Loudoun Now for Feb. 9, 2023

School Board Adopts $1.67B Budget Request

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun County School Board last week added $1.4 million to its budget proposal before adopting the $1.67 billion spending plan—a 6.9% increase over the current year’s budget.

The local funding transfer for the School Board’s fiscal year 2024 budget would be $1.14 billion, $75 million more than the current budget.

The budget is based on a projected enrollment increase of 1% and includes the addition of 165 full-time equivalent positions and $67.5 million in compensation increases.

The board adopted the budget despite a $7.4 million state shortfall over two years attributed to a calculating error by the Youngkin administration, and a state

funding shortfall of $3.5 million for the current fiscal year, according to Chief Financial Officer Sharon Willoughby.

Willoughby updated the board on the shortfall and said she was “cautiously op-

timistic” the mistake would be resolved, noting that Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Feb. 2 asked the General Assembly to use necessary resources to fix the mistake during the budget process. She noted there were

several amendments pending in the assembly that could impact expenditures.

Willoughby said the division would get updated calculation tools based on those amendments from the General Assembly by Feb. 9.

Chair Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) said learning of the shortfall was “definitely a huge surprise.” He said school boards from across the state were in Richmond Jan. 30 and 31 for the Virginia School Boards Association Capital Conference, not long after the error was discovered. He said it was a good opportunity for them to meet with lawmakers who either hadn’t heard about it or were vaguely aware of it.

“Over the course of 36 hours in Richmond it went from confusion and

BUDGET ADOPTED continues on page 42

VML: Purcellville Must Hold Special Election; Rayner, Williams File Court Challenge

BY RENSS GREENE AND HANNA PAMPALONI rgreene@loudounnow.com hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Purcellville Town Council’s move to appoint an unelected member to a twoyear term is likely against state law, the Virginia Municipal League advised in advance of that vote, and two members have filed a petition challenging the majority’s decision.

Emails acquired through a Freedom of Information Act request to the town contradict statements by Mayor Stanley

Milan and Vice Mayor Christopher Bertaut on Jan. 24 that the Virginia Municipal League had advised them an election was not necessary. And on Friday, council members Erin Rayner and Mary Jane Williams filed a lawsuit over the council majority’s refusal to hold an election.

“Last week Councilwoman Williams and I made the difficult decision to file a petition for writ of mandamus with the Circuit Court of Loudoun County given the Town of Purcellville’s mayor and select members of town council’s unwillingness to hold a special election for the

recently vacated council seat required by Virginia law,” she said in a statement. “This action was taken to preserve the integrity of the Town of Purcellville and its governing body. No one is above the law, and the rule of law must be upheld.  As Town Council members, we took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and we intend to do just that.”

The Town Council voted 4-2 Jan. 3 to appoint Ron Rise Jr. to the seat vacated by Stanley Milan when Milan was elected mayor. Rise had campaigned on a slate

with Milan and council members Carol Luke and Mary “Boo” Bennett, but did not get enough votes for a seat on council in the November election.

His appointment came as a surprise even to some council members; at that meeting, Rayner questioned why the council didn’t follow the customary practice of interviewing applicants for the seat and objected that despite asking Milan who he would nominate in December, she hadn’t had a response.

SPECIAL ELECTION continues on page 28

Alexis Gustin/ Loudon Now

The School Board adopted its FY2024 budget on Feb. 2, adding $1.4 million more to Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith’s $1.67 billion proposed budget.

Courthouse Named for Pioneering Attorney

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun’s 1895 courthouse, formerly the site of a Confederate memorial, will be named in honor of a Black civil rights attorney who in 1932 led the first all-Black legal defense team in a southern state, arguing a case that laid the foundations for integrated juries.

County supervisors approved the action Tuesday night.

According to research by the Loudoun Heritage Commission, Charles Hamilton Houston was only 37 years old but already legal counsel to the NAACP and dean of Howard University’s law school when he argued that case. He was defending a Black man, George Crawford, accused of murdering two white women in Middleburg. Crawford was found guilty, but spared the death penalty, unusual for a black man convicted of murdering a white person at that time.

But the results of that case—and Houston’s work—went beyond that verdict. During that case, Houston created a record clearly illustrating the racially biased jury selection process in Loudoun, bringing national attention to the issue.

Two years later, the Supreme Court ruled racially biased jury selection unconstitutional. It was only one of the many important cases in civil rights history he argued, particularly around education and housing. And although he died of a

County to Look for Government Procurement Disparities

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun supervisors have directed county staff members to report on possible disparities in government procurement, as they consider a rule that would require county contractors to use union labor on some projects.

heart attack before it was argued, his work laid the groundwork for the arguments in Brown v. Board of Education, in which

HOUSTON continues on page 43

Questions Continue About CA’s Plan to Scale Back Prosecutions

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

A month after a plan by Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj for her office to not participate in the prosecution of many misdemeanors became public, the county’s political and law enforcement leaders are still working to determine its impacts.

Biberaj met with representatives of the county’s law enforcement agencies late last month and planned a meeting with the county’s District Court judges before implementing the program as early as next week.

In a Dec. 30 memo to the District Court judges, Biberaj said her office would shift its focus to cases involving violent crimes and felonies.

She stated prosecutors would not participate in traffic cases involving traffic infractions punishable by fines, reckless driving cases below 90 miles an hour, first-offense driver’s license violations, property damage hit-and-runs, eluding, and registration and titling violations.

Additionally, they will not participate in criminal offenses that are statutorily eligible for deferred findings, including trespassing, petty larceny, possession of Schedule III or IV drugs, drunk in public, underage possession of alcohol, noise complaints, violations of ordinances, failure to appear, and trials in absence not involving jail time.

In those cases, the charging police officer or deputy would be expected to

provide evidence in court needed to secure convictions.

The announcement predictably provided fuel for critics who have decried Biberaj’s three-year tenure as being too soft on crime. But it also raised alarm among other civic leaders who objected to the unexpected and unilateral nature of the decision and its uncertain implications.

Law enforcement representatives who participated in a Jan. 27 briefing said Biberaj clarified that the intent of the new policy was to apply only to uncontested cases, for defendants not represented by attorneys. One concept presented was that contested Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors would be rescheduled until the next month, filtering out simple cases and providing time for prosecutors to prepare.

However, agency representatives said it was apparent that the nuts and bolts of implementing the plan had not been fully thought out. No written procedures had been established and the session ended with a list of unanswered questions and a

BIBERAJ continues on page 43

The county board is looking for disparities in awarding contracts such as to small and minority-owned businesses, as some members of the board argue those union requirements would be a way to address those kinds of inequities. Vice Chair Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling), who proposed the study, said it would give the county the hard data to inform a possible project labor agreement rule in Loudoun.

“We could use this data if we move forward, depending on the research that’s going to be presented to us in finance, to hopefully improve our procurement procedures,” he said. And, he said, if the county decides to ask the General Assembly for changes to state law enabling project labor agreements, “we’ll have some cold, hard facts and data to help our argument.”

The state passed legislation allowing localities to require project labor agreements in 2020. Project labor agreements can be unique to each project, with certain requirements for the contractor specific to that project, and typically forbid strikes and lockouts, according to a Feb. 7 county staff report. Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) argued that customization can help address disparities in county procurement.

“Issues about disparity in contracts, apprenticeships—those are all certainly appropriate to be folded into the nature and the context of

PROCUREMENT DISPARITIES continues on page 43

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The 1895 Loudoun courthouse, which will be named for Black civil rights attorney Charles Hamilton Houston who led the first all-Black defense team arguing a historically important case inside in 1932.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj speaks at a press conference outside her office Oct. 19, 2022.

Greenway Tolls Bill Stopped in Senate, Continues in House

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

A bill to remove the Dulles Greenway from new oversights that halted toll increases for the first time in the road’s 30year history has been stopped in a state Senate committee, while the House of Delegates’ version heads to the floor for a vote.

The bill would allow the road’s owners to negotiate a new deal in secrecy with the state Commissioner of Highways. It is the third year in a row a similar bill has been submitted, and once again it is supported by the Greenway and opposed by the Loudoun Board of Supervisors and many of the current and former legislators who helped write the new oversights. The bill’s proponents, including co-patron Ashburn Del. David A. Reid (D-32), have promoted the bill as a way to bring tolls down and implement distance-based pricing, but the text of the bill does not require any toll cuts. Any new deal also would not be subject to approval by any elected bodies—if the commissioner and the state’s Transportation Public-Private Steering Committee approve the deal, it goes into effect without any further public votes.

The bill’s opponents have argued it could mean a state bailout of a company that over 30 years has more than tripled its debt rather than pay it down.

This year’s version of the bill, compared

to last year’s bill, also removes requirements for public meetings to gather input, and allowing Loudoun County supervisors and the county attorney to attend those negotiations, albeit as non-voting members under a non-disclosure agreement and seeks a new exemption to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

It also comes after legislation passed in 2021 that put new scrutiny on the Greenway’s applications to the State Corporation Commission to increase tolls. Although Loudoun County representatives can argue in those cases, previous legislation all but guaranteed toll increases. Since the 2021 legislation went into effect, the Greenway’s owners have not even applied for toll increases.

“I’m a lawyer, and I wouldn’t tell my client to sign on to a deal or give services or money not knowing what they’re getting in return, and that’s sort of what we’re doing here,” Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D87), who introduced the 2021 legislation argued in debate on the new bill Thursday.

On Thursday, the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee voted the bill down 10-6. Loudoun’s only representative on the committee, Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (R-27), voted against the bill. The Senate finance staff had raised concerns about the Greenway’s debt—the company now has $1.12 billion in outstanding debt, more than triple the debt it took on to build the road in 1993.

Those concerns remained despite an amendment in committee to clarify the state cannot take on the Greenway’s debt— staff members pointed out the debt would still be an issue in negotiations. They also pointed out the bill would exempt the Greenway from real estate taxes.

“This doesn’t require us to do anything. It merely gives us an opportunity to sit down and talk with them and see if we can bring a deal together that makes sense for the commonwealth,” Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sheppard Miller said. “If we cannot deliver on that, we will walk away and leave it just the way it is now. But you’re not going to get to distance-based tolling and you’re not going to get to a reduction in these toll rates, if you leave it in the form that it’s in now, in my view.”

Senate patron Sen. David W. Marsden (D-37), of Burke, told the committee, “the next time this goes for a rate review, my understanding is just most likely that the rates will just increase.”

“This is the most studied road in America. It’s been difficult since its inception. This is the way to keep it going and give us an opportunity to start to fix this thing,” he said.

Committee members wondered if the bill could be amended to give the General Assembly a chance to vote on the deal

TOLL BILL

continues on page 9

County Public Library Among America’s Best

The Loudoun County Public Library again is ranked as one of America’s best public libraries by Library Journal, the industry’s leading publication.

It is the third consecutive year LCPL has earned the Star Library designation, and the seventh year overall.

Less than 5% of the 5,359 public libraries measured in the 2022 national survey earned the America’s Star Library designation; of the 258 named nationwide, just six are in Virginia.

“Whether it was welcoming people into our branches, delivering books to them in their cars, or serving their needs online, our staff never wavered in its commitment to serving our customers,” Loudoun County Public Library Director Chang Liu stated. “I’m grateful for the diligent library governance by the Board of Trustees and the tremendous support from county leadership and the community.”

Now in its 15th year, the Library Journal index compares U.S. libraries with their peers based on eight per capita output measures: circulation of physical materials, number of visitors, program attendance, public internet computer use, electronic circulation, WiFi sessions, website visits and database use.

For more information, go to  library.loudoun.gov.

2023 Real Estate Assessments Online

Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. on Feb. 3 announced that 2023 real estate assessments are now online at loudoun.gov/parceldatabase. Printed assessment notices will be mailed to property owners this week.

Real estate tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value and the local tax rate, which the Board of Supervisors will set during its annual budget deliberations in March with a final vote expected

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 6

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Traffic moves through the Dulles Greenway’s main tolling plaza.

"SHE SAVED MY LIFE"

Loudoun county resident Dawn R. had been experiencing the painful side effects of Peripheral Neuropathy, “my feet and legs were extremely painful and my doctor told me there was nothing they could do. That I would have to take Gabapentin for the rest of my life.”

Then she met Ashburn's very own Rachal Lohr, L.Ac.

Peripheral Neuropathy is the pain, discomfort, and numbness caused by nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system. Dawn explained that daily tasks like opening doors and using the bathroom were overwhelmingly painful.

“How can you live for the next 30 years when you don’t even want to get out of bed to do simple things?”

She was experiencing the burning, numbness, tingling and sharp pains that those suffering from neuropathy often describe “The way that I would describe it, it’s equivalent to walking on glass ” Dawn hadn’t worn socks in five years and was wearing shoes two sizes too big so that nothing would ‘touch’ her feet.

Unfortunately, Dawn’s story is all too familiar for the over 3 million people in the U.S. suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be facing the same disheartening prognosis you’re not sleeping at night because of the burning in your feet You have difficulty walking, shopping or doing any activity for more than 30 minutes because of the pain. You’re struggling with balance and living in fear that you might fall

Your doctor told you to ‘just live with the pain’ and you’re taking medications that aren’t working or have uncomfortable side effects

(703)263-2142 to schedule a consultation!

Fortunately, two months ago Dawn read an article about Rachal and the work she was doing to treat those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, without invasive surgeries or medications

Rachal Lohr, founder of Firefly Acupuncture and Wellness, in Ashburn, is using the time tested science of Acupuncture and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease

“Now when I go to bed at night I don’t have those shooting pains. I don’t have that burning sensation. I don’t have pain coming up my legs,” Dawn enthusiastically describes life after receiving Rachal Lohr's treatments.

“I can wear socks and shoes!”

Dawn and her sister now operate a successful dog walking business, sometimes covering up to 5 miles a day.

“It’s life altering. As far as I’m concerned Rachal saved my life!”

Rachal has been helping the senior community for over 15 years using the most cutting edge and innovative integrative medicine Specializing in chronic pain cases, specifically those that have been deemed ‘hopeless’ or ‘untreatable’, she consistently generates unparalleled results

What was once a missing link in senior healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of Northern Virginia

If you’ve missed too many tee times because of pain or you’ve passed on walking through the town centers with friends because you’re afraid of falling, it’s time to call Rachal and the staff at Firefly.

It’s time you let your golden years BE GOLDEN!

Rachal Lohr, L.Ac. is once again accepting new patients And for a limited time will be offering $40 Consultations so call (703)263-2142 before March 15th sultation. to chedule a cons

State DEQ May Lift Data Center Diesel Generator Cap

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is considering lifting restrictions on how data centers use their backup diesel generators at they continue to face shortages in Dominion Energy’s distribution.

Dominion warned data centers in summer 2022 that it may not be able to supply power to new data centers, limited not by the amount of electricity the utility could generate but its ability to get that electricity to parts of Loudoun. Now, the DEQ is considering lifting limits on run-

ON THE Agenda

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in early April.

“We saw continued increases in sales prices of residential real estate in the county last year which peaked mid-

ning those generators, which normally are only started for regular testing, from March to July in Loudoun, Prince William and Fairfax counties in case of stress on the electrical grid.

Under the proposed DEQ order, data centers would be permitted to run those generators when PJM Interconnection, the company that coordinates power transmission in Virginia, announces at “Maximum Generation Emergency/Load Management Alert.” Those alerts are issued in advance of possible capacity problems in the electrical grid to give utilities time to prepare and take action to meet the demand.

Under the proposed order, data center

year and began to taper off by the end of 2022,” Wertz stated. “Regarding commercial real estate, Loudoun is all about data centers which now comprise 58% of the commercial tax base and 14% of the overall value of real estate in the county.”

The county’s total taxable real estate is $129.9 billion, an increase of 14.9% over last year. The typical existing single

operators would be required to notify the state within three hours of both starting and turning off their generators, and to “provide to the department as soon as practicable a calculation of the emissions of air pollutants” from those generators. The order would expire June 30.

On an earnings call Aug. 8, Dominion CEO Bob Blue said data centers account for about 20% of the company’s sales in Virginia, and that since 2019 the company had connected close to 70 data centers with more than 2.6 gigawatts of capacity in Northern Virginia. He said in 2027 alone, the demand from data centers is expected to grow by another 2.6 gigawatts.

The state is collecting public com-

family detached property saw a yearover-year increase in value of 7.5% and the average attached townhome was up 5.9%.

The total value of taxable commercial property in the county climbed to $31.7 billion, an increase of 22.4% compared to 2022.

Property owners who believe their

ment on the proposed order now through March 14, by fax, email or mail. Send comments to Karen G. Sabasteanski by fax at 804-698-4178, by email to karen. sabasteanski@deq.virginia.gov, or by mail to Karen G. Sabasteanski, Office of Air Data Analysis and Planning, Department of Environmental Quality, PO Box 1105, Richmond, VA 23218.

There is also a public hearing planned at 11 a.m. on Feb. 27, at the DEQ’s Northern Regional office, 13901 Crown Ct. in Woodbridge.

For more information and to find the proposed order, go to deq.virginia.gov/ permits-regulations/public-notices/air. n

assessments are incorrect may file an Application for Review with the Commissioner online at loudoun.gov/reaa by March 10. Thereafter, appeals may be made to the Board of Equalization until June 1.

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 8

ON THE Agenda

Wexton Announces $464K for Safe Streets Plan

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) on Feb. 1 announced $464,000 in federal funding for Loudoun County from the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law last year.

The funding will support developing a Loudoun County Safe Streets and Roads

for All Action Plan.

“We have a roadway safety crisis in our country, and I’m proud to announce that today we’re taking real action to make drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians safer here in Virginia,” Wexton stated. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this federal funding is on its way to VA-10 to help reduce roadway fatalities by enabling localities to develop comprehensive roadway safety plans. Our once-in-ageneration infrastructure legislation is already having major impacts here in our communities.”

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All discretionary program with $5 billion over the next 5 years, to support localities’ work to develop or update comprehensive safety action plans and activities in support of those plans.

Red Hill Rezoning to Permit Central Water

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Feb. 7 was expected to approve a rezoning for 424 acres including the Red Hill community and a future school site that will permit central water and sewer service in

the area.

The rezoning would not change the density of development permitted in the area, but would move the land from the county’s Rural Policy Area into the Transition Policy Area. Other than the areas around towns, or in special cases such as the poor water quality in St. Louis, central water and sewer service are not permitted in the rural policy area, a longstanding rule to discourage dense suburban development in the west.

The Red Hill community is on the west side of Evergreen Mills Road, which in that area marks the boundary between the two policy areas. However all the properties surrounding the community—including Willowsford Grant to the south and Greene Mill Preserve to the north and west—are permitted central service.

It will mark the third time the current Board of Supervisors has extended central water service west, after voting in December 2020 to permit central water and sewer to the school site next to Red Hill, and in April 2022 to permit central water service to the planned Leesburg South Fire Station west of Evergreen Mills Road. The last time central water service had been allowed to push west was in 2004, when supervisors first voted to permit central water service in the Transition Policy Area.

Agricultural Soils Work Group Planned

Supervisors on Tuesday were scheduled to vote on creating a four-member working group to help write new zoning to protect the county’s best farming soil from development.

Prime agricultural soils are also the best soils for septic systems, leading to the years-long project to revise the county’s zoning to protect them. In particular, county zoning allows more homes on the same land if developers cluster those homes closely together. Intended to protect uninterrupted green space, the rule may also incentivize clustering development on the best farmland.

The working group is proposed to include two farming stakeholders and two conservation easement stakeholders, and already Hanging Rock Hay farmer and Loudoun Farm Bureau President Chris Van Vlack and Chuck Kuhn, whose family has put thousands of acres under conservation easement, are proposed as members.

The work group would provide revisions to county planners’ work, to go to the Planning Commission in March or April with plans to bring the zoning amendment to the Board of Supervisors for a public hearing in May.

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Toll bill

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before it went into effect.

“I think I could be supportive if we were understanding that there are going to be some guardrails put in the budget, but I don’t think the bill, as it’s in front of us, is sufficient,” Sen. Emmett W. Hanger Jr. (R-24) said.

The House Committee on Transportation, however, on Thursday sent the bill to the House floor for a vote, voting 19-3 in favor. Of local delegates, Subramanyam and Del. Dave LaRock (R-33) voted against. Dels. Kathleen Murphy (D-34), Karrie K. Delaney (D-67) and Reid voted in favor.

