Loudoun Now for May 20, 2021

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Pg. 18 | n OBITUARIES

Pg. 25 | n PUBLIC NOTICES

Pg. 26 WOMEN’S HEALTH SECTION INSIDE

VOL. 6, NO. 25

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MAY 20, 2021

Businesses Prepare for Full Crowds

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Memorial Day weekend will likely be an extra busy one for restaurants, craft beverage makers and shops.

That’s because on Friday, May 28, Virginia will lift the distancing and capacity restrictions that have been in place for more than a year to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ralph Northam announced late last week.

And hospitality businesses are getting ready to relearn how to run a packed venue.

“I was happy when he said June 15 a couple weeks ago, and then when he came out on Friday and said May 28 full capacity, that made me really nervous, because we’re not there yet,” said Tony Stafford, founder of Ford’s Fish Shack.

Even before the pandemic, Stafford had warned of the difficulty hiring restaurant staff in Loudoun. The COVID concerns and higher unemployment benefits have made it even harder to hire people for what restaurants have historically paid—often less than the current unemployment benefit of up to $678 a week in Virginia, and well below Loudoun’s living wage of $19.92 an hour for a single person with no children, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

“We’re relying on a lot of friends to help us right now,” said Buford’s BisCROWDS continues on page 34

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

EIT in Leesburg, one of the largest electronics contract manufacturers serving the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast U.S. regions, is among the many local companies that have seen its business hit hard by supply chain shortages. For EIT, that has meant delays of 40 to 50 weeks in securing needed integrated circuits.

Local Businesses Struggling with Supply Chain Shortages

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic for businesses both locally and globally looks to be constrained by supply chain shortages and bottlenecks. At a time when consumer confidence is returning and vaccine supply growing, these shortages are resulting in delays and unhappy customers.

Last week’s gasoline shortage caused by

the Colonial Pipeline ransomware shutdown gave residents a taste of the frustration experience by many businesses during the past year.

Business owners and economic pundits point to a variety of factors causing the backlogs. The six-day back-up at the Suez Canal, when the ship Ever Given ran aground in late March, caused maritime shipping to grind almost to a halt. Even earlier, production at many facilities around the globe stopped almost completely when

the pandemic hit last spring, and is one of the many factors blamed for the nationwide lumber shortage and skyrocketing prices.

One local company even points to the February power crisis in Texas, caused by severe winter storms that left thousands of homeowners without power in freezing temperatures. Jerald Roberts, an Ashburn resident and owner of Five Star Painting, pointed out that some of the nation’s biggest

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MAY 20, 2021

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Schools Continue March to 5-Day Return; Prepare to Meet Needs of ‘Broken’ Students

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

As students enter the final weeks of an unprecedented and unforgettable school year, Loudoun’s school administrators are preparing for a return to normal operations when the doors reopen in August.

They’re moving full speed to a return of five days of in-person learning, while tamping down expectations that virtual learning will be a lasting legacy of the pandemic in any substantial way. And they’re also pushing back on the expectation that large numbers of students will need to devote their summer to class work designed to fill in “lost learning” gaps before advancing up to the next grade in the fall.

While early discussions of post pandemic education did include consideration of expansive summer school programs and options to allow a large portion of the student body to remain online if they preferred, those are largely off the table.

In a statement sent to parents Tuesday, Interim Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler stressed that online learning next year would be limited to students with special medical considerations and who will receive instruction separate from their in-school peers.

“During the height of the pandemic, distance learning provided continuity of learning for our students and safety for our com-

munity. Going forward, we will build on the success of our four-day hybrid model in which the transmission of COVID between students and staff has remained low as we return students to five days of in-person instruction each week this fall,” he wrote.

For those “few families with medical concerns that would necessitate having their students continue in a distance learning model,” Ziegler said a special application process would open before month’s end.

During last week’s School Board meeting, he said students requesting distance learning must have documentation from a doctor stating it is medically necessary. A committee will review the applications and determine each student’s ability to participate in the Distance Learning Program. Administrators are planning for no more than 400 elementary school distance learning seats and up to 2,000 in grades 6-12.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Ashley Ellis said educators are not building next year’s teaching plans to combat learning loss.

“The term learning loss is a sort of misnomer and a little bit offensive if you think about all the work that our teachers and school leaders and families and students have been doing over the last 14 months, and particularly this last school year,” Ellis said. “Learning loss implies that students lost learning or knowledge that they once had and for the overwhelming majority of

all of our students that’s simply not true.”

She told the School Board that educators will approach next year with a positive view, focused on what students learned during the year, including new communications skills and resiliency.

“Our students are not ‘broken’ in a way that we need to ‘fix’ them when they return to school,” Ellis said.

Teachers will use “targeted instruction” to meet each student’s needs.

“We will assess readiness with a positive mindset rather than from a deficit mindset,” she said.

School Board members wondered if there would be enough support.

Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) said many children, including his own, have been deeply impacted by the pandemic.

“My daughter is broken. She doesn’t want to go to school. Every week I have to hear that she doesn’t like school anymore,” he said. “Whenever she comes and tells me she doesn’t want to go back to school it breaks my heart. As a School Board member and I’m not able to do anything, I’m in tears at home sometimes.”

He said more needs to be done to address students’ mental health.

Other members agreed.

Altoosa Reaser (Algonkian) said she’s heard concerns from many parents.

“There is a problem beyond what we have been able to address,” she said, add-

ing school leaders need more expertise on “what we can provide to those students who are falling through the cracks.”

Beth Barts (Leesburg) said more needs to be done to address the needs of the “whole child.”

“I hope we’re up for that. I hope we all take the summer to recharge and think about what it is going to be like for many children to come into a school building, normally hopefully, after a year and a half.

It is not any one person’s responsibility; it is all our responsibility. I just want everyone to know, you’re not alone.”

Ziegler said school leaders are not trying to minimize the impact the past year has had on students but to provide the best environment for success.

“Imagine a classroom next year where the teacher comes in with some fervency and says, ‘you guys missed the whole year.

You’re so far behind. I need to catch you up. I need to catch you up. You need to take this test. You need to learn this. You need to do this and this.’ And transfers that brokenness of a lost academic year. Then that, we feel and many of the experts agree with us, would compound school anxiety, would compound feelings that students don’t want to come to school.”

“If we’re trying to fix this entire lost year in a short period of time, that’s not going to be a very enjoyable or rewarding experience STUDENTS continues on page 35

Sterling Apartment Building Fire Victims Get a Helping Hand

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The families put out of their homes by a massive fire at an apartment building got a little help rebuilding their lives during an event at Guilford Elementary School in Sterling on Monday afternoon.

The gifts from the community of food, household items and toys were capped off by a cash contribution from the Washington Football Team’s Jimmy Moreland and personally delivered by NFL Hall of Fame member Darrell Green.

“It’s a great honor for us to stand beside each one of you families, to try to add a little bit of a blessing to you life today,” Green told the gathered families May 17, speaking through Alexa Dasilva who interpreted.

According to Loudoun Fire-Rescue, 56 people were displaced from 20 apartments on Chase Heritage Circle by the fire April 30.

It left those families, many low-income and without savings, with their belongings destroyed and looking for a home. The American Red Cross has put them in temporary accommodations while people and organizations in the community rally to help them.

“This is what community looks like,” said Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian), who also attended and brought toys. “The community has come together because we love you and support you. We know that what you are receiving today can in no way replace what you have lost, and our heart breaks for you.”

Monday’s event was organized by April Taylor, founder of Catch A Meal. She contacted the school to see how she could help, and within a week the Sterling community rallied. The Catch A Meal Community Relief Giveaway was hosted with support from a broad array of organizations, also HELPING HAND continues on page 35

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Free meals are handed out outside Guilford Elementary School in Sterling on May 17 to families displaced by an apartment building fire.

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MAY 20, 2021

Loudoun

ON THE Agenda

County Board Considers Dedicated Funding for Housing Needs

Vaccination Event May 22 at Park View High School

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Board of Supervisors could dedicate some local tax revenue toward tackling affordable and attainable housing as its works on a draft Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan in committee.

During a May 12 public hearing on the draft plan, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) joined the chorus of voices from the public and nonprofits calling on the county to invest tax money to address the difficulty affording a place to live in Loudoun. Randall likened it to a previous board’s decision to put dedicate two cents of the real estate tax rate toward building roads as Loudoun began to catch up on infrastructure the state government had neglected.

“I don’t believe we can really be serious about meeting the unmet housing need unless we’re going to put some skin in the game,” Randall said. She floated the idea of dedicating a penny of the local real estate tax—which would represent just under $9.5 million based on revenue projections in the most recent adopted county budget.

And she again said that some Loudouners’ resistance to building new housing isn’t about the housing, it’s about the insufficient infrastructure to support it.

“You have to do housing in concert with infrastructure,” Randall said. “What’s happened in Loudoun County over many, many years … is we’ve built housing, and then we build roads, and then we build parks, and then we build schools. So the infrastruc-

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Children’s bikes stand inside the courtyard in Shreveport Ridge Apartments, a rent-controlled workforce housing project opened in Ashburn in 2014.

ture’s always lagging, and in people’s heads, it’s because we have too many homes, versus we didn’t put infrastructure in place.”

But supervisors also acknowledged the enormity of the problem they face—one that is mirrored across the nation as younger people struggle to afford homes, as prices have outpaced wages. As of 2019, according to the draft plan, 35,000 households in Loudoun are “cost-burdened,” meaning they pay more than 30% of their income on housing.

“I keep coming back to the uncomfortable conclusion that we can’t get there from here,” said Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn). “And I don’t want to come to that conclusion prematurely without sufficient evidence, but I keep coming back to this.”

And Supervisor Tony R. Buffington

(R-Blue Ridge) called on Loudoun’s towns— whose mayors, through the Coalition of Loudoun Towns, have voiced support for the plan—to help address the need.

“We need to continue to pursue that and not let them off the hook,” Buffington said.

“If you want to help, help, or say you don’t want to help and don’t help.”

Some of those feelings were mirrored in a public hearing that saw people from many sectors and backgrounds and in two languages encouraging the work toward expanding housing options.

“We have either a working strategy that is based on how much the needs are in Loudoun County, and then has a group of HOUSING NEEDS continues on page 5

Panel Calls for Mental Health Co-Responders

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

A panel of law enforcement, mental health, and other public health and safety workers has identified developing co-responders—behavioral health professionals who answer some 911 calls alongside deputies and police—their top priority for Loudoun.

The recommendation came from the 2021 Cross Systems Mapping exercise, which brought together 30 agencies and others from the community to a two-day, eight-hour session. It mapped the winding paths a person with a behavioral health or developmental disability can be shuttled

through government agencies, courts, the jail and nonprofits once they come to the attention of law enforcement. The results were reported to the Board of Supervisor’s finance committee May 11.

That group recommended that the county look into other jurisdictions that send mental health professionals out on certain calls and figure out “when, how, and who” to send alongside law enforcement.

One neighboring jurisdiction has already started doing that—Prince William County introduced such a system in late 2020.

Currently, in those situations, the Leesburg Police Department and Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office send out officers trained in Crisis Intervention Training, a program meant to deescalate situations in-

volving people with behavioral health issues or developmental disability.

“I’ve received some concerns with people who are calling with someone in a mental health crisis, and believe that anyone who might be responding is CIT trained, and it’s not ending up in a place that it should end up if you’re sending in a CIT-trained officer,” said County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large).

The mapping exercise identified a number of other priorities, such as providing increased access to medication while incarcerated, strengthening collaboration among agencies, giving immediate access to temporary shelter, and establishing veterans’ docket in courts—an initiative already underway. n

A vaccination event is set for Park View High School in Sterling on May 22, with a second-dose event scheduled June 19.

The event will run from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sterling Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling), New Virginia Majority and MedsPack have partnered to organize the event. Pre-registration is required at medspack.com, event code PVHS201.

The Pfizer vaccine, which was recently approved for use in people as young as age 12 will be administered.

With questions, contact Hannah Recht, New Virginia Majority at 703863-9397 or hrecht@newvirginiamajority.org; or Tianni Ivey, SterlingDistrict Office at 703-737-8089 or tianni.ivey@loudoun.gov.

Another Western Loudoun Wi-Fi Hot Spot Installed Loudoun County has installed a new Wi-Fi hot spot for residents in western Loudoun, at the Lovettsville Community Center, 57 E. Broad Way. The installation of the free hot spot, which used funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES Act, is intended to help residents who have no reliable internet service access information about COVID-19 and complete any other type of essential online business, such as ordering groceries or other household supplies.

Residents are asked to stay in their vehicles or to maintain a distance of approximately 6 feet from others.

The signal is available in the parking lot of the community center. The name of the network is ParksRec-Public. No password is required.

Last year, the county worked to amplify the Loudoun County Public Library’s Wi-Fi signal so that it is available to access in the parking lots next to the Lovettsville, Middleburg and Purcellville libraries. A similar project was completed at the Loudoun Valley Community Center earlier this year.

