March 2023

Percival Leonard Rosseau Setters in a Cooling Stream, Fayetteville, NC. Sold for $210,000

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MAR. 2023

middleburglife.com

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ON THE COVER

Rachid Saad welcomes shoppers into his new East Federal Street shop, Middleburg Gourmet. For more on Saad, read Lia Hobel’s article on page six. Photo by Michael Butcher.

ON THIS PAGE

Daphne Walsh participates in a pony race on Quick Draw. For more on upcoming spring races, turn to page 26. Photo by Joanne Maisano.

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

from throughout | | 6 kitchen | cottage lighted stream, acres

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

HICKORY TREE FARM

THE PLAINS, VIRGINIA

Beautifully renovated home on 340 acres Main house, stunning guest house w/ garage, 2 tenant houses, manager’s house, apartment complex, pool, 5 barns totaling approximately 60 stalls, 3/4 mile all weather sand track, pond & extensive paddocks, fencing & sheds Property is served by four separate gated entrances with access from Burrland Lane & Zulla Road Panoramic views of Bull Run Mountains & the Blue Ridge Mountains offering an extraordinary building site if desired Original home site still surrounded by towering trees, garden & stone walls

SPRING GLADE

WIND FIELDS

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

324.18 acres in prime Middleburg location Frontage on Snickersville Turnpike |Rolling acreage with Blue Ridge views, creeks, ponds, mature woods and Goose Creek frontage Lime Kiln cottage with remains of original mill Property is in Conservation Easement, may be subdivided 3 times.

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

$8,750,000

$5,511,060 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

OUT WEST

WARRENTON, VIRGINIA

SALEM HILL

Gracious home with impressive renovated kitchen. Hardwood floors, substantial millwork and fine finishes and 4 fireplaces Perfectly sited to enjoy the views of surrounding farmland 5 bedrooms, home office, large family room, newly resurfaced tennis court, wonderful pool with cabana and 4 bedroom guest house with workshop/3 stall stable Large field for turn out, 1 paddock and lovely hay field 32 acres in 2 recorded parcels

$3,000,000

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

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

Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

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

$3,690,000

Mahon

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

ATOKA STORE

CATESBY VINEYARD

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

Property has been a landmark for community for decades Major frontage on Route 50 & Atoka Rd | Commercial kitchen, beer cooler, grocery items, pizza oven, in store seating | Potential to be very lucrative Property also improved by older home, old gas station has been renovated for potential office space or storage & stone spring house 2 lots with commercial village zoning

$2,700,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

GAME CREEK

RECTORTOWN ROAD

LEESBURG, VIRGINIA

99.33 acres in prime Loudoun Hunt country location, easy access to Leesburg, Purcellville & Lincoln Property is in conservation easement Mountain and valley views Rolling acreage Approximately 65 acres of pasture, 35 acres of woods, major creek frontage Property has road frontage on Hughesville Road and Holmes Mill Road Very protected location.

$1,995,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

44.55 acres of which 15 acres are producing grapes | 8.5 acres of Chambourcin, Traminette on 4.3 acres and Vidal Blanc on 2.1 acres Vineyard infrastructure 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 $1,300,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

HALCYON HILL

104 & 106 PENDLETON STREET

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

MARSHALL,

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA

Lovely country home on private lot in the village of Rectortown | FIBER INTERNET Open floor plan with main level suite and home office Upper level overlooks large family room with two story vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace and two large bedrooms and second family room Multiple porches and decks with extensive plantings - easy maintenance. Easy to show.

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

JOHN MARSHALL HIGHWAY

MARKHAM, VIRGINIA

$1,250,000

Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

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

Rare opportunity 2 recorded lots with C-3 zoning in the town of Middleburg 2 separate buildings with 8 offices, 5 storage bays and ample parking | All buildings are in excellent condition

$1,250,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

$2,650,000

helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

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

49.16 acres in 2 recorded parcels Frontage on Goose Creek, land rises to great views, mountain meadows on upper portion | Access over Railroad and creek Excellent hunting land, surrounded by large tracts

$300,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

$2,475,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

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

HUGHESVILLE ROAD

CONTRIBUTORS

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. Over the years, she has featured hundreds of businesses, leaders, residents, historical sights, lectures, heritage programs, and museums in her work. 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.

Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990 after experiencing Ohio, Michigan, Montreal, San Francisco, and New Jersey. 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” comes out in June. Diane also writes a monthly newsletter, The Silk Mill, which is dedicated 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, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! Lia began her career as a broadcast journalist, 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 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!

Victoria Peace is a recent graduate of Georgetown University and holds a degree in French and Art History. On the weekends, 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 include a stop at the local farmers market in The Plains, a trip to her favorite Middleburg 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. 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 for storytelling 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 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), 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 universities, 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 recreation. He has worked in communications and project management roles in renewable energy, international development, and mission-driven journalism. Will graduated from the College of Charleston in 2010 with a B.A. in Communications.

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.

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 photographer 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.

Food connoisseur and businessman Rachid Saad has adored Middleburg ever since he first visited the town. And, for the last three years, he’s been on the hunt for a location to launch his next food venture. Finally, the timing was right, and Middleburg Gourmet came to fruition in December of 2022. “Who doesn’t love Middleburg?” Saad says about his East Federal Street food boutique that offers teas, spices, oils, and other worldly and local culinary products.

Originally from Morocco, Saad came to the U.S. in 2007 to work in IT but has always been a foodie at heart. Like any dedicated cook, Saad had a desire to find the best saffron in the Washington, D.C., area. When he could not locate one to his liking, he saw a business opportunity

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Rachid Saad, OwneR Of MiddlebuRg gOuRMet

Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Michael Butcher

and launched Moroccan Saffron in 2014. Under the brand label, Saad created spice mixtures and carefully chose food products that would appease the toughest food critic’s palate. The brand is carried at D.C.’s Eastern Market, and Saad also sells his products at farmer markets. Now Moroccan Saffron is sold at Middleburg Gourmet, his own brick-and-mortar store, which received a warm welcome from the community right from its launch. “I’ve been in the food business for over 10 years, and I would say this community in Middleburg is crazy amazing,” Saad says. “People are supportive. They discuss our products. They take the time to write a review on our Google page.”

Top: Rachid Saad in his Middleburg brick-and-mortar. Bottom: Find Middleburg Gourmet on East Federal Street.

Neighbor | Page 7

With a bright yellow interior, Middleburg Gourmet has a happy ambiance. Comfy chairs invite customers to relax and enjoy their shopping experience. Often, Saad will offer guests a free espresso as they look around the shop and he makes himself available to offer up a wealth of product knowledge or make suggestions. “When they walk in, we want them to try some of the products,” Saad notes, who is not shy about opening a package for a customer to sample before buying. “That’s part of the business and marketing,” he adds. Being able to try products before

purchasing is also a way that he sets his boutique apart from large, corporate chains. Saad says he had a customer who tried every single energy bite that he carries in the store and then purchased every single variety. Saad also focuses on importing items right from the source, such as caramel and nougat from a bakery in France and truffles from Italy. The shop also supports local artisans, including a pasta made in Virginia. Saad also has an ongoing partnership with a Shenandoah-based farmer who supplies honey. He says the honey is a popular purchase. Teas are another specialty at Middleburg Gourmet. He works with organic suppliers as well as small vendors to assure only the best tea is sold. “I make the [customers] smell the teas

and I tell them the benefits of some of the herbs themselves,” he says.

Over the next few months, Saad plans to add cheeses, a fresh bakery that includes French baguettes and croissants, as well as ice cream. “I want to have a place [where] customers and neighbors can get a gift, grab a pasta and a sauce, and cook an easy dinner.”

In the spring, Saad plans to make his brand a fixture at markets around the DMV area and

says he will employ individuals who enjoy chatting with customers and the outdoors so he can focus on Middleburg Gourmet. As for his new brick-and-mortar, he says, “I wanted a store for many reasons; for people to know where we are and to visit us Monday through Sunday.” ML

Middleburg Gourmet is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Middleburg Gourmet

10 East Federal Street

Middleburg, VA 20117 540-883-3114

Top: There is a seemingly endless selection of specialty olive oils. Bottom: There are a few home goods here and there, too. Right: A selection of carefully crafted chocolate bars for visitors with a sweet tooth.

Neighbor | From page 6

Locally Sourced for the Passionate Palate

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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).