“We’ve talked a lot in this committee about consumer protections, we’ve talked a lot about guardrails over the past week or two, and I don’t think this bill has either sufficiently,” Subramanyam said. “This road has a long history, as many have alluded to, and it wasn’t until a few years ago that we really put any sort of consumer protections in place.”

He said under the 2021 legislation, the Greenway can still ask for toll increase, but has to be more transparent in doing so. The Greenway does limited financial reporting, making it unclear why the debt has ballooned instead of being paid down, leading to it operating at a loss despite $71 million in revenues in its 2021 financial report, including $60 million in toll revenues, and only $17 million in operating costs. The company showed a net loss of $17.5 million—driven by $71.6 million in debt costs that year, costs that are projected to continue growing each year.

The Greenway reliably reports a loss even with substantially higher revenues. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic affected highway traffic, the company reported almost $90 million in tolls, and a net loss of $27 million.

“The road can still petition for increases, but they have to be transparent, they have to justify those increases, which they didn’t really have to do so much of in the past,” Subramanyam said. “And so that’s why … this bill popped up as soon as that bill passed, because now they want to get out of that statute.”

The company that operates the road, Toll Road Investors Partnership II, is owned by Australia-based Atlas Arteria, which bought the Greenway in 2005 for $617.5 million.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the House of Delegates passed the bill 79-20, sending it to the Senate for consideration. n

Leesburg AROUND Town

Council Moves Valentine’s Day Meeting

The Town Council held a brief special session last week to hold a public vote to change its upcoming schedule—to cancel its Feb. 14 meeting.

That change may provide more time to spend with their special valentines, but it may not result in a sweet week. Under the reshuffled schedule, the business that had been planned on that night will be taken up on Monday, Feb. 13. That list includes the presentation of Town Manager Kaj Dentler’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposal, which is expected to reflect the impacts of rapid inflation across the town’s construction, operations, and personnel costs.

Explore Your Irish Roots at Balch Library

Leesburg Civil Air Patrol Cadets Go to Richmond

STAFF REPORT

Four Leesburg Civil Air Patrol Cadets took part in the Virginia Wing’s annual Virginia Legislative Day on Jan. 25, meeting with state delegates and senators in Richmond.

Leesburg Composite Squadron Cadet Col. William Heppding, Cadet 2nd Lt. Tyler Wenks, Cadet Technical Sgt. Elden Platenberg, and Cadet Staff Sgt. Nathanael Pampaloni joined other cadets from across the state to meet with state lawmakers. Working in teams, Virginia Wing cadets met with all 100 members of the Virginia House of Delegates and 40 members of the State Senate or their staff members. Leesburg cadets spoke with about 20 delegates, senators, and aids.

A few cadets also were recognized in the galleries of the two chambers. In the House, they were recognized by Del. David A. Reid (D-32). All state delegates and senators are honorary majors in the Civil Air Patrol.

“The most memorable part of it was seeing a [S]enator’s face light up… when we presented him with the honorary rank of major in CAP. You could see that he was truly interested in what we were doing,” Wenks said.

The event is organized by the Virginia Wing Staff and the Virginia Wing’s Legislative Squadron, VA-999.

The Leesburg Composite Squadron of

the Civil Air Patrol is home to approximately 250 cadet and senior members. The Virginia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, with 22 squadrons across the state, has approximately 1,800 members, 12 light aircraft, and 29 multi-purpose vehicles, available to emergency responders and law enforcement agencies to perform search and rescue, homeland security, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and counter-drug missions. The Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, established in 1941.

For more information, go to vawg.cap.gov/units/leesburg. n

The Friends of the Thomas Balch Library is sponsoring a March 22 lecture featuring experts on Irish genealogy research.

The program is part of the Ulster Historical Foundation Lecture Tour. Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt will offer a full day presentation on how to get the most of Irish resources and records.

The program runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required and there is a $60 fee. .

Wakeham Retires After 20 Years with LPD

Sgt. Eric Wakeham retired from the Leesburg Police Department after providing more than 20 years of service.

He began community service in 1988 as an emergency medical technician for the City of Virginia Beach. In 1992, he was hired by the City of Norfolk as a firefighter paramedic where he served in this role until he began his career in law enforcement as a police officer with the Norfolk Police Department in 1997. From 1999 through 2003, Wakeham held various law enforcement positions at local and federal agencies in the mid-west. Upon his return to Virginia in 2003, he was hired by the Leesburg Police Department.

In Leesburg, Wakeham has served in several positions, including as a Hostage Negotiations Team member, Crisis Intervention Team instructor, Crash Reconstruction Unit member, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, and patrol supervisor. n

Contributed

Virginia Wing Civil Air Patrol members Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Christian Ceser, Cadet Colonel William Heppding and Major Scott Kaplan meet with Fredericksburg Del. Tara Durant (R-28) during the Virginia Wing’s annual Virginia Legislative Day on Jan. 25.

Contributed

Virginia Wing Civil Air Patrol members Cadet Technical Sergeant Elden Platenberg, Cadet Second Lieutenant Tyler Wenks, and Cadet Staff Sergeant Nathanael Pampaloni meet with Virginia Beach Sen. Aaron Rouse (D-7) during the Virginia Wing’s annual Virginia Legislative Day on Jan. 25.

Education

Loudoun Students Win District Congressional App Challenge

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Samvrit Rao, Rohan Kotla, and Soham Jain might seem like typical teenage boys—they love to play video games and sports like basketball and row for their high school crew team. One was even in a rock band in middle school.

But where the “typical” wears off and becomes extraordinary is what they created in their spare time.

The three Loudoun County teens attend Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and are passionate about computer science and biology. In July, they decided to create an app to help children with social and cognitive impairments remember their daily schedule.

The idea was born because Kotla’s brother is autistic and struggles to remember his schedule and often gets anxious and throws tantrums when he doesn’t know what is happening next. He also noticed his parents found it difficult to share the schedule with his brother’s various caretakers throughout the day.

Kotla surveyed the special needs community in his area and said he found it was a common problem for families. He decided to see if he and his friends from school could find a solution.

“We wanted to figure out a way to address this problem by creating a simple, user-friendly and adaptable app to assist those with special needs,” Kotla said.

He brought the idea to Rao and Jain because of their mutual interest in computer science and biology, and because they had worked together in the past and had a good dynamic, according to Rao.

All three boys regularly volunteer

within their communities and are no strangers to helping those around them.

“One of the main goals for all three of us is, we not only wanted to make innovations and stuff, we also wanted to help our community. And as Rohan mentioned, it was a big community problem as well, so we just wanted to work together to help and alleviate and remedy this problem,” Rao said.

And that is what they did.

Completely on their own and working for countless hours last summer and fall they brainstormed, researched, created storyboards, designed, tested, fixed, re-tested and created RoutineRemind, an app that reminds autistic children of their daily schedule by using their parent or caregiver’s voice.

A parent or caregiver uploads the schedule for the day, then records their

Parents Upset at Losing Tutor.com

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun County School Board adopted its $1.67 billion fiscal year 2024 budget on Feb. 2 with a few last-minute additions, including a proposed $495,564 to fund four math resource specialists to start pilot programs at five elementary schools.

School Board member and Vice Chair

voice. Parts of the schedule are linked to key words and when the child asks for a reminder, for example “when do I swim?” the keyword “swim” is triggered, and the parent’s voice responds back with the time of that event.

Jain said as they researched, they learned that not only did therapists recommend a visual schedule, but that often autistic people relied on reassurance from hearing their parent’s voice.

They decided to combine the two in creating the app.

Jain said the voice aspect of their app is what sets it apart.

All three boys said the internet was their mentor, as they learned “on the fly” to create the app.

“We all have a basic foundation of several coding languages, and through this process we were able to gain more skills

Harris Mahedavi (Asbhurn) made the suggestion, saying math was another area that students in elementary school were struggling with after COVID-19. He proposed the additional help, combined with one resource teacher that was being provided by the state for a total of five to offer extra support to students and teachers recovering from learning loss that happened during the pandemic.

However, board members learned another program brought into the division to help with learning loss, Tutor.com, was not included in the fiscal year 2024 budget.

Loudoun County resident and parent Kathleen Voss said she was thrilled this

and apply them along the way,” Kotla said.

“We had some technical issues along the way, obviously we were making an app and it was our first time making such an extensive app, but we worked through them and used our resources,” Jain said.

They said their passion to create something that would help others pushed them.

Kotla said they’ve done preliminary testing with his brother but they want to do a pilot study within Loudoun County Special Education classrooms so they can fine-tune the app. The boys said they would love to see the app used by students in local classrooms by the time they are seniors in high school.

“We definitely want to keep it on a time frame…it would be really cool because we could have our actual app up and running in classrooms. That would be insane!” Rao said.

All three boys agreed the app would be free for everyone to use and hoped to make it available in multiple languages one day.

They said they want to expand it to help others with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s and said they’d like to see the app helping patients in nursing homes with their schedules and their medications.

As the boys fine-tuned their app over the summer, Jain learned about a competition called the Congressional App Challenge and encouraged the team to submit their app.

The Congressional App Challenge is a yearly, nationwide competition created in 2013 by the House of Representatives to encourage middle and high school students to learn code and increase their

APP CHALLENGE continues on page 11

past fall to see the division partner with Tutor.com to help with what she called “the cataclysmic impact of COVID on our children.”

After hearing the division isn’t continuing its contract with the online tutoring service Voss said she thinks it’s a mistake.

“I can’t believe they are getting rid of the best thing,” she said.

Voss, a regional university admissions director, has worked in higher education for the past 26 years. She’s worked with Loudoun high school students for the past 15 and has lived in Loudoun for the past TUTOR.COM continues on page 12

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now Samvrit Rao, Soham Jain and Rohan Kotla won the Congressional App Challenge from the 10th Congressional District with their app RoutineRemind.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

A student accesses Tutor.com through the Schoology portal on a Loudoun County Public Schools issued computer.

App Challenge

continued from page 10

interest in STEM and computer science, according to the website.

The team entered their app in November and found out they were the winners from the 10th Congressional District from Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) on Dec. 22 on a video call. Rao and Jain were both in India, and Kolta was in Hawaii. The boys said they were under the impression they were being interviewed as part of the selection process but learned very quickly that their app had already won.

Wexton served as the co-chair of this year’s competition alongside Rep. Young Kim (R-CA-40).

“Winning the Congressional App Challenge is just our first step to making a more extensive impact,” Jain said. “We already surveyed community members when we were making it to see what we could do to make it better. But now that we have more outreach we are going to try to make sure it’s in autism classrooms and with different audiences.”

The boys are looking forward to the House of Code Reception this spring where they will get to mingle with oth-

er teams and members of Congress and demonstrate their app. Rao said he was excited to meet all the U.S. Representatives.

“We could even get one or two interested and we could pitch the app to them and their school districts. We could expand our reach outside of Loudoun County and Virginia to across the nation. The sky is the limit,” he said.

Kotla said he was excited to meet the other teams and network to possibly work together with them one day.

“It could be one big collaborative effort with one big team and combine all of our brains and stuff, and we could create something really cool,” he said.

Winning apps are displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and are featured on the House of Representatives’ website. Students from winning teams from each participating district will get to demonstrate their apps at the House of Code Capitol Hill Reception in April.

The 2022 competition was the largest to date, breaking previous records for submission by more than 500 apps. The 10th District received 25 submissions from 44 students, according to a press release from Wexton. n

SCHOOL Notebook

Division Launches First Family Newsletter

During the Jan. 24 School Board meeting, Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith announced a new way to communicate with division families, a family newsletter.

The first of its kind in the division, the newsletter aims to streamline news for families, create a consistent voice and offer a way for families to send feedback, according to a presentation.

The first newsletter, called The LCPS Letter, was emailed to families Feb. 6. It included a message from Smith introducing the letter and its goals, which also include improved communication, as well as stories from students and teachers around the division, calendar items, news for families and upcoming division deadlines.

The newsletter will be emailed twice a month.

Loudouners Elected to Cum Laude Society at Foxcroft

Juniors Katelyn Smith of Ashburn and Elizabeth Viney of South Riding have been elected to the Foxcroft School Chapter of the Cum Laude Society.

Students are selected based on their grades, grade point average and course load and must demonstrate a serious interest in the pursuit of knowledge and academic integrity.

Current seniors Molly Catlett of Middleburg, Lucy Moan of Middleburg, and Helen Ventikos of Purcellville were inducted last year as juniors. They, together with current faculty members of the Chapter, will officially welcome the new members into the Society during the Cum Laude induction ceremony held at Foxcroft’s annual Awards Assembly in May. n

Overdoses at Nearby School Divisions Prompt Warnings

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Parents of secondary students in Loudoun County Public Schools received emails from their students’ schools last week, warning them of the dangers of fentanyl after recent news of drug overdoses in nearby school divisions.

The email described the division’s plan to combat overdoses on campuses and encouraged parents to talk to their children.

often added to other drugs that look like something else has been in the news in recent days,” the email stated.

The email stated when used correctly and under the use of a licensed medical professional, the drug can treat chronic pain after surgery. However, illicit fentanyl can be deadly, especially when added to other drugs like marijuana, cocaine or illegally sold medications without the user’s knowledge.

ing to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The email stated that every middle and high school in the division has Naloxone nasal spray or NARCAN, a medication used to quickly reverse an opioid overdose. All School Resource Officers carry it, there are trained personnel in every school to administer treatment, and additional training is in the works for athletic directors and directors of school counseling, according to the email.

cording to an email from the principal. Arlington County Police later said in a tweet it was an “apparent drug overdose.” The student who was hospitalized in critical condition later died.

The email encouraged families to talk to their children about the dangers of the drug and specifically stated that “any pill received from a friend, purchased online or on the street may be counterfeit and could contain fentanyl.”

Three teenagers overdosed in separate incidents in Prince William County in December, and one died, and Montgomery County, MD, school officials recently held a news conference addressing the growing problem after several students have died in recent months from suspected overdoses.

In Loudoun County, the Sherriff’s Office issued a warning about the drug on Jan. 22 after responding to two fatal overdoses suspected to involve opioids. The victims weren’t students.

“The nation is facing a terrifying epidemic affecting young people. … Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that is

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, there is a high risk that illegal drugs have been intentionally contaminated with fentanyl. Forty-two percent of pills tested for the drug contained at least 2 mg of fentanyl, which is considered a potentially lethal dose, according to the DEA.

Fentanyl is the primary cause of overdose deaths in the United States, accord-

helping her daughter get an almost perfect score on a report.

On Jan 30, a student at Wakefield High School in Arlington County was found unconscious in a school bathroom, ac-

The Sheriff’s Office encourages people to call 911 if they believe a person is experiencing an overdose. n Tutor.com

continued from page 10

12 years. She has one child who graduated from division schools and another eighthgrade student now.

She said her job is to review applications and she said she has had a front row seat to see how COVID has impacted students.

She said other than the obvious dip in GPA when students returned to in-person learning, she is seeing gaps in math progression where there typically wasn’t a gap before the pandemic. Voss said a lot of it is in AP math courses, and students not continuing in those courses because they don’t have the tools. She said some AP students are not progressing to more advanced courses like AP calculus and AP multi-variable calculus which may be preferred courses when applying to some of the highly selective engineering colleges across the country.

She said she has experience in her profession with the Princeton Review, a wellknown test prep company that provides the platform for Tutor.com, and said the SAT prep side of Tutor.com is really good.

“This is one of the best platforms if you are going to entrust online tutors to work with your kids,” she said. “It’s bilingual, there’s the vetting process, the background checks. It’s an amazing platform for kids when it comes to AP practice, essay writing for college admission, SAT and SAT prep. It’s tried and true and it’s [the Princeton Review] been around for 40 years. I love the access piece for kids who can’t afford private tutors.”

Voss said her eighth-grade daughter has used Tutor.com several times over the past few months for her algebra homework. She even credits the platform with

She said it provides 24/7 access to kids who have after school activities or jobs.

“It’s well recognized and having seen it in action, I can’t speak to every subject, I’ve only looked at the math piece, I’m impressed. My kid is learning, its definitely helping her,” she said.

Sara Brege, a mother of six and a teacher said her kids have used Tutor.com and it has helped them tremendously and on their schedule. She said she feels like the School Board is doing a disservice by not providing it next year.

“You don’t adopt a textbook or teaching materials then get rid of them after a year. You work through the kinks and even if you see it’s not working you give it more than a year,” she said.

Brege said she has paid for tutoring services in the past and knows how expensive it can be.

“We have this free, vital resource that can be extremely beneficial, especially going forward. It’s been a positive experience and good for me as a mom. My kids are getting older, and I don’t remember every single aspect of math. My oldest is taking calculus, I can’t help him with that,” she said.

Brege said the service hasn’t been promoted enough or explained well enough to help students know where to find it.

Voss said she has yet to see anything negative about the service other than the cost. That’s what led administrators to cut the program.

Board members learned during a Jan. 17 budget work session that the program would end once the $1.7 million in COVID-19 funding ran out.

Deputy Superintendent Ashley Ellis told the board that use of the program hadn’t been high and based on feedback

from board members from a Nov. 15 budget workshop on funding priorities, the service wasn’t going to continue in fiscal year 2024. She also said since the November School Board meeting the Virginia Department of Education had announced a new partnership with the Library of Virginia to provide free tutoring services to students next year. Ellis said the division would finish the Tutor.com contract this year then switch to the new program.

Voss said she suspected there were many parents who didn’t know about the service. That prompted her to make a Facebook post last week to let parents and students know it is available.

She said that one post on a western Loudoun Facebook page garnered more attention in the first 24 hours than the page traditionally sees. She said she has also received phone calls from neighbors thanking her for the information on the resource.

“It provides access to every kid in the county, and it helps close the gaps in education left by the pandemic, it needed to be publicized more. If I had to hazard a guess, I bet half of the people didn’t know about it.”

“The Tutor.com service has received excellent ratings from LCPS students who have used the service, but LCPS has seen relatively sparse usage and the license cost is very high,” School Board Chair Ian Serotkin said.  “I’m hopeful that the Library of Virginia online tutoring initiative Dr. Ellis mentioned will serve as a suitable replacement.”

Brege said she wants to know more about the new program to see if it’s going to be similar.

“I need to know what it’s going to entail. Is it better? Worse? … Also, if it’s offered to everyone in the state, do they have

the ability to keep up with all those students? Tutor.com is nationwide,” she said. “Why can’t they continue with Tutor.com for another year while we transition to the new program to see if the new program can do what they say it can?”

Voss said she understands the cost is an issue, but said the services provided by the tutoring company would save families thousands of dollars.

“It costs thousands of dollars to hire a private admissions counselor. … Most people can’t afford it, even in our county. Most people aren’t spending millions of dollars on college consultations. Just for that alone it is perfect,” she said, noting two students she knows who used the college essay help from Tutor.com and received edits and feedback right away.

Voss said she wants to see what is best for the kids in Loudoun and for them to put their best foot forward.

She said every little bit helps and to have five math resource teachers would be wonderful, but “there are over 83,000 kids in our county. That is a little less than 21,000 kids per support teacher. I think we need to be more aggressive and creative in how we help our students. Tutor. com was creative and aggressive and student forward.”

Since the Jan. 17 announcement that Tutor.com was not continuing, the VDOE has shared that The Library of Virginia in collaboration with Brainfuse will be providing the free online tutoring service. Brainfuse is supported by funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and will provide online tutoring anytime and anywhere, according to the website. For more information on the program go to home.brainfuse.com/virginia.

The new tutoring service is live now. n

Public Safety

Judge Delays Sentencing in Sterling Murder

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge Douglas Fleming Jr. on Thursday postponed handing down a sentence against a Sterling man facing life in prison for the 2020 robbery and fatal shooting of Jose I. Escobar.

Gavin Collins, 24, halted his jury trial last August and pleaded guilty to eight felony charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and firearms violations. He faces a maximum sentence of two life terms plus 38 years in prison.

According to evidence presented in the case, Collins and co-defendant Joshua Mark Hunter lured Escobar from his home in Winchester to the Village at Potomac Falls neighborhood in Sterling in the early morning hours of July 8, 2020, with a plot to steal his car to sell for money to buy drugs. The three met shortly before 2 a.m. Escobar was shot in the neck and head. Leaving him lying

Investigators Seek Additional Victims After Reported Assaults at Claude Moore Pool

The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office has arrested a man for assault after he allegedly assaulted two juveniles at the Claude Moore Park swimming pool Friday morning.