Rebates Available for Septic Pump Out The Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District’s Septic Tank Pump Out Rebate Program offers a $50 rebate to Loudoun homeowner toward the pump-out of their septic system.

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 5

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MAY 20, 2021

PAGE 5

Regional Homelessness Snapshot in 2021 Lowest Ever Recorded

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ May 2021 annual Point-in-Time Count, the number of people going through homelessness in the region is the lowest ever recorded.

In Loudoun County, the number of people going through homelessness has decreased by 29% in the past five years. The total number of homeless people counted in Loudoun dropped from 179 in 2020 to 80 in 2021, a 55.3% decrease.

Housing needs continued from page 4

Across the region, homelessness is down 25%, or by over 2,800 persons in just the past five years.

“While the downward trend in homelessness is promising, we are keenly aware of the challenges that members of our community continue to face during the coronavirus pandemic,” stated Loudoun County Department of Family Services Director Ina Fernández. “We will continue to use tools such as the Point-In-Time Count to refine our services to support the most vulnerable in our community who are experiencing a housing crisis.”

The Point-in-Time Count is a one-day

snapshot of people experiencing homelessness across nine jurisdictions. It contributes to the Homelessness in Metropolitan Washington report, a comprehensive analysis of the state of homelessness in the region.

In Loudoun, the Loudoun County Continuum of Care conducts the Housing and Urban Development Point-in-Time Count of people in the community experiencing a housing crisis or literal homelessness every January. During the count, members of the Continuum of Care along with staff from local nonprofits canvass the county to help anyone who is unsheltered by providing resources, non-perishable food

and other needed items.

Loudoun County offers a variety of programs to assist households in need through the Department of Family Services and the Loudoun Continuum of Care, a partnership between local government, nonprofit agencies, the public school system, health care providers, faith-based organizations and others that work together to address the needs of those experiencing housing instability or homelessness in Loudoun County. Anyone experiencing a housing crisis can contact the Information & Referral / Coordinated Entry program at 703-777-0420. n

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“I’m just concerned, because I’ve heard for years that the schools can’t absorb it, but I want you all to picture what it would look like if we don’t have diversity in our housing stock and our schools were populated by only those of us who can afford to live at the market rate,” said Kristen Langhorne. “I think that would be a real harm to the education our kids are receiving.”

And representatives from Loudoun’s hu-

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Household Hazardous Waste Event Planned Saturday

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PAGE 6

MAY 20, 2021

Leesburg

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Tuscarora Creek through Brandon Park has been reconstructed as a meandering stream as part of a flood mitigation and stream restoration project led by Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions.

Flood Mitigation Project Celebrated for Bringing Wildlife Back to Town

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Leesburg leaders gathered with members of the Virginia Knolls Community Association on Saturday morning to formally celebrate the completion of the Tuscarora Creek Flood Mitigation and Stream Restoration project.

Begun in 2019, the $3.7 million project primarily was aimed at protecting nearby townhomes from flooding as Tuscaro-

ra Creek frequently overflowed its banks during heavy storms. But the town got much more than a new floodwall that will protect that property.

“If you remember what this was like … this was not a meandering stream like it is now. It was a roaring stream, and it was not uncommon for it to go over its banks,” Mayor Kelly Burk said. “This project was really a project of love. … It’s a great place to come down and walk and enjoy.”

Working with a team from Wood En-

vironment & Infrastructure Solutions, the town has created new natural area with the former channel converted into a meandering stream. The area has been restored with more than 15,000 plantings that have brought back a variety of wildlife and aquatic species. During Saturday’s event, two pairs of Canada geese with young ducklings in tow and a white egret were among the visitors to the property. A pair of nesting mallards, tree swallows, bluebirds, king fishers, herons also have been seen and crayfish and

minnows have returned to the water.

“It was the project of lifetime, really,” said Wood’s Troy Biggs. “It was so fun to design.”

The project is located at Brandon Park, bisected by Harrison Street between Catoctin Circle and Shenandoah Street.

Next, the town is planning a trail that will connect the park to the W&OD Trail near Douglass School and then another trail extending to Davis Avenue and Olde Izaak Walton Park through the Tuscarora Creek stream valley. n

Town Council Votes to Transfer Cemetery Land, But Concerns Remain

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The Leesburg Town Council has approved the transfer of cemetery land to the Loudoun Freedom Center, but the nonprofit is hoping council members reconsider that decision and also provide drainage improvements before the property formally changes hands.

Developments after the May 11 council vote provide a chance of that happening. During their meeting last week, the council members unanimously endorsed a land transfer that provides the Loudoun Freedom Center with 1.6 acres that in-

cludes the Sycolin Cemetery. That transfer is contingent on both FAA approval, as the land was previously purchased for the town airport’s Runway Protection Zone using federal dollars, and on the Freedom Center signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the town. But that MOU looks to be in jeopardy, with Michelle Thomas, the nonprofit’s founder, stating that the organization will not sign the document until the town completes drainage improvements on the cemetery land.

The transfer of cemetery has been in the works since 2019, following several debates on what to do with the property

before the council ultimately decided an outside entity was a better choice to maintain it than the municipal government.

The land includes 65 gravesites associated with the Sycolin Baptist Church, with the earliest recorded burial in 1913 and the latest in 1959. According to a staff report, there is no historical research that has shown it to be a cemetery for the enslaved; however, some who are buried in the cemetery were born prior to the Civil War. Land near the burial sites was purchased by the town more than 30 years ago for the federally mandated Runway Protection Zone at the Leesburg Executive Airport. While the town has mowed

and maintained the upper field of the area since its acquisition, it was not until 2015 that town staff ventured farther into the wooded area—outside of the Runway Protection Zone—to begin to maintain the land that includes the burial areas after receiving criticism from members of the community, particularly the NAACP, about its overgrown nature.

While town staff and the Loudoun Freedom Center—which has been behind several efforts to preserve African American gravesites in Loudoun County — CEMETERY continues on page 9

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MAY 20, 2021

Doggie Daycare Wins Town Council Approval

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

A former swim space at the Village at Leesburg is going to the dogs.

The Town Council last week approved a special exception application for Playful Pack, which plans to use the former Swim Kids space for a doggie daycare and boarding facility, joining sister locations in Fairfax Station and McLean. A little more than 4,000 square feet of indoor space will be reserved for doggie daycare and overnight boarding, as well as 1,320 square feet of outdoor space in a rear yard for bathroom breaks and exercise.

Finding long-term retail tenants has long been a struggle for the operators of the Village at Leesburg, which brought in Rappaport a few years ago to oversee retail operations and eventually become a part owner of the development. CEO Gary Rappaport pointed out in addressing the council at the May 11 public hearing that the former swim school space had been vacant for two years, and that some of the retail spaces in the Village had never been occupied since its initial opening more than a decade ago. Finding uses that are “internet proof ” has been a major charge for Rappaport, and he pointed to the successes of entertainment uses like Cobb Theatres, Bowlero and Atomic Trampoline.

Retail development on the property is also hampered by the Village’s split zoning, with some properties zoned for B-4 commercial use, and others zoned PRC, or Planned Residential Community district. Shane Murphy of Reed Smith, which manages retail leasing at the Village, said it would have been an easier approval process for Playful Pack had its desired space fallen within the PRC district. He also noted that in other areas where Playful Pack has opened, doggie daycares are considered a by-right use in commercial districts. In Leesburg, the council first had to approve a Zoning Ordinance amendment to establish use standards and definitions for overnight boarding and doggy daycare facilities—as previously only kennels had been spelled out in the ordinance—before a special exception application for such a use could be submitted. In that process, Murphy pointed out, another interested business, Dogtopia, chose to forego a Village at Leesburg location and open in Purcellville instead.

“We’re fortunate to have a partner in Playful Pack that was willing to wait and go through with the special exception,” Rappaport said.

PAGE 7

Prior to the application coming before the Town Council, the town’s Planning Commission had recommended denial, citing concerns with the number of dogs allowed to be in the facility at one time, and also that boarded dogs would be left unsupervised overnight. Before coming to the council, Playful Pack decided to tweak its request, reducing the maximum number of dogs allowed in the facility from 100 to 80, and the number of dogs allowed for overnight boarding from 30 to 24. The lone exception would be for federal holidays, when 100 dogs would be allowed for doggie daycare, DOGGIE DAYCARE continues on page 8

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The former Swim Kids space in the Village at Leesburg will be home to the town’s newest doggie daycare business.

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MAY 20, 2021

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

This mural on the Town Shop at the Liberty Street parking lot is getting a wrap-around extension after winning approval from the Town Council on May 11.

2 Downtown Mural Projects Advance

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The Leesburg Town Council last week gave the green light to two more mural projects in a downtown area that is expanding as a public art destination.

One project will be a continuation of a recently completed mural project on the same building. A floral mural with the word “Flourish” fills the west-facing wall on the Town Shop in the Liberty Street parking lot.

Per a proposal by the artist, Sagetopia owner Sung Hee Kim, a mural will continue on the building’s north-facing wall with a similar design and the word “Grow.”

That mural project is expected to take about a month to complete. Sagetopia will sell “Discover the Charm” posters, depicting another mural project on the Liberty Street lot, to fund any project costs, so no town financial support is needed.

The second mural project will contain graphics related to shops, events, and activities in the downtown area on a bare concrete retaining wall on Harrison Street between

Doggie daycare continued from page 7 and 30 for boarding. Murphy explained that the facility would be monitored with cameras by staff during the overnight hours, as is done at Playful Pack’s other facilities.

Concerns still lingered on the council dais about the unsupervised overnight boarding , and were cited by both council members Suzanne Fox and Kari Nacy in their dissenting votes. Nacy also voiced concerns about the impact of odor and noise on nearby residents

South Street and the W&OD Trail. The project had previously been awarded to another artist by a Commission on Public Art advisory panel, but that artist resigned from the project. The commission decided in April to move forward with the runner-up of the four proposals submitted, artist James Garofalo.

The mural will cover the entire 834-square-foot wall, and is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks to complete. The project is expected to cost $2,500, but the Friends of Leesburg Public Art will cover $1,500, and COPA will cover the remaining balance.

The Liberty Street mural was approved by a 6-0-1 vote, with Councilwoman Suzanne Fox abstaining. The Harrison Street mural project passed 5-2, with Fox and Councilwoman Kari Nacy opposed. Prior to the votes, Fox said while the mural projects are beautiful and she enjoys looking at them, she was concerned that public art projects in the historic district do not need to go through the same design approval process that historic district residents have to for some of their own home projects. n in the mixed-use development.

But several council members said they had worked the phone lines and found that unsupervised overnight boarding was somewhat of an industry standard. Councilman Ara Bagdasarian said what Playful Pack was offering was a “proven model” throughout the doggie daycare and overnight boarding industry, and Councilman Zach Cummings said he believed there was a “market need” for such a use in the development.

The special exception was approved 5-2, with Nacy and Fox opposed. n

MAY 20, 2021

Cemetery continued from page 6 have been working to hash out the details of the MOU and land transfer, with one sticking point remaining. Thomas had implored the council to rectify the drainage problem in the gravesite area, with town staff estimating fixes by way of ditches or drains to cost from $125,000 to more than $200,000. That would be in addition to the $81,000 Leesburg has already spent on maintenance and preparing the site for transfer, including a cemetery delineation study and survey and plat work.

Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel said water ponding was attributable to the natural topography of the cemetery land, with gravesites located downslope of a steep hill near a creek, soil conditions with poor drainage, and nearby springs that keep some areas of the land constantly wet. The town had never modified the topography of the area, he said, but did provide a covering of a sand/gravel mixture on top of nearby paths that could be removed.

Bill Ackman, director of the town’s Department of Plan Review, told the council at its May 11 meeting that the best way to remediate the ponding would be to return the land to its “natural features.”

“Take the gravel and sand out [of the path covering], and restore it to plant material. Give it a year or two and nature will restore it to what it was,” he said.

Thomas said she did not expect town staff to be able to make the cemetery land completely dry, but wanted the situation rectified enough so that headstones could be placed at gravesites to memorialize those buried there. She asked the council to support funding a drainage mitigation system.

“If you owned this property for 32 years at least you could’ve preserved it properly, and you didn’t do that and you need to own that,” she said.

Thomas also spoke to comments made by council members in a previous news article about setting a precedent if the town funded drainage work on the cemetery land.

“The only [precedent] you’re going to set is the [precedent] of equality. You don’t own another cemetery. Doing the right thing only sets the precedent that the town can be trusted to do the right thing,” she said. “It’s an undue and unfair burden to put this on the backs of the Loudoun Freedom Center for work that should have been done to preserve this space properly.”

Councilman Zach Cummings attempted to find support for an amendment to

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

the motion to approve the MOU and the land transfer ordinance that would have funded drainage improvement projects on the cemetery site, at a cost not to exceed $150,000. Only Vice Mayor Marty Martinez and Councilwoman Suzanne Fox supported that amendment.

Ultimately, the motion that passed included Councilman Ara Bagdasarian’s suggestion to remove the northern trail on the property, allowing it to go back to its natural state and, hopefully, rectifying some of the ponding issues. But Bagdasarian said this week that the adopted motion did not fully capture his intent, which also included enhancing drainage on the southern path of the site, which he hopes will alleviate some of the Freedom Center’s concerns.