Photo Credit: Gavin Macqueen Photography

THOUGHTS ON FILM with Tom Davenport

Written by Will Thompson | Photos by Callie Broaddus

The streets of Middleburg hovered between 20 degrees and just below freezing on a wind-chilled February evening. Even as the sun began to set on Washington Street, a warm light glowed welcomingly from the Middleburg Community Center. Inside, a crowd had gathered from across Hunt Country and beyond to share in experiencing films by local filmmaker Tom Davenport. The screening celebrated the golden anniversary of the production of Davenport’s film, “Thoughts on Fox Hunting,” while raising funds for Friends of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in nearby Delaplane.

Since the early 1970s, Davenport, who was raised in Fauquier County, has been making films in which the folk cultures of the Piedmont play the leading role. Davenport’s films include documentaries portraying families, communities, and local cultural institutions such as fox hunting, rabbit hunting with beagles, and country music. He has also made scripted films based on folktales set in Hunt Country. Some of his best known are his adaptations of Grimm’s fairy tales set among the Piedmont landscape and culture.

The octogenarian filmmaker first came to live in Northern Virginia in the 1950s when his father purchased a run-down farm on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains which he renamed Hollin. After growing up working and living on Hollin Farms, Davenport traveled out of Hunt Country, receiving a degree from Yale University in 1961, teaching English and studying Chinese in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and working as an apprentice to documentary filmmakers Richard Leacock and Don Pennebaker in New York City. Davenport returned Hollin Farms in 1970 and founded the independent film company, Davenport Films, in partnership with his wife, co-producer, and designer, Mimi Davenport. These days Davenport is not making new films but directs videos for Folkstreams.net, a non-profit focused on preserving American folklife through documentary film. He also helps out on the farm, managing the Hollin Farms natural beef sales.

After five decades of documenting and telling stories of life in Hunt

Tom Davenport at the Community Center.

Film | Page 11

Country, Davenport’s films have themselves become part of the community’s culture. It’s not uncommon for viewers to recognize their families, neighbors, or favorite landmarks in his films. And his works, particularly his adaptations of Grimm's fairy tales, have become educational bulwarks in area libraries, classrooms, and on public broadcasting stations.

Following the screening of his films at the Community Center, Davenport talked conversationally and joked with the audience which included current members of the fox hunting community and family members of Melvin Poe, the subject of “Thoughts on Fox Hunting.” “This is a bit like attending my own funeral,” he said with a smile while looking out over a crowd of his friends, neighbors, and colleagues of past and present. Davenport's anecdotes bubbled over with such enthusiastic detail that his audience was transported to late 20th-century fox hunts,

scrambling alongside the filmmakers as they chased a pack of baying hounds and galloping horses while carrying heavy 16 mm film cameras. Davenport also passed around one of the actual cameras used to capture the film: a World War II-era Bell & Howell windup camera weighing nearly 20 pounds that the filmmakers ran with or carried on horseback.

“You don’t have to go to some fancy tourist place to find something wonderful; you can find it in your backyard,” Davenport shared. “You can find something wonderful in your family or your local community that is worth documenting and you do it in a way that gives it honor, and beauty, and meaning.”

Recognizing the need for American folklife stories to reach wider audiences, Davenport founded Folkstreams.net in 2002 in partnership with Dr. Daniel Patterson of the University of North Chapel Hill. The American Folklore Society described their work as a visionary project, started at a time when streaming films on the web was in its infancy. It has gone on to become an extraordinary democratic initiative in public folklore and education, exponentially increasing the visibility of the field and giving grassroots communities across the U.S. access to their own traditions, folklore, and cultural history.

“Telling stories is a profoundly human act,” said Davenport. “It’s an attempt to transcend our human limitations of distance, time, and even death. We may pass on, but the best of us, our lessons, values, and heroes, lives on in our stories and reaches generations far beyond our own.”

Davenport's films, as well as those by other filmmakers, are available to stream free of charge at folkstreams.net. ML

Top: The Middleburg Community Center hosted a screening of Davenport’s film “Thoughts of Fox Hunting.”

Bottom: Davenport addresses a crowd of family, friends, and fans.

Right: Tom Davenport’s Bell & Howell 70-DR 16mm cine camera.

Film | From page 10

Stop by this family-owned and operated business in Marshall for a wine tasting, to enjoy art by local artists, and to shop antique and vintage finds from around the world. The majority of the items in the shop can be traced back to Europe, and mainly southern France where the Lacaze family sources the items.

4238 Frost Street, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-8025 vintagemarshallva.com | @vintagemarshallva

Marshall Curated is a great 5000-plus-squarefoot antiques shop on Main Street in historic Marshall. The shop features curated collections of vintage and new items, home decor, jewelry, and artisan creations with opportunities for consignment and vendors.

8371 West Main Street, Marshall, VA 20115 | (571) 921-0356 marshallcurated.com | @marshallcurated

Serving Marshall and the surrounding communities for over 40 years.

4216 Frost Street, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-1409 marshallvetclinic.com

Hunt Country Kitchen & Bath Studio is an interior design showroom. In addition to kitchens and baths, we enjoy designing other spaces such as mudrooms, entertainment areas, tack rooms, wardrobes, and more. We are committed to making the most of every space, creating that perfect blend of function and style.

8393 West Main, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-5402 huntcountrykitchens.com | @huntcountry_kitchenbathstudio

We are a classic car and truck dealership specializing in American made vehicles primarily from the 1960s and 1970s. Located in two buildings that had previously been the oldest Ford dealership in America. Join us for Cars & Coffee the second Saturday of the month.

8323 West Main Street, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-5484 | Info@callawayclassics.com | callawayclassics.com | @callawayclassics Virginia

Virginia Regenerative Medicine & Spa is a top-rated, award-winning, concierge medspa. Family-owned and operated at 8451 West Main Street, Virginia Regenerative offers regenerative therapies for sports injuries, degenerative conditions, a variety of bespoke wellness offerings, and skin revision.

Collagen Induction Therapy

8451 West Main Street, Marshall, VA, 20115 | (540) 905-7370 | clinic@varegenmed.com varegenmed.com | @varegenmed

Increase your collagen by 400% + with Kimera Labs Exosomes

/ 540-905-7370

Regenerative Medicine & Spa

Marshall

We are in our third year doing all types of saddle and strap good repairs, boot zippers, patches, and stretching. Larkins also does custom work including building saddles and accepts unusual challenges! They will soon be making chaps! Hours 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday and Saturday by appointment. Find Larkins on Facebook for more information.

8302 East Main Street, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-8297 mcoachorse@gmail.com

As a lifelong resident of Marshall and second generation realtor, Anne Michael Green is committed to the community and serving the needs of its residents. Green serves on the Board of Directors for Marshall Moving Forward, Board of Directors for Greater Piedmont Realtors, and is a member of the Virginia REALTORS® Public Policy committee.

8390 West Main Street, Marshall, VA, 20115 | (540) 364-9500 contact@amgreenerealtor.com | amgreenerealtor.com | @annemichaelgreene

Blue Salon in Marshall is offering a Kevin Murphy Refill Bar. Bring in any Kevin.Murphy retail-size shampoo or conditioner to refill at our refill bar and receive a 20-25% off discount of the original price. Also available, Blue Salon Blow Dry Bar: Purchase a package of five blow dries and receive the sixth one free. Blue Salon is open Tuesday to Saturday and under new ownership as of April 2022.

8350 West Main Street, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-8945 Blue.a.salon@gmail.com | blueasalon.com | @blue.a.salon

Welcome to America’s Favorite Rural Bakery, a beloved destination known for pies, cakes, booze cakes, pastries, great coffee, and sandwiches. Red Truck Bakery offers award-winning baked goods shipped nationwide.

8368 West Main Street, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-2253 brian@redtruckbakery.com | redtruckbakery.com | @redtruckbakery

Enjoy historic, family-owned lodging with plenty of charm on Marshall’s Main Street. While there, be sure to book a massage with Sam Oravec, LMT, or one of the on-site yoga classes offered in a variety of experience levels. For more information and to book a session, visit our website.

8393 West Main Street, Marshall, VA 20115 | (703) 498-0722 leah@therosemaryva.com | therosemaryva.com | @therosemaryva

Established in 1978, Tri-County Feeds, Inc. specializes in serving the equine industry by providing quality products, services, and delivery to Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Montgomery County, Maryland. It has evolved into the most eclectic and unique shopping experience in Hunt Country. Here you’ll find riding and sporting apparel, tack, fashionable town and country ready-to-wear styles, boots, shoes, hats, accessories, pet food, unique gifts from around the world, and so much more.

