The Holiday Biz Buzz brought warmth, connection, and seasonal spirit to the Emmanuel Parish House as members of the Middleburg business community gathered to celebrate the holidays together. The festive evening offered an opportunity to connect, reflect on the year, and recognize the people and partnerships that help keep Middleburg’s local business community vibrant and thriving.
“To say that the Middleburg Business & Professional Association had a busy 2025 would be an understatement,” said MBPA President Punkin Lee. “We hosted 11 Biz Buzzes, produced the monthly events calendar, online newsletter and calendar, a social media presence that exceeded 2024, held two sidewalk sales, partnered with the Middleburg Museum for the tree lighting and with the Middleburg Police Department for two Stuff the Cruiser events, Pink Friday, and the Independence Day and Halloween parades, just to name a few!”
She continued, “Thank you to the generosity of each business that hosted a Biz Buzz this year!”
Holiday Decorating Contest
Middleburg businesses certainly showed their holiday spirit! Over 25 businesses participated in the Holiday Decorating Contest, vying for the People’s Choice Award! Locals and visitors alike voted December 3-7, 2025.
Congratulations to Every Little Something for their victory! The Accidental Peacock was runner up and Crème de la Crème finished third.
Festive Honorable mentions go out to Middleburg Common Grounds, Bedford Lee, Salon Aubrey, Nature Composed, Middleburg United Methodist Church, Roger on Madison, Sidesaddle Café, and The PLAYroom!
Middleburg in the News
Middleburg was featured or mentioned by the following news outlets in 2025: Forbes, Southern Living, Vogue, Wine & Country, Conde Nast Traveler, and Fox 5 News DC.
MBPA News
“While Americana, Little Lambkins, and the Shaggy Ram closed their doors this year, we have welcomed Loudoun Market, Bedford Lee, The Holiday Shoppe, Grandeur Antiques, Roger on Madison, and the Castle Gallery,” said Punkin. “We all still miss the Coach Stop and the Fun Shop, but Middleburg Deli now has seating and there is a breath of fresh air and welcome at the Middleburg Community Center!”
Christmas in Middleburg and the Emmanuel Christmas Shop were great successes; the Menorah will be lit at the Pink Box starting December 14 with a special event on December 18 at 4:45 pm.
Looking ahead to January, MBPA will be promoting local businesses for the Self-Care Winter Wellness initiative to rejuvenate you after the holidays and help you through the doldrums of January, February, and March. If you need an exercise class, a massage, acupuncture, or some mental or spiritual help? We have it all right here in town!
MBPA Board Election
Thank you to everyone who voted in this year’s MBPA Board Election, and to those members who ran for office! Three seats were up for election and the results are as follows:
Punkin Lee of Journeymen Saddlers was re-elected.
Kari Bowman of Salamander Middleburg was re-elected.
Please welcome new Board Member Bernadette Boland from Fields of Athenry/Sidesaddle Café!
Thank you to Tami Erikson of Seven Loaves for her years of service to the Board!
“I cannot thank the Board enough,” said Punkin. “Kari Bowman, Gene LeCouteur, Natalie Femia, Tami Erikson, Sue Foote, Robin Klombers, our residential representative Dev Roszel, Town representative Ali MacIntyre, and Katy Carter for their dedication and hard work to make it all happen. Plus, our behinds the scenes bookkeeper Sandy Long at YHB.”
MBPA Community Awards
2025 Front Line Award: Dieter Rausch of the Christmas Sleigh
It may be a bit chilly for lederhosen this time of year, but when the weather allows, Middleburg’s Christmas Elf dresses to match the merchandise in his shop, delighting passersby before they even step inside. With five rooms filled with absolute wonder, the Christmas Sleigh invites visitors to slow down and step back into childhood, where eyes widen and every corner reveals something magical. An authentic German Christmas store, it is known for treasured collectibles, the largest selection of ornaments in the area, and an impressive variety of steins. In recent years, a thoughtfully curated selection of clothing has been added, expanding the experience while staying true to the shop’s Old World charm. It is no surprise the Christmas Sleigh has been voted the Best Christmas Shop in the Nation.