That fix, he said, would not rise to the level of the three options presented by staff that would have cost more than $100,000.

“The topography at the ground level [of the cemetery] is of a spring in its natural state. The proposal that I shared was to mitigate the downward drainage. Restoring the northern path to its original state will certainly help that. The south path is already diverting water away from the cemetery but we can enhance it. Town staff is looking at ways we can do that,” he said this week.

Bagdasarian said previous conversations he had with Freedom Center staff, and comments made at the council’s April 13 meeting, gave him reason to believe that his intended motion would address their concerns. He cited a transcript of the meeting, which showed his comments included the intention to remediate drainage on the southern path.

“This [motion] however was withdrawn as it was an amendment to the motion made by Councilmember Cummings. My understanding was for this to be an amendment to the motion to approve the MOU made by Councilmember Steinberg,” he said.

It was not immediately clear whether further action will be taken at next week’s council meetings to capture Bagdasarian’s proposal.

He said he spoke again with Freedom Center leadership as recently as this week and discussed additional concerns about drainage from the paths and the runoff to the cemetery site.

“I shared my concerns about the topography of the site—specifically the underground spring. Both sets of concerns will be considered before our Town Council meeting next week,” Bagdasarian said. n

PAGE 9

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MAY 20, 2021

Education

SCHOOL notebook Decision Nears in Superintendent Search

School Board Allocates $15.8M of FY 2021 Budget Surplus

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

With the fiscal year ending June 30, the School Board last week approved new allocations for more than $15 million of the anticipated budget surplus.

The division entered the third quarter on track for a $22.9 million surplus. Last month, it used $4.5 million to balance the FY 2022 budget after county supervisors voted not to provide the full amount of requested local tax funding. That left a projected surplus of $18.4 million.

The School Board authorized administrators to spend $15.8 million over the next six weeks, leaving about $3 million to be returned to the county government coffers.

Interim Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler said the division typically targets ending

the year with a surplus of about $10 million to return to the county, but he pushed for a smaller amount this year.

“I am not a big fan of reverting funds back to the appropriating body,” he said.

“If we apply those funds to students, it’s in our best interest to do that. That was the appropriated intent of that money.”

The staff assembled a list of 13 items ranging from $4.3 million to provide extra funding for the purchase of English language arts and classroom library books to $50,000 to provide ADA access at selected school playgrounds. The list included one-time expenditures and equipment upgrades.

The School Board added to the list.

Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) initially suggested adding money to allow each middle school to build a greenhouse, at a cost of $7,000 to $10,000.

Other board members questioned whether all the schools would want greenhouses and Assistant Superintendent for Support Services Kevin Lewis raised concerns that designing and building ADA-compliant greenhouses could cost more than $10,000.

Instead, the board pivoted to provide every school a year-end stipend to spend as they pleased before the end of June.

The board directed $10,000 to each middle and high school along with the Douglass School and the Academies of Loudoun, and $5,000 to each elementary school.

That package was approved on votes of 6-1-2, with John Beatty (Catoctin) opposed and Jeff Morse (Dulles) and Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) absent.

Those motions raised the surplus spend-down to $15,783,692. n

Critics Target ‘Dirty’ Books as Recall Petitions Circulate

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The cadre of Loudoun schools critics who regularly line up at School Board meetings to lambast COVID-related closings and restrictions as well as the division’s equity initiative returned to another familiar subject during last week’s meeting.

During a 45-minute public comment period May 11, several speakers read sexually graphic sentences from two books that are part of optional reading material in high school classroom diverse book collections: ”Monday’s Not Coming” by Tiffany D. Jackson and “#MurderTrending” by Gretchen McNeil, both of which have won national acclaim for teen literature.

“If this is inappropriate for me to read to you, this is inappropriate for our children,” said Patti Menders, after reading one passage. “We are here because we care. We care about our children. Please get these dirty books out of our schools.”

With the objections getting attention on Fox News and other national conservative news outlets, the division responded with a statement noting that parents may request an alternate text be assigned anytime they feel a book is not appropriate for their student.

[LCPS Webcast]

Patti Menders reads from “Monday’s Not Coming” during the May 11 School Board meeting.

“LCPS recognizes that its students and families come with a host of varying life experiences, values and sensitivities. The school division also understands that secondary textbooks, both classic and contemporary, curricular and self-selected, may have sensitive content and therefore offers options for students and families,” according to the statement.

Objections to the reading material were a prominent part of the public comment campaigns at board meetings beginning in 2019, but waned as the critics more recently focused on school closings and charges

that administrators were inserting elements of critical race theory into teacher training and curricula, claims division leaders have denied.

The criticisms have spurred a formal recall effort against six of the nine School Board members. The campaign targets School Board Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling), Vice Chairwoman Atoosa Reeser (Algonkian), Beth Barts (Leesburg), Leslee King (Broad Run), Denise Corbo (At BOOK RECALL continues on page 11

The School Board met for nearly five hours in a closed-door meeting Monday night as it moves closer to selecting a new superintendent.

The session followed interviews of an undisclosed number of finalists in recent weeks, both by the School Board and by a specially convened panel of community leaders. Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act permits such secrecy, including withholding the disclosure of the times and location of interviews, when governing bodies are considering chief administrative officer candidates.

At the beginning of the search process, the board targeted the end of May to make its selection and to have a new superintendent in place by July.

Eric Williams, who was hired in July 2014, resigned in January to take a job leading the Clear Creek Independent School District near Houston, TX.

Jefferson Named Park View High School Principal Following the promotion of Kirk Dolson to the administration building, Park View High School is getting a new principal.

The School Board on Tuesday formally approved the hiring of Jason B. Jefferson to lead the school, effective May 25.

For the past seven years, Jefferson has worked for Baltimore City Public Schools as an assistant principal and an instructional specialist. Before that, he worked for six years as a teacher coordinator for Prince George’s County Public Schools. He holds a doctorate in education from Bowie State University.

Jefferson replaces the county’s 2020 Principal of the Year. Dolson was named the division’s inaugural supervisor of high school education in February. He served as Park View’s principal since 2014, where he once served as an English teacher.

Heritage Installs County’s First Video Scoreboards This week, Heritage High School celebrated the installation of two, hi-definition video scoreboards in the school’s main and auxiliary gyms.

Funded by the Heritage AthSCHOOL NOTEBOOK continues on page 11

MAY 20, 2021

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Stone Bridge’s Somayajula Honored at Presidential Scholar Shreya Somayajula, a senior at Stone Bridge High School, has been named a 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar.

The Ashburn resident is one of 161 high school seniors selected for the proSomayajula gram because of outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, technical expertise, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community.

The 2021 Presidential Scholars are comprised of one young man and one young woman from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and U.S. families

living abroad, as well as 15 chosen at-large, 20 Scholars in the arts and 20 Scholars in career and technical education. Created in 1964, the program has honored more than 7,600 of the nation’s top-performing students. The program was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.

Each scholar is offered the opportunity to name his or her most influential teacher, who receives a personal letter from the Secretary of Education. Somayajula selected Stone Bridge English teacher Melanie Stender. n

Book recall

dismissed by prosecutors or judges for insufficient evidence. The exception was Portsmouth Mayor James Holley in 2010.

Holley, who was accused of using a city assistant for personal tasks, holds the distinction of being the first American politician to be recalled twice.

In Loudoun County, the most recent recall effort to reach the court targeted then-supervisor Eugene Delgaudio, who in 2014 was accused of misusing county resources to support fundraising for his political nonprofit. After a petition achieved the required number of signatures, the case was referred to a special prosecutor who convened a grand jury. The prosecutor ultimately requested the case be dismissed because of the lack of clear and convincing evidence. Delgaudio sought reelection the following year, but was defeated. n

continued from page 10 Large), and Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge).

To bring a recall petition to Circuit Court, organizers must get the number of signatures in each district equivalent to at least 10% of voters who participated in the 2019 School Board elections—ranging from about 850 in the Sterling District to 11,600 for the At Large seat. If one or more recall petitions qualifies for a trial, the organizers must demonstrate the officer engaged in neglect of duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance.

Recall efforts in Virginia are rarely successful. Of the 19 such campaigns since 2010, only one resulted in a vote to remove the officer. Most fail to adequately document the required signatures or are

SCHOOL notebook continued from page 10 letic Booster Club, the boards, created

by ScoreVision, are the first of their kind in Loudoun. The school is only the third Virginia school to purchase the LED jumbotron video boards that provide opportunities to feature students and their stats, replay video, and other digital content for athletic and academic events.

The electrical work necessary to install the boards was done as part of Beckstrom Electric’s Apprentice Program, by Kevin Gold and Kevin Rodriquez.

“These boards represent a huge step for Heritage Athletics, and something our Booster Club and Athletic Department

have been working on for years,” said Heritage Athletic Director JJ Totaro. “Our teams and coaches are excited to give our athletes an outstanding resource no other school in the area can provide at this time. We are grateful to our boosters as well as our new partner Beckstrom Electric for all their work in making this goal a reality. Heritage High School games and events will experience a new level of excitement every time, and our athletes and fans will be the stars of the show.”

The video functionality provides an educational component, enabling students to create hype videos for players, as well as the opportunity for coaches and players to review game video. The boards will also be used for movie nights, assemblies, and other teaching needs.

PAGE 11

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

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

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

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PAGE 12

Nonprofit

Loudoun Cares Honors Volunteers

Loudoun Literacy Hosts Reading Between the Wines

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Loudoun Cares honored more than 100 volunteers across 15 categories during the virtual 2021 Outstanding Volunteer Awards celebration on Sunday.

The event celebrates volunteers for their contributions to making the community a better place to live, work, and play and this year featured new awards highlighting service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Featured speaker County Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) said the volunteers of Loudoun’s nonprofits and faith-based community played critical roles in the response.

“They did things that we couldn’t have done, that we didn’t know to do, that we didn’t even have the capacity to do this year,” Randall said.

“Our nonprofits stepped up. Our faithbased communities stepped up in ways that we could not have imagined. The partnership has always been there, but the partnership became so much more important,” she said, adding that work will continue as the comVOLUNTEER AWARDS continues on page 13

MAY 20, 2021

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

At one of the first in-person community fundraising events since the pandemic started, nearly 100 people gathered at Walsh Family Wine near Purcellville to learn more about Loudoun Literacy Council and their programs.

Reading Between the Wines brought people to the vineyard on a spring evening May 15 for live music from TrioLoco, food from the Zone and Chantel’s Bakery, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and moving testimonials from Loudoun Literacy Council staff and students.

“In a world full of information, literacy is the most basic survival skill,” said Loudoun Literacy Council Executive Director Nikki Daruwala.

“Because our ESL [English second language] students are from all around the world, our classes involve a fabulous mix of cultures and exchange of ideas,” said volunteer teacher Deborah Yoon. “While I teach my students idioms, phrasal verbs, interview skills and how to deal with difficult situa-

Ali Khaligh Photography

Loudoun Literacy Executive Director Nikki Daruwala speaks to attendees of Reading Between the Wines.

tions, they’ve taught me about their cultures and provided me with their perspectives on issues such as family, music, dreams, superstitions, relationships.”

Two of Yoon’s students, Holi Ranivohariniony and Irene Seo, spoke about the impact the English language classes offered by Loudoun Literacy Council have had on them as individuals, and how the classes have fostered greater connection to each other and the community in which they live. Seo attributed her finding a job to the English language skills acquired through the program.

“I wouldn’t have thought of finding a job if it hadn’t been for this class,” Seo said. “I gained confidence from this class, took a job interview, and now I am working.”

“My teachers and classmates have become my friends,” Ranivohariniony said. “It’s more than learning English. It’s a community.”

Also in attendance were Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk, Leesburg Vice Mayor Marty Martinez, and Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce President Tony Howard.

The event was sponsored by Sandy Spring Bank. n

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Volunteer awards continued from page 12 munity in the months ahead continues to deal with the needs of students, veterans and those who lost jobs and loved ones during the pandemic.

“This year you literally, quite literally, saved lives. What a legacy,” Randall said.

This year’s honorees are: • Judy Hines Service of a Lifetime: Dennis Godfrey, Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington • Gabriella Miller Youth Volunteer: Christian Yohannes, Justice 4 Fitz • Chairperson Volunteer Recognition: Homeowner Services Committee with Loudoun Habitat for Humanity • RiseUp Award: Dr. John Farrell • Algonkian District: Isamar Ortega, New Virginia Majority and St. Gabriel’s Church • Broad Run District: Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue • Leesburg District: Joe Mydlinski, Loudoun Hunger Relief • Sterling District: Ovidia Castillo Rosa and Luze Rosa, New Virginia Majority • Outstanding Adult Volunteer: Wendy Oakford, Dulles South Food Pantry • Outstanding Adult Volunteer Team: Loudoun’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy Instructors, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce • Outstanding Adult Public Safety: Kathleen Leary, Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad • Outstanding Senior Volunteer: Dennis Godfrey, Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington • Outstanding Senior Volunteer Team: Food Donations Team, The Senior Center of Leesburg • Outstanding Veteran Volunteer - Bernard Mustafa, Count the Region- An Initiative of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia • Outstanding Volunteer Team: Loudoun County Medical Reserve Corps • Outstanding Volunteer Project: BENEFIT Loudoun • Outstanding Youth Volunteer Team: Young Men’s Service League, Oakton Chapter, Women Giving Back • Outstanding Corporate Volunteer Team: Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation • Outstanding Community/Civic Volunteer Organization: St. Theresa Catholic Church of Ashburn and Knights of Columbus • Outstanding Nonprofit Volunteer Board: Loudoun Career Firefighters Foundation The entire awards presentation was on Facebook and may be viewed on the Loudoun Cares Facebook page.

