The Middleburg Business and Professional Association celebrated the registration of its 100th member for 2015 at the association's monthly Biz Buzz mixer held at Boxwood Estate Winery on April 14.

Participants were able to take a break from the rain and enjoy food by Fairchild Specialty Gifts & Foods, as well as Boxwood's famous wines, including its rosé, which will be released to the public on May 10.

The business association also welcomed a new business to town. The Federal Street Café is expected to open next month, at the former site of the Middleburg Arts Project. The new restaurant is expected to offer breakfast and lunch options when it opens, with the possibility of serving dinner eventually as well.

In response to requests for more networking opportunities, next month's Biz Buzz, to be held May 12 at the Middleburg Community Center, will include MBPA's first speed networking event. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange business cards and share information about their businesses.

MBPA President Punkin Lee also provided an update on the status of chain store J. McLaughlin's new store. Lee noted that attorneys at the Middleburg Town Council's March 12 meeting said the town's options for restricting chain stores are limited due to the Dillon Rule, which limits the power of local governments in the Commonwealth of Virginia. However, the council is still looking at other options to limit franchises in town.

The meeting also highlighted several important upcoming events including:

The Prayer of Heart and Body (April 18): Father Tom Ryan, a contemplative author and Director of the Office of Interfaith & Ecumenical Relations at the North American Paulist Center in Washington, D.C., will lead an experiential workshop including meditation, prayer, yoga and reflection. Lunch is included in the $50 per person cost. Contact the parish office at 540.687.6297 to register.

Open Late (Fourth Fridays in April-September): The Open Late series will take place on the fourth Friday of the months of April-September at the National Sporting Library and Museum, which will keep its galleries open until 8 p.m. and host an open-air concert on its lawn. NSLM is seeking to partner with local businesses for the event. Those interested in learning more or getting involved should contact Alex McKay at amckay@nsl.org. The series will kick off on April 24, with an event hosted by South Street Brewery, Three Fox Vineyards and Middleburg Hunt on the NSLM lawn featuring the Difficult Run Jazz Band.

Middleburg Hunt's Point-to-Point (April 28): The steeplechase race at Glenwood Park includes racing over the timber course, the hurdle course and on the flat. Businesses interested in advertising in the Point-to-Point program should contact Cathy Spicer at 703.728.0545 (cell), 703.327.3935 (home) or cspicer@trisept.com.