The elf behind this magical destination is one of Middleburg’s most beloved business owners, Dieter Rausch. He works the front line and the back line, fills online orders, and can often be seen pulling his wagon to the Post Office to send out the day’s packages. Whether greeting longtime locals or first-time visitors, Dieter brings the same warmth, humor, and care to every interaction. He does it all with a smile and a twinkle in his eye that makes you wonder if he might have a special connection to the man at the North Pole.
Thank you, Dieter, for the joy you bring to our town and for reminding us to keep our sense of wonder and our inner child close, especially during the holiday season. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor you with the 2025 Front Line Award!
2025 Community Partner Award: Gary and Annie Nickelson of Middleburg American Legion
Six years ago, we had Brexit, the first photo of a black hole, Gen Z, The Joker, the US Women won the World Cup, Game of Thrones ended, and Gary and Annie Nickelson came to Middleburg.
They truly hit the ground running. Annie is an accomplished entrepreneur and former Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, as well as an intelligence officer who served the Department of Defense with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Gary is a veteran of the 101st Airborne Division who later became a software engineer specializing in systems engineering and enterprise software. Together, they revitalized Middleburg’s American Legion Post 295, bringing it back to life and restoring its place at the heart of the community.
Under their leadership, membership grew and long-dormant traditions were revived, including the Post’s Oratorical Contest, which culminated in Middleburg earning the 2025 championship, and the return of organized baseball to Mickie Gordon Park. They successfully advocated before the County Board of Supervisors to restore Gordon Field as a full-time baseball field, honoring its legacy while giving local youth a dedicated place to play. Gary also helped establish the Hometown Heroes banner program, which honors local veterans each November. Annie reestablished the Legion’s presence at beloved hometown events such as Christmas in Middleburg, Oktoberfest, Independence Day, Middleburg Day, the Farmers Market, the Community Center’s Veterans Day Picnic, and the Summer Bash at Camp Highroad.
Today, the Legion Hall is once again a lively gathering place, often serving as the backdrop for wedding receptions, milestone celebrations, family reunions, and more. Thank you, Gary and Annie, for your leadership, dedication, and lasting commitment to Middleburg. We are honored to recognize you with the 2025 Community Partner Award.
2025 New Business Award: Karla Etten of Etten’s Eden
Karla Etten much prefers being outdoors to sitting behind a desk, and she does not mind getting her hands dirty. In fact, working in the soil is where she is happiest. It took three years to bring her dream to life, and Etten’s Eden has now been open for two years. Before launching her business, Karla worked as a travel agent and later for the CIA. Along the way, she earned impressive credentials as a certified American grower, a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, and a Master Gardener.
Etten’s Eden is truly a joy to behold, featuring more than 3,000 plants, most of them native and locally grown. Shaded paths invite visitors to wander through lush greenery and flowers, while a koi pond, a stunning waterfall, and thoughtfully placed seating areas encourage guests to pause, relax, and catch up with a friend. The space feels both peaceful and inspiring, reflecting the care and passion Karla brings to every detail.
A tireless worker and a natural community builder, Karla seamlessly balances her roles as a full-time worker bee, wife, mother, and business owner. She is always willing to lend a hand, especially when flowers are needed for a community event. With her warm smile and welcoming spirit, she truly has never met a stranger. The 7.5 acres of Etten’s Eden operate as a boutique nursery offering floral design services and hosting workshops and events of all kinds, and it will soon become home to Karla and her family as well.
Karla is a wonderful addition to Middleburg, and we are delighted to recognize Etten’s Eden as the New Business of the Year.
2025 Marketing Award: Mary Beth Morell and the Staff of Middleburg Books
Middleburg Books was born from a lifelong love of stories and a dream of creating something meaningful for the Middleburg community. Mary Beth Morell and her husband spent many weekends visiting Middleburg on day trips from Georgetown, and after nearly 20 years as an educator and librarian, Mary Beth convinced her family to make the move. Once they settled in, she realized that one essential piece was missing: an independent bookstore.