To learn more about volunteering at Loudoun Cares Online Volunteer Center, go to volunteer.loudouncares.org.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 13

LoCo Disc Golf Tops Ice Bowl Fundraising, Surpassing CO LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The LoCo Disc Golf Club has now become the biggest fundraiser in the world through the annual Ice Bowl Tournament, raising nearly $25,000 for Loudoun Hunger Relief in 2021. The prior record holder was the Mile High Disc Golf Club, which encompasses the entire state of Colorado and had held onto first place since 2013.

It was the ninth year that the LoCo Disc Golf Club has participated in the nationwide Ice Bowl event, with local events across the country that benefit local nonprofits fighting hunger. The tournaments

are played across the US and with tournaments popping up in Canada and Norway. The motto of the tournament is “No Wimps, No Whiners,” and participants are expected to play no matter the weather.

Since 1996, Ice Bowls have raised more than $3.5 million to fight hunger all over the country, and since 2012 the LoCo Ice Bowl, sponsored and run by the LoCo Disc Golf Club, has raised almost $85,000 for Loudoun Hunger Relief.

According to Ice Bowl HQ, which coordinates among local tournaments, in 2021 the 10th Annual LoCo Ice Bowl raised $24,355 from 120 players and helpers—in

an average temperature of 22 degrees. That edged out the Mile High Ice Bowl, which brought in $24,096 from 124 players and helpers, playing in a relatively balmy 30 degrees.

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LoCo Ice Bowl was comprised of a series of five smaller, socially distanced events throughout the early winter.

“We are incredibly proud to have placed first internationally in 2021, not in our sport, but in helping our community through fundraising to fight hunger,” stated LoCo Disc Golf Club Ice Bowl Director Brian Junkins. n

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PAGE 14

MAY 20, 2021

Business

Chamber Opens Small Business Award Nominations

Richmond-based shock-rock band GWAR and Catoctin Creek will release their 92-proof Ragnarök Rye whiskey May 28.

Catoctin Creek Sets May 28 Release Date for GWAR-Themed Whiskey The wait for Catoctin Creek’s intergalactic, 92-proof whiskey is nearly over. The distillery will release its GWAR-themed Ragnarök Rye whiskey on May 28.

The Purcellville-based distillery announced plans to have up to 200 cases of the whiskey available for $99 per 750mL bottle throughout its distribution footprint across 28 U.S. states and DC, and internationally in Finland, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Italy, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

It will also be available at catoctincreekstore.com and available for curbside pickup or direct shipping in Virginia. Presale orders can be made on seelbachs.com.

The whiskey, made in collaboration with Richmond-based shock rock band GWAR, was aged in charred new white oak, sugar maple and cherrywood. According to the legend, it’s made by aging the band members’ blood in barrels made from the wood scorched by the blast of the GWAR continues on page 15

Contributed

Catoctin Creek’s and GWAR’s new 92-proof whiskey is available for purchase this month.

The Loudoun Chamber is accepting nominations for its annual Small Business Awards.

Anyone may nominate a small business, entrepreneur or nonprofit. Nominations may be made at loudounchamber.org/SBA. The deadline is July 13.

Finalists will be announced in September and the winners will be unveiled during a gala ceremony Oct. 29 at The National Conference Center in Lansdowne.

“For 27 years, the Loudoun Chamber has been privileged to honor the many outstanding small businesses and entrepreneurs that are creating jobs and economic opportunities for our community here in Loudoun County,” stated Chamber President and CEO Tony Howard. “In spite of the historic challenges of a global pandemic, Loudoun’s small businesses and entrepreneurs have made truly heroic contributions to keep our economy, our neighbors employed and quality of life strong. We are honored to salute these real American heroes, whose vision, work ethic and innovation are needed more than ever in the face of new challenges to our prosperity.”

The annual Small Business Awards gala typically attracts between 500-600 business and community leaders. Based on conditions related to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and as a precaution against further spread of the disease, the Chamber plans to employ appropriate safety measures at the event.

Tickets for the awards ceremony are on sale, and sponsorship packages are available.

For more information go to loudounchamber.org, or contact Paige Romanow, Senior Events Manager, at promanow@loudounchamber.org or call 571-209-9025.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

GWAR continued from page 14 comet they rode to Earth from their home planet and watering the mash bill with melted Antarctic ice.

GWAR lead singer Blothar the Berserker called the whiskey “a scorching alien sun.”

Although the distillery had planned to release the whiskey sooner, GWAR members drank all of it, the legend continues.

PAGE 15

“We knew working with GWAR on this whisky would be troublesome, but we didn’t realize it would be this troublesome,” said Catoctin Creek founder and general manager Scott Harris. “Usually, we have the production process under control, but this time the band members drank everything we distilled, and then demanded we create bottle toppers using rare metal ore sourced from the fillings of trolls.”

Learn more about Ragnarök Rye at catoctincreekdistilling.com/ragnarok.

Learn more about GWAR at gwar.net. n

BUSINESS announcements United Adds Nonstop Accra Route

King to Lead Catering at Lansdowne Resort

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority last week celebrated United Airline’s new nonstop service between Dulles Airport and Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana.

With the addition of the three times weekly route, Dulles becomes just the second passenger service gateway from the United States to the Ghanaian capital and provides United Airlines’ third nonstop connection from the United States to the African continent.

“The National Capital Region is home to one of the largest populations of native Ghanaians in the United States, and we are honored to welcome United Airlines’ new route from Dulles International to Accra, as we work together to forge an important new link between our two countries,” stated MWAA President and CEO Jack Potter.

United Airlines has operated a hub at Dulles for more than 30 years and connects customers to 108 nonstop destinations, including service to nine other international capital cities.

Meredith King has been appointed senior catering manager at Lansdowne Resort.

She most recently served as senior event services manager the Trump International Hotel. She managed King and executed high profile corporate conferences, fundraisers and luxury weddings for clients from around the globe. Prior to that she was with The Embassy Row Hotel in Washington, DC, and worked as the wedding coordinator for Kelley Cannon Events in Alexandria.

At Lansdowne, King will be responsible for social and business events as well as wedding and special event experiences in and around the resort. She is a graduate of College of Charleston, where she studied communication, hospitality and tourism management.

One Smile At A

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As journalism business models evolve in the wake of shifting advertising and subscription trends, it is clear that readers like you will play an increasingly important role in underwriting the costs of operating our newsroom.

Across the country, newspapers big and small are cutting back on content or closing down altogether. We know that Loudoun residents and businesses value—and expect—comprehensive coverage of local governments, our neighbors, and issues affecting our quality of life.

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PAGE 16

MAY 20, 2021

TOWN notes

Our Towns

LOVETTSVILLE Town Council Appoints 3 to Committees

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The Lovettsville Community Park is costing the county a total of $12.9 million.

County Approves $1.75M Increase to Lovettsville Park Contract

The Board of Supervisors last Tuesday night voted to pay Dustin Construction an extra $1.75 million for the ongoing construction of the Lovettsville Community Park.

The county will pay Dustin the additional money to install lighting on the diamond athletic fields. According to a county staff report, the lighting was an original feature of the park’s design but “budgetary concerns” during the design phase “neces-

sitated its removal from the original scope.”

Because of that, when bids for the project came in, they did not take the lighting into account and therefore were below original estimates.

The county awarded an $11.15 million contract to Dustin Construction in March 2020 to construct the park, which will include equestrian trails, walking trails, a dog park, community gardens, a pond, an amphitheater, softball fields, soccer fields

and an equestrian arena on 91 acres across Broad Way from the community center.

According to a county staff report, the park is three-quarters of the way done, with general completion expected this summer and work on field lighting expected to wrap up in the fall.

Stay up to date on the project by going to loudoun.gov/5352/LovettsvilleCommunity-Park. n

The Town Council last week voted to appoint one volunteer to the Oktoberfest Committee and two to the Love Summer Committee.

Julie Hazen will serve on the Oktoberfest Committee and help to plan the town’s annual event, which is typically held the last weekend in September and was canceled last year amid the pandemic.

Kat Murphy and Lisa Mullen will serve on the Love Summer Committee, which organizes concerts and movies on the Town Green throughout summer.

MIDDLEBURG

Greenly Resigns from Purcellville Town Council Purcellville Town Councilman Greenly will step down from his seat on the Town Council, pending a move out of town. His term expires June 30, 2022.

Greenly wrote on Facebook that he will retire at the end of the month and plans to move to a retirement home. He wrote that, although he had planned to remain in town until his son graduated from high school, that changed when he found out his offer on a retirement home was formally accepted.

Greenly, who served 12 years in the U.S. Army and has worked as a telecommunications officer for the federal government since 1992, was first appointed to the council in November 2017 to fill a vacancy left by Kelli Grim. He was elected to a four-year term in May 2018.

The Town Council has not announced the steps it will take to make an interim appointment to fill Greenly’s vacancy. n

Foxes on the Fence Raises Over $32K

Greenly

Purcellville Approves Fiber Extension; to Receive Extra $18K The Purcellville Town Council last Tuesday voted to allow Segra to install an additional 1.3 miles of fiber optic cable in portions of the town’s public rights of way.

Segra will be required to pay the town $18,388 annually to do so.

Segra will install the additional fiber under a contract with Loudoun County government along Willie Palmer Way, West Main Street, West School Street, East E. Street and North Maple Avenue.

Town Attorney Sally Hankins said the cable would serve amenities like the Carver

Center and the Loudoun Valley Community Center.

Last week’s vote came 14 months after the council originally authorized Segra to install about 2 miles of fiber optic cable in the town’s rights of way along South and North Maple Avenue and East Colonial Highway near Harmony Middle School, requiring the company to pay the town $30,000 annually. That work was done under a contract with Loudoun County Public Schools.

Segra is the rebrand of Lumos Net-

works and Spirit Communications. The company serves as one of the largest independent fiber bandwidth companies in the nation, according to a Jan. 14, 2019, company statement. Segra features a fiber infrastructure network of more than 21,000 miles that connects more than 9,000 on-net locations and 44 data centers throughout nine Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern states. It serves carriers, enterprises, governments, healthcare organizations, defense, education and small businesses. n

The Middleburg Arts Council’s biennial Foxes on the Fence event raised more than $32,000, according to the town. The event featured 50 cutouts of foxes, hounds and hares created by area artists—including Quinn Marston’s Groovy Fox, above—displayed around town and sold in an online auction.

All the proceeds from those sales will benefit town beautification projects and will promote arts in the town.

Town Council Prepares for Election Shift The Middleburg Town Council last week voted to hold town elections in November of odd-numbered years.

TOWN NOTES continues on page 17

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

TOWN notes continued from page 16

Earlier this year, the General Assembly passed legislation moving all municipal elections in Virginia to November, beginning with elections held after Jan. 1, 2022, according to the language of Senate Bill 1157. By default, those elections will take place in even-numbered years, coinciding with presidential and other federal elections.

“Elections in Middleburg have forever been changed,” said Mayor Bridge Littleton.

The terms of Littleton and Council members Bud Jacobs, Peter Leonard-Morgan, Darlene Kirk and Cindy Pearson are set to expire in June 2022. If they want to run for re-election in the Nov. 2 election, they will need to file their paperwork with the Loudoun County Registrar by June 8.

According to responses collected in a mailer sent to all in-town registered voters, 97 favored odd-year elections, 26 favored even-year elections and 43 had no preference.

American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

According to the proclamation, the town’s Asian American community, which doubled in the past decade, and Pacific Islander community have enriched the nation’s and town’s history and culture and “are instrumental in its future success.”

“The Town of Purcellville is unwavering in its support of the freedom of all to practice their faith according to their beliefs and conscience without government interference, opposition, or oppression,” the proclamation reads.

Purcellville DMV Select Office to Close The DMV Select office in Purcellville will be closing June 30.

Virginia Regional Transit, which holds the contract to house the service, made the announcement Tuesday.

VRT administrators said the move was made in anticipation that, with the new U.S. Census figures coming in this year, Loudoun County is unlikely to continue to qualify for rural transit funding provided by the federal government. That would force the nonprofit to halt most of its Loudoun operations and likely to move its headquarters into its core service area to Loudoun’s south.

