government Center. Given the difficulty and lack of professionalism negotiating with the Rockland Farm ownership, no further negotiations with them appear possible.”

Obituaries

Carol Leach McGhee (1958-2021) arol Elizabeth Leach McGhee entered the world on August 28, 1958. Proud parents, Billy and Betty Leach of Middleburg, VA, quickly learned a valuable parenting lesson: no two children are alike. Carol, the curly-haired chatterbox, pillaged her mother’s makeup supply and high heels from a young age, parading around the house in front of her parents and older sister Nancy, declaring herself “Me Lady.” Strong-willed and a master debater like her father, Carol often tested his patience and the rules of the house. Fortunately, the child labor laws were different in the 1960’s, so Billy put her to work in his hardware store around age 5 in the hopes of lessening her resolve. As kids, Carol and Nancy spent endless hours playing Barbies in their basement and torturing Billy and Betty on long car rides with off-key renditions of the 1954 White Christmas classic, “Sisters.” Carol adored animals, including the family dog, cat and her brief legacy as the proud owner of “Carnival Queen,” an untamable pony whose bullheadedness was second only to Carol’s and Billy’s. Given the right rodent, Carol was also a natural predator. Not infrequently, she and Billy could be found in the side yard, blasting unsuspecting groundhogs with a rifle. When it came time to apply for college, Carol and Billy found themselves in two very different camps. Despite Billy’s clearly-stated intention for her to enroll at an all-girls college an hour from home, Carol plotted her escape to Virginia Tech, spending four years there making lifelong friends, waiting tables, and earning her B.S. in

Sociology. Billy was less than thrilled, but found a silver lining in the Blacksburg restaurant leftovers she brought home on school breaks. After college, Carol and her first husband Ed decided to raise a family in her hometown of Middleburg. At the age of 23, Carol became a mom to daughter Katie and four years later to daughter Erin. Carol’s love and devotion as a mother was clear from day one, making time to puree homemade baby food, cheer from the blustery sidelines of the soccer field on Saturday mornings, and once tail behind her daughters’ school bus during a hail storm to ensure their safe passage home. The family’s running joke was that Carol had worked every job in town. Despite Middleburg’s commercial strip stretching barely a quarter mile long, Carol managed to work at eight different businesses in town ranging from caterer to clothing store clerk to bank teller. Years later, Carol discovered her beloved work family of 14 years at Toth Financial in Leesburg, VA, working as their Director of Client Services until her retirement in 2019. Carol met the love of her life, Doug “Roe” McGhee, beneath the fluorescent lights of the Middleburg Safeway’s produce aisle. The two married in 2001 and enjoyed many incredible years together traveling to their Highland County cabin, raising their beloved black lab Gunner, and belly laughing with friends and family. Stretching as far back as her days at Middleburg Elementary School, Carol collected friends from every stage of life and poured herself into those friendships over the years. Many

of their origin stories begin in much the same way: yard sales. These weren’t your casual Saturday morning drives to see who might have a few trinkets laid out on their front lawn. Carol cut her teeth on annual neighborhood-wide yard sale events, working her way up to a 43-mile highway sale through the Shenandoah Valley with her dozen closest and most unruly girlfriends. A master of her trade, Carol was a formidable haggler and persuasive bidder to many a clueless husband when wives were out of earshot. Embodying the values instilled in her by both Billy and Betty from a young age, Carol was fiercely devoted to her family. As their parents aged and faced illness, Carol and Nancy ensured both Billy and Betty were able to live out their lives in the comfort of their own home in Middleburg. With both her daughters living in Seattle, Carol never hesitated to jet across the country to explore the city and mountains with them, attend both their weddings, and embrace her role as “Grandma” to her curlyhaired grandchildren upon their arrival. In 2018, Carol received a challenging cancer diagnosis and began her heroic and unflinching battle against her disease. With Roe standing by her side every day for nearly four years, and family and friends supporting her from near and far away, Carol surpassed every timeline predicted by her doctors. As was Carol’s unique skill, she formed community and friendships in every medical facility she entered. During a particularly long stay at Fairfax Inova Hospital, Carol built a fan base of nurses, doctors, and cleaning crew teams alike. Nurses could be found in her hospital room

