Members of the Middleburg Business & Professional Association gathered appropriately on the International Day of the Girl at the Foxcroft School for the Biz Buzz, October 11, 2022.
Founded in 1914 by Miss Charlotte Haxall Noland, Foxcroft is one of many enduring entities in the community. Miss Charlotte hated school. She wanted to create a school in which girls would flourish intellectually, emotionally and never want to leave. Her efforts to instill high purpose, integrity, leadership, understanding, and empathy in students is integral to Foxcroft to this day. Cathy McGehee, Head of School, warmly welcomed all to the terrace at Covert.
“It is my honor and privilege to bring the community of Middleburg here to campus,” she said.
“Miss Charlotte had a deep connection to the town. Her work was committed to the town,” McGehee continued. “She knew that society had low expectations for women, but she did not! She thought we should empower women and girls to dream big and not be defined by society’s expectations of women and our students today continue to live out that vision. That is in part due to the tradition of partnering with Middleburg.”
Service is a core component of every Foxcroft student’s experience, and students participate in a number of experiential learning endeavors throughout their time in school and local business are encouraged to engage with these young women through volunteer and/or internship opportunities. Whether a small business or non-profit organization, there are students who would love to learn “on the job” and are available to help!
“Miss Charlotte had a saying,” McGehee explained. “’Keep up with the times, don’t be narrow, have few rules, good hard work and much fun’. Foxcroft will partner with you to continue to make Middleburg and Foxcroft as strong and remarkable as it has been and continues to be.”
MBPA Updates
“The Board has been working on even more than you can imagine,” said Punkin Lee, MBPA President. “Nominations for the 2023 Board are open until Monday, October 31. Please email Kim O’Donnell if you would like to throw your hat into the ring. The election will be held in November and results announced in December.”
“Our bylaws allow us to include a member of the community without a vote and Dev Roszel has joined our group,“ continued Punkin. “Even though he is not a business owner we thought a member of the community and town resident would bring fresh perspective and new energy, and we are glad to have Dev.”
“Board meetings are open to any of you to attend,” added Punkin. “They are the first Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm, usually at Salamander but sometimes at the Parish House. If you’d like to come, please check with a Board member for the location. New suggestions are always needed and anything we can do to help you along; we are here for you.”
The annual Holiday Food Drive will run November 28- December 4, 2022. All businesses interested in serving as a drop-off location should let Punkin know and a collection bin will be provided. The Tiny Tim Toy Drive will run November 28- December 4 as part of “Have a Dickens of a Christmas in Middleburg. More information on donation protocols and locations is forthcoming.
MBPA Board nominations are due October 31. Please CLICK HERE to email Kim O’Donnell to nominate yourself or someone else.
Town Updates
“Hang on folks, we have more coming up this month in town,” laughed Ali MacIntyre, Director of Business Development for the Town of Middleburg. “The tenth Middleburg Film Festival kicks off Thursday, October 13, with lots of films and documentaries this year- the lineup looks spectacular!”
Tickets for the film festival may be purchased at the Middleburg Community Center or by clicking here.
Let’s not forget the return of the 1000 Miglia is October 20-22!
“The cars will line up at the Pink Box on North Madison St at 9:45 am for the green flag send off before they start the first leg of the 500-mile timed – not speed- race,” said Ali. “Friday evening, we will be celebrating the first ever Middleburg Cup! Following that competition, we will have a block party where the cars and drivers will be on hand on South Madison Street. You’ll be able to interact with the drivers and navigators, there will be food trucks and merchandise available.”
Foxcroft Parents Weekend is the same weekend, remember to put the Foxcroft sign in your business window! Punkin will deliver Parents Weekend cards to town businesses this week. Please hang these cards in your windows!
“Many of you know that Wild Hare has closed, but there is a new business moving into their old location,” she continued. “Aiyana Atelier specializes in non-surgical treatments centered around optimal skin health, from early prevention to aging skin, and everything in between. You can follow them on Instagram at boxtoxnbourbon.”
Upcoming Events
- “Identity and Restraint: The Art of the Dog Collar” opened October 7 at the National Sporting Library & Museum. The exhibit runs through March 26, 2023.
- Tenth Middleburg Film Festival, October 13-16, 2022.
- The Middleburg Museum’s Chili Cook Off is Friday, October 14 at the Pink Box Visitors Center.
- Lost Barrel Brewing will host two Sunday FUNDay fundraisers for area nonprofit organizations as well as host a Dog Costume Contest on October 30.
- Virginia Piedmont Heritage Association presents “Rokeby Farm: A History of the Famous Landscape and Prized Racehorse, Mill Reef” at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation on October 16.
- Emmanuel Episcopal Church’s “At the Parish House” series presents Halloween Songs and Stories on October 23.
- Celebrate Sunset in the Field with the Land Trust of Virginia on October 23 at Farmers Delight.
- MBPA presents the annual Halloween parade on Monday October 31. The parade is followed by the Middleburg Community Center’s Hot Dog it’s Halloween!
Congratulations to Bruce Smith 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 November printed calendar is October 20.
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, November 8 at the Aldie Mill!