7408 John Marshall Highway, Marshall, VA 20115 | (540) 364-1891 customercare@tricountyfeeds.com | tricountyfeeds.com | @tricountyfeeds

IF THE SHOE FITS: A FARRIER’S STORY

Written by Bill Kent | Photos by Callie Broaddus

Thirty horseshoes hang on a wall in Gwen Nardi’s Rixeyville rancher, which she shares with her wife Katy, two horses, and as many as seven rescue dogs.

Instead of luck, each horseshoe comes from a horse whose life Nardi helped prolong and improve. Nardi either detected an illness early so a vet could treat it in time, or made a special shoe that corrected a problem that, without it, would have made the horse lame.

“It’s about making things better for the horse, the client, the rider — everyone,” she says. “That, and a feeling and a knowledge of doing the job right. Being a farrier is an art as much as any other, and this is my art.”

And yet, at 34, having practiced her art professionally for more than a decade, Nardi readily acknowledges the challenges. “This can be a thankless job. Only about five percent of the apprentices who train to be farriers are still working after five years,” she notes. “Very few last more than 25 years. You can tell the older ones because their legs are stiff from squatting and they stand hunched over from bending their backs.”

Not to mention swollen thumbs and fingers from those moments when they did not hit the nail precisely on the head, or scarred skin on the hands and forearms from red-hot metal particles that fly into the air while the farrier hammers a shoe into shape.

However, Nardi persists even after a horse’s hoof broke her jaw and battered her skull a few years ago. After a month of sipping meals through a straw, she was back to work, treating and shoeing eight horses a day during Hunt Country’s summer hunting and jumping season.

And she does not pay attention to those who think — wrongly — that women farriers can’t do the job as well as men.

“It’s true that there are more male farriers than women, that women tend to have less body mass, and that our hands are smaller. But the farrier’s art goes back to Celtic times and there’s evidence that women farriers have worked since then.”

Nardi’s tool rig sits inside a custom-made trailer that includes racks of pre-made horseshoes, bars of metal she can shape into a custom

Farrier | Page 15

Gwen Nardi at Grand View Farm LLC.

shoe, an anvil, and a toaster-oven-sized forge that burns at 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and can “heat a can of soup in record time.”

But Nardi doesn’t eat lunch. She works a full eight to 10 hours on a 32-ounce Yeti mug of coffee.

After taking a sip, she holds up a pair of nippers. “These used to come in one size. Now, because there are so many farriers, and some of us have smaller hands, this is made with an intermediate-sized grip.”

When the hardships of the job threaten her resolve, she looks at the horseshoes hanging on her home’s wall, or she calls one of her mentors, Professor Travis Burns, chief of Farrier Services at Virginia Tech. “We commiserate about the job, and I learn more every time we talk,” she notes.

“Most farriers leave the profession for many reasons,” Burns says. “Some of those include the physical toll of the job, difficult clients and horses. Gwen has dedication and a work ethic that is unmatched,” he adds. “She is relentless in her commitment to increasing her knowledge and skills to make her the best possible farrier she can be.”

The word “farrier,” a person who shoes horses, comes from the Latin word “ferrus,” for iron. Today, steel is the preferred metal for shoes, with aluminum also employed for a lighter fit.

For centuries, making horseshoes was one more job for a blacksmith. The farrier’s task was cleaning and trimming the hoof, and attaching the shoe. To shape the shoe more precisely to the hoof, farriers acquired the skill of metalworking.

As the breeding, care, uses, and competitive roles of horses became more sophisticated, so did the farrier’s job. Organizations such as the United Kingdom’s Worshipful Company of Farriers (founded in 1356) and the much younger American Farriers Association (founded in 1971) now mandate proficiency examinations and apprenticeships that expand the farrier’s ability to identify and correct problems relating to the hoof.

However, in the United States a farrier need not have any formal training, pass a test, or earn a certification in order to work with horses. It’s impossible to say how many American farriers are not certified or achieve journeyman status. Nardi has an added therapeutic endorsement qualifying her to make special shoes to accommodate injuries and illnesses. Within the year, she plans to complete her UK certification.

“It is the toughest and strictest in the world,” she says. Why pile on distinctions? “I’m proud of what I do.”

Born in New York state to a family of five, Nardi and her twin sister rode their first horses shortly after their father died. They were 6 years old.

“My mother encouraged us to ride as a way to help us deal with our loss, and it worked.” At the stable, Nardi was the farrier’s shadow and liked their manner and characteristic leather apron. “I liked its clean lines, and I think I knew, even at that early age, that I had found my life’s work,” she explains.

The sisters supported their riding passion by caring for others’ horses. After high school,

Nardi decided to attend the Kentucky Horseshoeing School’s 22-week workshop where, in addition to learning to always open the soup can before you heat it on the forge, she slept very little and worked hard to graduate with the highest distinction.

Her apprenticeship to the late, legendary Paul Goodness at Forging Ahead in Round Hill brought her to Hunt Country, where, with the exception of seasonal working trips to Florida, she has remained, mentoring younger farriers and, on days off, going for hikes at the Manassas Battlefield and “other places where it isn’t too crowded.”

During the height of the pandemic, Nardi actually worked harder, seeing her clients more often as those with horses found themselves with the time, if not the means, to give them even more attention. “People used the barn to escape their homes and confinement,” Nardi remembers.

But the post-COVID inflationary rise in prices has affected her costs. Prices for just about everything she uses, from the metal for her shoes to the propane that fires her forge, have gone up.

Farrier | Page 16

Top left: The shoe is heated in the forge to soften the steel, making it easier to manipulate and shape. Right: Once the shoe is hot, it is shaped on the anvil to fit the hoof. Bottom left: While still hot, the shoe is applied to the hoof for a short period to ensure a proper fit, as well as to seal out moisture and bacteria. This does not cause any pain to the horse.

Farrier | From page 15

“So I work harder,” she says stoically.

Terri Turner Smith has known Nardi longer than most of her horses. The trainer and owner of TS Show Stables, Smith is one of 70 Hunt Country clients and owns 15 of the 210 horses that Nardi visits every four to six weeks, more often during the summer jumper and hunting season.

Smith first hired Nardi nine years ago on the recommendation of her veterinarian. She cites that Nardi’s “attention to detail and pride in her work make her stand out in her profession. Her knowledge base and ability to work with veterinarians while understanding the anatomy and pathology of the horses is an invaluable asset. She is as important to the health and success of my horses as my veterinarian.”

Dr. Paul Anikis, a veterinarian with Piedmont Equine, learned of Nardi’s work when she was apprenticed to Paul Goodness. Since then, all 14 of Piedmont Equine’s vets have worked with Nardi in treating hoof pathologies.

“We have had a lot of cases where infections to the foot will require the removal of the majority of the hoof wall,” Dr. Anikis says. “Depending how much we take off, the horse can lose the stability and integrity of the foot. Gwen can make a special shoe with a Kevlar cuff that will restore some of this stability and prevent further injury while the foot is healing.”

The dimensions, construction, and installation of the shoe must be extraordinarily precise. Errors in these hospital plates or other special shoes for horses surviving white line disease, keratomas, laminitis, or injuries resulting in deep cracks in the hoof, can lame a horse. When the shoe fits and the horse gets proper care, the animal’s longevity and quality of life can be greatly improved.

And Gwen Nardi will add another shoe to her home’s wall. ML

Top left: Nardi’s wall of horse shoes. Top right: Before fitting and nailing the shoe on, the hoof is trimmed to remove excess growth. Bottom: Gwen Nardi and a happy horse.

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www.greersconservation.com

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37627 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.6607 greersant@gmail.com

37627 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.6607 greersant@gmail.com

37627 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.6607 greersant@gmail.com

Open Monday - Friday 9-4 & Weekends by Appointment

Open Monday - Friday 9-4 & Weekends by Appointment

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Museum Level Conservation and Custom Furniture for 44 years

Museum Level Conservation and Custom Furniture for 44 years

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37627 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.6607 greersant@aol.com

37627 Allder School Road Purcellville, VA 20132 540.338.6607 greersant@aol.com

Regular hours are by appointment only

Regular hours are by appointment only

Littleton Farm

153 acres

$8,300,000

Upperville – This premier estate is a paradise with the main house for grand living and entertaining; 2 horse barns, riding ring and trails to ride out. Multiple outdoor living spaces perfect for enjoying the stunning landscape of Virginia’s horse country.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Millwood Farm

111+ acres $3,730,000

Boyce – Main Residence w/ 6 BRs /4 full and 2 half BAs, 6 car garage, Swimming pool, hot tub, pool house w/ full BA, Tenant House w/ 2 car garage, Office w/ an apt building of 3 one-bedroom apts + office. Stable w/ 21 stalls, Outdoor riding arena.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Coon Tree Lane

2.73 acres $825,000

Located between Middleburg and The Plains, recently remodeled, 1 level home is bright and clean. 3 BRs, 2 new BAs, High-speed internet. Barn, machine shop and chicken house. Ideal for a primary residence or a week-end retreat.