According to the report, deputies were called to the center at approximately 6 a.m. Feb. 3 after two juveniles reported being touched inappropriately by a man while in the pool. Investigators were told that two juveniles were touched inappropriately by the same man in December.

Michael D. Taylor, 62, of no fixed address, was arrested and charged with four counts of assault. He was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

Detectives with the Special Victims

on the street, Collins and Hunter drove away with his car. The Nissan Sentra was sold in Manassas for $500.

Collins was located in a Sterling hotel room with his girlfriend, quantities of methamphetamines, psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana. The .45-caliber pistol used in the shooting was found in the nightstand.

Neither Collins nor Hunter have confessed to pulling the trigger.

While pushing ahead with murder charges against Collins, county

prosecutors entered a plea agreement with Hunter, reducing charges against him to voluntary manslaughter and armed robbery.

Hunter also had been scheduled for sentencing Feb. 2, but that hearing was delayed until March 29.

During Thursday’s hearing, Fleming heard testimony from Escobar’s father, brother, and sister, who described him as a happy, caring person and his murder as permanently changing their lives.

“My son was the kind of person that if you spent five minutes with him no matter what you’ve been through he’d make you smile,” his father said.

The defense called two witnesses—a friend of Collins and the psychologist who performed an assessment of Collins—who both provided details of his traumatic childhood growing up in an abusive family and a long history of drug use.

Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Shaniqua Clark Nelson asked

SAFETY briefs

Unit believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective J. Whitehead at 703-777-1021.

Unconscious Resident Rescued from Burning Home

A Sugarland Run resident is hospitalized in critical condition after being rescued from a burning home Monday morning.

According to Loudoun Fire-Rescue, emergency crews from stations in Cascades, Kincora, Sterling Park and Fairfax County responded to the Thrush Road home after a fire was reported just before 4 a.m. Feb. 6. Upon their arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and fire at the rear of the home.

While the engine crews worked to extinguish the fire, rescue squad personnel forced entry into the home to search for trapped occupants. They found an unconscious adult and three unresponsive pets. Paramedics initiated advanced life support procedures and transported the victim to Inova Lansdowne Hospital.

Fleming to impose two life sentences, plus 10 years on a conspiracy charge and eight years for two firearms charges.

Defense attorney Corinne Magee acknowledged that Collins would be serving a lengthy prison sentence, but requested that he serve his time in a prison that offers cognitive behavioral therapy to address diagnoses of complex post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. She suggested a sentence of 60 years, which would help him qualify for the restorative treatment and offer the possibility of release as an 80-year-old man.

After a recess to review submissions and testimony, Fleming told the attorneys that he would not hand down a sentence for Collins until gaining a better understanding of Hunter’s role in the crime—and hearing the sentence the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office would be seeking for him after reducing the charges.

Fleming said he would sentence both men during a March 29 hearing. n

ley, Secretary Daniel Reep, Assistant Secretary Amy Cannon, Treasurer Andrew King, and Assistant Treasurer Erin Lewis.

On the operational side, Bill Graham will serve as chief, with Miquel Quijano as assistant fire chief and Michael Walsh as assistant rescue chief.

Appointed to the board were directors-at-large John Ayres, John DeLooper, Bobby Hidy, Tom Willis, Mike Vroom, David Holtz and Brian Romola

The department is marking its 79th year of service.

Loudoun County Animal Services responded to assist with two dogs and one cat that did not survive.

The Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Ashburn VFRD Installs New Board of Directors

The Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department elected new officers and seated new members of the board of directors.

The new officers are President Josh Townsend, Vice President Samantha Bai-

“We live by the motto “neighbors helping neighbors” and that’s truly what we are,” Townsend stated. “All our volunteers are members of the community who hold regular jobs, and have regular lives, and still dedicate themselves to serving the community on their nights and weekends. We are blessed with a variety of volunteers who hold both operational and administrative duties and are pleased to round out our board with individuals who believe in what we do and commit their time to serve their community.”

Learn more at ashburnfirerescue.org. n

Collins Hunter

Taylor

Courtesy Loudoun Fire-Rescue Loudoun Fire-Rescue crews respond to a fire on Thrush Road Monday night.

Nonprofits Coalition on Women and Girls Plans Hall of Fame; Nominations Open

STAFF REPORT

The nonprofit Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls has established the first Loudoun County Women’s Hall of Fame and is accepting nominations for its first inductees until 5 p.m. Feb. 22.

According to the announcement, the hall of fame is meant to share the stories of the women who are shaping Loudoun’s history in the arts, community service, education, leadership, health, science, social justice, and business. Anyone may make a nomination, but nominees must live or work in Loudoun County.

Nominees will be announced during Women’s History Month in March. Selected honorees will be inducted at the Loudoun’s Women Hall of Fame Inductee and Award Luncheon, planned at Lightfoot Restaurant on May 18.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible women in our community and recognize the indelible impact they have contributed to Loudoun’s legacy,” coalition Chair Farzaneh Riar stated. “LCWAG and the Women’s Hall of Fame selection committee are honored to elevate the extraordinary stories of courage, leadership, intelligence, compassion, and creativity within our county.”

To make a nomination, get tickets or sponsor the luncheon, go to lcwag.org/ committees/hall-of-fame. For more information about the Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls, go to lcwag.org. n

Inova Ladies Board Opens Nursing Scholarship Applications

The Scholarship Committee of The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is accepting applications for nursing school tuition assistance.

The scholarship requires candidates to live or work in Loudoun; be enrolled in an accredited school of nursing or have an acceptance letter; provide a transcript showing at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA; and complete nine credits of nursing school or 30 undergraduate college credits. Funds are not available for prerequisite classes.

Students may be awarded only two consecutive Ladies Board scholarships.

The Ladies Board scholarship program was established in 1959. Since that time the Ladies Board has offered more than 1,200 scholarships totaling more than $2 million. In 2022, the Ladies Board awarded $70,000 to 33 students, in scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.

Riverside Gift Shop at Inova Loudoun Hospital, Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop in Leesburg, the Lights of Love remembrance program and the Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale raise

funds for the scholarships.

The deadline to apply is Friday, April 1. Apply online at ladiesboard.org/scholarships.

Food Lion Donates $2K to Dulles South Food Pantry

The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation has donated $2,000 to the Dulles South Food Pantry, which will use the funding to stock up on nutritious food.

“Rising costs have resulted in a growing number of individuals and families facing food insecurity,” Pantry Executive Director Meg Phillips stated. “We are grateful for the generous gift from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation and for their extensive efforts to eliminate hunger.”

In 2022, the Dulles South Food Pantry distributed more than 524,000 pounds of food. Currently it is serving more than 750 people each week, as well as providing more than 180 bags of food and 500 snacks to 19 schools through the Backpack Buddies + Snacks program. The Dulles South Food Pantry was founded in 2014. n

One Smile At A Time

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

Bartel Foundation to Launch ‘Heart of Humanity’ Scholarship

STAFF REPORT

The Ryan Bartel Foundation, a Loudoun nonprofit focused on preventing youth suicide, is launching a $2,500 “The Heart of Humanity Award” scholarship, planned for Valentine’s Day.

The scholarship, a reboot of the foundation’s former Acceptance of Others Award, recognizes young people who help others struggling with their mental health with acceptance and respect without judgment.

“We developed this unique award in memory of the values our son Ryan stood for,” Foundation Chair Suzie Bartel stated. “This award is not based on academic achievement, athletic prowess, or extracurricular leadership. This scholarship recognizes young people who constantly go out of their way to help their peers who are struggling with mental and emotional well-being. We know that young people turn to their peers first when they’re struggling; we want to encourage and reward those who help them because one kind act can save someone’s life.”

Through an endowment from the foundation’s founders, the scholarship is intended to inspire a culture of peerto-peer support, kindness and caring towards anyone going through a difficult time with their mental health, according to the announcement.

Nominations open on Feb. 14 and will be accepted through March 30. Two scholarship awards of $2,500 each will be available to mark the scholarship’s launch.

The scholarship is open to high school seniors attending public, private or home schools. Individuals must be nominated by a peer, classmate, friend, teammate, school staff or other member of the community

who witnesses consistent acts of kindness, help and support from that individual towards their peers’ mental wellness.

“What better way for an individual to say thank you to a peer who helps them get through a difficult time in life than to nominate them for the Heart of Humanity Award?” Executive Director Val Walters said.

For more information, go to ryanbartelfoundation.org. n

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now Suzie Bartel works to build a better mental health support system for Loudoun’s youth.

Business

Tantalizing Timber Branches Out to Small Business

BY DANA ARMSTRONG

Originally from a small town in Wisconsin, Rex Burns never expected Virginia to become his long-term home or his hobby to become his own full-time business.

“I grew up doing woodworking projects. I think one of my first projects was building a bike ramp for my brother and me when we were kids. I enjoyed the hands-on work, and I’ve always been mechanically inclined, so I wanted to continue that,” he said.

One of his most impactful jobs was working for a high-end furniture store. Learning the benefits of real wood furniture and the mix of craftsmanship and artisanship that went into building quality wood pieces intrigued him.

Later, he met his future wife, Sandy, a person born and raised inside the beltway and from an Army/Air Force family. They raised two sons together.

Even when life led him to work for a data storage company, Burns continued building wood projects for his own home and his friends as a hobby. But it wasn’t until he lost his job during the pandemic that the couple would consider turning the hobby into a business.

Rex and Sandy Burns launched Tantalizing Timber—a nod to their affinity for custom woodworking and inappropriate humor—in March 2021.

“When we first started people were like, ‘This seems like a crazy time to start a business selling multiple-thousand-dol-

BUSINESS briefs

Burns said.

Rex does the majority of the woodworking and takes on a wide range of custom projects for clients. And, after a difficult, health-related decision to leave her national security career in 2022, Sandy now handles social media, marketing, growth strategies, and some of the smaller projects.

“I’m a total woodworker, but I love working with the resin. It’s where I get to play with colors, I get to put things in it, and things have to sparkle. And now we’re talking,” Sandy said.

For larger projects, Rex uses the 3D modeling program SketchUp so clients can better visualize how their projects will look in their homes. And, he has a unique consultation model.

“I don’t ask people their budget because I don’t want to take advantage of them,” he said.

lar projects.’ But it wasn’t,” Burns said. “It turned out to be the perfect time because everybody was trying to work from home, nobody was traveling, and they all needed home offices and changes. I think that’s why we were so busy so fast.”

Within a month of opening, the business outgrew the driveway of their Purcellville townhouse.

“It worked out that we had some friends who just purchased a property in Berryville and had a huge garage they weren’t going to be using for anything. So, we started the woodshop there,” Sandy

“It would be very easy to fall into that same mindset of some of the other contractors: ‘They’re willing to spend this much, so I’m going to quote it just below and make them think they’re getting a deal.’”

“Whereas, if I don’t know what they want to spend on it, it forces me to quote it the best way I can. People seem to receive that well.”

Especially with the increased price of timber (plywood and other softwood lumber is a major export of war-torn

TANTALIZING TIMBER continues on page 17

Nominations Sought for Top Tourism Awards

STAFF REPORT

Visit Loudoun is seeking nominations for its annual tourism awards program, which showcases the work, service, creativity and contributions of individuals and organizations in the tourism industry.

The tourism award winners will be announced at Visit Loudoun’s Annual Meeting & Tourism Awards on April 28 at Lansdowne Resort. The event will also include a luncheon and keynote by Beth Ziebarth, Smithsonian’s head diversity officer and director of Access Smithsonian.

Individuals who work in the industry are invited to nominate candidates for excellence during the 2022 calendar year in nine award categories: Tourism Management Employee of the Year, Tourism Event of the Year, Tourism Marketing Promotion/PR Campaign of the Year, Back-of-the-House Tourism Employee of the Year, Front-of-theHouse Tourism Employee of the Year, The Judy Patterson Tourism Award, New Tourism Business of the Year, Diversity in Travel, and Loudoun Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) of the Year.

Visit Loudoun accepts nominations

on an on-going basis; the deadline to submit nominations for the 2022 Tourism Awards is 4 p.m. on Friday, March 10.

All entries must be for individuals, organizations, or programs that recognize accomplishments for activities that occurred or were completed during the 2022 calendar year. Programs that were launched in 2022 that are on-going and do not yet have results or accomplishments should wait until the 2023 awards.

For more information, go to visitloudoun.org. n

Tierney Joins Open LMS as VP Leesburg business

consul-

tant Sean Tierney has joined Open LMS as the company’s new vice president of Customer Success to help lead the expansion of the open-source learning management systems company.

“Sean joins our team on the heels of our latest upgrade to our customer support system where we aim to build and grow our client community, and encourage them to connect with one another,” said Phill Miller, managing director of Open LMS. “We consistently hear from clients how much they value our customer service team, and we can’t wait to build upon this momentum with Sean’s expertise, which will undoubtedly take us to the next level.”

Tierney previously served as the vice president of global field sales support at Blackboard, where he led four cross-functional sales support teams, including solutions engineering, sales enablement, proposals, and specialists. Prior to that, he held various leadership roles at BMC Software.

To learn more about Open LMS and its products at openlms.net.

StoneSprings Names Four New Trustees

StoneSprings Hospital Center on Jan. 31 announced the appointment of four new members to its board of trustees, bringing the board to 10 members.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

continues on page 17

Contributed

The StoneSprings Hospital Center Board of Trustees.

Tierney

Contributed

Although Rex Burns creates many of his projects out of his woodshop in Berryville, his business is heavily based in Loudoun.

BUSINESS briefs

continued from page 16

The new appointees are Dr. Tarak Reddy, Kasie Caseel, Natasha Magrath and Susan Mitchell.

Reddy is the hospital’s chief of staff. He previously led the hospitalist program at StoneSprings Hospital since its opening in 2015. He has since been promoted to regional medical director, US Acute Care Services, and oversees several hospitals in the Central Virginia and Southern Maryland area.

Tantalizing Timber

continued from page 16

Ukraine and Russia), Rex makes it a point to never upcharge his materials cost.

Tantalizing Timber sources most hardwoods from small sawmills along the East Coast. They create outdoor furniture, build-ins, floating shelves, tables, patterned wall accents, serving boards, and any other dream projects their clients have in mind.

“We had one customer, she was able to pull one of their grandmother’s banana bread recipes off of this old, janky, stained index card. [Sandy] laser engraved it onto a cutting board,” Rex said.

“[The client] just completely balled in tears. She immediately recognized that it was her grandmother’s. Even though it’s a small cutting board, it’s still such a huge impact for some people.”

For another project, Rex agreed to build a large, six-and-a-half by nine-and-a-halffoot, walnut island countertop for a client’s kitchen remodel. Multiple contractors told the client the project was too large and couldn’t be done. However, Rex decided to try it.

“We sourced the wood out of Pennsylvania. The [Facebook Marketplace seller’s] grandfather had milled the wood and set it up in a barn, and there it sat for decades until he decided it was time to unload it. We were up there for a while just chatting with them, so we ended up with all these stories about their family,” Sandy said.

When Rex showed the completed island top to the client, it brought her to tears. Not only was the project exactly what she envisioned, but the Burns could pass on the family stories of the wood’s origin.

“I always joke with people my government life sucked all the soul out of me and woodworking has restored me back to whole again,” Sandy said.

Rex also credits his “sewing circle of local woodworkers” and their willingness

Cassell is a dual licensed board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She has been with Columbia Associates in Psychiatry since 2011. For the past 16 years, she has worked developing the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Program for the treatment of depression.

Magrath is the president and franchise owner of You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia and contributes to several nonprofit organizations in Loudoun.

Mitchell is the CEO and founder of Guardians of Honor and of Athari BioSciences. n

to exchange tools and advice as another secret to their success. The generosity of their clients, the stories they hear, and the opportunity to become a larger part of their communities are what have made Tantalizing Timber so rewarding for the Burns.

Heading into their third year of business, they plan to give back further by focusing on collaborations with more small businesses within Loudoun and the DMV. Everyone and everything from local interior designers, artists, dog rescues and realtors make the list.

Most recently, Tantalizing Timber launched a Realtor Appreciation Program, allowing agents to buy a single wood cutting board or serving board—solid wood or wood and resin—with a free, personalized engraving at a discounted rate.

Realtors can pass on these boards to new homeowners at their closing. Plus, Tantalizing Timber will post a “Realtor Rave” on their social media.

The goals are to create mutually beneficial products with small businesses, participate in more pop-up events, and sell some of their smaller products at small handcraft stores around the region.

Although supporting local will be the main focus, Rex’s loftier, future goals are to design his own line of mid-century, modern-inspired furniture and eventually expand into nationwide shipping.

“Luckily, we live in such a great area where there’s so much money that even though [other woodworkers and small businesses] are competition, they’re really not,” Rex said.

“There’s so much work and support to go around for any business in this area that why not work together to bring everybody up?” n

See Tantalizing Timber’s woodworking projects on their social media @tantalizingtimberva or contact them at info@tantalizingtimber.com and 571-399-9350.

PUBLIC HEARING

TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA

The Purcellville Town Council will hold a public hearing in the Town Council Chambers located at 221 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville, Virginia, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., in order to consider the following proposed real property tax increase:

NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-107, 58.1-3007, 58.1-3201, and 58.1-3321 of the Code of Virginia, the Town of Purcellville hereby gives notice of a proposed increase in real property tax levies.

The purpose of the public hearing is to receive comment on the proposed real estate tax rate for calendar year 2023. The adopted tax rate for calendar year 2022 was $.21 per $100 of assessed value. The Town Manager has proposed that Town Council adopt a tax rate of $.22 per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2023, which represents a 14.6 percent increase over the real property tax rate in calendar year 2022.

1. Assessment Increase: The total assessed value of real property within the Town of Purcellville for 2023, excluding additional assessments resulting from new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 9.11 percent. (Note: the total assessed value of real property within the Town for 2023 exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 9.30 percent, if additional assessments resulting from new construction or improvements are not excluded.)

2. Lowered Tax Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment. The tax rate that would levy the same amount of real estate tax dollars in 2023 as were levied in 2022 (when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate and with the exclusions mentioned above) would be $.192 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “Lowered Tax Rate.”

3. Effective Tax Rate Increase: The Town of Purcellville proposes to adopt a tax rate of $.22 per $100 assessed value. The difference between the Lowered Tax Rate and the proposed tax rate is $.028 per $100 of assessed value, or 14.6 percent. This difference will be known as the “Effective Tax Rate Increase.” Because the above numbers deal with the aggregate of all real property within the Town of Purcellville, it is possible that an individual’s real property taxes may change at a percentage greater than or less than the Effective Tax Rate Increase.

4. Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total proposed budget of the Town of Purcellville will exceed last year’s adopted budget by an estimated 10 percent. A public hearing on the proposed budget for the next fiscal year will be advertised and held separately from the public hearing that is being advertised herein for the proposed real property tax increase.

All members of the public are invited to present their views on this matter at the public hearing. The complete ordinance and other information concerning the proposed tax increase are available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall, located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia.

Town Manager 2/9/23

Towns AROUND towns

Lovettsville, Loudoun Projects in the Running for SMART SCALE Funds

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Two transportation projects from Lovettsville have been recommended for state SMART SCALE funding.

In the Northern Virginia District which includes Loudoun, Fairfax and Prince William counties along with Manassas, Alexandria and Arlington, only 12 projects are recommended for funding by SMART SCALE staff, comprised of members from the Virginia Department of Transportation and Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. If approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, Lovettsville’s two projects would be supported by approximately $9 million through the program.

Lovettsville Town Manager Jason Cournoyer said the town worked with Loudoun County staff to be included in their application because the town is too

small to submit its own.

“What makes it kind of a milestone potential award is our size. So, we’re under 3,500 [residents] so we don’t maintain our own roads. Therefore, as far as VDOT is concerned, we’re not eligible for SMART SCALE. … We requested the Board of Supervisors to include our application as part of theirs, so they did.”

The first project includes designs for South Loudoun and Locust streets improvements. South Loudoun Street, north of its intersection with Locust, would be converted to a one-way street to allow for pedestrian improvements on the east side of the street. Lovettsville has already been approved for $2 million from the county for that project and with the additional roughly $6.4 million of SMART SCALE funds, the project would be fully funded.