It was not immediately known whether the Department of Motor Vehicles is pursuing another location to offer the service in western Loudoun. n

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PURCELLVILLE Police Department Plans Inaugural Bicycle Safety Rodeo The Purcellville Police Department will host its inaugural Bicycle Safety Rodeo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 22 in the Loudoun Valley High School parking lot.

Kids are invited out with their parents to learn and practice bicycle safety skills and get a bicycle safety check from a Bicycles & Coffee staff member. Activities will include helmet fittings, basic bicycle safety checks and an on-bicycle safety obstacle course. Kids will also get a free helmet, donated by Loudoun-Dulles Fraternal Order of Police and SafeKids Worldwide, while supplies last, and can stop by the Loudoun-Dulles Fraternal Order of Police’s paddy wagon and the Police Department tent for other police goodies. The Purcellville Women’s Club will also supply refreshments.

Upon completion of the safety stations, each participant will receive an official Bicycle License and a coupon for a free treat from Chick-fil-A.

Council Marks AAPI Heritage Month The Purcellville Town Council adopted a proclamation May 11 to mark Asian

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PAGE 18

Public Safety

September Jury Trial Scheduled in Walmart Shooter Case

BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

An eight-day jury trial beginning Sept.

20 in Circuit Court has been scheduled for Steven Thodos, the man indicted on 10 felonies following an early January shootout at the Sterling Walmart.

Shortly before 5 p.m. Jan. 2, Thodos, 33, was apprehended by a Walmart loss prevention officer before a Sheriff ’s deputy arrived and attempted to arrest him. At that point, Thodos, according to witness testimony during a May 13 preliminary hearing, pulled out a gun and started shooting, wounding one deputy and two Walmart employees. He then ran out, stole a vehicle and drove south to Fairfax County before being arrested by police there.

On Monday, a grand jury indicted Thodos on two counts of attempted capital murder, one count of aggravated malicious wounding, two counts of malicious wounding, four counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Thodos was originally charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, but prosecutors have agreed to not prosecute those charges after the grand jury handed up attempted capital murder in-

dictments. Prosecutors also previously agreed to not prosecute another charge of auto theft.

During last week’s preliminary hearing, the prosecution team of C ommonwe a lt h’s Thodos Attorney Buta Biberaj and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Angela Vernail, and Assistant Public Defenders Adam Pouilliard and Elli Shahin, questioned three witnesses about the incident.

Asset Protection Associate Muhammed Amin testified that he noticed Thodos in the Walmart on Jan. 2 with the same merchandise he had two days prior. Amin said he noticed that Thodos skipped scanning some of those items at the self-checkout register. According to Biberaj, the unscanned merchandise amounted to $64.03.

Amin said he then caught up with Thodos between the double-door entrance to the store and walked him into the loss prevention room near the entrance before notifying the Sheriff ’s Office.

The first deputy to arrive on the scene was Camron Gentry. According to witness testimony, Walmart security footage and footage from the body-worn camera on

Dep. Charles Ewing, Thodos resisted when Gentry attempted to handcuff him. Security footage then shows Thodos pulling out a gun and beginning to shoot.

Former loss prevention employee Jade Puloskie said she saw Thodos shoot at the ground once before raising the handgun and shooting at Gentry.

“I actually watched as Gentry fell to the ground,” Puloskie said.

The exchange in the loss prevention room left Gentry incapacitated on the floor with four gunshot wounds and “blood all over the place,” according to Amin’s testimony. Gentry would spend 42 days in the trauma unit of Reston Hospital and undergo multiple surgeries.

Puloskie and Amin also had gunshot wounds to their legs.

Ewing fired three rounds at Thodos as he fled the store, striking Thodos in the arm.

Biberaj said 10 shots were fired in all, seven from Thodos’ gun and three from Ewing’s.

After running out of the store, Thodos stole a pickup truck, drove south on Rt. 28, crashed the truck and fled on foot in Fairfax County, according to statements from the Sheriff ’s Office. After a nearly two-hour search, Fairfax police arrested Thodos on Pennsboro Drive in Chantilly. n

MAY 20, 2021

Two Men Charged for Sterling Assault LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Two men have been charged in connection with an assault and attempted robbery that occurred May 6 in the parking lot of the Dulles Retail Plaza in Sterling.

According to the Sheriff ’s Office, Seondre A. Gambrell, 25, of Fredericksburg, and Migdam M. Mohamed, 20, of Leesburg, each are charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and attempted armed robbery.

According to the report, the victim and his juvenile son were loading items into a vehicle outside of a store around 6:45 p.m.

May 6, when a vehicle pulled up behind them. A verbal altercation ensued regarding the victim’s vehicle blocking the roadway. The two men exited their vehicle and the altercation continued. One of the suspects then allegedly brandished a firearm, demanded the victim hand over his possessions and assaulted him, causing injuries described as minor.

The victim refused to give anything and drove away. The suspects followed and at one point stopped their vehicle in front of the victim’s car and blocked their path.

When the two men again got out of their car, the victim drove around the suspects and stopped at a gas station to report the incident.

The adult male victim received minor injuries during the incident.

Gambrell and Mohamed were held without bond in the Prince William County Adult Detention Center on unrelated charges out of Prince William County.. n

2 Suspects in Jail After Rash of Store Burglaries LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Two men are in custody and are under investigation after a series of commercial burglaries in Loudoun County.

Zakariah H. Sudi, 20, of Falls Church, and Kevin E. Valle, 19, of Oxon Hill, MD, are both charged with burglary, destruction of property, and possession of a stolen firearm. Sudi was also charged with obstruction of justice and Valle was charged additionally with giving false identification to law enforcement. Additional charges are expected.

Leesburg police and Loudoun sheriff ’s deputies are investigating whether a rash of

burglaries at businesses over the past several days are connected.

According to the Leesburg Police Department, at approximately 3:03 a.m. May 17, officers were dispatched to For Goodness Sake, a natural foods grocery store on South Street, for a glass break alarm. Upon arrival, officers found the front glass door was shattered. Several items were disturbed and a small amount of cash was taken.

Then, shortly after 4 a.m., the Purcellville Police Department responded to the Purcellville Pharmacy on East Main Street for reports of a burglary. County deputies and the Virginia State Police also responded. There, they discovered that a second

business nearby, Purcellville Cleaners, was forcibly entered.

And around 5 a.m., an employee of the Hamilton C Store on East Colonial Highway reported hearing the store alarms activate. He discovered the store had been forcibly entered, via a cinderblock thrown through a window, and a cash register was taken. The incident was reported shortly before 5:30 a.m. to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office.

In all four of those cases, the stores’ glass doors or windows were damaged to gain entry.

Another break in was reported May 18, when deputies were called to the Sterling

Smoke and Vape Shop just before 4 a.m.

Tuesday, finding the store was forcibly entered and the cash register drawer was taken. A search of the area began with help from the Fairfax County Police Department helicopter.

The search continued throughout the morning, discovering that the Delhi Bazaar on Ice Rink Plaza in Ashburn had been broken into and cash taken some time in the early morning hours.

Shortly after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, deputies canvassing the Sterling area located a suspect and arrested him after a foot chase.

The second suspect was located nearby. n

MAY 20, 2021

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 19 • If you are pregnant or gave birth within the last year and you are experiencing urgent maternal warning signs.

Enjoy a Healthy and Balanced Diet

Putting a Focus on Women’s Health May is Women’s Health Month, which seeks to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority. Even during COVID-19 when many of us are at home, there are safe ways for you to stay active and healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips.

Women personify many roles in our lives. Two out of every three caregivers in the United States are women, meaning they provide daily or regular support to children, adults, or people with chronic illnesses or

disabilities. Women who are caregivers have a greater risk for poor physical and mental health. Preventive care can keep disease away or detect problems early so that treatment is more effective. Protect your health by identifying the care you may need.

Talk with your Health Providers Regular check-ups are important. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some health services are being done either online or by

phone. Talk to a healthcare provider: • To find out what screenings and exams you need and when. Explore the covered preventive services for women and other preventive care benefits available for women at no cost.

• If anything doesn’t feel right or is concerning. Use telemedicine, if available, or communicate with your doctor or nurse by phone or e-mail. Write down any questions or issues you may have and take them to your appointment.

A healthy balanced diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.

Nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Learn the basics of healthier eating habits.

• A healthy eating plan includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat free and low-fat milk and other dairy products, lean meats, and is low in salt, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars.

• Women need folic acid every day for the healthy new cells the body makes daily. It’s also important to help prevent major birth defects when pregnant.

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol. Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions and can lead to the development of chronic diseases.

If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation, which is up to 1 drink a day for women.

Get Active Physical activity helps improve your overall health.

Physical activity is one of the most imWOMEN’S HEALTH continues on page 20

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PAGE 20

Women’s health continued from page 19

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portant things you can do for your health.

It lowers your risk of heart disease which is the leading cause of death for women. With many people following social distancing guidelines, being physically active may seem hard. Here are five ways you and your family can be active safely at home: 1. Find an exercise video online. Search the internet for exercise videos led by certified exercise leaders or trainers and match your interests, abilities, and fitness level. You can find videos to help you do aerobics, dance, stretch, and build strength. No gym or special equipment needed. You can also find videos created especially for kids and older adults.

2. Work out with items you have around the house. Use full water bottles, canned goods, or other items for strength training if you don’t have weights around the house. Stretch with a towel. Walking or running up and down stairs (that are clear of obstacles to avoid tripping) can be a great workout.

3. Make the most of screen time. While watching TV, your family can do jumping jacks during commercials or move along with the characters in a show or movie by walking or running in place.

4. Family playtime is a great way to work in physical activity. Hula hoops, hopscotch, jumping jacks, and jump ropes are a great way for the whole family to get active. Games like hide-andseek and playing catch keep everyone moving and having fun.

5. Housework and yardwork count! Vacuuming, sweeping, gardening, and cleaning inside and outside where you live all count towards your physical activity goal. And you’ll knock out some items on your to-do list while gaining health benefits.

If you choose to do physical activity outdoors, remember to choose safer activities.

When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity.

CDC recently updated mask guidelines for outdoor activities for fully vaccinated people. Learn more about how to safely return to enjoying many activities after being fully vaccinated on CDC’s COVID-19 website.

Prioritize Mental Health Keep your mind and body healthy by taking time to unwind and enjoy your favorite activities.

Keep your mind and body healthy. Research shows that positive mental health is associated with improved overall health

MAY 20, 2021

and well-being. It may be tough during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain healthy behaviors and manage stress. There are some important steps you can take to get the support you need to cope with stress: • Take care of your body.

• Take steps to prevent yourself from getting sick.

• Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.

• Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

• Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.

• Avoid the use of substances such as alcohol and drugs.

• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

• Find a local support group. Support groups provide a safe place for people to find comfort. You are not alone.

• Recognize when you need more help. If stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row, or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.

• If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression, anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:  Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline call or text 1-800-985-5990.  Visit the National Suicide Prevention or call 1-800-273-TALK (1800-273-8255)  Visit the National Domestic Violence or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.  Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Practice Healthy Behaviors Daily decisions influence overall health.

Small actions can help keep you safe and healthy and set a good example for others.

• Practice social distancing and protect yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Get enough sleep for your overall health. It impacts how you feel and perform during the day. Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Children and adolescents should get between 8 to 12 hours of sleep depending on age each night.

• Avoid distracted driving, which is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from the road. Each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. n

MAY 20, 2021

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 21

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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

Loco Living

THINGS to do LOCO LIVE Live Music: Crooked Angels

Friday, May 21, 4 p.m.

Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com Husband and wife duo Amy and Jamie Potter serve up wild roots and soulful Americana.

Heritage High School Student Cabaret

Friday, May 21, 6 p.m.

Black Walnut Brewery, 212 S. King St., Leesburg Details: facebook.com/blackwalnutbrewery It’s a musical cabaret from HHS students for a fun Friday evening.

VAL Plaza Party: Brad Doggett

Friday, May 21, 6-9 p.m.

Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg Details: villageatleesburg.com Acoustic guitar and soulful singing with covers from Justin Timberlake to James Taylor.

Live Music: Railroad Earth Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Local favorites, from left, Gary Smallwood, Todd Wright and Cal Everett regroup as Calgary for a couple of shows this summer on Hillboro’s Gap Stage and at 868 Estate Winery.

Summer Concerts Are Back, LoCo Style

BY JAN MERCKER jmerker@loudounnow.com

Loudouners are ready to let loose and have fun this summer, but safety is still front and center for many folks. The good news is that many of the county’s favorite outdoor summer concert series are back, offering stages for local and regional musicians while providing plenty of space for music lovers to spread out and kick back.

Acoustic on the Green The Town of Leesburg’s beloved Acoustic on The Green series kicks off Saturday, June 5 after a COVID hiatus last summer and runs Saturdays through Aug. 28.

“Now with more people being vaccinated, and we know more about the virus and how it’s spread, people are ready to get out and start living normally again. I think the outdoor concert is the perfect place—it’s like the best of both worlds.

You’re outdoors, you can social distance, but still do something fun that we’ve done in the past,” said Linda Fountain, events coordinator for Leesburg’s Parks and Recreation department.

