November 2024

Page 1


SPRING GLADE

MIddLEBuRG, VIRGINIA

SALEM HILL

MARSHALL, VIRGINIA

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

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

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

BRICQUEBEC

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

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

UPPERVILLE LAND

UPPERVILLE, VIRGINIA

$1,195,000

Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905

Brian MacMahon 703.609.1868

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

RECTORTOWN, VIRGINIA

RAMEY ROAD
SAINT LOUIS ROAD
BUNKER HILL ROAD
HUME
Artwork
Artwork by Palmer Smith

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

Vicky Mashaw vmashaw@middleburglife.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com

Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com

ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR

Joanne Maisano

DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Nicky Marshok

ON THE COVER

Middleburg Life photographer Joanne Maisano captures Piedmont Fox Hounds Jt-MFH

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media, LLC

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kaitlin Hill | kaitlin@middleburglife.com

COPY EDITOR & DIGITAL ASSISTANT

Susan Stark

Shelby Bonnie on a misty morning at The Hill. For more of Maisano’s hunt photos, turn to page 30. Photo by Joanne Maisano.

ON THIS PAGE

Huntsman Andy Bozdan unloads the hounds for the Loudoun Fairfax Hunt, captured by Austin Kaseman in 2014. For Kaseman’s latest photos of

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Greenhill Media, LLC

P.O. Box 328 | Middleburg, VA 20118-0328

540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com

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

FIND

LFH, turn to page 31. Photo by Austin Kaseman.

39773 Thomas Mill Road | Leesburg

$1,025,000

$975,000

$899,000

CONTRIBUTORS

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

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

Caroline Gray is a D.C.-based conservation and freelance photographer. A Virginia native and MBA graduate from the University of Virginia, her work blends a love for exploration, nature, and horses with her fashion background. When not behind the camera, Caroline enjoys hiking with her Labrador, Captain, visiting her retired horse, Cleverly, and exploring new restaurants in Washington, D.C.

Diane Helentjaris chose Loudoun as her “forever home” in 1990. A former clinical physician and public health administrator, she has returned to her humanities roots. Diane's latest book, “I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl,” is a rollicking biography. Her novel “The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill” won the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association novel competition in the historical/romance category.

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

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

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.

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

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

Laticia Headings is grateful to call Middleburg home. She discovered Middleburg by attending the first annual Middleburg Film Festival in 2013 and has returned to the event every year since as a volunteer and attendee. Laticia is the founder of Latitude Media and has 23 years of experience as a producer, writer, and camerawoman for television (Discovery, National Geographic), and for the documentary film

A Climb for Peace.”

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

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

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

“Everest:
Also in this issue: Andrew Sample, Austin Kaseman, David C. Levy, Erin Bozdan, Shannon Finney, Tiffany Dillon Keen, and Tony Powell.

Retired Hounds on the Hunt for Their Forever Home

Northern Virginia is home to a number of foxhunting clubs, each housing around 50 foxhounds. These hounds are cared for by their huntsmen and hunt staff to stay in top shape for a day of sport with club members. Though, just like humans, as hounds age or lose enthusiasm, they retire.

The Fox Hound Retirement Program was established in 2015, founded by former Loudoun Fairfax professional huntsman Andy Bozdan. To Bozdan, it was only fair that hounds be rewarded at the end of their career with a soft place to land and a loving family with whom to live out their remaining days.

“The hounds give us so much fun and pleasure,” Bozdan says, “it was the least we could do for them if they couldn’t hunt anymore.”

The program was inspired by a hound named Alta. It became very apparent that Alta preferred being a house hound to a hunting hound. He would go out hunting, and at the end of the day, Bozdan would have to pick him up from someone’s porch.

his favorite spot.

Brown says adopting hounds is “a way to give back to our sport and the hounds that work so hard to make it happen. Without land and hounds, our sport is not possible.”

Since Alta, Brown has had multiple hounds

the adoption process easier.

Tools like crate training, walking on a leash, and reinforcing commands, some of which the hound will have already learned during its time in kennels, are just a few things Dombrowsky teaches hounds coming into the home for the first time. Putting boundaries in place and establishing routines are key to a healthy and happy life for both the hound and its new family.

Kim Ginn Brown, a member of the Loudoun Fairfax Hunt and Blue Ridge Hunt, was the first of many to be matched with a hound. Brown named Alta after her mother in a puppy-naming auction, which was raising money for the Hunt. Brown jumped at the chance to give Alta his soft landing, which happened to be on her very expensive Chesterfield leather couch —

from different hunts and can attest to just how wonderful they are as pets. Brown and her husband, Trevor, currently have two retirees, Governor and Gina.

Another vitally important asset to the success of the program is Beth Dombrowsky. Dombrowsky, a member of the Middleburg Hunt and longtime supporter of the sport, is a professional pet sitter dedicated to providing foster care for hounds coming out of the kennel. She provides them with a leg up on basic skills needed to make

Dombrowsky and her family have personally adopted many hounds from Bozdan’s program. The most recent are brothers Spindle and Sprocket.

“I enjoy seeing the hounds flourish in their new homes,” Dombrowsky says. “I especially relish seeing individuals who have never thought of these working hounds as indoor dogs be astounded at how well they transition to a wonderful member of the family.”

Together, Brown and Dombrowsky serve as the ambassadors of the program. Their devotion, as well as support from local huntsmen, masters, and the community, have contributed to the success that the program is today.

The program also wouldn’t be possible without aid from volunteers and donors like the North American Veterinary Blood Bank, Dr. Jason Bollenbeck of Towne Animal Clinic, Blue

Kim Ginn Brown and Beth Dombrowsky with Governor, Gina, General, and Pilgrim.

Forever | From page 6

Ridge Veterinary Associates, and The Small Animal Clinic at Piedmont Equine. Hounds receive preoperative blood work, fecal and urinalysis exams, as well as tests for tick-borne illnesses. Spay or neuter procedures are then scheduled before the hounds are sent to their new home. After their health is assessed, site visits are carried out to ensure the hound is placed with a family best suited for their personality and activity level.

