Loudoun Now for April 23, 2020

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APRIL 23, 2020

Supervisors Approve $1.15M to Help Save Small Businesses

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

A member of the Loudoun Medical Group medical staff collects samples at a drive-up COVID-19 testing center in Leesburg. It is one of the many now-familiar scenes around Loudoun since the pandemic outbreak began last month. See more images in photojournalist Douglas Graham’s photo essay on Page 16.

If COVID-19 Testing is Key to Re-opening, Loudoun and Virginia are Behind the Curve

BY NORMAN K. STYER & RENSS GREENE

COVID-19-related deaths in Virginia surpassed 300 this week as the number of new confirmed infections in the commonwealth continued to grow by an average of 500 per day, nearing 10,000 total cases.

Loudoun County reported 468 known

cases as of Tuesday evening, with 59 patients undergoing treatment in hospitals.

There have been nine coronavirus deaths reported in the county.

The county ranks fifth in the number of reported cases, behind Fairfax County, 2,077; Prince William County, 867; Henrico County, 621; and Arlington County, 625, according to the April 21 tallies.

But the fewer tests may be because

Loudouners are so healthy.

Under CDC guidelines, because of the limited availability of test kits, only the most at-risk people are tested for COVID-19. And, according to Loudoun County Department of Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend, health officials have begun reporting likely cases—people TESTING continues on page 31

County supervisors late Tuesday night approved a million-dollar fund to provide emergency aid to Loudoun small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a $150,000 fund specifically for rural businesses with two or fewer employees.

The Business Interruption Fund will provide businesses grants of up to $10,000 to address day-to-day expenses like utilities, insurance, payroll, and rent. That money will come out of a fund normally used for attracting new businesses. Now the money will be dedicated to helping existing businesses stay afloat. It may help bridge a gap for businesses waiting to hear back about stalled federal Payroll Protection Program loans or other emergency funding.

The county money is not expected to last long.

“Certainly, the need is going to outweigh a million dollars,” said Executive Director of Economic Development Buddy Rizer. “I expect that we will run through this money and not even put a dent in those that apply, but this is where I thought we would start, and we would see from there.”

But unlike Congress, Loudoun County has to balance its budget—and has to finish the fiscal year in the black. County Administrator Tim Hemstreet warned supervisors PANDEMIC FUND continues on page 31

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Local Leaders Brace for COVID-19 Budget Hits LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Just a few weeks ago, the Loudoun County School Board was on track to roll out a $40 million package of staff pay increases as part of its $1.4 billion Fiscal Year 2021 budget. Middleburg leaders were moving toward construction of a new Town Hall. Purcellville was prepared to fund a list of improvement projects.

Both towns were also aiming to raise their staffers’ salaries in the new fiscal year.

Those initiatives—and many more— have been put on hold as local government leaders struggle to gauge the severity of the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of those governments are dealing with the same problem: they need to pass a budget in time for their staff members to implement with the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1. And unlike the federal government, state and local governments can’t run deficits—they have to maintain balanced budgets. But they won’t know

until after their votes—and likely until after the new fiscal year begins—what the pandemic’s effects on tax revenues will be.

That is also why several are taking somewhat tentative votes—with the Purcellville Town Council set to adopt a budget that they expect to change again after the first quarter of the fiscal year, county supervisors freezing new spending in the budget until they know how much money they have to work with, and Gov. Ralph Northam recommending the state do the same.

In the case of the General Assembly, that would mean carving more than a half billion dollars out of state spending and freeing up that money—if it comes to the state coffers—to react to needs created by the pandemic. The state will not re-estimate its revenues until the summer.

Meanwhile, county supervisors and town councils also are racing to create and fund new programs they hope will help businesses survive and aid struggling residents. Leesburg is delaying tax collections.

The Middleburg Town Council late last month approved a four-piece financial relief package that saw the town mail out close to $115,000 worth of meal vouchers to all in-town households, provide all 500 utility customers with $200 credits on their May bills, give restaurants more time to remit collected meals tax, and contribute close to $20,000 to three nonprofits.

The council two weeks ago also approved a $182,000 support package for the town’s retail businesses.

While Purcellville is considering a $60,000 voucher program of its own, the Lovettsville Town Council last week voted to suspend late fees during the declaration of local emergency, postpone business license renewals until Aug. 15 and use the remaining $2,550 in the town’s marketing budget to advertise businesses’ services in print, online and via physical signs and banners.

The Lovettsville council was expected on Thursday to continue discussions on waiving minimum utility fees for closed

businesses, relaxing the town sign ordinance to allow businesses to display additional signage, providing businesses with grants funded by town reserves, and either providing a meals tax rebate for restaurants or reducing restaurants’ business license renewal fees.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors established a $1 million emergency grant program for the county’s small businesses. Supervisors have also already passed a $150,000 fund for food pantries and a $200,000 fund for rent assistance.

Schools Budget School leaders may have to forgo plans for pay raises, staffing boosts and many other initiatives. According to figures provided to the School Board last week, almost all new funding likely will be needed to keep pace with basic enrollment growth.

BUDGET HITS continues on page 30

Ampersand Pantry Project Expands to Offer Drive-Through Meals

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Leesburg Attorney Peter Burnett has decades of experience finding creative ways to improve Loudoun’s safety net services. His latest venture launched today as a drive-through meal service.

The Ampersand Pantry Project started in February as a community donation box on the Crossroads Baptist Church property along Edwards Ferry Road where neighbors could pick up or leave donations of food, staples and other important supplies like diapers.

With the serious economic impacts

Norman Styer/Loudoun Now

A meal rolls to a car window as part of the new Ampersand Pantry Project lunch service on East Market Street in Leesburg.

resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic response, Burnett sought to expand that

program, maybe with a food truck operation. Then, as the founder of Loudoun Cares sometimes does, he went bigger.

Burnett owns the former Leesburg Tastee Freez building on East Market Street, where redevelopment plans have stalled. And the building’s drive-through window seemed like a great opportunity to offer meal service while adhering to important social distancing requirements. A makeshift roller belt to slide the meals from the store window to the car window bolsters that safety measure.

Next, he was off to visit with restaurant owners and other food service providers to secure donations.

Starting last Thursday morning—and continuing every day at 11:30 a.m.—the window opened to provide free meal packets to anyone who drove up. On the menu Thursday included subs provided

by Said Mehenni of Solo NY Pizza.

The meal service will continue each day as long as supplies last. Burnett hopes to provide 100 to 200 meals each day. On Friday, Lesle Lowry of Lowry’s Crab Shack in Hamilton made contributions and on Saturday Azmi Zarou of Spanky’s Pub kicked in.

Burnett said success of the project will PANTRY PROJECT continues on page 31

ResQ BBQ Hits the Streets to Serve Families During Stay-at-Home Order

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Social distancing protocols and a stay-at-home order have forced families to stay indoors more than ever. That’s why ResQ BBQ is going straight to the people.

About a month ago, the catering company, which also operates a grill at the Evergreen SportsPlex near Leesburg, began parking its food truck in neighbor-

hoods for a few hours at a time to give quarantined families a chance to leave the house and pick up dinner. Co-owner Chuck Meyer said his company has been using the Nextdoor app to communicate with HOAs and let residents know about their visit. He said they’ve already hit about a dozen neighborhoods, mainly in Leesburg, and are planning to visit more in Lucketts and Round Hill.

“The response I got was incredible,” Meyer said about visiting neighbor-

hoods. “Now it’s starting to catch on.”

Meyer said that while ResQ has seen business remain about the same overall since the coronavirus crisis hit, it’s been more difficult to keep it that way, since he’s doing in three hours on a weekday what he typically does all day on a Saturday. At each neighborhood, he’s getting about 60 orders, most of which are larger orders for families. Meyer said that while parked in the River Pointe HOA’s swimming pool parking lot last Thursday eve-

ning, he had 35 preorders and about a dozen more come in later.

ResQ also partners with the Hershey’s Shake Shop ice cream truck, which gives residents the option of dessert after a barbecue dinner. Meyer said he also is coordinating with Jambalaya Bros. to ensure they’re visiting different communities on any given day.

Meyer said people are loving the RESQ BBQ continues on page 31

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APRIL 23, 2020

Loudoun

ON THE agenda

Nonprofit Leaders: County Grants ‘Not Sufficient’

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The county’s latest round of annual nonprofit grants excluded several well-known organizations and prompted a statement from the Loudoun Human Services Network calling on supervisors to increase their nonprofit funding.

The county’s competitive grant funding process allocates roughly $1.1 million for nonprofits in Loudoun. Supervisors have striven for years to amend their always-controversial nonprofit grant funding, including trying to take politics out of those decisions by setting up a system of guidelines and scoring for funding requests.

They also took six nonprofits out of the competitive grant process, instead funding those organizations directly, effectively increasing the total amount of county

government funding for nonprofits. Those include HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, the Loudoun Free Clinic, Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing, Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers, and the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter.

Last year, those nonprofits were collectively granted $648,373.

But many nonprofits miss out nonetheless, even some that have previously received major county funding. While 33 nonprofits made applications that met the county’s qualifications for grant funding, because of budget restrictions, only 20 are recommended for funding. Seven more organizations qualified for $5,000 minigrants.

Qualifying organizations that will miss out this year include All Ages Read Together, Inova Health Care Services, the Good Shepherd Alliance, the Arc of Loudoun,

the YMCA Loudoun County Youth Development Center, and Mobile Hope, among others. They requested funding to support efforts such as supporting the elderly and disabled; forensic nursing services for people who have experienced physical and sexual violence; and keeping the emergency homeless shelter and five transitional homes open.

This year’s recommendations also do not include an annual 3-percent increase for grant funding, as supervisors have directed county staff members to freeze new spending while they navigate the revenue impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes as the pandemic has put the services of nonprofits on the forefront of the community response.

NONPROFIT GRANTS continues on page 5

With Adoptions Up and Intake Slow, Animal Shelter Empties

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

If you’re looking for a furry new family member to quarantine with, you may have noticed they’re in short supply from Loudoun County Animal Services.

For the first time, Animal Services’ shelter near Waterford is all but empty.

Director of Animal Services Nina Stively said that has happened as the shelter has had to limit its intake, and as the community has stepped up to make sure animals are cared for. When the word went out that things would be changing in the shelter because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said, people acted fast.

“I would say within 48 hours all the animals in the facility were adopted, or at least had some sort of options for placement,” Stively said. “So, it was a really positive thing to come out of a really tragic global situation. A lot of shelters are seeing the same thing, that people are seeing this as a time that they want to do something kind and compassionate.”

On Friday, the only animals up for adoption were four cats. Three of them are in foster homes, and an affectionate young domestic shorthair named Hunter had the normally crowded cat area all to himself.

During an interview, he busied himself demanding attention, cuddling, walking

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Director of Animal Services Nina Stively looks through vacant cat cages. Loudoun’s animal shelter near Waterford is all but empty.

on the reporter’s keyboard and untying Stively’s shoes.

Meanwhile, there were only a couple of dogs at the shelter, with one expected to become available for adoption the following day. The rooms of cages, usually crowded with talkative animals, are empty and quiet. Even animals that had been waiting for months to find a home have been put in foster homes.

Stively said fewer animals in Loudoun have come to the shelter, and to protect staff members, limit travel and slow

the spread of COVID-19, Loudoun has stopped taking in animals from other shelters.

“Every year we take in between 400 and 500 animals form other communities in need,” Stively said. “Unfortunately, with the travel limitation and stay-at-home orders, it has made it so that we can’t send staff to get animals, and it wouldn’t be safe to encourage people to be leaving their ANIMAL SHELTER continues on page 5

Truck Restriction Requested on Blue Ridge Mountain Road Loudoun County supervisors have agreed to a through-truck restriction on Blue Ridge Mountain Road requested by Clarke County.

The road connects Rt. 7 to Rt. 50 and follows the border between Loudoun and Clarke, with connections to Bears Den and Mount Weather. Clarke County requested trucks be restricted on the road, which is two lanes with no traffic signals.

About a mile of the road is in Loudoun and the Virginia Department of Transportation determined that Loudoun would have to agree.

VDOT will now conduct a study on prohibiting large trucks like semis and tractor-trailers before making a final decision.

Supervisors Shift to Flexible Capital Fiscal Policy Members of the Board of Supervisors’ finance committee have recommended a policy change to let county staff members more quickly react to the capital budget challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Normally, to transfer money between projects and funds in the capital budget, the staff must come to the board for approval, a process which budget staff members said can take weeks. That includes moving money from the capital budget contingency fund into projects that have already been appropriated and the county is attempting to move forward.

If the full Board of Supervisors approves the change, the staff would continue to notify supervisors of planned budget adjustments at the quarterly capital project reports they produce.

Lighted Hamilton Safety Center Sign Approved The Hamilton Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station on Colonial Highway well get an electronic marquee sign following a unanimous approval from the Board of Supervisors on April 15.

It will replace the existing sign, which is lit by spotlights. The squad has also agreed to limit the brightness of the new sign.

The safety center is a fire and rescue facility that also includes a helicopter pad.

APRIL 23, 2020

Nonprofit grants continued from page 4 This year’s funding recommendations, which supervisors will consider Tuesday, April 21, drew a letter from the Loudoun Human Services Network, a coalition of nonprofits, asking for more money in the pot. The network’s executive committee pointed out that the 33 qualifying applications totaled nearly $2.2 million in requests; the county recommendations will give less than half of that.

“Over the last several years it has become evident that the allocation of funding available for the Human Services Nonprofit Grant funding is not sufficient to meet the growing needs of our community,” the letter reads. “Additional resources are required to meet the minimum need as demonstrated by the amounts requested in the applications received from our non-

Animal shelter continued from page 4 own communities to be bringing animals here.”

Instead, the department has encouraged people who can no longer care for their pets to try to find homes on their own.