Will Driskill | 540-454-75220

Alnell Hidden Trail

541 +/- acres $8,000,000

Beautiful rolling hills and pasture located in Flint Hill, Virginia. This scenic property is surrounded by unspoiled countryside and expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a private and quiet escape to enjoy.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Stoneledge

101 acres $5,500,000

A very special and rare private sanctuary. Extraordinary location only 6 miles west of Warrenton, 45 min. to Dulles Int. Airport and one hour to the White House. With world-class construction, Stoneledge is the benchmark for a luxury countryside retreat.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

107+ acres $5,495,000

The Plains – Exceptional and surrounded by magnificent countryside with views. Stone and stucco residence, beautiful terraces. Geothermal heating/cooling, heated 20’ x 40’ pool, 8 stall center aisle stable with 14’ x 14’ stalls. Stunning indoor riding arena.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Lockwood

51+ acres $2,680,000 Middleburg – Charming Country Estate in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. Geothermal heating, salt water pool. Horse facilities include 10 stall stable, 2 wash stalls, feed room and large hayloft. Perfectly sited to enjoy privacy and lovely views.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Mountainview

58+ acres

$2,500,000

The Plains – Sited on a peaceful hilltop w/ spectacular mountain views. 8,000+ sq ft custom-built brick home with 4 BRs, 3-car garage and pond. Room for your horses. Architecturally designed to blend the serenity of nature with stylish living spaces.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

246+ acres $1,800,000 Markham – Beautiful and protected area of Fauquier County. Pristine forest land with several high points and clearings suitable for building. Spectacular views in all directions. Eligible for division and conservation potential with tax benefits.

Rein duPont | 540-454-3355

Glatton Folly

.41 acres $749,000 Middleburg – c.1820 Victorian-era frame house with 3 BRs / 3 full BAs. Unique 2 story portico w/ balcony. Many upgrades and renovations. Standing seam metal roof, 4 fire places, wide board pine floors. Fenced back yard w/sheds. 1 car garage.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

10153 John Mosby hwy

10 acres

$685,000

Upperville – Elevated building site offers amazing long distance views in several directions. The land is dotted with mature trees and has a large stonewall, fire pit and sitting area. Certified for a 4 BR septic system. Well and pump installed.

Will Driskill | 540-454-7522

Carriage Chase

.17 acres $600,000

This beautifully maintained 3 BR / 3 BA home w/ 2 car garage is primarily one level living plus a bonus room on the upper level. The floor plan is designed for gracious entertaining as well as privacy. This is a wonderful home in a wonderful in-town location!

Rebecca Poston | 540-771-7520

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted

Moss Hollow

Atoka Chase

10 acres $4,250,000

Beautifully sited in the heart of historic Middleburg, this spectacular custom residence offers the utmost in a luxurious and gracious country lifestyle. This is a stunning estate of uncompromising quality and extraordinary beauty.

Jim McGowan | 703-927-0233

George Miller House

303 acres

$3,750,000

This estate is waiting for someone with the eye for interior finishes to bring it to life. Minutes from the charming village of Sperryville and enjoys convenient proximity to Culpeper Regional Airport and Warrenton-Fauquier Airport.

John Coles | 540-270-0094

23259 Dover Rd

3+ acres $895,000

Middleburg – MOVE IN ready and/or a structure to renovate on a lovely lot. 3 BRs / 3 full and one half bath. One level living, wood burning fireplace, sunroom, deck, heated pool and spa, storage shed/workshop and nicely landscaped.

Chris Malone | 540-454-3775

.26 acres

Warren Street

.08 acres $349,500

Marshall – Fully renovated, NEW: paint, carpet, tile flooring, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, stainless steel appliances... and more. 3 BRs / 2 BAs. No HOA. Walk to the shops, restaurants and post office. Ideal location just minutes to I-66.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

$849,000

Middleburg – Turnkey property with little left untouched. Upgrades include new kitchen w/quartz & marble, 2 new bathrooms, flooring, windows, landscaping, fencing and wooden deck ideal for a firepit. 2 storage sheds.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

606 Stonewall Elk Run

1.75 acres

$265,000

Midland – 2 BR / 1 BA cottage, renovated with fresh paint, carpeting and a newly cleared out paddock area in the back. Wrap around porch overlooks the large, open side yard. Main lawn area and the back yard are fully fenced. Move in ready.

Cricket Bedford | 540-229-3201

When you’re ready to sell your property, you want to list it with the preferred agents in Horse Country - Thomas & Talbot. We know the best way to sell your property because we know Horse Country. We have unmatched passion for the area, and know exactly why people love living this unique way of life. With decades of experience, international reach and modern real estate and promotional strategies, we can match your home with the people who are interested in buying it, no matter where they are. Contact us today to learn how our personalized, top-notch service is right for you.

WAKEFIELD SCHOOL CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Written by Kaitlin Hill | Photos

“It has been a labor of love for everyone that has been involved, all the way back to our beginning,” shares Wakefield School Board Chair Eileen Quenell of the school’s 50th Anniversary celebration in early February, and more broadly the Wakefield experience overall.

Opened in 1972, the school was originally called the Wakefield Country Day School and located in Huntly, Virginia. Over the past half-century, the school has seen its share of changes, enhancements, and innovations. In 1982, the

School

name was officially changed to Wakefield School. In 1996, it moved to its new home in The Plains, Virginia. From there, the school set its sights on expansion, completing construction on an upper school in 1999 and various campus add-ons including a Science and Technology Building in 2006, squash and golf facilities in 2010, and an Arts and Music Building in 2022. In 2018, Ashley Harper was inducted as Head of School, a position she still holds today.

Like Quenell, for Harper, 50 years is a marker of the school’s successful mission of “Virtus et Sa-

pientia” or “Virtue and Wisdom.” Harper shares, “Over the course of the past 50 years, I think what really strikes me is the commitment to excellence in education. Both the education of our minds and the education of our hearts is incredibly important at Wakefield.”

“Our mission is to build character and foster curiosity in our students, building on our values of respect, empathy, and integrity,” explains Quenell. Dedication to this mission has helped the faculty and staff of the school produce

Anniversary | Page 21

Courtesy of Wakefield

Top: All-school assembly on Friday, February 3.

“Over the course of the past 50 years, I think what really strikes me is the commitment to excellence in education.” – Harper

Anniversary | From page 20

well-rounded alumni ready to take on the world, many of whom came back to enjoy the 50th festivities or participate in organizing the weekend.

Wakefield alum and Middleburg Life photographer Gracie Withers is on the school’s Board of Trustees and Alumni Committee. A 2010 graduate, Withers was instrumental in the planning of the weekend to honor the school’s legacy. “A big goal of mine was to increase alumni engagement however that looks, whether it’s virtual or in person,” explains Withers. She continues, “We were really happy with the turnout that we had for the 50th Anniversary.”

In addition to numerous Wakefield staff, Withers worked with fellow alum and Board of Trustees member Brenton Lewis (’09) to conceptualize celebratory events with broad appeal for past and present students. On Friday, February

3, Wakefield hosted a celebratory trivia night at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run to the delight of many. “The turnout was awesome. The trivia was hosted by Matthew Zontine, who has been an English teacher at Wakefield for so many years. He was the perfect person to have as host because everyone knows him and so many alumni were taught by him.” Withers says, “The [school] really turned to Brenton and me to come up with different events that would encourage people to join.”

Many of the activities had the added excitement of attracting students and staff representing the whole life cycle of Wakefield. “On Friday, when we had the all-school birthday party, we had an assembly and three of our ‘lifers’ led the entire school through their memories. It was so sweet to see junior kindergarteners hearing stories of traditions that have been around for years and seeing themselves in these 18-year-old students standing in front of them.” Harper continues, “Former faculty and current faculty were in the room on Saturday with alumni. Imagine being 35 years old and seeing your fifth-grade teacher. What an amazing experience.”