In the early days of the program, Madison Ross, a local resident and kennel volunteer, played a big role in seeking out potential adopters. Katie Call and Jennifer Gibson have also helped by fostering hounds, eventually adopting through the program.

Dombrowsky and Brown are currently facilitating the placement of hounds from several different hunts across Northern Virginia, and have

placed 40 hounds since 2018.

Today, after seeing the success of the FHRP, more hunts are establishing retirement programs of their own. Some already have 501(c)(3) status; others simply have hunt staff, members, and volunteers willing to help. What unites them is the goal of seeing retired hounds adopted into loving homes.

Brown says her hope for the future is “that all hunts have a similar program. We also want to dispel the notion that working dogs cannot make good pets. It is our goal to demonstrate that with proper training and environment, retired foxhounds make the absolute best cuddly couch potatoes!” ML

To adopt or sponsor a hound, host a fundraiser, or make a donation, contact Kim Ginn Brown at (703) 395-2941.

Top: Tyler Robic with Raven, his hiking buddy. Bottom: Jennifer and Doug Gibson with Major.

E.M.O. Stables

E.M.O. Stables – 12 stall custom show barn with a history of great horses. There are two heated wash/grooming stalls, 2 air-conditioned tack rooms, full loft with access to each stall, half bath, and storage closers. There is an elegant office and large lounge arrangement with kitchen and half bath. A two bedroom fully equipped apartment completes the barn. There is a 150x280 all-weather show ring with excellent and well-drained footing, a turn-out field, five paddocks all with automatic waterers and a round training pen. There is a fully enclosed, 3 bay garage/workshop and a potential building site with truly magnificent mountain views to complete this offering. $1,950,000

Allen, Broker

20 acres / 5 paddocks

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR: Radcliff Menge Opens Tom Beckbe in Middleburg

For Radcliff Menge, the mastermind behind the Tom Beckbe hunt attire brand, it all started with a jacket. “I had this idea for a custom jacket. I wanted a traditional, American-style, waxed canvas jacket made uniquely for me,” he shares.

“I had this idea for a custom jacket. I wanted a traditional, American-style, waxed canvas jacket made uniquely for me.” – Menge

Originally from New Orleans, with family in Alabama and raised in Winchester, Virginia, Menge’s introduction to the sporting lifestyle

Neighbor | Page 11

Top: Radcliff Menge. Bottom: Jackets, vests, hats, and more.

Photos by Michael Butcher
Neighbor | From page 10

tracks back to his childhood. “I grew up taking these long hunting trips with my grandfather,

“When we needed a name for our business, we pored over old maps of Alabama looking for something that had a cool historical connection but that was available for reinterpretation.” – Menge

who was in Mobile.” He adds, “And growing up in Winchester, I [was] fly-fishing quite a bit, particularly for smallmouth on the Shenandoah. … My hunting locally was with friends after school.”

Following graduation from Handley High School in Winchester, Menge earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia before pursuing law school at Washington & Lee. “That’s a lot of Virginia,” he laughs.

While at W&L, Menge met his wife, Mary. The two lived and worked in New York City before moving to Birmingham in 2013, when his jacket concept started to take shape. “Between practicing law and starting a family, the [retail] business was a creative outlet,” Menge shares. “I tinkered with the design idea for a couple of years. In 2015 I had the custom jacket that would end up being the prototype for what is now the Tensaw jacket.

“I wore it around town and into the office in Birmingham, and people wanted to know the sto-

ry of the jacket,” he remembers. “I had no grand scheme to leave the law firm. In fact, when I ultimately did leave, I had just made partner. It was this weird intersection of one career reaching its ultimate goal and another one just getting going.”

Menge opened his first location in Birmingham in 2021. The name Tom Beckbe is a nod to his early days hunting with his grandfather. “His hunting camp was near the Tombigbee River,” Menge explains. “When we needed a name for our business, we pored over old maps of Alabama looking for something that had a cool historical connection but that was available for reinterpretation. We landed on the old French name for the river: Tom Beckbe.”

He continues, “We realized that the name was unique in that it lended itself into being turned into a person, which would allow people to

Neighbor | Page 12

Left: Tom Beckbe has sporting-inspired accessories and home goods, too. Right: Niki Stephenson-Campbell shows off the details of the Tensaw jacket.
“The company has this singular focus of supporting the customer. Our creative direction and decisions are all informed by our customers.” – Menge

tomer base here from our e-commerce business … and if you think about the products we make and the person we gear them toward, what better place than Middleburg?”

Beyond the clientele, Middleburg locals helped in the decision to open the first Virginia outpost. “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mark Metzger, who ran Highcliffe for many years. He approached me last spring and let me know he would be retiring and there would be an opening in Middleburg,” Menge shares.

The Reuter family, just next door at The Red Fox Inn, has aided in the process, too. Menge admits, “I ended up connecting with the Reuter family, particularly Matilda, [who] introduced us to Charlie Caroll, who was gracious enough to give us the space in the Nobel House.” He continues, “We really appreciate the Reuters and all they have done. They have made us feel so welcome.”

Even more, the store will be managed by Niki Stephenson-Campbell and Manuel Simpson — two familiar faces in town.

As for what shoppers can expect when visiting Tom Beckbe? In addition to the highest quality sporting attire and gear, patrons can be confident that they are supporting a business focused on customer care. “The company has this singular focus of supporting the customer. Our creative direction and decisions are all informed by our customers.” Menge continues, “It starts at the top with me being a sportsman myself, and most of our employees are either sports [enthusiasts] themselves or are married to one. [There] is a relentless focus on quality, functionality, and longevity.”

| From page 11

project their own idea of the ideal sporting man or woman.”

