December 2022

CONTRIBUTORS

Heidi Baumstark has been writing for several lifestyle maga zines and newspaper publications since 2005, specializing in history-related articles highlighting Virginia’s Piedmont. She has been with Middleburg Life since 2014. Over the years, she has featured hundreds of businesses, leaders, residents, his torical sights, lectures, heritage programs, and museums in her work. Heidi hopes to inspire readers to pause and con sider the people, places, and events that have shaped the story of our local history.

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

Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990 after experiencing Ohio, Michigan, Montreal, San Fran cisco, and New Jersey. Following years as a clinical physician and public health administrator, she returned to her human ities roots. A finalist in the 2020 Icelandic Writers Retreat, her book “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” comes out in June. Diane also writes a monthly newsletter, The Silk Mill, which is dedi cated to those in love with fabric in all its glory.

Lia Hobel is a freelance journalist, known in town for her blog, Uplift Loudoun, which she launched during the start of the pandemic to share uplifting stories. In addition to her work for Middleburg Life, Lia writes periodically for online platforms with articles appearing on GOBankingRates, Forbes, Huffing ton Post, and Yahoo! Lia began her career as a broadcast jour nalist, but left TV news when she moved to Leesburg, Virginia, with her family. She is a Loudoun 40 Under 40 honoree and a Certified Tourism Ambassador for the county.

Dulcy Hooper and her husband Richard moved to the country from Washington, D.C. nearly ten years ago. Shortly thereaf ter, 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 pow derpuffs!

Victoria Peace is a recent graduate of Georgetown University and holds a degree in French and Art History. On the week ends, she frequently visits her family in The Plains. In her free time, she enjoys playing polo with Twilight Polo Club, riding with the Georgetown Equestrian Team, gardening, walking her family's dogs at Sky Meadows State Park, and visiting her retired horse, Taco. Her perfect “Hunt Country” day would in clude a stop at the local farmers market in The Plains, a trip to her favorite Middle burg antique stores, and a sunset trail ride in the Virginia countryside.

Callie Broaddus is a Warrenton native and graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in Architecture. Af ter 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 for storytell ing through her camera lens 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.

Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middle burg 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 (Dis covery, National Geographic), documentary film “Everest: A Climb for Peace,” and multi-platform media, and hosts and produces the docu-series, The Middleburg Life. Now, as a full-time realtor with McEnearney Associates, she is helping her clients realize their dream of calling Hunt Country home.

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 univer sities, and is the author of seven novels, a Fodor’s Guide, and a history of Atlantic City. After graduating from Oberlin College with majors in English and Religion, he published his first piece in The Georgetowner. When not writing, he enjoys walking his westies on Washington Street.

Will Thompson is a writer and photographer interested in all things related to nature, conservation, and outdoor rec reation. He has worked in communications and project management roles in renewable energy, international de velopment, and mission-driven journalism. Will gradu ated from the College of Charleston in 2010 with a B.A. in Communications.

Shayda Windle is a freelance writer covering the arts, peo ple, 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.

Gracie Withers is a local photographer who grew up in the village of Aldie and has been photographing local weddings, portraits, and events since 2016. She was a contributing pho tographer at Georgetown University for over three years and also has a wide variety of experience in sports photography. 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 joined Middleburg Life as a contributor in the spring of 2022.

Also in this issue: Richard D. Hooper

SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK

Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy and is seeing incredible results!

It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light.

I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them but I couldn’t. I couldn’t feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn’t get my foot on the brake. And CRUNCH!

I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me.”

This tragic story was shared with us by Dan S., an Ashburn resident, who has peripheral neuropathy And while no one was hurt in this accident, Dan S. had suffered almost every day of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot

“The first stage is pain.” shares Rachal Lohr, Acupuncturist of FIREFLY Acupuncture & Wellness “ You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains, or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles. This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately the numbness brings with it a whole other host of problems.”

This was the case with Dan. “I said I wasn’t going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?”

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to live their life Dan was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising down to play golf or taking her out to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Dan’s general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.

That’s where Rachal Lohr and her staff at FIREFLY come in. “About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Mr. Dan,” tells Rachal.

“They’re in constant pain from neuropathy and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it.

Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3 4 months of treatment. I like to say we’re in the business of making your golden years golden ”

“I can’t lie,” confides Dan. “I was skeptical at first. The folks down at my pain center told me there was nothing that could be done and then there’s a doctor right here in Loudoun who tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments!

My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car! It’s hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Rachal] gave me my life back.”

While FIREFLY specializes in acupuncture and it’s definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. “This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery” shares Ann, a Senior Patient Care Coordinator at the clinic. “It’s like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair ”

You can learn more about Rachal Lohr at FireflyAcuAndWellness.com. Firefly is now accepting new patients and offering $40 consultations, but only for a limited time. So call (703)263 2142 now to schedule a consultation.

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The PLAYroom: Terrific ToYs for Under The Tree

Written by Sarah Hickner Photos by Callie Broaddus

On West Washington Street, just a few doors down from Middleburg Com mon Grounds, is an unusually PLAYful store. Even for an adult, a step inside feels like walking into a magical place.

A wall lined with books beckons young read ers to take a seat on the bench and dive into a new tale. Wooden cars beg for little ones to zoom them around. A rideable toy horse stands proud ly, greeting customers. Whimsical pendulum clocks ping back and forth on the wall behind the checkout counter. And, for the holiday sea son, adorable fabric animal ornaments adorn lit Christmas trees and colorful stockings hang in every corner of the shop.

Keep going, and customers will find a mini theater set, ready for whatever productions a kid can dream up, a book tree, a busyboard fire truck, a magna-tile build area, and a huge Lite-Brite!

More than just the quantity of toys, it’s their quality that adds to the appeal. Years ago Michelle McNaughton, owner of the PLAYroom, read an article explaining that when toys are aesthetical ly pleasing, adults are more likely to get involved with playtime. The retro wood kitchen and toy

rotary phone sitting next to a display of eccen tric fabric dolls proves that the article’s argument rings true.

One of McNaughton’s favorite things about

her business is watching the families she serves grow. “We’ve only been here a year and a half,” she shares. “But even in that time, we had ladies

“We want to have things you can’t get at the big box stores.” – McNaughton

Chris Bernard, Michelle McNaughton, and Maverick on his PonyCycle ($300 - $350).

come in who were expecting, and now their kids are a year old!”

In owning a toy store, McNaughton has be come a toy expert. One thing she has learned is that kids don’t need a large collection. Instead, a handful of good toys is plenty because it encour ages children to exercise their imagination more. Often people will hold up a toy and say, “What does this do?” She responds with a big smile and

a twinkle in her eye: “Whatever you want it to!”

Most items in the store are made from wood, fabric, or paper. McNaughton works hard to pro vide products made of sustainable and natural materials. “When we do carry plastics we try to make sure they’re healthy plastics, so mostly food grade,” she says. McNaughton also loves to sup port small vendors and stocks plenty of Ameri can-made toy options. “We want to have things you can’t get at the big box stores,” she says.

When asked about her favorite toys in the store, McNaughton made a beeline for a set of car tracks called “Way To Play Roads.” They are sim ple pieces of black silicone that can be pieced to gether to make a track for toy cars. Her face lights up as she talks about her son playing with them every day. “We play with them in the snow. We’ve made monster mud pits, and I just hosed them off when we were done. We brought them to the beach and played in the sand!”

McNaughton is unde niably passionate about play. She dreams of her store being a place for people in the community to read, play, and imag ine. “Our goal is really to be a part of the com munity. We’ll have folks come in on a Wednesday and read and play for thirty minutes. We want to be a resource for those families to come in and think of new things they haven’t seen before…and think about play a little differently than just ‘how do I entertain my kid?’”

With the holidays around the corner, Mc Naughton shares her ad vice for gift buying.