SMART SCALE

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Round Hill Begins Tackling Utility Rate Challenges

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Round Hill’s heaviest water users might see significantly higher utility bills next year under a tiered rate option being reviewed by the Town Council.

Like other local governments, the town is entering its fiscal year 2024 budget preparation facing challenges of high inflation. Most construction projects will come with higher bills to complete, and utility systems are seeing higher operating and maintenance costs across the board.

That means residents served by Loudoun’s municipal utility systems can expect higher bill increases than in recent years. Many towns have planned their utility budgets using 3% annual increases. That’s not likely to be sustainable this year and some are looking at rate increases more than double that.

Round Hill Mayor Scott Ramsey told the Town Council that he still doesn’t know how big the hit will be this year. He, along with Council member Sean Lloyd, are conducting a rate analysis of the town’s system, which has 1,830 connections. The recommendations are expected next month.

During its Feb. 1 meeting, the council reviewed the first part of that study, which explored options to move away from its flat-rate system and potentially add tiers with higher rates to encourage conservation.

Round Hill boasts the lowest in-town utility rates among Loudoun’s towns and the rates charged to the out-of-town consumers, which comprise the vast majority of its system, are second lowest after Leesburg.

On average, Round Hill customers use 142 gallons of water a day, down from a 150 gallons per day peak during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that, residents used about 135 gpd, according to town tabulations.

Currently, Round Hill has two elements in its utility rates: a bi-monthly minimum charge for the first 2,000 gallons, working out to a base charge of $36.96 for intown users and $55.44 for out-of-town users. Above 2,000 gallons, in-town users are charged $18.48 per 1,000 gallons and out-of-town users are charged $27.72 per 1,000 gallons.

During their work session, council members discussed two potential changes to the rate structure.

The first change would be to increase the minimum charge to 3,000 gallons. That would represent an increase in the bi-monthly bills of the system’s lowest users—those using 33 gallons per day or less—by $19-$28 at current rates.

The second potential change is to add a second rate tier that would kick in for high-use accounts. Under that concept, users would pay a higher rate after they’ve used 12,000 gallons during a billing period. The rate could be increased to 1.5 or 2 times the base rate. According to an analysis of usage by 1,815 accounts last year conducted by Lloyd, the high-use charge would have hit 604 accounts in at least one billing cycle. Seventy accounts exceeded 12,000 gallons in all six billing periods.

Ramsey and Lloyd will return to the council next month with recommendations on setting the rates, following a more detailed study of the increasing expenses.

“The preliminary picture is a little bit grim,” Ramsey warned, noting the council could be facing pressure for a big one-time rate hike—maybe 25%—to rebalance the system or set up a series of higher-than-normal annual rate increases, perhaps 7% or 8% per year. n

LUCKETTS

Small, Muriel Honored by Ruritans

The Lucketts Ruritan Club annually selects one club member and one local citizen for special recognition at the Club’s Annual Awards Banquet.

At its December meeting, they recognized Tom Small as Lucketts Ruritan of the Year and Muriel Sarmadi as Lucketts Citizen of the Year for 2022.

Small has led the club’s Youth and Community Development Grant Programs since their inception in 2018.

Sarmadi, the owner of the Roots 657 restaurant, was recognized for her focus on community service, fellowship and goodwill through her hands-on leadership.

Awards were presented by Club President, Patricia Logue, during a dinner held at Raspberry Falls Golf and Country Club.

MIDDLEBURG Salamander Resort to Close for Renovations

The Salamander Resort and Spa will close starting Feb. 16 while crews complete upgrades in several areas of the five-star property. The resort is expected to reopen March 3.

In addition to overnight stays, the temporary closure will impact the restaurants, spa and equestrian programs.

AROUND TOWNS

continues on page 19

Photo by Steve Hillebrand Muriel Sarmadi, left, poses with club president Patricia Logue after she was selected as the Lucketts Citizen of the Year.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Lovettsville Town Manager Jason Cournoyer presents to the Town Council during the Jan. 26 meeting.

AROUND towns

continued from page 18

ROUND HILL

Town Hall Improvements Advance

Plans are moving ahead for an exterior makeover of the Town Office.

The building was constructed around 1872 and operated as a store by the town’s first mayor, George T. Ford. It has been the Town Office for the past three decades.

Town Administrator Melissa Hynes has said the improvements are a high priority—both to protect the integrity of the historic building and to make it more functional and energy efficient.

During its meeting last week, the Town Council reviewed options for new siding and shutters. Members opted to go with a composite shiplap siding that will resemble the existing Dutch lap siding, rather than a less expensive Hardie Plank option. But they nixed plans for

wood shutters in favor of a cheaper vinyl option.

Plans are to repaint the re-sided building to its customary yellow.

PURCELLVILLE

Post recently sponsored its second annual Chili Cookoff.

Dozens of participants submitted entries for consideration by dignitaries, post members and chili lovers. Erica Dodson won the Mayor’s Award for Best Chili, with Vice Mayor Chris Bertaut and Councilman Ron Rise presenting Dodson the prize.

The fundraiser supports programs for veterans and their families.

Rock the Rink Concert Planned

Purcellville’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is hosting a Rock the Rink concert Sunday, Feb. 19 at Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink.

From 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the event will feature music by Sheltered, Sidetracked and the Darby Brothers. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase.

Lovettsville Union Cemetery

P. O. Box 146, 12930 Lutheran Church Rd Lovettsville, VA 20180 www.lovettsvillecemetery.org facebook.com/Lovettsville Union

Lot Holder’s Annual Meeting

March 6, 2023 at 6:30 P.M. To Be Held At New Jerusalem Lutheran Church

Dodson Wins Legion’s Top Chili Prize

The Purcellville American Legion

Tickets are $12 in advance and 415 at the door. For more information, go to purcellvilleva.gov. n

12942 Lutheran Church Rd Lovettsville, VA 20180

Contributed

Vice Mayor Chris Bertaut and Councilman Ron Rise present Erica Dodson with the Mayor’s Award for the best chili at the American Legion Post’s annual contest.

SMART SCALE

continued from page 18

The second project involves intersection improvements at West Broad Way and Berlin Turnpike. The work will include improvements to both pedestrian and traffic safety. If the town is granted the recommended $2.6 million, that project would also be fully funded.

Cournoyer said the timing of the funding would align perfectly with the town’s readiness to go forward with the projects.

“I think the one takeaway is the town has positioned itself with the conceptual design and the partnership with Loudoun County to have these things basically ready for construction in 2026. … We’ll have all of the design and right-of-way done for South Loudoun. So that funding is going to be put to work immediately,” he said.

Lovettsville contracted Kimley-Horn to complete the conceptual designs and facilitate the process with the county. Cournoyer also added that the town owed a lot to the county for its help.

“I want to give credit where credit’s due,” he said. “Loudoun County partnering with us is vital to us getting this. And

kudos to the Board [of Supervisors] for supporting our efforts and allowing our applications to be submitted.”

In all, SMART SCALE staff recommended funding seven projects in Loudoun County for a total of $46.6 million. All but two of those are bike and pedestrian projects. The two Lovettsville projects scored a priority of fourth and ninth place.

Outside Lovettsville, other projects in Loudoun include a two-lane roundabout at East Church Road and Lincoln Avenue in Sterling, a shared use path on the north side of Rt. 7 in Sterling from Bartholomew Fair Drive to Lakeland Drive, a sidewalk along Cascades Boulevard between Nokes Boulevard and Victoria Station Drive along Claude Moore Park, and the trail from Franklin Park to Purcellville. There is also a Town of Leesburg project to build a new right-turn lane on westbound Market Street onto Plaza Street, along with a variety of other signage and marking improvements. With the Lovettsville projects, those projects are budgeted at $54.1 million in total.

Applicants will be notified in June if they are approved for funding by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. n

Lovettsville Joins with Lions Club for Oktoberfest Beer Sales

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloniloudounnow.com

The Lovettsville Town Council on Thursday voted to move forward with plans to partner with the Lovettsville Lions Club for the town’s annual Oktoberfest.

While the contract terms are still being negotiated, under the proposal presented by the Lions Club, it would take on the responsibilities of drink services for the entirety of this year’s Oktoberfest event.

The proposal presented by Oktoberfest Committee and Lions Club member Tom Budnar indicated that the club would undertake almost all of the drink service responsibilities, including ordering the drinks, coordinating equipment rentals, planning for signage, handling unused beer and wine, logistics relating to trailers, setup of tents, signage and bunting, deploying volunteers related to drink service and providing ABC trained leaders for each shift.

Under that proposal, the council and Oktoberfest committee would divide the net profit from drink sales, with the town receiving 70 percent and the club receiving 30 percent.

Mayor Christopher Hornbaker said he was concerned that Oktoberfest continued to operate at a loss, especially during the years that saw the largest attendance, with the committee having to use money from the reserve fund to supplement the difference.

“If it continues down this path you have somewhere between six to eight years before you have consumed all of your reserves,” he said.

He asked if the Lions Club would be willing to enter into an agreement to keep the 70/30 split but only after the town had paid all the overhead from the event.

Budnar said the Lions Club would be willing to work with the council to get the best results for everyone, but it would need more information.

“We understand the goal. We’re very much in line with the goal, I think, from an Oktoberfest Committee and a Lions perspective,” he said. “So, we would be open to that, it just needs a little more detail.”

Council member Brandon Davis said that arrangement would put the weight of responsibility on the Lions Club from aspects of the event that they would not have any say over.

“The ask being placed on the Lions is to essentially be a 70/30 partner of the

entire event, whereas the scope of the proposal is simply relating to the beer … I think it’s incumbent on the Oktoberfest Committee to find ways to either get inkind contributions rather than cutting a check and paying volunteers to civic organizations,” he said.

Lovettsville Lions Club President Dave Kirk agreed with Davis, adding, “We’re just focused on the Town Green beer sales. … We weren’t looking at the whole Oktoberfest and we do not have control over that very much.”

Vice Mayor Joy Pritz suggested an 80/20 as an alternative to the original proposal of Hornbaker’s suggestion.

However, Budnar said the Lions would be unlikely to agree to the club receiving less than 30 percent.

“The Lions are a non-profit organization, right? So, it’s not going into anybody’s pocket. It comes in and then it goes right back into the community,” he said. “We would be willing to figure out something where we can help make sure that we get to a positive point. But a lot of the details have to be discussed, without taking on obligations that we have no control over.”

Hornbaker reiterated that his main concern was that the town was able to break even at the end of the event.

Despite the disagreement on the exact terms, the council members agreed they wanted to go forward with the partnership and the motion carried 5-0-1, with council member Buchanan Smith absent.

Davis, Budnar, Kirk and an additional Oktoberfest committee member were charged with finalizing the terms of the agreement and presenting them to the council for final approval. The council’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9. n

Norman Styer/Loudoun Now Residents fill glasses of beer at Lovettsville’s annual Oktoberfest in 2017.

John Marshall Forcier

John Marshall

Forcier, 67, of Leesburg, Va., passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023, in Union Dale, Pa. His huge heart gave out on a beautiful, sunny winter day, skiing with the two people who loved him most: his wife and son.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, son of the late Guy Seymour Forcier and Nancy Marshall Forcier, John was a 1974 graduate of Middlesex School, Concord, Mass. He received a bachelor’s degree from Marietta College in 1978, where he became a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. He enjoyed a lifelong bond with his fraternity brothers, gathering each year to renew and strengthen their relationships.

After graduation, he worked in television production in Parkersburg, W.Va., and became the first general manager of WTVE in Reading, Pa. He moved to northeastern Pennsylvania in 1983, where he served as an account executive with WBRE and WNEP.

In 1999, John and his family settled in northern Virginia, where he worked in television advertising sales before taking a new direction as a financial advisor with A.G. Edwards, Stifel Nicholas and LPL Financial. He found satisfaction in helping his clients achieve their dreams, grow their businesses, provide financial stability for their families, and sleep soundly regardless of the markets’ volatility.

He was a lifelong hockey player, participating in the Ashburn and Ion (Leesburg) adult leagues until his untimely passing, and was the ultimate St. Louis Blues fan. A 2004 graduate of Leadership Loudoun, John put his skills and talents to work for his community as president of Leesburg Daybreak Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and Rotarian of the Year.

He recently served as treasurer of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Leesburg, where he also served as a lay eucharistic minister. John coached his son’s Central Loudoun Little League and Central Loudoun Basketball League teams and was a parent volunteer at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

John leaves his devoted wife of 29 years, Mary Frances, and cherished son, James, of Brooklyn, N.Y. His sister, Anne F. Watson, preceded him in death in 2006. In addition, he is survived by his beloved brother-in-law, Scott M. Watson (Charleen) of Flourtown, Pa., niece Carolyn Flood (Andy) of Phoenix, Md.; nephew Scott M. Watson Jr. (Whitney)

Obituaries

of Salem, N.H., and three great-nieces and a great-nephew. He is also survived by cousins from both his and his wife’s families, and a host of friends from throughout his life.

Services: 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 20 Cornwall St., Leesburg, VA 20176. A celebration of life will also be held in Northeastern Pennsylvania at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. James’ Episcopal Church Foundation Fund (mailing address: 8 Cornwall St., Leesburg, VA 20176), or Leesburg Daybreak Rotary Club Endowment (P.O. Box 4282, Leesburg, VA 20177).

For more information please go to www. BartronMyer.com.

Candis Cunningham

Retired Foreign Service officer and Middleburg resident Candis Cunningham passed away peacefully Jan. 15, 2023, at Stone Springs Hospital in Aldie, Va. She was 73. Born to Foreign Service parents in Germany, Candis spent her childhood in South Africa, Turkey, Rome and Washington. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in journalism from Ohio University. A journalist to her core, Candis spent her early professional years as a beat reporter for newspapers in Rome, Ohio, Florida and South Carolina before joining the U.S. Information Agency as a writer-editor in 1975. Candis served in various positions at USIA and the Department of State including as press attaché at the U.S. embassy in Bogota, Colombia, and press officer at the U.S. Congressional Helsinki Accords Commission, where she founded and edited the CSCE Digest. At State, her assignments included director of the narcotics assistance unit in the embassy in Panama, director of the narcotics affairs unit in the embassy in Peru, and numerous assignments in Washington. In late 2022, Candis came out of retirement and returned to State to work on winding down Afghanistan programs and reprogram funding for those now-defunct efforts. Candis often said that she was born in the wrong century. She devoured 19th-century English and American literature, and as a confirmed Anglophile, she was addicted to Britbox TV. But she never lost her affinity for Italy; she made a mean Bolognese, and the quickest way to gain her affection was through timely gifts of Baci chocolates. She doted on her family, but especially granddaughter Paige, and their

bottle and reading time were treats for them equally. Although she no longer rode, she was an experienced equestrian, who once almost turned a ragged little Colombian pony into a hunter-jumper. Quick with a joke and a sometimes caustic sense of humor, Candis was beloved by colleagues and friends for her courage, kindness, straightforward manner and willingness to tell truth to power. She is survived by her husband, retired senior Foreign Service officer and Middleburg Town Council Member Morris “Bud” Jacobs; daughter Julia and son-in-law Daniel Rossi; daughter Leigh Jacobs and son-inlaw Daniel Wilkinson; granddaughter (and light of Candis’ life) Paige Evelyn Rossi; and canines Rosie and Cooper. A celebration of this remarkable woman’s life will be planned later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Candis’ favorite charities, the American Cancer Society and the Committee to Protect Journalists.

Albert Edward Steele

Albert Edward

(Ed) Steele Jr, 78, of Lake Frederick, Va. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on, February 3, 2023. Born in 1944 in Washington PA, the son of the late Albert E. Steele Sr and mother, Alice Pearl.

In 1965 he married his college sweetheart, the former Linda Nichols, whom he met while in 8th grade. Both are graduates of Trinity High School, class of ‘62 and California State College, class of ‘66.

Ed began his teaching career in Avella, PA. in the science and chemistry department. In 1970 he obtained his master’s degree from the University of Georgia in Athens. He and his wife then moved to Rockville, MD for Ed to join the faculty at Robert E. Perry H. S., before moving to Virginia in 1984 where he became a member of the faculty at Broad Run H.S. as a chemistry and AP Biology teacher and serving as science department chair. After a career spanning 44 years, he retired from teaching in 2014.

While at Broad Run his competitive spirit, love of sports, and desire to work with young people outside the classroom led him into coaching. (Ed had previously coached Little League baseball and football within the Annandale and Braddock Road sporting programs.).

Coach Steele was a vital part of the athletic program at Broad Run having been the foundation of both the wrestling (1984) and softball (1992) programs. He is one of the

more accomplished and decorated coaches in the commonwealth. Steele was at the helm of the wrestling program for 20 years posting a 200-95-3 record, producing 4 state, 24 regional, and 45 district champions.

Over a 30-year span, Steele also guided the softball program to lofty heights culminating in 509 victories, ranking Coach Steele second in Virginia history for most wins. The Lady Spartans holds 4 state crowns, 3 consecutively, accumulating a winning record of 105-4 over a 4-year period, with 2 consecutive undefeated seasons, amassing a 61-game winning streak, and outscoring their opponents 742-23. The highlight of Ed’s coaching career was in 2008 when his team and coaching staff finished the season ranked #1 nationally by USA Today.

With Ed it was all about working hard and having fun. At the end he said, “Winning isn’t important, it’s fun. The kids are what’s important.”

Ed is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda; son, Edward Michael and wife Janine of Haymarket, VA; daughter, Christine Michele McKinnon and husband Michael of Whispering Pines, NC; son, Scott Aaron of Front Royal, VA; two sisters, Donna Pyne (Jerry) of Malvern, PA; and Alice Marie George (Larry) of Washington, PA; one aunt, Norma Ruschell of Okeechobee, FL; six beloved grandchildren: Colby (Danielle), Mackenzi (Cleanthi/Greg), Sarah, Rebecca, Emerson, and Grayson; brother-in-laws, Bill (Linda) and David (Roseanne)Nichols, plus numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ed was an avid reader and enjoyed boating, gardening, flea marketing, sports of all kind and fishing with his grandkids and friends. He was known for his compassion, sense of humor, devotion to family and friends, and dedication to his life’s work in education.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Coach Steele’s honor to the Gardner-Webb University softball program (webbgive.gardner-webb. edu) where his granddaughter, Mackenzi, is carrying on his coaching legacy or to cancer research at Johns Hopkins at: giving.jhu.edu/ hopkinsdoctorsday.

Additional services will be held in Washington, PA; the family will receive friends from 11-1 pm with the funeral service to follow at 1 pm, February 14, 2023, at Warco-Falvo Funeral Home 336 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA. Interment will follow at the West Alexander Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at, www.loudounfuneralchapel.com.

Summer Fun Summer Fun StartS with StartS with PRCS Summer CAMPS PRCS Summer CAMPS

PRCS offers a variety of full-day, half-day, and specia interest camps for ages 3 to 15

Camps are held at community and recreation centers, parks, and schools throughout Loudoun Coun

Daze - Grades K-5

Fest - Grades 6-8

Sports Camps Specialty Camps

Adaptive Recreation Camp

Get a Jump on Summer Camp

There’s little sign of it outside, but summer is quickly approaching—and the best camps to keep the kids busy will fill up quickly as well. Now is the time to start making those plans.

sports and band camps to highly specialized STEM activities. Parents may need to choose between a sleepaway camp or day camps. Also, consider how many people will be in the camp.

PRCS Camp Guide Available Online starting Friday, February 24 loudoun.gov/activityguide

Printed Copies Available Early March

Early Registration

WHO: Register For Any 2023 Camps

Families Who Participated In 2022 Summer Camps Families Eligible For The Free & Reduced Lunch Program

Tuesday, March 7 at 8:30am to Friday, March 10 at 5:00pm

Open Registration

Registration Opens To Any For 2023 Camps

Tuesday, March 14 starting at 8:30am

Youth recreational programs and summer camps can do more than bridge the gap in care between the end of school and the day when classes resume. Summer camps can pull together children from different neighborhoods, social classes and backgrounds. They also provide a variety of activities that can help students try new things and move beyond their comfort zones. Perhaps most importantly, they get kids off the couch and out of the house while providing a safe, supervised environment.

How do you select a summer camp program? Here are some suggestions.

