April 2024

HIGH ACRE FARM

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

263 acres between Middleburg and The Plains | c. 1909 brick Georgian main residence Gorgeous millwork & fine finishes 7 fireplaces 4 bedrooms Lovely rolling and elevated land with mountain views Mix of open usable land and mature woods Extensive stone walls, notable formal garden & terraces | 3 tenant houses and multiple farm buildings

SPRING GLADE

$6,500,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

SOUTHPAW PLACE

CLIFF MILLS ROAD

WARRENTON, VIRGINIA

SALEM HILL

118.49 acres, gently rolling land, mature woods, ample pasture Spring fed stocked pond, creeks & mountain views Brick and frame exterior, 3 BR, 1 1/2 BA, fireplace, hardwood floors, stainless steal appliances 7 stall barn with office/apartment w/full bath, 60 x 90 indoor arena, 90 x 120 outdoor arena & detached 2-bay Private but minutes to town

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

French Country home, with renovations in 1999 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Im provements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

REED STREET

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

Beautiful top quality 4 BR, 4 1/2 BA home| Gourmet kitchen w/center island includes Wolf range, Subzero refrigerator and Miele dishwasher | Large family room with fireplace, 9 ft ceilings, lovely mill work and plantation shutters Large front porch and rear deck Detached garage and private parking in rear High speed internet $1,845,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

GAME CREEK

MOUNTAIN ROAD

$2,550,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

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

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

$3,690,000 Mahon

GREAT MOUNTAIN LANE

WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA

Magnificent setting w/photographic views & unbelievable sunrises Custom built log home, vaulted ceilings, views out of every room, 4-5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 2 story raised hearth wood burning fireplace in living room| Raised hearth stone gas fireplace in basement, wrap around decks, acacia hardwood flooring, granite countertops, porcelain tile in kitchen, pantry, foyer & all baths Basement can be finished, fully framed for mechanical room, extra bedroom, storage, laundry room, large recreation room w/wet bar and full bath | 96.38 acres, part in West Virginia, 2300+ ft elevation.

$1,350,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

ALDIE, VIRGINIA

60 wooded acres on top of a ridge In conservation easement, trails throughout, elevated building sites, 1500 ft of frontage on Little River 25 minutes to Dulles, close to Aldie and Route 50

$990,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

SAINT LOUIS ROAD

PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA

A remarkable property located within a private enclave just minutes from town | Stone and stucco manor house with main level master suite | 7 additional BR | 5 stone FP | Beautiful gardens, terraces, salt water pool, cabana, carriage house & stable with 2 paddocks | Lovely finishes throughout & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek | 31 acres | Private, elegant & convenient

$2,650,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

Hard to find 9.58 acres between Middleburg and Purcellville Mountain views, woods and pasture with frontage on Beaverdam Creek

$600,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

UPPERVILLE LAND

UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

203 acres in River frontage

4 full & 3 1/2 Gunnite pool and private | 5 stall Jim paddocks, pasture | Old d alix

Total of 44.55 acres of which 15 acres were producing grapes | Prime location w/mountain Views & privacy Vineyard infrastructure still remains &includes fencing, irrigation system and computerized well | Perc site for 4 bedroom home. Property is in conservation easement | Property can be converted to Residential use. $1,195,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

MANOR ROAD

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village of Rectortown | Convenient to both Routes 50 & 66 | Newly renovated | Private setting with magnificent mountain views | 4 bedrooms, 4 full bath, 1 half bath, 2 fireplaces | Heated pool & spa | 2 bedroom guest house | Large shed & 2-car garage

11.3 acres with frontage on Leeds Manor Road, mountain views in 3 directions, mostly open and rolling, creek frontage, 5 bedroom perc site. Conservation easement around creek area. $395,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Circa 1850’s rebuilt at beams and Barn also 2 bedroom multiple building outside Paul 110

NEW

LEEDS

PUBLISHER

Christian Bentley christian@middleburglife.com

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Vicky Mashaw vmashaw@middleburglife.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com

Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com

APR.

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kaitlin Hill | kaitlin@middleburglife.com

COPY EDITOR & DIGITAL ASSISTANT

Susan Stark

ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR

Joanne Maisano

DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok

ON THE COVER

A view from above of Oak Spring Garden Foundation’s Broodmare Barn. OSGF is a local leader in preserving the natural world and educating the public about the importance of plants, making it a fitting cover shot for our eco issue. Photo by Shannon Ayres.

ON THIS PAGE

Middleburg Life photographer Joanne Maisano captures a stunning view of Bunny Mellon’s property during the Piedmont Fox Hounds-Orange County Hounds Invitational. For more of Maisano’s photos visit page 44.

ADVERTISE IN MIDDLEBURG LIFE

Greenhill Media, LLC

P.O. Box 328 | Middleburg, VA 20118-0328 540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com

All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Aldie, Alexandria, Boyce, Centreville, Delaplane, Front Royal, Great Falls, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Tysons, Upperville, Vint Hill, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.

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1860

7509 Ben Avon Road | Bethesda

$2,899,990 | 6 BR, 5.5 BA | Web# MDMC2114790

Daniel Kotz: O 301.355.0510 | M 703.489.3123

Natalie Ramirez: O 301.355.0510 | M 240.485.7351

1221

$3,399,000

2 HALF BA | Web# VAFX2162514

Lyndsi Armenio: O 202.888.5720 | M 202.534.9397

Ma hew Windsor: O 202.888.5720 | M 240.210.4350

75 S Street NW | Bloomingdale

$1,450,000 | 5 BR, 3.5 BA | Web# DCDC2130004

Ma hew Windsor: O 202.888.5720 | M 240.210.4350

Lyndsi Armenio: O 202.888.5720 | M 202.534.9397

CONTRIBUTORS

Shannon Ayres is a Reston-based freelance photographer. His work has appeared in Arlington, Chesapeake Life, Northern Virginia, Virginia Business, and USA Today magazines. He has an MFA in fine art photography from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. His editorial work can be seen at sdayres.com

Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia. After seven years as a book designer at National Geographic Kids, Callie founded the nonprofit, Reserva: The Youth Land Trust, in 2019. Callie’s land preservation projects and focus on youth empowerment are aided by her talent as a professional photographer. In her spare time, Callie enjoys Earl Grey tea, Harry Potter trivia, and dreaming of getting back into the jumper ring.

Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based lifestyle and travel photographer. A native to Northern Virginia, she holds an MBA from the University of Virginia. In September 2023, she launched her own photography brand after eight years in the fashion industry. When she is not behind the camera, she enjoys hiking with her Labrador retriever, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and trying new restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. Following years as a clinical physician and public health administrator, she returned to her humanities roots. A finalist in the 2020 Icelandic Writers Retreat, her book “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” was released in June 2022. Diane also writes a monthly newsletter, The Silk Mill, which is dedicated to those in love with fabric in all its glory.

Dulcy B. Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C., nearly 10 years ago. Shortly thereafter, both began writing occasional articles for Middleburg Life. Dogs are a big part of the Hoopers’ lives and several of Dulcy’s earlier articles focused on the couple’s Chinese crested powderpuffs!

Carlo Massimo is a reporter based in Washington, D.C., and a columnist at InformationWeek. A poet and literary translator outside work, his book-length translations of Mario Scalesi and Salvatore Mugno are due in 2024. Carlo joined Middleburg Life in April 2023.

Beth Rasin graduated from Middlebury College, where she studied nonfiction creative writing. She worked as a writer and editor at The Chronicle of the Horse for more than 25 years, including 10 years as the president and executive editor. As a freelancer, she’s contributed since 2015 to Middleburg Life, as well as Northern Virginia magazine, Blue Ridge Outdoors, the former Loudoun magazine, and many others. She lives in Hume, where she and her husband and daughter run a boarding facility for retired horses. She enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her adopted dogs and cats.

Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle magazines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and consider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.

Michael Butcher is the owner of Butcher Photography. Originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, he resides in Springfield, Virginia, with his family. For the past 15 years, Michael has specialized in portraiture, event, and editorial photography. When not behind the lens, he enjoys gardening and swimming.

Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has come back to the event every year since as a volunteer, attendee, and for the past several years, as a writer for Middleburg Life. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), the documentary film “Everest: A Climb for Peace,” and multi-platform media. Now, as a full-time realtor with McEnearney Associates, she is helping her clients realize their dream of calling Hunt Country home.

Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known for her blog, Uplift Loudoun. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.

Bill Kent’s journalism has appeared in more than 40 national and regional publications including the Washington Post, Art & Antiques, Philadelphia Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, New Jersey Monthly, and The Hunt. A former correspondent for the New York Times, he taught writing and journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, and Temple universities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.

Gracie Savage is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. Her passion began when she received her first camera in middle school and she continued to study the craft in high school and in college. She was a photographer at Georgetown University for over three years and joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.

Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, people, and places that make Hunt Country so special. Her work has been featured in Plein Air Magazine, the Fairfax County Times, and several online media outlets. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors and exploring Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

Nearly a Century of Excellent Camping

Camp Mont Shenandoah provides a traditional summer camp experience for girls between the ages of 7 and 16. Nestled along the pristine Cowpasture River in Bath County, we are one of Virginia’s best loved overnight camps. Recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register, we are the oldest private residential camp in continuous operation in Virginia.

Ready for your daughter or granddaughter to have the best summer of her life? Ask us how she can become a Camp Mont Shenandoah girl.

CampMontShenandoah.com

Bella Soul GiveS Back in Guatemala & Beyond

Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Gracie Savage

In 2020, Lauren Lamb and Maria Massella crossed paths and found common ground in their shared passions, which laid the groundwork for a collaborative business initiative. Bella Soul, a brand that’s known for uniquely painted hats and handmade bags and ponchos, has gained popularity with fashion lovers since its launch in 2023, especially in the equestrian and polo world. “Equestrian enthusiasts, including Delfina Blaquier, have been seen with our accessories,” Lamb says. “Beyond the equestrian community, our accessories have been seen on actress Kate del Castillo and former Real Housewives of D.C. Star Lynda Erkiletian.”

The women behind the beautiful soul brand say the vision began at Highfields Farm, located in Bluemont, Virginia, where Lamb’s family lives and where Massella worked with them. The farm serves as the operational base for the Highfields Farm Polo Team, led by Lamb’s husband, Michael Smith Liss, who plays on the team and is the team owner.

Beyond Hunt Country, Bella Soul empowers female artisans in Guatemala, Massella’s country of origin. “When we were coming up with the name for our brand, the idea of building a business of ‘beautiful souls’ really resonated with us. We knew that by partnering with good people, individuals whose character and spirit really embodied the true meaning behind our name, we would be able to feel good about aligning ourselves with these artisans and giving back to them in meaningful ways,” Lamb explains.