“The key to buying a gift for someone is your own excitement about it,” McNaughton explains. “If you’re not excited about it, I say just put it back. Then get the item that excites you.” If you are still on the fence, give the staff the chance to do what makes them come alive — helping you choose the perfect gifts for the kids in your life. You won’t be disappointed and neither will your child. ML

The PLAYroom is located at 108 West Washington Street in Middleburg, Virginia. Hours are Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The key to buying a gift for someone is your own excitement about it”

– McNaughton

Left: Maverick and McNaughton hang Felt So Good ornaments ($12) on their tree. Right: A sleek Vilac Vintage car ($200). Bottom left: A massive Manhattan Toy bear ($450) is too big to fit under the tree, but is sure to delight.

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* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 11/18/22. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

The PeoPLe Behind The PArAde

Written by Bill Kent

Afew hours before the 11 a.m. Hunt Review, the traditional start of the Christmas in Middleburg Parade, Tara Wegdam helped her employees move crock

ery-laden tables to expand the aisles of Crème de la Crème, the Washington Street gift and ta bleware shop she owns with her husband Ben.

“The parade brings thousands of people to

town,” Wegdam explains. “We get so many peo ple coming in dressed in big winter coats, we don’t want them bumping into each other or Parade

anything else.”

When she heard the parade had begun, she went outside to watch the Middleburg Hunt, re splendent in their crimson and black coats, trot ting down Washington Street under a crisp, blue winter sky.

In front of the riders came the hounds. One broke away from the pack and turned toward Wegdam. She felt a woosh of chilly December air, and by the time she saw the brown and white tail disappear through her open front door, the other 35 hounds had also rushed through on either side of her. She reached the shop’s front door and saw the interior had literally gone to the dogs.

“They went everywhere, around every table, up and down every aisle. Then they came out and were back on Washington Street before I could say a word. They didn’t break a thing,” she recalls.

Then she saw a pastoral painting that had been propped up against one table. It had slid to the floor in the commotion and in the center of the picture was one big, dark pawprint.

“[It] sold almost immediately because the per son who bought it couldn’t believe what had just happened and thought it was hilarious — what better souvenir for the day,” Wegdam remembers.

For Wegdam, the entire experience was mag ical. “There are other Christmas parades in other places, but nothing like this. Ours is really, really special.”

Current co-organizer Michelle Myers offers another word to describe the parade: Unlimited! “Last year we had to limit everything because of COVID-19. This year everyone is contributing, everyone is part of it,” Myers says.

This year, the parade will include — for the first time ever — a marching reunion of at least 10 members of Middleburg’s undefeated 1971 Little League team, most of whom haven’t seen each other in 50 years.

From dawn to dusk on Saturday, December 3, Route 50 and Washington Street will be closed to automobiles to make room for as many as 20,000 spectators. Parking for participants and specta tors will be confined to intercept lots along the outskirts of town (see ChristmasinMiddleburg. org for more details). Most restaurants in town

will be open during the parade’s midday pause to serve lunch. They will be supplemented by food trucks.

Jim Herbert, a commercial realtor who has helped organize the parade as far back as 1979, calls it “a genuine celebration of love and the Christmas message. It is also the best time of the year to show people what the Middleburg com munity is all about.”

He ticks off the statistics: A mile and a half long, beginning with the Middleburg Hunt (and their hounds!) and ending with Santa Claus on a horse-drawn carriage, lasting over an hour and a half (with a break in the middle for lunch) with spectators lining Washington Street “in every kind of weather,” including the blizzard of 2009.

“We all met at 6 a.m. when we heard that snow was expected. There was talk of canceling the pa rade, and if we had known what we were getting into, we probably would have,” Herbert says.

But they didn’t.

The snow came down just as the hounds hit Washington Street, and photographers snapped what Herbert calls the “iconic” shots of the pa rade: the hounds leaping before 140 riders in bright red and black jackets peppered with big flakes that would soon fill the region in nearly nine inches of snow.

Penny Denegre, joint-master of the Middle burg Hunt, also has fond memories of the bliz zard. “We have concerns when the weather gets very cold, but that time, and every other time the weather seems to be against us in Middleburg, it was magical.”

The Middleburg Christmas Parade is one of the hunt’s most important yearly activities, one that emphasizes the town’s unique relationship with Hunt Country and the traditions that go all the way back to Virginia’s colonial history. It is one of the only times when people who don’t hunt can watch the hounds and riders that do.

And the horses know it. “We don’t have spec tators normally. On the parade morning, the horses are always a little concerned when there is something out of the ordinary,” Denegre shares.

But when they round the corner at the top of the hill and the hounds take off, “it becomes this

Parade | Page 14

Left page: The Middleburg Hunt and hounds parade down Washington Street. Photo by Middleburg Photo. On this page: Top: A member of the Corgi Corps sporting a Christmas tree outfit. Photo courtesy of Christmas in Middleburg. Middle: The Middleburg Charro Club demonstrates rodeo skills. Bottom: A Middleburg fire truck is nicely trimmed for the occasion. Photos by Nancy Kleck.

| From page 13

lovely outpouring of warmth.”

When the parade resumes at 2 p.m., few groups are as highly anticipated as the thirty Middleburg Charros who demonstrate Mexican rope wrangling and rodeo skills that, according to Charro rider Juliana Ortiz, have been passed down through her extended family for genera tions.

“What we do is rarely seen in the east,” says Ortiz, who, when not teaching horses how to dance, is an accountant. “The decoration, the dances, the roping, and the salutes are all part of our heritage, so it is important for us to be in the parade and show everyone how exciting and magical it can be.”

New for this year will be even more of Ortiz’s cousins standing on horseback, jumping through ropes. “It started last year with one or two [of us] having some fun. Now everybody wants to do it!” she says.

The more than 100 corgis that follow are al ways a huge hit with children “because they are incredibly cute!” says Holly Hudimac, who will be joined by her dogs Abby and Panda. “This is hysterical and a lot of fun and the children love the dogs because they’re small and adorable. Where else are you going to see so many corgis in one place?”

Competing in cuteness will be the 70 chil dren, ages 4 to 8, from The Hill School, dressed as elves and gift-wrapped presents. Having deco

rated the front windows of the Washington Street Safeway Supermarket during the previous week, some ride on The Hill School’s float. First grader Adelaide Hottel enjoys the float "because I get to ride with my friends, and we see a lot of people."

“When I first saw the parade ten years ago, it was pretty spectacular. Of all the nice things you can do in Middleburg, it’s just wonderful to watch the town literally celebrate itself in the warmest, funniest, kindest way. To be part of this, even if it’s just to keep track of the kids and wave at the people, it’s pure joy,” shares Kelly Johnson, the school’s enrollment director.

The pure, distinctively snorting growl of thir ty motorcycles decorated with antlers and flash ing holiday lights, all ridden by members of the Winchester Harley Owners Group, is music to the ears of club president and Winchester motor cycle dealer Barbara Grove.

“I prefer to watch from the sidelines and let the others get the glory,” says Grove, who is hoping to snag a table at the Red Horse Tavern, where, on any other weekend, bikers hailing from every point on the compass tend to congregate.

“We love that ride to Middleburg so much that around fifteen years ago, we decided to help out,” Groves explains. For the past two months, members of the biker group have brought food on their rides from Winchester and given it to Seven Loaves food pantry. This year alone, the Harley Group has donated well over 1,000 pounds of food. “Canned goods, turkeys, whatever might be appreciated,” Grove adds. “We may not live here,

but Middleburg makes us feel at home.”

