The Middleburg Business & Professional Association kicked off the festive season with its highly anticipated annual Holiday Biz Buzz at the beautifully decorated Emmanuel Parish House on Tuesday, December 10.
“A heartfelt thank you to the MBPA Board Members for their hard work and dedication throughout the year,” said Punkin Lee, MBPA President. “Your efforts ensure the success of the many events and initiatives that keep our community vibrant. We’re excited to welcome Natalie Femia from Lost Barrel Brewing and Jefferson VanAllen from Goodstone as the newest board members, completing the terms of Sam Salmon (formerly of NWFCU) and Mabel Walsh from Salamander Middleburg.”
The Town Tree Lighting and the Christmas Parade were once again highlights of the season, despite a frigid night. These cherished traditions, now running for over 30 years, brought out great crowds. Thank you to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make them happen!
Carriage rides continue on weekends throughout the month, and we look forward to the Dickens of a Christmas events, culminating in the big Dickens Day celebration on Saturday, December 14.
Of course, we send special thanks to Tutti, Philip, Babbette, and April for providing the delicious fare for this evening.
2024: A Year in Review
This year brought moments of change and reflection:
We said goodbye to Casey, owner of LeBoudoir Fits.
Carol Lee finished her book on the history of Willisville and needs our prayers as she bravely battles the final stages of cancer.
Cathy McGeehee announced her retirement, wrapping up a decade as head of school at Foxcroft and her service on the Town’s Economic Development Committee.
The Middleburg Museum returned to the Pink Box, with Dorsey deButts taking the helm.
Market Salamander and Woolley Fox closed their doors.
Mark Metzger retired after nearly 20 years at Highcliffe Clothiers, passing the Hanukkah celebration duties to Robin Klombers of Posh Pixies.
Middleburg Deli is thriving under new ownership, maintaining its beloved menu after Pedro and Maria sold the business.
We eagerly anticipate the opening of Piedmont Grill, with owners confirming a spring 2025 launch.
This year also brought challenges, such as the fire at Antiques on Washington, which thankfully did not spread to neighboring businesses.
We were thrilled to welcome new businesses and organizations, including Every Little Something, Nomad, Tom Beckbe, Balloon Designs by Beth, and the Museum of Hounds and Hunting North America.
2024 Milestone Anniversaries
Foxcroft School: 110 years
The Hill School: 98 years
The Tack Box: 77 years
Middleburg Millwork: 56 years
MBPA Highlights
The MBPA hosted 11 Biz Buzz gatherings this year, showcasing the unique offerings of our members. These events continue to impress visitors, demonstrating our close-knit community spirit.
Special thanks to Katy Carter for her outstanding work managing MBPA’s media presence, including monthly events cards, e-newsletters, Biz Buzz reports, social media, and promotional materials. Thanks to her efforts, our e-newsletter now reaches 2,500 subscribers, and VisitMiddleburgVa.com saw over 12,000 visitors in November and December.
Our town also gained national attention this year with features in Condé Nast Traveler, World Atlas, and Vogue.
“With fewer than 700 residents, Middleburg thrives thanks to the collective contributions of its people and businesses,” Punkin said. “Let’s take a moment to thank everyone who makes this possible—from our schools, churches, and galleries to our service workers like UPS Mike and FedEx Andy. It truly takes a village, and ours is remarkable- all 237 years of it!”
2024 MBPA COMMUNITY AWARDS
2024 Town Figure: Tutti Perricone
Middleburg is proud to honor a remarkable individual as our 2024 Town Figure—someone who embodies the heart and soul of our community. She is a true renaissance woman: a talented singer, gifted actress, exceptional chef, and likely a master of talents we’ve yet to uncover.
Born and raised in Middleburg, she has called this town home her entire life, and her radiant smile has charmed everyone she meets. Gracious, thoughtful, and endlessly generous, she’s always ready to lend a helping hand, no matter how busy her schedule—though her plate is often overflowing.
Her artistry shines through in her performances with A Place to Be, where her voice touches hearts and moves audiences. Her rendition of Amazing Grace is nothing short of breathtaking, leaving listeners with goosebumps and tears in their eyes.
For nearly two decades, she has orchestrated the hospitality functions at the Upperville Horse Show, a role that earned her a well-deserved place on the show’s Wall of Honor in 2022. Her culinary journey began at a quaint 50-seat café on East Federal Street, which she operated for 39 years before transitioning to catering in 2012.