Massella, who has been in the U.S. since 2015, says she knew after graduating high school that she wanted to focus on a business that would help communities not only in Guatemala but globally. “I believe artisans are incredibly talent-

Maria Massella and Lauren Lamb.

textiles tend to be very bold and bright, and we weren’t sure how that would resonate in the U.S. market. Since we prefer simple, neutral colors, we teamed up with our Guatemalan artisans to create something unique,” Lamb says. “Together, we shifted toward using more muted, monochromatic tones, giving our bags a distinct and sophisticated look.”

According to the duo, every detail tells a story, contributing to a deeper purpose behind the work at Bella Soul. “We’re here to create more than just fashion — it’s about building a community, instilling confidence, and encouraging strength among fellow females. We also recognize that the females we support have families, children, and dreams of their own. Our mission is not only to uplift women but also to contribute to the well-being of their broader communities,” Lamb says.

to be five with the addition of Panama. “We are constantly scouring the globe for additional artisans from various countries to add to our portfolio,” Lamb says. “We really just want to foster a community that appreciates the craftsmanship and stories behind our creations. Ultimately, we aim to create a brand that resonates with people, inspiring them, while also leaving a positive mark on the world.”

This spring, two special hat styles exclusively designed for Salamander Resort will be available in the gift shop. “Both of the styles were made by one of our most talented artists in Mexico,” Lamb explains. “One style is hand-painted by her and inspired by the ocean waves; the other is embroidered by hand and inspired by the rising sun. The idea of making a hat with waves on it was not just about creating a pretty hat. Waves are kind of like life — they come and go, sometimes gentle, sometimes wild. But no matter what, they keep moving forward. It’s like a reminder to go with the flow, to ride out the ups and downs. The other embroidered design featuring the rising sun is all about reminding you that each day brings new beginnings and opportunities.”

Bella Soul also plans to have a pop-up at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, and is a vendor at the Buchanan Hall Farmers Market in Upperville. “We participate there monthly from May to October as part of their Big Bazaar Day. We also have our website, and we are open by appointment only at our farm in Bluemont. For horse enthusiasts who spend time in Wellington, we had a pop-up at Farm Stand at the Wellington Equestrian Festival and plan to be there next winter, as well.”

ed, and their unique pieces deserve recognition. By providing them with work, we can support their families and communities.” With her family connections, she was able to find artisans to work with and continues to search for new talent and “inspire young women to pursue their passions.”

Lamb and Massella devise all the designs themselves, which are then made by hand by a group of carefully selected artisans, now extending beyond Guatemala and into Ecuador, Mexico, and Colombia. “Traditionally, Guatemalan

“Bella Soul Cares” is the brand’s commitment to supporting these artisans, uplifting their communities, and championing meaningful causes. They help fund education and the well-being of local children at a small school in rural Guatemala. For Lamb and Massella, one of the best parts of their work is hearing the stories of the children of these women who are benefiting from their contributions.

When customers purchase from Bella Soul, they can feel confident that they’re not only supporting a local business but a dream across the globe, with collaborations in four countries, soon

Additionally, Bella Soul advocates for the Wild Beauty Foundation, founded by film director Ashley Avis. “Bella Soul is providing artisan prizes for the winners of the short story competition. This collaboration aims to contribute to the preservation of wild horses by educating students about the rich history of horses through literature, art, and science, and teaching them what they can do to protect our wild world for generations to come.” ML

For more information on Bella Soul, visit bellasoul.net.

Give | From page 6

Top left: Hand-designed hat details. Top right: Local realtor and polo player Isabella Wolf models Bella Soul’s wares. Bottom: A lovely hat and bag combo.

LocaL cycLists RaLLy to save GRaveL Roads

Written by Shayda Windle | Photos by Shannon Ayres

The gravel roads that wind their way through Loudoun and Fauquier counties are an incredible treasure and are becoming an increasing attraction to the Middleburg area as a venue for tourism and sport. Traditional farming and equestrian communities have cherished these roads for decades, enjoying the buffer provided by a slower pace and softer footing for four-legged friends as well as transit paths for hunts. But under the seemingly relentless spread of residential and business development, these rural roads are under threat.

Fortunately, gravel road warriors are gaining an important ally in the preservation battle: gravel cyclists. Cyclists have discovered the benefits of quiet lanes and bucolic countryside. Using more robust bikes and wider tires, these riders are enjoying roads less traveled, away from busy paved byways and safe from the noise and the hazards of speeding cars and distracted drivers. On weekends, one is likely to encounter more cyclists than

cars on the wide network of gravel roads that stretch across Hunt Country. One popular blogger of the sport even ranked the Loudoun and Fauquier regions as top locations for gravel riding from a list of 20 across the United States.

With popularity comes a need for preservation, and cycling clubs are joining the fight to preserve and maintain these historic pathways. One active group is the VeloPigs Beer and Bicycle Social Club. Formed by Middleburg resident and avid cyclist Kasey Clark, VeloPigs’ motto is “do good and be kind.” Eight years and almost 1,000 active members later, VeloPigs now draws 60 to 80 riders a week every Saturday starting at Mike Dickerson’s Plum Grove Cyclery in downtown Leesburg.

Another group is Rapha Cycling Club, based out of D.C. and formed by Upperville resident Peter Dattels after he moved to the area and fell in love with the region. As a ride leader for Rapha, Dattels “enjoys bringing people into the

“More importantly, though, we want to be stewards of the road and ensure that it is taken care of and shared the right way.” – Clark

sport and sharing the experience on two wheels.” An experienced rider, Dattels has ridden in Gran Fondos and Haute Route events, including in the Pyrenees, Asheville, and Mexico. He was drawn to cycling because of the “spirit of adventure and community that has been the backbone of these events.” After moving to Upperville, he quickly learned that cyclists often meet equestrians on the road, and the “rules of the road” in Hunt Country are different. In Hunt Country, you “slow down to ask the horse rider how to pass safely, but the way you do so is always different depending on the horse’s temperament and the rider’s experience,” Dattels shares. He underscores to fellow riders that equestrians have the right of way.

Gravel roads may not allow drivers to move at speed, but it is for that reason that cycling on historic roads is more enjoyable for the rider. Bluemont Connection, organized by Chris Tank, also leads rides in the area, as does Haymarket Bicycles, owned and operated by Jared Nieters. Nieters’ route takes riders through The Plains, a popular stopping point for the cake and coffee at Doppio Bunny.

Playing an active role in preservation, Clark has participated in numerous fundraisers to help raise money to support America’s Routes. The

Rally | Page 12

Left page: A view from above on Old Waterford Road. Top left: The sign outside Plum Grove Cyclery in Leesburg. Middle: A group of VeloPigs riders. Top right: Kasey Clark.

local nonprofit works to counter the widely held tenet that paving equals progress, create appreciation for their history and beauty, develop practical methods to improve them, and cultivate the political backing to protect them. In 2020, Clark rode a 250-mile gravel course to raise funds for America’s Routes. Clark also completed all three courses during the fifth annual 1725 Gravel Grinder, totaling 182 miles of gravel last year in just 24 hours. He has no plans to stop and continues raising money to help preserve America’s Routes.

“One way we can safeguard these historic roads is by raising awareness and getting people out to enjoy the roads, which is a large part of what we do.”

– Covington

“One way we can safeguard these historic roads is by raising awareness and getting people out to enjoy the roads, which is a large part of what we do,” emphasizes America’s Routes member Jane Covington. She continues, “The stories they tell are worth preserving, which date back to the Civil War and are an essential piece of history that can easily be erased if someone does not advocate for them.”

America’s Routes also works with partner organizations to increase the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) care for the gravel roads, and Clark has led efforts with the team at VeloPigs by adopting two roads in 2020, Old Waterford and Beaver Dam Road, which are some of the most well-traveled gravel roads in the county. At the time, Clark wanted to ensure there was a

community service aspect to his cycling group, but given its importance, the effort has now become an advocacy initiative. Twice a year, Gregg Hyde of VeloPigs hosts a roadside cleanup where about 20 to 30 members join and help clean the roads. They then report the details of their cleanup to VDOT. “We want to help keep our gravel roadsides clean and attractive for years. We work hard to significantly expand and improve infrastructure that facilitates safe and convenient gravel riding for riders of all ages and abilities,” Clark shares. “More importantly, though, we want to be stewards of the road and ensure that it is taken care of and shared the right way.”

Other organizations have tapped into the popularity of gravel cycling as a fundraiser for preservation. For example, the Bike the Gravel tour

in Middleburg, sponsored by the Land Trust of Virginia, is a scenic ride on gravel roads through gorgeous properties in Loudoun and Fauquier counties that are all in conservation easement and only viewable on one day. All proceeds of this ride go to the Land Trust of Virginia. And, as riders believe, if you save the land, you save the gravel.

Many weekend riders have become fixtures locally. Whether it’s to stop in Middleburg, where cyclists are often seen at Common Grounds, Salamander, and the Oyster Bar; visiting a brewery or winery (Slater Run is a popular spot for Rapha rides); or eating lunch at Bluewater Kitchen or Hunter’s Head in Upperville, investment in preserving gravel roads connects them to the historic and scenic areas through which they ride. ML

Top: Rain doesn’t stop these cyclists from getting out on a weekend ride. Bottom: VeloPigs and Plum Grove teamed up to adopt and maintain one of their favorite routes.

a World of WonderS at aim

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Images courtesy of the Artists in Middleburg

“We can all see it: climate change, what is happening to the Arctic, what is happening to the animals, to the environment,” says Sandy Danielson, executive director of Artists in Middleburg (AiM). She continues, “We didn’t want to take a depressing look at what is happening, but [instead] highlight what is beautiful about our world and why we need to save it.”

AiM’s latest exhibition, “A World of Wonders, Let’s Save It! Nature’s Beauty in Focus,” on display through May 5, does just that. Through the eyes of local artists, the exhibit explores seemingly endless interpretations of the theme. From endangered species to familiar Loudoun landscapes, the exhibit touches every corner of the world and the heart of an issue that is important to the many conservation-minded Hunt Country residents.

When asked what AiM was looking for in submissions, Danielson shares, “I was looking for landscapes, animals, or particular plants — something that we see that is beautiful and that we hold dear.” She adds, “Whether it’s in Virginia or Zimbabwe or Australia, [I sought] an interpretation of what we really embrace, what is beautiful, [and] what we really need to work to save.”

In their statements, many of the participating artists shared that their paintings, while globally inspired, resonated with them personally — as meaningful art tends to do.