Weaving in and out of the parade you are like ly to spy Suzanne Obetz, the executive director of the Middleburg Museum, in her “emergency Mrs. Claus” suit. In addition to presiding over the town’s tree lighting ceremony (at 5 p.m. on the Friday before the parade) and handling any and all letters to Santa children may leave at the mu seum, Obetz is one of more than 100 volunteers who will “basically do whatever is needed to be done.” She adds, “You’d be surprised how often a child’s happiness, or the fate of the entire parade itself, can depend on a needle and thread, scis sors, or, heaven forbid, a Band-Aid.”

The parade typically ends with Santa who bears an astonishing resemblance to Lost Barrel Brewery’s tap room manager, Bobby Martz.

“It gives me an opportunity to see the mag ic on everyone’s face,” he says. “The holiday is all about magic, bringing back those nice child hood memories when everything happened to make you warm, and happy to be with family and friends. What better place to celebrate than Mid dleburg!”

Mr. Claus likes Middleburg so much that he promises to visit Lost Barrel on Saturday after noons following the parade, where, in addition to being available for photos, he will serve a range of non-alcoholic drinks and snacks for kids.

When asked how he intends to slip up and down Middleburg’s numerous chimneys on Christmas, he simply responds: “It’s magic!” ML

Left: Crowds line both sides of East Washington Street and perch on hills nearby. Photo by Middleburg Photo. Right: Finally, Santa makes an appearance. Photo by Nancy Kleck.

Parade

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Q&A wiTh eLoise rePeczkY

Story by Kaitlin Hill

On November 1, Eloise Repeczky took on the role of executive director of the Windy Hill Foundation, an organiza tion dedicated to providing affordable housing to low-income individuals, families, and seniors, and also those with disabilities in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. A month in, Repeczky reflects on what brought her to Middleburg, her plans for the foundation, and her hopes for the future in an exclusive Q&A with Middleburg Life.

ML: What brought you to Middleburg?

ER: My husband, Will Nisbet, was offered a po sition to work in the development department at The Hill School. We moved out here in June of 2017. It was such a great opportunity and we already enjoyed visiting the region on weekends, but I kept my position in DC and was commuting in [while] I decided what to do with my career.

ML: What is your professional background?

ER: After graduating college, I initially wanted to work for a non-profit. Unfortunately, I also had student loans, and paying for student loans with a small salary was not sustainable in DC. So, I ap plied for an international trade and arbitration le gal assistant position. I did that for two years and decided I liked working with attorneys, I liked type A [personalities], having the opportunity to learn different subject matter, and working on different projects. Then, I moved into a business development and marketing role and did that for eight years at different law firms in DC. In one of those roles, I managed a 280-attorney nationwide real estate and land use practice.

ML: What led you to apply for the Windy Hill position?

ER: During the pandemic, I was working re

motely, and, like many people, I reprioritized and thought about what I wanted to do. With my hus band’s encouragement, we decided it would be nice for me to take some time off and really think about my next career step. In July of 2021…I went on a three-plus month road trip across the US with our dog, Soufflé. When I came back, I really focused on what I initially wanted to do, which was work with a non-profit.

I was thrilled when Windy Hill became an opportunity because it’s in town, it’s local com munity members, and I get to know the residents and their needs. I felt like I could have a deeper impact here than elsewhere.

ML: Was the foundation new to you or had you been previously aware of its work?

ER: Years ago, we were introduced to Windy Hill through Beth Ann Mascatello, a former Windy Neighbor

Eloise Repeczky.

Hill board member who was involved with the fashion show, gala, and many other endeavors throughout the years. We had been invited as her guests to the Windy Hill gala.

ML: Just a few weeks in, how are you settling in at your new post?

ER: It has been wonderful! As with any new job, any new industry, [I] certainly have a lot of in formation to understand, a lot to learn in a very short amount of time, and [I am] trying to get up to speed on projects that are already three-quar ters of the way finished, or just beginning. But it has been fantastic! The board is incredibly moti vated. They have been really helpful in providing a lot of historical information.

And, I’ve also been meeting with residents to better understand their needs, and with our vol unteers to get a full picture of what we are doing now and what we can do going forward.

ML: Speaking of moving forward, what plans

do you have for the future of the organization?

ER: It has been a phenomenal organization with an incredible mission for over 40 years. 2023 will be the 40th year. I am at the stage of understand ing what we’ve done and the incredible story.

Also, I think there are a lot of people who would be eager to get involved with Windy Hill, and who may not know how they can participate. Reaching out to the community to see what ser vices we can provide our residents and what they need is going to be really exciting.

ML: Are there any particular programs you are looking to revamp or expand?

ER: We have a great community of children. We have been leaning on the local churches and schools for programs, so continuing to partner with them and make sure that our children are taken care of is a priority.

We’re also looking at introducing group ther apy or vocational training and other educational opportunities to support our residents.

ML: Since taking the role, have you felt em braced by the community?

ER: I definitely feel that way. Again, the board has been really helpful throughout my whole [on-boarding] process and very open with com munications, as have our numerous partner or ganizations. Also, there are a lot of community members who knew me through my husband and who have known I wanted to be locally based. It’s been really thrilling that so many peo ple are excited.

ML: Any final thoughts you would like to share with our readers?

ER: There are a lot of different needs that peo ple have. So, whether it is working with Windy Hill or the organizations we partner with, it is really important to support our community. I would encourage folks to find something [they are] passionate about and then use the skills [they] have to help [a] neighbor who might need assistance. ML

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SLOW FASHION AT SHEPHERDS CORNER FARM

Story by Kaitlin Hill

“I

t’s a whole world of possibilities. And you are only limited by your imagination,” shares Re becca Brouwer of her many crafty endeavors at Shepherds Corner Farm in Purcellville, Virginia. Visitors to her studio and Christmas cabin can witness Brouwer’s seemingly limitless imagination on display in all shapes and forms from wool wraps to eco-printed silk scarves, and a little bit of everything in between.

Brouwer’s passion for fiber arts started early. “When I was young, I started sewing. I’d see something in the store and say, ‘I can make that,’” Brouwer laughs. Even more, she always wanted to get her materials straight from the source. “I always wanted to have sheep.”

But the opportunity to pursue and combine both in terests wouldn’t present itself until later in life when she and her husband made the decision to settle down on an acreage near Purcellville. Originally mid-westerners, the couple would spend much of their marriage mov ing from suburb to suburb. With a husband in the Navy, Brouwer explains, “We had lived in San Diego, Florida, Texas, and Ohio. For the first 17 years we were married, we moved 11 times.” She adds that moving to Purcell ville was “the first time we ever moved somewhere be cause that is where we wanted to live.”

In 1999, the Brouwers and their children moved into a 1500-square-foot cabin dating back to the 1790s while they built their forever home on the property. “It was the five of us. And the dog and a cat,” Brouwer reminisc es. In 2000, construction was completed on their house, and over subsequent years Brouwer would begin to put in place the facilities required and expand on the skills necessary to make the products she now sells. “About eight years after we moved here, we built the barn for the horses…And then in 2016, I started to get the urge again to own sheep.” She found and purchased Gotland sheep prized for their lustrous, curly gray locks.

As for equipment and training, she says, “I knew I wanted sheep because years and years ago I won a spin ning wheel. So, I started dabbling in spinning. Then, I started to take workshops and go to weaving classes. I now have a loom.” She continues, “Then I started with felting. I had taken wet felting classes, and needle felting with a machine. I was trying to figure out what I was going to do with all the wool my sheep were producing.”

The answer? Something Brouwer calls “slow fashion,” or the art of transforming something from raw material to finished product no matter the time frame. “Being on the farm I have all these things available to me. I have my sheep and I have my wool. It can be a two-year pro cess by the time a product is finished…People ask me, ‘How long does it take for you to make a scarf?’ And I

The Gotland sheep at Shepherds Corner Farm.

say, ‘Well, if you start with the lamb…’” she ends with a chuckle and adds, “It’s important to me that my process is sustainable, from beginning to end. Raising sheep helps to maintain good soil, and making natural fiber products that are locally sourced helps the rural economy as well as the environment.”