“While we know that it is easy to criticize someone when you see them trying to rehome a pet, we are asking everyone to please be kind,” the department wrote in a Facebook post. “This pandemic has changed people’s lives in ways that many of us cannot imagine. People are losing their businesses and jobs. Generations are moving in together to save money, protect their vulnerable family members and provide childcare. Essential employees are working long shifts, with few breaks, putting themselves at risk every day. And somewhere in there, pets are sometimes, heartbreakingly, not able to stay with their families.”

In the meantime, shelter staff members

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profit community.”

In its letter, the network also thanked supervisors for the continuing work to improve the grant process, as well as continuing to accept feedback from nonprofits about the process each year.

The letter is signed by LHSN Chairwoman Jennifer Montgomery, Executive Director of Loudoun Hunger Relief; Vice Chairwoman Nikki Daruwala, Executive Director of Loudoun Literacy Council; Treasurer Susan Mandel-Giblin, Executive Director of Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers; Secretary Andrea Eck, Executive Vice President of Northern Virginia Family Services; and immediate past chair Carol Jameson, Executive Director of HealthWorks for Northern Virginia.

Supervisors were scheduled to discuss this year’s nonprofit grants at their meeting Tuesday, April 21, after press time. n have kept busy—earning certifications for helping animals with problems like fear and anxiety and delivering pet food donations to Loudoun Hunger Relief.

And Stively said she always wants to keep pets with their families if possible.

“I think the longer this goes on, the longer people are not able to go back to work, the harder it’s going to be for them to afford pet food,” she said. “And we want to keep families together. That’s a huge priority for us. I never want to take an animal from a home where people are providing love and care.”

Stively also said people should be ready for a possible rush of animals when the stay-at-home order lifts.

Even though people will doubtless be ready to go out, that might be the perfect time to take a new family member home.

To help out animals right now, donate to the nonprofit Friends of Loudoun County Animal Services at friendsofloudoun animals.org. n

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APRIL 23, 2020

Leesburg

Despite $5M Deficit, Leesburg Council Delays Some Tax Collection

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Although Loudoun’s largest municipality is staring down an almost $5 million deficit, Leesburg Town Council members have thrown their support behind Town Manager Kaj Dentler’s recommendation to postpone the collection of some local taxes.

During last week’s council meeting, Dentler said the town is anticipating a $4.8 million shortfall for the current fiscal year, which runs through June 30, because of the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. That includes steep declines in some of the town’s biggest revenue sources. Both current data and projections anticipate a 50-percent decline in meals tax revenue from March 15 through June 30, which alone accounts for almost $1 million in lost revenue. With the continued closure of Ida Lee Park Recreation Center because of social distancing regulations, the town has also lost out on $1.5 million in parks and recreation revenues, assuming the center remains closed through the end

of the fiscal year. Percentage wise, the transient occupancy tax (TOT), a tax on hotels and lodging establishments, has taken the biggest hit, with an 83-percent decline in revenue anticipated from midMarch through the end of June. Significant decreases in Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax revenue and parking garage and fine revenues are also anticipated, at $389,000 and $127,000, respectively. Fees for the Town Hall parking garage, Loudoun Street parking lot, and on-street parking in the historic downtown area have been waived since March 18.

The anticipated $4.8 million deficit also takes into account $1.3 million in supplemental appropriations from the town’s undesignated fund balance, which was previously approved by the Town Council.

To balance the budget, Management and Budget Officer Jason Cournoyer said the town government has already looked at cutting some expenditures, including delaying maintenance on some trails, roads, and town-owned buildings; eliminating employee travel and training; and

personnel cost savings. On the latter, Dentler pointed out that the closures of Ida Lee Park Recreation Center and the Thomas Balch Library have saved on part-time employee costs.

Cournoyer said the staff is already bracing for revenue impacts in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2021, and is anticipating revenue shortfalls of $2.76 million per quarter.

“The area that has the greatest concern is [fiscal year] 2021. If this crisis continues … that’s going to be a challenge,” Dentler said. “How long does it take for consumer confidence to return?

That is also a trigger we don’t know.”

Understanding the detrimental impacts the pandemic has had on the local economy, as well as to town residents, Dentler proposed several changes to tax collection in the coming months. He recommended the town follow suit with Loudoun County and delay collection of its personal property and business tangible taxes from May 5 to June 5. Dentler also proposed a 90-day extension from May 1 to July 20 for the collection of BPOL taxes, which are based on a busi-

ness’ gross receipts. Penalties and interest, at 10 percent each, will kick in for those payments collected after July 20.

It was Dentler’s proposal on meals tax collection that garnered the most debate.

The town manager proposed a 10-percent discount for those businesses that pay their meals tax or TOT taxes

by April 20, up from the standard 5 percent. If the business files its taxes by April 20, but pays within 30 days, a 5-percent discount is offered. Dentler also recommended waiving penalties and interest on late payments for 90 days.

Economic Development Director Russell Seymour said he has been fielding calls and emails from town businesses, some of which are concerned about their ability to get through the next 90 days.

“Cash flow has been their number one issue,” he said.

Seymour said the staff ’s recommendations have focused on measures that will help these businesses, “not doing things to look good.” He cautioned the LEESBURG TAXES continues on page 7

Mocatinas Opens, Owners Look Forward to More Customer Interaction

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Monica Pindell had toiled for months transforming the former Public Defender’s Office at 3 E. Market St. in downtown Leesburg into the interactive dessert café of her dreams. Her Mocatinas shop was all set for a late March debut, when a worldwide pandemic put those plans on ice.

Pindell had spent 25 years in the corporate world when she decided to step away to “follow my instincts and my dream.” With the support of her husband and silent partner Kevin, the plans for Mocatinas took shape after a year and a half of research and planning, bringing to the table her vast experience in the retail industry.

“Basically, from many years of being in the industry, in the retail arena in specialty, I realized that there is a challenge for brick and mortar [shops],” she said. “It needed to be kind of reinvented and customers are looking for experiences. When putting together the interactive café that

Contributed

Monica Pindell, owner of Mocatina in downtown Leesburg, and her husband Kevin.

was the whole focus. When you go to Mocatinas you’re getting the whole experience.”

And that experience doesn’t begin and end with a delectable pastry or other tasty

treats available on the dessert café’s menu, with a coffee or espresso beverage to wash it down. Pindell plans to offer a gift shop full of brands from New York, California, Canada and more—items that aren’t generally carried locally.

“I’m offering things you don’t see in the store next door,” she said.

In addition to the shop and dessert café, the upstairs room in the ample 3,000-square-foot space will offer the opportunity for classes, workshops and events, like cookie decorating classes, winery events, pop-up shops and more.

“The place itself plays for so many events that we can do and a lot of experiences for the community. That’s basically what an interactive dessert cafe is—drop the kids off to a workshop, go downstairs, have a coffee and shop and spend the afternoon,” Pindell said. “It’s basically a gift shop, cafe, and event venue all in one.”

Menu offerings, though not yet finalized, will include everything from higher-end, specialty pastries, to chocolates from The Perfect Truffle in Frederick, MD,

coffees, espresso drinks, lattes, dried teas and milkshakes, among others. Although she was sad to have to make the decision to postpone Mocatinas opening, Pindell said she is using the extra time she has to perfect her menu, as the space itself is renovated and ready to go. She’s optimistic that once social distancing restrictions are relaxed and it is safe to open, the public will be craving that experience, and want to patronize local businesses.

“I have to take it one day at a time and stay as positive as I can. It will work its way out, we will be fine. Mocatinas is ready, the doors are ready to open,” she said. “This gives us something to look forward to.”

This week, the shop has begun doing curbside pickup of its gift shop items, available for viewing on the mocatinas. com website. Pindell is also hoping to soon launch curbside or window pickups for the cafe’s ice cream, pastries, and coffee. Updates will be posted on the shop’s website, along with its Facebook and Instagram pages. n

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APRIL 23, 2020

Leesburg Reports Trash Volume Increases

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Many local residents have used the COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting social distancing guidelines to get some projects or spring cleaning done around the house. The town’s trash and recycling contractor has taken notice.

According to Renee LaFollete, director of Leesburg’s Public Works & Capital Projects Department, Patriot Disposal Services has reported a 20 percent increase in the volume collected of both trash and recycling in town. These figures mirror regional and national trends, with some localities reporting as much as a 40 percent increase, LaFollete said.

She added that town staff members are working with Patriot on a nine-step contingency plan. The first step, a suspension of bulk item collection, has already been taken and began March 23. The second step, also already taken, was to reduce the number of trash collections in the downtown business area. Previously, trash had been collect-

ed six days a week, but now it is only being picked up on the same days as downtown business recycling collection—Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. While trash volume is up townwide, in the downtown commercial area it has reduced by 50 percent, due to many businesses either being closed or scaling back operations.

For the time being there are no changes to the town’s Monday yard waste collection; however, that could change if Patriot has further staff reductions. LaFollete said the company currently has five staff members on leave for either being suspected of having coronavirus or because they have come into contact with someone who was diagnosed.

“If they lose another three to five staff members, they will be looking at some sort of reduction for yard waste,” LaFollete said. “We have to protect their staff.”

More information on town trash and recycling collection, and updated guidelines on collection during the COVID-19 pandemic, can be found at leesburgva.gov/trash. n

Leesburg taxes continued from page 6 council with trying to solve every problem with the passage of one resolution.

“I don’t think anyone can predict what happens in six months,” he said. “As we continue to monitor it, as things change, as the economy changes, as the restrictions change, then if needed we can come back with something tailored to that point.”

“None of [the businesses] want a handout,” Seymour said. “They just want something that’s going to keep them operational.”

Councilman Tom Dunn recommended completely waiving meals tax collection through the end of the fiscal year, a measure staff said would mean a reduction of more than $500,000 in revenues paid to the town. Dunn defended the measure by saying it would be an impetus for customers to enjoy Leesburg’s restaurant offerings and save money.

Dentler, however, urged caution on waiving meals taxes. He pointed out that a $40 meal at a Leesburg restaurant brings in only $1.40 in meals tax revenue, which would not be a deterrent to many for dining in town. He also said he did not believe eliminating meals taxes for the

PAGE 7

next few months would be the difference between an establishment surviving or closing. Instead, it could open up a canof-worms debate.

“You’re going to get into a philosophical debate of whether we have a meals tax at all. If you suspend that you’re going to get more pushback to eliminate it,” he said.

Completely eliminating the town’s 3.5-percent meals tax could cost the town $6 million annually, an amount that could require a six- to eight-cent increase on the town real estate tax rate to make up, Dentler said.

A motion by Dunn to suspend meals tax collection through June 30 failed, with only the support of Councilwoman Suzanne Fox. The final resolution passed by the council Tuesday included all of Dentler’s recommendations, with the exception of giving only a 5-percent discount for paying meals tax on time, instead of the town manager’s recommended 10 percent.

Mayor Kelly Burk was the lone dissenter, voicing her support for the originally recommended 10-percent discount, and Dunn abstained.

Dentler said the staff would come back to the council in early May and early June with updated fiscal impact briefings. n

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Mary Dionisio Roberge REALTOR® | Licensed in VA & MD | ABR, CNE, CRS Top Producer 2019, McEnearney Associates & Dulles Area Association of Realtors® mobile: 703.999.6270 | bus: 540.687.5256 | robergemary@gmail.com | www.MaryRoberge.com 107 N King Street, Leesburg, VA 20176 | broker: 703.738.8282 | Equal Housing Opportunity

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PAGE 8

APRIL 23, 2020

Education School Leaders Optimistic as Distance Learning Expands

a program of

for

After weeks of work to build an online learning system that allows Loudoun teachers to provide instruction on new material in real-time video feeds, the program rolled out last week without major problems.

That alone was a mark of success, as neighboring Fairfax County experienced numerous problems that left students unable to log into their classes.

During a briefing Tuesday night, administrators and School Board members acknowledged the distance learning regimen won’t be easy for teachers or families and thanked those working to make it a rewarding experience.

School Board Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) noted the online learning sessions highlight the value of the in-person social connections that happen in the schools. “I hope to get back to it,” she said.

While school leaders will continue to monitor and refine the distance learning programs that will complete this school year, they also are looking ahead to next fall. Superintendent Eric Williams said his staff will be building plans for three scenarios in the months ahead: schools open as normal in the fall, schools open with social distancing requirements continuing, and schools remained closed and relying on distance learning programs.

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Branch Builds Poised for North Star Contract The School Board next week is expected to award a $32 million contract to Herndon-based Branch Builds to construct The North Star School in Leesburg.

To be built on the 10-acre property at the intersection of Catoctin Circle and Childrens Center Road that housed the Monroe Technology Center, the new two-story, almost 95,000-square-foot building will accommodate 570 students. The building will serve as the location for alternative school programs, which are now offered at Douglass School, and as the adult education center.

Four construction bids were received

for the design-build project. Branch Builds, which previously constructed an addition to Freedom High School and built Frederick Douglas Elementary School, was the low bidder.

Young Entrepreneurs Awarded $5K in Prizes The Loudoun Young Entrepreneurs Academy held its fourth Annual Investor Panel April 7 with 22 local student entrepreneurs pitching their business plans to a panel of investors via a virtual presentation platform.

Presented by the Loudoun Chamber Foundation, YEA! Loudoun is a 27-week program that teaches local middle and high school students how to develop, pitch and launch their very own small business. The student entrepreneurs competed for $5,000 in investment capital and the chance to represent Loudoun County at the YEA! National pitch event in Rochester, NY. Similar to the hit show “Shark Tank,” the YEA! Loudoun students pitched their business plans to a panel of investors, who made the decisions on which students would receive investments to fund their business. This year’s YEA! Investor Panel included Alice Frazier of BCT and Chauvon McFadden of Crimson Wealth Strategies, both of whom are Loudoun Economic Development Authority members; Rebecca Ray of Wells Fargo; and Alison Rosen of SeKON. The 2020 winners are: $1,500 to Vedha Navudu, of Briar Woods High School for Bare Bag, a nonprofit that distributes bags of hygiene necessities to women in prisons; $1,000 to Anisha Nanda, of Freedom High School for Layered, a customizable dessert experience; $1,000 to Lauren Pitonyak, of Riverside High School for Butterfly Board Games, board games designed for individuals with autism; $500 to Aarav Sharma, of Independence High School for ReliAir, a portable air quality detector device; $500 to Ray Zhang, of Lunsford Middle School for Pals-Plus, an interactive language website to match students and tutors to practice fluency in foreign languages; and $500 to Deborah Olorunda, of Trailside Middle School for EcoArt, an eco-friendly art kit.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is presented by the Loudoun Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the Loudoun Economic Development Authority.