Mary Beth took on the challenge of renovating a building on South Madison Street, complete with crumbling chimneys, including one that seemed to be held together by little more than fresh air. Today, Middleburg Books is a magical space, filled floor to ceiling with books for readers of all ages and interests. The atmosphere is so warm and inviting that it is impossible not to want to linger and explore, and to leave with an armful of books.
Beyond the shelves, Middleburg Books keeps the community engaged through thoughtful and creative marketing. Their weekly newsletter feels fresh and personal, sharing updates on book clubs, author talks, and book signings, along with inventive offerings like a supper club where participants cook from featured cookbooks and then gather to enjoy the results together. The shop also offers a monthly special-order book subscription, always presented with care, creativity, and a sense of discovery.
Their social media presence is equally engaging, warm, and genuine. It feels like marketing created for us, not for the masses. For their creativity, consistency, and community-centered approach, we thank Mary Beth and her team at Middleburg Books, proud winners of the 2025 Marketing Award.
2025 Dorothy D. Lee Award: Katy Carter, Wearer of Many Hats
A transplant from the North, Katy Carter quickly found her place in Middleburg, drawn here simply to live, work, and do all the things she loves. Her first visit to town was nearly 30 years ago, when she stopped at Journeymen to be measured for a new pair of chaps. She decided then and there that Middleburg was where she would someday live. After moving here in 2000, the daily commute to Capitol Hill soon lost its appeal, and Katy shifted her focus to working locally, with roles at The Tack Box, at steeplechase trainer Julie Gomena’s farm, and with the Land Trust of Virginia, Foxcroft School, and St. Bride’s Farm.
She began her work with the Upperville Colt & Horse Show by contributing a few interviews, photos, and articles, and now oversees the media center during show week, producing a steady stream of online and social media content. She was later asked to take on the role of Racing Secretary for the Virginia Fall Races, a position she gladly accepted and now manages with great success, mostly from her phone.
The next request was for her to “help a bit” with the Middleburg Business and Professional Association, and we all know how much that has grown, from social media to all of the printed and online material, as well as partnering with Ali to keep the Town calendar going and promoting all that happens here. In 2023, she added the Piedmont Fox Hounds Conservation Fund to her ever-growing list of organizations she is happy to support. Through it all, Katy keeps everything organized, drawing on a wide network of resources, connections, and shared knowledge to keep multiple efforts running smoothly.
We are pleased to honor Katy Carter with the Dorothy D. Lee Award for Commitment and Dedication to the Community.
2025 Leven Powell Award: A Place To Be
For fifteen years, A Place To Be has been a steady source of community, belonging, and hope. Now a nationally recognized, award-winning therapeutic arts organization, it fosters connection and healing through music therapy, performance, and the expressive arts. Its story begins with founder Tom Sweitzer, who spent 13 years as Hill School’s theater director before feeling called to deepen his work through music therapy. That path led him to Shenandoah University, where he met dance therapist Kim Tapper, and together they imagined a place where creativity could open doors to connection, expression, and joy.
A Place To Be first took root on South Madison Street in the former Fat Cat location, where the community packed in for intimate, moving performances. Those early gatherings, featuring the unforgettable voice of Tutti Perricone with Tom at the piano, created moments of shared emotion and understanding that set the tone for everything that followed. As the organization grew, it moved to a larger space on Jay Street, and continued demand eventually led to expansion into a second location in Leesburg.
Today, A Place To Be serves more than 250 families each week, both in Leesburg and in Middleburg, where its programs are housed on the second floor of Emmanuel Parish House. The organization supports children and adults with a wide range of challenges, offering summer camps, workshops, group sessions, and individual therapy. In addition to its core programming, the staff now partners with the Loudoun Adult Day Center, extending its reach and impact even further.
In a world that deeply needs stories of resilience, compassion, and hope, A Place To Be provides them every day through music, movement, and creative expression. Tom, Kim, Nikki, and Amy bring healing and connection one note at a time. We are proud to have A Place To Be as part of our community and are honored to recognize their extraordinary work with the Leven Powell Award.