Take a Visit

Take your child along to get a sense of what camp will be like. Find out the philosophy of the camp. Ask about the camper-to-counselor ratio and what kind of medical care is provided. Ask about the experience of the staff members and their training.

Explore all options

The variety of camp programs available has never been greater. Businesses, churches, schools and community organizations have programs to offer—from traditional general-interest programs to

Ask for recommendations

Speak to other parents and friends about where they send their children. Schedule appointments to visit camps that fall within your budget.

Determine your budget

As varied as program offerings may be, camps also can vary greatly with regard to cost. Publicly-run camps may be less expensive than those offered by private companies. Day camps typically cost less than those that provide room and board. Often grants or discounts are available to address special financial circumstances.

Ask about camp schedules

While many camps are flexible, day camps do not have the same level of flexibility as after-school programs. Arrangements will need to be made if care is required after regular camp hours. Speak with the camp staff to see which types of after-hours programs, if any, are available.

While camps can be a great experience and create life-long memories, remember to allow for some free days for family activities—and even a bit of couch time for the kids. n

Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services

Leesburg Camps Feature Swimming, Adventure

The Town of Leesburg will offer a variety of summer camp activities at Ida Lee Park. Children from preschool age to middle school can choose from full-

day and half-day programs, with swimming lessons also available.

LEESBURG CAMPS continues on page 24

2023 Summer Theatre Camps!

Musical Intensive Camp June 12 - 23

Performances June 23 - 25, 30 - July 2

For ages 10 - 19

June 26 - 30 Happy Birthday, Captain Hook Acting Camp

July 3, 5-7 Improv Camp for ages 10 - 15

July 10 - 14 The Fairy Godmother Club Acting Camp for ages 10 - 16

Musical Intensive Camp July 31 - Aug 11

Performances Aug 11 - 13, 18 - 20

For ages 14 -19

Revolution soccer and multi-sport camps focus on training, skill development and performance in a competitive learning environment for all skill levels. All camps will be held at Revolution Sportsplex in Leesburg.

School Holiday Day Camps

Elite Day Soccer Camps

March 13; March 27; April 21 Improve technical proficiency and tactical understanding in a competitive learning environment while having fun.

Multi-Sport Day Camps

March 13; March 27; April 21 Enjoy playing various sports, including soccer, flag football basketball and more.

Cabaret Camps for ages 7 - 10

July 17 - 21 Lights! Camera! Action!

July 24 - 28

Disney: The MoviesThe Music

www.StageCoachTC.com

571-477-9444

Summer Camps Soccer Camps

June-August

Take your game to the next level. Choose from Developmental, Positional and Elite Camps to fit your skill and interest (beach futsal, goalie striker, ball masters, midfielder, etc.).

Multi-Sport Camps

June-August

Spring Break Camp

Total Player Soccer Camp

April 3-7

Learn various facets of the game on the defensive and attacking side, including technical skills and tactical concepts, while honing in on physical abilities and building mental toughness.

Our summer camps will not only be about learning, training and competing in a variety of sports, but also it will be about teamwork, camaraderie and tons of fun. Register:

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The A.V. Symington Aquatic Center at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg.

Leesburg Camps

continued from page 23

Ida Fun Camp

Designed for children from kindergarten through sixth grade, this recreational camp program includes indoor and outdoor pool time, art projects, structured indoor and outdoor games and activities, hikes, songs, and more. Campers should bring two snacks, a bag lunch, full water bottle, and sunscreen each day and a swimsuit and towel each day. Every Wednesday campers will visit AV Symington Aquatics center

Teen Adventure Camp

Designed for students entering seventh, eighth and ninth grades, the program helps participants explore interesting and destinations around the D.C.,

Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland areas. Teens will travel to water parks and adventure sites like rafting, tubing, climbing, hiking, and laser tag. Skating, museums and movies also are on the schedule. Children will leave and return to Ida Lee Park each day via a school bus or passenger van. They’ll need to bring a lunch, snacks, drinks, water bottle, swimsuit, towel and sunscreen to camp each day.

Last Hurrah Camp

For ages 5 -12, this one-week session closes the camp season with outdoor and indoor games, and arts and crafts time. Campers should bring two snacks, a bag lunch, a full water bottle, and sunscreen to camp each day

Kamp Keepers provides additional games and supervision before and after camp hours each day.

For details and registration, go to leesburgva.gov. n

County Camp Signup Opens March 7

The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services will offer a variety of full-day, halfday, and special interest camps for ages 3-15 this summer.

On tap this year are camps to help children discover their interests in outdoor adventure, sports, art, horsemanship, science, nature, engineering, dance, music, theater, and more. The programs will be held at community centers, parks, and schools throughout the county.

Many programs will fill up early. The full roster of summer programs, the PRCS Summer Camp Guide, will be released Feb. 24 on the department’s website and then distributed at community centers, park offices, and libraries in early March.

Veteran camp participants will be first in line when the early registration period opens March 7. Those who participated in camps last year will have few days to sign up for this year’s offerings, those programs open up to the general public starting March 14.

Daze Summer Camp is for children in grades K-5 and is designed to stimu-

CAMP

REGISTER TODAY - youth sports spring leagues & summer camps

late creative minds, build healthy bodies, provide age-appropriate challenges, and develop lasting friendships. Fest Summer Camp is for middle-school children. Both offer weekly activities that include science and nature, arts and crafts, sports, group games, music and drama and cooking along with an end-of-summer celebration.

Camps run from June 20 to Aug. 11. n

‘The Power of Many Small Steps’

Hillsboro’s

BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com

Ukraine Aid Efforts Continue with “Art of War” Auction

The event continues with an art exhibit and auction Saturday, Feb. 11.

THINGS to do

LOCO LIVE

Live Music: David Goodrum

Friday, Feb. 10, 5 p.m.

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg

Details: spankyspub.com

Goodrum brings acoustic music at its most fun--covering a range of genres from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today.

Live Music: Chris Timbers Band

Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg

Details: macsbeach.com

Get the weekend rolling with the smooth grooves of the Chris Timbers band.

Live Music: Jimmoni

Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.

Dynasty Brewing Company, 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn

Details: dynastybrewing.com

Jimmoni serves up favorite rock covers for a fun Friday night.

Live Music: Danger Bird Neil Young Tribute

Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg

Details: tallyhotheater.com

Danger Bird digs deep into the catalog of one of the world’s greatest songwriters, from his folk roots to the raw energy of his later work. Tickets are $15.

Live Music: Joey Hafner

Friday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m.

Nick’s Taverna, 42395 Ryan Road, Ashburn

Details: nickstaverna.com

Former Ghost Pepper frontman Joey Hafner plays favorite songs to sing along from the 70s through the 2000s.

Live Music: Tommy Gann

Saturday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m.

Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville

Details: creeksedgewinery.com

If there’s a community that embodies the slogan “think globally, act locally,” it’s the tiny western Loudoun town of Hillsboro.

Hillsboro hosts its second UkraineAid fundraiser Feb. 10 and 11. This weekend’s event entitled “The Art of War” features political cartoons, drawings and other work from noted international, national and local artists.

“We do a lot to support things that are close to us,” said Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance. “We’re looking for more to do to support beyond who we are.”

The project is the brainchild of local artist and arts advocate Anne Weshinskey, who worked with Vance and Loudounbased political cartoonist Chip Beck to organize the event. The fundraiser features a Friday evening talk from several international artists involved with the organization Blacksmiths Without Borders-Union

for Ukraine, which has raised funds for emergency vehicles and protective equipment. Beck also will discuss the role of political cartooning as a tool in wartime.

The spark for the event came from Weshinskey’s longtime friendship with Swedish artist Ludvig Ödman and his wife, the Ukrainian artist Anastasia Polubotko. Polubotko’s parents, blacksmiths Sergiy Polubotko and Olga Polubotko, were living in Ukraine at the start of the war and have since moved to Brooklyn.

At the start of the war, Ödman began doing small-scale pen and ink drawings daily as a way to process his anger and concern for his wife’s native country and family.

“He was feeling frustrated and didn’t know what to do,” Weshinskey said.

Ödman’s drawings caught on in Europe and he started selling pieces to raise money for relief efforts. Ödman’s pieces ridiculing the Russian invasion helped fund an ambulance for the Armed Forces

ART OF WAR continues on page 28

Drawing on influences from soulful rock to contemporary pop, Gann’s songwriting offers depth, wit and stimulating melodies.

Live Music: Acoustic Soul

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m.

Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville

Details: twotwistedposts.com

Acoustic Soul’s Steven Shaffer and Bruce Turner are a guitar and vocals duo who pay tribute to legendary classic rock, blues, R&B and American roots artists.

Live Music: Morris and Morris

Saturday, Feb. 11, 3 p.m.

Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville

Details: flyingacefarm.com

Morris and Morris is a father/son duo performing standards, jazz, classic rock and blues.

Lucketts Bluegrass: Nick Chandler and Delivered Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.

Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts

THINGS TO DO continues on page 27

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Political cartoonist Chip Beck, artist and arts advocate Anne Weshinskey and Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance stand in front of the HIllsboro Old Stone School, which will host the town’s second UkraineAid fundraiser Feb. 10 – 11.

Courtesy Ludvig Ödman “My Recent Decisions Proved to Lead to Expected Consequences” by Swedish artist Ludvig Ödman is one of the pieces of art that will be on display Friday and Saturday at Hillsboro’s Old Stone School.

DANGER BIRD: THE MUSIC OF NEIL YOUNG

Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. (doors)

Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

THINGS to do

continued from page 26

Road, Lucketts

Details: luckettsbluegrass.org

Western North Carolina’s Nick Chandler is known for hard-driving traditional bluegrass with top-notch mandolin picking, songwriting and instrumental arrangements. Tickets are $22 for adults, $5 for youth 5 to 17 and free for children 4 and under.

‘This Ol’ Country Girl’ Patsy Cline Tribute

Saturday, Feb. 11, 7-9 p.m.

Bush Tabernacle, 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville

Details: piedmontheritage.org

Bess Putnam and the Virginia Pickers Collective bring the music of Patsy Cline to life at this benefit for the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area. Tickets are $35 and include snacks, wine, beer and soda.

Live Music: Just South of 7

Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m.

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg

Details: spankyspub.com

Just South of 7 returns to Spanky’s with five decades of rock.

Live Music: Rehab with Redburn and Forsaken

Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg

Details: tallyhotheater.com

The Georgia-based southern hip hop group Rehab has reunited and is back on tour. Tickets are $20.

Live Music: Robert Mabe

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.

Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville

Details: flyingacefarm.com

Mabe is a stellar banjo player and singer/songwriter from the hills of North Carolina. His unique style covers a wide range of music from bluegrass to jazz, Irish and roots tunes.

Live Music: Darryl Marini

Sunday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro

Details: breauxvineyards.com

Marini is a seasoned musician from Los Angeles who now lives in the Shenandoah Valley. A skilled guitarist and vocalist, he has a versatile repertoire covering classic and alt rock, jazz standards, country and pop.

Live Music: Freddie Long

Sunday, Feb. 12, 1:30 p.m.

BEST BETS

TOMMY GANN

Saturday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery creeksedgewinery.com

50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg

Details: facebook.com/50westvineyards

Long is part introspective singer/songwriter, part bluesy classic rocker for a perfect winery afternoon.

LOCO CULTURE

On That Note Musical Theater Review

Sunday, Feb. 12, 6:30-8 p.m.

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville

Details: franklinparkartscenter.org

Sterling Playmakers’ traveling musical theater ensemble features a cabaret-style combination of solos, small group and large group numbers, performing songs from Broadway and movie musicals and other favorites. Tickets are $8.

Music for Dessert: The Cahoots

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7-8 p.m.

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville

Details: franklinparkartscenter.org

The Cahoots are the acoustic duo of DMV stalwarts David Kitchen and Arch Alcantara. Their music is a mix of heartfelt originals and cool covers featuring strong vocal harmonies, expert guitar playing and foot drumming. Tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for students.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Wheatland Spring Valentine’s Friday

Friday, Feb. 10, 5-8 p.m.

Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery, 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford

Details: wheatlandspring.com

Enjoy Valentine’s light eats and treats with loved ones and special drinks for sale. Tickets are $35-$110.

Walsh Family Wine Valentine’s Dinner

Friday, Feb. 10, 7-9 p.m.

Walsh Family Wine, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville

Details: walshfamilywine.com

Walsh Family Wine hosts a pre-Valentine’s dinner with a four-course menu from chef Erik Foxx-Nettnin. Tickets are $125 in advance.

Old Ox ‘Beer My Valentine’

Saturday, Feb. 11, noon-4 p.m.

Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn

Details: www.oldoxbrewery.com

NICK CHANDLER & DELIVERED

Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center luckettsbluegrass.org

Old 690 Sweetheart Market

Saturday, Feb. 11, noon-4 p.m.

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church

This beer and small plate pairing event with music from Felix Pickles is a perfect way to celebrate your Valentine. Tickets are $40 per couple.

THINGS TO DO continues on page 29

How artists influence public perception in TIMES of war

A benefit to support humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people and the efforts of the international Blacksmiths Without Borders – Union for Ukraine.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Eat, Drink & Be Literary!

A conversation and Q & A with Swedish artist Ludvig Ödman and Ukrainian blacksmith Sergiy Polubotko on how European artists are using their craft to influence public opinion and raise funds to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian agression.

Doors Open at 5:30 p.m. Program begins at 7 p.m.

Advance tickets – $15 ($20 at the door) Available now at www.OldStoneSchool.org

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Art Exhibit & Silent Auction

Limited edition and original artwork from regional and international artists will be on display and available for sale on Saturday, February 11. Sale proceeds to provide humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people.

Doors Open for Exhibition at Noon Artist Reception at 3 p.m.

Admission to the display and auction is FREE

Tickets and more information at www.OldStoneSchool.org

UKRAINE AID 2023 – The Art of War – is sponsored by ...

Media sponsor

HILLSBORO’S

Art of War

continued from page 26

of Ukraine. Ödman was looking to bring his work, and word about his in-laws’ efforts with Blacksmiths Without Borders, to the U.S., and Weshinskey used her local contacts to kick off a U.S. campaign.

Weshinskey knew Hillsboro, with its ongoing commitment to Ukrainian relief efforts and high levels of community engagement, was the perfect place to start. The town hosted a music and arts event last April and raised $20,000 for aid to Ukraine. The town’s ongoing “Eat, Drink and Be Literary” speakers series focuses on history, culture and current events.

“Since [Hillsboro] has a focus on history, you keep the conversation alive. … People are constantly engaged or invited to be engaged in conversations,” Weshinskey said.

Weshinskey and Vance worked together to bring in political cartoonist Chip Beck, who has owned a farm near Hillsboro for 17 years. Beck, a Navy veteran and former intelligence officer during and after the Cold War, said he was immediately alarmed by the Russian invasion and

Special election

continued from page 1

Subsequently, the majority on council rejected the public advice of Town Attorney Sally Hankins that under state code they would need to seek a special election for the seat this November. Instead, they indicated they would try to keep him in the seat for the remaining two years of the term. At the Jan. 24 council meeting, Milan and Vice Mayor Chris Bertaut said they’d received advice from the Virginia Municipal League that a special election was not required, with Milan referencing interpretation they’d received at local government day on Thursday, Jan. 19 in Richmond.

Emails acquired through a Freedom of Information Action request to the town contradict those statements.

Virginia Municipal League General Counsel Roger Wiley on Jan. 17—a week before Milan and Bertaut’s comments—emailed Milan advising him that the state code requires a special election, despite differing language in Town Charter.

“Under the state code section, which

aware of the power of political cartoons and other art in wartime.

“I used my cartooning capability as a weapon with what the Soviets were doing in Africa, Central America and Asia. … When this came up with Ukraine, it made my blood boil.” Beck said. “It really is insidious what Putin is doing. I feel like Europe and the United States and the rest of the world need to do something that we didn’t do as a planet against Hitler when he was building up.”

Beck will discuss the power of the political cartoon during the Friday evening talk, from James M. Flagg’s iconic World War I “I Want You” posters to the World War II experiences that shaped famed cartoonists like Mort Walker and Charles M. Schultz. Beck also has clear memories of how political cartoonists mobilized after 9/11.

“You have two languages—the written language and the visual language. People understand pictures, cartoons,” Beck said. “[9/11] showed me that we had the power to unite cartoonists, whether they were liberal or conservative, left, right, whatever. … I have a feeling that what’s going on in Ukraine is still uniting editorial cartoonists.”

is controlling, the town council may make an interim appointment, but that appointment only lasts until a special eviction [sic] can be held to choose a permanent replacement. I don’t believe, therefore that the council can simply make the interim appointment for the entire two years remaining on your council term,” Wiley wrote. “Instead, the council will need to ask your circuit court to schedule a special election to fill the council seat for the remainder of the term.”

That email does not appear to have been forwarded to other members of council.

In a follow up email Jan. 26, the day after the Town Council majority voted not to request a special election, VML Executive Director Michelle Gowdy emailed the entire council “it has come to my attention that there was a miscommunication regarding the question.” Gowdy referenced speaking with members of the town council at VML/ VACo Legislative Day in Richmond.

“There were over 400 people present that day, and I don’t remember the entire conversation, but I do recall talking about the town charter and believe I

Beck has used his network of contacts from past membership in the Associations of American Editorial Cartoonists and the National Cartoonists Society to organize donations for the Hillsboro art auction. The auction, which kicks off Friday night and runs through Saturday, includes work from Ödman, Beck and Sergiy Polubotko, along with cartoons from Pulitzer Prize-winner Joel Pett, and Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher, Steve Artely, Paul Fell and longtime Loudoun Now editorial cartoonist Stilson Greene and limited editions of works by acclaimed Ukrainian political poster artist Nikita Titov.

For Vance, Hillsboro’s visibility as a community in the middle of a major commuter thoroughfare helps keep the war front and center for residents around the region. The town’s Old Stone School keeps Ukrainian flags flying and has placed a large-scale HOPE sign in front of the school, created by local artist and former Sunset Hills Vineyard owner Diane Canney and painted blue and gold by Beck.

“It’s an eclectic community,” Vance said. ”I think it’s a reflection of how we feel about the world. These things are important. It doesn’t matter where you are or how small you are. We do recognize we sort of

cited the general rule that charter provisions prevail over general law I also recommended having the town attorney consult the local circuit judge or court on the appropriate action to be taken by the town,” Gowdy wrote. She also reiterated Wiley’s advice that state law overrides local law.

That advice aligns with Town Attorney Sally Hankins’s advice to the town council during a Jan. 10 meeting.

“State code specifies that even if your charter provides for other procedures, the state code requires that a special election be scheduled at the next general election which is Nov. 7 of 2023,” she said at that meeting.

At that meeting, the Town Council directed Hankins to research the legal options regarding the requirements for a special election. She submitted that report before the Jan. 24 meeting, but the town has refused to release it publicly. Hankins described the report as a “confidential memorandum” and cited a Virginia Freedom of Information Act exemption that permits items subject to attorney-client privilege to be withheld.

On Monday, Rayner and Williams, who have said they support holding a

have a platform where we can reach people who may otherwise just drive by.”

The ticketed Friday evening talk and silent auction kickoff will include representatives from the Embassy of Ukraine and features beer, wine and a Ukrainian-inspired menu. The exhibition and auction take place Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. with an artists reception at 3 p.m. For Beck, it’s a way for the residents of a small but sophisticated rural town and nearby communities to make a difference in a conflict a world away.

“We’re a small venue compared to the worldwide stage. But if every little community would do something and keep it alive, it’s the power of many small steps,” Beck said. n

Hillsboro’s “The Art of War” Eat, Drink and Be Literary event takes place Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Hillsboro Old Stone School. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and drinks and light fare will be available for sale. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. The “Art of War” exhibition and auction runs Saturday, Feb. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Old Stone School. For tickets and information, go to oldstoneschool.org.

special election, filed a Writ of Mandamus seeking a Circuit Court judge to direct Milan, Bertaut, Bennett and Luke to comply with the special election requirement.

“At the time Milan and Bertaut made the statement that VML had said that a special election was not needed, both were aware of the position of VML that a special election was required,” the petition states, alleging the council members voting to not request a special election “willfully disregarded” their statutory duty.

The court filing includes a copy of Hankin’s staff report on the topic. It includes the conclusion: “No reasonable case can be made for the position that a Special Election is not required.”