The Nobel House in Middleburg is the brand’s fourth location and, for Menge, an opportunity to

reconnect with Virginia. He jokes, “It is certainly a bit selfish on my part to have an excuse to come back up to this part of the world.” But more practically, he shares, “We already have a great cus-

Of the new location, which officially opened on October 11 with a celebratory ribbon-cutting, Menge says, “We’re just delighted to be here. Honestly, everyone has been great and I can’t say enough about our experience so far. We are so appreciative of our neighbors and the town.” He concludes, “I love being up here. It’s a great excuse to get back to Virginia and be close to people near and dear to us.” ML

Top left: Radcliff and Mary Menge with their sons John and Moody. Top right: The Nobel House lends plenty of charm and natural light to the shop. Bottom left: John tucked away and waiting to greet shoppers. Neighbor
“Out

in the Piedmont” with CATHY ZIMMERMAN

Middleburg native Cathy Zimmerman stands out as a rare gem among residents. With her entire life steeped in the area’s rich equestrian heritage and breathtaking natural beauty, it’s hard to imagine a time when she wasn’t either painting or riding. Zimmerman is primarily a watercolorist,

and a self-proclaimed “outdoors enthusiast.” She fondly recalls, “There’s a picture of me at 18 months old on a donkey.” This early encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong companionship with nature, horses, and art.

Growing up on Buttonwood Farm — a quaint cattle and Christmas tree farm — Zimmerman’s

artistic journey began at The Hill School under the instruction of Emily Sharp, where her passion for painting was first ignited. “The seed was planted there,” she reflects. She further honed her skills at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, during which time she met her husband, Tad Zimmerman, who’s been a Master of the Piedmont Hunt for 24 years.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Zimmerman is deeply engaged in the Middleburg community. Her involvement spans foxhunting, conservation efforts, and the upkeep of Buttonwood Farm, where she also watches over her two grandchildren. Despite her busy days, painting remains a constant in her life. Inspired by advice from her uncles, who were also artists, she maintains the practice of keeping a piece of artwork in the kitchen and having a project underway. “While dinner’s cooking, you can work on your painting,” she notes, a guiding principle she cherishes.

Zimmerman’s watercolor art beautifully captures the vistas she views “from on top of a horse” in Hunt Country. Her work features rolling hills and vibrant fields, snow-covered barns with a fox in the distance, and serene scenes like a blue jay perched on a cattail overlooking a tranquil pond. She also enjoys creating whimsical pieces, such as a fox riding a horse, accompanied by roosters and a squirrel atop a pig — an enchanting menagerie of animals gathering for a hunt. This playful piece, titled “Open Gate,” measures 16 by 13 inches. Another striking work, “Dinner,” showcases a hungry fox gazing at chickens emerging from a barn door, measuring 40 by 29 inches. “I love red barns and paint them frequently,” she shares.

From November 3 to December 29, Zimmerman will showcase an extensive collection of over 45 original watercolor pieces at the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America in Middleburg. The works, ranging in size from small décor additions to large enough to be mounted over the fireplace, will be available for purchase, as will notecards with original art, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the museum, a 501(c)(3) organization. An artist’s reception is scheduled for Sunday, November 3, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the mu-

Piedmont | Page 15

Piedmont | From page 14

seum. Members receive complimentary tickets, while non-members can purchase tickets for $25 each at mhhna.org/events-exhibits.

As a true embodiment of Hunt Country culture, Cathy Zimmerman continues to inspire both locals and visitors alike with her passion for art and her commitment to the community. Katrina A. Ryan, director of operations of MHHNA, says of the exhibit: “We are honored to display Cathy Zimmerman’s incredible work at our museum, as she beautifully captures the essence of the tradition of foxhunting in the Piedmont in what is our shared natural heritage. Her paintings are a reminder that we are all stewards of this pristine territory. Through her art of scenic views, Cathy not only celebrates the bucolic countryside but also raises awareness of the need to preserve and protect it, furthering the mission of land conservation that is so dear to us.” ML

Top left: “Dinner,” 40 x 29 inches. Bottom left: “Got Away,” 26 x 20 inches. Middle: Cathy Zimmerman. Photo by Tiffany Dillon Keen Photography. Right: “Winter Jump,” 20 x 26 inches.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE MUSEUM OF HOUNDS & HUNTING NORTH AMERICA

Monday, September 30 – Sunday, December 29: Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 Paintings Exhibition and Sale at Morven Park in Leesburg, VA. A selection of paintings depicting horses, hounds, and foxes. Featured artists: Sue Kelleher, Leslie Sorg, Kelly Coffin, Patricia Taylor Holtz, Kathleen Howsare, Nadya Gordon, Carol McClees, Sally Moren, and Anne Reid.

Saturday, November 16 & Sunday, November 17: Fine Equestrian Jewelry Trunk Show by SAVENAC 1821 at the Duffey House in Middleburg, VA, 12 to 6 p.m., both days.

Friday, November 29, 2024 – Friday, January 31, 2025: Seasonal Art Exhibition & Sale at the Duffey House in Middleburg, VA. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 12 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, December 7: “ Christmas in Middleburg” Gifts Sales Table outside the Duffey House in Middleburg, VA, 11 a.m to 5 p.m.

Friday, December 20: “Packing My Bags: Two Sides to the Story of a Life with Horses,” author talk and reception with Julie Ulrich at the Duffey House in Middleburg, VA, 4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 21: Museum Christmas Open House and Sale of Paintings and Bronzes at the Duffey House in Middleburg, VA, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For a full list of upcoming events at the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America, visit mhhna.org/ events-exhibits.