The Cocktails & Conversations event at the new George L. Ohrstrom Jr. Theater & Audito-

rium saw the return of former Head of School Peter Quinn, who shared a trip down memory lane via Q&A with Harper, now in her fifth year of leadership.

Though more than fun, games, and long-awaited reunions of students and staff, for Harper, Quenell, and Withers, the 50th Anniversary celebration offered the opportunity to reflect on the school’s past and look forward to its future.

“I think Wakefield, especially at our 50th Anniversary, represents this idea of legacy. There is a legacy on this beautiful hill that means people are connected to something larger than themselves,” shares Harper. “We are proud of our last 50 years and the foundation it has created for us.” Quenell adds, “We work hard every single day to think about the value we bring in education and character building and the support we provide to families… To me, [the 50th] is evidence that our mission is on point. … It’s a great punctuation to all we’ve worked toward.”

As for the future? Quenell says, “You can’t always see around the corner [in terms] of what the world has in store for the future, so our challenge is to be ready and agile for whatever that may be and be able to prepare our students for whatever lies ahead. And, most importantly, we need to teach our students how to be agile and resilient in the face of change. … How do we help them have the conviction, the confidence, and the voice to articulate themselves? Because that’s what the world really needs, right?”

Harper finishes, “It is a really special time to be a part of the school as we look toward the next 50 years. I think the growth and change we’re going to see [will be] in really positive ways as we become more aspirational. It’s going to be exciting.” ML

Top: Alumni Silver Bucket basketball game. Bottom: Cocktails & Conversations with alumni parents Daphrie and Matt van der Woude, both class of '84, and their daughters Lexi '24 and Eliza '16. Right: Trustee Pierce Cary, Head of School Ashley Harper, and former Head Peter Quinn.

“We were really happy with the turnout that we had for the 50th Anniversary.” – Withers

BRIAN W. FITZGERALD

Brian Weir Fitzgerald passed away on January 8, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a courageous battle against Early Onset Alzheimer’s and its attendant complications with grace and the noblest of spirit. He died as he lived, a model of courage and strength, never losing his trademark sense of humor. Our beloved Brian fought the good fight.

Brian was born on November 1, 1954 in Baltimore, Maryland to William Thomas and Nita Lussier Fitzgerald. His early years were spent adventuring with family, friends, and dogs in Catonsville, Maryland and on his grandparent’s dairy farm in Westminster, Maryland. Brian attended Gilman School in Baltimore for many years where he made lifelong friends, including John Bosley (JB) Secor who taught him to gallop racehorses.

During his years at Gilman, he also developed a love for lacrosse and wrestling. Brian graduated from Paul Schulte High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, where his competitive spirit and strong work ethic led him to become a champion wrestler. Brian graduated from Indiana University with a degree in business as a member of the Class of 1977, which he often credited as one of the best decisions of his life. While at IU, Brian became an avid cyclist, competing in the Little 500 with 25,000 fans cheering him on in the largest collegiate bike race in the country.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Brian attended Antioch Law School in Washington, D.C. where he interned with Indiana Senator Birch Bayh, gaining valuable legislative skills. After graduating from Antioch, he joined the Washington-based law firm of Swidler and Berlin, which later became Bingham McCutchen, and eventually became a partner at the firm specializing in tax legislation. Brian was also a member of The Metropolitan Club, where he always looked forward to Friday lunches with dear friends.

It was during his early years in Washington that he met and later married his wife of twenty-three years, Caroline Davis of Jacksonville, Florida. Together they spent endless weekends fox hunting with the Blue Ridge, Thornton Hill, Piedmont, Rappahannock, and Warrenton Hunts in the mountains of Virginia. With a need for speed and adventure, Brian then began an amateur steeplechase racing career, competing for years in the Virginia Point to Point racing series on his tried and true Thoroughbreds, Dr. Brice, Native Ambition, and Diamond Gold. After moving to their treasured farm, Oakstream, in Middleburg, Virginia, Brian and Caroline welcomed two beautiful children into their lives, William Darius and Elizabeth Lussier. Nothing brought Brian more happiness in the world than spending time with his children. Whether that be galloping wildly past them on their ponies in the hunt field, laughing all the while or racing them down a mogul-filled ski mountain, William and Elizabeth’s arrival forever transformed his world from black and white to Technicolor.

After suffering from mild memory loss, Brian was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in 2018 and moved to Oregon for several years to be closer to his devoted sister and brotherin-law, Diane and David Painter. Still, it was Brian’s last wish to be closer to his children in Jacksonville, Florida. It was there he would spend his final years, playing golf and eating ice cream with his loyal friend, Dennis Sheils. Even in the darkest depths of his illness, Brian’s love of life and contagious laughter continued to touch all those around him. As his dear friend Rob Banner so eloquently penned: staunchly loyal, outstanding character, fearless disposition, thoughtful and wise, funny and fun, and so much more. Brian Fitzgerald had the heart of a lion and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Brian is survived by his children, William Darius and Elizabeth Lussier Fitzgerald; his sister, Diane Fitzgerald Painter (David); his brother, William Thomas Fitzgerald Jr. (Michelle); his former wife, Caroline Davis Fitzgerald; his aunt, Suzanne Jones; his nieces, Siobhan Fitzgerald, Ginger Sidey, and Wisteria Stuart; his cousins, Tamie Maier, David and Debbie Taylor, Marie Schaeffer, and Albert Strong. A portion of Brian’s ashes will be interred in Westminster Cemetery together with his parents and maternal grandparents. The remainder will be spread on his favorite hilltop in Rappahannock County with a spectacular view of his beloved Blue Ridge Mountains. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Church in Middleburg, Virginia followed by a reception at Buchanan Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a random act of kindness and generosity in Brian’s honor.

How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Hunt Country

Written by Kaitlin Hill

Between a whiskey cake at Salamander Resort & Spa and Irish dancing at Oatlands, there is a little bit of something for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day in Hunt Country. Check out a few local events we’re excited about over the holiday weekend!

LIVE MUSIC AND GREEN MIMOSAS AT LOST BARREL BREWING

Natalie Femia at Lost Barrel Brewing says, "We will be open Thursday through Sunday that weekend with fun all weekend long! There is really something for everyone. We would love to see you!" Throughout the weekend, Lost Barrel will host multiple bands for St. Pat’s Live Music. Visitors to the brewery will enjoy the musical stylings of Robert Mabe & Friends on Friday, the Derek Kretzer Band on Saturday, and the weekend will conclude with Mo & Mary on Sunday afternoon. Ashley Castellano will also be on-site Sunday, March 19, offering family photo mini-sessions that should be booked in advance. Finally, if you forget to wear green, just order a green mimosa, which will be offered in addition to the regular menu, or stick around for the release of LBB’s Irish red ale. For more information visit: lostbarrel.com/calendar

Lost Barrel Brewing

36138 John Mosby Highway Middleburg, Virginia 20117

IRISH DANCING AND TRADITIONAL TEA AT OATLANDS

Stop by Oatlands Historic House & Gardens for a weekend of St. Patrick’s Day festivities for everyone in the family. From 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, Oatlands will hold its St. Patrick’s Day Festival with traditional Irish dance performances from Misneach Irish Dance Academy and Irish-themed vendors, food, and beverages. Admission is $10 per person and free for children under 12. Come back on Sunday for a St. Patrick’s Day Tea held in the historic Carriage House. The menu will feature all the classics like scones, Devon cream, tea sandwiches, bite-sized sweets, and Oatlands’ own tea blend. There will be three time slots (10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.), and reservations are required to facilitate social distancing. For more information on St Patrick’s Day weekend at Oatlands please visit: oatlands.org/events

Oatlands Historic House & Gardens

20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane

Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Celebrate | Page 25

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with green mimosas at Lost Barrel Brewing. Photo by Natalie Femia.

ROCK OUT AT SHAMROCK MUSIC SHOPPE

Shamrock Music Shoppe in Purcellville is any music lover’s dream with the added benefit of owner Scott Kinney’s focus on Irish music. Kinney, who was born on St. Patrick’s Day, offers everything from music lessons, rentals, repairs, and an awe-inspiring selection of instruments from renowned brands like PRS, Fender, Squire, Roland, Boss, and Yamaha. For St. Patrick’s Day, the shop will bring back its “Lucky You” discounts, and those looking for lessons can learn everything from cèilidh and folk to The Pogues and Dropkick Murphys from one of Shamrock’s many instructors. Kinny shares, “Whether a pure beginner or wanting to sharpen your musical chops, Shamrock can help! New students enrolling in lesson slots between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. will receive a 10% discount!”