In that report, she also advised that a council member who willfully neglects a duty could be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, subject to a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

Milan declined to comment to Loudoun Now and said he was reserving his remarks for the next Town Council meeting Feb. 14. n

THINGS to do

continued from page 27

Road, Purcellville

Details: old690.com

Stop in for unique last-minute gifts for your loved ones while enjoying live music from Chris Hanks. Sweetheart Dance with Steve George and Friends

Saturday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m.-midnight

Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 S. Berlin Pike, Lovettsville

Details: lovettsvillegameclub.com

Dance the night away with great tunes from Steve George and Friends. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Valentine’s Lovers Market

Sunday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling

Details: crookedrunbrewing.com

Show your love by supporting local small businesses, artisans and vendors at Crooked Run’s Valentine’s market.

Creek’s Edge Winery Valentine’s Dinner

Sunday, Feb. 12, 6 p.m.

Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville

Details: creeksedgewinery.com

Get the jump on Valentine’s fun with a five-course dinner and dance lesson from Dance King Studios. Tickets are $320 per couple in advance. n

You are cordially invited to join Juliana MacDowell & Friends for an extraordinary night of music, laughter and love to launch her ‘Big Old Yellow Moon’ album, recorded with Nashville's legendary, multi-Grammy winning producer/engineer, Bil VornDick (Alison Krauss, Béla Fleck, Dolly Parton, Bob Dylan...)

Special Guest Performer: Sela Campbell

Supported by: Mike Ault, Sonny Petrosky, Andy Hamburger; Buddy Griffin; Emily Randle and Dan Reynolds

FRIDAY FEB 17th

Doors: 6 pm • Show: 7-9 pm

Barns of Rose Hill 95 Chalmers Ct. • Berryville VA 22611 540-955-2004

Tix: $20 advance $25 door | www.barnsofrosehill.org

Money Talks. Now, Teach it to Hug

From personalized family foundations, to memorial funds, to scholarship funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends.

Since 1999, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has helped generous donors support a variety of charitable causes in our region. We salute the leaders who wrapped their vision and commitment—and arms—around this community to create and sustain a permanent charitable resource.

Town of Leesburg

Employment Opportunities

Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online.

Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA.

Regular Full-Time Positions

Summer Internship

To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.

Construction Project Manager/Project Engineer

Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to handle all aspects of construction project management. Duties include Preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring the assigned projects. Monitoring compliance to applicable codes, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards and specifications.

Interacting daily with the clients to interpret their needs and requirements and representing them in the field.

We are looking for an accountable project engineer/project manager to be responsible for all engineering and technical disciplines that projects involve. You will schedule, plan, forecast, resource and manage all the technical activities aiming at assuring project accuracy and quality from conception to completion.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering/Construction Management or relevant field

• Prior federal government project experience is preferred, but not required

• Entry-level/mid-level Position

Contact Info:

Katherine Hicks

208 South King Street Suite 303

Leesburg, VA 20175

Send Resume to: khicks@meridiengroupllc.com (703) 777-8285

Legal Notices

TOWN OF HAMILTON, VIRGINIA

NOTICE OF PROPOSED PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RATES AND MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE FEE FOR FY24

Pursuant to Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended §§15.2-107,-1427, 46.2-752 and 58.1-3000, -3007, -3506.1 and -3524the Hamilton Town Council will hold a public hearing at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, on February 27, 2023, beginning at 7:00 p.m. via Livestream and Zoom Virtual Meetings for the purpose of receiving comment on the proposed personal property tax rates and motor vehicle license fee for Fiscal Year 2024.

FY 2023 personal property tax rate:

FY2024 proposed personal property tax rate:

FY2024 proposed personal property tax rate

$1.10 per $100 of assessed value; 45% PPTRA discount for qualified vehicles

$1.10 per $100 of assessed value; no change in rate, 45% PPRTA For qualified vehicles

$0.01 per $100 of assessed value For elderly/disabled

FY2023 motor vehicle license fee $ 25.00

FY24 proposed motor vehicle license fee

$ 25.00 No change in rate

The Town Council will hold a special meeting following the public hearing to consider the adoption of an ordinance setting forth the personal property tax rate and motor vehicle license fee. Copies of the proposed ordinance and related documents are available for review on the Town website and at the Town Office, by appointment, Monday through Friday, 8 am through 4 pm. All interested residents are invited to participate in the public hearing by following the instructions on the Town website: hamiltonva.gov or emailing comments to Sherri Jackson, Treasurer at treasurer@hamiltonva.gov.

Kenneth C. Wine, Mayor Town of Hamilton

NOTICE OF JOINT PUBLIC HEARING BY THE TOWN OF HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA

2/9/23

Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission and Town Council of the Town of Hillsboro, Virginia (the “Planning Commission” and “Town Council”) will hold a joint public hearing to receive public comment on an application for a special exception use permit for a Bed and Breakfast Homestay pursuant to the Hillsboro Zoning Ordinance section 11-53. A summary of the application is provided below. Complete copies of the application are available for review at the Town office at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA, 20132 between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.

Summary of special exception use permit:

The application proposes a change of use for the existing single-family dwelling located at 36982 Charles Town Pike to a Bed and Breakfast Homestay. The subject parcel fronts Charles Town Pike and is further identified as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN): 517208708000. The Bed and Breakfast Homestay would allow for whole house rentals by one party or groups of all three bedrooms by no more than 6 adult occupants. No alterations to the structure or property are proposed.

The public hearing, which may be continued or adjourned, will be held before the Town Council and Planning Commission on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at Hillsboro Old Stone School located at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA, 20132. Any person interested in the application may appear at the public hearing and present his or her views. The Town Council may set time limits on speakers and other rules and procedures for the conduct of this public hearing.

Written comments regarding the application may be delivered prior to the public hearing in care of the Mayor at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, Virginia 20132, or e-mailed to tohadmin@hillsborova.gov. All comments received will be presented to the Town Council and Planning Commission during the public hearing.

TOWN OF HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA

Roger L. Vance, Mayor

ATTENTION LOUDOUN COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS

MARCH 1 DEADLINE

Notification of 2023 business tax filing requirements has been mailed to each business and self-employed person on our tax rolls. The notification contains the account number and owner name necessary to report both business receipts and business equipment online.

BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL DUE MARCH 1

Business owners who possess a 2022 Loudoun County Business License must obtain a 2023 license by reporting their calendar year 2022 gross receipts and paying the applicable license tax or fee at www. loudoun.gov/efile. The annual FILING and PAYMENT DEADLINE is midnight, March 1. After reporting the business’ receipts online, filers will be provided with a link to pay online as well. Owners of new businesses must obtain a license within 30 days of beginning business. Owners of businesses located in one of Loudoun’s incorporated towns should contact the respective town regarding business licensing requirements.

BUSINESS EQUIPMENT REPORTING DUE MARCH 1

Owners of business equipment that was located in Loudoun County on January 1, 2023, must report it for taxation at www.loudoun.gov/efile. The reporting of original cost, year of purchase, location, and item description for all business equipment in the county is due by midnight, March 1, 2023. Resulting semi-annual tax bills for this equipment must be paid to the Treasurer by the May 5 and October 5 deadlines. The reporting of business equipment is made to the Commissioner of the Revenue for all businesses in the County whether within or outside of an incorporated town.

Business owners subject to local business taxes must file annually, even if there is no tax due or property to declare. Mailing address changes and notification of business closure should also be reported at www. loudoun.gov/efile. Most transactions with our office can be done online. For more information or filing assistance, please visit www.loudoun.gov/cor or contact my office at businesstax@loudoun.gov or 703777-0260. You may also write or stop by my office weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. So that we may better serve you, taxpayers are encouraged to email or call prior to visiting the office.

Robert S. Wertz, Jr.

Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County

Loudoun Tech Center Office

46000 Center Oak Plaza, Sterling

Government Center Office

1 Harrison St. SE, 1st Floor, Leesburg

MAILING ADDRESS:

PO Box 8000, Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

Phone: 703-777-0260

E-mail: businesstax@loudoun.gov

Website: www.loudoun.gov/cor

2/9 & 2/16/23

FIND OUT ABOUT THE COUNTY’S REAL ESTATE AND CAR TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS FOR ELDERLY OR DISABLED RESIDENTS

Commissioner of the Revenue, Robert S. Wertz, Jr., encourages eligible property owners at least 65 years old or totally and permanently disabled to learn about Loudoun’s property tax breaks for eligible residents. Qualified program participants are relieved of 100% or 50% of the real estate taxes on their primary dwelling and lot up to 3 acres and may have their car taxes reduced. The qualifying net worth limit for real estate relief is $920,000, excluding the home and up to 10 acres. The qualifying gross combined income limit for real estate relief is $77,000. Disability income, income of a relative providing bona fide care, and $10,000 of income of a spouse or relative in the home is excluded from the $77,000 limit for real estate relief. The net worth and income limits are $195,000 and $52,000 for car tax relief.

The Commissioner’s Office will be holding information sessions at the following locations and times to explain the county’s tax relief program and answer residents’ questions. Attendance is free and no signup is required. For additional information, please contact the Tax Exemption and Deferrals Division at 703-737-8557 or taxrelief@loudoun.gov.

Library Leesburg

Monday, March 27, 2023 10:30 AM

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

CMPT-2022-0008 & SPEX-2022-0043, GOOSE CREEK SUBSTATION EXPANSION

(Commission Permit & Special Exception)

Dominion Energy Virginia of Glen Allen, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a Utility Substation, Transmission; and 2) a Special Exception to allow the Utility Substation, Transmission use in the JLMA-20 zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The proposed use requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101 and the Utility Substation, Transmission is listed as a Special Exception use in the JLMA-20 zoning district under Section 2-1303. The subject property is located within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District (Luck Note Area), partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 noise contour, and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) (major and minor floodplain). The subject property is approximately 34.32 acres in size and is located north of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) and south of Crosstrail Boulevard at 41990 Cochran Mill Rd, Leesburg, Virginia, in the Leesburg Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 151-45-9554. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Leesburg Joint Land Management Policy Area (JLMA Employment Place Type)) which designate this area for light and general industry employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.

SPEX-2022-0012

BELMONT

& ZCPA-2022-0007

CHASE II COMMERCIAL

(Special Exception and Zoning Concept Plan Amendment)

Regency Centers Acquisitions LLC of Jacksonville, Florida, has submitted applications for the following:

1) a Special Exception to develop an automobile service station with carry-out restaurant in the PDCC(CC) (Planned Development – Commercial Center (Community Center)) zoning district; and 2) a Zoning Concept Plan Amendment to revise proffer language relating to the specific location of outdoor amenities. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed automobile service station is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-204(B)(2). The subject property is approximately 4.7 acres in size and is located south of Leesburg Pike (Route 7), east of Claiborne Parkway (Route 901), and north of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061), in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 083-27-7956 (portion). The area is governed by the polices of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which supports Retail and Service Commercial uses at a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.

ZMAP-2021-0023 DEFENDER DRIVE

(Zoning Map Amendment)

NFD Acquisition LLC, of the District of Columbia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 13.8 acres from the PDH-4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) zoning district and the CR-1 (Countryside Residential – 1) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-16 ADU (Townhouse/ Multifamily Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop a maximum of 208 dwelling units comprised of 67 single‐family attached and 141 stacked multifamily units with a maximum density of approximately 15.07 dwelling units per acre. The subject property is approximately 13.8 acres in size and is located south of John Mosby Highway (Route 50), east of South Riding Boulevard (Route 2201) and north of Mountain View Drive (Route 834), in the Dulles Election District. The property is more particularly described as follows:

PIN ADDRESS

128-48-4437 N/A

128-48-8353 43394 Valley Vista Ln., Chantilly, VA 20152

128-48-9540 N/A

128-48-9920 43405 Valley Vista Ln., Chantilly, VA 20152

The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 airport noise contour and within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District, Chantilly Crush Stone Note Area. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area), in the Suburban Commercial Place Type), which designates the area for larger format retail commercial establishments and smaller commercial establishments within a “main street” style environment at a total Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0 and also within the Suburban Neighborhood Place Type which designate this area for predominately Residential uses on medium-tolarge lots with a residential density up to four dwelling units per acres, or up to six units per acre for infill development, and a total non-residential FAR of up to 1.0.

ZMAP-2021-0008, SPEX-2021-0028, SPEX-2021-0029, SPEX-2021-0030, SPEX-2022-0044, ZMOD-2021-0035, ZMOD-2021-0036, ZMOD-2021-0091, ZMOD-2022-0036, ZMOD-2022-0037, ZMOD-2022-0038 & ZMOD-2022-0082

VILLAGE AT CLEAR SPRINGS

(Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exceptions & Zoning Modifications)

Clear Springs Development, LLC, of Aldie, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: to rezone approximately 245.95 acres from the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-H6 (Planned Development – Housing), administered as R-1 (Residential), R-8 and R-16)) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 1,180 dwelling units consisting of 242 single-family detached (SFD) dwelling units (including one existing SFD dwelling unit and 131 age-restricted SFD dwelling units), 578 single family attached (SFA) dwelling units (including 157 SFA age-restricted dwelling units), and 360 multi-family attached (MF Attached) dwelling units (including 180 MF Attached age-restricted dwelling units); and Special Exceptions to permit playing fields and courts with lights, a private club or lodge, and to modify the required yards within the portion of the property administered as R-8 and R-1. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed uses are listed as Special Exception uses under Section 3-504(I), Section 3-504(J), Section 7-803(C)(1)(a), 7-803(C)(1)(b), 7-803(C)(2)(a), 7-803(C)(2)(b), and Section 3-104(C)(4). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modifications:

ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

§7-803(B)(2), R-8 Single Family Residential District, Lot and Building Requirements, Lot Width.

§3-511(A), R-8 Single Family Residential, Development Setback and Access from Major Roads, Private Streets.

§1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurement of Lots, Yards and Related Terms, Lot Access Requirements.

§4-110(B), Planned Development Housing, Site Planning-Internal Relationships.

§7-903(B)(2), R-16 Townhouse/Multi-family District, Lot and Building Requirements, Lot Width.

§5-1404(B), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Buffer Yards, Use Buffer Yard Matrix, Table 5-1404(B).

§5-1303(B)(4), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, For development requiring a plan of subdivision, but not a site plan, property not zoned A-3, A-10, AR-1, AR2, i.e. single family and duplex dwellings.

§5-1303(A)(3)(4), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, Site Planning.

§5-1404(D), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Buffer Yards, Buffer Yard Widths and Plant Requirements.

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

Reduce lot width from 24 feet to 20 feet.

To allow single family detached dwellings to front and access from a private road.

To allow single family detached dwellings to front and access from a private road.

To allow single family detached dwellings to front and access from a private road.

Reduce lot width from 24 feet to 20 feet.

To eliminate buffer yards.

To eliminate the street tree requirement.

To permit the calculation of minimum tree canopy to be tabulated overall for the entire development area.

To permit a Type 1 roadway buffer to be provided in a 5-foot width, rather than a 10-foot width.

The subject property is approximately 245.95 acres in size and is located east of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), west of Dulles Greenway (Route 267) in the Catocin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as:

PIN PROPERTY ADDRESS

234-36-7151 41346 Springfield Ln Leesburg, VA 20175

234-37-0852 41352 Springfield Ln Leesburg, VA 20175

234-37-4941 N/A

234-37-2906 41350 Springfield Ln Leesburg, VA 20175

234-27-2750 N/A

PIN PROPERTY ADDRESS

234-17-2596 41406 Springfield Ln Leesburg, VA 20175

235-46-5476 19736 Evergreen Mills Rd Leesburg, VA 20175

235-46-0954 19724 Evergreen Mills Rd Leesburg, VA 20175

234-16-2147 19680 Evergreen Mills Rd Leesburg, VA 20175

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Legal Notices

The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Compact Neighborhood Place Type and Transition Small Lot Neighborhood Place Type)) - which designates the area for Residential and Public/Civic uses with residential densities of 3 to 5 dwelling units per acre, and a maximum non-residential floor area ratio Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.2.

REVIEW AND RENEWAL, MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF THE MIDDLEBURG EAST AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT

The current period of the Middleburg East Agricultural and Forestal District will expire on July 17, 2023. The District has a four-year period and a subdivision minimum lot size of 50 acres. Pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, the Board of Supervisors has directed staff, the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC), and the Planning Commission to conduct a review in order to determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Parcels currently enrolled in the District are located within an area generally south of Sam Fred Road (Route 748), Cobb House Road (Route 629), and Stonewall Farm Lane, west of New Mountain Road (Route 631), east of Landmark School Road (Route 776) and Foxcroft Road (Route 626), and north of and adjoining the boundary of Fauquier County, in the 2022 Little River Election District.

During this review, land less than 5 acres, or 20 acres or greater, in size that is currently enrolled in the District will be automatically renewed. However, any parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres will be ineligible for renewal and inclusion within the District unless the owner submits an application on forms provided by the Department of Planning and Zoning and one or more of the following criteria is met:

1. Management Plan that specifically states that the property owner(s) are accumulating the required 5-year production records in order to qualify for agricultural, to include horticulture, land use tax deferral.

2. Animal Husbandry including Equine uses (commercial or non-commercial) with a Management Plan that relates the pasture carrying capacity to limit the number of animals allowed.

3. Forests and woodlands with a management plan that specifies the actions required to maintain and enhance the stands.

4. Wetlands, flood plains, streams and/or rivers that have Management Plans that set forth the terms for their maintenance and enhancement.

During this review, land within the District may be withdrawn, in whole or in part, at the owner’s discretion by filing a written notice with the Board of Supervisors at any time before the Board acts to continue, modify, or terminate the District.

Landowners of the following parcels, currently enrolled in the Middleburg East Agricultural and Forestal District, were notified by certified mail of the District’s review.

Parcel Listings:

* Indicates a parcel whose owner is withdrawing it from the District.

** Indicates a parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres whose owner did not properly apply for renewal.

The ADAC held a public meeting on January 30, 2023, to review and make recommendations concerning whether to continue, modify, or terminate the Middleburg East Agricultural and Forestal District, and to review renewal applications and requests for withdrawal of land from the District. The report and recommendations of the ADAC will be considered by the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, at its public hearing on February 28, 2023. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its public hearing.

In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac 1-30-2023 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: https://www.loudoun.gov/pc (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Public Hearings Packet).

REVIEW AND RENEWAL, MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF THE MIDDLEBURG WEST AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT

The current period of the Middleburg West Agricultural and Forestal District will expire on July 17, 2023. The District has a four-year period and a subdivision minimum lot size of 50 acres. Pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, the Board of Supervisors has directed staff, the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC), and the Planning Commission to conduct a review in order to determine whether to continue, modify, or terminate the District. Parcels currently enrolled in the District are located within an area generally south of Beaverdam Bridge Road (Route 733), Quaker Lane (Route 630), and Newlin Mill Road (Route 790), east of Willisville Road (Route 623), west of Leith Lane (Route 767) and Polecat Hill Road (Route 696), Foxcroft Road (626), and Landmark School Road (Route 776), and north of and adjoining the boundary with Fauquier County, in the 2022 Little River Election District.

During this review, land less than 5 acres, or 20 acres or greater, in size that is currently enrolled in the District will be automatically renewed. However, any parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres will be ineligible for renewal and inclusion within the District unless the owner submits an application on forms provided by the Department of Planning and Zoning and one or more of the following criteria is met:

Legal Notices

1. Management Plan that specifically states that the property owner(s) are accumulating the required 5-year production records in order to qualify for agricultural, to include horticulture, land use tax deferral.

2. Animal Husbandry including Equine uses (commercial or non-commercial) with a Management Plan that relates the pasture carrying capacity to limit the number of animals allowed.

3. Forests and woodlands with a management plan that specifies the actions required to maintain and enhance the stands.

4. Wetlands, flood plains, streams and/or rivers that have Management Plans that set forth the terms for their maintenance and enhancement.

During this review, land within the District may be withdrawn, in whole or in part, at the owner’s discretion by filing a written notice with the Board of Supervisors at any time before the Board acts to continue, modify, or terminate the District.

Landowners of the following parcels, currently enrolled in the Middleburg West Agricultural and Forestal District, were notified by certified mail of the District’s review.

Parcel Listings:

* Indicates a parcel whose owner is withdrawing it from the District.