50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Sponsorships and Tickets at www.LTRF.org

Sponsorships and Tickets at www.LTRF.org

Sponsorships and Tickets at www.LTRF.org

The Plains – From the Manor house to the manicured gardens, grounds, dependencies and hundreds of acres of land with protected view-sheds, Oakendale is an exquisite horse country estate. John Coles | 540-270-0094

Middleburg – Restored to its 1910’s glory when owned by a founding member of American Foxhound Club and Master of PFH. Huntland is not just a name, but the very essence of the estate. John Coles | 540-270-0094

The Plains – Rare offering within 5 miles of Middleburg!!! Build a country estate with wonderful land for Horses and Cattle. Orange County Hunt Territory. Open Space Easement w/ VOF. John Coles | 540-270-0094

Boyce – Three adjoining parcels with spectacular views and easement potential! Prime open farmland with standing tree cover, forest timber and perennial streams. Clay Hill road frontage.

| 540-270-0094

and

John Coles | 540-270-0094

Marshall – In addition to the classically beautiful brick manor house, ca. 1935, there is a stunning, newly constructed second home, both are perfectly sited for privacy and views. John Coles
Middleburg – New
Warrenton,
Photo Credit: Crowell Hadden

The charm, elegance, and generosity that define Rose Marie Bogley are well known in the Middleburg and Upperville communities. As she celebrates her birthday on November 8, friends and family offer their well wishes and messages of celebration!

Among her many devoted friends is Robert Heggestad, who describes Bogley as “...the essence of a Renaissance woman. Beyond her talents as a horsewoman, philanthropist, painter, and unmatched elegant hostess, she has

BIRTHDAY TRIBUTES FOR ROSE MARIE BOGLEY

created a multidimensional ambiance at Peace and Plenty Farm at Bollingbrook in Upperville, which her friends have had the privilege of enjoying for many decades. It is a master painting which reflects her endless talents and love of animals.”

Lisa Barry, another close friend, says, “It is an honor to call Rose Marie a friend. She sets the platinum standard for everything she touches — from her successes as a horsewoman and athlete, hostess without peer, [to] executive and fashion icon. If she had been born a few years later, her exceptional leadership qualities and incomparable charm and grace would have assured her a place as a senator or corporate CEO. She has served as an important role model for women and men who are striving for excellence and understand the importance of relationships and friendship. She is a national treasure.”

Bogley’s commitment and generosity to animal welfare and rescue organizations is legendary — a

commitment that has been carried forward by her daughter, Hilleary Bogley. Having taught herself sidesaddle by reading a book, Rose Marie Bogley competed in many equestrian events and bred horses at her farm. She became one of the most accomplished sidesaddle riders in the country. “It is a remarkable life,” shares Hilleary Bogley.

Ray Leblanc has known Rose Marie for nearly 50 years. “I will always remember fondly our antiquing trips to Washington,” he notes. “She would go her way and I would go my way and we would compare notes over lunch on the way back. She is lovely.”

From her friend, Jennifer Richards, “Rose Marie, happy birthday. You are an extraordinary woman whose elegance and generosity inspire us all! Your grace and kindness light up every room you enter. May this year bring you as much joy as you give to those around you. Here’s to celebrating you on your birthday and always. Much love.”

From Manley and Mary Johnson, “Congratulations to the Grand Dame of Middleburg and Upperville! You have set the standard for Middleburg and Upperville for decades.”

Joyce Mullins adds, “There are rare and special people, and Rose Marie — you are both! You are very special to me and have always been there for me in happy times and sad times. Happy birthday, my special and rare friend. I love you, Rose Marie.”

Wishing a very happy birthday to Rose Marie Bogley, an icon in the community who has meant so much to so many! ML

Rose Marie Bogley.

IN CELEBRATION OF ROSE MARIE BOGLEY

Be it resolved that

Whereas the ever elegant and gracious Rose Marie Bogley is adored as a stalwart friend, an extraordinary hostess, an award-winning sportswoman and a talented artist; and

Whereas her commitment to the welfare of animals large and small and her unflagging support of animal rescue is legendary, her personal efforts in these causes are celebrated as an outstanding example and are a model for us all; and

Whereas she is a breeder of fine race and show horses, hailed as the most beautiful sidesaddle rider in the country, and has won Madison Square Garden’s sidesaddle event three times; and

Whereas, with deep-set green eyes and per-

fect mane, her beauty and charm is admired nationwide and her style so exquisite that she was muse to Bill Blass, James Galanos, and Halston and mistaken for Ursula Andress’ sister while locked in conversation with Gregory Peck; and

Whereas she has ensured that there will always be a safe haven for rescued animals at Peace and Plenty at Bollingbrook, and her commitment to conservation has led to the placement of several hundred acres of land in preservation for perpetuity;

Be it Resolved, that on this happy celebration of her birthday we applaud our loving and magnificent friend, Rose Marie Bogley, and thank her for giving so much of herself to each of us, her friends, family, and community, while inspiring us with her flair,

creativity, and beauty.

Thus we hereby set our names to this encomium on this 8th day of November, 2024.

David C. Levy and Carole Feld, Mary and Manley Johnson, Robert Heggestad, Mike Lotus, Lisa Barry and Jim Gale, Tom and Katherine Anderson, Ken Rietz, Donna Shor, C.L. Sigman, Susan and Michael Pillsbury, Dan King, Cindy and Mark Thompson, Jacqueline Ohrstrom, Alfred and Maureen Griffin, Olga and Bob Ryan, Elizabeth Von Hassell, Joyce Mullins, Willee and Finlay Lewis, Ray Leblanc, Mark Nolan, Jack Gerstein, Kevin Chaffee, Roxanne Roberts, Mary Howell, Ann Brown and Ted Poritz, Irina Rapoport, John Irelan, Eric and Susi Larsen, Leah and Jack Fergason, Will and Jovita Gross Rogers, Tony Powell, Georgia Gerstein.

HURRICANE HELP: Middleburg Humane Foundation Takes On Animals in Need

“If in our realm, we will try to help every animal in need.” Mandy Smith, adoption coordinator for the Middleburg Humane Foundation, is clear on the charitable organization’s mission. She also underlined the critical role of others, saying it’s only possible “with community help.”