Of her submission “Eye of the Tiger,” a captivating colored pencil on canvas rendering, Adele Buytenhuys writes, “Regretfully tigers are on the endangered list. I have captured their eyes in several mediums, pencils being my favorite. As I was

Top: “May’s Delight,” 11 x 14 inches, oil painting, Jill Brabant. Bottom: “Bug’s World,” 13 x 16 inches, oil painting, Dana Lee Thompson. Wonders | Page 15

Wonders | From page 14

born in the year of the tiger, I think something speaks to me about these beautiful cats.”

And Dana Lee Thompson takes a vintage scientific approach to “Bug’s World,” an oil painting. She writes, “I painted this after a 1900s illustration. It shows caterpillars and butterflies, mostly. I find insects very interesting. They are in decline like most things nowadays.”

New life, abundance, and joy find their place in the exhibit, too. Of her piece “May’s Delight,” Jill Brabant writes, “Light seems to be playing on the petals of the flowers, giving depth to the painting and highlighting the delicate details in each bloom. There’s a sense of lushness and fullness to the composition, which is evocative of a garden in full spring bloom.”

In her watercolor painting, Eva McKinley celebrates Glacier National Park. “The colors that danced off of the waters and the mountains surrounding the lake were unforgettable,” she shares. “My hope is that this painting evokes feelings of peace and joy into your home.”

Danielson says, “There are going to be a lot of beautiful, fascinating pieces of art in the gallery. It is going to be an explosion of visual interpretations.” And, more than the message the gallery sends home, Danielson adds, “The pieces are for sale. We want people to see the beauty and take it back with them.” AiM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and art sales go toward supporting AiM’s work with local schools and students of all ages.

As for what Danielson hopes the exhibit will achieve, her words echo those of Van Gogh, who also praised the power of small actions: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” For Danielson, that is “making people aware that there is a first step to any type of action, whether it’s supporting organizations who do the conservation, [participating] in a cleanup, or recycling. We can all do it in our own little ways.” ML

For more submissions from “A World of Wonders, Let’s Save It! Nature’s Beauty in Focus,” visit middleburglife.com, and don’t miss the exhibit at the Artists in Middleburg gallery starting April 6.

The Artists in Middleburg

102 W. Washington Street Middleburg, VA 20118 (540) 687-6600

theartistsinmiddleburg.org

Open Wednesday - Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m.

Top: “Rippling Waters, Glacier National Park,” 11 x 14 inches, watercolor painting, Eva McKinley. Bottom: “Eye of the Tiger,” 9 x 12 inches, colored pencil, Adele Buytenhuys.

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Clothes, Coffee, & Community with Tree of Life

Written by Shayda Windle | Photos by Gracie Savage

Tree of Life, a faith-based nonprofit serving all of Loudoun County, was started by a small group at Purcellville Baptist Church in 2008. The group’s mission has always been outreach to those less fortunate in the community. As the ministry grew, the need for additional community support became more apparent, and in 2012, CEO Paul Smith registered Tree of Life (TOL) Ministries as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization so they could work with

other churches. Today, the ministry partners with churches all over Loudoun County, as well as Loudoun County Public Schools, businesses, and individuals to serve those in need through five main branches: food, shelter, health care, relief, and life skills.

Their work includes food pantries and weekly community dinners in Purcellville, Leesburg, and Sterling. The volunteer-supplied meals are offered to everyone, no questions asked. For shel-

ter, the organization operates a transitional housing program and recently announced they are expanding by adding six family homes in western Loudoun. Housing is subsidized by the ministry to offset the high cost of rent in the region. Two units in western Loudoun are currently available, and those in need are urged to apply for them, as they go fast.

Tree of Life recognizes that developing life skills is something that can help those who need a hand up rather than a handout, and — in that vein — Tree of Life has two gospel enterprises which offer workplace opportunities for those in need: The Clothing Closet and SimplyBe Coffee.

Clothing with a Cause

The Clothing Closet, established in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, operates as a boutique thrift store with locations in Purcellville and Leesburg. As ministries of Tree of Life, the gospel enterprises share a common vision: “to plant the Tree of Life model in new communities to the glory of God,” says Susannah Lee, the recently appointed CEO of Tree of Life.

With past experience in retail, Lee conceptualized The Clothing Closet to create opportunities in the field for those less fortunate. With Smith’s support, TOL expanded the ministry, opening the first Clothing Closet in Purcellville. In 2023, they opened a second Clothing Closet in Leesburg, alongside SimplyBe Coffee, providing employment opportunities for those with disabilities.

Dedicated to sustainability, The Clothing Closet promotes a circular economy by taking in gently used clothing and selling it. Their voucher program offers free clothing to those in need, facilitating access to these resources and fostering community support while combating the environmental impact of fast fashion. Dianne McDuffie, store manager of the Purcellville location, reflects on the joy of witnessing the transformative impact of the ministry. “I enjoy the relationships I have made with the customers and volunteers that come in weekly. I love making an impact in the community by serving those in need. I love seeing God work through this ministry and bring

TOL Ministries’ sign.

Life | From page 18

joy to so many people,” she shares.

Melissa Barton, store manager at The Clothing Closet in Leesburg, explains that The Clothing Closet is “so much more than a store. … The dignity of the shopping experience, the excitement of the volunteers who are given an opportunity to shine that usually are never given a chance, and the lessons taught to the next generation to donate cannot be encapsulated in a single quote. You must experience it yourself.”

Because The Clothing Closet sells high-quality clothing at such affordable prices, inventory turns over quickly and unsold items are recycled or donated, reducing waste and environmental impact. Families appreciate the exclusive shopping experience, expressing a newfound sense of dignity. While sustainability and conservation through their gospel enterprises are undoubtedly crucial to the organization, the heart of The Clothing Closet’s mission is perhaps best explained by the Bible verse Matthew 25:36: “I needed clothes and you clothed me.”

Coffee Too

Attached to The Clothing Closet’s Leesburg location is a coffee shop called SimplyBe Coffee. An extension of TOL’s Still Waters ministry, the coffee shop provides employment and volunteer experience to individuals with special needs. To find volunteers and employees for the shop, SimplyBe partners with ECHO, DARS, Loudoun County Public Schools’ CAST program, and other agencies that work with individuals with disabilities.

“We were created for the purpose of educating and ensuring every staff member feels loved, accepted, and is an important member of society, preparing them for independence by giving them every chance to learn new things and add to their skill sets,” says SimplyBe Manager Cheryl June. “Our goal is to continue bringing awareness, not only to our mission, but with the hope more businesses see the value in providing this opportunity. We are so blessed by our extraordinary staff. I believe we learn more from them. One cannot visit SimplyBe Coffee and leave without being affected or changed.”

Assistant Manager Susie Smith, who helped open the first Leesburg location, previously taught special education and helped oversee Loudoun County’s Young Life Capernaum ministry. “It is so special to see these young adults, who I have known for over a decade, out in the workforce, implementing a strong work ethic, learning life skills, and being given opportunities

they otherwise may not have been given. To see these individuals excelling in their jobs, gaining purpose, and bringing joy to all who enter the shop speaks to the value of every single human,” she shares.

It certainly doesn’t hurt that the coffee and

Top: Inspiration for the organization. Bottom left: Clothing in every color at The Clothing Closet. Bottom right: They sell cute bags and shoes, too.

snacks are “the best,” according to a customer in the shop. The most popular items on the menu include homemade gluten-free almond bars, lattes, their monthly featured drinks and desserts, chai lattes, and cold brew. The shop frequently hosts special events like SimplyBe Unplugged, where customers can enjoy live acoustic performances from local artists on Saturday afternoons. Then there is Coffee with a Cop, where local police officers from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, Leesburg Police Department, and even Virginia State Police come out to enjoy coffee with customers. Customers may also rent the lounge, the new conference room, as well as the full venue after hours.

Connecting Community: Tree of Life’s Front Line

By providing food, shelter, health care, relief,

and life skills to those in need, Tree of Life is not only promoting a sustainable community but one that is faith-based and built on hope. And, Lee says, while “at Tree of Life, Jesus Christ is foremost, it is important to know that we serve people of all faiths or no faith. Our programs are offered without religious strings of any kind. It’s truly our heart to serve.”

Through their numerous initiatives across Hunt Country and beyond, Tree of Life Ministries weaves a tapestry of interdependence that strengthens the bonds among this community, where some of the most affluent and most challenged reside together. Their mission creates a supportive local network of hope, but their work cannot be accomplished without the help of volunteers and donors. Learn more about the ministry and how to get involved at tolministries.org ML

Life | From page 19

Top: The team at SimplyBe Coffee. Bottom: And a case of delicious pastries.

May 17th:

May 18th & 19th:

Northern Virginia’s wildly popular vintage market showcasing more than 200 of the best “vintage hip” vendors on the East Coast! Including live music, Vanish Beer Garden, & tons of cool vintage finds!

A Conservation Win for the Community Brings New Life to Blackthorne Inn

Written by Heidi Baumstark

Beauty demands a double take. A second look. It can even be jaw-dropping.

Beauty awakens the soul to act. And action was certainly taken surrounding the preservation of a historic property in Upperville: Blackthorne Inn and Restaurant.

Located in northwestern Fauquier County’s agricultural district between Upperville and Paris — about 10 miles west of the Town of Middleburg — this parcel of land is a beauty to behold. No longer an inn and restaurant, it is now in the private ownership of husband and wife Sumit Bhatnagar and Anjana Ghosh, who purchased it in April 2022.

Previously, the property grabbed the attention of developers. In July 2016, Charlottesville-based Easton Porter Group (EPG) purchased the 50-plus-acre property with plans to transform it into a country resort, expanding the restaurant and adding 20 cabins in the back, a spa, plus a 20,000-square-foot hillside events barn.

When word got out about EPG’s plans, many in the community were not in favor of it. Citizens for Fauquier County (CFFC) was among the organizations that raised concerns about the development project. Kevin Ramundo serves

as CFFC’s president and lives near the historic Blackthorne Inn. He shares, “I’ve gotten to be friends with the new owners, who live in Great Falls; this will be their country home.”

BACKGROUND

Originally, the property was known as Greystone House. In 1775, Lord Thomas Fairfax deeded the land over to a young George Washington, then the official land surveyor of Culpeper County. A copy of the handwritten deed still hangs prominently in the original portion of the stone house, and a plaque in front of the house includes text about “Gentleman George.”

