Volunteer of the Year was presented to Inez and Stephen Morgart in recognition for their efforts to support the town in a wide variety of ways—from decorating for town events to serving as bartenders during the summer concerts.

Photos by Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

The Town of Hillsboro held its annual community celebration Saturday morning, providing residents with updates on its long list of infrastructure upgrades and upcoming events, and recognizing individuals for their special contributions.

Mayor Roger Vance led the State of the Gap program in the Old Stone School auditorium.

Last year the town completed work on its Rt. 9 sidewalk and traffic calming project, brought a new public water system online, and extended broadband connections to homes. While those improvements have been transformational for the small town, the work continues. 

The town is wrapping up construction on another multi-modal trail—bringing its pedestrian network to two miles. It is about to embark on another project, to restore the truss bridge over the North Fork of Goose Creek, after landing a grant for the work.

The town’s first wastewater treatment plant is expected to come online by June, and crews are being lined up to begin the process of hooking homes and businesses into the new sewerage system in the coming months. 

“Bringing modern wastewater water treatment to Hillsboro and really eliminating the biggest public health concern and environmental hazard in Hillsboro—it's really huge,” Vance said of the project. “It's a huge accomplishment and we should all be very proud for what everyone here has done.”

He said the utility upgrades will offer benefits beyond improved public health. 

“This critical infrastructure along with our new drinking water system is having a significant positive impact on property values now, and it allows for the type of economic development that we've been talking about—the ability for businesses to operate here in town will add and really make Hillsboro sustainable in the future,” Vance said.

Next month, the town is expected to open the new community mail kiosk at the historic Lawson-Goodrich House. The town purchased and restored the building, which now is ready to serve as a visitors center with space to lease for a café or restaurant.

Vance also announced plans to expand the town’s community events. While the spring Gardens in the Gap program and the Friday night summer concert series will return, the town also plans a Sunday farmers market, and to add Ford’s Fish Shack as a regular food truck vendor at the Old Stone School. Hillsboro has joined forces with Round Hill to host the Appalachian Trail Festival this summer and is pursuing designation as an Appalachian Trail Community. Also, Vance said the town has been selected to be a featured community during the 2024 Virginia Garden Club homes and garden tour.