A more recent endeavor of Brouwer’s, eco-printing, also called botanical printing, is perhaps the epitome of her slow fashion philos ophy. The art of eco-printing is achieved by ar ranging leaves on damp fabric made of natural fi bers, like a silk scarf, rolling it tightly, and heating it so that the leaves will imprint a design onto the fabric once removed. After the recent purchase of a Ginkgo tree, she explains, “It is not uncom mon for artists using live plant material to plan for future designs by enhancing our landscapes and gardens to achieve the desired results in our product designs. What is so beautiful about this process is that you take what nature gives you.” She even makes her own indigo dye to give silk scarves a deep blue hue.

Part of the excitement of eco-printing is not knowing how it will turn out. Depending on the leaf, prints can show up lighter, darker, or a sur prising color. In a sense, each scarf is a little gam ble that pays off in volumes of joy for Brouwer. She says, “It’s not just about the process of making something. It is about the process of doing some thing I love.”

The products of her labor of love can be found in many forms scattered all around her barn stu dio and Christmas cabin display room. Embroi dered decorative pouches of lavender, tea towels, silk scarves with felted wool backing, hats, stock ings, shawls, and even felt flowers exploding with color are just a few of the items she makes for sale or just for fun.

She sells her wares on the farm tour, artist stu dio tour, the local market scene, and on her web site she.farm. At the recent Purcellville Artisan Studio Tour, held November 5 and 6 at her farm, she sold freshly processed botanical print scarves as quickly as they came out of the steamer. Her eco-printing demonstrations also drummed up interest in the craft. This winter, she’ll open her Christmas cabin to the public on December 3, 4, 17, and 18 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. And, in the spring, when plant material is more abundant, she plans to offer interested parties the chance to make their own scarves at her studio.

Top left: Rebecca Brouwer in her Christmas cabin kitchen. Top right: Eco-printing on a silk scarf. Bottom left: Gotland sheep closeup. Bottom right: A silk scarf with a felted wool backing.

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| From page 21

In addition to live demonstrations, Brouw er says she is interested in doing more work on commission. “I like when I make things and I know who I am making them for,” she says. She is also planning to expand her product lines and experimenting with new techniques. “Wool has a lot of potential. I’ve thought about a product line, doing more tableware, combining more techniques. Quilting, I am doing a bit of that too.” She adds, “I’d like to come up with a line or kind of an ensemble of things. And doing it in a more deliberate way.”

As for the future of her many crafts, Brouwer says, “The sky is the limit…I have been doing this a while, but I feel like I am just getting started.” It’s safe to say with her creative spirit and slow fash ion philosophy, Brouwer will continue to create, with new projects coming sooner…or later. ML

Left: A cozy wool wrap. Right: Lavender prints in Brou wer’s cabin.

Sustainable Sleepwear. Handmade in the U.S.A.

Showroom: 203 South Main St. Gordonsville, VA 22942 Contact: hello@gillianvalentine.com | 434-242-0950 | gillianvalentine.com @gillian_valentine_inc

Take Time for a Holiday Tea Party

Written by Diane Helentjaris

When the Duchess of Bedford’s stom ach growled back in the 1840s, she could not have foretold the chain of events she was about to ignite. Dinner wasn’t un til 8 p.m. and lunch was hours ago so she called for a pot of tea and buttered bread to tide her over. The idea was such a hit that soon she was inviting her friends over in the afternoon for tea, elegant refreshments, and a healthy dose of gossip. Just like that, af ternoon tea was born and is still alive and well today. Tea parties dovetail perfect ly with the hol idays. Whether at a historic ven ue in the coun try or a sleek hotel in the city, teatime provides a daytime event for a cozy chat, nibbling delicious snacks, and sipping everything from Scottish breakfast tea to

jasmine green.

Paula Hallum is the tea coordinator for His toric Rosemont Manor in Berryville, Virginia, where she oversees the venue’s Manor House Teas. Hallum’s favorite part of her job is to “share

Built in 1836, Rosemont was the home of for mer Virginia Governor Harry F. Byrd. Celebrities including Charles Lindbergh, Albert Einstein, and John F. Kennedy have walked through the Palladian Greek revival mansion’s doors over the years. These days the estate is a venue for weddings, B&B overnight stays, and the popular afternoon tea.

[her] love of teas with others.” She believes there is “no problem you can’t solve as long as you have a cup of tea in front of you.”

Hallum’s tea offerings include the tra ditional three courses of finger foods: savories such as two- or three-bite sand wiches followed by scones with a finale of sweets. Each course at Rosemont is paired with a tea, many of which are Rose mont’s signature blends. For ex ample, the Byrd Blend black tea combines Dar jeeling, Cream Earl Grey, rose petals, and other

The holiday menu at Rosemont Manor includes a tea blend called Christmas Memories. Photo courtesy of Historic Rosemont Manor.

flavors.

Oatlands Historic House and Gar dens also offers teas throughout the year, including special holiday teas in Decem ber. A turn off Route 15, south of Lees burg, draws visitors into an allée of tow ering old trees and envelopes them with an atmosphere of times gone by. At the end of the drive, the 1830s yellow man sion perches on a knoll. Holiday teas are served in the nearby Coach House. Oat lands is operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Rosemont and Oatlands both offer tours to afternoon tea guests upon re quest.

Jessica Billigmeier, the designer and owner of Mrs. Busy B Tea Cozies and Accessories in Purcellville, Virginia, handcrafts the colorful insulated cloth pullovers used to keep pots of tea hot for as long as possible. For those unable to snag a seat at one of Rosemont Man or or Oatlands’ holiday teas, Billigmeier believes hosting a tea party at home is a great way to entertain family and friends.

First is the tea itself. Properly pre pared tea, according to her, depends on “freshly drawn water brought up to boil.” Lukewarm water is a no, as is running water for tea through a coffee maker. “I like my tea to taste of tea,” she says. To make sure she is not dependent on the mini coffee pots in hotels, Billigmeier travels with her own small tea kettle. Tea, according to Billigmeier, should be served with lemon or milk — never cream.

A three-tier cake plate is typically used to hold the three courses. For the first course, small cups of soup, vol-au-

vents, and sausage rolls can be paired with finger sandwich es of cucumber, chicken salad with a bit of curry seasoning, chopped shrimp and lettuce moistened with Thousand Is land dressing, or salmon. For the scones, Devonshire double cream is available locally. In a pinch, whipped cream can be substituted. Gingerbread and mini mince tarts bring season al flavors to the sweets course. Other sweets might include chocolate chip cookies, stem ginger shortbread, meringues, and truffles. To add fun, British party favors known as “crack ers” can’t be beat. With a tug be tween two partygoers, they rip apart and out pops a paper hat, corny joke, and tiny novelty.

For those seeking a unique way to enjoy the camaraderie of friends and loved ones over the winter holidays, a tea party can be the answer. And maybe, the beginning of a new tradi tion. ML

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane

Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Telephone: 703-727-0670 oatlands.org

Historic Rosemont Manor 16 Rosemont Manor Lane Berryville, Virginia 22611

Telephone: 540-955-2834 rosemont1811.com

A sample of afternoon tea treats at Oatlands. Photo by Laurentina Photography.

We Truly Miss

Phillip Thomas left this world on December 16, 2021. He was one of the original protectors of this magnificent land we all love. Friends, family, and coworkers have certainly missed his colorful presence. Unfortunately, due to Covid at the time of Phil’s passing, it was not possible to have a send-off worthy of the life he led. In any case, that would have likely suited Phil just fine. He loved a good party but was averse to anything remotely likened to a maud lin affair. Today, we publish this tribute to honor Phil.