Over the years, the site would experience a few name changes. In 1984, the property was known as the 1763 Inn, named for the year the original stone section was built. It was renamed the Blackthorne Inn and Restaurant in April 2007, when ownership changed hands to the O’Connor family. In 2016, EPG acquired it with plans to renovate the 18th-century stone portion and expand it into a resort. Essentially, it would have been a commercial operation in an agricultural zoned area at least two to three times the scale of what

Community | Page 23

Top: A 1984 illustration of Blackthorne Inn, then known as the 1763 Inn. Courtesy of Anjana Ghosh. Bottom: A recent shot of the property. Photo by Roger Lancaster.

the Fauquier Board of Supervisors approved for the previous owner.

CFFC spent considerable time analyzing the zoning and special exception provisions and met with county officials to discuss its analysis. Other nonprofits joined the effort in opposing the proposed project, including Goose Creek Association, Piedmont Environmental Council, and Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association. Two applications were prepared by the developer, but with strong resistance by conservation groups and concerned citizens, neither were approved. EPG decided to abandon its plans. This opened the door for current owners Bhatnagar and Ghosh to purchase it.

“This is an example of how the conservation community came together in a multi-year effort to oppose the resort plans for this property,” Ramundo adds, who, along with the CFFC Board of Directors, remains committed to upholding the organization’s mission to protect Fauquier’s future.

NEW VISION

“It wasn’t just on a whim,” Ghosh says of the decision to buy Blackthorne; in fact, for years, the couple had been on the hunt for property. Inspiration sparked while visiting a Loudoun County winery. In 2009, Bhatnagar’s business, GreenBrilliance, installed solar panels at Sunset Hills Vineyard in Purcellville. Ghosh remembers, “I was so impressed by the vineyard’s beauty and surrounding land, I thought, ‘We should have our own farm.’”

Over the years, the couple continued to visit wineries and remained on the lookout for land. Then Ghosh came across an article on Blackthorne Inn that described the historic property. “I said we have to go; so, in December 2021, we called a realtor asking to see it. We fell in love with it.”

“We are immigrants from India,” Ghosh con-

tinues, “and we and our three children will be part of this house. It made us so happy to hear about its history.” Ghosh, who is busy running a consulting business, said they started coming here every day from their main residence in Great Falls, creating a vision for it, imagining what it could be.

Ramundo adds, “I’ve been inside the property with Anjana and it’s clear they’re investing in making it the place they want it to be. It’s a great conservation story. They don’t always turn out well and this was such a clear success reflecting the efforts of a lot of people, a supportive Fauquier County supervisor, and the collaboration of a number of conservation organizations.”

Ramundo, who completed his corporate career at Raytheon in 2016 and later that year began his involvement with CFFC, shares, “This issue with Blackthorne was happening in my backyard. I thought I could help here. It just turned out that my second career is now in conservation; it’s been a happy confluence of circumstances that allowed

me to lead the effort.”

During renovation, Ghosh says that locals have dropped by and told stories about the history here. “I want to preserve the sanctity of the old house,” she says. “The more I learn, the more I understand the importance of its preservation.”

The existing barn will board horses. “My dad was in the Indian army,” Ghosh adds, “and he took care of a regiment with horses; he was also a great polo player. He taught us riding when I was 4 years old, and my sister is a member of a hunt club in India. My father cultivated a passion for the environment and the community. It feels like that’s coming back full circle.”

Ghosh is grateful for her new neighbors who share a vision of preservation. “We feel so connected with the people around us. If we can make a little difference in preservation, we’ll just be blessed.”

Renovations should be completed by Sep -

Community | Page 24

Above: Construction is well underway at Blackthorne. Photo by Roger Lancaster. Community | From page 22

Community | From page 23

tember 2024, and they plan to place the property under a conservation easement. “We’re never going to subdivide this property,” Ghosh confirms, “and, yes, eventually, we’ll have solar panels.”

So, what will be its new name? “We’ve renamed it The Hunt,” Ghosh notes. “We’ve been hunting for a farm — and we’re in Hunt Country — so the name fits.” For one couple, their hunt is over, and their new life at The Hunt is just beginning. At last, they have found their rural beauty and have protected a slice of beautiful Fauquier County at the same time. ML

More information about Citizens for Fauquier County can be found at citizensforfauquier.org.

Bottom: The property has surprises, like this sweet gazebo set over a pond. Photo by Roger Lancaster.

The Plains – The epitome of an exquisite Horse Country Estate with meticulously manicured gardens, grounds and hundreds of acres with protected view-sheds. Oakendale is in a class of its own.

John Coles | 540-270-0094 OAKENDALE 435 acres | $19,600,000 RED

John Coles | 540-270-0094

The Plains – Exceptional and surrounded by magnificent countryside with views. Stone and stucco residence, beautiful terraces. 8 stall center aisle stable with 14’ x 14’ stalls.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Mary Ann McGowan | 540-270-1124

107 acres | $9,975,000 HUNTLAND 129+ acres | $9,000,000

Marshall – Magnificent country estate, one of the finest in Virginia’s famed horse country. 17,800 sq.ft. of exquisite living space, spectacular equestrian facilities and acres of extraordinary beauty.

Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233

The Plains – The classic colonial is sited high on the farm’s 93+/acres for one to enjoy views of the Bull Run Mountains and the farm’s gently rolling land, stocked pond and stable.

Will Driskill | 540-454-7522

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Middleburg – Restored to its 1900’s glory when owned by a founding member of American Foxhound Club and Master of PFH. Huntland is not just a name, but the very essence of the estate.

Middleburg – New estate home ready for the most discerning buyer. Extraordinary living on three finished levels. Also: heated pool, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and 3 car garage.

Brian McGowan | 703-927-4070

Will Driskill | 540-454-7522

The Plains – Gorgeous property in 2 parcels. Main residence features open floor plan, high ceilings, wood flooring. Lush, board fenced pastures and spring fed pond in a story book setting.

Purcellville – 18th century log and clapboard home which has been restored and expanded. Enjoy rural life with the convenience of the nearby towns of western Loudoun County.

Middleburg – Stunning, 4 level custom home with 5 BR/5 BA and nearly 6,500 sq. ft. of living space. Surrounded by 10 private acres with mature trees, open lawns and a fenced garden.

Boyce – Classic brick colonial with beautiful, protected, views. Board-fenced paddocks, run-in sheds, small riding arena with a stone dust base. In two parcels, one with extra DUR.

Warrenton, Historic District – Stunning, 3 level, Greek Revival style brick home amidst mature trees and spectacular perennial gardens. Walkout level studio apt. and renovated 1 BR Guest House.

Middleburg – Gorgeous, corner townhouse in prestigious Steeplechase Run. Enjoy luxurious, care free, country living less than an hour’s drive from Washington, DC.

13+ acres

HITCH HOLLOW 408+/- acres |

Will Driskill | 540-454-7522

DELAPLANE MANOR 75+ acres | $3,900,000

Delaplane – Exquisite and beautifully sited. Located within the Crooked Run Valley Rural Historic District. 10 BRs/6.5 BAs. Behind the house are a pool, barns, paddocks and mature woodlands.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

LEEDS MANOR RD. 8+ acres | $1,900,000

John Coles | 540-270-0094

PARKER STREET .89 acres | $999,998

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

Linden – Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with rolling hills, fenced pasture, woodlands, 4 ponds and views in all directions. Perfect for those who hike, hunt and ride horses.

Markham – The stone residence is charming; the mountain views are magnificent! Beautiful flowering shrubs and trees will bring glorious color in the spring.

Upperville – Enjoy a weekend retreat or full-time residence in the heart of the historic village. 3 BR / 3 and a half BA home, fully renovated in 2010 by a local custom home builder for himself.

WHEN A GOLF COURSE GOES BACK TO NATURE

Written by Bill Kent | Photos by Shannon Ayres

For 10 years Gene Lewis has hiked, climbed, waded, swum, paddled a canoe, fished, and otherwise explored every inch of a former golf course on the Shenandoah River’s eastern bank.

As manager of Shenandoah University’s Cool Spring Campus, Lewis acts as lone caretaker, informal guide, host to university students, occasional gardener, and supervisor of contractors who are slowly letting what was once Clarke

County’s Virginia National Golf Course go back to nature.

“Every day I see something new,” he says. The time just before trees grow heavy with spring blossoms just might be his favorite, “because of what I can see. You can look through the trees and appreciate what is normally hidden for most of the year.”

To his left, in the shadow of a ridge that climbs a few hundred feet to the east, are sand bunkers

that have become ponds where turtles sun themselves. To the west, a wall of trees rises over the riverbank. “There’s a heronry along the very top. Look just to the right. That’s a bald eagle’s nest.” Below the tree line, where the river widens as it flows north, “it’s a lot deeper than it looks. During the Civil War, soldiers tried to ford the river here. They were swept under and drowned.” Lewis points to a tangle of driftwood along the

“We think of it as a living classroom.” – Lewis

Golf cart paths run through Shenandoah University’s Cool Spring Campus.

Nature | From page 28

river’s bank. “The Underground Railroad came through here. Before the war, escaped slaves followed the river north seeking freedom. Some of them drowned, too.”

Though there hasn’t been a major flood in this part of the Shenandoah Valley for several years, among the debris floating on high water has been a full-sized recreational vehicle. “I don’t know how it got in there, or where it ended up.”

The golf cart trail eventually climbs past native grass meadows, new plantings of native trees, and a lone pine growing in what was once a fairway to the high ridge running over the floodplain. To the north, across a small creek, is the Rocky Branch waterfall. A few houses from the adjacent Shenandoah Retreat development are visible along the crown of the ridge. “I’ve got to know some of the people who live there. One person comes here so often that he donated a trail bench so he could sit down and admire the views.”

To the south, near a tee box fringed by scraggly grass and multiflora rose, a sign indicates the location of a Federal Army gun emplacement. Through the trees can be seen a farm on the grounds of the Holy Cross Abbey, where most of the 1864 Battle of Cool Spring was fought.

“Some of the monks come over here on long walks. They’re good neighbors. They say a long walk here is very peaceful. A lot of what’s going on here regarding the wildlife habitats is still a work in progress, especially with invasive species, but as for the peacefulness, I wholeheartedly agree.”

The National is not the only Northern Virginia golf course on a path to a more natural state. In 2019, the General’s Ridge in Manassas Park closed to become Blooms Park, a city-owned recreation area.

Just don’t call the 197-acre Shenandoah Cool Spring Campus a park. Located off Route 7 at the end of Parker Street, it is open dawn to dusk, and is featured on several websites as ideal for hiking, running, birdwatching, dog walking, picnicking, and battlefield exploration. Because it is private property and a state-protected battlefield, metal detecting, excavation, overnight camping, hunting, open fires, trail riding, and the consumption of alcohol are all forbidden.