Her dedication to nourishing the community continued as she worked in the kitchens of Notre Dame Academy and later Middleburg Charter School, where she provided delicious lunches for students five days a week while growing her thriving catering business. Her contributions don’t stop there—she’s an integral part of the Middleburg Charter School’s Breakfast with Santa, serving breakfast to over 600 guests.
Her love for this town is matched only by the love we have for her—for her incredible food, her wonderful staff, and her unwavering generosity. It’s hard to imagine the day when she finally hangs up her pots and pans.
If you don’t already know who we’re talking about, you must be new to town! Middleburg’s 2024 Town Figure is none other than the extraordinary Tutti Perricone.
2024 Volunteer of the Year: Kevin Daly
Middleburg thrives because of its incredible volunteers—dedicated individuals who keep our community running smoothly year-round, from town, school, and church events to horse shows, race meets, cleanup days, and non-profit initiatives.
This year, we honor an extraordinary individual as our 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Born in Texas, Kevin Daly made his way to Middleburg 20 years ago and found not only a home here but also his future wife, Lori, whom he met at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
A retired Army Colonel, Kevin’s distinguished career includes serving as an armor tank commander in Iraq. His commitment to service didn’t end with his military career. In 2016, he was elected to the Middleburg Town Council, where he continues to serve as the Council Representative to the Safety Committee, collaborating closely with Chief Shaun Jones and the dedicated officers of the police department.
Kevin’s contributions extend far beyond Town Council. He is the Junior Warden at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, a Board Member for both Seven Loaves and the American Legion Post 295, and a volunteer at Shenandoah University on the Univ-Ali Committee.
If you haven’t seen Kevin strolling through town, you have probably just moved here. Kevin is always ready to lend a helping hand or share a friendly word. But there’s more to Kevin than meets the eye—he’s a passionate and highly skilled builder of detailed WWII model airplanes. A member of the Classic Modelers Society, Kevin is a fierce competitor who has won numerous awards for his exceptional craftsmanship.
With his incredible talents, tireless dedication, and unwavering generosity, Kevin Daly truly embodies the spirit of service that keeps Middleburg thriving.
Congratulations to Kevin Daly, 2024 Volunteer of the Year!
2024 Front Line Staff Member: Tina Thomas
When it comes to combining a love for books with a passion for serving the community, Tina Thomas is the perfect fit. A dedicated librarian at the Middleburg Library, Tina has spent the past 21 years enriching the lives of visitors with her knowledge, warmth, and enthusiasm for great reads.
Tina’s journey began as a library page in Cascades, followed by a role as a library aide in Purcellville. Her dedication and hard work brought her to Middleburg, where she proudly serves as a Library Assistant. This April, she’ll celebrate an incredible 30 years with Loudoun County Public Libraries—a milestone that reflects her commitment to her profession and her community.
A native of Purcellville, Tina sang in both high school and church but has always been drawn to her lifelong hobby: reading. Her love of books is evident not only in her daily work but also in the special programs she organizes. From coordinating author events to running the library’s beloved model train extravaganza, Tina goes above and beyond to make the library a welcoming and vibrant place. She’s also a key contributor to the library’s programs for senior citizens at Windy Hill, demonstrating her dedication to serving all members of the community.
Tina greets every visitor with a smile and a genuine eagerness to help, always ready to recommend the perfect book or hear your thoughts on a recent read. While Google may offer thousands of answers, Tina offers something even better—the right one, paired with a personal touch.
Congratulations to Tina Thomas, our 2024 Front Line Staff Member of the Year! Your dedication, kindness, and passion for books make Middleburg a better place for all.
2024 Behind the Scenes Staff Member: Lt. Mark Putnam
The term “Man in Blue” has long been associated with police officers, stemming from the traditional blue uniforms that symbolize authority, respect, calmness, and trustworthiness. Today, Middleburg proudly recognizes our own “Man in Blue” for his dedication, professionalism, and unwavering service to our community.
Lt. Mark Putnam began his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. After a brief stint in Gordonsville, he joined the Middleburg Police Department in 2013. Mark’s commitment and expertise earned him a promotion to Corporal in 2018, and in 2023, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant.
Throughout his career, Lt. Putnam has excelled as a certified instructor in multiple areas and graduated from the prestigious Professional Executive Leadership School, a partnership between the University of Richmond and the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. His knowledge and leadership have been instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of our town.
Whether working day shifts, night shifts, or helping at every town event in between, Lt. Putnam’s presence is a cornerstone of our community. He’s known for his approachable demeanor, often stopping his cruiser to say hello and even donning a Santa suit to deliver gifts to local families. His dry sense of humor, paired with a twinkle in his eye, keeps everyone on their toes.