AN ACCOMPLISHED HERITAGE

Phil was born on October 15, 1934 to Mary Margaret Swing and C. Reed Thomas. A fifth-generation resident of Loudoun County, Virginia, he also boasted that he had roots in California. He loved and was so proud of his maternal grandfather who was the six-term California Congressman Philip David Swing. Congressman Swing was instrumental in bringing water to the desert in Southern California. A 60-mile canal was dug across the desert from the Colorado River in Arizona. This excavation, named the All-American Canal, literally created the Imperial Valley. 500,000 acres of rich farmland began to produce in 1940. It was formally known as the Devil’s Pass before water arrived. Phil’s grandfather elevated California to one of the top agricultur al producers in America, and the world. Winfal Farm in Oakton, Virginia was Phil Thomas’s home until the family relocated to their Ovoka Farm at Paris, Virginia in 1948. Ovoka Farm is where Phil Thomas nurtured a passion for the Hunt Country of Northern Virginia. Upon graduation from Auguta Military Academy, he joined the Marines. He served at Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, and aboard numerous ships and shared many wonderful stories about his adventures with family and friends over the years.

PHIL LOVED REAL ESTATE AND THOSE WHO CREATED HUNT COUNTRY

When Phil reflected on his career in Real Estate, he would chuckle and say, “Real estate looked pretty good to me, even though my first year of business was conducted either in my car or in my hat.” He went on to share, “I started hanging out with a real estate guy located in Middleburg, named John Talbot. I’d sit across from John at The Coach Stop (a renowned Middleburg diner at the time) and sponge up everything I could about real estate.” Phil and John became partners in 1967 and after years of hard work, Phil acquired the entire operation 1979. Phil’s history in the area is colorful. When Phil reminisced with friends about Hunt Country’s evolution, it was always entertaining. He’d share, “In the early days, it was the era of the grandes dames of Hunt Coun try — Theo Randolph, Dorothy Jackson, Alice Mills, Mrs. Iselin, Mrs. Furness and others. I love all the characters of yesterday in this part of the world. You know, my father was a Master of Fox hounds in the 20’s and 30’s. Fox hunting was, and con tinues to be, an important part of this culture. The fox hunters of yesterday were the forerunners to today’s conservationists. It was vital to the fox hunting community to maintain large unspoiled tracts of

THOMAS & TALBOT

Phil Thomas

land for fox hunting. Families such as the Phippses, the Warburgs, the Harrimans, the Guests, and the like, had the wherewithal to protect and promote Hunt Country. It’s all about this glorious landscape.” Phil would often close a story about our blessed way of life with another of his favorite lines, “It’s why we love where we live.”

A LEGACY OF PROSPERITY AND CONSERVATION

PHIL’S COMMUNITY SERVICE WAS GENEROUS

Phil was a member of the Greater Piedmont Area Association of Realtors (GPAAR), Virginia Association of Realtors (VAR), National Association of Realtors (NAR), Metropolitan Regional Information System (MRIS) and Northern Virginia Realtors Association (NVAR). Phil was named Top Residential Producer of the Year by the Loudoun Association of Realtors in 1987 and has received numerous other awards over the years. Phil’s lineage in Fauquier and Loudoun Counties spans five generations and he has long been active in the civic, business, and social affairs of southwest Loudoun County. Phil’s role in the Hunt Country community included the following: member of the Board of Directors of the Middleburg Community Center, past Co-Chairman of the Middleburg Spring Races, sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association of America (NSA) and held for the benefit of Loudoun County Hospital. He was a past member of the Board of Directors of Grafton School for special education students in adjacent Clarke County. Phil served as board member of the Goose Creek Association, a watch committee for environmental issues affecting our area, a member of the Middleburg Business and Professional Associ ation, and the Washington Dulles Task Force, an organization of business and community leaders dedicated to accommodating the economic and residential expansion centering on Washington Dulles International Airport. He has also served as a member of the Dulles South Advisory Planning Committee and was a former member of the Clarke County Mountain Land Committee. Phil was a past Director of the Long Branch Foundation and a founding member of the Great Meadow Foundation. He did more than his part financially and politically to honor and protect this beautiful landscape.

ESTATE PROPERTIES

Reflecting on the market in Hunt Country these days, Phil would often say, “Many who settle in this community have no idea what it has taken to preserve it. We’ve taken it upon ourselves, here at Thomas & Talbot, to give everyone a little background, and encourage those who buy property here to continue the effort, to protect open land and this place that is so treasured.” John Coles, now the owner of Thomas & Talbot Real Estate, shares Phil’s values related to real estate business here in the area. Coles knows there’s a delicate balance required to preserve this magnificent landscape as the community grows. In 2019, Phil and his wife Patti were pleased that it was John who was taking the reins, knowing he’d continue the business with the utmost integrity. Phil’s track record in the real estate business was epic. He dealt with industry leaders, politicians, football players, new money, old money and just plain hard-working people who have earned a piece of this spectacular place.

“I work for fun,” he would say emphatically.

A LITTLE BLUSTER AND A BIG HEART

Many who knew Phil would chuckle about his, at times, no-nonsense gruff demeanor, because those who knew him well knew that underneath he was, in fact, a kind and gentle soul who loved life and treasured friendships. Though a tough business negotiator, Phil was also very generous. He always looked after those who worked with and for him. He always gave to the area’s important causes that helped people and protected the land. A couple of years before Phil left this world, he was riding with a good friend touring his many properties. As they passed by yet another one, his friend asked, “…and what do you need that property for Phil?” Phil laughed and in his low, grumbly voice retorted, “That’s going to keep Patti in giggle water long after I’m gone.”That’s who he was. He loved his life, his friends, the people he worked with — and treasured his wife Patti. We miss him and celebrate his passion for living and his efforts to protect this land we all love.

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chLoe’s new PeT Line: LILY AND OLIVER’S

Chloe’s of Middleburg has always been a popular boutique for women, offering both fashion-forward and classic appar el, accessories, and unique gifts. Now, fans of the shop have a new reason to visit with the arrival of a curated pet line called Lily and Oliver’s. After all, pets are an extension of the family – and as such, deserve the best gifts!

At Chloe’s, you won’t find the ordinary pet toys that you would see in a big-box store. Lily and Oliver’s pet line is carefully researched and selected by Chloe Osborn, the shop’s namesake, and daughter of owner, Wendy. “Every single product in our store, and with Lily and Oliver’s, is something we ourselves would use,” says Osborn, who knows “quality is paramount.”

Endowed with her mom’s entrepreneurial spirit and love of animals, Osborn decided to launch the pet accessory line this year because she felt more options were needed in Middle burg — especially for cats. As a feline owner, she understands the market well. The brand’s two namesakes are Lily, the family cat, and Oliver, a kitten that Osborn rescued while studying at Vas sar College last year. “I instantly fell in love with him,” Osborn recalls.

Osborn’s cats have been loving the new line, which has been popular in the boutique. Osborn explains it’s not simply aesthetics that she looks for when considering inventory. She inspects everything for durability and animal safety stan dards. “I love our cat toys because a lot of them are made from boiled wool which is really good for cleaning [cats’] teeth,” Osborn says. The fibers of the wool help remove plaque. A popular cat toy is a four-inch, catnip-filled shrimp for $12. It’s made from natural wool and dyes and is a

Top: Lynn Winston and Louise do some window shop ping. Bottom left: Lynn Winston, Suzan Macy, Louise, and Tuco. Bottom right: maxbone Talon Raincoat from the Lily and Oliver’s line.

Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Callie Broaddus

fair trade product that is manufactured by crafts women in Nepal. Working with vendors who use fair trade business practices is something Osborn looks for when selecting products to carry with the brand. Other similar cat toys include adorable sushi rolls filled with catnip. Each piece of sushi is $10.