“It’s more of a laboratory for the University that’s open to the public,” Lewis adds. “We think of it as a living classroom.”

University students, nationally known scholars, and the occasional busload of high school students on a field trip visit the campus several times a year to gain an overall appreciation of the site’s historical value, as well as its contemporary role in the greater Hunt Country environment. They are first taken to the golf course’s former log cabin clubhouse. No food or drinks are served, but visitors can view murals, examine maps, and view display cases of Civil War artifacts, including a remarkably well-preserved shoe from the 1864 battle for which the campus is named.

They are among hundreds that were found on the river’s western bank, excavated from the

grounds of the Holy Cross Abbey monastery. According to history professor Jonathan Loyalas, director of Shenandoah University’s McCormick Civil War Institute, the relics were originally on display at the monastery before they were donated to the Clarke County Historical Association and ultimately turned over to the university’s Civil War Institute.

Those artifacts were among the reasons that Loyalas became a major advocate of the university’s $2 million purchase of the golf course in 2013. They also inspired him to design the informative murals and signs that take visitors along the cart trails to nine viewpoints that explain the fateful 1864 battle in which 800 soldiers perished in three hours.

Though Cool Spring is not as well known as other Civil War engagements, Loyalas believes its “importance transcends strategic consequences or political outcomes. Today at Cool Spring we highlight the experiences of individuals and explore what those experiences reveal about the conflict’s tragic consequences, its impact on soldiers, how it affected families, and how that offers a useful reminder of what occurs when a people become divided to an unbridgeable point.”

Indeed, one of the many flashpoints that ignited the conflict occurred in 1859 at the Charles Town courthouse, a mere 27 miles due north, where radical abolitionist John Brown was found guilty of murder, treason, and insurrection during a raid of a federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry.

“I’ve got to know some of the people who live there. One person comes here so often that he donated a trail bench so he could sit down and admire the views.” – Lewis

The Shenandoah River runs alongside the former golf course.

“This place is unique. There’s nothing like it anywhere and taking it back to a more natural, open setting seemed to be a great thing to do.” – Lewis

Nature | From page 29

Virginia Circuit Court Judge Richard Parker presided over the trial and sentenced Brown to death.

Parker’s ancestral plantation covered both the east and west banks of the Shenandoah River at Cool Spring. The road leading to the campus is named after him.

Like nearly all large Virginia landholdings, the Parker Plantation was eventually broken up. During the previous century, land on the western side of the Shenandoah was acquired by the Catholic Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, which leased a portion for farming. The eastern side was zoned for residential development, with a golf course on the floodplain to attract potential vacation home buyers from Winchester and Washington, D.C.

Lewis was studying environmental science at Shenandoah while working in an outdoor outfitting store when he got a call from the store’s owner. “He happened to be a university trustee. He told me the university was about to buy a piece of property and they had a job that was perfect for me. I didn’t think managing a golf course was my kind of thing.”

Then he saw the site. “This place is unique. There’s nothing like it anywhere and taking it back to a more natural, open setting seemed to be a great thing to do.”

The process has brought surprises. Paw-paw trees and burr oaks proliferate in places he never expected. Birds are more plentiful, and louder. However, invasive species have been troublesome. At first, Lewis took it personally. He uprooted non-native Johnson grass with his bare hands, and suffered thorns from hacking through multiflora roses. He eventually had to contract the work out, going so far as to use herbicides and

controlled burns.

Lewis has the full support of Allyson Degrassi, Shenandoah’s assistant dean and associate professor of environmental studies. “Invasive species pose significant threats to native species,” she says. “It is essential to be proactive in their removal. Gene has made difficult decisions regarding management practices. Ultimately, invasive species management must consider the long-term goals for the landscape.”

The university’s goals for the campus serve three interests, Degrassi explains. The first is to maintain open vistas so that students and visitors will get a sense of the historical battlefield, and how it fits into the valley’s distinctive environment.

The second requires a maintenance of the golf course’s cart trails, foot bridges, picnic areas, and benches so that visitors can enjoy themselves and, perhaps, gain a greater appreciation of their connection to nature.

Finally, Degrassi says, the campus will continue to serve the students and faculty who study it. So far, Degrassi’s environmental science students have done research on everything from goldenrod pollen dispersal patterns to the effects of trash on wildlife habitats. Later this year, Shenandoah professor Hilary Sotor will plant a wildflower meadow.

For Lewis, the warming season will bring more visitors. “I’ve gotten to know some of them and they are all really great people. I don’t count heads, but during the pandemic, we had at least a thousand coming every day. Now it’s down to a few hundred. If there’s one thing that they have in common, it’s that the campus makes them happy.”

He grins and adds, “It makes me happy, too.” ML

Top: What golfers would call a water hazard now sits peacefully. Bottom: The fairways are no longer green as nature takes its course.

“Blue ridGe” By Peter malone elliott: a deBut novel With a hunt country BackdroP

Written by Diane Helentjaris

Peter Malone Elliott’s debut novel, “Blue Ridge,” is a rocketing, no-holds-barred suspense thriller with a dab of Southern noir. Protagonist Cillian Clarke has washed up early. All set to begin training as a member of the U.S. Olympic equestrian team, he destroys his knee — and future — riding in the Gold Cup. Olympic dreams dashed, he’s left to eke out a living as a horse trainer.

As the story opens, Cillian is on his way to murder his identical twin brother, Christopher. A highflyer in the world of politics, Christopher is poised to enter the gubernatorial race for the Old Dominion. Things weren’t always rocky between the two young men, but then a woman entered the scene, and well…

In the run-up to writing “Blue Ridge,” Elliott jump-started his career writing screenplays. In 2022, his work for WIRED SHUT was nominated for a Leo Award for Best Screenwriting, Motion Picture. He won the Grand Prize of the Pipeline Screenwriting Competition in 2018. Screenwriting, with its emphasis on brevity and concision, has helped Elliott hone his rapid-fire style to a needle-sharp point.

“For me, writing is first and foremost,” Elliott says. His mother, L.M. Elliott, is also a writer. She has published multiple award-winning books for children and young adults. Growing up with an

author as a mom gave Elliott a “backdoor” look at the world of publishing and book writing. Chafing at the tedium of pitching his book to multiple agents, he changed course. He approached traditional presses as an unagented writer and within two weeks received multiple offers for “Blue Ridge.” He recommends other writers with a book to pitch “to try to break in, [and] don’t be afraid to go against the grain… There are so many avenues to get out there. Amazing indie presses do great work or there’s hybrid publishing, too.”

Thirty-year-old Elliott was raised in Northern Virginia. In 2021, after living in Los Angeles for eight years, he returned to Virginia. In those pandemic days, he often took long walks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, soaking up the countryside, and planning his next move. Sky Meadows Park became a favorite site for rambles.

He “always wanted to write a book. ... Going back to my roots for my debut novel felt right. Northern Virginia is such an interesting hodgepodge with horse people, policy-driven people… [It’s] an interesting cross-section.” He decided it was time to settle down and write his book. The Blue Ridge Mountains — an “awe-inspiring, beautiful, kind of spooky, something seeping in the underbelly” place — would be the setting.

Top: “Blue Ridge,” Peter Malone Elliott’s debut novel. Cover art by Level Best Designs. Bottom: Elliott signs books at a March 19 meet and greet event at Middleburg Books. Photo by Joanne Maisano.

Though not one himself, Elliott is fascinated by the inescapable tendency for twins to be only seen as a pair rather than as individuals. That concept rolled into his developing story, as did his sister’s love of horses. She’s an equestrian who grew up earning national awards for riding. As a result of her interests, Elliott rubbed shoulders with the horse world on a regular basis with frequent jaunts out to horse country. The characters in “Blue Ridge” and the things they do, however, are complete fiction. Elliott chuckles, “People who write thriller and horror are often the most well-adjusted people.”

In “Blue Ridge,” the atmospheric setting feeds a fast-paced, jaw-dropping plotline, full of “I didn’t see that coming” moments. This is a book with surprises around every corner. The author

taps into what he calls the “spooky aspects of the Blue Ridge” to keep readers looking over their shoulder. As Cillian Clarke says in the book, “I always say the majestic, rolling landscape of the Blue Ridge is nature’s equivalent to the music of Patsy Cline — an inexplicably perfect cocktail of sumptuous beauty, haunting melancholy, and darkedged mystery.”

Then there’s the fun part of the setting for Hunt Country readers. Few things tickle as much as a novel mentioning the Ashby Inn or “cow puddle” cookies from The Upper Crust Bakery in Middleburg.

Also of note is a protagonist from an up-andcoming generation. Cillian Clarke is new, with a fresh voice. “Blue Ridge” opens a new vista for lovers of crime, political thrillers, murder mys-

teries, and noir.

As for the author’s intent, first and foremost, “I would love it if [readers are] … entertained. Engaged. Riveted. Secondly, I would love it if people could take in the larger themes of ‘Blue Ridge’ in terms of redemption and sibling rivalries.”

Home today for Peter Malone Elliott is Brooklyn, but he keeps his heart in the Commonwealth. Up north, he nurtures his Southern roots with visits to local barbecue joints. In addition to his writing, he offers editing services for manuscripts and screenplays as founder and owner of Fortiter et Recte Literary. Elliott recently completed his second novel, a suspense thriller set in Yosemite, and is currently working on his third book. ML

Learn more about Elliott’s work at pmelliott.com, and for more information on Fortiter et Recte, visit fortiteretrecteliterary.com.

Elliott shares a smile with the crowd at his book signing event. Photo by Joanne Maisano.

The 2024 SCHEDULE

One of Our Best Lineups!

Celebrating 25 Years!

overseeing the group. The next morning you will be driven to the Mount Kenya region and the adventure will begin.

AFRICAGAP SUMMER CAMP’24

Arrival Date in Kenya: June 20th - July 9th 2024

This camp is designed to encompass some of Kenya’s magical wilderness areas, whilst gaining a feel for the country, the amazing people and culture. Designed for students aged 15 - 17, the maximum group size is 9.

AFRICAGAP SUMMER CAMP ITINERARY

AFRICAGAP SUMMER CAMP ITINERARY

AFRICAGAP SUMMER CAMP ITINERARY

Our basecamp is set in the foothills of Mount Kenya with plenty of hiking opportunities, visits to local tribal villages and a week on a wildlife conservancy.

DAY 1 – 4

arara CONCERT SERI E S

You will fly into Nairobi, and be met at the airport and spend that night in a hotel with our manager overseeing the group. The next morning you will be driven to the Mount Kenya region and the adventure will begin.

DAY 1 – 4

Our basecamp is set in the foothills of Mount Kenya with plenty of hiking opportunities, visits to local tribal villages and a week on a wildlife conservancy.

