MBPA members headed down the road a spell to the Village of Aldie, where the Aldie Heritage Association hosted a wonderful celebration of small business and community, complete with restored antique cars at Aldie Hill, a property owned by Guy Gerachis and inhabited by Mid-Atlantic Farrier Supply, Cupcakes & Lace and John Leyden’s stunningly restored antique Model A Fords.
Guy Gerachis, Vice President of The Aldie Heritage Association, a nonprofit membership organization founded to promote the history, character and heritage of Aldie, Virginia and the surrounding area, discussed the history and present-day use of Aldie Hill before the fifty who gathered for the evening.
“Aldie Hill is home to John’s mancave,” he laughed. “Mid-Atlantic Farrier Supply, one of the only farrier shops around, set up five shelves in 1991 and now have the entire first floor! Cupcakes & Lace came five or six years ago and offers baked goods and sewing classes for kids and adults.”
John Leyden spoke of his passion for car restoration, introducing his pride and joy cars Christine (named after Stephen King’s novel about the car that eats a town), Baxter the Woody Wagon (named for a Siberian Husky) and his Deluxe Roadster, Angelina (yes, named for Angelina Jolie!).
Suzanne Obetz of the Middleburg Museum and Aldie Heritage Board Member said, “Aldie Heritage partners with other local organizations to advance shared goals and make sure our voices are heard,” and articulated the Associations goals and activities, which include the Annual Whiskey Dinner, partnerships with the Aldie Ruritan Club and Aldie Elementary School and dedication to ongoing preservation efforts in the Village.
“We advocate for the secure future of the Aldie Assemblage, and I am sure you all know that we are very pleased with our victory!” she smiled. “We have also received a grant to assist with the preservation of the Mercer House historic wall.”
Jane Covington, representing the Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC), gave a detailed update on the status of the Aldie Assemblage, a 6.2-acre property owned by Loudoun County that been under threat of development or uses inconsistent with preserving the historic character and integrity of the surrounding Village of Aldie. In September 2022, the Loudoun Board of Supervisors held a public hearing to consider a sale of the property to PEC. Voting 7-2, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to finalize the purchase and sale agreement with PEC for the Aldie Assemblage.
“I am pleased to say the Assemblage is under contract with the PEC,” Janie said. “The County and the conservation buyer have some to an agreement and this is a huge milestone to see something positive happen with the Tavern. Special thanks go to Guy Gerachis for his involvement in this endeavor!”
The PEC owns and eases several properties in the area, including the protected roundabout meadow at Gilbert’s Corner and some of the area surrounding Mt. Zion Church.
“PEC has not finalized plans for the future of the Tavern, but we expect they will be finished over the next year,” she continued. “PEC shares the same vision of the community- preservation of heritage resources compatible with building use- and public access to open space along the river.”
MBPA Updates
“We made it through the races, the Film Festival, the Mille Miglia and more in October,” cheered Punkin Lee, MBPA President. “But don’t worry, we have more coming your way this month.”
“Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so get your head start on holiday shopping by buying local, the NSLM’s new exhibit and monthly programming continues, as well as new exhibits and events at The Artists in Middleburg and the Byrne Gallery.”
With Thanksgiving on everyone’s mind, Punkin reminded the group if anyone plans on dining out this Turkey Day, to be speedy with their reservations at Goodstone, Salamander Resort or Red Fox. Market Salamander is offering Thanksgiving Feast To-Go, and orders must be placed by November 20. Punkin also advised for all to swiftly act on pie orders in with the Upper Crust Bakery.
A NEW Italian restaurant is slated to open in Aldie early 2023. The establishment is owned by area Foxcroft parents and there is a wild rumor they will offer delivery.
Red Bar Sushi has relocated to share space with Best Thai Kitchen on Federal St.
MODA will be closing at the end of December.
Everyone’s favorite personal driver Chris Stafford has launched the Middleburg Podcast! Chris is the producer of the podcast, which is about anything and everything Middleburg. Sponsorships are available. Please contact Chris if you are interested 859-552-5705.
Town Updates
“September and October were incredibly packed, hectic months for the town,” Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton reported. “We appreciate the support and patience of all citizens with all of the activity. It’s easy to host an event, but it’s hard to make one successful, and each of the business owners in town helped make the last two months a success. Thank you for allowing our visitors to touch a piece of the community.”
The Town’s Fiscal Year ended with a $1 million surplus that will be used for the restoration of Asbury Church on N. Jay St. The church, built in 1829, was originally home to the Methodist Congregation of Middleburg. During the Civil War it served as a morgue. In 1864, it was donated to the African American Methodist Church, and served as a school for African American children.
The Town will host a Rural Preservation Summit on Friday, January 27 from 8:00 am-3:00 pm at the Salamander Resort & Spa. All community members are invited to participate, and final details will be announced soon.
“We want to include the community, and we want to reach out to leaders in Eastern Loudoun,” Mayor Bridge explained. “We want to bring them here to educate them on why preserving open space in Western Loudoun is important to THEM. Quality of life, agricultural resiliency, tax and infrastructure implications and so forth will all be on the table.”
“We need to get Eastern Loudoun leaders involved and influence all local elected officials to secure our future,” he continued. “We want everyone in the community to participate.”
Christmas in Middleburg Business Parking will again be available this year. Ali will send out a link for business parking requests. If you do not receive the link, please contact her at amacintyre@middleburgva.gov
The Hill School and Willowsford will host an in-town shopping night on Wednesday, December 7 from 5:30-10 pm. Food and beverage will be available for the 80-100 shoppers at Hill from 5:30-6:30 pm and from 6:30-8:45 pm they will be out and about shopping in town. All businesses are invited to participate. If your business would like to be involved, please contact Ali at amacintyre@middleburgva.gov.
Upcoming Events
The MBPA Holiday Food Drive for Seven Loaves is November 28-December 9
Food drop offs may be made at the following locations:
- Northwest Federal Credit Union, 101 W. Washington St.
- The Tack Box, 7 W. Federal St.
- Oak Spring Garden Foundation, 1746 Loughborough Rd., Upperville
- Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 105 E. Washington St.
- Middleburg Town Office, 10 W. Marshall St.
- Dev & Kerry’s House on Chinn Lane
- Katy’s house, 2773 Crenshaw Rd. in Rectortown
MBPA will send out a list of item requests soon.
MBPA and Middleburg Police Department Present: Tiny Tim for Toys Toy Drive December 5-16
The target age group for the Toy Drive is Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Toys should be dropped at Journeymen, 2 W. Federal St.
Middleburg Community Charter School seeks donations for the Breakfast with Santa Auction on Saturday, December 3
Please contact Deborah Collins at deborah_stanko@yahoo.com if you would like to contribute to the auction.
MBPA Board Election is open for voting until November 30
There are three seats open this year. Each Member business may vote ONE TIME for three candidates. Winners will be announced at the December Biz Buzz.
Congratulations to Janie Covington for winning the Certified Humane door prize!
Remember to submit your upcoming events to Katy at info@visitmiddleburgva.com.
The deadline for inclusion in the December printed calendar is November 21. Online calendar listings and social media posts may be submitted at any time, but please try to submit them at least a week before the event.
Please join MBPA for the next Bizz Buzz on Tuesday, December 13 at Emmanuel Parish House!