Shamrock Music Shoppe

160 W Main Street

SHAMROCK 5K AND 10K IN BLUEMONT

Get your green fix as you run through the gorgeous rolling hills of Bluemont, Virginia, by celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the 9th annual Bluemont Shamrock 5k and 10k on March 18. The 10k will begin at 9 a.m. and the 5k at 9:05 a.m. Great Country Farms is the starting point for both races and will also serve as the location for the awards presentation. There will be awards for the top three male and female finishers in each race. Visit bluemontshamrockrace.com for race day information and to register.

Great Country Farms

34345 Snickersville Turnpike

Bluemont, Virginia 20135

WHISKEY CAKE AND MORE AT SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA

celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with family and friends. Visitors to the resort are invited to kick off St. Patrick’s Day with beer yoga on Saturday, March 11, and a special menu at Gold Cup Wine Bar on March 17. The menu will include corned beef and cabbage, Scotch eggs, shepherd’s pie, and, of course, plenty of whiskey and Guinness. End the holiday with a sweet treat from executive pastry chef Jason Reaves, who will offer a cooking class on his Irish whiskey cake. Reaves says, “While I’m not a whiskey drinker, I absolutely love it with chocolate! The class will start out with a tasting of different types of chocolate, each paired with Irish whiskey. Then, I’ll lead a demonstration on how to create the most decadent chocolate cake (with whiskey) that you’ve ever had!” More event and ticket information can be found by visiting: salamanderresort.com

Salamander Resort & Spa

500 N Pendleton Street

Purcellville, Virginia 20132

For the month of March, Salamander Resort & Spa has a variety of Irish-themed activities to

Arbogast Lawn & Tree Inc. Arbogast Lawn & Tree Inc.

Middleburg, Virginia 20117

SPRING RACING IS AROUND THE CORNER

Written by Victoria Peace

Photos by Joanne Maisano

Spring is finally in the air, which means racing season is right around the corner in Middleburg. If you are anxiously awaiting the return of tailgating with friends and a program packed full of exciting races, read on to get the latest updates about the spring race calendar in Hunt Country.

This year, the National Steeplechase Association (NSA) is teaming up with the Old Dominion Point-to-Point to host three sanctioned races with purses on April 8. “This provides an extra

opportunity for our horsemen to run for races with large purses,” NSA Director of Racing Bill Gallo says. He is excited about the partnership and the benefits that it brings to both the Old Dominion Hunt and the NSA.

Gallo is responsible for directing the racing program throughout the year for the NSA. In this role, he is in constant contact with trainers and race meet directors. During the racing season, Gallo travels to a meet every weekend where he works with the stewards, walks the racecourse,

coordinates the video cameras, and helps with the countless other aspects of race officiating.

“We are looking forward to our Virginia meets which are certainly some of the most popular on our circuit,” Gallo emphasizes. “The Virginia steeplechase program has been important for years and years.” To Gallo, the Middleburg Spring Races and the Virginia Gold Cup are “key stops during the spring” and “play a big role in Races | Page 27

Old Dominion Point-to-Point Timber Race.

Races | From page 26

the National Steeplechase Association.”

For those new to racing, the Middleburg Spring Races and the Virginia Gold Cup are both sanctioned races, which means they are regulated and run by the National Steeplechase Association. Jockeys compete against each other for monetary purses and the races tend to have a larger number of entries. In contrast, point-to-point races are organized and run by local hunts. Jockeys do not compete for monetary purses. However, many jockeys who compete in sanctioned races also compete in the point-to-points in order to practice for larger races later in the season.

Don Yovanovitch, secretary and treasurer of the Virginia Steeplechase Association and president of the Virginia Point-to-Point Foundation, encourages Hunt Country residents to attend the point-to-point races this season because they often provide a more intimate spectating experience than the bigger sanctioned races. Everyone is welcome to visit the paddock and stand right up next to the rail to see the horses go by, whereas at some of the bigger races, these areas might be restricted.

Yovanovitch also encourages spectators to attend multiple race meets per season in order to follow the progress of their favorite horses and jockeys. The intimate and personal atmosphere of the point-to-point makes it easy to develop a “fan club” for certain horses, and it is fun to watch them advance throughout the spring.

Yovanovitch spent 32 years as a jockey, during which time he won seven leading rider awards. In the early ’80s, he started training for himself and had an extremely successful career developing young riders and amateurs. It was also during this period that he got involved with the Pointto-Point Association, which he later changed into a foundation, creating an avenue for the organization to accept donations. Today, the foundation helps promote racing, amateur racing, continued education seminars for officials, and safety requirements, among other initiatives. In addition to his role at the Point-to-Point Foundation and the Virginia Steeplechase Foundation, Races | Page 28

Top: Middleburg Spring Races. Middle: Horse carries on without rider. Bottom: Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point Maiden Hurdle.

Races

Yovanovitch has held numerous other leadership positions in the sport including being the first American appointed to the board of the Paris, France-based Federation of Gentlemen and Lady Riders.

Personally, his favorite point-to-point race is the Rokeby Bowl at the Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point. He won it six times as a rider and nine as a trainer. According to Yovanovitch, the 3.5-mile race is a “strategic race to ride” and requires endurance from the horses early in the season. It is one of the races that provides early spring preparation for the Virginia Gold Cup, which is run in May.

John Wyatt, master of the Warrenton Hunt, reported that this year, the hunt has made several new additions to the point-to-point race they host on March 18. Firstly, they have added a direct link to their website where the public can buy tents, parking spots, and general entry tickets and view pertinent information about the race. Wyatt encourages anyone who is interested in attending to visit the site which includes information about parking, attire, and directions to the course.

Secondly, Warrenton has added two new zones to the race in order to make the event even more fan and family friendly: a vendor zone featuring six local businesses, and a kids zone with

activities including coloring, face painting, and a miniature kids’ racecourse with jumps. Wyatt says that Warrenton aspires for the point-topoint to be a local, family event that everyone can attend to have an up-close experience with racing. ML

Rappahannock Hunt Point-to-Point

Location: The Hill

Boston, Virginia

Date: March 4

Time: 12 p.m.

Warrenton Hunt Point-to-Point

Location: Airlie Race Course

Warrenton, Virginia

Date: March 18

Time: 12 p.m.

Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point

Location: Salem Course

Upperville, Virginia

Date: March 25

Time: 1 p.m.

Old Dominion Hounds Point-to-Point

Location: Ben Venue Farm

Ben Venue, Virginia

Date: April 8

Time: 12 p.m.

Blue Ridge Hunt Point-to-Point

Location: Woodley Farm

Berryville, Virginia

Date: April 16

Time: 1 p.m.

Middleburg Spring Races

Location: Glenwood Park

Middleburg, Virginia

Date: April 22

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point

Location: Morven Park

Leesburg, Virginia

Date: April 23

Time: 12 p.m.

Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point

Location: Glenwood Park

Middleburg, Virginia

Date: April 30

Time: 1 p.m.

Virginia Gold Cup

Location: Great Meadow

The Plains, Virginia

Date: May 6

Time: 1 p.m.

Left: Glenwood Park. Right: Linda Devan and Kim Ginn Brown at Piedmont Fox Hounds Point-to-Point.

Housekeeper Wanted

Tasks include: washing sheets and clothes, change beds, iron, keep guest rooms neat, other odd jobs such as cleaning the oven, unload and load the dishwasher, polish silver.

The location is in the the Village of Middleburg (new home) $35.00 an hour, tasks will vary week to week, about 8 hours per week. Contact: 917-885-6437 or email cynthiacocandco@gmail.com

Edward Brian MacMahon, M.D.

November 18, 1926 – December 29, 2022

Dr. Edward Brian MacMahon, a long-time resident of The Plains, Virginia and a highly-regarded orthopedic surgeon in the Washington area passed away on December 29, 2022 at home with family. He was 96.

He was born on November 18, 1926, at the family home “Moyarta” in Hurstville, just outside of Sydney, Australia. Dr. MacMahon grew up with a deep love for nature and a taste for adventure. At the age of 17, Dr. MacMahon enlisted in the Australian Army and served as an infantry rifleman fighting the Japanese in Papua, New Guinea. While a soldier he studied the work of surgeons in the field and after the war graduated from Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview and the University of Sydney Medical School. In the early 1950s, he was accepted into the rigorous surgical program at the Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Initially he studied general surgery, but this turned into a three-year orthopedic residency and his career in orthopedics.