** Indicates a parcel containing at least 5 acres but less than 20 acres whose owner did not properly apply for renewal.

The ADAC held a public meeting on January 30, 2023, to review and make recommendations concerning whether to continue, modify, or terminate the Middleburg West Agricultural and Forestal District, and to review renewal applications and requests for withdrawal of land from the District. The report and recommendations of the ADAC will be considered by the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, at its public hearing on February 28, 2023. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission, along with any proposed modifications, will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its public hearing.

In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac 1-30-2023 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: https://www.loudoun.gov/pc (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Public Hearings Packet).

Unless otherwise noted above, full and complete copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances and/or plans, and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0220, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246.

Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and the Clerk’s records. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audio-visual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified.

Citizens are encouraged to call the Department of Planning and Zoning on the day of the public hearing to confirm that an item is on the agenda, or, the most current agenda may be viewed on the Planning Commission’s website at www.loudoun.gov/pc. In the event that the second Thursday is a holiday or the meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be moved to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event that Tuesday is a holiday or the Tuesday meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be held on the following Thursday. The meeting will be held at a place determined by the Chairman.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings at all other locations. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246. Please provide three days’ notice.

BY ORDER OF: MICHELLE FRANK, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)

The Town of Leesburg will accept bids electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), until 3:00 p.m. on February 28, 2023 for the following:

IFB No. 100417-FY23-33-Re-bid

CARBON DIOXIDE – LIQUID POOL CHEMICAL FOR IDA LEE RECREATION CENTER

The Town of Leesburg is accepting sealed bids from qualified firms to furnish and deliver pool chemicals on a reoccurring and as-needed basis for three swimming pool facilities. Chemicals will be delivered to the Town’s AV Symington Aquatic Center located at 80 Ida Lee Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176 and Ida Lee Recreation Center located at 60 Ida Lee Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard

2/9/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ041604-07-00, JJ041604-08-00; JJ043080-04-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Diana Gissel

Medina Lainez and Gabriela Medina Lainez

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

Jose Medina, Putative Father

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Diana Gissel Medina Lainez and Gabriela Medina Lainez, and; hold a hearing on placement in a qualified residential treatment program pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1281(E) for Diana Gissel Medina Lainez.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Jose Medina, Putative Father appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interests on or before March 22, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

2/9, 2/16, 2/23 & 3/2/23

PUBLIC NOTICE

INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)

The Town of Leesburg will accept bids electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on March 2, 2023 for the following:

IFB NO. 20005-FY23-49

IDA LEE PARK SIDEWALK & TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS RECREATION CENTER TO A.V. SYMINGTON AQUATICS CENTER

The Town is soliciting bids from qualified contractors for construction of asphalt trail, curb and gutter, concrete sidewalk, ADA ramps, VDOT handrail HR-1 type II, and miscellaneous site work and all incidentals related thereto.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard

2/9/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046599-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Briston Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

/v.

Shakita Love, Mother

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Briston Love

It is ORDERED that the defendant Shakita Love, Mother appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before March 7, 2023 at 2:00pm

1/26, 2/2, 2/9 & 2/16

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on April 13, 2023 for the following:

RFP No. 100314-FY23-21

Custodial Services – Various Town Facilities

The Town of Leesburg, Virginia is requesting sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide custodial services for various facilities in the Town. A mandatory pre-proposal inperson meeting will be held at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023, in Lower-Level Conference Room #1 of Town Hall, located at 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Attendance at the pre-proposal meeting and site visit is mandatory.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard

2/9/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046598-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Chloe Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Shakita Love, Mother; Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Chloe Love.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Shakita Love, Mother; Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before March 7, 2023 at 2:00pm

1/26, 2/2, 2/9 & 2/16

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Case No. CL-21-6494

LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

18 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re SOPHIA MARIE CARVAJAL VS. SOPHIA MARIE LOZADA

The object of the suit is to: CHANGE NAME OF MINOR It is ORDERED that Arlene Carvajal appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before March 24, 2023 at 2:00PM.

2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104

Case No. CL-22-6473

LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

18 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176

CHRISTINE MICHELLE STRANO RONALD ROCCO MACK

The object of the suit is to: name change for Kylie Kathleen Mack Barbiere

It is ORDERED that Ronald Rocco Mack appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before March 24, 2023 at 10 AM.

2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ044816-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Alexander Beers

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

John Beers, putative father and Cathryn Beers, mother

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Alexander Beers.

It is ORDERED that the defendants John Beers, putative father and Cathryn Beers, mother appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before March 7, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

1/26, 2/2, 2/9 & 2/16

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE

The Purcellville Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Town Council Chambers located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 6:30 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:

A Special Use Permit application, identified by the Town as “SUP22-01,” to permit a drive-through facility. The drive-through facility is proposed to serve a not-yetconstructed free-standing restaurant, to be located at the north-east corner of The Shoppes at Main and Maple, directly behind the existing Walgreens building. The property is addressed as 711A East Main Street, Purcellville, Virginia, and is further identified in Loudoun County land records as Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 488-30-6864 (“Property”). The application is submitted by the owner of the Property, SRB Enterprises, LLC.

Additional information regarding the Special Use Permit application is available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.

At this public hearing, all persons desiring to present their views concerning this matter will be heard. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Town Council Chambers. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability, contact the Town Clerk at 540-751-2334; please provide notice of the accommodation at least three days in advance of the meeting.

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned,” as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.

VIRGINIA:

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE TOWN COUNCIL

FIELDS FARM PARK APPLICATIONS FOR REZONING, SPECIAL USE PERMITS, & COMMISSION PERMITS

PARCEL NUMBERS 522-29-5928 & 522-29-6381

OWNER: LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

The Town Council of the Town of Purcellville will conduct a public hearing on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2023, at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following applications:

The County of Loudoun has submitted 5 applications, proposing to rezone parcel numbers 522-295928 and 522-29-6381 (“the Property”), so that the Property may be developed with two special uses: a Commuter Parking Lot, and an Outdoor Lighted Public Recreational Facility consisting of 7 athletic fields, all as follows:

(1) One Rezoning application (“RZ 20-01”), which proposes to amend the zoning designation of the Property from the existing “X - Transitional” designation, to the “Institutional and Public Use District” designation (“IP”). The future land use map of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan (page 45) recommends that the Property be utilized for Institutional and Government land uses.

The existing X-Transitional zoning district is the zoning district assigned by the Town to land when it is annexed into the Town’s corporate limits, and therefore has been the zoning designation of the property since it was annexed into the Town in 2008. There is no specified density in the X zoning district, which requires a minimum lot size of 3 acres and allows by-right several uses, including: single-family housing, group homes, minor public utilities, place of worship, and beds & breakfasts.

The proposed “IP” zoning designation is described by the Town Zoning Ordinance as follows: “[The “IP”] district is intended to permit the location and growth of public and private educational, institutional, public, and semi-public uses in areas appropriate for such uses. The district is intended to encourage the retention or adaptive reuse of larger public and institutional uses on sites identified for such uses in the adopted comprehensive plan.” There is no specified density in the IP Zoning District, which requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet and allows by-right several uses, including: college, government office, library, police station, minor public utility, public parking lot and parks. The proposed zoning map amendment is necessary in order to obtain the two Special Use Permit applications, which are described below.

(2) Two Special Use Permit applications (“SUP 20-01” and “SUP 20-02”) and Two Commission Permit Applications (“CP 20-01” and “CP 20-02”) for the following special uses:

IN

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY IN RE: ESTATE OF LINDA JEAN HORNE ) FIDUCIARY 19641

SHOW CAUSE ORDER AGAINST DISTRIBUTION

It appearing that the Personal Representative has petitioned this Court to enter a Rule to Show Cause against Distribution; that the debts and demands against is estate has been filed, that the First and Final Account has been filed with the Commissioner of Accounts, and the six months have elapsed since the qualification, on Motion of the said Personal Representatives;

It is ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the Estate do show cause, if any they can, on the 24th day of February, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. before this Court in its Courtroom, against the payment and delivery of the Estate of Linda Jean Horne, deceased, to the payees without refunding bonds.

2/2 & 2/9/23

(a) One Commuter Parking Lot with up to 260 parking spaces, and

(b) Seven (7) Lighted Outdoor Public Recreational Fields (4 soccer/lacrosse & 3 baseball). While the Property consists of about 221 acres, the portion of the Property proposed to be rezoned and developed with the two Special Uses consists of approximately 69 acres, located on the southern half of the Property (the “project area”). The project area is located immediately south of Woodgrove High School, north of Route 7, between Routes 690 and 611. The project area abuts the west side of the Mayfair residential and industrial subdivisions. The project area currently has 2 existing soccer fields, with the remainder of the land being currently vacant. The project area is located east of and proximate to the future interchange planned to be constructed at Route 690 and Route 7.

A full and complete copy of the proposed applications and all related documents are available for review on the town’s website at https://www.purcellvilleva.gov/1017/Fields-Farm-Park-Projects, and also inperson at the office of the Town Clerk, or at the office of the Planning Department, both located within the Purcellville Town Hall, 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. For questions, please call (540) 338-7421.

At this public hearing, all persons desiring to present their views concerning this matter will be heard. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Town Council Chambers. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability, contact the Town Clerk at 540-751-2334; please provide notice of the accommodation at least three days in advance of the meeting.

Remote Participation Through “GoToMeeting” -- If you have already installed the GoToMeeting app and wish to comment during the hearing but cannot attend in person, please join the Public Hearing remotely by going to the following:

Town Council Special Meeting

Feb 21, 2023, 6:00 – 8:00 PM (America/New_York)

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/248391405

You can also dial in using your phone.

Access Code: 248-391-405

United States: +1 (872) 240-3212

Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install

Email Your Comments: In addition, all persons have the option of sending an email to the Town Clerk, Diana Hays, at dhays@purcellvilleva.gov, with written comments or questions concerning the proposed project. Emails sent by 6:00 PM the day of the Public Hearing will be part of the written record for the public hearing and project, but may not necessarily be read aloud into the record at the public hearing.

2/2 & 2/9/23

Nan Forbes, Planning Commission Chairman Town of

Legal Notices

Loudoun County Public Schools Abbreviated School Attendance Zone Change Process

The Loudoun County School Board has initiated an abbreviated attendance zone change process to consider three recommendations proposed to take effect in fall 2023, with the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

• Elementary school students living in Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Planning Zones EL36.1 and EL36.2 (including the Kincora community), currently within the Sterling Elementary School attendance zone, are being recommended to attend Steuart W. Weller Elementary School.

• Elementary school students living in LCPS Planning Zone CL24 (including the Church and Market, Crescent Place, King Street Station and Monroe Manor communities), currently within the Catoctin Elementary School attendance zone, are being recommended to attend Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School.

• Future students who will reside in Cattail Run are being recommended to attend Ball's Bluff Elementary School, Smart's Mill Middle School and Tuscarora High School.

All information and data prepared for the School Board in association with the abbreviated attendance zone change process will be posted on the LCPS website (https://www.LCPS.org/Page/248359).

Date School Board Attendance Zone Meeting

Tuesday, January 24, 2023* School Board Attendance Zone Overview

Tuesday, February 14, 2023,* School Board Public Hearing & Action on Proposed Attendance Zone Changes

* Regular School Board Meeting

School Board meetings are broadcast live on Comcast channel 18 and Verizon FIOS channel 43. Broadcasts may also be viewed live on the LCPS website (https://www.LCPS.org/Page/140009).

Detail on how to sign up to speak at the February 14 public hearing is provided at https://www.LCPS.org/Page/223425. In-person sign up will also be accepted on the afternoon of February 14 at the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) until 30 minutes before the start of the meeting.

Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in the School Board meetings or public hearing should contact the Superintendent's Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Division of Planning & GIS Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148

Telephone: 571-252-1050

Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG Webpage: https://www.LCPS.org/Page/248359

Public Notice

The Town of Leesburg Board and Commission Vacancies

The Town of Leesburg is soliciting applications for multiple Board and Commission vacancies. Current vacancies include: Commission on Public Art, Diversity Commission, Environmental Advisory Commission, Technology and Communications Commission and a NW resident for the Residential Traffic Commission. Citizens interested in serving on a board or commission can find additional information, membership requirements, or may apply via the Town’s web site at www.leesburgva.gov/government/ boards-and-commissions. Applications will be kept on file for one year. Any questions can be sent to the Clerk of Council via email at eboeing@leesburgva.gov

2/2 & 2/9/2023

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS/PROPOSALS FOR:

FINANCE AND COMPLIANCE AUDIT SERVICES, RFP NO. 577787 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, February 24, 2023.

HUMAN REMAINS REMOVAL AND TRANSPORTATION, IFB No. 578784 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, March 2, 2023.

Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT.

ABC LICENSE

Buford’s Biscuits trading as Buford’s Biscuits, 7 W Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Charles Schech, Owner

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

2/9 & 2/16/23

NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES

Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046179-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Starh Rahimi

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Mohamad Wali, putative father

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Starh Rahimi.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Mohamad Wali, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before February 22, 2023 at 3:00 pm

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LVCU 2022-0002, APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia, to consider an application for a Conditional Use Permit filed by One Family Brewing LLC to increase the building setback from Lutheran Church Road beyond the 40-foot maximum setback permitted in the CRA-1 Commercial Residential Annexation zoning district pursuant to Lovettsville Town Code Section 42233(d)(3). The parcel of land that is the subject of this request is identified as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN): 371-39-4189 and is 27.07 acres in area. The property is located at 12890 Berlin Turnpike.

All persons desiring to speak will be given the opportunity to do so at this meeting.

Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. The proposed Conditional Use Permit is available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva.gov/government/planning-commission/ You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened on the next regularly scheduled Town Council Meeting at the same time and place.

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024

Pursuant to Section 15.2-2506 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia, at which time the public shall have the right to provide written and oral comments on the proposed budget for fiscal year July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

This budget is prepared for informative and fiscal planning purposes only. Such preparation, publication, and approval shall not be deemed to be an appropriation. No money shall be paid out or become available to be paid out for any contemplated expenditure unless and until there has first been made an annual, semiannual, quarterly, or monthly appropriation for such contemplated expenditure.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE

The Purcellville Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) will hold a public hearing in the Town Council Chambers located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:

A Zoning Determination Appeal, identified by the Town as “BZA22-01.” The appeal concerns the use of a 20-acre property located at the southwest corner of the Hirst Road and North Maple Avenue intersection. The property is identified by Loudoun County as Parcel Number 452-25-4468, and is owned by Branko Stupar, Trustee. The property is zoned “CM-1: Local Service Industrial.”

The appeal of Zoning Determination 22-01 is filed by KMG Hauling, Inc. (“KMG”), the contract purchaser of the property.

KMG appeals a zoning determination dated November 21, 2022, which concluded that KMG’s proposed use of the property for the storage and light maintenance of waste hauling equipment and vehicles associated with KMG’s waste hauling business was not permitted in the CM-1 zoning district.

Additional information regarding the zoning determination appeal is available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.

At this public hearing, all persons desiring to present their views concerning this matter will be heard. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Town Council Chambers. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation to participate in this meeting as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability, contact the Town Clerk at 540-751-2334; please provide notice of the accommodation at least three days in advance of the meeting.

Eric Zimmerman, Board of Zoning Appeals Chairman

Town of Purcellville

PUBLIC NOTICE

TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE

Business, Professional and Occupational License tax for 2023 is due on March 1, 2023. Failure to receive a renewal application does not relieve penalty and interest charges.

Elizabeth B. Krens, Treasurer

Town of Middleburg, Virginia

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND INVITATION TO BID ON A NONEXCLUSIVE LEASE/FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, INSTALL, MAINTAIN, EXTEND AND OPERATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT ON PROPERTY OWNED BY THE TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG

Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Town of Middleburg, Virginia, a Municipal Corporation of the Commonwealth of Virginia, pursuant to § 15.2-2102 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, and after advertisement required by §§ 15.2-1800 and 15.2-2101 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, and in the mode prescribed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, intends to receive bids and adopt an Ordinance for the lease/franchise of Town-owned property located at 25 Stonewall Court for cellular communications equipment and associated facilities for a term of up to 25 years. Bids shall be in writing and delivered to Council Chambers, Town Office, 10 West Marshall Street, Virginia on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., local time, in open session of Council, to the Clerk of Council. After the council has had a public hearing concerning such grant of lease, bids shall be opened in public session and marked for identification by the mayor or other presiding officer.

All persons desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting.

Copies of the proposed budget are available on the Town website and are available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. Call 540-822-5788 for more information or visit www.lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is cancelled, the public hearing will be convened at the next regular scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

If an acceptable bid is received, the Town Council may adopt an Ordinance to grant nonexclusive use of the Town’s property to the successful bidder. Such Ordinance shall include required terms, such as, monthly lease amount, length of lease, and tenant’s obligations. A copy of the full Ordinance is available at the Town Office, 10 West Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia, from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Trowbridge Littleton, Mayor Town of Middleburg 2/9 & 2/16/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ045610-04-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Kelvin Menjivar

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § § 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Kelvin Menjivar

It is ORDERED that the defendant Rene Alavarenga Buezo, putative father appear at the above named Court and protect his or her interests on or before March 14, 2023 at 10:00 am.

2/9, 2/16 & 2/23/23

Veterans Tree Service

Opinion

Flawed Culture

It’s not uncommon for the Purcellville Town Council to reject or ignore the advice of its expert advisors—from its finance team to its utility consultants to management gurus, and, of course, the town’s own staff. It’s a flawed culture that the town’s elections have perpetuated rather than fixed. However, the most recent controversy goes beyond the risks of fanciful policy pursuits.

If true, the claim that the council leadership intentionally ignored the findings of two legal advisors and misled collogues in pursuit of winning votes for an action they were told would violate state law is an unconscionable breach of the public trust.

Sadly, it is not surprising that the council majority would dismiss the unusually strong and direct warning of the town attorney that their desired plan of action not only was improper but also could be viewed as criminal wrongdoing. Too often the council rejects advice it doesn’t want to hear, usually blaming the messenger for some

Injustice

Editor:

Public sector unions (“collective bargaining”) are a fraud against the taxpayers. The Loudoun Education Association is working tirelessly against the taxpayers and against the children of Loudoun County.

The union parasites are now making their big push to insinuate themselves in our public schools in a way that will have an incredibly negative effect into the foreseeable future. I would like to urge the people of Loudoun County to resist. I especially urge all teachers and other LCPS employees who have already signed cards calling for collective

measure of ineptitude. Instead, it appears the leadership latched on to a much-desired conflicting second opinion, even if informally given by a party not familiar with the details of the issue. Yet when one of the commonwealth’s most respected municipal law attorneys notified them of the errant recommendation and confirmed the findings of the town attorney, they apparently returned to the gameplan of ignoring unwanted advice—and shielding the offending information from public scrutiny.

Now it will be left to the court to sort out the mess.

Last week in this space, we suggested a strategic retreat might help the new council find its footing and set the stage for a productive term. However, the hope that the Purcellville council could embrace a collaborative spirit that generally is a hallmark of Loudoun’s small-town governments seems even more out of reach. n

LETTERS to the Editor

bargaining to rescind their support by formally withdrawing their signature.

Teacher unions are big businesses whose highest purpose is padding their own pockets. They ultimately do not care about the kids or about the teachers, and they certainly don’t care about the value to taxpayers. Collective bargaining in Loudoun will bring layers of negativity, harm to kids, waste, and inefficiency.

I listened to every pro-collective-bargaining speaker last week at LCPS, and not one made a valid case. Their arguments were non-sequiturs. I heard several say that collective bargaining would “enable

LCPS to compete for (or retain) the best teachers.” Excuse me? What is preventing LCPS from doing that now? The answer is: Nothing. The School Board is completely free to adjust pay and benefits as they see fit to be competitive in the marketplace. No union is needed to “help” them do that.

I heard others claim that collective bargaining would give employees or experts a “seat at the table.” What? Every employee already has a seat at the table. Every employee already has the full right to negotiate their contract with LCPS. And, as

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

continues on page 41

Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor -

EDITORIAL

Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com

15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176

PO Box 207

Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723

Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com

Alexis Gustin, Reporter agustin@loudounnow.com

Hanna Pampaloni, Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

What will be the most important races in this fall’s elections?

nstyer@loudounnow.com

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Susan Styer, Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com

Tonya Harding, Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com

Vicky Mashaw, Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.com

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

They say assessments went up 7.5% on average.