Fountain works with outreach program coordinator Tony Conway to book bands in a range of genres that will keep audiences engaged.

“I think we’re going to have a good mix,” Fountain said. She and her team

work to spotlight Loudoun-based bands, but also cast their net regionally to get a range of styles.

AOG’s 2021 lineup brings back longtime series favorites like Todd Wright, Cal Everett and Gary Smallwood but also features numerous acts new to the series.

Leesburg native Justin Trawick, who performs with his band The Common Good at AOG on June 19, returns to his hometown after getting national and regional attention for his quarantine livestreams and socially distant backyard concerts.

Trawick’s innovative quarantine shows were featured in Parade magazine and The Washington Post. New AOG acts also include jazz saxophonist Lisa Fiorilli, soul and rock from Torrey B and Americana/ rock from Julia Kasdorf.

Fountain says many of the 2021 acts were booked for last year when the series was canceled, and she was thrilled to sign them on again. Fountain and her team also booked musical acts for the town’s Flower and Garden Show last month.

“The performers I spoke to were just so thrilled to be back on a stage playing for real people,” Fountain said.

The concerts are held at the Leesburg Town Green on Market Street. And while organizers had initially considered a move to the Loudoun County Courthouse this summer, relaxed social distancing guidelines allowed pivot back to holding the series on the green. Fountain advises con-

certgoers to monitor the town website for updates.

Music in the Gap In tight-knit Hillsboro, leaders are bringing music back to the Old Stone School, while creating opportunities to showcase the town’s new look after an extensive streetscape renovation project.

Hillsboro’s Music Under The Stars In The Gap outdoor concert series returns to the Old Stone School Friday nights from July 2 through Aug. 27.

“I think everybody is really excited— we’ve got a lot of pent up energy. People miss live music and being out and being with friends and neighbors,” said Mayor Roger Vance. “We’re getting really excited about bringing it back and having a great time.”

The series kicks off with the Grateful Dead tribute band Born Cross-Eyed, a nod to the tiny town’s robust Grateful Dead fan base, which includes the mayor. Performances include bluegrass from Shannon Bielski and Moonlight Drive, blues from Hard Swimmin’ Fish and classic Rock from Calgary, the Loudoun-based supergroup of Cal Everett, Gary Smallwood and Todd Wright, along with other local and regional favorites.

“We have a nice mix of bluegrass, rock, SUMMER CONCERTS continues on page 24

Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 23, 3 p.m.

B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Tickets are $50 per show, $150 for a three-day pass.

Live Music: 2 Man Trio

Friday, May 21, 7 p.m.

Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com Guitar, percussion and lots of fun from 2 Man Trio.

Comedy Night with Ryan Neser

Friday, May 21, 7:30 p.m.

Saigon Outcast, 44921 George Washington Blvd., Ashburn Details: saigonoutcastva.com This free comedy night features Ryan Neser of DC Improv and host Jon Yeager. Reservations are recommended.

Live Music: Lost Corner Vagabonds

Saturday, May 22, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Great tunes from local favorites Hugh Ghiringhelli, Rob Remington and Kevin O’Neill.

Live Music: Shane Gamble

Saturday, May 22, 1:30 p.m.

Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville Details: sunsethillsvineyard.com Rising country music star Shane Gamble has several hit singles under his belt and a new EP on the horizon.

Live Music: David Goodrum

Saturday, May 22, 2 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Goodrum covers a range of genres from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today.

Live Music: Dave Mininberg

Saturday, May 22, 2 p.m.

Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn

THINGS TO DO continues on page 25

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

NHLEmployerCard2.pdf

1

9/3/19

PAGE 23

10:58 AM

See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com

DRIVERS NEEDED

C

M

Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011

Y

CM

Let us help find your next great employee.

MY

CY

CMY

K

Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia Now Hiring for Retail Sales and Production Associates Full Time and Part-Time positions available Sales and Production Associates: Experience in retail sales preferred, must have good customer service skills, on the job training will be provided.

Salaries starting at $12-$14/hr. or more based on position. PLUS, Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance offered, PLUS Paid Vacations, and more! * Normal Work Hours - Sunday-Saturday, 10am to 7:00pm (Schedules vary) All positions are full time/part time, with paid holidays, great benefits, and other incentives.

Please Apply In Person, 11am to 3pm, Mon-Fri at Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia 20684 Ashburn Rd, Ashburn, VA 20147 Attention: Human Resources, or submit your resume to GoodShepherdHR@gsnova.org.

FULL TIME FLAGGER Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up and control traffic around construction sites. A valid drivers license is a must, good pay, and benefits.

If interested please fill out an application at 7855 Progress Court Suite 103 Gainesville, VA on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 pm or online at www.trafficplan.com

HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE

Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online.

Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA. Regular Full-Time Positions Position

Department

Salary Range

Closing Date

Accounting Associate III

Finance

$52,446-$89,790 DOQ

Open until filled

Maintenance Worker I

Public Works & Capital Projects

$38,075-$65,186 DOQ

Open until filled

Police Officer

Police

$53,233-$89,590 DOQ

Open until filled

Senior Systems Analyst

Information Technology

$70,374-$120,339 DOQ

Open until filled

Systems Analyst/Infrastructure & Asset Management

Public Works & Capital Projects

$70,374-$120,339 DOQ

Open until filled

Utilities IT Systems Administrator

Utilities

$70,374-$120,339 DOQ

Open until filled

Utilities Project Manager

Utilities

$76,941-$131,689 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Inspector II

Utilities

$56,956-$97,512 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior

Utilities

$41,353-$89,790 DOQ

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.

Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 24

MAY 20, 2021

Summer concerts continued from page 22

TICKETS ON (703) 777-1665 SALE NOW! wwww.TallyHoTheater.com THE DC IMPROV PRESENTS: COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG COWBOY MOUTH

FEB 1

05/21/21

THE DOORS: 7PM WAILERS

SHOW: FEB 13 8PM

UFO FAREWELL TOUR

FEB 21

TRIBUTE TO 70S ROCK: FOREPLAY! SOUL ASYLUM WITH LOCAL H

FEB 22

05/22/21 DOORS: 7PM UNCLE 8PM CARBON LEAF SHOW: BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR KRACKER FEB 28

TWO SHOWS!

19 W Market St., Leesburg, VA

FEB 29

ND 2/7 COBS BA CHRIS JA 2/8 RE FI BY TRIAL 5 ts 2/14-1 Two Nigh IA AN 6 3/ EAGLEM S AR AN YE THE REAG

JOURNEY TRIBUTE!

For a full schedule please visit

www.TallyHoTheater.com

TRIAL BY FIRE 05/28/21 & 05/29/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

TWO SHOWS!

CARBON LEAF 06/03/21 & 06/04/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

80’s NIGHT WITH THE REAGAN YEARS 06/05/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

90’s NIGHT WITH NINE DEEEZ NITE! 06/12/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

THE NIELSEN TRUST FEATURING RICK NIELSEN FROM CHEAP TRICK, NICK PERRI & THE UNDERGROUND THEIVES 06/17/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

TWO NIGHTS!

COMEDY NIGHT

HOT 99.5’S SOLFEATURING INTERN JOHN D O&U06/19/21 06/18/21 T DOORS: 7PM

pop and jazz,” said Vice Mayor Amy Marasco, who adds that she’s looking forward to the Mostly Fab Beatles tribute scheduled for Aug. 20.

The series also gives Hillsboro a chance to spotlight its new pedestrian-friendly vibe.

“We’re excited for people to come and see the town and walk the sidewalks,” Marasco said.

The series will feature locally made Moo Thru ice cream, food trucks and Loudoun wine and beer for sale.

And while tickets aren’t required for lawn space, this year the town will be selling reserved tickets for premium table seating on the verandah at the Old Stone School.

“We have plenty of space to spread out. We’re really happy to support the musicians. I know it’s been hard on them,” Vance said.

Other Don’t-Miss Shows Loudoun’s wineries and breweries are also once again getting into the concert series act, going beyond the typical afternoon acoustic shows with full-blown festivals and big-name ticketed shows.

Tarara’s Summer Concert Series has posted its lineup of ticketed concerts for 2021.

The series is slated to kick off Saturday, July 3 with popular ’80s tribute band The Reflex and runs Saturdays through Sept.

25, with a focus on tributes. Music lovers can choose from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s over the summer season or enjoy Beach Boys and Billy Joel tributes to let loose and rock out.

868 Estate Vineyards’ monthly Mu-

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Born Cross Eyed brings Grateful Dead vibes back to Hillsboro’s Gap Stage, where they performed during a Woodstock anniversary celebration in 2019.

sic Under the Stars series features classic rock from Special Delivery June 19, jazz with Emma Rowley July 17, Buffett-style fun with Tropical Attitudes Aug. 14, and wraps up with the beloved LoCo Musicians Festival Sunday, Sept. 5, a star-studded fundraiser for local musicians.

868 Estate this year also hosts the NOVA MusicFest benefit concert for the nonprofit Cancer Can Rock Sunday, June 13. Musicians including Jason Masi, Honey Larks, Dusty Rose and Jack Bond, Justin Trawick, Corey Campbell, Lauren Calve, Brennan Loveless, Michael Shepherd, Julianna MacDowell and Mike Ault, and Calgary for the nonprofit that brings musicians facing aggressive cancer into a studio with professionals to produce a song.

For a schedule and information about Acoustic on the Green, go to leesburgva.gov.

To learn more about Hillsboro’s Music Under The Stars In The Gap, go to oldstoneschool.org.

For tickets and a complete schedule for Tarara’s summer concert series, go to tararaconcerts.com.

SHOW: 8PM

For details on 868 Estate Vineyards’ Music Under the Stars series and benefit concerts, go to 868estatevineyards.com.

THE NIELSEN TRUST

For tickets and a schedule for summer shows at B Chord, go to bchordbrewing.com.

FEATURING RICK NIELSEN FROM CHEAP TRICK, NICK PERRI & THE UNDERGROUND THEIVES

06/17/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

Torrey B is among the performers on the roster for this year’s Acoustic on the Green concert series.

And B Chord Brewing continues its impressive lineup of ticketed shows for national and regional acts throughout the summer. The (mostly sold out) DelFest Lite festival draws fans from around the country over Memorial Day weekend.

Singer/songwriter Juliana MacDowell brings her Julesapalooza one-day mini-festival to B Chord Saturday, June 12, featuring performances by MacDowell, The Darby Brothers, the Bumper Jacksons and other favorites. The farm brewery has also announced shows by Yonder Mountain String Band and Leftover Salmon in July. The big shows generally sell out in advance, so start making plans and grabbing tickets as we move into the summer of fun. n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

PAGE 25

Obituaries

BEST BETS

A Tribute to 70s Rock: Foreplay Saturday, May 22, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Ted Garber

Scott Kurt

Saturday, May 22, 6 p.m.

Crooked Run BrewingSterling crookedrunbrewing.com

Sunday, May 23, 2-5 p.m.

Doukénie Winery doukeniewinery.com

THINGS to do continued from page 22

Details: lostrhino.com Well known for his work with the band 7th Son of WV, Mininberg brings a blend of originals, classic rock, blues and country.

Live Music: Shag Duo

Saturday, May 22, 7 p.m.

Saigon Outcast, 44921 George Washington Blvd., Ashburn Details: saigonoutcastva.com British expatriates pay tribute to their favorites from the fab music scenes of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

Live Music: Eddie Pasa

Saturday, May 22, 4 p.m.

Bluemont Vineyard, 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont Details: bluemontvineyard.com Brad brings family-oriented acoustic tunes to Bluemont for a fun afternoon.

Saturday, May 22, 7 p.m.

Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com This well-known DMV drummer also rocks guitar and vocals for his solo acoustic shows.

Live Music: Emma Bailey

Live Music: Foreplay 70s Rock Tribute

Live Music: Brad The Guitar Guy

Saturday, May 22, 6 p.m.

Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com This DMV favorite puts her mark on pop, rock, country and beyond from oldies to the current charts.

Saturday, May 22, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Named after the iconic instrumental piece to Boston’s “Foreplay/Longtime,” this regional favorite cover band delivers the electric energy of the iconic vinyl era.

Live Music: Ted Garber

Live Music: Nathaniel Davis

Live Music: Steve George and Friends

Live Music: Juliet Lloyd

Saturday, May 22, 6 p.m.

Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Garber is back on the live music scene with his genre-bending, multi-instrumentalist BluesAmericanaRock.

Saturday, May 22, 6-9 p.m.

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com Enjoy rock, country, blues and beyond from a local favorite.

VAL Plaza Party: Larry Thomas Duo

Saturday, May 22, 6-9 p.m.

Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg Details: villageatleesburg.com Larry Thomas from Panic for the Vibe brings funk, reggae and rock to the Plaza.

Live Music: Dead on the Mountain

Saturday, May 22, 7-10 p.m.

Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com The Crooked Angels and The Bluemont Ramble team up for an inspired tribute to the Grateful Dead.

Tickets are $10-$16.