Middleburg Humane was founded in 1994 by Scruffy’s Ice Cream Parlor owner and animal advocate Hilleary Bogley. Today, the foundation operates a 23-acre farm shelter that includes a grooming salon and pet supply boutique, as well as a resale shop in Marshall. Folks with a home or pasture to share can peruse an online photo gallery of available animals or arrange a visit to the shelter. They can find everything from a floppy-eared beagle mix to four gray kittens or a pinto horse named Calypso, all waiting for adoption and rehoming.

Beyond Hunt Country, a shared love of animals unites Middleburg Humane Foundation

with other shelter operators in an informal, national network. This link came in handy when Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, devastating Asheville, North Carolina. The consequences of the storm led to an increased demand for animal shelter care. The decision was made to empty out two nearby shelters in Milton and Yancey County to make space for the expected influx of newly homeless animals.

On October 1, 150 animals from the shelters in Milton and Yancey County were transported to Virginia, with Middleburg Humane accepting 27 kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs. Conditions in North Carolina had been harsh. The shelters had lost power and water, and only a few staff members had been able to make it to the facilities to provide care. As a result, all the animals were sick.

Within two weeks, according to Mandy Smith, all the cats and kittens were in foster homes. The Middleburg Humane Foundation offers special training for fosters, “Middleburg Kitten College,”

Sarah plays with a ball at Middleburg Humane Foundation.

which trains them to provide health care, such as administering antibiotics. Though some of the dogs and puppies were in foster care, others still needed medical attention at the shelter. Smith said that despite all hardships and travel to get where they were, the animals “remain as sweet as can be.”

The Middleburg Humane Foundation expects a second wave of animals in November. “We are prepping for another round of hurricane relief,” Smith says. She explained that the foundation won’t know specifically what to expect. With the capacity to rehabilitate and rehome equines and “outside” animals — chickens, donkeys, horses, pigs, and more — Middleburg Humane Foundation offers services that most, if not all, other shelters in the region do not.

Smith shares, “We can’t do what we do without the support of staff, donors, fosters, veterinary partners, and rescue partners. Communities

Foundation | Page 23

Foundation | From page 22

have really stepped up.”

Those interested in helping have several choices. Monetary donations offer flexible support. Alternatively, the organization maintains an online list of needed supplies and foods for material donations. Volunteer opportunities are also available to anyone interested in fostering animals or helping in other ways. “I can’t stress enough how important volunteers are to making the shelter run,” Smith says. “They let our staff focus on medical issues. And … we always need fosters.”

Of course, the ultimate goal is for the animals to find a home. Cuddly kittens, loyal dogs, and more are all waiting. ML

Middleburg Humane Foundation 5000 Cunningham Farm Drive Marshall, VA 20115 (540) 364-3272 middleburghumane.org

Left: Mandy Smith and Lily, who has since been adopted. Top right: Baby Firefly. Bottom right: Flip.

LOUDOUN THERAPEUTIC RIDING TURNS 50

Historic milestone for one of the oldest charities in Loudoun County

In the last half-century, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding has helped 13,750 students with challenges benefit from the healing power of horses. Some of the students have been with the equestrian therapy center for over 30 years, according to Laura Smith, who currently serves as the executive director of LTR. “They started riding when they were just little kids, and now they’re 30 to 40 years old. This is a special place for them — kind of a family,” she emphasizes. These past 50 years would not have been possible without the outstanding efforts of the organization’s staff, the helping hands of 5,000 volunteers, 115 horses that were either donated or leased, and the donors that have made the Lovettsville equestrian therapy facility what it is today. As Smith notes, “This program has been a labor of love.”

LTR is the oldest program of its kind in Virginia and has acquired prestigious recognitions over its tenure. This includes being honored as a mentor by the EQUUS Foundation, a charity dedicated to horse welfare and the human-horse bond. This October, LTR also received an award at the Washington International Horse Show for its 50 years of service.

Setting the groundwork for LTR’s growth and accomplishments are cofounders Barbara Baird and Leonard Warner. Together they shared a vision for a therapeutic riding center to serve people with special needs, and founded the organization in 1974 at Morven Park Equestrian Center. The center was originally designed as a pilot program by the Loudoun 4-H Riding Club and the Agricultural Extension Department at Virginia Tech. This was not an easy undertaking, but according to Smith, incredible people were leading the way. Baird traveled to England, where equestrian therapy dates back to the 1950s. With what she learned, she brought ponies to Morven Park, Foxcroft School, and the 4-H Fairgrounds

“This program has been a labor of love.” – Smith

to provide lessons. Now, thanks in part to her and Warner’s work, there are therapeutic training centers all around the country. Part of their mission was to “help any center around Virginia and anywhere get started, as well as to establish themselves here in Loudoun,” Smith says.

In 1975, the program relocated to Montresor Park in Leesburg. Over the next 20 years, LTR would move to Longfield Farm in Lincoln, then to the Loudoun County 4-H Fairgrounds, and then to Morven Park before finally settling in 2021 at Lucia Farms in Lovettsville. All 25 acres are dedicated entirely to equine-assisted services, with space to grow.

In addition to therapeutic riding, which can be applied to a multitude of needs, LTR has a

number of specifically tailored programs. Hippotherapy is one of them. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals use this evidence-based practice in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to achieve functional outcomes. The nonprofit also offers carriage rides for those who cannot ride, as well as a program for local senior citizens. Equine-assisted learning is another opportunity for those to benefit from the human-to-horse relationship without having to ride. Since 2011, the Equine Services for Heroes program has helped veterans with diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic

Therapeutic | Page 25

“We rely on support from the community and have for 50 years.”
– Smith

Therapeutic | From page 24

brain injuries. Smith notes that with the help of a generous grant from 100 Women Strong, LTR has expanded Equine Services for Heroes to include first responders. It officially launched this fall.