Applications are open for the Class of 2021 until June 12, 2020. Students can apply online at LoudounChamber.org/YEA.

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APRIL 23, 2020

PAGE 9

Public Safety Fatal Rt. 690 Crash Under Investigation A Maryland woman was killed in a Friday afternoon crash south of Purcellville on Monday afternoon.

According to the Sheriff ’s Office, Beth Buckley, 56, was driving a 2006 Toyota Prius southbound on Silcott Springs Road when she hit the curb of the roundabout at the North Drive intersection. The car then crossed the white fog line and double yellow lines several times before going off the roadway and striking a concrete bridge support.

She was transported to Reston Hospital Center where she died from her injuries.

The crash remains under investigation.

Fire Destroys Waterford Barn The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the cause the April 14 barn fire in Waterford was accidental, likely a result of sparks from a grinder igniting nearby combustibles inside the structure.

Just after 8:45 p.m. April 14, county dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a barn on fire on Clover Hill Road.

Units from Hamilton, Lovettsville, Lucketts and Purcellville responded to find a large

barn with attached silo heavily engulfed in fire. A tanker task force was created to bring additional water tankers from Round Hill, Loudoun Heights and Frederick County, MD. No people or animals were inside the barn. Because of the advanced state of the fire, crews worked to protect neighboring structures from damage and then worked through the night to ensure the remnants of the barn were fully extinguished.

Two firefighters were transported to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries.

The barn is owned by the Hutchison family, who operated the farm on the property for nearly a century. A fundraiser set up on Facebook to help the family rebuild the barn received more than $9,000 in community contributions as of Tuesday.

The Loudoun County Fire Marshals estimated the damages at $300,000.

Reward Offered in Hamilton Cat Shooting A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the April 6 shooting of a pet cat in the Hamilton Estates neighborhood.

Anyone with information that could

help in the investigation should call Loudoun County Animal Services at 703777-0406. Information may be submitted anonymously.

According to the report, gunfire was heard in the area of Vannes Court shortly before 4 p.m. April 6. A short time later, a white, short-haired cat was found with wounds that appeared to have been inflicted by a firearm.

Under a state law that took effect in July, those suspected of injuring or beating dogs or cats may be charged with a Class-6 felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

After more than $1,000 in veterinarian bills, the cat is recovering at home.

Loudoun Jail Deputy Test Positive for Coronavirus The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office announced last week that a deputy who works at the Adult Detention Center tested positive for COVID-19. He is the second agency employee reported to have the virus.

The deputy, who last worked in the jail on April 7, is assigned to a contained control room within the facility. On Friday, pri-

or to his next scheduled shift, he had a lowgrade fever. He followed LCSO and CDC guidance by calling in sick and isolating himself. He is recovering and was reporting no symptoms, according to the agency’s statement.

The deputy had no physical contact with inmates and had limited contact with five staff members, who have self-quarantined as a precaution but have shown no symptoms and have tested negative for the virus.

The staff members were all wearing personal protective equipment at various times during the shift within the control room.

It is unclear where the deputy contracted the virus, but there is no indication that the virus is a result of any contact within the Adult Detention Center, the agency said.

There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving any other staff member or inmates within the facility.

The first deputy who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 30 worked in a specialized unit within the Field Operations Division and had no close contact with the community during the week prior. He has since fully recovered and has returned to work.

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APRIL 23, 2020

Nonprofit Give Choose 2020: A Principle of Community Care

BY AMY OWEN, PRESIDENT AND CEO Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties

Should you help someone in need? How much should you donate to that someone, especially when you know your gift can save a life, teach someone to read, help them get a job, take care of their child, share the joy of music and art, or enhance the community fabric that makes ours one of the best to grow up and grow old?

One Smile At A Time During Loudoun’s GiveChoose.

Offering the latest technologies & newest treatment optionsOffering the latest technologies & newest treatment options org online giving event, the average gift Invisalign™ - Digital Imaging is $134. GiveChoose.org is our communiInvisalign™ - Digital Imaging Russell Mullena free Dodona consultation Terrace SE Ste 201, Russell 703-771-9887 Mullen Call orCall text us us for a for 1509 ty’s day of charitable giving celebrated on DDS, MS Leesburg, VA 20175 complimentary consultation!

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Next to the (703) 771-9887 Sometimes, our community needs to Leesburg Wegmans! come forward and support a common goal. This is one of those times. Now more than ever. The Richmond-based Center www.mullenortho.com for Nonprofit Excellence has shared preFind us! liminary details of a very recent survey of nonprofit organizations as a result of COVID-19: Thirty-five percent of nonprofits are experiencing a drop in donations and 47 percent anticipate a drop in the coming weeks.

Dozens of local charities canceled or postponed events and galas. Corks for a Cause, traditionally held but canceled in early April, generated $20,000 for Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter. For many Loudoun charities, special events generate as much as 15 percent or more of the organization’s annual income—now lost.

More than half of nonprofits are experiencing a decrease in client usage of services or programs, with 62 percent experiencing a decrease in earned revenue/ income for their charitable work.

For example, Lansdowne-based Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing provides services to fit folks with hearing aids and personalized speech therapy. For now, their clients are (rightfully) electing to isolate at home and forgo treatment. Their nonprofit business has come to a halt.

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childcare constraints. Fifty percent of nonprofits are experiencing destabilization of long-term financial stability.

Loudoun’s nonprofit sector employs more than 5,000 individuals (more than twice the insurance and finance sector).

In the best of times, our social service sector provides as many as 53,000 individuals with personalized help and aid. In these worst of times, demand for food has turned the operations model upside down for charities like Loudoun Hunger Relief.

Of some 25 critical or essential safety net nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County, 14 of 25 have an operating reserve of three months or more.

Loudoun’s nonprofits are under-resourced as illustrated by past studies represented in the FacesofLoudoun.org community service campaign. While our community’s population has grown, grown, grown, over the years, Loudoun’s household giving has remained lackluster, especially in comparison to neighboring counties and Virginia as a whole. That makes it hard for charities to save for a rainy day.

With your help, we can make charitable giving socially contagious. GiveChoose.org is the perfect “socially distanced” event of the year! From arts and culture, to education, to human services—you’ll find them there.

Every gift matters. Please use your care for community and your personal influence to make a gift through GiveChoose. org. Share the opportunity with family, friends, fellow employees, and neighbors.

Together, we can buy someone a set of hearing aids, feed a family, keep employed that voice at the other end of a sexual abuse hotline. Together, we can help maintain the powerful economic value of our nonprofit sector and our community. Ready to give? Go to GiveChoose.org.

For more information, contact us at 703-779-3505 or info@communityfoundationlf.org. n

APRIL 23, 2020

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PAGE 11

Legacy Farms, The New Ag School Team Up for Expanded Garden Legacy Farms and The New Ag School are partnering to cultivate a large farm space at Fabbioli Cellars near Leesburg.

The shared gardens will be a starting point for further development of mentor/ apprentice programs, organizers said.

The first initiative of the partnership is underway with the planting of a larger space than the organizations have grown in past years. The nonprofits plan to donate the produce and herbs to area businesses and food banks during the COVID-19 crisis.

The organizations share the mission of providing agricultural and entrepreneurial training, while also expanding community connections. They provide opportunities for individuals who value

GIVING Back

experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

The New Ag School seeks to develop a workforce that can meet the needs of the shared economy of Loudoun County, specifically, agribusiness education in the areas of farming, value-added process and hospitality. New Ag is dedicated to training individuals to be equipped, skilled and passionate about working the land and relating with consumers as a career.

Legacy Farms focuses on apprenticeship-style learning and job opportunities for neurodiverse individuals preparing

for college, learning a trade, or seeking internships to further their education.

Apprenticeships range from work in the garden to sales and distributor relationship development to organizational projects such as social media videography and design.

“The challenges we’re facing right now as a community are also an opportunity to reconnect with the essentials: caring for one another, inclusiveness, nourishing food, right relationship with nature, localization of resources and purchasing,” said Laurie Young, Executive Director for Leg-

acy Farms. “By sharing space and working in tandem with New Ag, we strengthen both organizations. The partnership is a natural evolution. It puts us in a good position to increase program depth and expand neurodiversity awareness, while also giving us the capacity for more distribution of local produce in the Loudoun community.”

The New Ag School is based at Fabbioli Cellars.

To learn more and support the organizations’ efforts, go to legacyfarmsvirginia. org and newagschool.org. n

A Team of Experts...

Inside the Boundary

Loudoun YMCA Distributes Children’s Activity Kits The Loudoun County YMCA on Friday distributed more than 200 activity packs for kids, filled with arts and craft supplies, board games, card games, books, sports balls, jump ropes, bubbles and other fun activities.

The activity packs were donated by the YMCA Loudoun County volunteer board and Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg. It took only an hour to distribute all the packages to families who lined up the YMCA Youth Development Center in Sterling for the curbside delivery.

The organizers hope to offer another round of activity packets in May. Learn more about support programs offered by the Loudoun County YMCA at ymcadc.org

Loudoun Literacy Council Keeps on Reading The Loudoun Literacy Council has adapted its mission in the face of COVID-19 but continues to help Loudouners of all ages fall in love with reading.

The non-profit’s Read Across Loudoun project, featuring local celebrities reading children’s books aloud, has taken off.

The council is also piggybacking on Loudoun County Public Schools’ meals distribution service, delivering almost 3,000 books to food distribution sites and little free libraries around the county.

LLC is also continuing its English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes online. Go to loudounliteracy.org for more information, or listen to a bedtime story from Wayde Byard or another local superstar at facebook.com/loudounliteracy.

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PAGE 12

Business

Whitbeck Launches New Law Firm

Take Loudoun Home Campaign Expands When the “Take Home Loudoun” marketing initiative launched last spring, it was designed as a next-level effort to boost the county’s booming rural economy, including its wineries, breweries and artisan shops. Following the economic devastation of the COVID-19 response, it has become an important community rallying cry to support all local businesses.

The campaign is a joint effort by the county Department of Economic Development, Visit Loudoun and the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce.

“In the face of a global pandemic, Loudoun County’s business community has shown incredible courage and resiliency, adapting to customer safety standards and embracing innovation to stay relevant,” said DED Executive Director Buddy Rizer. “Take Loudoun Home is the perfect way for customers to thank these businesses for their dedication to the community, and ensure that they survive into recovery and beyond.”

Today, the campaign is supporting and promoting more than 400 Loudoun businesses that signed up. The businesses include all industries and geographic locations and supporting thousands of jobs.

“When we talk about Taking Loudoun Home, it’s about supporting people. It’s the housekeeper who makes the bed and the front-desk clerk who gives you a key.

It’s about the server who tells you the daily specials and farmer who grows the food.

It’s about the musician who plays your favorite song and the driver who gets you home safely. It’s the people who brew the beer, tend the vines or distill world-class spirits and the people who serve them. It’s about the thousands of people who greet you with warmth and hospitality throughout Loudoun, who are all affected,” said Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson. “It’s never been more important to support these businesses and individuals who make Loudoun such a great place to live, work, play, learn and visit.”

The new campaign kicks off on the heels of an announcement from Gov. Ralph Northam that non-essential businesses will remain closed at least until May 8 and focuses essential businesses that remain open, as well as non-essential businesses that have pivoted to online services.

“One bright spot during this challenging time is that we, as Loudoun residents and business leaders, have the opportunity to support local businesses while availing ourselves of some the finest restaurants, craft beverages, artisan goods and professional services anywhere in this country,” said Loudoun Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Howard. “When we Take Loudoun Home, we are not only supporting our locally owned small businesses, we are treating our families to the very best this community has to offer.”

At TakeLoudounHome.org, consumers can search interactive maps of participating businesses, take virtual tours, read inspiring business stories, and shop from the new Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown Marketplace.

Marketplace Loudoun’s farm-to-consumer shopping experience is going digital with the launch of the Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown Marketplace, an e-commerce platform that offers a one-stop-shop for consumers to support local farms.

Any farm or rural business in Loudoun County is eligible for participation, freeof-cost, on a platform that supports the sale of any fresh, frozen or value-added products, including craft beverages and artisan goods.

Each vendor chooses their methods of delivery and pickup options for consumers. A centralized pilot pick-up location at the Ag District in Middleburg is available on Wednesdays and Sundays starting the weekend of April 26. Please check timing and locations at checkout for additional information.

Farms and Rural Business More than 1,200 farms help stitch the fabric of western Loudoun County, home to a wide array of products and experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the Washington, DC region.

APRIL 23, 2020

These rural businesses provide families with responsibly raised meat and fresh produce that was picked in the field that morning. They support a vibrant craft beverage industry, and are home to animals from all six inhabited continents.

Farms listed on this map are part of the Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown program, a list of nearly 200 farms and rural businesses maintained by Loudoun Economic Development. Rural businesses interested in joining the program can join on a rolling basis.

Restaurants, Retail and Services This list of more than 200 businesses was compiled in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak as a way of encouraging local shopping. What started as separate lists on the Visit Loudoun, Economic Development and Chamber websites morphed into an interactive map that includes your location when viewed on a mobile browser.

Any business interested in being listed on this map can fill out a form and join the campaign on a rolling basis.

Business Stories At a time of unprecedented disruption to daily life, Loudoun businesses are providing the world with innovation, inspiration, or just a sense of normalcy.

Read these stories to learn the latest on businesses battling the outbreak, offering unique products and services, or lending a helping hand.

Also, show off your support of the local economy and appear in the #TakeLoudounHome Instagram feed, by using the hashtag when you Take Loudoun Home.