Walter E. Bell

Age 67 of Ft. Washington, Maryland formerly of Loudoun County, VA He departed this life peacefully on Friday, May 14, 2021 at the Adventist Health Care, Fort Washington, MD. He leaves to cherish fond memories, sister, Patricia Brooks of Fort Washington, MD, brother, James Bell (Sherae) of Leesburg, VA, daughter, Shaneka Robinson of Stevens City, VA, sons, Derrick Bell of Inwood, WV and Jason Davis of Alexandria, VA; aunts, Lillian Smith of Martinsburg, WV and Helen Bell of Berryville, VA; uncles, Edward Cook of Herndon, VA and Terry Cook of Manassas, VA; 14 grandchildren,

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

1 great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Monday May 24, 2021 viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service 11:00 a.m. at the Fort Washington Christian Church 10900 Indian Head Highway #2, Fort Washington, MD 20744 Interment: Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, MD 20623.

Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia and surrounding areas. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/ MD/DC. 800-388-1913.

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

CABINET SHOWPLACE Fine Cabinetry for the Entire Home

Sunday, May 23, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com With his top-notch vocal and guitar work and inventive approaches to both classic and popular music, Davis is a Loudoun favorite.

Sunday, May 23, 2-5 p.m.

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com Lloyd is an accomplished songwriter and no-holds barred performer, blending elements of pop, rock and soul.

Live Music: The Bluegrass Scenario with Derek Kretzer Sunday, May 23, 3 p.m.

Crooked Run Brewing, 205 Harrison St SE, Leesburg Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Derek Kretzer of The Plate Scrapers hosts fellow bluegrass musicians from all over the east coast on the porch.

Live Music: Melissa Quinn Fox

Sunday, May 23, 4:30 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com It’s Sunday Funday with high-energy rock and country from Melissa Quinn Fox.

www.cabinetshowplace.com

540.338.9661

210 N. 21st St., # E Purcellville, VA 20132

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 26

MAY 20, 2021

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, June 9, 2021 in order to consider:

PROPOSED SALE OF COUNTY-OWNED AFFORDABLE DWELLING UNIT Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800, the Board of Supervisors shall consider the conveyance of the following County-owned Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) to an ADU qualified certificate holder: ADDRESS 42255 Canary Grass Square, Aldie, Virginia 20105

PIN #

204-29-1122-010

ELECTION DISTRICT

DESCRIPTION

Dulles District

Approximately 1,830 square feet, 3 bedroom, Multifamily Dwelling Unit (Condominium)

PURCHASE PRICE

$152,385

Copies of the plat(s) illustrating the property proposed to be conveyed may be examined 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) 777-0200. 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”).

REQUEST TO UTILIZE VILLAGES OF WAXPOOL PROFFER FUNDS FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF BELMONT RIDGE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS BETWEEN TRURO PARISH DRIVE AND CROSON LANE Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-2303.2.C., the Board of Supervisors shall consider utilization of cash payments proffered and received from the developer of ZMAP-2008-0014, Villages of Waxpool, Proffer 3, to fund the design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction of improvements to Belmont Ridge Road between Truro Parish Drive and Croson Lane (the “Project”).

The original purpose of the cash payment pursuant to Proffer 3 was for the construction of a traffic signal at the intersection of Waxpool Road and Truro Parish Drive or at Waxpool Road and Belmont Ridge Road. However, the County has no active plans to install traffic signals at either of the intersections in the proffer agreement. Therefore, the functional purpose for which the proffer contribution was made cannot be fulfilled in a timely manner. The amount of the cash payment pursuant to Proffer 3 was $612.50, which remains the current amount in the account. The cost of the Project is $43,063,000 and the Project is included in the Amended FY 2019 – FY 2024 Capital Improvement Program.

A map indicating the location of the Project may be examined 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) 777-0200. Documents 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”).

ZOAM-2021-0001 AMEND THE REVISED 1993 LOUDOUN COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE TO ELIMINATE THE SPECIAL EXCEPTION FEE FOR NEW TELECOMMUNICATIONS USES IN UNDERSERVED AREAS

The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes of zoning as set forth in Virginia Code §§15.2-2200 and 15.2-2283, including, without limitation, furtherance of the public necessity, convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice, and facilitating the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community.

ZRTD-2021-0001 LOUDOUN GATEWAY LOT 2

(Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District) Foulger-Pratt Development, LLC of Potomac, Maryland has submitted an application to rezone approximately 6.09 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance, to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, in order to permit the development of 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, Route 28 CO (Corridor Office) Overlay District, the QN (Quarry Notification Overlay District – Loudoun Note Area and located partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65, and outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours.

The subject property is approximately 6.09 acres in size and is located on the south side of Indian Creek Drive (Route 1038), north of Old Ox Road (Route 606), and west of Sully Road (Route 28) in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 046-30-5546. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment)), which support a broad array of Employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.

SIDP-2015-0008 DULLES LANDING SIGN PLAN AMENDMENT (Sign Development Plan)

Beatty Limited Partnership of McLean, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to 1) allow two additional commercial development entrance signs in the PD, CLI, GB, and MR-HI Districts; 2) modify the maximum area of any one sign, minimum setback from right-of-way, maximum height, and additional requirements for commercial development entrance signs in the PD, CLI, GB, and MR-HI Districts; and 3) permit the usage of electronic message signs. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-20040016, Dulles Landing, and SIDP 2014-0002, Dulles Landing Sign Development Plan, located in the PDCC-RC (Planned Development Commercial Center-Regional Center) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County 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 located partially within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher, between the Ldn 60-65, and outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours. The Subject property is also located partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District - Chantilly Crush Stone Note Area.

The subject property is approximately 78.34 acres in size and comprises six separate parcels that are located north of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) and west of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 606), in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN

ADDRESS

PIN

ADDRESS

163291069

N/A

163287836

24635 Dulles Landing Drive, Chantilly, VA

163294142

24555, 24560, 24565, 24570, 24630, 24670 & 24700 Dulles Landing Drive, Chantilly, VA

163190227

24680 & 24710 Dulles Landing Drive, Chantilly, VA 42760, 42765, 42780, 42781, 42790, 42800 & 42801 Gateway Fountain Plaza, Chantilly, VA

163387890

24575 Dulles Landing Drive, Chantilly, VA

163183632

24705, 24725, 24745 & 24765 Dulles Landing Drive, Chantilly, VA

(Zoning Ordinance Amendment)

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-2204, 15.2-2285, and 15.2-2286, and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors on March 16, 2021, the Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice of proposed amendments to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance) in order to establish new, clarify, revise, and/or delete existing regulations in regard to references to fee waivers, and in regard to exemptions for Special Exception land development application fees for new Monopole and Transmission Tower uses, as defined in the Zoning Ordinance, in specified zoning districts.

The amendment proposes revisions to Section 6-402, and such other Articles, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the Zoning Ordinance as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typographical errors, section and subsection numbering, and formatting within, update cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned section(s) of the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed text amendments under consideration include, without limitation, the following: Amendments to Section 6-402: ·

Clarify, revise, and/or delete existing regulations which have references to fee waivers and use the term fee exemptions to describe how Section 6-402 functions more accurately.

·

Establish new regulations to exempt the Special Exception land development application fee for new Monopole and Transmission Tower uses requiring Special Exception approval in the A-3 (Agricultural Residential), A-10 (Agriculture), AR-1 (Agricultural Rural-1), AR-2 (Agricultural Rural-2), CR-1 (Countryside Residential-1), CR-2 (Countryside Residential-2), CR-3 (Countryside Residential-3), and RC (Rural Commercial) zoning districts.

The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which designates this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0, and additional density (up to 1.5 FAR) may be achieved with project elements that go above and beyond required development standards to further the County’s comprehensive planning goals.

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CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

Legal Notices SPEX 2019-0035, SPEX 2019-0048 & SPEX 2019-0049 POTOMACK LAKES SPORTSPLEX

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 703777-0246 (option 5).

The Board of Supervisors of Loudoun County, Virginia, through the Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure of Leesburg, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to install and grade two synthetic turf fields, add 0.29 Acres of new impervious surface paths, and incidental structures totaling 5,725 SF within the major floodplain in the PD-H4 (Planned Development-Housing 4) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed uses are listed as Special Exception uses under 4-1506(E) and (F). The subject property is partially located in the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD). The subject property is approximately 46.84 acres in size and is located north of Algonkian Parkway (Route 1582) and on the east side of Cascades Parkway (Route 1794) at 20286 Cascades Parkways, Sterling, Virginia, 20165 in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 010-27-3927 and PIN: 010-174363. 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 existing parks and recreation facilities uses.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this public hearing may be conducted as an electronic meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing.

Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. 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 and who would like to provide their comments remotely. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on May 28, 2021, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on June 9, 2021. 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.

(Special Exceptions)

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

TOWN OF LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING

Policy Area ommercial, f up to 1.0, and beyond

BY ORDER OF:

PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

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

Case No.: 214901555 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

SBPR-2021-0006 INOVA Health System Mr. Tim Hall of Amazon Data Services, Inc. of Seattle, WA is requesting PRELIMINARY/RECORD plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately eighty nine (89.8) acres into five (5) non-residential lots. The property is located along John Mosby Highway (Route 50), west of Gum Spring Road (Route 659) and east of Racefield Lane (Route 877). The property is zoned PD-IP (Planned Development Industrial Park and PD-GI (Planned Development General Industrial) under the provisions of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as PIN 203-17-3969-000 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-2021-0006. 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 Blankenship at eric.blankenship@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by June 24, 2021. 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).

05/20/21

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

05/20/2021

05/20 & 05/27/21

SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION

Remote Public Participation Available Members of the public who wish to speak during the petitioners’ section and Public Hearings of the May 25, 2021, 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 May 19, 2021.

Landing VA 81, 42790, Fountain VA

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE

Drive,

24765 antilly, VA

PAGE 27

The State of Utah To: HUGO ERNESTO NARANJO A lawsuit has been started against you. You must respond in writing for the court to consider your side. You can find an Answer form on the court’s website: utcourts.gov/ans.

You must file your Answer with this court: 3rd Judicial District Salt Lake County. 8080 Redwood Road, Suite 1701, West Jordan, UT 84088 You must also email, mail or hand deliver a copy of your Answer to the other party or their attorney: Beatriz Martinez Rodriguez 7123 W Iron Spring Lane, West Jordan UT 84081 Your response must be filed with the court and served on the other party within 30 days of the last day of this publication, which is 05/13/21.

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

Black/Purple Schwinn Sidewinder bicycle

SO210006365

4/23/2021

25437 Ripleys Field Dr. Chantilly, VA

703-777-0610

Orange Iron Horse Mountain Anzer Peak bicycle

SO210006458

4/25/2021

3 Silo Mill Ct. Sterling, VA

703-777-0610 05/13 & 05/20/21

LoudounNow.com

BEATRIZ MARTINEZ RODRIGUEZ Plaintiff/Petitioner /v.

HUGO ERNESTO NARANJO Defendant/Respondant

If you do not file and serve an Answer by the deadline, the other party can ask the court for a default judgment. A default judgment means the other party wins, and you do not get the chance to tell your side of the story.

Read the complaint or petition carefully. It explains what the other party is asking for in their lawsuit. You are being sued for: Petition for Divorce.

05/13, 05/20, 05/27, & 06/03/21

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 28

MAY 20, 2021

Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION VIRGINIA:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY

IN RE: ESTATE OF SARAH E. DEBRUYCKER Probate File No. 18156 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AGAINST DISTRIBUTION

OFFICIAL VOTING INFORMATION The Constitution of Virginia requires that you be registered in the precinct in which you live to be qualified to vote. For the convenience of the citizens of Loudoun County, the Voter Registration Office at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C, Leesburg, is open each week Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. To be eligible to vote in the Democratic Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, you had to register no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 17.

Additional information regarding voter registration, registration status, absentee voting, what is on the ballot can be found by visiting www.elections.virginia.gov.

EARLY VOTING

It appearing that a report of the account of Kevin DeBruycker and Mary S. DeBruycker, Co-Administrators for the Estate of Sarah E. DeBruycker, deceased, and a report of the debts and demands against the Estate have been filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, and that more than 6 months have elapsed since the qualification of the Administrators before this Court, on the petition of the Administrators indicating that the Estate is insolvent,

Effective July 1, 2020, all registered voters in Virginia are eligible to vote early in-person, no excuse required.

It is ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the Estate of Sarah E. DeBruycker, deceased, do show cause, if any they can, on the 4th day of June, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., before this Court at its courtroom in Leesburg, Virginia, against payment and delivery of said Estate to the creditors, including the Administrator, in accordance with Va. Code§ 64.2-528, with no payment to distributees; and

May 29, 2021 o Saturdays - May 29 and June 5 9::00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. o Weekdays – Tuesday, June 1 & Thursday, June 3 - 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Wednesday, June 2 and Friday, June 4 – 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

It is further ORDERED that the foregoing portion of this Order be published once a week for 2 successive weeks in Loudoun Now, a newspaper of general circulation in Loudoun County, Virginia.