During his residency, he was introduced to a young nurse – Ann Sheridan of Alexandria, Virginia. The two began dating with frequent trips to the movies and scenic drives, and were soon married. Together, Ed and Ann had six children, living in Annandale and then Springfield before moving to The Plains in 1971 where they would remain for more than 50 years.

Dr. MacMahon was a senior resident at DC General Hospital and later among the original staff members of Fairfax Hospital and served twice alongside U.S. troops in Vietnam as a volunteer surgeon with MEDICO. He was also involved in research at Walter Reed Veterans Hospital and helped develop the biomechanics laboratory at Georgetown Hospital. Despite his surgical achievements throughout his career, Dr. MacMahon was a firm believer in finding therapeutic methods for the body to heal, with surgery as a last resort. As such, he dedicated the latter half of his life to researching and developing non-invasive orthopedic methods, primarily for the treatment of scoliosis.

A man of many passions and unending curiosity, Dr. MacMahon’s interests extended far past medicine, including world history, poetry, war and peace, literature, botany, astronomy, calculus, conservation, flying, farming, swimming, scuba diving and, of course, his beloved family. The curator of an extensive home library, hundreds of books, magazines and journals stood organized by subject surrounding his latest research projects and recent experiments. A voracious reader and an extraordinary storyteller, Dr. MacMahon shared books and articles with the same generosity as the daffodils he quietly planted along the roadsides of Fauquier County. Until his passing, Dr. MacMahon was the oldest Australian living in the U.S. and was presented a Bull Allen statue, the Embassy’s highest honor, by the Australian Ambassador to the U.S. in 2019. Although honored, Dr. MacMahon was most proud of his family, whose roots extend from one side of the world to the other. He will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren.

Dr. MacMahon was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, a sister, Yvette MacMahon Egan, a brother, Owen MacMahon, and a grandson, Jamie MacMahon. He is survived by his six children, Paul MacMahon (Marion) of Upperville, VA, Margaret MacMahon Carroll (Tommy) of Middleburg, Edward MacMahon Jr. of Middleburg, Steven MacMahon (Tracie) of Broad Run, VA, John MacMahon of Intervale, NH, and Helen MacMahon (Mark Mickum) of The Plains, VA and ten grandchildren Brian MacMahon, Drew MacMahon, Matthew MacMahon, Kiely MacMahon, Thomas Carroll III, Adela Griswold, Edward MacMahon III, Alexandra MacMahon, Katie MacMahon, and Annie Stowe Mickum.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Dr. MacMahon’s honor to the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy 17405 Beverley Mill Drive, Broad Run, VA 20137 (https://www. brmconservancy.org) or simply plant a tree or daffodil.

THE WOMEN OF THE WATERFORD NEWS

Written by Heidi Baumstark

Rebellion is not typically what comes to mind when describing Quakers. Instead, they’re characterized by their pacifism, service, as well as their focus on equality.

However, in 1864, three local Quaker women challenged the status quo by establishing The Waterford News, an anti-slavery, pro-Union newspaper that would run until April 1865.

Its purpose? To inform readers of the happenings in their village, reveal the harsh conditions caused by Confederate rebels, and “to cheer the weary soldier, and render material aid to the sick and wounded,” as stated in their newspaper. One of their eight, 10-cents-per-copy papers even fell into the hands of President Lincoln, who referred to them as “fair Editresses.”

Who Were They?

The women behind The Waterford News were Sarah Ann Steer, 26, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Dutton, 24, and her sister Emma Eliza “Lida” Dutton, 19. They lived next door to each other on Second Street in Waterford, a tiny village founded in 1733 by Quakers Amos Janney with his wife, Mary. Despite their young age, these patriotic women spoke out against the injustice of slavery in a fashion they described as a "hazardous undertaking."

Despite personal risk with war literally at their doorsteps and living in Confederate Virginia, Sarah, Lizzie, and Lida were determined to get their newspaper published and reconcile two Quaker sentiments: nonviolence and abolition. The three “Editresses” were at added risk of violence from both sides since Waterford remained in the bull’s eye for partisan raids by Confederate John S. Mosby and the Union’s “Burning Raid” conducted in the Loudoun Valley of Loudoun and Fauquier counties in the fall of 1864.

Lisa Dutton Dainton is the great-great-granddaughter of Lida, the youngest of the three “Editresses.” “I didn’t even know about the journalist aspect of the Dutton sisters until about ten years

ago,” Dainton shares.

However, Dainton is able to shed light on Quaker beliefs. Girls were educated alongside boys, who were taught that violence and slavery were sinful. Decisions in their religious “Meeting Houses” were made by consensus. “So, the Dutton sisters and Sarah Steer would have been accustomed to women having a say and expressing themselves; this is how they grew up,” Dainton explains. In fact, many of the early suffragists like Susan B. Anthony were raised in Quaker homes with the belief that everyone is equal under God.

Dainton adds, “I’m always proud of all my Quaker ancestors — the men and the women.” She continues, “The Quaker idea of everyone being equal had a huge contribution in creating our nation’s idea of democracy and the Declaration of Independence.”

Pen to Paper

It was Lida, the youngest of the three, who decided to go straight to the top, writing a spirited letter to President Lincoln: “I just felt that if thee knew the people of Loudoun County generally and Waterford particularly — how true and unwavering they have ever been in their love for their Country and the dear old flag; how cruelly they have been treated by the Rebels because of that devotion, thee would not let them suffer still more by [the blockade]. … We have no military protection. The Rebels have been within a week or two past carrying off every bit of corn, stealing every good, bad or indifferent horse in the neighborhood… [The] half of their wickedness has not been told.”

Having received no response from her letter, Lida, Lizzie, and Sarah launched their defiantly pro-Union, four-page newspaper.

In addition to their stated goals, another hopeful intention was to persuade Federal authorities to lift the blockade for loyal, pro-Union Loudouners

Top: Lida Dutton. Photo courtesy of waterfordhistory.org. Middle: Sarah Steer. Photo courtesy of the Waterford Foundation. Bottom: Lizzie Dutton. Photo courtesy of waterfordhistory.org.

who were suffering its effects. They hoped that in publicizing Waterford's plight they could convince the Union to defend their small village that was under attack.

The Waterford News provided a snapshot of daily life in a Southern town while simultaneously boosting morale for Union soldiers by including patriotic editorials, riddles, poetry, and witty humor, all while criticizing Confederate sympathizers. It also included reports about the Loudoun Rangers – the only pro-Union company in Virginia — which was an independent cavalry unit composed of men from Waterford and Lovettsville. True to the Quakers’ value of service, proceeds from the paper were donated to the U.S. Sanitary Commission, a non-government, civilian-run agency created by federal legislation in 1861 to provide health and medical care to Union troops and their families. After the first issue was published on May 28, 1864, the women donated almost $1,000 to the Commission, an impressive $18,900 in today’s value; at 10 cents per issue that comes to 10,000 copies sold.

Knowing their beliefs on stewardship and service, “It makes sense that they would give away their proceeds,” Dainton added. “They weren’t going to use that money for themselves but gave the money away. So, it all fits.”

Snippets of The Waterford News

Their first edition was dated “5th Mo. 28th, 1864” (May 28, 1864), which was their Quaker dating system to avoid pagan titles for months and days of the week. Across the paper’s masthead in uppercase letters, “UNION FOREVER” is printed. The eighth and final issue was published April 3, 1865, less than a week before Lee’s surrender to Grant at Appomattox on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865.

May 28, 1864: “Vol. I, No. 1.”

The first issue ran a poem for Abraham Lincoln on its front page; one of its stanzas reads: “While war is stalking thro’ our land, / And treason rears its serpent head, / And hearth-stones sad and desolate, / And mothers mourn their patriot dead; … No! and our banner, once the pride / And boast of every true Virginian, / Now trampled under feet that bear / The impress of Old Jeff’s dominion.”

Flip the page and the editorial section reads: “We wish and expect it [the newspaper] to meet the condemnation of our enemies, for they are averse to truth, and that this sheet will contain.”

This first edition also reveals their frustration caused by the Union blockade, which meant they could not buy nice clothes, bonnets, dresses, and other fineries: “Great distress is felt by the ladies of this vicinity at not being able to appear at meeting [church services] in new bonnets, dresses and wrappings, owing to the stringent blockade."

June 11, 1864: “Vol. I, No. 2.”

However, in the June issue, there is great joy, for the Union blockade had been partially lifted: “A Few Stores; with dry goods, molasses candy and other stationery, suited to the tastes of the community. Young and handsome CLERKS not objectionable.”