Virtual Farm Tours With Virginia’s stay-at-home orders likely to stay in place until June 10, the Loudoun Spring Farm Tour was moved to a digital format for 2020. Starting in midMay, video tours, educational material and other interactive exhibits will be uploaded to TakeLoudounHome.org, showcasing Loudoun’s rural industries.

For the latest list of participating businesses and interactive content, go to TakeLoudounHome.org. n

After a stint as the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia and a run for the Loudoun County chairmanship last year, John Whitbeck is embarking on a new adventure with the launch of the WhitbeckBennett, a family law firm.

Whitbeck, who has two decades of legal experience and has specialized in family, special education and mental health law, joined with Whitbeck Leesburg attorney Ellis Bennett in the new venture. WhitbeckBennett is a new venture and partner firm of Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig.

WhitbeckBennett has opened with three offices in Virginia—Leesburg, Tysons Corner and Richmond—and is looking at opportunities for future locations across the United States.

Whitbeck said his expertise differs from most family law lawyers as he has extensive knowledge and experience with mental health law. Whitbeck previously served as the director of the George Mason University Law and Mental Illness Clinic, which provided pro bono legal representation to the families of mentally ill individuals seeking to have their loved ones committed to psychiatric treatment. Whitbeck also served as a special justice for civil commitment hearings in the 20th Judicial Circuit, which required him to preside over hearings to commit mentally ill individuals to psychiatric treatment.

Whitbeck took interest in the field when his own family faced a crisis many years ago.

“Our lawyer was our biggest advocate during the hardest time in my life,” he said. “I knew then that’s what I wanted to do with my life. It’s a big reason why I developed a practice in mental health law and special education to compliment my family law practice.”

He said WhitbeckBennett will work to help struggling families with strong legal advice and acting as their advocate when they need it most.

To learn more about WhitbeckBennett, at www.wblaws.com. n

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APRIL 23, 2020

PAGE 13

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.

Attention Loudoun County!

Regular Full-Time Positions Position

Department

Salary Range

Closing Date

Police IT Systems Administrator

Police

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5/8/2020

Police Office Manager

Police

$56,956-$97,512 DOQ

5/8/2020

Police Officer (Virginia Lateral)

Police

$53,233-$98,772 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Plant Technician: Trainee, Technician or Senior

Utilities

$44,905-$89,790 DOQ

Open until filled

Position

Department

Hourly Rate

Closing Date

Maintenance Worker

Utilities- Water Pollution Control or Water Supply

Summer Positions $15.00

Open until filled

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.

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APRIL 23, 2020

2 Slates Form in Purcellville Elections

Our Towns

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Volunteers in the Town of Hillsboro placed signs along Rt. 9 last Friday to show community support for the frontline workers helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Hillsboro Honors COVID-19 Workers

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

The Town of Hillsboro recognized frontline workers helping to slow the spread of COVID-19, and honored the virus’ victims, with a special display of roadside signs, lu-

minaries and lighting effects last Friday, and plans to do so this Friday and next.

In addition to planting signs along Rt. 9 with supporting messages like “Thank You Frontline Workers” and “To Our Heroes We Thank You,” volunteers also placed luminaries along town streets as residents

placed candles on their front porches to honor COVID-19 victims.

To top it all off, Superlative Events displayed messages including “Crush Covid-19” and “Stand Together, Stand Apart, Stay at Home” on the Old Stone School. n

Candidates Await Election Date, React to Campaign Efforts in Today’s Socially-Distanced World

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

In addition to not knowing whether the May 5 town elections will be moved to November, Loudoun’s 23 Town Council and five mayoral candidates have been forced to forgo traditional campaigning methods and take their arguments and promises online.

The Loudoun towns of Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville and Round Hill are participating in this year’s municipal elections, which are currently scheduled for May 5. On April 8, Gov. Ralph Northam requested the General Assembly move those elections to Nov. 3—the same day as the 2020 general election—to protect voters from the spread of coronavirus by preventing them from convening at the polls. The General Assembly on Wednesday is expected to vote on that delay.

Reaction to the governor’s request was widespread and varied.

The Virginia Municipal League on

April 10 sent Northam a letter expressing its opposition to that request, and that moving the elections would mean absentee ballots that have already been cast would be thrown out, wasting thousands of dollars already spent to distribute and process them.

Del. Wendy Gooditis (D-10), whose House of Delegates district includes Middleburg, did not say whether she supported a delay to November or not, but emphasized that the General Assembly is putting the health, safety and economic well-being of Virginians at the top of its priority list. She stated that Northam’s amendments and budget work are “largely geared toward helping people and businesses come through the COVID-19 pandemic as unscathed as possible.”

Sen. Jill Vogel (R-27), whose Virginia Senate district also includes Middleburg, said she was in favor of options to keep the election closer to May 5, since campaigning is underway and absentee ballots have been cast.

“There is growing consensus around the Commonwealth for other alternatives

that keep people safe but do not upend the election entirely,” she stated.

Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-33), whose district does not contain any of the five towns in the election, said that while it’s important to get the largest voter turnout possible, it’s equally important to be fair to the candidates who have campaigned during election season. She said the state doesn’t want to suppress voter turnout but does want to keep voters safe.

Boysko said that if the elections remain in May, the state would have to “figure something out” to keep voters safe from coronavirus, such as by strongly encouraging absentee voting or Northam using his executive authority to delay the election by 14 days, as Virginia law permits.

“It’s a complex issue,” Boysko said.

Daniel Davies, Del. Dave LaRock (R-33)’s legislative assistant, said LaRock would vote against moving the election to November. LaRock’s House district includes the towns of Hamilton, Lovettsville, Purcellville and Round Hill.

ELECTION DATE continues on page 15

Whether Purcellville’s municipal election is held next month as scheduled or is delayed until June or December because of the coronavirus outbreak, town voters appear to have clear choices before them.

The town’s two mayoral candidates lined up separate slates in the race. One is teamed up with three Town Council candidates, and the other is joined by the other two council candidates and has secured the endorsement from a county supervisor.

And although town voters do not vote on slates—instead voting for whatever combination of candidates they prefer— those two groups are casting themselves as the two options.

Incumbent Mayor Kwasi Fraser and Town Council candidates Christopher Bertaut, Stanley Milan and Mary Jane Williams are all running together. On the other side of the aisle, Supervisor Tony Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) has endorsed Beverly Chiasson for mayor and newcomers Mary Lynn Hickey and Erin Rayner for council.

Voters will elect three council candidates from the group of five in the election, scheduled for May 5. The Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday was expected to vote on Gov. Ralph Northam’s request to move the elections to Nov. 3.

Fraser said the common goal among his slate “is to represent the people first,” specifically to keep with a slow-growth approach to town governance and maintain Purcellville’s small-town character.

“To achieve this, we will continue to pursue and implement innovative and transformative solutions to address our debt,” he stated. “Instead of relying on development for a quick, short-term cash infusion, we will focus on utilizing our $125 million in assets for long-term revenue.”

Fraser said his slate’s first items of focus, if elected, would be to continue to reduce debt and establish zoning districts that match a comprehensive plan that calls for slow growth.

“We will be focusing on alternative ways to assure our resiliency and economic prosperity to eliminate fluctuations in our budgeting,” he stated. “Continuing to represent SLATES continues on page 18

APRIL 23, 2020

Election date continued from page 14 Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton also expressed his opposition to a November election, calling Northam’s proposal “very unadvisable.” He said he would support delaying the May 5 elections to June 23 by delaying the Republican primary election— which Northam previously used his executive authority to push back two weeks from June 9—to the end of July. That way, the 2020 municipal elections would be held before the terms of 15 Town Council members and four mayors expire on June 30.

Littleton said the Coalition of Loudoun Towns—a non-legislative group comprised of Loudoun’s seven mayors—has not taken a position on the matter, but did say that four of the five towns participating in the May elections were opposed to delaying to November.

But the Hamilton Town Council on April 13 unanimously agreed to support Northam’s request to delay by six months.

The council affirmed that its stance was non-political and made in light of efforts to keep the community safe from the spread of coronavirus.

A day later, the Purcellville Town Council voted unanimously to direct the town staff to request that Northam use his execu-

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM tive authority to postpone the May elections by 14 days. The council also voted to direct staff to petition the Virginia Supreme Court to move the elections back another 16 days to June 4 if Northam did issue that executive order. If the elections were to be delayed by only 30 days to June 4, that would still be six days before Northam’s stay-at-home order expires.

Before Northam requested the delay, the Virginia Department of Elections and the Loudoun County Office of Elections and Voter Registration had been encouraging absentee voting. As of Monday, Loudoun General Registrar Judy Brown reported that 1,542 of the 9,523 registered voters in the five Loudoun towns participating in the election had requested absentee ballots by mail—the most the county has ever seen for municipal elections. Brown said less than 70 voters requested absentee ballots by mail in the 2018 town elections.

Not only has absentee voting become the preferred way of voting in this year’s May election, but many candidates have also been forced to change the ways they run their campaigns.

Littleton said that compared with the way he conducted his first mayoral campaign in 2018, “it’s night and day.” He said he knocked on the front door of every house in town at least three times two years ago, but this year has led his entire cam-

paign on social media and through email.

He said he also has not mailed out a single campaign flyer.

“It’s absolutely changed the nature of how the campaigning thing typically works,” he said, adding that he felt the way campaigns were run in 2020 wouldn’t become the new normal, but would provide future candidates with alternative campaigning methods.

Mike Dunlap, a two-year Lovettsville Town Councilman who is running for his first election to a full four-year council seat, said he thinks candidates for years to come will continue to use the types of virtual campaigning seen this election season, since, he said, social media and the internet as a whole are the most important types of voter engagement candidates have.

“I believe it’s really important for elected officials to be accessible,” he said.

Dunlap noted that the most fulfilling aspect about running for local office is the one action candidates this year are prohibited from taking—meeting with voters in-person to talk about town issues.

Elizabeth Gaucher, a first-time Town Council candidate in Hamilton, said that although there’s no need to go door-to-door in Hamilton, since the town is small enough that candidates don’t need to obtain signatures to run for office, it’s still important to be known in the community. She said she

PAGE 15 is relying more than ever on her social networks at her church and her child’s school, and that she joined an existing private Facebook for Hamilton and created a Facebook profile for local contacts only.

Purcellville mayoral candidate Beverly Chiasson said that campaigning in 2020 is “totally different” from the last time she ran for a spot on the Town Council 20 years ago.

She said the good news about social distancing measures being implemented in this day and age is that 21st-century technology gives candidates the ability to engage with the community while meeting in-person is impossible.

“Thank goodness we’re not in the ‘90s,” she said, noting that she still misses having the chance to physically meet with voters.

Round Hill Mayor Scott Ramsey, who is running for a sixth term, said social distancing measures aren’t playing a role too much in candidates’ election bids, since there’s been a lack of campaigning for years because candidates usually run unopposed.

He said the Town Council would discuss implementing better technology to allow residents to stay engaged during meetings if a socially-distanced world continues as the new normal.

“The virus will force us to focus on making it easier for citizens to interact with town staff and elected officials from their homes,” he said. n

PAGE 216 PAGE

ALWAYS ONLINE ONLINE AT AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM LOUDOUNNOW.COM ALWAYS

APRIL 2020 APRIL23, 9, 2020

Lens on Loudoun Coping with the Coronavirus

Since the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak last m been chronicling the impacts of the pandemic on Lo as a whole. This is the first essay of that work.

Leesburg Police officers stand by the body of a homeless man who died overnight March 31 near the Village Lanes bowling alley off Catoctin Circle. The friend who found him said that he had been sick and that his body was sent to a state lab for coronavirus testing.

A look at the new normal: a Loudoun Hunger Relief staff member maintains a safe, six-foot distance from a client driving up for curbside service at the Leesburg food pantry.

Since early March, families have been stocked up to limit their trips to grocery stores. A month later, some stores still have not recovered from the run on toilet paper, paper towels and sanitization supplies that left barren shelves at many locations.

Volunteers may no longer be available to pitch in at Loudoun Hunger Relief during the stay-at-home period, but the staff remains on the job to handle record demand at the county’s largest food bank in Leesburg. Because of safety concerns, anyone seeking assistance at the center is asked to make an appointment in advance, at loudounhunger.org.

APRIL 9, 23,2020 2020 APRIL

ALWAYS ONLINE ONLINE AT AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM LOUDOUNNOW.COM ALWAYS

PAGE PAGE17 3

month, photographer Douglas Graham has oudoun’s families, businesses and community

The Loudoun Medical Group in March set up the county’s first centralized, drive-through COVID-19 testing tent for its patients on an appointment basis. LMG is the county’s largest physician group, with 330 healthcare providers and 150 clinical locations. The testing tent is in the parking lot of the LMG Cornwall Urgent Care center at 211 Gibson St. in Leesburg and began by running about 80 to 100 tests a day.

A photo essay

by Douglas Graham

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 18

Slates continued from page 14 the people, this will prevent rash decision making on expanding our borders or largescale residential development that is better suited to a large metropolis.”

Fraser charged that Chiasson, Hickey and Rayner “want to rely on annexation that will increase our town liabilities, raise taxes, and add to our traffic congestion,” while he, Bertaut, Milan and Williams “are committed to projects which either pay for themselves or improve our services.”

But Chiasson, a former 12-year Town Councilwoman who served on the dais from 1992 to 2004, said that is not so.

She said her slate is not pro-annexation, and there is “little opportunity” for the town to annex additional land. She said that’s because most of that land surrounding the town is either already built out or has been recently acquired by a landowner who plans to put the land into conservation easement.

“It’s not something that is on our radar,” Chiasson said about her slate’s views on future annexations. “I don’t see that as an issue that we’re going to have to face in our lifetime.”

Because the town can’t rely on annexations for increased utility connection fees

and tax payments, Chiasson said the town needs to learn how to pay its own bills through different means.

Chiasson said her slate is also neither against nor for slow growth because the town is already 90-percent built out and is unable to grow at any pace other than slowly.

