Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Bluemont Citizens Association
Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Bluemont Citizens Association Meeting Minutes April 6, 2022
Hybrid Zoom/Dirt Farm Brewery
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In Attendance: (18)
Peter Weeks, John Constant, Kevin Hart, John Sullivan, Dave Ewald, Cynthia Morris, Jen Stone, Tom and Marilyn Rust, Gail Kelly, Janell and Bruce Zurschmeide, Peter Durand, Bill Bogard, Charlie Billman, Lisa Seeberger, two attending by Zoom
Meeting called to order: 7:01 PM, Peter Weeks – presiding
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President’s Remarks:
First and foremost, this Saturday was an incredible experience of community and of being reminded Bluemont is a very special place. It was a reminder of how people really do care, form relationships and help one another. It really is a special community we live in. What I’m referring to is the memorial service for Henry Plaster. For those who were at his service, it was a wonderful remembrance and also honoring. Henry has left Glenmead, but he is still in our hearts. We will think of him often.
The spring issue of the Bluemont Bugle newsletter will be dedicated entirely to Henry Plaster.
Treasurer’s Report:
The treasurer’s report has been sent out. Dave Ewald is looking for a way to keep all entities (BCA, Bluemont Heritage and the Bluemont Fair) running cohesively and will be utilizing QuickBooks for all three groups. Bluemont Heritage owes BCA ~ $400 after receiving a rental deposit meant for BCA. Invoices are not out yet for the Bluemont Bugle, Dave needs to discuss first with Tim. For the fair, deposits are beginning to be made on items such as portable toilets and the petting zoo. Our investment accounts are down 2.25% for the year, but were up in March. Bluemont Heritage received roughly $750 in remembrance of Henry.
Standing Committees:
• Bluemont Fair – Poster contest submissions are still being accepted; the deadline is April 20. Rental fees are up across the board this year and the search is on for a new rental company. One company that is a possibility will be $600 higher than last year. There is also still a need for a merchandise chair to help with t-shirts. This is a low-key position, mostly involving the actual fair weekend. The next fair meeting is April 25.
• Bluemont Heritage – The upcoming agriculture exhibit will be May 1 – October 2. We have a great collection of artifacts from tractors to butter churns. The exhibit research and wall panels are currently being finalized. A large crowd is expected over the fair weekend.
Community Organizations/Events:
• Loudoun Historic Villages Alliance – The alliance is comprised of 13 unincorporated villages with historical significance. Madeline Skinner is chair and Peter Weeks is vice chair – they are basically lobbyists with the county. The Loudoun General Plan states that villages need respect and the alliance stands to remind the county of this. The PEC has put forth an offer to purchase the Aldie Assemblage and complete needed renovations. Previous bids from others have fallen apart. There is still no word on the Philomont firehouse and preserving the horseshow grounds.
• Snickersville Turnpike Association – The association has always been anchored by Henry Plaster and will carry on in his tradition. Just five days before Henry passed, he held a meeting in his kitchen and was going strong. John Sullivan will recommend a physical commemoration to Henry at the next meeting. The association not only fights to preserve the turnpike, but also the adjacent landscape. Hats off to Henry for his great stewardship of this historic road. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of the month, with time off in either Dec. or Jan. Time off was also taken in the summer when Henry would travel to Maine – they will likely continue this in his honor. He will be missed for sure. Before Covid hit, an annual picnic tradition was started for the association. Moving forward, a picnic is in the works for this year. Henry’s family requested donations be made to the Snickersville Turnpike Association, as well as Bluemont Heritage.
Old Business:
•Lake Store Renovations – Repairs to the store are currently being made. Gutters have been replaced and roof repairs made. Major historic restoration work will begin soon on the second-floor windows. The county historic society nixed plans to install storm windows. Our arborist, Alan Dykstra, and Craven Landscaping will also be making improvements to the building exterior.
New Business:
- Bluemont Vineyard/Dirt Farm – Dirt Farm’s Thursday supper series (5-7PM) is getting great traction. Each week is a new menu (pre fixe, 3-course meal) for $25. Reservations are encouraged and takeout is welcome. Sunday, April 23, the brewery will be releasing their Heifer Weizen spring brew. A Mother’s Day Brunch is being held on May 8. Bluemont Vineyard 951 Tasting Room is now open daily from 11AM-7PM, and Fri./Sat. until 9PM. A 300-acre adjacent property was recently purchased where The Reserve Tasting Room is now open Thurs. – Sun. This is a 21 and older, reservation only tasting room serving Bluemont Vineyard wines and and other inspired wines from around the world. The venue is less busy and creates a space closer to nature, with beautiful views, hiking trails and two ponds. For the rest of April, they will be offering champagne tastings. Next month will be “New Kids on the Blanc.” Great Country Farms is working with a new local coffee shop; served fresh in the market every day. They also have a ton of eggs, so if anyone needs eggs – please stop by. Henway has a new chef that will start next month and will be serving a southern comfort food inspired menu.
- Farmers Market Update – The Loudoun co-op will not be returning this year. Caroline, the co-op manager, is leaving her position to run the Bluemont market. She will bring 11 vendors will her and there is room for more. No fees are required for vendors and the market will open 5/1.
- Spring Fling – The event will be held May 22. Right now, it is a committee of one – we need volunteers to help!!
- Arbor Day – The Department of Forestry will be presenting an award to Bluemont on April 29. Last year, we became an official Tree City and gave out tree seedlings – which were all taken in the first few minutes. This year, the number of seedlings has been quadrupled.
- Announcement – Richard Falknor recently passed away.
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Adjournment: 7:48 PM
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 4, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
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Notes by: Lisa Seeberger