For dog owners who love design er swag and bubbly, the “Woof Clic quot” champagne bottle is a mustbuy. Made by Haute Diggity Dog, the soft, plush toys with a squeak er inside will have every pup going wild to pop the bottle. They come in multiple sizes, ranging from $15 to $25 in price. Another swanky dog toy to gift this season is a 100% cotton

“pom pom tree” squeaker toy. It’s made with all-natural dyes and is also a fair trade product. For a fashionista pet, the “Wagentino Sandal” dog toy ($18) is another top choice, which is a clever take on one of today’s most popular shoe design ers, Valentino.

And if your dog has a taste for macarons, Lily and Oliver’s has you covered. The Bonne et Filou dog macarons box ($24) includes six macarons which come in cheese, peanut butter, or pumpkin flavors. All macarons are handmade with natural ingredients. For December, dog owners will also want to pick up an advent calendar ($70) filled with Bonne et Filou dog treats including yo gurt-covered dog bones, truffles, and macarons.

In addition to treats and trendy toys, pets can be fashionably dressed with the line’s dog cloth ing items. Chloe’s offers a selection of pet sweat ers from a company called Little Beast. “They offer the most adorable pet sweaters,” Osborn says. “The quality is amazing but they’re also su per fun.” One of the sweaters, known as the “love sweater” is pink with red hearts on it and “gives kind of that fun, whimsical feel,” according to Os born.

Since Osborn is finishing her senior year at college, her mom, Wendy, also knows the ins and outs of Lily and Oliver’s. “She's instilled a lot in me,” says Osborn about their mother-daughter work relationship. They often collaborate on what items to consider for the shop.

Osborn says Lily and Oliver’s will continue to roll out new products and she encourages shop pers to visit often to see what’s new. Pet coats and stylish pet beds are among the many products that have been added in time for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. For those looking to make their pet’s gift extra special, Chloe’s offers custom dog beds and monogrammed collars. If you cannot make it in person, you can shop Lily

The brand also has its own Instagram account @lilyandolivers. ML Chloe's of Middleburg 12 East Washington Street, Middleburg

Top left: “Pawfoot Chardognay” and “Grrrona Extra” are just a few of the pup-themed beverage toys available. Top right: Tuco and David Moffat enjoy a squeaky pom pom tree toy. Bottom left: The line also includes highend pet sweaters, cat toys, cat houses, and luxury leash es. Bottom right: Turkey dinner squeaker toys, reindeer chew toys, and Christmas tree cat houses are perfect for the holidays.

and Oliver’s online at chloesofmiddleburg.com

Sunday, November 27, & December 4, 11, & 18 Advent services at 8:00am, 10:30am, & 5:00pm (no 5:00pm service on 12/11)

Also: Sunday, November 27, Advent Sunday 2:30pm Piano Recital, Noah Alden Hardaway Sunday, December 4, The Second Sunday of Advent 6:00pm Trinity Family Christmas Party & Paddle Raise Sunday, December 11, The Third Sunday of Advent 4:00pm The Joy of Waiting, with the Blue Ridge Singers Friday, December 16

7:30pm Christmas Concert, with Winchester Musica Viva Saturday, December 17 4:00pm Lessons & Carols, with the Master Singers of Virginia Saturday, December 24, Christmas Eve 5:00pm Christmas Pageant & family service 8:00pm Celebration Choral Eucharist 11:00pm Candlelit Eucharist Sunday, December 25, Christmas Day, The Nativity of Christ 10:00am Festive Eucharist & Carols Sunday, January 1. The Naming of Jesus 10.00am New Years Day Service of Readings, Poetry, & Carols

MAGIC AT MORVEN PARK: hArrY PoTTer comes To hUnT coUnTrY

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos by Callie Broaddus

There is something spellbinding happening at Morven Park in Leesburg that promis es to be a treat for wizards and Muggles (non-magic folk) alike. In collaboration with Warner Brothers Studios, Thinkwell, Unify, and Fever, 15 of Morven Park’s 1,000 acres have been transformed into “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience.” The exhibit combines movie magic with the site’s natural beauty resulting in a memorably immersive experience which will run through January 29. But more than the an imatronics, impressive light shows, theatrical il lusions, and perfectly-timed soundtrack, perhaps what is most magical is the seemingly endless international and local enthusiasm behind the project from the experience’s organizers and its eager participants.

“I’m just thrilled to have this experience here,” shares Stacey Metcalfe, Morven Park’s executive director and CEO, with a wide smile. “Part of our strategic mission is to have people celebrate the outdoors. What a magical way to bring people from all over so they can be in the outdoors and be in our forest.” Her enthusiasm about bringing the Harry Potter-themed trail walk to Morven Park is echoed by Heather McGill, the producer and creative director at Unify, a UK-based part ner in the experience. “After a hugely successful UK run, we, along with our Warner Bros., Think well, and Fever partners, looked at many locations and cities, but in the end, we chose the venue at Morven Park because of its beautiful forest and existing trails and pathways. We are delighted that this location in particular offers our guests a

real mix of woodland and twists and turns which is perfect to enjoy the magic of this experience,” McGill shares.

Magic, being the key word, is in no short supply on the woodland tour. The winding path is a mesmerizing maze of beloved Harry Potter characters, creatures, and encounters all set to the familiar soundtrack and surprising special effects. Wizarding World wanderers will recog nize the massive figure and comforting voice of the Hogwarts gamekeeper, Rubeus Hagrid, and the soothing hoot of Harry’s snowy white owl, Hedwig, who is perched in a tree. And guests can spend a little time with Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Grawp, Hagrid’s giant half-brother, who, if

Virginia Wallace, 8, and her grandmother Jaci Hugg marvel at Mr. Weasley’s Ford Anglia.

Left: Potter’s stag Patronus sits sentinel as visitors enter the park. Right: Excited participants gather for a review of the trail rules. Bottom: Potter fans will recognize Hagrid and his loyal companion, Fang.

Top left: Hedwig makes an appearance.Top right: Grawp has a surprise for trail walkers brave enough to approach. Bottom left: Halfway through the walk, visitors can enjoy Potter-themed food and drink including Butterbeer. Bottom right: Ivyanna, 4, enjoys the midpoint firepit and s’mores making.

| From page 35

viewed closely, will come to life. Nifflers, Cornish Pixies, and Centaurs also make appearances during the roughly hour-long walk, as do creatures intended to send chills up participants’ spines, all while keeping the evening kid-friendly.

Morven Park’s natural elements are seamlessly woven into the experience and its pit stops too. Metcalfe shares that the production team used previously-fallen trees to create the “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” Ford Anglia crash scene and to capture Grawp’s proclivity for ripping up trees by their roots. “They treated our forest, our property, every thing like it was their own home…It wasn’t very impactful on our forest because they were very respectful,” Metcalfe says. “I couldn’t have asked for better partners. They invested in the trail, the lighting, the music, all of it.”

More than trail improvements, the experience benefits the Leesburg community and, more broadly, Loudoun Coun ty, both of which welcomed the experience with open arms. “When you think about it, the economic impact is amazing. Most of these people are coming in from out of town…and they are staying overnight. They eat, they drink, and they go shopping here or in the county,” Metcalfe says. As a result, Met calfe adds, “I’ve been really blessed that the Town of Leesburg, Loudoun County, everybody, has rallied around the economic development. Everybody has been really welcoming.”

One chilly night in November, the experience attracted vis itors from Richmond, Pittsburg, and even as far as Hawaii. And fans of the Forbidden Forest come in all ages and from all Hog warts Houses, with kids young enough to be in strollers dressed in Hufflepuff robes to match their Potter-loving parents.

The event has been so popular that there is already demand to bring it back next year. Metcalfe, who often walks the trail, says, “I’ve been talking to people at the end of the night, and they are like, ‘Oh, I can’t wait until next year. I’m coming back.’” And she agrees. “My dream is that we continue to have this experience. So, stay tuned.”