Fraser said he and his slate would focus on projects including solar purchasing agreements to reduce the town’s energy costs, laying fiber optic cables in the town rights-of-way to extend broadband connectivity, erecting a second cellular tower to increase wireless coverage for public safety purposes and to generate income for the utility fund, selling reclaimed water, and entering into public-private partnerships to generate revenue from underperforming town assets.

Chiasson said her slate would be primarily focused on straightening out the town’s finances. She emphasized a need to replenish the water and sewer funds, which shrunk in Fiscal Year 2020 by 39 and 16 percent respectively, and said the town should be as open as possible with residents and businesses so those people know what their tax and utility bills look like.

“I think we need to get a handle on the rates,” she said. “This is not something we are locked into, but it is a plan.”

Hickey, a seven-year resident who works

as the vice president of administration for the News Literacy Project, said the utility funds should be stabilized in a sustainable way that is independent of general fund support. She said the town should follow guidance set forth by Stantec, its utility rate consultant.

“Stantec has offered detailed options to collect enough revenue to fully cover costs and to create a fair rate structure for residential and business customers. However, the Town Council has yet to fully implement this guidance,” she said.

Hickey also noted that an open and transparent government and responsible fiscal planning would be key, specifically the town’s need to reduce debt and eliminate “unnecessary and wasteful expenditures.”

Rayner, a three-year town resident who works as the executive director of the Barbara Comstock Program for Women in Leadership at George Mason University, said she is concerned about the town’s finances and infrastructure projects, noting that all three candidates want “to help our town recover from over four years of turmoil.”

“We saw mismanagement of town finances, terrible decisions about the running of community assets, and dishonest leadership,” she said. “We all united under those points to hopefully change that, bring

APRIL 23, 2020

back trust and responsible government.”

Three new council members, and the mayor, will work alongside three incumbent councilmen who will remain on the dais until June 2022—Joel Grewe, Ted Greenly and Vice Mayor Tip Stinette.

Fraser said that, if elected, his slate would look forward to working with the incumbent councilmen “in a mutually respectful and collaborative manner.”

“We all have shared values, and I will invest the time and energy to serve the people of our small town,” he stated.

Chiasson said that if her slate is elected, “very diverse ideas” would be presented on the dais, which would see the six council members and mayor often engage in productive discussions.

Hickey said she already works well with all three incumbent councilmen. Rayner said they “have great ideas” and “are easy to work with.”

Buffington did not respond to multiple attempts by multiple reporters to contact him by email and phone. Reached through a member of his legislative staff, he declined to say why he was supporting the slate of Chiasson, Hickey, and Rayner.

“Supervisor Buffington advised he does not wish to comment on this at the moment,” stated Rachael Holmes, Buffington’s chief of staff. n

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

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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.

Thrive Senior Living Community

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

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

APRIL 23, 2020

PAGE 19

Obituaries Laura Elizabeth “Betsy” Burgess

Kenneth Raymond Dant,89, of Lovettsville, Virginia passed from this life on Wednesday, April 15th at Country Meadows of Frederick, MD. Born on June 25, 1930 at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C., he is the son of Raymond William Dant and Mary Dant.

Laura Elizabeth “Betsy” Burgess passed away peacefully Thursday the 16th of April, 2020 in her Winchester home.

She was born the 24th of June,1930 to Morris Russell Richards and Elizabeth (Richards) Kramer (nee DeVaughn).

Betsy attended school in Prince George County and was a 1948 graduate of Upper Marlboro High School.

Not long after high school, Betsy would meet and eventually marry the love of her life, George W. Burgess in 1950.

Together they called Loudoun County their home and even after the death of her husband in 1983 Betsy continued to live in the home they built on Canby Road in the Leesburg area. It was also in 1983 that Betsy began 20 plus years of employment with Walmart as a People Greeter starting at the Leesburg store and eventually working at the Route 50 store in Winchester until her retirement in 2016.

Betsy is survived by her sister, Gerri Webb and her husband, Bert of Vienna, VA, her adored grandchildren: Wyatt, Justin and Claire, many nieces and nephews, and her son, Colin and his wife, Sharon. Betsy will live on in the hearts of family, schoolmates, co-workers and cherished friends. Her family would like to publicly thank the wonderful caregivers, specifically Cheryl and Margaret who helped Betsy remain

independent. Arrangements are being made by Jones Funeral Home of Winchester and at her request there will be no services. To honor her and celebrate her life, please make donations to the Children’s Miracle Network or take time to enjoy a meal together with family. As Mom (Betsy) would be the first to say, “eat slowly, enjoy each other’s company and don’t be afraid to have dessert first!”

Born on July 26, 1926 in Newport, RI, he was the son of the late George R. Tubley and the late Ellen (Rosberg) Tubley.

Colonel Tubley was an ROTC graduate of Brown University and served 30 years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Tubley) Ballard & son-in-law Larry of Falls Church, VA, his son, CDR David

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia G. Dant. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Bonnie Giuffre and husband Michael, Steve Dant and wife Denise, his brother Donald Dant and sister Janet Daymude. His grandchildren include Jaime Senesi, Lisa Wahl, Kyle Dant and Michelle Small.

He has six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Roberta Broughman and husband Wayne, son, James K Dant, twin daughters (that passed shortly after their birth), sisters Joyce Burgess and Joan Hemminger, and grandson Joseph Dant.

Kenneth served his country as a member of the D.C. National Guard and as a sergeant in the U.S. Army.

He was employed with the U.S. Geological Survey until his retirement in January 1986. He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Club International

Foundation -the highest form of recognition conferred by the foundation for his dedication and hard work with the Lovettsville Lions Club.

Ken coached little league sports for many years. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and was an avid golfer. Ken is well known for his kindness and integrity. He was very much loved, and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Ken attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Petersville, Md. where he will be laid to rest.

A public Celebration of Ken’s Life will be announced at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, Hospice of Frederick County, MD or to St. Mary’s Church in Petersville, MD or to the charity of one’s choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.

Services for Betsy will be private.

Online condolences may be left at www.jonesfuneralhomes.com.

George E. Tubley Colonel George F. Tubley, USMC, Ret., 93, of Lansdowne, VA, died Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at Heritage Hall in Leesburg, VA.

Kenneth Raymond Dant

A. Tubley, CHC, USN (ret) & daughter-in-law, Alice of Columbia, SC; three grandchildren, Matthew Ballard (his partner Sabrina), Andrew Tubley (his wife Mae), and Peter Tubley (his wife Jennifer) and three great-grandchildren Alice, Joseph, and Grant.

Graveside services and interment will be held privately at Arlington National Cemetery at a time to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Colonel Tubley’s memory to the Navy Relief Society.

Arrangements by Loudoun Funeral Chapels.

Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must, not where we want them to.

LoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email: sstyer@loudounnow.com

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PAGE 20

APRIL 23, 2020

LoCo Living

‘It All Came to a Screeching Halt’ Lost Spring Sports Season Leaves a Gap for Athletes, Families

BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com

Tennis has been part of Luke McMullen’s life since kindergarten. As a topranked senior at Loudoun County High School, 2020 was going to be his year as one of the county’s best singles players and a leader on a promising team. But in the wake of COVID-19, young athletes and parents around the county are feeling the loss of the spring sports season that wasn’t.

From high school sports to rec and travel leagues, canceled seasons mean missed opportunities and a sense of loss as routines disappear and players pine for connection with teammates.

“It took a couple days to sink in,” Luke said. “After everything sunk in and I kind of processed everything, that’s when it hit the hardest.”

Luke was district runner up in boys’ singles last spring with a solid shot at winning districts and even regionals this year. And as much as his chances of singles victory, Luke is missing watching his team flourish. LCHS, once a tennis powerhouse, has been rebuilding its program again over the past several years, and parents and players saw 2020 as a potential banner year.

“We were going to be one of the best teams in the region, I think. We were all expecting to go to states. We have a lot of talented freshmen filling the spots in the lineup,” Luke said. “We felt really solid all around.”

Like many families, the McMullens initially held out hope for a shortened season, as school cancelations initially ran through spring break but were then extended through the full school year, said Luke’s mom, Suzanne McMullen.

The Virginia High School League is still holding out the possibility of a shortened summer season for spring league high school sports. VHSL is slated to make the call in May, according to a March 24 press release from the organization. But for seniors and their parents, the loss of that final sports season comes on top of so many other missed milestones, including prom and a traditional June graduation ceremony.

“I had a moment where I was like, ‘He’s a senior—our only child. We’re going to miss a big milestone.’ Selfishly, I was sit-

Courtesy of Suzanne McMullen

Courtesy of Alex Heaney

Courtesy of Jeanne Dattilo

LCHS Senior Luke McMullen missed his final season of high school tennis before moving on to play in college.

Ashlyn Heaney, 13, pitches for the Loudoun Liberty Black travel softball team.

Charlotte Dattilo, a LVHS freshman, plays travel volleyball for Shenandoah Surge.

ting there crying. We don’t get to take pictures and have a graduation party,” Suzanne McMullen said. “On one level, the slowdown has been kind of nice, but on the other hand, we were really looking forward to it for him. … I guess we’ve just dealt with the grief stage.”

For the McMullens, one saving grace is that Luke’s college plans are already confirmed. He’ll study and play NCAA tennis at Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD, next year. But with the 2020 college season canceled and the NCAA offering an extra year of eligibility to athletes, returning college seniors may impact opportunities for younger players.

For now, Luke, who usually plays tennis year-round through the United States Tennis Association programs, is working to stay fit while tennis is mostly on hold.

All public and high school courts are locked down, although he manages to hit occasionally on private neighborhood courts. Whatever VHSL decides, he says, his hope is that the LCHS team will get together and play, even if it’s in an unofficial capacity, before seniors move on.

“At the end of the day when you look at the big picture, you can’t really control what’s happened. I try not to worry about something I can’t control,” Luke said. “For

now, I’ve been trying to look at the options I have. I’ve been talking to the guys, and we said once this is all over, we need to meet up in the summer and just hit because our time was cut short.”

For the Heaney/Santoli family in Lovettsville, spring usually means weekends on the ballfield for this softball loving clan. Stepsisters Alaina Santoli and Ashlyn Heaney, the oldest of the family’s five kids, play on separate travel teams through the Western Loudoun Girls Softball League. Alaina was also scheduled to make her high school debut as a freshman on the junior varsity team at Woodgrove High School. The spring that should have been full of high school games and travel tournaments for Alex Heaney and her husband Mark.

In addition to being a devoted softball mom, Alex Heaney is a board member at WLGSL. After careful consideration, she says, the league made the decision to cancel the season fairly early.

“We’ve been trying to be very proactive,” Heaney said. “It stinks to be in limbo as a parent, it stinks to be in limbo as a coach. I’m grateful that we made those decisions...just because everything is unknown.”

And while the lost season has been

tough on the girls, they’re making the best of a hard situation.

“We’re really fortunate in the sense that the kids have been really good about getting out and running around the property.

We have softball nets and they have their equipment. They’re able to get in some practice time,” Alex Heaney said. “It’s not the same, but Alaina and Ashlyn have each other so at least we get some sort of upkeep on their skill level.”

For the Heaneys and many other sports-loving families, moving from daily practices and weekends full of tournaments to an essentially empty calendar has been an adjustment. Alaina’s travel team has mostly been together since third grade, and teammates have become like family.

“They’ve all stayed together up to this point. The parents are like family, the kids are like family. They’ve had the same coaches the entire time. They’re very close knit,” Heaney said.

Last spring when both girls played travel ball, Heaney and Mark would often find themselves on separate fields with each girl while monitoring the othSPRING SPORTS continues on page 21

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APRIL 23, 2020

Spring sports continued from page 20 er daughter’s game on the GameChanger app. And while COVID closures mean more free time, it leaves a big hole in their world.

“There’s something about watching your kid play sports—it’s just fun. I love softball, and Mark has really grown to also love softball,” Heaney said. “We both love to watch the girls do what they love.”

The love of the game and a sense of routine are also creating a sense of loss for the Dattilo family of Purcellville. Older daughter Sophie, a junior at Loudoun Valley High School, earned a spot as co-captain of the school tennis team while younger sister Charlotte, a freshman at LVHS, had achieved a major goal on her travel volleyball team as the season was abruptly cut short.

For Sophie, spring tennis was something to look forward to as she managed a heavy academic load and the pressure so many Loudoun students feel during their junior year.

“I was really excited for the season,” Sophie said. “It was a part of my year, which was such a pivotal year academically, that was a real bright spot… Tennis was some-

“Tennis was something that I was looking forward to have a place where it’s fun, something extracurricular.

Having it taken away along with the rest of my year was just disheartening.”

— Sophie Dattio thing that I was looking forward to have a place where it’s fun, something extracurricular. Having it taken away along with the rest of my year was just disheartening.

Honestly it’s just sad.”

Sophie says she doesn’t have NCAA tennis in mind, but was looking forward to contributing to her team as a player and a leader. She worked hard during the off-season to raise her team ranking from eighth to third this season and is missing

PAGE 21

that important sense of connection that team sports offer.

“I have a doubles partner who I love so much,” she said. “We play so well together.

I would love to play any over the summer, even if VHSL doesn’t set up something official.”

Meanwhile Charlotte Dattilo had just received some great news near the end of her club volleyball season. She earned a key first-string defensive role for her team, the coveted libero position, just as the season was canceled.

“I played one tournament as libero and I had so much fun … and then all of that got shut down,” Charlotte said.

But for so many young athletes, the human connections are often what players miss most.

“I really do miss my teammates. I’m close with a lot of them and my coaches too,” Charlotte said. “It’s been really hard not seeing them as much as I used to.”

For sports families, moving from a chock-full schedule to an empty calendar can be tough. March and April would have been packed with tennis matches and volleyball tournaments for the Dattilos. They’re taking it in stride but the loss of routine, the sometimes stressful but often fun groove of carpools and tournaments that becomes second nature for

sports families, is a little disorienting says the girls’ mom Jeanne Dattilo.