Mark’s dedication extends beyond his badge. He and his wife Stacy reside in Mineral with their two Yorkshire terriers, Stella and Diva, while their son Brandon proudly serves as a First-Class Petty Officer in the Navy. Family holds a special place in Mark’s heart, right alongside his love for the Dallas Cowboys, grilling, and maintaining a pristine lawn that’s the envy of all who witness its glory.
We are deeply grateful for the dedication and heart Lt. Mark Putnam brings to Middleburg. Congratulations to our 2024 Behind the Scenes Staff Member of the Year
2024 Power of One Award: Land Trust of Virginia
Living in this community offers us so much to cherish—sweeping open spaces, stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Every road we travel reveals nature’s artistry: fields, woods, wetlands, and the ever-changing play of light and shadow. These vistas are not just beautiful—they’re treasures that define our way of life.
We owe much of this beauty to the dedication of landowners who maintain their properties, from vast estates to smaller parcels, for all to enjoy—whether by car, truck, bicycle, carriage, or horseback. But who helps these landowners preserve their land, keeping it safe from developers and the encroachment of data centers?
That guardian is none other than the Land Trust of Virginia (LTV), a remarkable nonprofit headquartered right here in Middleburg. For over 30 years, LTV has been a steadfast champion of conservation, securing permanent easements for over 11,000 acres in Loudoun County and more than 34,000 acres statewide.
LTV partners with private landowners who voluntarily commit to protecting their land forever, preserving the natural beauty, history, and open spaces that make Virginia unique. These conservation easements ensure the land remains intact for future generations, improving water quality, safeguarding cultural and historic sites, protecting plant and animal habitats, and supporting working landscapes—all while enriching the quality of life for us all.
This vital work is powered by the generosity of communities like ours, as well as by the success of LTV’s signature events, including the May Garden Party, Bike the Gravel, and Sunset in the Field.
It is with immense pride and gratitude that we recognize the Land Trust of Virginia as the recipient of the 2024 Power of One Award. Their tireless efforts preserve the essence of what makes our community and Virginia extraordinary. Thank you, LTV, for ensuring that the beauty we love today will endure for generations to come!
2024 Leven Powell Award: The Oak Spring Garden Foundation
In 2017, MBPA created an award in honor of Middleburg’s founder, Leven Powell, to recognize exceptional individuals or groups whose contributions leave a lasting impact on our community. This year, we are proud to bestow this honor on the Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF), a true gem of our community and beyond.
OSGF is dedicated to celebrating and advancing the legacy of Rachel “Bunny” Mellon. Its mission is to foster fresh ideas and bold action surrounding plants—their history, future, and the art and culture of gardens and landscapes. Since Sir Peter Crane became President in 2016, the foundation has soared to incredible new heights.
Occupying a cherished portion of the original Rokeby Farm, Oak Spring includes the Mellon residence, the renowned botanical library, the broodmare barn, and other historic structures. The library serves as a vital resource for botanical scholars, while the broodmare barn has been transformed into offices and accommodations for visiting artists and researchers. At the heart of it all is the garden—a magical and breathtaking space personally designed and meticulously updated by Mrs. Mellon.
Mrs. Mellon envisioned the residence, library, and estate being used for the public good, and the OSGF team has embraced her vision with boundless dedication. They offer a dynamic array of workshops, lectures, short courses, public tours, and nature walks, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening at Oak Spring. A glance at the MBPA events calendar confirms that OSGF is a constant source of inspiration and engagement.
But their generosity doesn’t stop at the estate’s gates. OSGF brings its treasures into the wider community through impactful outreach programs. The Middleburg Library benefits from their engaging gardening and plant programs for both children and adults. Seven Loaves receives fresh produce and apple butter during Thanksgiving, along with vegetable plants, gardening guidance, and recipes for enjoying the bounty. OSGF also partners with Fauquier Fish and Grace Episcopal Church’s Peas and Grace program in The Plains, emphasizing conservation and the many ways plants enrich our lives through sustenance, beauty, and joy.
Oak Spring Garden Foundation is a remarkable treasure, both for Middleburg and the broader region. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to education, conservation, and community service. It is with great pride and appreciation that we honor Oak Spring Garden Foundation with the 2024 Leven Powell Award. Thank you, OSGF, for ensuring that Bunny Mellon’s legacy continues to inspire us all.
Happy Holidays! The first Bizz Buzz of 2025 will be Tuesday, February 11 at Greenhill Winery.