July 2, 1864: “Vol. I, No. 3.”

A column in the July issue encourages readers to press on in doing good deeds: “Let not kind

words, loving tones, and love of good deeds cease to find a place in our hearts. Now, if ever, is the time to ‘cast bread upon the waters,’ when tired and weary ones are all around us, and starvation stares so many in the face; when loved ones are struggling with pain, and joy and happiness are hidden in the distance; when hope leaves us and misery looks at us with hollow eyes.” What makes this especially touching is that it was written almost immediately after Lizzie received news that her fiancé, Lt. David Holmes, had just been killed in the Battle of Petersburg in June 1864.

August 20, 1864: “Vol. I, No. 4.”

In the August issue, witty jokes were included “to cheer the weary soldier,” such as: “What is the most fashionable hood worn in the South?” — “False-hood.” “What kind of rations are dealt out plentifully by the rebel leaders to their soldiers?” — “Exagger-rations.”

October 15, 1864: “Vol. I, No. 5.”

Top: Lida and John Hutchinson with family. Photo courtesy of Lisa Dutton Dainton. Left: The Waterford News' first edition (May 28, 1864). Photo courtesy of waterfordhistory. org. Bottom right: The Waterford News (August 20, 1864). Photo courtesy of Friends’ Intelligencer 1844-1910.

News | From page 31

A note from “J. H. F. Point of Rocks, Oct. 1st, 1864” reads: “Now I feel quite an interest in the little Union town and its loyal inhabitants… The lovely residents bid us welcome; and even now the memory of those words that met me, ‘Oh, we are so glad to see you — are you hungry?’ comes to me like far distant music. … May sweet peace soon hover over ‘Waterford.’ A Union undivided and Lincoln at our mast head.”

November 26, 1864: “Vol. I, No. 6.”

Some want ads read: “Wanted — A straight-jacket for the Editor, who was bent on having her own way.” “Wanted — A cane to support one of our Editor’s lame Conundrums.” “Wanted — A plaster for the mud-hole, it is breaking out again.”

January 28, 1865: “Vol. I, No. 7.”

The January 1865 issue an editorial includes: “Whilst we deeply sympathize with our Union friends who have lost so much, we can but think they should attach the blame to the original cause — Rebellion, — and not to our own Soldiers. We do not believe, if our Government had been as well acquainted with us as we are with ourselves, the order for the recent burning would have been issued; but

having suffered so much at the hands of the Rebels ever since the commencement of this cruel war, we will cheerfully submit to what we feel assured our Government thought a military necessity.” The Burning Raid since it broke the spirit of rebellion, resulting in Lee’s surrender on April 9, 1865.

April 3, 1865: “Vol. I, No. 8.”

On the front page of this last issue published six days before the surrender, a stanza from a poem reads: “In the field of benevolence / The workers are few, / Though the wages are certain, / And much there to do, / And blessed are the wages, / And sweet the reward, / When the spirit receiveth / ‘The smile of the Lord.’”

Post-Civil War

After the war, Sarah Steer appealed to the Freedmen’s Bureau, the Philadelphia Meeting, and local Quaker groups to fund a school to teach local African American children. The school was built in 1867, but Sarah began teaching from her side yard in 1865 and so became the first teacher of Black children in Loudoun County. She remained in the village and eventually married in 1904.

Today, the Second Street School at 15611 Second Street in Waterford is owned by the Waterford

Foundation and is the site of a unique living history program. Students come to this one-room school, taking on the identities and responsibilities of the students who attended there in the late 1800s.

Lizzie Dutton’s fiancé was killed in the war in June 1864. She later married Union veteran Joseph Dunlop on January 22, 1882, whom she had met during the war. They moved to Indiana to begin their family.

Lida Dutton also married a Union veteran — John William Hutchinson — on December 27, 1866. He had met Lida when he was in Waterford earlier, and after the war, returned to the village for her. He joined the Quaker faith and moved his bride north to New York where they raised a family.

Dainton adds, “I have Lida’s wedding ring with ‘JWH to EED Dec. 27, 1866’ [John W. Hutchinson to Emma E. Dutton] engraved inside. These ladies are a great example of early feminists and abolitionists. I’m glad people are being informed about them.” ML

More information on the Waterford Foundation, located in the Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax Street, Waterford, Virginia, can be found at waterfordfoundation.org.

Our Favorite Local Gifts for Kids

Sarah's

Fun Shop, Breyer Horse, $53.99 (others available in varying prices), Available at the Fun Shop

Bath Books, $12.95 each, Available at

Mechanical

Penguin Ukulele, $52, & One Month of Lessons, $175, Available at Drum & Strum Music Center

Photos by Callie Broaddus

Marae Kids Wool Jacket, made in Spain, $285, & Donsje Veten Velour Jacket & Pant Set, $250, Available at Little Lambkins

Adada Teddy - Arthus the Fox, made in France, $192, Available at Crème de la Crème

Wood Models, Perpetual Calendar, $25, Available at Warrenton Hobby Shoppe

Silks Playsilks, $18 each, & Hanger, $21, Available at The PLAYRoom

g.whillikers

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WINTER CIDER TASTINGS

Wednesdays through Sundays, all month | 12 to 6 p.m. | mtdefiance.com

Come warm up at Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery with winter cider tastings offered all month long. The tastings will be held in their Cider Barn, which features a roaring fireplace, local ciders on tap, and food truck vendors on the weekends. For more information, call 540-883-3176.

AN EQUESTRIAN PERSPECTIVE

March 2 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | nationalsporting.org

With spring bringing buttercups to your fields and the tick-borne Theileria parasites potentially to your horses, now is the perfect time to learn more about the protozoon, the diseases they carry, and what you can do to look out for your

horses. The National Sporting Library and Museum will be hosting a free program to discuss the management of these flowers and parasites, though reservation is recommended. For any questions, contact: ereeb@nationalsporting.org.

HIKE AND BREW

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | 12 p.m. | salamanderresort.com

Fridays through the month of March, join Salamander Resort in the 1.5-mile hike from their property to Lost Barrel Brewing. Once there, enjoy a flight of Lost Barrel Brewing beer, and afterward Resort Cars will be available for complimentary pickups. Participants must be 21 or older, and reservations are required. The cost is $40 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. To reserve your spot, call 540-326-4060.

SOLO VIBRAPHONE PERFORMANCE AT THE LIBRARY

March 11 | 12 to 1:30 p.m. | Middleburg Library

Jazz and classical percussionist Anthony Stoika will be coming to the Middleburg Library to perform a mix of popular jazz standards, original works, and classical arrangements. The event is free, open to the public, and fit for all ages. For more information see: library.loudoun.gov/ Middleburg.

LIVE MUSIC AT LOST BARREL BREWING

March 11 | 5 p.m. | lostbarrel.com

Saturday, March 11, the Juliet Lloyd Trio will be performing at Lost Barrel Brewing. Lloyd is

Calendar | Page 35

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

a finalist in this year’s Washington Area Music Awards in the categories of country and americana. Seating is first come, first serve. The brewery is open to all ages, and the patio is dog friendly. To reserve a fire pit, contact: events@lostbarrel. com

AT THE PARISH HOUSE: GAY MEN'S CHORUS

March 25 | 3 p.m. | Emmanuel Church Parish House

Fresh from a performance at the White House, the Rock Creek Singers, an ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., will be coming to Middleburg. The 32-voice chamber ensem-

ble sings classical, pop, Broadway, and everything in between. Reservations are recommended but not required (540-687-6297). Covid mask recommended. A free-will donation of $20 is suggested to help cover the chorus’s travel expenses, but no one will be turned away!

PIEDMONT FOX HOUNDS: POINT-TO-POINT AND HUNTER PAIRS

March 25, 26 | 12:30 to 5 p.m., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. | visitmiddleburgva.com

Rain or shine, enjoy a weekend of equestrian events with the Piedmont Fox Hounds. Saturday’s point-to-point race will be held at Salem Racecourse in Upperville, general admission $20,

and Sunday’s hunter pairs event will take place at Clifton Back Gate. To reserve your tailgate space for the race, call 540-592-7100, and to enter the hunter pairs, contact lissa_green@hotmail.com.

YOGA & SOUND HEALING

March 29 | 7 p.m. | middleburgcommunitycenter.com/calendar

Join instructors Maddie and Dana on Wednesday, March 29, for evening yoga and a sound bath designed to help you relax and unwind, with treats and conversation to follow. The program will be held at the Middleburg Community Center, and tickets for $35 per person are available through eventbrite.com

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