How did your house rate?

Share your views

at loudounnow.com/polls

Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun and Ashburn, and distributed for pickup throughout the county. Online, Loudoun Now provides daily community news coverage to an audience of more than 100,000 unique monthly visitors.

Beyond Hyper-Partisan Battles: How We Move Virginia Forward

BY ARJUN SETTY

As I woke to the sound of my alarm on Jan. 11, I was met with the same typical headlines: “Biden admin torched by Rep. Gary Palmer over potential gas stove ban: ‘Desire to control American’s lives’” and “How Montana Took a Hard Right Turn Toward Christian Nationalism.” While this hyper-partisan and nationalized rhetoric might make flashy, attention-grabbing headlines, they leave Americans like me, politically active members of Gen Z, disillusioned. Sure, ominous fear mongering gets more clicks, but does it do anything to create a well-informed voting population?

GenVoterZ, a new nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Loudoun County, recognized this problem and is filling this political awareness gap by empowering current and future voters to be civically engaged through education. So, when one of GenVoterZ’s founders, Danielle Matson, invited me on the “Richmond Bound” trip Jan. 23 to

LETTERS to the Editor

continued from page 40

above, nothing prevents the LCPS board from calling any expert they wish. How a teachers’ unions would be required for them to do so is beyond me.

A couple pro-Union speakers claimed that collective bargaining would “give workers a voice” or “allow” them to influence working conditions. Once again, these are old, tired union slogans. Nothing prevents any LCPS employee from having a voice or seeking improved working conditions. My goodness, they were expressing these concerns publicly.

If employees leave for greener pastures, the market will naturally require LCPS to increase pay or offer greater incentives to employment. This is how a just and fair employment system works. There is no need to entrench and empower a union to sap resources, harm kids, create an adversarial working environment, and otherwise work against the taxpayers. Collective bargaining in LCPS

discuss issues important to Gen Z with elected officials, I enthusiastically agreed.

Along with six other Loudoun high schoolers, we departed Loudoun before sunrise and arrived in Richmond as legislators began their workday. After a warm welcome and breakfast with our hosts, Del. David Reid (VA-32) and his Chief of Staff, Dan Bianco, we gathered for a Capitol tour. While wandering the halls, I gained a deeper understanding of the America our founding fathers envisioned. Whether embodied in the faces adorning the walls and statues or the meeting spots interspersed throughout the capitol, the conspicuous symbolism and the very structure of the building made clear that our institutions were designed so revolutionary ideas could bring people together, not drive them apart. Indeed, towering over the old chamber hangs another symbol of historic renewal: a painting of post-Civil War legislators creating a new progressive Constitution out of the aftermath of Virginia’s bloodiest chapter.

After our tour, we crossed the threshold of the old rotunda into the gallery of the House of Delegates and moved to matters of the present day. Our group was introduced on the floor, and we

is exactly the opposite of what the people of Loudoun County need. It would be the very definition of injustice.

— Daniel Brubaker, Lovettsville

Equity Erases Equality

Editor:

By a 7-1-1 vote the Board of Supervisors has continued her unrelenting march towards policymaking devoted to Saul Alinsky’s playbook principle that politicians speak of moral principles but act on power principles.

The new Office of Equity and Inclusion “will develop and implement an equity lens and tools to embed equity principles in the county’s departments that invariably could benefit every resident of Loudoun County,” according to Chair Phyllis Randall.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees life, liberty and private property protection to all Americans not just those alleged by the political class to be suffering from injustice, bigotry and intolerance. By judging individuals according to their skin color, religious preference or gender rather than “the content of their character” one can’t

witnessed a House debate firsthand. I didn’t have to look far to see the partisan fractures within our state; even Reid’s chief of staff discussed the challenges of passing legislation through a Republican-controlled House and a Democratic-controlled Senate. Nonetheless, he expressed optimism on specific bipartisan policy priorities and emphasized that despite division on the surface, progress is made possible by everyone’s shared identity as a Virginian.

While our look into the General Assembly proved edifying, we wanted to interact directly with lawmakers. So we spoke with Democrats, Republicans, and independents, including Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Secretary of Administration, Lyn McDermid; Sen. Barbara Favola (VA-31); Del. Irene Shin (VA-86), Reid and many other staffers and lobbyists. What impressed me most was that each person shared a unique perspective, such as McDermid’s objective of improving cybersecurity, Shin’s focus on expanding AAPI representation, and Reid’s emphasis on bettering education.

Speaking with a representative from the administration and individual legislators helped me realize that Virginia needs every single one of these distinct

help but wonder what Martin Luther King would say. He tirelessly preached unity and against discrimination of any kind saying, “live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

This on the heels of the Loudoun School Board institutionalizing CRT despite fierce parental opposition and promoting transgenderism that attempts to turn objective biology and science into a personal preference. Historically, these “feel good” ideas lead to criminal behavior and a dangerous environment for the health and safety of children.  (See suicide spike after COVID lockdowns). Obscuring the truth inevitably ends up causing life altering harm to an innocent party.

The 14th Amendment of the Constitution grants all Loudouners equal protection under the law. Preferences based on race, gender and religion are a denial of these rights. The Board of Supervisors pledged an oath to support and defend the U.S. Constitution. By crafting then voting for a policy that puts power and politics ahead of the rights of all citizens in the county the oath taken has been obscured by personal ambition.

voices to make decisions, including mine and the collective voice of GenZers. More importantly, it helped me realize that as Virginia becomes more diverse, we all must embrace and encourage diversity of thought while destigmatizing political discourse. This path forward may not be the easiest or most agreeable approach to progress, but it is undoubtedly the right one. Put simply, our partisan divisions must be reframed as a strength based upon our democratic ideals. Through collaboration and compromise, we could create a better future, no matter what the headlines may tell us. n

Arjun Setty is a high school junior at Potomac Falls High School and the Academies of Loudoun. As a student passionate about finance and policy making, he serves as a student representative on the LCPS Equity committee, the Policy and Activism Chair of the Loudoun County Youth Advisory Council, an LCPS student school board representative, and the Student Body President at PFHS. Outside of policymaking, Arjun is the CEO of a fintech startup, Minvest, participates in DECA, and plays for his school’s Varsity Ice Hockey team.

John Adams recognized the exquisiteness of our Republican form of government while simultaneously warning against political authoritarianism when he offered this modern-day prophesy “where private interest governs, it is a nation of men and not of laws.”

Black economist Thomas Sowell known for following the facts wherever they lead connects “equity” policies to a wealth transfer agenda: “Since this is an era when many people are concerned about ‘fairness’ and ‘social justice’ the question becomes what is ‘your fair share’ of what someone else has worked for?”

Will the usurpation stop with CRT, transgenderism and equity? Those of us who cherish liberty must assume the grab for unenumerated powers will continue. In a constitutional republic it’s up to those who desire to live free of government encroachment of God given rights to reverse the current trend by restoring our Republican form of government in our County through the election of Constitutionally principled candidates.

— Woody Kaye, Middleburg

Setty

Budget adopted

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education to outright alarm,” he said.

The shortfall was discovered on Jan. 23 when the Virginia Department of Education announced a mistake it made in calculating state basic aid for K-12 school divisions. According to an email from VDOE Communications Director Charles Pyle, the “online estimating tool we provide to local school divisions did not deduct the local Grocery Tax Hold Harmless payments. As a result, the local Basic Aid funding estimates for divisions were overstated.”

That amounted to $201 million statewide for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 combined, according to Pyle. The shortage stems from the estimates of state funding local school divisions generated using the state Department of Education’s provided tool, and the actual amounts in the Appropriation Act.

“The actual allocations to school division have been accurate and the governor’s budget is accurate,” he said.

The mistake was found seven months after the General Assembly adopted the biennial budget and Youngkin signed it in June.

On Feb. 2, School Board members added $1.4 million to Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith’s proposed budget before passing it.

During the meeting, school staff members recommended, and the board approved, two changes to the budget: a raise for School Board members—an additional $32,598 that represents a 2% raise for every board member for every year since 2008, the last time the Board was given a raise—and reducing funding for two custodial positions that were to be hired for six months for the opening of a new school.

School Board members are paid $20,000 and the chair is paid $22,000, as they have since 2008. State law does not permit the School Board members to raise their own salaries during their terms. The raise will go into effect January 2024, when the next School Board takes office, bringing board members’ salaries to $27,456 and the chair’s salary to $30,201, according to Serotkin.

Willoughby said when the budget was prepared, the staff had only calculated a 2% raise for School Board members for one year. However, after reviewing the policy that deals with School Board compensation, she said they realized the language stated it was to be a 2% increase each year from the last time it was increased.

School Board Policy 2150, adopted in October 2021, states in part “for every year in which at least 40% of the School Board members are to be elected or appointed, the Superintendent shall include in the Superintendent’s Estimate of Needs a cost-of-living increase of 2% per year since the last adjustment to School Board salaries, if equal or higher salary increases have been adopted for LCPS employees over the same period.”

Willoughby said school staff determined the custodial positions were only needed for two months of the next fiscal year, cutting that expense by $53,569.

Vice Chair Harris Mahedavi (Asbhurn) proposed adding four math resource specialists to start pilot programs at five schools for an additional cost of $495,564. Mahedavi said studies show that math is another area, like reading, where students in elementary school are struggling after COVID-19. He proposed adding four specialists to the division to give extra support to students and teachers. In fiscal year 2024, the division is being partially funded for one math specialist through the state. Deputy Superintendent Ashley Ellis said the division is picking up the rest of that cost using local funds.

Mahedavi’s amendment passed 7-1-1 with Tiffany Polifko (Broad Run) opposed and Denise Corbo (At-large) absent for the vote.

Atoosa Reaser’s (Algonkian) amendment to remove athletic fees at the cost of $950,000 passed 4-3-1-1 with John Beatty (Catoctin), Polifko and Mahedavi opposed Corbo absent for the vote and Jeff Morse (Dulles) abstaining.

Erika Ogedegbe (Leesburg) proposed an amendment to include $130,000 to fund one year of a comprehensive violence prevention program through an expanded partnership with Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter. To offset the cost, she proposed removing a co-curricular position, a proposed cost of $148,380, from the Department of Human Resources and Talent Development. Ogedegbe noted the net savings would be $18,380.

“Our response as a school system and a community to the two assaults in 2021 is multi-faceted and ongoing. In addition to looking at accountability, policy, incident response and coordination with law enforcement and communication we also need to take a more proactive and comprehensive approach to stopping violence and look to ways to incorporate a trauma informed and survivor centered approach,” she said.

Ogedegbe said the program would expand on the already existing partnership LAWS has with the division and said

a lot of details still needed to be worked out including community involvement as the program gets established and allowing parents to opt out their children. “I think we have a responsibility to do all that we can and I think families are asking us to do all that we can to keep their children safe here at school. … I think it is incumbent upon us to take action that is preventative, protective and proactive,” she said.

The amendment passed 6-2-1 with Mahedavi and Polifko opposed and Corbo absent.

Beatty proposed eliminating the entire equity program within the division by proposing to get rid of eight positions that deal with equity as well as all operation and maintenance costs associated with it for a savings of $1.7 million.

Beatty said the School Board’s job was to provide an education and the idea of equity in schools is “misunderstood in these positions because it looks at everyone’s differences and imperfections. Differences that must be removed in an attempt to smooth them over into one outcome for everyone. … As it’s applied [equity] attempts to break us apart rather than bring us together because it points out our differences and drives us into groups.”

He pointed to the recent National Merit Scholarship notification problem at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and said the leveling of students had a downward effect and hurt those students who weren’t notified. He asked for support in refocusing the schools on education and not on “indoctrination.”

Thomas Jefferson administrators have said the failure to notify some students was caused by human error.

Board member Tiffany Polifko (Broad Run) agreed and supported taking the $1.7 million dollars and using it to help the students, especially those in Special Education who currently don’t have support because there isn’t enough Special Education staff.

“The most equitable thing we can do for our students is to teach them how to read. If they can’t read, they can’t formulate any ideas about the world,” Polifko said.

Reaser noted that the equity initiatives were put in place by the previous board following an Attorney General’s Office investigation into discrimination in the school district. She also pointed out the equity program is not unique to the division.

Morse, who was a member of the previous board and was involved in establishing the Equity Committee, defended the decision to bring equity initiatives to the division and said he didn’t support getting

rid of the program.

“I’m not a big fan of the fanfare and a lot of the publicity and a lot of the efforts that come out of that, but I would say that the idea has merit. It has merit here in Loudoun, but what happens is, we find flaws in the interpretation and the execution of a good idea, and I have no doubt in my mind that there are areas that are taken well beyond what I consider the pale, well beyond what I consider productive,” Morse said. “But what that doesn’t mean is the idea itself is flawed. Is there a valid issue? I think we should be able to say yes there is. We need to fix the flaws and not throw the baby out with the bath water. If there are issues with this program, we need to fix them.”

Morse said it didn’t make fiscal sense to gut a program before assessing its value to the community.

Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) agreed and objected that the proposal to drop the programs came after the public hearing was over which left no opportunity for public input.

“I believe this motion is grounded in fear, fear of the haves losing something and the have-nots rising,” she said.

The amendment failed 6-2-1 with Beatty and Polifko in support and Corbo absent.

The board also voted to include $2.4 million in unspent fiscal year 2023 funds on items in the 2024 budget. That includes $1.5 million for computer equipment refresh, $350,000 for special education supplies, $415,000 for special education math intervention, $55,000 to utility task vehicle replacements and $98,456 for equipment to update libraries.

The board asked that if the General Assembly’s work results in a net decrease in state funding that the Board of Supervisors make up the difference with additional local funding.

The final budget passed 6-2-1 with Poliko and Beatty opposed and Corbo absent.

The School Board will present its adopted budget to the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 16. at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration building.

The county government provides the majority of the school district’s funding. Supervisors typically pass a county budget at their first meeting in April. If they vote to send the school district a different amount than the School Board’s request, the School Board will go back to work on their budget to reconcile the difference.

Fiscal year 2024 begins July 1. n

Procurement disparities

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a specific PLA when you are crafting the PLA,” Turner said.

Loudoun County Purchasing Agent Cheryl Middleton said typically, the type of study supervisors ordered compares the county’s issued contracts and list of suppliers and to the contractors in the region, investigating whether the county is equitably spending with all types of vendors, particularly small, women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned firms. The report is expected back to the board’s finance committee.

While supervisors agreed to that disparity study 8-0-1, Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) absent, they were more divided on the prospect of requiring project labor agreements.

The county staff reported that project labor agreements are typically geared toward long, large, complicated projects with multiple trades, contractors and subcontractors. They offer workers collective bargaining and offer the public body

Houston

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the Supreme Court declared segregated schools unconstitutional.

One of Houston’s notable students worked on the Crawford case as a researcher—future Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, the first Black justice on the nation’s highest court, and the lead attorney in Brown v. Board of Education.

Although he never lived in Loudoun, Houston also helped push the county School Board of the time to raise money to build and equip the new Frederick Douglass High School, the first high school for Black students in Loudoun. The school opened in 1941.

Loudoun County Chair Phyllis J. Ran-

Biberaj

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promise to respond later.

They said the impact of the program will be measured, in part, by how many cases get dropped or defeated in court without the support of a prosecutor.

Ensuring that police officers aren’t required to go up against lawyers in the court hearings was one key concern, with po-

issuing the contract protections against disruptions and delays by banning work stoppages in labor disputes.

But in their report, county staff members wrote they had found “there is limited quantitative data or empirical evidence” on the advantages or disadvantages of the agreements. And they were not able to find studies with direct comparisons of possible cost savings, timeliness or project management benefits with and without the agreements.

They also noted the Board of Supervisors last year implemented a prevailing wage requirement on county contracts above $250,000, setting minimum employee compensation levels for those contractors based on the prevailing wages for different types of jobs in the region reported by the U.S. Secretary of Labor.

However, the county staff found data that project labor agreements have resulted in higher labor costs, and cut down the number of bids for those contracts. They also found project labor agreements may in fact reduce or prevent bidding from minority-owned and women-owned businesses, which they wrote are typically

dall (D-At Large) said the idea of naming the courthouse for Houston had won approval from his family, the Charles Hamilton Houston Foundation, and Howard University.

“Charles Hamilton Houston, among other things, was somebody who really fought for housing tenant rights for all people, so when we talk about some of the rights that we look at today that HUD has, Mr. Houston helped put those in place,” she said.

She said the decision to name the courthouse after Houston was the result of a “very thoughtful process,” one which began with directing the Heritage Commission to study the history of the courthouse in 2017 with an eye toward adding a new monument to join, at the time, the ‘Silent Sentinel’ statue of a Confederate soldier

lice chiefs worried that their officers aren’t trained for the nuances of the courtroom.

“We didn’t go to law school. She did,” one police chief said.

Elected leaders also have signaled alarm over the plan. Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton said he is worried the initiative could encourage lawlessness.

“I am extremely concerned about this,” Littleton said during the Jan. 26 Town Council meeting. “Larceny is any crime of $1,000 or less. We’ve seen what happened

smaller and not unionized.

They recommended against implementing project labor agreements in Loudoun until more data is available, particularly from Virginia. If supervisors move ahead with project labor agreements, the county staff noted, it would be one of the first Virginia counties to do so. No other locality has yet executed a project labor agreement, they reported. Fairfax County is pursuing one project as a pilot, expecting to advertise for bids in the summer and then begin drafting their first project labor agreement.

They also noted that without any in-house experience with project labor agreements, the county likely would need to bring in outside expertise.

Turner expressed frustration that the staff report did not recommend project labor agreements.

“The conclusion from the staff, as I understand it, is that PLAs aren’t really appropriate for Loudoun County that we don’t have any major projects in the [Capital Improvement Program] that would really be amenable to a PLA, which means essentially there’ll be no PLAs in Loudoun

on the grounds. That statue was removed in July 2020.

“If you think about in the last three years, on the grounds of the old courthouse, the Confederate statue has come down from in front of the old courthouse, the Path to Freedom is being laid, and now the courthouse renaming has happened,” Randall said, referencing plans for a new exhibit on the history of race and the courts on the courthouse grounds.

Former Loudoun NAACP President Philip Thompson also remarked on the changes in only a few years, after many years of unsuccessful efforts to have the Confederate statue removed. He called the Crawford case “one of the most important things that ever came out of Loudoun County.”

“When I first moved to this county, the

in San Francisco when they decided not to prosecute larcenies. You literally had CVS and now Walgreens just left the city because people would go in and grab $800 worth of stuff and walk out and nobody would stop them because they knew they wouldn’t be prosecuted.”

He’s also concerned about the extra responsibility being placed on the town’s police officers and questioned claims that the CA’s office is overwhelmed with cases.

“Our police department does not work

County for six years at least,” he said. “I think I can capture the sense of at least six people on the board that that is not an acceptable outcome. So whatever we’ve got to do, we’re going to move forward.”

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said he was “troubled” by that.

“We ask for a feasibility study, we ask for a professional recommendation of staff, and then we’re just going to completely ignore it anyway, and just do what we want to do, regardless of what staff just told us,” he said.

And he pointed out the county is getting fewer bids for its projects and looking ahead to escalating costs and a tight construction budget. And he said favoring firms based in Virginia, as suggested, would put the county at a further disadvantage since they are often not unionized.

“I would think that the county would be entirely focused on expanding our pool of contractors rather than shrinking it,” he said. n

public access channel for Loudoun, when it came on it showed the Silent Sentinel, what I call the Confederate participation trophy,” he said. “And now we’re seeing that trophy gone, that thing gone, and now we’re seeing that courthouse named after one of the most prominent and scholarly African-American jurists to ever practice law in this country.”

Supervisors also voted to officially name the multiple court buildings the “Loudoun Courthouse Complex,” and directed staff members to develop a plan and cost estimate to install signage at the courthouse. That work is planned to coincide with the courthouse’s hopeful designation as a National Historic Landmark, anticipated sometime this year according to county staff members. n

for her. They work for the people of Middleburg,” he said.

“It is a little duplicitous to say that the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office doesn’t have the money when they were increased $400,000 two years ago,” Littleton said.

At the council’s request, Biberaj has agreed to attend its Feb. 9 meeting to answer questions about the program.

Biberaj has not responded to a request for comment for this article. n