Our basecamp is set in the foothills of Mount Kenya with plenty of hiking opportunities, visits to local tribal villages and a week on a wildlife conservancy.

You will fly into Nairobi, and be met at the airport and spend that night in a hotel with our manager overseeing the group. The next morning you will be driven to the Mount Kenya region and the adventure will begin.

You will fly into Nairobi, and be met at the airport and spend that night in a hotel with our manager overseeing the group. The next morning you will be driven to the Mount Kenya region and the adventure will begin.

DAY 1 – 4

DAY 1 – 4

Learning about Kenyan culture and local businesses in Laikipia, from flower and dairy farms to local welding enterprise. Visit the markets of Nanyuki town, and learn about local environmental projects and business visit an orphanage. There will also the foothills of Mount Kenya with

Rockin’ The Vine Since ‘99!

Our programme is designed to inspire young people through the osmosis of being in Africa amongst people from very different cultures. In huge landscapes where nature humbles the proudest, and strengthens the quietest, the wildlife and space captures the imagination and Africa sneaks into your heart..

DAY 4 – 10 :

Our programme is designed to inspire young people through the osmosis of being in Africa amongst people from very different cultures. In huge landscapes where nature humbles the proudest, and strengthens the quietest, the wildlife and space captures the imagination and Africa sneaks into your heart..

Our programme is designed to inspire young people through the osmosis in Africa amongst people from different cultures. In huge landscapes where nature humbles the proudest, strengthens the quietest, the space captures the imagination sneaks into your heart..

Our basecamp is set in the foothills of Mount Kenya with plenty of hiking opportunities, visits to local tribal villages and a week on a wildlife conservancy.

Learning about Kenyan culture and local businesses in Laikipia, from flower and dairy farms to local welding enterprise. Visit the markets of Nanyuki town, and learn about local environmental projects and business as well as visit an orphanage. There will also be a hike in the foothills of Mount Kenya with rangers.

AFRICAGAP SUMMER CAMP ITINERARY

• Visit local markets and learn about Kenyan culture

DAY 1 – 4

DAY 4 – 10 :

May 25 - The Reflex ('80s)

Special Sunday Concert!

8 days wildlife and conservation experience private safari camp led by professional guides. Game-drives, walking safaris, learning about tracking wildlife, birds and the challenges of conservation in Africa. This is an in-depth experience in the bush. You will also visit community projects and walk with Samburu warriors before returning to Nairobi.

The days are long, filled with a variety of activities in different areas led by inspiring professional leaders making this adventure exciting but safe.

The days are long, filled with a variety of activities in different areas led by inspiring professional leaders making this adventure exciting but safe.

DAY 10 - 19

May 26 - The Darby Brothers (Classic Rock)

• Volunteer in a children’s home for 3 days, helping with reading, art, sport and games.

• Hiking in the foothills of Mount Kenya with rangers

Our programme is designed to inspire young people through the osmosis of being in Africa amongst people from very different cultures. In huge landscapes where nature humbles the proudest, and strengthens the quietest, the wildlife and space captures the imagination and Africa sneaks into your heart..

The days are long, filled with a variety of activities in different areas led by inspiring professional leaders making this adventure exciting but safe.

June 1 - Doc Marten and the Flannels ('90s)

June 8 - The British Invasion ('60s British Rock)

The days are long, filled with a variety of activities in different areas led by inspiring professional leaders making this adventure exciting but safe.

June 15 - Bruce In The USA (Springsteen and E Street Band)

5 days volunteering in an orphanage You will help children aged 5 – 13 with basic reading, games and sport and understand the challenges of poverty in a rural area. 3 day visit to Samburu. Return to Timau and head back to Nairobi for the flight home.

June 22 - Def Leggend (Def Leppard) with Jagged Edge

June 29 - The Sensational Soul Cruisers (Motown)

July 6 - Stifler's Mom ('90s)

Special Sunday Concert!

July 7 - Delta Spur (Country) with Sela Campbell & Band

Ju ly 13 - Turnstiles (Billy Joel)

July 20 - Groovalicious ('70s Disco)

July 27 - White Ford Bronco ('90s)

August 3 - "To Be Announced On June 2"

August 10 - Chapel Hart (Country) with Scott Kurt & Memphis 59

August 17 - Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band (Bu ett, Chesney, Zac Brown)

August 24 - Gonzo's Nose (Hits)

August 31 - Elizabeth's Furnace (Rock)

Special Sunday Concert!

Sept. 1 - Scott Hetz Clark with Big Night (Sinatra/Rat Pack, Big Band)

September 7 - Boat House Row (Yacht Rock) with Gary Smallwood

September 14 - High Noon (Southern Rock)

September 21 - "To Be Announced On April 15"

Learning about Kenyan culture and local businesses in Laikipia, from flower and dairy farms to local welding enterprise. Visit the markets of Nanyuki town, and learn about local environmental projects and business as well as visit an orphanage. There will also be a hike in the foothills of Mount Kenya with rangers.

September 28 - The Legwarmers ('80s)

DAY 4 – 10 :

8 days wildlife and conservation experience in a

Learning about Kenyan culture and local businesses in Laikipia, from flower and dairy farms to local welding enterprise. Visit the markets of Nanyuki town, and learn about local environmental projects and business as well as visit an orphanage. There will also be a hike in the foothills of Mount Kenya with

8 days wildlife and conservation experience in a private safari camp led by professional safari guides. Game-drives, walking safaris, learning about tracking wildlife, birds and the challenges of conservation in Africa. This is an in-depth experience in the bush. You will also visit community projects and walk with Samburu warriors before returning to Nairobi.

• Visit a wildlife conservancy and learn about conservation and wildlife

DAY 10 - 19

• Tracking animals with guides, game-drives, looking for leopard, wild dog and lions

Learning about Kenyan culture and local businesses in Laikipia, from flower and dairy farms to local welding enterprise. Visit the town, local projects There Mount an 13 games and sport and understand the challenges of poverty in a rural area. 3 day visit to Samburu. head the conservation a led by professional guides. Game-drives, walking safaris, learning about tracking wildlife, birds and the challenges of Africa. This depth bush. and returning

5 days volunteering in an orphanage You will help children aged 5 – 13 with basic reading, games and sport and understand the challenges of poverty in a rural area. 3 day visit to Samburu. Return to Timau and head back to Nairobi for the flight home.

• Visiting local tribes and learning about their culture.

You will fly into Nairobi, and be met at the airport and spend that night in a hotel with our manager overseeing the group. The next morning you will be driven to the Mount Kenya region and the adventure will begin.

THEATER & DANCE!

THEATER & DANCE!

THEATER & DANCE!

THEATER & DANCE!

THEATER & DANCE!

SATURDAY, MAY 11

SATURDAY, MAY 11

SATURDAY, MAY 11

SATURDAY, MAY 11 madison st & federal st middleburg va

SATURDAY, MAY 11

south madison st & federal st middleburg va

south madison st & federal st middleburg va

more than 35+ exhibitors on s. madison & w. federal streets

south madison st & federal st middleburg va

south madison st & federal st middleburg va

more than 35+ exhibitors on s. madison & w. federal streets

foxes on the fence exhibit art can help street food & wine & beer gardens activities for kids

foxes on the fence exhibit art can help street food & wine & beer gardens activities for kids

on s. madison & w. federal streets the fence exhibit art can help

wine & beer gardens activities for kids

more than 35+ exhibitors on s. madison & w. federal streets foxes on the fence exhibit art can help street food & wine & beer gardens activities for kids

more than 35+ exhibitors on s. madison & w. federal streets foxes on the fence exhibit art can help street food & wine & beer gardens activities for kids

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Tania Woerner of Tally Oaks Veterinary Wellness Center

Written by Dulcy B. Hooper | Photos by Michael Butcher

As Dr. Tania Woerner describes it, growing up on a small farm in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, served as the backdrop to a storybook childhood. “I had wonderful parents,” she says, “and a great brother. My earliest years were full of dogs, cats, horses, goats, sheep, chickens — even a couple of cows.”

Woerner knew that she was going to be a veterinarian before she made it to elementary school. “I was only 6 years old,” she says, “and I was in love with horses. Whenever the veterinarian came out, I was glued to his side. I knew that that was what I was going to do.”

Such a prescient vision of the future was something very few her age could have imagined, and it helped chart Woerner’s ultimate path to founding Tally Oaks Veterinary Wellness Center, where her dedication to her patients (and their human caretakers) has won a devoted following.

One Tally Oaks regular, Margaret Gardner, reflects on how relieved she was to find Woerner. She remembers, “[There was] a wonderful veterinarian in Middleburg many, many years ago — Lydia Donaldson. As far as I am concerned, those shoes had not been filled until I met Tania Woerner. And they were very big shoes!”

Woerner ascribes to a set of principles and practices that detail the expectations she has for

herself and her staff: customer-focused; compassionate; courteous; consistent; genuine; continuous. “Our atmosphere is peaceful and not chaotic,” she adds. “We are country, not commercial. We offer a serene country setting with a barn instead of a strip mall, pastures instead of parking lots, and horses grazing in the fields. And I resist churning my patients out every 15 minutes!”

Woerner and her staff assess a pet’s diet, environment, lifestyle, and hereditary factors to come up with a customized preventative care plan. When it is necessary to treat illnesses and injuries, Woerner says that she prefers “a combination of traditional Western medicine coupled with complementary therapies such as laser, acupuncture, massage, and essential oils.” This integrative approach to veterinary care is one of the hallmarks of her practice.

“What has impressed us the most about Dr. Woerner is how thorough and knowledgeable she is and her holistic approach with pet care,” shares Dana Quirk, a client. “We fully trust her with the care of our most precious gifts.”

Leanne Lundberg, whose Boston terriers are among Woerner’s patients, mentions the “beautiful drive to the scenic facility, which is relaxing for both the human and their pets.” Lundberg

Neighbor | Page 37

Top: Dr. Tania Woerner. Bottom: A little sign directs pet parents where to go.

Neighbor | From page 36

adds, “I can't think of anyone I would trust as much as Dr. Woerner and her team... She takes the time to diagnose the root cause and does so with such care and compassion.”

In pursuit of Woerner’s goal to become a veterinarian, she attended Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. “Albright was not known as a fun college,” she notes, “and it was absolutely zero fun for me. All I did was study. But I knew that to get into veterinary school, I had to go to a tough undergraduate school, and I had to get top grades.”

Her efforts at Albright paid off. “When I applied to the University of Pennsylvania, I got right in,” she remembers. “And, by the way, a VMD is the same as a DVM; the only difference is that the degree is written in Latin at the University of Pennsylvania.”