On Saturday, November 23, LTR will celebrate its 50-year anniversary with a black-tie gala at Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg. The theme is “celebrating the great horses and great people that have made 50 years possible.”

Kate Tweedy, the daughter of Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery, will be the honorary chairperson for the event. Secretariat was celebrated last year for the 50th anniversary of his Triple Crown win. The gala will be emceed by local personality Laticia Headings and have live music from local band Jumptown. The evening will

include dinner, a video retrospective, and live and silent auctions.

“We rely on support from the community and have for 50 years,” says Smith, who notes the many contributions from community members past and present that represent what the gala is all about. “While we did buy this place three years ago, we’d love to pay it off,” she shares regarding future plans. “We’d love to have some grant funding for children, but we’d also like to build a scholarship program for adults with special needs.” ML

Visit ltrf.org to purchase gala tickets or for more information on scholarship opportunities and other ways to get involved.

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding 14490 Berlin Turnpike Lovettsville, VA 20180 ltrf.org

Top left: The view from the riding facility. Top right: An LTR student works with the staff. Bottom left: An LTR horse gets a little TLC.

COZY CABINS for fall in Hunt Country

Carly Anthony has a name for the modest cottage with the sloping roof that hugs the side of Atoka Road: “Just perfect.”

Four years ago, the Florida-based showjumper needed a place to stay when she competed here

for the first time. “I had heard about it through friends and I wasn’t sure exactly where it was. I drove down this narrow road and Nick Jenkins,” the property’s co-owner, “helped me back my truck in. I went through the door and it was like I had come home.”

Jenkins and his wife, Liz Billings, had bought and renovated the former offices of the Upperville Horse Show. As a log cabin, it housed members of Colonel John S. Moby’s raiders and sheltered a wounded cavalry officer during the 1863 Battle of Upperville. It’s since been transformed into a two-bedroom, short-term rental house with a contemporary kitchen, washer and dryer, heating and air conditioning, three bathrooms, gas grill, outdoor firepit, and internet access. Jenkins and Billings hadn’t yet listed it on Airbnb before Anthony heard the crackling wood from the original 1830s fireplace and touched the exposed walls of the log cabin.

“I sat down on the couch, my dogs cuddled up beside me, felt the warmth of the fire, and it was like I had found a home away from home,” Anthony shares.

Did staying at Atoka House help her take back so many awards, including first place in the Upperville Colt & Horse Show?

“Absolutely,” Anthony says. “With all the pressures of competition, it’s so nice to have a place to wind down and relax. I’ve stayed here at least a half-dozen times since. I like it so much I’ll stay sometimes for as much as a month because it feels so good. The yard is fenced in, so the dogs can play outside. From the deck you can watch the sunset. You can also see the Piedmont

Fox Hounds and the Orange County Hunt ride through. It’s made me want to do a foxhunt.”

Among the decorations inside the house are old horseshoes that the renovators found on the property. “Everything here fits so well,” Anthony adds. “If I could live here forever, this would be my home.”

Hunt Country has plenty of short-term rentals listed on websites like Airbnb and Vrbo. They range from multi-bedroom houses to converted barns and tree houses perched high enough off the ground so the only neighbors have wings.

But there is nothing like the cabin that Nöel Martin and Stephen Lamb visit every year on their anniversary.

The Falls Church couple married in 2021 at a Bluemont vineyard. “I was told that we would go someplace special for our honeymoon,” Martin says. “Stephen described it to me but I couldn’t picture it.”

Built in the 1960s as a sanctum sanctorum for philanthropist, agriculturalist, and sportsman John Dana Archbold on Upperville’s Foxlease Farm, the cabin sits on a quarter-acre island in the middle of a lake and is accessible only by a narrow footbridge.

According to the cabin’s current owner, Julia O’Regan, the footbridge was once a drawbridge. “There are a lot of stories about Archbold,” O’Regan recalls. “One of them is that he designed and had the cabin built strictly for himself, away from all distraction. He’d pull up the drawbridge when he didn’t want to be disturbed. Among the up-

Cabins | Page 27

Left, top: Atoka House. Left, bottom: A snug bedroom with equestrian décor.

grades we’ve done over the years was replacing the original drawbridge with something sturdier. We’ve also added more amenities to the cabin. But there’s no improving the setting. It really is quite remarkable.”

Martin agrees with that description, adding that “words fail me. It is isolated, but you’re not alone. There are swans nesting in a corner of the lake. One of my favorite things to do is sit outside on the wraparound porch with a glass of wine, bundled up in a blanket because it can get kind of breezy out there, watching the swans float by while our dog jumps in the water. Hoku’s a goldendoodle. He can make a big splash, but nothing bothers those swans.”

Martin adds that she and Lamb like to make a bonfire at night and listen to the geese fly overhead. “We love the wildness of it. It’s kind of like glamping, but better. It’s the only place I can think of where just sitting and experiencing nature is so satisfying.”

If you want to stay in a tree house, the man to call is Donnie Walker. “I built my first when I was 7,” he says, admitting that he had a little help from his father. “Now I’m waiting on the permits for my fifth. It’s going to be fully accessible, [with an] open floor plan [and] an elevator.”

Walker now owns or manages 30 short-term Hunt Country rentals from a Waterford office. He also sits on the Loudoun County tourism board and is a proud advocate of the region’s natural splendor. “Especially now, with the leaves turning, the air has a bit of a chill, and, midweek at least, you don’t have to wait on lines at some of the restaurants,” Walker notes. “We live in the most beautiful place on earth. I’m a hiker and there’s nothing like getting out into the forests and feeling it all around you.”

Before he got into the short-term rental business, Walker did historic renovations. “I made a point of using as much of the original material as possible. I still do,” Walker notes. “I own a sustainable forest where I get a lot of my lumber. I’m always looking for things that can be repurposed. It may be just a romantic getaway for most people, but I want them to get an appreciation for where they are.”