2025 Volunteer of the Year: Tony Thomas
Tony Thomas grew up in Middleburg, attended Banneker Elementary School, and has never left the community that shaped him. He shared those early years with his eight siblings and now continues that deep family connection here while raising his own children. Tony carries a profound love for hunt country and a deep understanding of Middleburg’s history, traditions, and people, and that knowledge is reflected in everything he does.
Over the years, Tony honed his skills in construction, carpentry, and landscaping, eventually starting his own company built on hard work and craftsmanship. Much of what he knows was learned alongside his grandfather, Beverly Thomas, whose influence continues to guide Tony’s work ethic and values. He has lent his talents to countless projects throughout the community, often stepping in whenever someone needs help. Whether working for a client, assisting a neighbor, or quietly supporting someone in need, Tony approaches every task with care and determination, never leaving a job until he knows he has given his very best.
Tony leads with wisdom, kindness, integrity, and strength, always guided by a deep sense of compassion. Among his many contributions, he volunteered his time and expertise to lay the brick sidewalk at the Middleburg Museum and offered support when the Masters of Foxhounds Association came to town. Time and again, he has shown up for Middleburg in meaningful ways, often behind the scenes and without expectation of recognition.
Together with his mother and siblings, Tony has worked tirelessly to be a positive role model in the community, demonstrating through his actions what it means to care for others. Tony is not only exceptional at what he does, but also admirable for who he is. When you need him, he shows up, and you feel his kindness long before he ever says a word.
Thank you, Tony, for your unwavering commitment and generosity of spirit. We are proud to recognize you as Middleburg’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
2025 Entrepreneur of the Year: Michelle McNaughton of The PLAYroom
Michelle McNaughton is a jump-right-in, get-it-done kind of woman and a true Middleburg local. She attended Hill School, where her mother still teaches, then headed off to school and adventures beyond before returning home for good in 2016. Since then, Michelle has immersed herself fully in community life. She has tried her hand at flyfishing, enjoys needlepoint, serves on the Visit Loudoun Board, volunteers at the Community Center, and has given her time and leadership as a member of the MBPA Board.
At home, Michelle stays busy with her seven-year-old son, Maverick, and her husband, Chris Bernard, who serves on Town Council. Still, that did not stop her from opening a business of her own. With years of retail experience on the business side, Michelle began to imagine a shop that felt approachable and joyful. She wanted a place designed especially for kids, nothing fussy, with activities that would engage children while their parents browsed, and above all, a space that was genuinely fun for everyone, including her staff.
That vision became The PLAYroom, the interactive and wonderfully fun toy shop on West Washington Street, which opened five years ago. The shop is thoughtfully set up with play stations for kids, whether they are visiting with friends or playing on their own. The toys are educational without being boring, and the selection includes books, puzzles, games, and much more. There truly is something for everyone at The PLAYroom, a shop beloved by the entire town, kids and adults alike.
Michelle’s creativity and energy extend beyond retail. She also breathed new life into the Middleburg Mahjong Club, which meets on Wednesdays at Emmanuel Parish House. Whether you are an experienced player, just learning, or have no idea what you are doing, there is always a welcoming seat at the table.
Who knows what Michelle will dream up next. We are pleased to recognize her as the 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year.
“I know I say this every year,” laughed Punkin. “Middleburg is a very special community and we are lucky to live and work in this town, surrounded by beautiful countryside. I believe the thread that binds us is the generosity, kindness, and fellowship that manifests itself here every day in many ways.”
“We need to remember why we live here and appreciate our peaceful way of life in a home that offers us so much,” she continued. “Above all, never take it for granted and continue to hold generosity and kindness in your hearts every day of the year.”
Congratulations to our door prize winners, who took home beautiful holiday arrangements from Etten’s Eden:
Job and Suji Woodill of White Hall Hounds, Briggs Burton of Loudoun Lyric Opera, and Milissa Johnson of Foxcroft School!
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! We will see you at the first Biz Buzz of the new year on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at The Hill School!