Like many Loudoun families, the Dattilos had a pre-COVID crazy night every week. In their case, it was Wednesdays, with Sophie heading straight to an SAT prep class after tennis practice and Charlotte traveling to West Virginia for volleyball with dad Ken. Wednesday, March 11 was a typical crazy night, and the family got home for dinner around 8:45 p.m. Around 5 a.m. the next day, parents around Loudoun were notified that school was canceled for what would eventually be the full academic year.

“It was just a really busy night. We did all that, and then the next day it was just gone,” Jeanne said. “It all came to a screeching halt” And while the new normal is quiet and relaxing, the Dattilos would go back to the busy in a heartbeat.

“It’s just been sad. Even in the busiest times, I still loved it. I loved watching Sophie play tennis. I loved watching Charlotte play volleyball. I liked the time in the car that we got to talk…It was busy, but it was working well and it was fun,” Jeanne said. “I miss seeing them thrive in their element.” n

Legal Notices PUBLIC NOTICE

OFFICIAL VOTING INFORMATION

The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary/record plat of subdivision for the following project.

FINAL DAY TO APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT

SBPR-2019-0005 Middleburg Preserve II Mr. Michael L. Oxman, of Mojax, LLC, of Hillsboro, Virginia is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately sixteen point four (16.4) acres into nine (9) single family detached lots, open space parcels, road right-of-way and accompanying easements. The property is located on the north side of Snake Hill Road (Route 744), approximately fifteen hundred feet (1,500’) east of its intersection with St Louis Road (Route 611). The property is zoned CR-1 (Countryside Residential 1), CR-3 (Countryside Residential 3), RC (Rural Commercial) and VCOD (Village Conservation Overlay District) under the provisions of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance.

The property is more particularly described as Tax Map /72////////20/ (MCPI # 596-35-9628), Tax Map /72//10/////1/ (MCPI # 596-36-5428) and Tax Map /72////////34/ (MCPI # 596-36-6258) in the Blue Ridge Election District.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the Loudoun Online Land Applications System www.loudoun.gov/LOLA by searching for SBPR-2019-0005. Complete copies of the above referenced application(s) are also available for public review at the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, Land Development File Room, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical public access to the file may be interrupted. You may contact the project manager to arrange for alternative access to the file if necessary. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Eric Jewell at eric.jewell@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by May 28, 2020. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary/record subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.09 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).

4/23/20

Town Elections – Tuesday, May 5, 2020

By Mail - Tuesday, April 28, 2020, by 5 p.m.

In Person – Saturday, May 2, 2020, by 5 p.m.

The Voter Registration Office located at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C, Leesburg, Virginia, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and will also be open on Saturday, May 2, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for curbside absentee voting ONLY. The absentee ballot application and additional information can be found on our website at www. loudoun.gov/vote or by calling the Voter Registration Office at 703 777-0380.

Town voters are encouraged to vote by mail (if time permits). Apply for an absentee ballot online using the Virginia Department of Elections website at www.elections.virginia.gov.

POLLING PLACES WILL BE OPEN AT 6:00 A.M. AND CLOSE AT 7:00 P.M. ON TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2020.

For more information, call 703 777-0380 Judith Brown, General Registrar 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C Leesburg, Virginia 20175-8916 Email: vote@loudoun.gov Please Note: All town voters are reminded that strict social distancing measures will be in place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at all polling places. Voters should remain at least 6 feet apart and only 10 people will be allowed in the polling place at any given time. Voters should expect delays when voting in person on Election Day. The Town of Purcellville election for Mayor and Town Council has been moved to the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink for Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

The Town of Lovettsville election for Mayor and Town Council has been moved to the Lovettsville Game Protective Association (Game Club) for Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

Town elections for Hillsboro and Leesburg have been moved from May to November.

4/16 & 4/23/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 22

APRIL 23, 2020

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2020 in order to consider:

SPEX-2019-0050 & CMPT-2019-0006 INVISIBLE TOWERS–KARMEN (Special Exception & Commission Permit)

Invisible Towers LLC, of Waterford, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 199-foot tall Telecommunications Monopole and associated ground equipment in the AR1 (Agricultural Rural1) zoning district; and 2) A Special Exception to permit a 199-foot tall Telecommunications Monopole in the AR1 zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Table 2102 and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 61101. The modification of the Buffer Yard and Screening requirements applicable to the proposed monopole use is authorized as part of the Special Exception under Section 51409(B)(2), Waivers and Modifications, pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §51404(B), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscaping Plans, Buffer Yards, Use Buffer Yard Matrix, Table 51404(B).

PROPOSED MODIFICATION Eliminate the required Type C buffer yard landscaping around the equipment at the base monopole.

The subject property is an approximately 1.59 acre portion of an approximately 163.88 acre parcel and is located on the south side of Lovettsville Road (Route 672), and the north side of Yakey Lane (Route 667) in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 216-35-6684.The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Area (Rural North Place Type)), which designate this area for mostly Agricultural and Agricultural supportive uses with limited Residential development at a recommended density of up to one dwelling units per 20 acres.

SIDP-2019-0008 LOVETTSVILLE HOME ASSISTED LIVING (Sign Development Plan)

Lovettsville Home Assisted Living, of Lovettsville, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to modify Table 5-1204(D), Sign Requirements Matrix, to increase the maximum area of any one Residential Name Sign from 2 square feet to 15.8 square feet. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-20050042, Rural Policy Area Remapping, located in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural – 1) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is approximately 3 acres in size and is located east of Berlin Turnpike (Route 287) and west of Milltown Road (Route 681), at 39196 Rodeffer Road, Lovettsville, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 372-48-8868. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North Place Type)), which designate this area for Rural Economy uses and limited Residential development.

SPEX-2019-0030 BANFIELD PET HOSPITAL (Special Exception)

Medical Management International, Inc., of Minnetonka, Minnesota, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit an Animal Hospital use in the PC-CC-SC (Planned Development-Commercial Center-Small Regional Center) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-204(C) (1) and more specifically under 4-204(B)(11). The subject property is located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) and contains moderate steep slopes. The subject property is approximately 9.529 acres in size and is located on the south side of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7), east of North Sterling Boulevard (Route 846), and west of Dranesville Road (Route 228), at 21800 Towncenter Plaza, Sterling, Virginia, in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 01439-1743. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use place type)), which designate this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational uses.

SPEX-2019-0021 7-ELEVEN SOUTH RIDING (Special Exception)

7-Eleven, Inc., of Irving, Texas, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit a Car Wash use in the PD-CC-NC (Planned Development – Commercial Center – Neighborhood Center) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed

as a Special Exception use under Section 4-204(A). The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours and the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District-Chantilly Crush Stone Note Area. The subject property is approximately 2.132 acres in size and is located north of Tall Cedars Parkway (Route 2200), south of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) and east of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 606) at 25140 Loudoun County Pkwy., Chantilly, Virginia, in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 164-105-637-001. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)) which designate this area for predominately Residential uses with complementary Retail and Service Commercial uses.

ZRTD-2019-0007 BEAUMEADE CIRCLE PROPERTIES (Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District)

Beaumeade Properties LLC, of Reston, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 18.33 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, in order to permit all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception). The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, within the Route 28 Corridor Optional Overlay District, and within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay district, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 18.33 acres in size and is located east of Cape Court, on the west side of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) and on the southeast side of Beaumeade Circle (Route 3037) in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as: PIN

PROPERTY ADDRESS

061-40-4434

N/A

061-40-8640

N/A

061-30-3196

N/A

The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area, Suburban Employment Place Type), which supports a broad array of Employment uses at a recommended FAR of up to 1.0.

Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents 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 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5).

All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view and/or participate in the public hearing electronically. Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing.

Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who sign-up in advance. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on May 1, 2020, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 13, 2020. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.

BY ORDER OF:

PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

4/23 & 4/30/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

APRIL 23, 2020

PAGE 23

Legal Notices TOWN OF HAMILTON PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED WATER/SEWER RATES & LAND DEVELOPMENT FEE'S (no changes) The Town of Hamilton will hold a public hearing on Monday May 11, 2020, at 7:00pm at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 E Colonial Hwy, Hamilton, VA, for the purpose of receiving comment on the proposed water/sewer rates and the proposed planning/zoning fees for the FY21 budget year. Virtual meeting available for public attendance at: https://www.hamiltonva.gov. The Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119, 15.2-2143 and 15.2-2122, authorize the adoption of water/sewer rates and fees. The Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-2241 and 15.2-2286, authorize the adoption of planning & zoning fees.

* * * *

PROPOSED WATER RATES - ALL PROPERTIES * IN TOWN PROPOSED RATES (no changes) ^ OUT OF TOWN PROPOSED RATES (no changes) Metered Rates Metered Rates $5.71 $12.75 $13.25 $19.00

per 1,000 gallons up to 8,000 gallons per 1,000 gallons between 8,001 and 12,000 gallons per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons surcharge every 2 months

^ ^ ^ ^

$7.71 $17.21 $17.89 $19.00

per 1,000 gallons up to 8,000 gallons per 1,000 gallons between 8,001 and 12,000 gallons per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons surcharge every 2 months

PROPOSED SEWER RATES - ALL PROPERTIES * IN TOWN PROPOSED RATES (no changes) ^ OUT OF TOWN PROPOSED RATES (no changes) Metered Rates Metered Rates * * * *

$10.88 $26.25 $28.88 $13.00

per 1,000 gallons up to 8,000 gallons per 1,000 gallons between 8,001 and 12,000 gallons per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons surcharge every 2 months

^ ^ ^ ^

$14.68 $35.44 $38.98 $13.00

Flat Rates * *

$76.50 every 2 months $13.00 surcharge every 2 months

per 1,000 gallons up to 8,000 gallons per 1,000 gallons between 8,001 and 12,000 gallons per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons surcharge every 2 months

Flat Rates ^ ^

$103.28 every 2 months $13.00 surcharge every 2 months

PROPOSED LAND DEVELOPMENT FEES (no changes) $ 5,000 Annexation Application $ 350 Appeals (Board of Zoning Appeals) $ 250 Boundary Line Adjustment/Lot Consolidation $ 750 Commission Permit $ 2,500 Comprehensive Plan Amendment $ 250 Concept Plan Review $ 150 Demolition Permit $ 4,500 Development Plan Amendment Grading Plan (Erosion & Sediment Control) $ 500 Less than 100 acres $ 1,000 100-200 acres $ 1,500 200+ acres $ 100 Home Child Care Centers (12 childern or less) $ 25 Home Occupation Permit $ 50 Occupancy Permit $ 800 Parking Waiver (per space) $ 4,500 Proffered Condition Amendment Rezoning Application $ 2,500 0-5 acres $ 3,500 5-10 acres $ 6,500 10-25 acres $ 7,500 25-100 acres $ 8,500 100+ acres

Sign Permit $ 25 Temporary $ 100 Permanent $ 500 Preliminary Site Plan Application $ 1,200 Site Plan Application $ 750 Site Plan Revision $ 500 Special Exception Application $ 1,500 Special Use Permit Subdivision Application $ 300 Preliminary Plat - Minor (3 lots or less) $ 500 Preliminary Plat - Major (4 or more lots) $ 300 Preliminary Plat Revision $ 750 Subdivision - Construction Drawings - Public Improvements $ 300 Subdivision - Final Plat $ 500 Subdivision Major (3 lots or more) $ 500 Subdivision - Final Plat Review $ 300 Trailer Permit $ 350 Variance Application Zoning Permit - New Construction $ 150 Residential $ 200 Commerical or Industrial $ 75 Accessory Structures, decks, additiona, etc NC (permit required) Interior Alterations, roof replacement, siding, etc.

LoudounNow.com

PAGE 24

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

APRIL 23, 2020

Legal Notices

Town of Leesburg Continues Water Valve Exercise and Maintenance Program Public Notification The Town of Leesburg is continuing a preventative maintenance program to protect the longevity and operation of the water system infrastructure and valves. This valve exercise program requires closing, then opening each main line valve and service line valves in specific distribution areas.

The purpose of the program is to exercise main line valves throughout the distribution system to assure reliable operation and maintain water quality. During this program, crews will exercise the valves by operating each valve through a full cycle and returning it to its normal position. Where valves are exercised, a fire hydrant will be flowed to ensure that the water in the main remains clear.

During the valve turning exercise, customers may experience some sediment or discolored water for a short period of time. Water is safe to drink and safe to use during this period. If this condition is noticed, we recommend running several cold water taps at full force for a period of 1-2 minutes. It may be necessary to repeat this process after 30 minutes. In addition, the closing and opening of valves may introduce air into water lines which can cause temporary erratic water flow. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed.

The valve exercising will occur April through November during the hours of 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Town regrets any inconvenience the maintenance program may cause. If you have any questions regarding our valve exercising program, or have any concerns about water quality, please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075. For after-hour emergencies, please call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500.

4/9, 4/16, 4/23 & 4/30/20

TOWN OF LEESBURG DEPARTMENT OF UTILITIES NOTICE OF WATER MAIN FLUSHING The Town of Leesburg will conduct controlled flushing of water mains throughout the Town beginning April through June 30th, 2020. This preventative maintenance program is essential for maintaining the Town’s high standards of water quality.

Water mains are flushed by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. The flushing cleans out sediment, removes air which may accumulate in the water mains and restores chlorine levels in areas of limited use, thereby, reducing the potential for bacteriological contamination.

Water is safe to drink and safe to use during flushing. However, flushing may result in temporary discoloration and sediment in the water. If discoloration or sediment is evident, the Town recommends residents avoid doing laundry until the discoloration subsides. Flushing may also introduce air into the water, which may temporarily cause erratic flow. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed.

Some residents and businesses may experience lower pressure during the flushing in their neighborhood. The Town regrets any inconvenience the flushing operation may cause.

Please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075 for further information. For after-hour emergencies, call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500.

4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21 & 5/28/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

APRIL 23, 2020

Legal Notices

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.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.:

JJ038628-13-00

,

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

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.

ABC LICENSE Charles Scheeh and Lauren Barrett, trading as Buford’s Biscuits, 15 Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Sanay Elliyoun-Yousefabad

YR.