One of the places is an 1869 cabin on the eastern slope of Catoctin Mountain in Mount Pleasant, on 25 acres in what was known as Scattersville after the Civil War. Walker and his father spent three months renovating what was once a schoolhouse for a post-Civil War community of formerly enslaved African Americans. “When my dad and I were working on it, I got a feeling for the place.”

For Joey Ugast, staying in the cabin was a birthday getaway for him and his girlfriend. Raised in Fairfax, Ugast visited Hunt Country with his parents, where he learned to appreciate historic structures. “I took historic preservation courses at the College of Charleston,” Ugast shares. “Each time I go to Middleburg, I try a different place. The cabin up Bald Hill Road was really nice in an off-the-beaten-path kind of way. I built a fire in the firepit outside. I cooked dinner. We went to wineries, had breakfast in Leesburg. I walked around outside a bit, but I didn’t go far because that was serious terrain.”

He had no idea, he says, of the history of the house and its surroundings. “But I got a feeling around the place that so much must have happened before me. Now that I know something about it, [I] respect that, and honor it.” ML

Above: Charming details make the cabin feel like home. The Island Cabin in Upperville. Photos by Kaitlin Hill. Left, top: The stone cabin dates back to 1869. Photo by Gracie Savage. Left, bottom: The interior is updated, but its historic character remains intact. Photo by Andrew Sample Photography.
Cabins

MusiC: a Main CHaraCter at tHe Middleburg filM festival

Every year at the Middleburg Film Festival, through inspiring concerts, thought-provoking panels, familiar film scores, and enlightening conversations, music’s contribution to cinema takes center stage. “Music is vital. It’s what makes a film great,” says Clayton Davis, senior awards editor for Variety. “It conveys story and emotion without needing words.”

Ray Costa, the founder of Hollywood public relations firm Costa Communications, is an inaugural MFF advisory board member and oversees musical direction. “Music is often considered a character in film because it tells such a story. My goal is that when people come here, they really appreciate music more,” he shares. “It’s great exposure. I consider myself an evangelist for these musicians, composers, and songwriters.”

This year’s Distinguished Composer Award honoree, Mychael Danna, is a veteran film composer. His multitude of accolades include Oscar and Golden Globe awards for Best Original Score (“Life of Pi”), an Emmy for Outstanding Music Composition (“World Without End”), a Hollywood Film Award for Composer of the Year (2016), a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Composers Guild of Canada (2024), as well as a Grammy nomination for “Little Miss Sunshine.”

For Danna’s tribute concert, local maestro Kim Kluge conducted a 60-piece orchestra and choir. Kluge says, “Mychael’s ravishingly beautiful and sensual music is full of incredible emotion, sensitivity, depth, and power. His melodies and music elevate and transform all those fortu-

nate to know his music.”

Danna knew from a young age that he wanted to be not just a musician, but a composer. “An award like this feels like a big hug from your peers for the life you’ve devoted to this craft, so it’s really meaningful. Middleburg is an important festival, and being recognized by it is a huge honor,” he says.

Known for his stirring compositions and ability to uniquely blend orchestral and electronic music with non-Western traditions, Danna explains, “I’m a storyteller … so my job is to find the most elegant, illustrative, and illuminative way to help tell the story. I like music that adds some other color, that shines the light from a different angle as opposed to just repeating what we’re already seeing and feeling.”

Danna also participated in the Creative Process in Music for Film panel, joining fellow MFF honoree and 15-time Academy Award-nominated songwriter Diane Warren, along with a distinguished group of peers: composer and pianist Kris Bowers (“Green Book,” “The Wild Robot”); songwriter and composer Taura Stinson (“Blitz”); composer and songwriter Charles Fox (“Happy Days,” “The Love Boat”); film composer Lesley Barber (“Manchester by the Sea”); and composers and songwriters Camille Dalmais and Clement Ducol (“Amelia Perez”).

“I love it here. Middleburg is very quaint; it’s beautiful,” says Warren, one of the industry’s most prolific and celebrated songwriters for nearly four decades and recipient of MFF’s Impact Award in 2018. “It’s just very inspiring what [Sheila Johnson] has done with the festival. I’m very grateful.”

With nine No. 1 songs and 33 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, Warren has worked with

Festival | Page 29

Kim Kluge at the Mychael Danna tribute concert.

Festival | From page 28

everyone from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston. She’s the only songwriter to receive an honorary Oscar, presented by Cher in 2022. Though the Grammy and Emmy award winner is used to being in the spotlight, she is admittedly shy and likes to work alone. “I feel like I’ve never had a hit before. That’s the mindset I have,” she says. “The chase is fun.”

Having written over 1,000 songs, Warren garners inspiration from every aspect of her life. “I find it everywhere. Opportunities are everywhere if you’re open to them. [Songwriting] is a lifestyle, like breathing. I have to do it.”

This deep connection and passion for their work is something that resonates with Danna, making events like the Middleburg Film Festival an opportunity to connect with fellow creators who understand the risks and rewards. “We all know the struggle that goes into it and the kind of

exposure and risk involved — baring your soul, in a sense,” he says.

For those who return year after year, it’s not just about the films or the music; it’s about being part of a community that cherishes the arts.

“Middleburg has really carved out a lane for itself … as a place that is respected and somewhere you can indulge in that thing that you love so much,” Davis says. “That’s why I come back every time.” ML

Diane Warren and Clayton Davis at the opening night party.

FALL HUNT SCENES

Natalie Wales of Orange County Hounds. Orange County Hounds opening day of fall hunting.
Jt-MFH Penny Denegre of Middleburg Hunt. The Middleburg Hunt hounds. Graham Buston with the Blue Ridge Hunt hounds.
Jt-MFH Tad Zimmerman and Gregg Ryan of Piedmont Fox Hounds.
Piedmont Fox Hounds huntsman Jordan Hicks.
Jt-MFH Anne McIntosh of Blue Ridge Hunt.