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visiting during their breaks, giving her a pedicure and in the days leading up to her release, showering her with goodbye cards and handmade gifts. Over the course of her illness, Carol shared a mantra with friends and family that she very much lived and breathed: “So much of a situation is what you make of it.” Carol made it clear that she didn’t want to be defined by or remembered for her disease. In honor of her wishes, we would instead like to turn your attention to everything else that made Carol a treasured mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, aunt, and friend. There is no debating that the first thing everyone noticed about Carol was her knockout smile. A genuine, warm, electrifying smile that could melt the frigid exterior of a DMV worker. A selfproclaimed clotheshorse, Carol was effortlessly stylish and could whip together an outfit befitting any occasion. For those who knew her well, it was clear that the way to Carol’s heart could be achieved with a Bloody Mary, lobster, or her mother’s doublecream cherry pie. Carol never knew an awkward silence. She extracted life stories from people whether seated next to them on a 5-hour flight or standing in line at the post office. Roe and the family regularly referred to her as the “reporter” for the minute-by-minute detailed updates she shared looking out the window on car rides. While Billy would debate this detail, Carol saw herself as less of a rule breaker and instead as someone who saw the rules as open to interpretation. Sometimes this played out in the form of blowing past “no trespassing” signs when she wanted to explore rural parts of Loudoun County or unsuccessfully sneaking a flask

of tequila into her daughter’s wedding, earning her the prized nickname “Tequila Carolita.” Making good on Carol’s wishes to keep the party going in her memory, the family will be organizing a “Celebration of Life” in the spring of 2022. Carol passed away peacefully at home on October 9, 2021. She is survived by her husband Doug “Roe” McGhee of Middleburg, daughter Katherine Leach-Kemon and her husband Mark Johnson of Seattle, and daughter Erin Leach-Kemon and her husband Matthew Logalbo also of Seattle. She was the exceptionally proud grandmother of Mateo and Neah Johnson and Adrian Carroll Logalbo. She leaves behind her sister Nancy Olson and brother-in-law Dan, along with nieces Sarah Caras (husband Jeff) and Becky Olson, as well as other dear family members. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Elizabeth Leach. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Capital Hospice (capitalcaring.org) or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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Page 24 Middleburg Eccentric

Glen – Ora

Innisfree Farm

Rock Ridge

Bonnie Glen

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

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

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

24.59 acres $2,350,000 Middleburg – Renovated w/over 6,000+ sq ft. classic c. 1915 farmhouse with 2 primary suites, 2 BRs, 4 full BAs and 3 half-baths. Meticulously maintained, a wonderful mix of old and new. Barn, paddocks, run-in shed, spring fed pond. Great ride out.

Westbrook

The Orchard

Dover Springs

Little Bit

10.06 acres $1,995,000 Middleburg – Turnkey, Colonial minutes to town. Sited to enjoy Blue Ridge Mtn views, meticulously maintained 5 BRs / 5 BAs. Extensive landscaping & mature trees. 4-stall barn w/tack room, wash stall & 3 fenced paddocks.

4.82 acres $1,850,000 Middleburg – Largest residential parcel “in town!” Built by local master builder WJ Hanback. 3/4 BRs, 3 full BAs, details include bay windows, built-ins, hardwood floors and fireplaces. Fenced garden extensive landscaping, pond and mature trees.

11.77 acres $1,799,000 Middleburg - Ideal commuter location. Over 4,500 sq.ft. of finished living space. 4 BR / 4.5 BA, mail level primary suite. Exquisite details throughout. 2,700+ sqft walk out, unfinished. Terrace and mature landscaping, built-in stone fire pit, small creek.

9.98 acres $1,695,000 Middleburg – Charming c. 1850’s home has 3 BRs / 3 BAs, fully renovated by wellknown local builder. Heated pool with spa. 4-stall, center aisle barn (Tommy Beach design) heated tack room & wash stall, 3 paddocks and a 90’ x 200’ arena.

Boxwood Cottage

DECEMBER 2021

• December 16, 2021 ~ January 27, 2022

.87 acres $1,395,000 The Plains – 5,000 sq. ft. of beautifully finished living space. Open floor plan, built-in shelving, hardwood floors, stone fireplace, 9’ ceilings, many windows, 4 BRs / 3.5 BAs. Wrap around porch, fenced back yard. Generator. Great commuter location.

Fox Ridge

3.28 acres $1,295,000 Middleburg – In the heart of horse country. Built in 2004, this custom Colonial home was added to an existing smaller home, now used as a studio/home office. With over 5,600 sq . ft. of finished living space, this home offers it all.

Horseshoe Cottage

.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.

Telegraph Springs

7.5 acres $1,125,000 Turnkey horse lover’s dream property located in northwest Loudoun County. Newly renovated farmhouse has a redesigned kitchen/dining/family room space that embraces today’s desired open floor plan. Many additional upgrades.

congratulations to all the new homeowners! many thanks to my clients and best wishes for a happy New Year!

~ Cricket Bedford

THOMAS & TALBOT ESTATE PROPERTIES Opening The Door To Horse Country For Generations 2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | thomasandtalbot.com Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

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