2003 2005

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Beer, Wine and Liquor license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Shahnaz Zabihi Khodapasand, mother The object of this suit is to hold a 5th permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Sanay Elliyoun-Yousefabad.

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.

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

4/23 & 4/30/20

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Abigail Rivera Hernandez Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Nelson Bismarck Rivera Espinoza, putative father and Rosibel Hernandez Zepeda, mother The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Abigail Rivera Hernandez, and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Abigail Rivera Hernandez.

It is ORDERED that Nelson Bismarck Rivera Espinoza, putative father and Rosibel Hernandez Zepeda, mother appear at the above-named Court and protect their interests on or before April 29, 2020 at 3:00 pm for Adjudication, and June 3, 2020 at 3:00 pm for Dispositional Hearing.

4/16, 4/23, 4/30, & 5/7/20

PHONE#

703-777-7300 703-777-7300

The BOE will sit and hear all appeals timely presented for consideration. Following the hearing, the BOE shall equalize the taxpayer’s assessment by increasing, decreasing or affirming such assessment.

Case No.:

,

STORAGE

DOUBLE D TOWING DOUBLE D TOWING

NOTICE is hereby given that the Loudoun County Board of Equalization of Real Estate Assessments (BOE) will hear appeals for 2020 Real Estate Assessments at the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, between 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. beginning on July 30, 2020 and continuing through December 31, 2020, with the exception of September 7, October 12, November 11, November 25, November 26, November 27, December 24, and December 25, 2020. The BOE scheduled hearings will be posted on the County calendar at www.loudoun.gov. Hearing dates are subject to change. Please also refer to the County calendar for cancellations.

The BOE will continue to hear appeals until the last day needed to complete all necessary action regarding such appeals, or December 31, 2020, whichever comes first.

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316, 317

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

VIN

1J4GL48K33W649838 1GNDT1358523131957

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

ORDER OF PUBLICATION JJ044071-01-00, 02-00

MODEL

LIBERTY TRAILBLAZER

04/16 & 04/23/20

4/2, 4/9, 4/16 & 4/23/20

Case No.:

MAKE

JEEP CHEVROLET

Charles Scheeh (Owner), Lauren Barrett (Owner)

It is ORDERED that Shahnaz Zabihi Khodapasand, mother, appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 12, 2020 at 3:00 pm.

PAGE 25

JJ035094-05-00

Loudoun Circuit Court

If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Board of Equalization at 703-777-0289. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice.

Michael Krueger, Chairman Board of Equalization

,

4/23/20

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Bhasmang A Bhatt

NOTICE TOWN OF LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

v.

Ami Bhasmang Bhatt The subject of this suit is to obtain divorce from the bond of matrimony.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104

Remote Public Participation Available Members of the public who wish to speak during the petitioners’ section of the April 28, 2020, Leesburg Town Council Meeting can do so remotely. Information on how to participate remotely can be found on the Town of Leesburg’s website www.leesburgva.gov/ agendas or on the agenda that will be posted outside of the Clerk’s Office and in the lobby of Town Hall (25 West Market Street) by close of business on April 22, 2020.

It is ORDERED that Bhasmang A Bhatt appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before July 10, 2020 at 10:00 am.

4/23, 4/30, 5/7 & 5/14/20

Case No.:

19-1188

Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 East Market St., Leesburg VA 20176

,

Heather Elizabeth Salyer /v.

Brandon Lawrence Salyer The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce.

If you need more information, contact the Clerk of Council at eboeing@leesburgva.gov or 703-771-2733.

It is ORDERED that Brandon Lawrence Salyer, appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before Friday June 5, 2020.

4/23/2020

4/2, 4/9, 4/16 & 4/23/20

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.

Description

Case Number

Recovery Date

Recovery Location

Phone Number

White and green Tony Hawk bicycle

SO160004386

11/14/2016

Stablehouse Drive, Sterling

571-258-3497

White and black Haro Bikes Backtrail bicycle

SO160004386

11/14/2016

Stablehouse Drive, Sterling

571-258-3497

Red NEXT Wipeout bicycle

SO180019641

10/22/2018

S. Concord Court, Sterling

571-258-3497 4/16 & 4/23/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 26

Legal Notices COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.:

JJ024579-08-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Resource Directory Tax Preparation (Individual & Business)

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Stewart C. Petchenick ,

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isaiah Matos Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Earl Marshal, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing and review of foster care plan in connection with permanent foster care disruption pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-281 and 63.2-908(H) for Isaiah Matos.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, Earl Marshal, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before May 19, 2020 at 2:00 pm.

4/16, 4/23,4/30, & 5/7/20

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petchenickstewartcpa@gmail.com

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APRIL 23, 2020

PAGE 27

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APRIL 23, 2020

Opinion Pushed to the Cutting Edge Were you one of those parents who thought teachers had it easy?

Welcome to the world of distance learning.

Seemingly overnight, Loudoun became one of the nation’s largest home-schooling districts. It has been a tremendous undertaking, with administrators and educators essentially working to build the railroad while the train is steaming down the track.

Within weeks, the schools have had to build out the infrastructure— distributing Chromebooks and internet access hotspots, and assembling software platforms—create new curricula, and train the staff for an entirely different approach to instruction. All that accomplished without firm guidance from state or federal leaders who also were unsure which direction to go.

It doesn’t necessarily get easier as we begin to acclimate teachers, students and parents to this unfamiliar environment.

As has been acknowledged frequently during School Board meetings in recent weeks, this isn’t exactly what teachers signed up for.

The at-home education (and IT) responsibilities probably weren’t high on parents’ priority lists, either.

Over the next several weeks, the benefit to students largely will be

Preserve Our Community

dictated by the work they choose to put in. Many may elect to coast into summer.

Regardless of the outcomes achieved by the time classes wrap up in June, the work done over the past several weeks sets a permanent foundation for learning in Loudoun in the future. In essence, school leaders have broken beyond the classroom walls to expand the options for effective instruction and collaboration. Distance learning at primary and secondary school levels has long been possible; now it is a reality.

Another tool to offer our students a world-class education has been added to the box. With it comes a whole new set of learning opportunities. Years from now, when we look back on the impacts of the pandemic, the work done after the school doors closed may very well be remembered as a transformational accomplishment.

n

Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 • Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723

EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com

LETTERS to the Editor Editor: Just a few days prior to when the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed all our lives, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties met for its scheduled Board of Directors meeting. We were all aware of the danger that COVID-19 presented and assumed that our government agencies would begin to enact ever more aggressive measures to slow the spread of the virus and to protect us. The idea of social distancing was just starting to become known. We sat further apart from each other than we usually do and worried collectively about what would come.

Our Foundation President and CEO Amy Owen presented us with a compel-

Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com

ling idea, which was to start an emergency relief fund to help those affected by the coming crisis. These funds are traditionally used to address natural disasters—recovery from flooding, tornadoes, snowstorms and the like—and the idea to help people whose wages were impacted by a global pandemic was novel. After some education and discussion, our Board unanimously approved the proposal and created the Community Emergency Relief Fund.

At the same time, I was working closely with the staff of my other volunteer effort to determine how we should respond to the threat COVID-19 presented us. I am also the president of a local homeowners association, an HOA that is very large—about 6,700 homes with well LETTERS continues on page 30

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PAGE 29

Parenting with Purpose

Family Survival During Forced Togetherness

BY NEIL MCNERNEY

As so many have said in the past month, we are living in unprecedented times. Our worries about ourselves and our families are at a high level. Even families that get along great are starting to feel the strain.

In my work with families during the past month, I have started to see certain trends and have developed some advice that I think can help your family get through this tough time. In no specific order, here are my recommendations: Be tentative in conversations. The more time people spend together, the more likely that we will become more abrupt in our communication styles. We tend to quickly resort to statements that start with “You need to” or “You have to.” My suggestion would be to be more tentative with your requests. Instead of: “You need to clean up this room,” I would suggest trying: “When do you plan on cleaning this up?” Or: “I’d appreciate it if you took care of your chores now instead of later.” It’s a bit of a paradox, but I have seen that most kids respond better with gentle requests vs. demands.

Avoid shorthand communication. The

longer we spend with the same people, the more likely our communication gets shortened and becomes abrupt. This can lead to misunderstandings, anger, and hurt feelings. Take the time to explain things, and especially take the time to point out what you are really liking. For instance, instead of saying: “You and I are cooking dinner tonight,” Try this: “I really liked it last week when we cooked dinner together. It was a lot of fun. Let’s do it again tonight.” It’s more words, but I think taking the time to encourage cooperation will benefit the relationship in the long run.

Don’t keep score. There is much to do in a house and forced togetherness will highlight the fact that some people do more than others. It’s easy to keep score on how much you do for the family and how annoying it is that others aren’t doing as much. Spending 24 hours a day together highlights this issue even more. I would suggest, at least during this time, to spend less time dwelling on the inequities. If you have emptied the dishwasher the past five times, don’t feed the anger by dwelling on it. The more we keep score in a family, the worse everyone feels.

Resentment is an easy feeling to feed.

Once we’ve developed a theory such as “I do everything around here,” we will find every opportunity to feed that theory, which only leads to more anger and resentment. Instead, I would suggest you focus on skill building. For instance, if you are tired of doing everyone’s laundry, now might be the time to help your children develop this skill.

It’s OK to stake out certain areas of the house as each person’s territory. We all need our own place, especially during this time. It gives us a sense of peace and security. For most kids, that territory might be there room. Try to be more aware of knocking first before coming in. This simple act will increase their feelings of security and ability to control a part of their environment.

Don’t try to fix big family issues now.

This might not be the time to fix longterm family issues. This recommendation might seem counterintuitive. For some of us, now might be the best time to work on issues, since we have the luxury of time to work on things. But long-term family issues can also be entrenched and very dif-

ficult to change. I am telling my families that now is probably not the time to consider separation or divorce, for instance.

We are better off to wait until this storm has passed before considering making big family changes.

And finally, don’t give in to the pressure that your family is inadequate because you are not having as much fun as other families. Peer pressure does not end in high school. Every family is struggling with this new reality. Don’t be fooled by cute videos of your neighbors and assume that they have it so much more together. Try to stay positive that we all are doing our best to provide a safe, healthy place for our families. n Neil McNerney is a licensed professional counselor and author of Homework – A Parent’s Guide To Helping Out Without Freaking Out! and The Don’t Freak Out Guide for Parenting Kids with Asperger’s. He can be reached at neil@neilmcnerney.com.

Want to Boost Your Immune System? Say ‘Thank You’

BY CHRIS CROLL

During this pandemic, we are all resorting to extraordinary measures to protect ourselves from getting sick. But the stress of worrying about getting sick may be enough to make us sick! When the body is managing stress for long periods of time, energy is diverted away from other systems, including those that fight off viruses.

To help manage stress, researchers say it’s important to focus our attention on the things in our lives for which we are grateful. Thankful thoughts are calming thoughts which can push worrying thoughts out of focus. Also, expressing gratitude can make us feel more in control during a time when we may not have much of an ability to influence outcomes.

Stress hormones like cortisol are shown to be much lower in people who express gratitude, so it makes sense that being grateful helps maintain better physical health. But research shows that expressing thanks can also help fortify mental health. Being thankful is consid-

ered such a powerful protective factor that gratitude work is part of many suicide prevention and addiction recovery programs.

This pandemic offers a myriad of opportunities for us to express thanks—for what’s good in our lives and also for the work others are doing. Start with one thing for which you are grateful. If you can’t think of anything right away, say out loud to yourself or to a loved one, “I’m fortunate to be alive.” From there,

you can start listing other things for which you are grateful.

Even for those of us dealing with major life crises right now—a spouse losing their job, living in physical pain, watching a close family member die, worrying about the mental health of a child—there is still gratitude to be found. I cite those specific examples because I am personally dealing with all of those issues right now. Managing these micro traumas against the backdrop of a global pandemic is enough to wipe out my adrenal system completely. I’ve started reciting mantras such as, “I’m grateful for my friends” and “I am so thankful to have a backyard full of trees.” These expressions of gratitude help me to refocus my thoughts from negative to positive.

For those of you who prefer to express thanks in tangible ways, consider writing a letter, card, email or social media post to someone who is working on the front lines of the pandemic; health care workers, grocery store clerks, package delivery personnel, assisted living facility staff and others. Thank them for their service

and commitment to their jobs. You can even send a note to the service providers you miss the most; teachers, hair stylists, bartenders, restaurant managers, etc. Being on the receiving end of gratitude has its own health benefits.

Taking time each day to feel grateful can help boost your immune system and fortify your mental health. What you focus energy on expands so as you practice gratitude, you will find more things in life for which to be thankful. On that note, let me close by saying how thankful I am for you, the reader, and for the team at Loudoun Now who works hard to assemble this newspaper for us each week.

Stay healthy, Loudoun! n Chris Croll is a writer, community activist and former member of the Loudoun County School Board (Catoctin District). She lives in Leesburg with her husband and two children.

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PAGE 30

Budget hits continued from page 3 The school’s budget plans were hit by a double whammy. As part of its contingency planning to brace for the loss of tax and fee revenues, the Board of Supervisors established a $100 million reserve fund in its adopted FY21 budget; that put $60 million of anticipated school funding on ice until the post-pandemic revenue picture becomes clear. Then Northam proposed state budget cuts, freezes or un-allotments that could increase the budget deficit by more than $9 million.

“With an estimated budget reduction target being of $73.0m and non-growth related expenditures totaling $74.6m,

LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 28

over 20,000 residents. Our management staff and I took steps to close the HOA amenities as well as postponing board and committee meetings.

Many of our residents seemed to understand and appreciate our actions, indicating support of our efforts for our community. The support for and strength of our community grew as neighbors began to amplify efforts to support local business suffering so heavily in this crisis by patronizing them as possible based on restrictions in place.

It’s this passion for community—our community—that leads me to encourage donations to the Community Emergency Relief fund at: communityfoundationlf. org/product/emergencyrelief/.

This fund is already assisting those affected by the crisis with rent and by helping to secure food and healthcare.