LOUDOUN FAIRFAX HUNT

Photos by Austin Kaseman | October 4, 2024
Allison Bacca, Amy McNeely, and Katie Davilli Steele.
Kate Dendinger and Rita Kaseman.
Lisa McCauley and Laura Adams.
Loudoun Fairfax huntsman Jeff Woodall and Claire Corbin.
Keelyn Anderson, Savannah Klingerman, Kelsey Baker, and Carol Inge.

Our Favorite Fall Finds

Occasions Poncho, Made in Italy, $110, Available at Chloe's of Middleburg
Mindfulness Journal, $30, Available at Every Little Something
Campfire Books, $16.99 - $19.95, Available at Brick & Mortar Mercantile
Assorted Bronzes, Starting at $3,200, Available at the Museum of Hounds & Hunting North America
Fall Parchment Table Décor, $14.99, Available at Bittersweet Garden
Tea Towels by Virginia Artists, $20, Available at The Town Duck
Signed Fox Prints, $150, Available at the Middleburg Antique Gallery
Fall Scarves, $28 - $30, Available at lou lou

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Smithsonian Trees of North America: A Collaboration with Middleburg Books

November 7 | 5 to 7 p.m. | osgf.org

Sir Peter Crane, president of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation, and Dr. John Kress, author and curator emeritus at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, will give an overview of Kress’ new book, “Smithsonian Trees of North America.” The duo will discuss how the text marries science and art to provide an insightful and compassionate exploration of the diversity, structure, form, and beauty of trees. Tickets are going fast and are available through Eventbrite.

Holiday Market at The Paradise Antiques

November 9 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | theparadiseantiques.com

Get in the holiday spirit with shopping, music, food, drinks, and good cheer at The Paradise Antique’s holiday market. Find the perfect gift in their curated collection of European antiques,

fabrics, gifts, and curiosities. For more information, visit theparadiseantiques.com.

Hearth Cooking Class at Sky Meadows State Park

November 9 | 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. | cookingandfire.com

Learn to cook historically accurate recipes over an open fire at Sky Meadows State Park. This cooking class will cover recipes from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and participants will have the opportunity to taste it all. Tickets are $180 per person and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Out West Fest at Lost Barrel Brewing

November 9 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | lostbarrel.com

Lost Barrel’s Out West Fest promises to be a day of fun, with country music, photo backdrops, a custom trucker hat bar, jewelry by Ransom Jewelry, feather hair extensions, signature cocktails, and more! The event is free and open to the public.

Veterans Day Wine & Comedy Night

November 10 | 5 p.m. | wineryatbullrun.com

Don’t miss The Winery at Bull Run’s Veterans Day Wine & Comedy Night. Featured comedians include Robert Mac, Gigi Modrich, and headliner Allan Goodwin. Doors open at 5 p.m. for preshow food and wine, and the comedians will take the stage starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person.

Snowbird Walk at Blandy Experimental Farm

November 15 | 8 to 10 a.m. | blandy.virginia.edu

Experience an educational and entertaining bird walk with Dr. Dave Carr. Participants will walk a mile over gentle rolling terrain in pursuit of purple finches, pine siskins, northern harriers, and more. This walk is perfect for adults and children ages 12 and up. Tickets are $8 for members and UVA alumni and $12 for non-members.

Calendar | Page 35

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar | From page 34

Raku Firing with David Newquist at AiM

November 17 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | theartistsinmiddleburg.org

Join the Artists in Middleburg for a special, hands-on Raku firing experience at Tin Barn Pottery in The Plains. Participants will witness the beauty of molten glazes, crackling textures, and smoky patterns as they glaze and fire pottery. The cost of the class is $75 for those who bring their own pots, with an additional $10 per pot available for purchase at the event.

“The Nutcracker” at the Middleburg Community Center

November 17 | 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. | middleburgcommunitycenter.com

Kick off the holiday season with a magical performance of “The Nutcracker” by the Alchemy Ballet Company. There will be hot cocoa, beer, wine, and concessions. Tickets are $25 per person and kids under 5 get in for free.

Freeze Your Gizzard 5K

November 23 | 9 a.m. | leesburgva.gov

Run in the 22nd installment of the Town of Leesburg’s Freeze Your Gizzard 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. The race will be held at Ida Lee Park and cover a scenic cross-country course through the park’s 138 acres. Participants are asked to bring two or more canned items to donate to the Loudoun Hunger Relief Food Bank. For more information and to register, visit leesburgva.gov.

Sunday Sketch at NSLM

November 24 | 2 to 4 p.m. | nationalsporting.org

Be sure to check out November’s Sunday Sketch at the National Sporting Library & Museum. The event will take place in the museum and participation is free. All ages and abilities are invited to join, and materials will be provided. While RSVP is not required, contact Julie Banner at JBanner@ NationalSporting.org to reserve a spot or for more information.

Beginner Watercolor Workshop at Clifton Cafe

November 24 | 3 to 5 p.m. | carolnataliecreative.com

Artist Carol Natalie will walk participants through the basics of watercolor painting while they enjoy a tasty lunch at Clifton Cafe. After learning new skills and brush techniques, the class will be tasked with painting a winter ornament to get into the holiday spirit. Tickets are $75 and all materials will be provided.

Holiday Dinner with Provender Garden Kitchen and Slater Run Vineyards

November 24 | 7 p.m. | provendergardenkitchen.com

Experience an evening of delicious food and great company with Provender at Slater Run Vineyards. Chef Kurt will celebrate the end of the harvest with his unique version of Thanksgiving. Tickets are available at provendergardenkitchen.com/events.

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

Holiday Traditions Await

Experience the magic of the season in our enchanting holiday town. From the iconic Christmas Day Parade to the joy-filled moments at Breakfast with Santa, each tradition is designed to create lasting memories for your family this season.

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