After veterinary school, Woerner accepted an internship at a standardbred breeding operation. Her first job as a veterinarian took her to Calder and Gulfstream in Florida, where she worked exclusively on racehorses. “It was wonderful,” she says, “but after being in Florida for a few months, I really missed my horses.” Woerner relocated to an all-equine practice in Maryland, where she

became even more involved in riding. She soon joined a hunt club and began foxhunting, as well.

Between Maryland and her move to Virginia several years later, Woerner pursued yet another opportunity that added to her depth of knowledge and expertise: She joined a small group of veterinarians at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, working with pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs for horses and small animals.

“Some of the drugs I am using now — that are sitting on the shelves here at Tally Oaks — I got to approve,” she explains. “We designed the protocols and handled the studies and ensured that the animals were treated right.” At the same time, Woerner also served as a volunteer lobbyist for the American Veterinary Medical Association in Washington, D.C., and volunteered for the Horse Protection Association.

While still living and working in Maryland, Woerner’s love of foxhunting intensified, and she began spending her weekends in Middleburg with the Middleburg Hunt. Her father, while visiting from Pennsylvania, accompanied her to Middleburg one weekend and offered this observation: “Tania, this town has your name written all over it.”

“When I left Maryland and moved to Virginia, I initially continued my equine practice here before deciding to work exclusively on small animals. I knew that I was really going to miss the horses, but I love working with small animals. There are so many more options — more drugs, more affordable treatments. It is intellectually interesting, and I enjoy working with different breeds.”

For Tania Woerner, education never ends. “I really hate to delay or send patients somewhere when it’s something I can learn or a new piece of equipment I can invest in,” she shares. She recently completed an intensive study on ophthalmology when she realized that ophthalmologists were disappearing, and that it was becoming more difficult for her patients to get appointments at all, much less in a timely manner.

Neighbor | Page 38

Top: Trees provide shade and a sense of calm at Woerner’s practice. Bottom: A very good patient receives a shot.

Neighbor | From page 37

“To be a good veterinarian, you must constantly learn because things change quickly in science and in medicine. If there’s something I haven’t figured out, I will research it and research it.” Tally Oaks Veterinary Technician Jaime Coppage explains why Woerner is so good at her job, saying: “She invests in every animal that comes through the door. She is so committed to studying every patient, and it is refreshing to see that.”

“Veterinary medicine is one of the most rewarding careers there can be,” says Woerner. “It is my goal to make animals feel better, because they cannot ask for help on their own.” ML

Tania D. Woerner, VMD

Tally Oaks Veterinary Wellness Center 19302 Silcott Springs Road Purcellville, VA 20132 (540) 338-7081

tallyoaksvet.com

Another patient smiles while awaiting treatment.

VIRGINIA HORSE RACING SCHEDULE 2024

virginiahorseracing.com

Shenandoah Downs Spring Harness Racing Schedule in Woodstock, VA

April 6 - May 19

• Racing every Saturday & Sunday at 1:05 PM

• FREE ADMISSION, FREE PARKING, FAMILY FRIENDLY

• Betting on the Kentucky Derby (May 4) and Preakness (May 18) (details at shenandoahdowns.com)

NSA Sanctioned Steeplechase Spring Meet Schedule

Sat. April 20 - Middleburg Spring Races at Glenwood Park

Sat. April 27 - Foxfield Spring Races in Charlottesville

Sat. May 4 - Virginia Gold Cup Races at Great Meadow

• Point-to-Point meets take place on 7 different dates in March/April (details at nationalsteeplechase.com)

Colonial Downs Summer Thoroughbred Racing Schedule in New Kent, VA

July 11 - September 7

• Racing every Thursday, Friday & Saturday

• ”Festival of Racing” Day featuring the Grade 1 Arlington Million - Saturday Aug. 10

• Virginia Derby Day along with a stakes-filled under card - Saturday Sept. 7 (details at colonialdowns.com)

The Loudoun Symphony Orchestra: Making Meaningful Connections Through Music and the Arts

Written by Laticia Headings

At the center of Maestro Kim Allen Kluge’s musical endeavors is a long-held principle that encompasses everything he does. “I have a motto that I reflect on every morning, which is a belief in the power of music to inspire, transcend, unite communities, and make the world a better place,” says the new music director of Loudoun Symphony Orchestra (LSO).

LSO has been performing world-class music since 1990 and includes a 215-member Loudoun Youth Orchestra. Kluge joined in 2023. “The quality of the musicianship is incredibly high, yet the Symphony still retains its roots as a community orchestra,” Matt Banner, president of the Loudoun Symphony Association, shares.

On June 1, 2024, Kluge’s latest vision, “One Planet, One Community,” will come together in

a collaborative performing and visual arts spectacle at the illustrious Ion Ice Arena in Leesburg. The event has been a year in the making with the aim of highlighting the importance of taking care of each other and the planet and as “a way to unleash the creative energies of Loudoun County and then to showcase them in this spectacular public way,” Kluge says.

Select artists from Loudoun County will be featured during this fanfare performance. “It’ s a big production,” Kluge explains. “Imagine your neighbor’s art, your nephew’s photography, your coworker’s poem, somehow all being fused together in a film that will be projected on a big screen, accompanied by the entire orchestra playing music while medal-winning ice dancers skate on the ice.”

“Maestro Kluge came up with the vision of engaging with artists of all ages across the county,” Banner says. “He’s taking it to the next level by adding the art portion to the performance … and creating a diverse repertoire with major symphonic works and film music.”

It may seem challenging to visualize, but Kluge is well acquainted with leveraging music and the arts to build a community bridge. “Growing up in small-town, Middle America, where there wasn’t a lot of ethnic or racial diversity, made me appreciate from a very early age the power of music to bring people together,” Kluge notes. He continues, “I wasn’t just called to be a musician; I was called to bring people together.”

As a child, Kluge was completely captivated by

Kim Kluge. Photo by Michael Geissinger.

music — listening, learning, writing it, and cultivating his own mastery of its lyrical language. Known as a child prodigy in his hometown of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, Kluge perfected playing the piano and violin by the age of 7, and by middle school was recruited to be the organist for his church. “I gained experience at a very early age and witnessed how music can heal and uplift people,” he says.

An important influence in Kluge’s life was his first piano teacher, who referred to the young musician as “Mozart incarnate,” Kluge recalls. “Christian Flagge smothered me with praise and affection. He believed in me so strongly and so passionately. It’s made me appreciate how important it is to mentor young people, because I

had such an amazing mentor.”

Though both of his parents had a creative side, the Korean-American family didn’t inherently come from musical roots. “My mother had the most incredible voice but wasn’t professionally trained. She was naturally gifted. And my father was just passionate about music.”

Kluge’s five siblings were voracious readers and all pursued literary careers. Kluge diverged and begged his parents to take piano lessons. “I devoured music from an early age. That’s what resonated with me and fed my soul,” he says.

The fourth child, Kluge was the first in his family to take lessons of any sort. From that point on, he never doubted that music would be his future vocation, saying, “Once I put my fingers on the piano, it never entered my mind that I would do anything else but create music.”

Throughout high school and college, his musical path took him down many roads and allowed him to refine his talent on every level — composing, conducting, and playing. He was the valedictorian of his class at Oberlin Conservatory, the first music conservatory in the country, where he received the distinguished Arthur Dann Award for Outstanding Pianist. He also served as concertmaster of the Oberlin Chamber Orchestra.

His studies in piano and conducting took him to Tanglewood Music Center in Boston, the renowned home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops, where he spent three summers studying with famed conductors Seiji Ozawa, Roger Norrington, and Sir Simon Rattle. In Italy, he earned a conducting diploma from the Academia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, where he studied with legendary conductor Valery Gergiev.

In 1990, while still a student, Kluge was selected from over 500 national and international applications to be the conductor for the Alexandria Symphony. “I think they sensed in me this kind of fire to use music to elevate the community.”

Kluge spearheaded a revival within the organization, elevating ticket sales from hundreds to several thousand for a single concert by his second year. “I was exploding with positive energy, as this kid who from an early age believed in the power of music to transform not just individuals, but communities, and by extension the world,” Kluge explains.

Kluge maintains that with all the praise and well-deserved accolades he’s been given, it was his wife, Kathryn, who made the biggest impact on his career. “The most important musical landmark for me was meeting Kathryn,” he says. “I’ve worked closely with many of the most legendary musicians of our time, and Kathryn, hands down, is the most naturally gifted musician I’ve ever encountered.”

The couple, who have been married for 17 years, have a daughter, Lily, a 10-year-old budding musician. Music is a constant in the house, especially in their home-based studio where the Kluges compose for people all over the world.

In 2015, Martin Scorsese hired the couple as music consultants for his film, “Silence,” eventually deciding they should be the composers for the film score. “That experience improved our game and opened a lot of doors,” Kluge says.

That passion is exactly what the Loudoun Symphony saw in Kluge. “We were looking for a strong collaborator who wanted to raise awareness of the orchestra and increase the audience, and Kim has extensive experience in building communities with music,” Banner adds.

When the virtuoso was offered the job of maestro with the LSO, Kluge knew he was “walking into an organization where there was a blank canvas exploding with potential.” He adds, “I was really attracted to Loudoun because it’s such a dynamic, diverse, and vast county.”

Kluge has sought opportunities to build collaborations in the area, including conducting the LSO at the 2023 Middleburg Film Festival for a special music concert where Grammy-winning composer Michael Giachinno was honored.

“Both Kathryn and I share a special love for Middleburg,” Kluge says. “I’ve made it my mission to reach out and embrace Middleburg and all parts of Loudoun County as full partners in this journey, using music and the arts to unite and elevate all of us.”

The Loudoun Symphony has a bright future ahead and looks forward to the day that Loudoun County has its own performing arts center. Banner adds, “We’re entertaining twice as many audience members as last year. Community support for the orchestra is growing, and that’s incredibly exciting.” ML

Matt Banner. Photo by Michael Butcher.

Connecting | From page 40

Spring is here! There is a shortage of homes for sale in our area.

Spring is here! There is a shortage of homes for sale in our area.

Spring is here! There is a shortage of homes for sale in our area.

Thinking of selling? Contact me for a free evaluation of your home.

Thinking of selling? Contact me for a free evaluation of your home.

Thinking of selling? Contact me for a free evaluation of your home.