While December is mostly sold out, as of now, there are still tickets available for January 2023. However, they are going quickly. Perhaps Metcalfe explains the event’s popularity best saying, “I cannot say any more how totally thrilled I am that ‘Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience’ is here at Mor ven Park. I am thrilled for our park, for Leesburg, and for the county. The experience is absolutely one of those things that when people leave here, they are going to remember.” ML

For more information, and to purchase tickets to Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience, visit: morvenpark.org.

Top: Reggie, one of the park’s magical staff, serves up Butterbeer. Bottom: Visitors can take a piece of the experience home with them from the gift shop.

RACE INTO THE Holidays.

RACE INTO THE Holidays.

If you’ve never been to Middleburg for Christmas, you might be surprised at just how big our little town does it up! Come on out for the day or the weekend, and experience the truly unique Christmas in Middleburg. We’re proud that it’s earned international recognition – but even more proud that you’ll still enjoy the same charm, character and community that we’re known for. We can’t wait to see you!

Shop Local

An ideal village blend of refined luxury and unpretentious comfort.

Accommodations

If you’ve never been to Middleburg for Christmas, you might be surprised at just how big our little town does it up!

Eat Well

Choose from a historic inn, traditional B&B, or a 5-star sprawling country estate and spa.

The Great Outdoors

Come on out for the day or the weekend, and experience the truly unique Christmas in Middleburg. We’re proud that it’s earned international recognition – but even more proud that you’ll still enjoy the same charm, character and community that we’re known for. We can’t wait to see you!

Our restaurants, bistros, cafés, pubs, and brewery scene in our village rivals that of any big city.

Shop Local

An ideal village blend of refined luxury and unpretentious comfort.

Wineries

More than 20 wineries within a 30-minute radius.

Eat Well

Our restaurants, bistros, cafés, pubs, and brewery scene in our village rivals that of any big city.

Wineries

More than 20 wineries within a 30-minute radius.

Accommodations

Open spaces and rural calm inspire invigorating hikes, relaxing strolls, picnics & horseback riding for all levels.

Choose from a historic inn, traditional B&B, or a 5-star sprawling country estate and spa.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Join us all December long for food, shopping, and festive activities -celebrate with a “Dickens of a Christmas in Middleburg”

The Great Outdoors

Open spaces and rural calm inspire invigorating hikes, relaxing strolls, picnics & horseback riding for all levels.

Middleburgva.gov/holidays

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Join us all December long for food, shopping, and festive activities -celebrate with a “Dickens of a

6507 Main Street, The Plains, Virginia 20198

Sunday, December 11, 2022, 5:00 PM

Baroque Christmas Paragon Philharmonia

Presenting beloved carols and Baroque music of the season, featuring excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, in collaboration with the Grace Church Choir and soloists.

Shakespeare Opera Theatre

Saturday, December 17, 2022, 3:00 PM

Amahl & The Night Visitors

Composed for CBS television in 1951, Amahl and the Night Visitors’ heartwarming tale became an instant Christmas classic. Join Shakespeare Opera Theatre’s Orchestra and Singers as we present this meaningful story of overcoming hardship, seeking redemption, and the true meaning of Christmas. The determination of three wise men from the East, a young boy, and his mother, make this one act opera a thoughtful treat for the entire family.

For tickets please visit: http://artsintheplains.org/

Peter Leonard Morgan | Associate Broker

THE ROSEMARY:

A New Boutique Hotel & Gathering Place in Marshall

Written by Lia Hobel

The historic white building stands at 8393 West Main Street in Marshall. For locals, the property has been known simply by this address — until now. Since opening in late October, The Rosemary, a boutique lodging and event center, has breathed new life into those lovely old bones.

“Our building has lived many lives prior to our ownership,” says Leah Washer, The Rose mary’s general manager. Leah Washer, her hus band Regan, and her in-laws, Melissa and Mike Washer, purchased the property as a family en deavor. They own a farm together as well, also named The Rosemary. “The reason [for] the

name Rosemary for the farm and the building is because the matriarch of the Washer family, from Louisville, Kentucky, was Mike’s grandmother, Rosemary Ennis Washer. The green clover in both logos is [because] she was very proud of her Irish heritage,” Leah Washer explains.

Although the Washers don’t know all the his tory behind 8393 West Main, they know the love ly building has an important place in Marshall. “The structure at 8393 West Main dates to the original stone storehouse built circa 1800 and has ebbed and flowed between residential and com mercial uses during its long history [including] the addition of a two-story log structure used as

the counting room for cattle drives,” Leah Washer shares. Over the years, the property also served as a doctor’s office, flower shop, school, and book shop (which helped Bunny Mellon stock her im pressive garden library at Oak Hill the owners have been told), as well as a private residence.

The Washers purchased the home from a lo cal interior designer, Daniel Moore, in August 2022. Moore had transformed the three offices the building housed into three Airbnb rooms in 2019. “He designed every aspect of the rooms and did an amazing job,” Leah Washer says. When the family got word that it was coming on the mar

“It has a wonderful, peaceful vibe when you’re in that building.”

– Melissa Washer

The Washer family and members of the Fauquier Chamber gather to celebrate The Rosemary’s ribbon cutting. Photo by Callie Broaddus.

ket, Melissa Washer, Leah’s mother-in-law, went to see it first. “It has a wonderful, peaceful vibe when you're in that building, and I like that it was historical but yet it's been redone nicely,” Melissa Washer shares.

Having the property already restored and beautifully decorated made it an easy transition. In August, Leah left a job in HR to devote her time entirely to The Rosemary. “Since then, it has been a total whirlwind in the best way,” she re calls. “The family aspect is very important to us, and we maintain the building all on our own, ev erything from cleaning the rooms, laundry, lawn care, and general maintenance.”

The Rosemary is a unique addition to Mar shall. “There are little to no Airbnbs, no hotels, and no event venues aside from the Ruritan Club,” Leah Washer explains. Inside The Rosemary, the three luxury king rooms are referred to as “The Rooms Up There.” Each one radiates its own character with carefully selected furnishings and similar color schemes to achieve cohesiveness. The names of the individual rooms, The Clover, The Julep, and The Derby, are all references to the Kentucky matriarch. The rooms are designed for relaxation with televisions intentionally left out. Guests are welcome to visit the Common Room for reading, games, or to sip wine (a com plimentary wine bottle comes with every stay). Morning coffee is also provided in these rooms, as well as locally sourced snacks.

The Drawing Room is the event space at the Rosemary. It can accommodate 75 guests making it the perfect intimate setting for baby showers, weddings, and receptions. The family has been busy meeting with local event planners, caterers, and florists.“Our ultimate goal with The Rose mary is to expand into the wedding and events world. With such a beautiful space we want ev eryone to see it,” Leah Washer notes.

When the space is not in use for an event, The Rosemary hosts yoga classes. Melissa is a yoga instructor and has hired three additional instruc tors to teach classes on different days. There’s also a Tai chi class. Melissa says the family has enjoyed making the Drawing Room a place for everyone in the community to use. They have even hosted sip and paint events.

The greenhouse is part of the Drawing Room’s event space but deserves a stand-alone mention. With trailing green vines adorning the adjacent wall, it offers a garden party aesthetic for any oc

casion. Guests who rent The Rosemary accom modations for a two-night stay have an option to add the Green Room for an additional fee to host a private dinner party or other small event.

With its many uses, The Rosemary is certain ly a welcome addition to the rural community of

Marshall and will undoubtedly become a popular stop or stay in town. ML

The Rosemary is located at 8393 West Main Street, Marshall, Virginia. For more information visit: Theroomsupthere.com.