These are folks who live and work in our community. They are our friends, neighbors and often service providers. And they need our help. Please donate to this

there may be little room, if any, to retain new expenditures beyond the expenditures needed for possible enrollment growth,” the school district’s budget staff wrote in the April 14 briefing.

The state money will remain a moving target until the General Assembly completes is April 22 veto session. That is when the budget should be finalized.

The School Board is expected to begin its deliberations on how to absorb the cuts at its April 28 meeting when the staff will present a list of recommended reductions.

A public hearing is eyed for May 12, with a final vote as early as May 26.

Town Budgets On April 8, the Purcellville Town fund. Preserve our community.

- Matt Durham, Cascades Community Foundation’s Board of Directors

Hometown Heroes Editor: Heroes exist in our world; they live in our towns, communities, and even on our streets. Lovettsville is no exception.

We have our own hometown heroes.

Our former mayor, Bobby Zoldos, traveled the world as part of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Task Force 1, searching for those trapped as victims of hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disasters. He now leads an entire department of heroes as Fire Chief of Durham, NC. Drive any community in our small town, and you will find marked and unmarked police cars, dozens of them.

These are Municipal, County, State, and Federal police officers. Each is doing their jobs a little differently, with varying responsibilities, but keeping us all safe.

Then there are the heroes that we don’t always know are there, the doctors, nurses, and other medical/emergency

Tell them you saw it in Loudoun Now

Council discussed the option of adopting a newly proposed Fiscal Year 2021 operating budget that’s down by $1.16 million from what the town manager originally proposed—one that eliminates a suggested 2-cent real estate tax rate increase, a half-cent Fireman’s Field special tax district rate increase, a 1-percent meals tax rate increase and 5-percent utility rate hikes. To compensate for the loss of revenue from those taxes and utility fees, the town could reduce its operating budget expenditures, including reduced staff salary increases and a deferral of capital improvement projects that were slated to be funded with town money.

That FY21 budget could apply strictly to the first quarter of the next fiscal year, with the council then needing to go back

in, deliberate and adopt a budget that applies to the remainder of the fiscal year, or three separate budgets every three months that apply to individual quarters.

A day after those discussions, the Middleburg Town Council voted to adopt its $5.66 million Fiscal Year 2021 budget, which is down by $170,000 over the current fiscal year, with a $624,000 spending freeze to account for an expected reduction in revenue from the business license tax, the occupancy tax and the meals tax, which accounts for about 18 percent of the revenue in the town’s operating budget. The spending freeze includes a reduction in staff salary and merit increases, a reduction in marketing efforts and a hold on the town hall project. n

services that are still going to work, even responding to medical emergencies and still saving lives.

Some heroes wear many hats. They serve unselfishly, often setting their whole life on hold for the greater good.

One such hero is Lovettsville Town Councilman Mike Dunlap.

Mike is an officer in the United States Naval Reserves. While we are not at war, Mike was activated to assist in the Navy›s efforts to help in the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort were assigned to provide assistance during the pandemic, certain Naval Reserve assets were also activated, and Councilman Dunlap was called up for a short assignment.

Mike, also known as Mr. Lovettsville, not only responds when Uncle Sam taps his shoulder, he is also a hero in his town council responsibility. Recently, he cast the lone dissenting vote when the council voted to decimate the town’s financial reserves to literally a few dollars over state-mandated minimums to provide itself with a town hall expansion.

While a better facility is needed, Mike

points out than going into this pandemic related recession is the absolute worst time to deplete the reserves. Mike likens this mentality to a family blowing their 17-year-old high school seniors college fund for a swimming pool.

Many council candidates campaigned in certain parts of town in 2016, promising infrastructure upgrades and sidewalks. Not one additional foot of new sidewalk has been laid in Lovettsville since the Zoldos administration.

Dunlap has been the only fiscal hawk on the council, frequently asserting that specific revenues should be designated for use only in critical infrastructure such as sidewalks to the town’s only elementary school.

Heroes in America are not common.

They are exceptional. They run toward those in need, the sick, the injured, the chaos. They challenge conventional wisdom, confront injustice, and stand up to bullies.

Lovettsville Councilman Mike Dunlap, Mr. Lovettsville, is all of these things.

A true Hometown Hero.

- Frank McDonough, Lovettsville

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APRIL 23, 2020

APRIL 23, 2020

Testing continued from page 1 who have all the symptoms, but aren’t in a high-risk group and aren’t tested—as well as confirmed cases. Loudoun, Goodfriend told county supervisors on Tuesday, has tended to have lower rates of infection than other Northern Virginia localities.

“We can’t tell you for sure what the reason is for that, but we do know demographically that we tend to be a younger, healthier population,” Goodfriend said.

And, he said, social distancing is working—hospitals are not overwhelmed, and the pandemic is expected to plateau over the next few weeks.

“The very positive piece is, by folks staying at home, by folks doing social distancing, these numbers are a lot lower than what we had anticipated,” Goodfriend said.

“So right now, we’re at this very slow boil of cases.”

More than two-thirds of the deaths reported statewide involved individuals aged 70 and older, with another 59 deaths in the 60-69 age group. Thirty-one fatal cases were reported for individuals 59 or younger. In Loudoun, all nine fatal cases involved individuals age 65 or older.

Overall, 58,354 test results have been reported in Virginia, about 0.68 percent of the population. Just over one-half of 1 percent of Loudouners have been tested, according to the most recent figures. The Roanoke City Health District reports the highest testing rate, at 1.84 percent, followed by Alexandria at 1.09 percent and Arlington at 1.03 percent.

Only eight of the commonwealth’s 35

Pandemic fund continued from page 1 that at this point, the county government is dangerously close to the break-even point.

Usually, it closes the year with tens of millions left over.

“I cannot recommend any source of funding to do anything else with this, unless the board is prepared to either start taking things you’ve already funded and not funding those things—so that would mean capital projects—or you start getting into the operating budget, which is people,” Hemstreet said. “That’s where you are financially right now.”

Treasurer Roger Zurn reiterated that warning.

“June 5, we will have about $1.4 billion in taxes due. Everything will be predicated on how we collect that,” Zurn said. “Right now, we have such uncertainty, I can’t give you a good answer in terms of how much money we will end up with at the end of the fiscal

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PAGE 31

health districts have a lower per-capita rate of testing than Loudoun.

Nationwide, Virginia’s per capita testing rate is ranked 21st among the states.

Access to testing continues to be a focus of the response—both for dealing with the health crisis, and for dealing with the economic crisis. Recent reports have indicated that up to one in four people who are carrying COVID-19 may not show symptoms, which Goodfriend said “is one of the reasons why everybody is looking at increasing testing capability before we can get back to the new normal, because we don’t know how many people are infectious out there but don’t meet the standards for testing.”

But, some argue, widespread testing will also be important to get business going again.

Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said that, while the tourism industry “was the canary in the coal mine, we will also be the source for the recovery.”

“When people are going out to restaurants, wineries and breweries, we will know that we’re on a positive path,” Erickson said.

She said travelers are expected to take more road trips—favoring Loudoun, with its proximity to DC and its open spaces— and are expected to avoid places that were hit the hardest by the pandemic and were slow to put social distancing measures in place. She said travelers will need to feel safe wherever they’re going.

In terms of getting the tourism and hospitality industry going again—an industry where 8 million people have lost their jobs, according to industry groups—she said Loudouners will have to shop at local businesses when they can, target marketing

will have to go out across the region, local government must offer its support, and visitors must have trust and confidence.

“I think we aren’t going to be able to really get back to any kind of normal economic space until there’s more widespread testing,” said Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles).

During his thrice-weekly coronavirus briefing on Monday, Gov. Ralph Northam announced the formation of a special working group to improve the state’s testing capacity, criteria and coordination. The panel will include representatives from the state hospital association, long term care facilities, emergency rooms, free clinics, private labs, the state health department and emergency management companies.

Northam acknowledged that the ability to conduct widespread testing would be a key element in easing isolation restrictions. He said there has been an increase in testing capacity—with the state lab alone now ramping up to 400 tests per day—and that the backlog in hospital tests has been reduced. State leaders plan to use that capacity carefully, with hospitalized patients, first responders, medical providers and exposed individuals getting the top priority.

Next, the focus will be to expand testing at long-term and elder-care facilities. After that, testing should ramp up for asymptomatic residents.

Another important element is testing for coronavirus antibodies to determine who and how many residents have previously been exposed to the virus. Northam said teams at several state universities and private labs are developing and approving such tests. n

Pantry Project

year. So basically, in a very blunt way, we don’t know how much money we will have.”

“I also frankly need to say that some of these accounts that have unspent funding are also on the table to help us pay our bills, because the consequences of not doing that is not paying our employees and not meeting our debt obligations, which is absolutely off the table,” said Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles). “… If we create an unstable government environment, that’s much worse for our businesses.”

To make the application process as fair as possible, the Department of Economic Development will open applications for a 72-hour window, opening at noon on April 29 and closing at noon on May 1, and later choose at random from all qualifying businesses.

According to data collected by the department, there are more than 7,700 businesses in Loudoun with four or fewer employees. Most of Loudoun’s 12,455 total businesses—12,170 businesses—have fewer

than 100 employees.

To be eligible, businesses must have between three and 100 employees, demonstrate a revenue loss of at least 25 percent directly related to COVID-19, and less than $2.5 million in annual gross receipts.

Grants are capped at $7,500 for businesses with up to 50 employees and at $10,000 for businesses with up to 100 employees. Supervisors approved the million-dollar fund unanimously.

Supervisors approved a second transfer, $150,000 from a fund for rural business incentives, to help out rural businesses with up to two employees that are members of the Loudoun Made, Loudoun Grown program.

Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said that would help get money to rural businesses that mostly have contractors instead of employees.

Supervisors had more doubts about that fund—such as how to avoid potential scamming from businesses with no employ-

ees while keeping the grant process quick.

Others were worried the program would be unfair to sole-proprietor businesses outside the rural area.

“There are plenty of sole-proprietor businesses that only employ contractors in other settings as well, and we just made the decision to exclude those from accessing funds, so I’m having a hard time looking them in the eye and telling them why this is different,” Letourneau said.

“I have to look at also what’s fair for the rest of the county, and I’ve got plenty of small mom-and-pop, one- and two-person businesses in the Town of Leesburg,” said Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg). “I could make the similar argument that they’re not going to qualify for the funds that we’re setting aside the million dollars [for].”

Supervisors approved that 6-2-1, with Umstattd and Letourneau opposed and County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) abstaining. n

continued from page 3 hinge on food donations and tax-deductible contributions from the community at large. The Ampersand Pantry Project is a 501(C)(3) charity. Tax deductible contributions may be mailed to 105 Loudoun Street SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 or dropped off in the donation box at the meal site, located at 338 E. Market Street just across from the McDonald’s. n

ResQ BBQ continued from page 3 chance to get out of their houses for a bit around dinner time and that, contrary to the negative social effects that social distancing protocols are having on the community at large, he’s seen some neighbors meet each other for the first time while out buying dinner.

Meyer said ResQ is now focused almost entirely on neighborhood visits, since the catering aspect of his business has dried up with the governor’s stay-athome order in place. He said three weddings ResQ was set to cater in May were canceled, as was the Town of Leesburg’s annual picnic around Memorial Day. Meyer said he’s aiming to visit a different neighborhood every other day so that he has time to cook food in between days.

“Really the only avenue we have is to go out to these neighborhoods,” he said.

“It might be our new normal.” n

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PAGE 32

APRIL 23, 2020

13356 WHITE MARSH LANE—$1,349,000 LOVETTSVILLE COMING SOON with koi pond, pea| gravel and native stone walkways.

22 Acre Custom Home with Pond, Mountain Views Over 7,000 impeccably finished square feet; 22 acres with barn. Perfectly sited to enjoy mountain views, multitude of outdoor living spaces. Large pond with catfish/bass/crappie and abundant wildlife. Beautifully landscaped grounds

Pool with fountains, pergola. Perfect for entertaining large parties or intimate get togethers. Main-level master suite with master bath renovation in 2015. Gourmet kitchen renovated in 2015. Small barn with fenced paddocks perfect for the equestrian enthusiast or small animals.

COVID–19 UPDATE First and foremost I sincerely hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.

Yes, I’m OPEN and selling houses.

All necessary precautions are being taken to keep everyone safe while selling your home. Now offering Video Tours, Virtual Showings and even Video/Facetime Pre-Listing Consultations.

In uncertain markets, strategy and experience are more important than ever to get results.

17244 RAVEN ROCKS ROAD—$839,000

RARE Unparalled Million Dollar Views from this 9 acre private retreat.

Perfectly sited to completely enjoy scenic views. Screened-in porch, wraparound deck, balcony off master. Stunning pool with hot tub surrounded by lush landscaping, stone hardscape. Stone front main-level living with unique features, hardwoods on main.

In-law suite with full kitchen.

Weekend getaway or vacation BLUEMONT | JUST LISTED year-round.

SOLD

SOLD

34507 SNICKERSVILLE PIKE — $915,000 BLUEMONT

114 OLIVER — $363,000 PURCELLVILLE

13435 MIDLANDS FARM LANE—$749,000 LOVETTSVILLE

| SOLD 3 DAYS MULTIPLE OFFERS

Now More Than Ever You Need The Best — Call Leslie

LC

Leslie

“Leslie is incredible. She is professional, knowledgeable, and resourceful! She works hard to advocate for her clients and get them exactly what they need! I have felt very well taken care of each time I have worked with her. She makes things simple, straight forward, and handles the details — she’s got it all covered! I wouldn’t go to anyone else but Leslie. She’s the best there is!” — Sharon P Hamilton

15 Years Experience ● Highly adept no matter the market ● Proven track record in uncertain markets ●

OFFICES:

703.728.9811

LEESBURG | ASHBURN | RESTON

Carpenter, MBA 50 Catoctin Circle, Suite 101,Leesburg, VA 20176 | Leslie@ListedbyLeslie.com There are listings … and there’s

listed by leslie

R E A LT O R

®