Berryville- For Sale charming country home on 25 acres with huge bank barn (4500 sq.ft on each level) ideal horse or hobby farm $1,050,000

home on 25 acres with huge bank barn (4500 sq.ft on each level) ideal horse or hobby farm $1,050,000

Berryville- For Sale charming country home on 25 acres with huge bank barn (4500 sq.ft on each level) ideal horse or hobby farm $1,050,000

Berryville- For Sale charming country home on 25 acres with huge bank barn (4500 sq.ft on each level) ideal horse or hobby farm $1,050,000

Bluemont - For Sale 9+ ac with views, stream and stone walls $500,000

Bluemont - For Sale 9+ ac with views, stream and stone walls $500,000

Bluemont- For Sale 9+ ac with views, stream and stone walls $500,000

Bluemont - Under Contract Gorgeous views from 4+ acre building lot

Bluemont- Under Contract Gorgeous views from 4+ acre building lot

Bluemont - For Sale 9+ ac with views, stream and stone walls $500,000

Bluemont - Under Contract Gorgeous views from 4+ acre building lot

Paris- Under Contract off market in the village with commercial zoning

Bluemont - Under Contract Gorgeous views from 4+ acre building lot

Paris- Under Contract off market in the village with commercial zoning

Nokesville - SOLD 225 Acres for $2,000,000 woods & year round stream

Paris- Under Contract off market in the village with commercial zoning

Nokesville- SOLD 225 Acres for $2,000,000 woods & year round stream

Paris- Under Contract off market in the village with commercial zoning Nokesville - SOLD 225 Acres for $2,000,000 woods & year round stream

Represented the Seller with Yolanda Brittle from our Gainesville office.

Represented the Seller with Yolanda Brittle from our Gainesville office.

Nokesville - SOLD 225 Acres for $2,000,000 woods & year round stream

Represented the Seller with Yolanda Brittle from our Gainesville office.

May 18, 2024 5:00 pm

SELLING COUNTRY HOMES, FARMS AND LAND

Represented the Seller with Yolanda Brittle from our Gainesville office.

SELLING COUNTRY HOMES, FARMS AND LAND

SELLING COUNTRY HOMES, FARMS AND LAND

JOYCE GATES Celebrating 27 years in Real Estate

JOYCE GATES Celebrating 27 years in Real Estate

540-771-7544 call me for all your real estate needs

540-771-7544 call me for all your real estate needs

JOYCE GATES Celebrating 27 years in Real Estate

joyce.gates@LNF.com 540

joyce.gates@LNF.com 540 -338-1350 office

540-771-7544 call me for all your real estate needs

joyce.gates@LNF.com 540 -338-1350 office

Benefitting Loudoun Therapeutic Riding

Live Music, Silent & Live Auction, Mission BBQ, Denim & Diamonds

Table of 8/$1,000, Tickets $150

Early Bird tickets: Reserve before April 26, $800/table $100/ticket

Sponsorships available Call (703) 771-2689 for more info

14490 Berlin Turnpike, Lovettsville, VA 20180

dress to impress

at every occasion with our stunning collection of hats and handbags! Whether you’re heading to the races, a wedding, Easter celebration, graduation, or a garden party, make a statement with our elegant and fashionable accessories. From chic hats that add the perfect finishing touch to your outfit to stylish handbags that elevate your look, we have everything you need to stand out in style. And don’t forget the men! Explore our collection of men’s hats, including ball caps and Panama hats, for a touch of sophistication to any ensemble. Shop now and turn heads at every event!

Piedmont Fox Hounds - Orange County Hounds Invitational Meet

Photos by Joanne Maisano | 3.14.2024

at Dencrest

Second Field heading out.

OCH MFH Neil Morris, PFH Jt-MFH Tad Zimmerman, and Gregg Ryan lead First Field.

The juniors follow close behind.

Page XX:

Vanessa Keal and Bundles Murdock.

PFH huntsman Jordan Hicks and OCH huntsman Reg Spreadborough.

Orange County Hounds Closing Meet from Oakendale

Photos by Joanne Maisano | 3.20.2024

Mo Baptiste.

Field Master Maryalice Matheson Thomas.

OCH Jt-MFH Neil Morris and Jeb Hannum.

Dr. Andrew Bishop and Jane Bishop.

Fiona Spreadborough.

Windy Hill Foundation provides safe, decent, and affordable housing to low- and lower- income families and the elderly in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties and encourages selfimprovement and self-sufficiency among our residents.

WINDY HILL

Sip and Soirée

Thursday, April 25, 2024

6:00-8:00 PM

Salamander Resort & Spa

500 N Pendleton St, Middleburg, VA 20117

We are proud to have entered our 41st year of Making a Difference in our neighborhood. This year we will celebrate the 20th anniversary o f Virginia Lane. We welcome you to celebrate this incredible milestone with our community!

To reserve your sponsorship or tickets: scan the QR code to the right, call 540.687.3997, or email eloise@windyhillfoundation.com!

windyhillfoundation.com

540.687.3997 @WindyHillFoundation

Our Favorite Local Eco-Friendly Gifts

Organic, Fair-Trade, Woman-Owned Coffee, $18 each, Available at Middleburg Gourmet

Hand-Crafted Milkweed Hoop Wreath, $37, Available at Latitudes Fair Trade Warrenton

Vegan Leather Tote, $48, Available at The Lucky Knot

Local, Organic Merino Wool Yarn, $20 each, Available at Gum Tree Farm

Tatine Garden Mint Candles, $32 - $52, Available at Federal & Black

Dr. Squatch Soap, $9, Available at Brick & Mortar

“Braiding Sweetgrass,” $20, & “The Gentle Genius of Trees,” $17.99, Available at Middleburg Books

Flower Press, $24, Available at The PLAYroom

Mary Robin Peterson

Mary Robin Peterson of Middleburg, VA, a loving mother and dedicated horsewoman, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, at the age of 61. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas and Betty Robin, her sister Dale, and her daughter Darcy Peterson. Mary leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will endure in the hearts of those she profoundly influenced.

Survived by her two children, Andrew Peterson, of Middleburg, VA, and Robin Peterson, of Arlington, VA, Mary's nurturing spirit lives on in the cherished memories of her children.

She is also survived by her devoted long-term partner, James Hobgood, of Purcellville, VA, whose heart holds the echoes of the shared love and memories they built together over the years.

A service and celebration of Mary's life will be held May 18, 11am at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to her favorite equine rescue, The Gingersnap Girls, at https://gingersnapgirls.org.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

“THE HAPPINESS OF COLOR” SPRING

JEWELRY EVENT AT THE BYRNE

GALLERY

April 6 & 7 | 2 to 6 p.m. | thebyrnegallery.com

Stop by the Byrne Gallery for a special reception celebrating the artists behind “The Happiness of Color.” The jewelry will be on display all spring and will feature necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings in every material: pearls, turquoise, aquamarine, larimar, amethyst, sterling silver, gold, and more. Commissioned pieces will also be available.

“TENDING TO OUR TENDERNESS”

POETRY WORKSHOP AT OSGF

April 13 | 9 a.m to 12 p.m. | osgf.org

Join poet L. Renée and the Oak Springs Garden Foundation for a poetry workshop that explores the meaning of “tenderness” and how its many definitions are used in poetry. Participants will discover strategies to write about the concept

of tenderness and generate new poems from writing prompts. Tickets are $25 per person and available through osgf.org. Participants only need to bring a pen or pencil and writing journal. All levels are welcome.

LOUDOUN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY

SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE

April 13 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | loudounwildlife.org

Hill House Farm & Nursery, Nature by Design, Seven Bends Nursery, and Watermark Woods will gather in the Morven Park main parking lot to offer a variety of beautiful native plants for sale. In addition, native plant experts will be on-site to answer any questions and there will be a presentation at 11 a.m. for beginners eager to learn.

PAINT YOUR PET AT 8 CHAINS

NORTH WINERY

April 14 | 1 to 3:30 p.m. | 8chainsnorth.com

Budding artists and animal lovers alike are invit-

ed to 8 Chains North Winery for an afternoon of portrait painting and delicious sips. HueArtWorks will supply the materials participants will need to paint a 10-by-10-inch canvas. Tickets are $45.65 per person and include all materials and a complimentary wine flight. For more information, visit: 8chainsnorth.com/events

IN WITH THE OLD: ANTIQUES AND FINE ART WITH THE CONTEMPORARY COLLECTOR

April 19 | 3 to 6 p.m. | thistleamericana.com

Antiques, fine art, and traditional style with a contemporary twist are back. Join local antique dealers and Samira Farmer from Doyle Auctions for a panel discussion at Thistlethwaite Americana. The conversation will cover evolving trends in the world of collecting. And, important highlights from Doyle’s upcoming single-owner sale of the Estate of Bartlett Burnap will be on view.

Calendar | Page 51

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

and available through Eventbrite. Ticket proceeds benefit Loudoun Cares.

ANDREW RENNER AT CHRYSALIS VINEYARDS

April 20 | 3 to 6 p.m. | chrysaliswine.com

Musician Andrew Renner will be at Chrysalis Vineyards performing with his guitar and loop machine. His music layers smooth guitar pieces one after another and tops it with melody and improvisation for a sound that is relaxing and enjoyable. For more information, visit: chrysaliswine. com/events

STROLL INTO SPRING AT OLD FARM WINERY

April 26 | 5 to 8 p.m. | oldfarmwineryhartland.com

Old Farm Winery at Hartland is hosting a spring extravaganza with something for everyone, including wine, live music, food trucks, and a kids area. Tickets are $5 for kids and $10 for adults

100TH ANNIVERSARY APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL

April 26 - May 5 | thebloom.com

This year is the 100th anniversary of the Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester. The 10-day event promises activities for everyone from orchard tours to tennis tournaments! There will be an artisan and crafters show, breakfast walk, apple pie bake-off, rock n’ roll concert, and so much more. For more information and to book tickets, visit: thebloom.com/events

BUDBREAK FESTIVAL AT CANA VINEYARD & WINERY

April 27 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m | canavineyards.com

Don’t miss Cana Vineyard & Winery’s eighth annual Budbreak Festival. Celebrate spring with live

music, food trucks, a local craft market, and the release of their 2022 rosés, including Rosé Merlot, Rosé of Cabernet Franc, and Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Melanie Natoli will also offer a comparative rosé tasting with a special selection of international styles.

GREEN GARDENING 101 AT GATHERING SPRINGS FARM

April 28 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | gatheringspringsfarm.com

Learn the ins and outs of gardening sustainably with the team at Gathering Springs Farm. This workshop will cover eco-friendly practices, composting techniques, and strategies to attract beneficial bugs to your garden. This is a hands-on activity, so be prepared to get dirty. Tickets are $60 and available through Eventbrite.

For more Hunt Country events, visit MiddleburgLife.com or scan here:

Calendar | From page 50

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