Top: The Rosemary’s historic charm is part of the appeal. Photo by Callie Broaddus. Middle left: A cute open sign welcomes visitors. Photo by Paul John Bayfield. Bottom left: Pops of color and branded touches make rooms feel like home. Photo by Paul John Bayfield. Right: Spacious rooms are simply yet elegantly decorated. Photo by Callie Broaddus.

“Our ultimate goal with The Rosemary is to expand into the wedding and events world. With such a beautiful space we want everyone to see it.”

– Leah Washer

2022 Opening Meet Scenes

MFH John Coles Hunts on a Mule

Blue Ridge Hunt opening meet at Carter Hall.

Photos by Joanne Maisano

Barb Batterton and Karel Wennink at BRH's opening meet.

Will Driskell and Madeleine Wallach arrive at OCH's opening meet.

Orange County Hunt Huntsman Reg Spreadborough at the ruins at Meredyth Farm.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Huntsman Jordan Hicks with whips Michelle Nagle and Johnny Dean.

Jen and McKenzie Hicks enjoy opening day.

Mules are wonderful jumpers.

John Coles on Candy Man and owner of the mules, Garon Stutzman, on Ellie Mae.

A 2022 Orange County Hunt fundraiser featured a chance to see MFH John Coles hunt on a mule as an auction item. Garon Stutzman, a member of the hunt and owner of Old Denton, provided the mule, Candy Man. The historic ride took place at Old Denton on November 13.

Photos by Joanne Maisano

Our Favorite Holiday Gifts from Around Town

by Callie Broaddus

Christmas Pillow, $46, Available at The Fun Shop

Winter Gloves, $70 - $129, Made in England, Available at Country Classics

Repurposed Designer Cuffs, $65 - $98, Available at Zest

Highcliffe Shirts, Made in Spain, Paisley - 100% Cotton, $129, Flannel - Brushed Cotton and Cashmere, $155, Green - 100% Cotton, $199, Available at Highcliffe Clothiers

Festive Candle, $38, Available at The Lucky Knot

Donsje Brown Spotted Cow Hair Booties, $95, Made in Amsterdam, Available at Little Lambkins

Self-Finishing Ornament Kit, $120 - $125, Available at STITCH

250-Piece Wood Puzzle, $80, Available at The Christmas Sleigh

Skeem Match Cloches, $39 - $58, Available at Atelier

Photos

Assorted Chocolate Box, $19.95, Available at Raymer's Homemade Candies

Clayton & Crume Glass Flask, $152, Available at Brick & Mortar Mercantile

Betsey Johnson, Brooch and Pendants (various animals, chain available), $16, Available at Olde Millstones Vintage Thrift Shop

Avocado Vase, $24, Available at Nature Composed

Pop Clocks (available in various designs), Made in the USA, $68, Available at the PLAYroom

Thymes Frasier Fir Candle, $25, Frasier Fir Soap, $12, and Frasier Fir Diffuser, $45, Available at Lou Lou

The Cat's Pajamas, $130, Available at Chloe's of Middleburg

Wreath Workshop Kit, $95, Available at Crème de la Crème

Bocce's Bakery Dog & Cat Treats, $3.99 - $6.99, Available at Loyal Companion

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MIDDLEBURG CHRISTMAS PARADE

December 3 | 2 p.m. | christmasinmiddleburg.org

Join one of the most fun-filled family festivals of the year in Middleburg with activities, special events, great eats, the famous Middleburg Hunt Review, and a mile-long Christmas parade. Be sure to check out christmasinmiddleburg.org for the full parade schedule and additional week end activities. The parade will feature floats, local clubs, and animals marching down Washington Street. There is limited parking available and it is encouraged that you purchase your parking pass in advance.

OLD BUST HEAD HOLIDAY MARKET

December 3 | 12 - 5 p.m. | oldbusthead.com

Get your gift shopping done early this year at Old Bust Head Brewery’s German-style holiday mar ket! The market will feature local artisan vendors

in an open air outdoor market held at the brewery. While you shop, sip on craft beer, hot drinks like Glühwein and boozy hot chocolate made with Caramel Macchiato Stout, listen to festive tunes, and sample some food including bratwurst, BBQ, and baked goods. Baby goats will also be on-site from 12 - 3 p.m. For more information visit: oldbusthead.com/brewery-events.

THE CHRISTMAS SHOP AT EMMANUEL CHURCH

December 9 & 10 | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Don’t miss The Christmas Shop at The Parish House of Middleburg’s Emmanuel Church this December. The event is two special days of in-per son shopping for unique gifts you are unlikely to find elsewhere. There is a $5 suggested donation admission fee. Proceeds will benefit Emmanuel Church and its outreach programs. Can’t make it? Be sure to check out “Curated Shopping for a Cause” year-round at middleburgmarketplace.org. For more information on The Christmas Shop,

call (540) 687-6297 or email: parishsecretary@ emmanuelmiddleburg.org.

A ROYAL TASTING AT BOXWOOD ESTATE WINERY

December 10 | 4 - 5:30 p.m. | boxwoodwinery.com

Join Boxwood Estate Winery for their annual seasonal pairing of holiday bites and Boxwood wines in a royal setting! Wines will be paired with delectable bites prepared by Boxwood’s own Chef Samira. The chef will also share her recipes with guests so the dishes can be recreated at home. Tickets are available at allevents.in

WINTER BIRD COUNT AT OAK SPRING GARDEN

December 10 | 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. | osgf.org

Join the Oak Spring Biodiversity Management Team for a winter bird count across the Oak

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Spring landscape. The 700-acre property is known for its bird diversity and in wintertime visitors can enjoy seeing regular wildlife residents in cluding short-eared owls, northern harriers, and many other overwintering species. Participants should arrive with proper footwear, sufficient wa ter, and dress appropriately for the weather, rain or shine. Binoculars and digital cameras encour aged. Tickets are $15 per person and available on Eventbrite.

TREE OF LIFE MINISTRIES’ CHRISTMAS FOR OTHERS

December 11, 13, 15 | tolministries.org

This holiday season, give back to those in the community by participating in Tree of Life Min istries’ Christmas for Others. There are six ways to give at a range of prices including sponsoring a Christmas Dinner for a Family of Four at $25 or sponsoring a senior adult for $50. For more in formation visit tolministries.org/events

CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS WITH THE ERIC BYRD TRIO

December 16 | 7 - 8:30 p.m. | franklinparkartscenter.org

Enjoy the sounds of the Eric Byrd Trio at the Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville. This is a concert for families and people of all ages. The Eric Byrd Trio will play updated arrangements of the classic songs "Christmas Time is Here," "What Child is This?," and every other song from the 1965 TV classic Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack by the great Vince Guaraldi. This show plays for thousands of audiences every De cember. Get your tickets now as this will certainly sell out! Tickets are $10 to $20 per person. For more information and tickets visit: franklinpark artscenter.org/performances.

CHRISTMAS IN THE CABIN AT FIREFLY CELLARS

December 17 | 2 - 8 p.m. | fireflycellars.com Christmas in the Cabin is the perfect place to

have your kids meet with Santa without the crowds and the pressure of the mall. Each ticket includes: a visit with Santa, hot cocoa and a treat, a glass of mulled wine for the adults, Christmas face paint, and 25 minutes in the cabin to enjoy your treats and take festive Christmas photos. Each child meeting with Santa will need a ticket. Tickets are $28 per person.

UGLY SWEATER GOAT YOGA AT BEAR CHASE BREWING CO.

December 18 | 10 - 11 a.m. | bearchasebrew.com

Join Bear Chase Brewing Co. for a special Ugly Holiday Sweater edition of goat yoga and animal therapy featuring the goats from Walnut Creek Farm! The goats will be dressing up in their ugly holiday sweaters, and human participants are in vited to do the same! This event will be a hybrid of yoga poses, seated stretches, and plenty of goat snuggling. Tickets are $40 per person and avail able on Eventbrite. ML