In Attendance:
Judy Anderson, Bill Bogard, Glen Breining, John Constant, Melissa Hess, Kim Hurst, Mike Jackwood, Cynthia Morris, Hillary Perkins, Valerie Reid, Lisa and Scott Seeberger, Jen Stone, Bill Waite, Rachel Wetherill. Guest speaker: Leah Sattler
Invasive Plant Species Management Program:
- Leah Sattler, Invasive Plant Species Management Program Administrator, gave an overview of this program that included what the program is, how to apply, and who to contact with questions. Loudoun County has designated funds to help eliminate invasive plants on private property, as described here: loudoun.gov/InvasivePlants.
- She also showed two project proposals that had been accepted as good examples of what makes an effective proposal.
- Leah may be contacted at Sattler@iswcd.gov
East Winds Resort Proposal Update
- Bill Waite provided background on what the proposal is (two hotels, 20 rooms each, public restaurant, a wellness spa, and wedding venue. 146 acres, 93 of them in Loudoun).
- Eleven organizations have signed a petition opposing this, with four more in the process of joining.
- A webpage describing the opposition to the project is under development.
- This is a predicted $20M investment. It is privately funded.
- Many issues and consequences were discussed, including destruction of the environment, increased traffic, and additional water usage that will be needed.
- Primary goals: To stop the development before the application, provide enough issues that delay the application process, shine a light on public opposition and public hearings.
Treasurer’s Report:
- Will send out a report over the weekend.
- From the Bluemont Fair: $2000 made from the 50/50 raffle. Tom Rust was the winner.
- Had 8,460 adult tickets were sold, totaling $84,600.
- Still working on net numbers.
Bluemont Fair 2025 News:
- This year’s fair had a record number of attendees – more than any previous year.
- People loved the Snickersville Academy and how things had been set up there.
- The children’s parade was a great success and we will plan to do it again next year.
- We gained a new craft assistant and a new baker assistant.
- We had a high schooler who stepped up to become co-chair of the Boy Scouts/Fair parking.
Bluemont Heritage:
- Peter had the community’s blue ribbon put in a shadow box. This will ultimately be placed in the Snickersville Academy.
- A group of volunteers came together last week to take care of planting and general gardening of plants received from the Department of Forestry grant.
- We were required to contribute 100 volunteer hours from within the community, a goal we have met thanks largely to Maria Nicklin, though there is still work to be done before the grant deadline at the end of November.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors:
- Currently working on Thanksgiving gift certificates for food. Plan to increase them to $100 each.
- Also working on Christmas gift giving. Involves purchasing presents and clothes.
- A volunteer was needed to help carry groceries for a neighbor in need. John Constant volunteered to help out.
Bluemont Community Center
- Many activities are on the calendar for November and December.
- Consult the calendar of events for more details.
Snickersville Turnpike Association (STA):
- No report
Village Light Poles:
- There is a plan to put together a small working group or committee to look into the matter.
Reminders:
- On November 9 at 10:15 a.m., the Methodist Church will hold a service in honor of Betty Colbert. During the service, a cross will be dedicated in her memory.
- Holiday Craft Fair is November 29 from 10:00-4:00 p.m. at the BCC.
Next Meeting:
- The next meeting will be on December 3 at 7:00 p.m.