05/20 & 05/27/21

ABC LICENSE

Srinivas Nistala, trading as Halcyon Watson, LLC, 23528 Watson Road, Leesburg, VA 20175.

Please note: Our office will be closed on Monday, May 31 in observance of Memorial Day. Office of Elections 750 Miller Drive SE, Suite C, Leesburg, 20175

• Early voting starts - Friday, April 23, 2021 • Early voting hours - Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 p.m.

• Extended hours start - Saturday,

Loudoun County Government Office at Ridgetop 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, 20164 and Dulles South Senior Center 24950 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly, 20152

• Early voting starts - Saturday, May 29, 2021 • Early voting hours: o Saturday, May 29 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. o Tuesday, June 1- 12:00 noon – 7:00 p.m. o Wednesday, June 2 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. o Thursday, June 3 – 12:00 noon – 7:00 p.m. o Saturday, June 5 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TOWN OF HAMILTON TOWN OF NOTICE HAMILTON PUBLIC NOTICE Code PUBLIC of Virginia §58.1-3911

DIVORCE SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION Docket No.:

Please feel free to give us a call at 703 777-0380 if you have any questions about absentee voting.

Judith A. Brown, General Registrar 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C Leesburg, VA 20175-8916 703 777-0380 703 777-0622 FAX Email: vote@loudoun.gov Web: www.loudoun.gov/juneprimary

BR17D1643DR

Lineda Montille vs.

Satwant Singh

• Early voting starts - Saturday, May 29, 2021 • Early voting hours: o Saturday, May 29 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. o Saturday, June 5 – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. o No weekday hours at this location

Voters are encouraged to mark and return their ballots early to ensure they arrive in time to be counted. Voters can hand deliver their ballot up until 7 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots arriving by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day AND be received no later than noon on the Friday following the election (June 11) to be counted.

The object o Starlin Reye

To the Defendant: Bristol Probate and Family Court Office of Register Suite 240 40 Broadway Taunton, MA02780 The Plaintiff has filed a Complaint for Divorce requesting that the Court grant him/her custody of the child(ren).

The Complaint is on file at the Court.

An Automatic Restraining Order has been entered in this matter preventing you from taking any action which would negatively impact the current financial status of either party. SEE Supplemental Probate Court Rule 411.

You are hereby summoned and required to serve upon: Lineda Montille 777 County St Unit 16 New Bedford, MA 02740 your answer, if any, on or before 07/23/2021. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed to the hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer, if any, in the office of the Register of this Court.

05/20/21

05/20/21

TOWN OF LEESBURG ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID IFB NO. 31314-FY21-34 TOWN GREEN RENOVATIONS

The above establishment is applying to Code of Virginia §58.1‐3911 Town of Hamilton real estate taxes for the first the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE **NOTE: The Town of Leesburg has implemented revised procurement procedures during the half of 2021 are due on June 5, 2021.

CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a COVID-19 State of Emergency. Effective January 1, 2021, and for the duration of the Emergency Hamilton real estate taxes for the first half of Brewery license to sell or manufacture alcoholic Town of Tina M. Staples or until further notice, all bids and proposals in response to a formal solicitation issued by the Town 2021 are due on June 5, 2021. beverages.

Treasurer will be securely received via eVA, the Commonwealth’s eProcurement website. Additionally, during this time the Town will not conduct in-person public bid openings. ** Town of Hamilton Srinivas Nistala, President Tina M. Staples 05/21/2021 & 05/28/2021 SEALED BIDS to construct the above project WILL BE RECEIVED by the Town of Leesburg, Note: Objections to the issuance of this license Treasurer electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), UNTIL BUT must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 Town of Hamilton NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021. Bids shall be submitted electronically days from the publishing date of the first of 05/21/2021 & 05/28/2021 using the following naming convention: the IFB number and the name of the bidder (i.e. “IFB No. 31314two required newspaper legal notices.

FY21-34_Your Company’s Name”).

Objections should be registered at All questions regarding this bid must be submitted in writing via email to CapitalBidQuestions@ www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

05/13 & 05/20/21

LoudounNow.com

leesburgva.gov until but no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 25, 2021.

Bids will be publicly opened via Cisco Webex using the eVA e-Procurement website at the due date and time listed above. The bid opening will be livestreamed via Cisco Webex and made available to the public. Cisco Webex conferencing information will be available, including instructions to join the meeting via computer and/or phone, from the Town’s Bid Board.

Work includes removal and replacement of existing brick pavers, removal of existing tree stumps, installation of electrical and communication conduits, curb/knee wall, tree soil cells, pre-cast concrete members, minor grading, and all incidentals related thereto.

The Town reserves the right to perform all, part, or none of the work.

Bid Documents are available for download from the Town’s Bid Board at http://www.leesburgva.gov/ bidboard. Any addenda issued for this project will be posted on the Town’s Bid Board and eVA (https://eva.virginia.gov) with a courtesy email to those firms who have registered on the Town’s Bid Board. It is the bidders’ responsibility to provide a correct email address and to be aware of any addenda.

Never miss a show

•

GetOutLoudoun.com

Renée LaFollette, Director Department of Public Works and Capital Projects

COMMONW VA. CODE

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate Family Court

Carver Senior Center 200 E Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, 20132

Voters choosing to vote by mail are encouraged to apply immediately. Completed applications can be submitted by mail, fax, e-mail or online – www.elections.virginia.gov. The official deadline to request a ballot be mailed to you is Friday, May 28, 2021 at 5 p.m.

ORDER

05/20/21

It is ORDER his interests

05/11/21, H

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

PAGE 29

Legal Notices TOWN OF LEESBURG

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 18 East Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176 Commonwealth of Virginia, in re

Case No. CA-19-69

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the Leesburg Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider rezoning application TLZM-2020-0002, Floor and Decor.

Jerson Manuel Reyes-Flores, Plaintiff VS. Franklin Jonathan Velasquez-Estrada, Defendant The object of this suit is to: Grant Jerson Manuel Reyes-Flores adoption of step-daughter Genesis Starlin Reyes-Valderama.

It is ORDERED that Franklin Jonathan Velasquez-Estrada appear at the above-named court and protect his interests on or before July 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.

05/11/21, Honorable Jeanette A. Irby

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLZM-2020-0002, FLOOR AND DECOR

05/20, 05/27, 06/03 & 06/10/21

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction.

This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned”, as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.

YR.

MAKE

MODEL

VIN

STORAGE

PHONE#

1997

TOYOTA

COROLLA

2T1BB02E2VC192451

BLAIR’S TOWING

703-661-8200

The applicant, Floor and Decor, is requesting a Concept Plan and Proffer Amendment (rezoning) to amend the previously approved proffers and concept plan for TLZM-1981-0032 to allow for approval of a Lumber and Building Materials Sales use at the former Walmart site on Edwards Ferry Road.

The rezoning/concept plan and proffer amendment application seeks to amend the existing proffers of the 97,000 square foot former Walmart site at Edwards Ferry Road and Heritage Way. This 11.5-acre parcel is zoned on the Official Zoning Map as B-3, Community Retail/Commercial District, but administered as old Town B-2 District, based on the proffers approved as part of TLZM-1981-0032 on August 26, 1981. Those proffers prohibit the Lumber and Building Materials sales use, although the current B-3 District allows the use by right. Applicant is seeking to remove this proffered restriction.

The subject property includes the former Walmart building at 950 Edwards Ferry Road and is zoned B-3, Community Retail/Commercial District and is further identified by Loudoun County Property Identification Number (PIN) 188-49-2132.

The site is located in the Central Planning Area, and the Town Plan Planned Land Use Policy Map further designates the subject property as “Downtown.” No new development is planned, and The Town Plan has no specified maximum density or FAR for this location. The proposal equates to a .19 FAR. Additional information and copies of this rezoning application are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, Senior Planning Project Manager at 703-771-2771 or sparker@leesburgva.gov.

At these hearings, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard.

Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 771-2434 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

05/13 & 05/20/21

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

VARI-2021-0001 Tobey - Addition Rachel and Jamieson Tobey of Sterling, Virginia, have submitted an application for a variance to permit a reasonable deviation from the following provisions of the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the construction of an addition to an existing single-family detached dwelling on the subject property that will be located approximately 4.5 feet from the rear property line: 1) Section 702.3.7.4 Requirements for Yards and Article 4 – Schedule of District Regulations, R-2 Single Family Residential, Minimum Yard Requirements: Depth of Front, Rear Yards, Depth of Side Yards, which requires a twelve (12) foot rear yard. The subject property is zoned PDH-3 (Planned Development – Housing 3), administered as PD-H12 under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is approximately 0.14 acre in size and is located on the west side of Whaley Court (Route 1691), approximately 0.7 mile southwest of the intersection of Whaley Court and Brinks Court (Route 1690), at 10 Whaley Court, Sterling, Virginia, in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 027-26-6126.

Full and complete copies of the above-referenced application(s) and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call (703) 777-0246.

All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. If any member of the public requires a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice.

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. 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. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to kristine.smolens@loudoun.gov.

Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chairman 05/13 & 05/20/21

05/20 & 05/27/21

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MIDDLEBURG TOWN COUNCIL

The Middleburg Town Council will hold public hearings beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021 to hear public comments on the following: Zoning Text Amendment 21-01 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 121 OF THE MIDDLEBURG ZONING ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO BUILDING HEIGHT IN THE R-2 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT. The proposal is to amend the building height limitation in the R-2 District to 25 feet with the ability to increase the allowable height, up to 30 feet maximum, with the provision of increased side yards.

Zoning Map Amendment 21-01 - AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE A 0.5153 ACRE PORTION OF LAND AT 10 WEST MARSHALL STREET (PIN 538-27-9541) FROM R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO C-2 TOWN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT AND TO REZONE A 0.59696 ACRE PORTION OF ADJOINING VACANT LAND AT PIN 538-27-7860 FROM MUV MIXED USE VILLAGE DISTRICT WITH PROFFERS TO C-2 TOWN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT. The rezonings are proposed in conjunction with the new Town Hall project and would bring the land into common zoning designation with the existing Town Office and surrounding properties fronting on W. Marshall St. Zoning Map Amendment 21-02 - AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE PROFFERS ASSOCIATED WITH CONDITIONALLY ZONED R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, R-3 RESIDENTIAL AND MUV MIXED USE VILLAGE DISTRICT PROPERTIES AT PINS 538-25-6474 AND 53827-7860 AND A PORTION OF 500 NORTH PENDLETON STREET (PIN 570-40-5809). This is a proposed amendment to the original, 2007 Salamander Hospitality proffers, as subsequently amended, and is proposed in conjunction with the new Town Hall project. The proposal is to revise language as it pertains to a proffer for a Town Hall site and Village Green and to also update existing proffer language that has been superseded or fulfilled. THIS IS A SEPARATE REQUEST FROM PROFFER AMENDMENT ZMA 21-03 OF SIMILAR ORDINANCE TITLE. The Council meeting and public hearings will be conducted remotely in accordance with the Resolution Confirming the Declaration of a Local Emergency and the Ordinance to Implement Emergency Procedures & Effectuate Temporary Changes to Address Continuity of Governmental Operations during COVID-19.

Public participation will be available 1) by calling (301) 715-8592, Webinar ID: 960 7386 2524, OR 2) online via zoom.us/j/96073862524. Those who plan to participate in the hearings are encouraged, but not required, to contact the Town Office at (540) 687-5152 no later than 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting to register to speak. For those who only wish to observe the proceedings, the meeting can be viewed on the Town’s website at www.middleburgva.gov/town-meetings The files for these applications may be reviewed at the Town Office, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.

Questions may be directed to Deputy Town Manager Will Moore at (540) 687-5152 or by email at wmoore@middleburgva.gov The Town of Middleburg strives to make its hearings accessible to all. Please advise of accommodations the Town can make to help you participate in the hearing.

5/13 & 5/20/2021

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 30

MAY 20, 2021

Misc.

Legal Notices TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENTS: CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION); CHAPTER 6 (AVIATION) In accordance with Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, sections 15.2-1102, 15.2-1411, 15.2-1500, and 15.2-1427 the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on: Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA at which time the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on proposed amendments to the Town Code. Amendments to Chapter 2, Article V, Section 2-223 (Leesburg Executive Airport Commission), and Chapter 6, Article II, Sections 6-22 (Fixed Base Operator License Fees) and 6-24 (Aircraft Registration) will be proposed and discussed. The amendments will serve to clarify the role of the Airport Commission.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available from the Town Clerk, located in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); or by calling Eileen Boeing, Town Clerk, at 703-771-2733.

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

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Opinion A Union Seat for Us? The rush by the Board of Supervisors and many of our other local government leaders to embrace collective bargaining with the county’s public sector employees remains bewildering. They have yet to even vaguely address how the action would improve government services or efficiency. Or even how it would improve the quality or performance of the workforce.

The only fact that has been laid out is that it will cost millions of dollars to establish a system (a department?) to facilitate discussions between the government bodies and the employees. That’s a hefty price for a function that seemingly could be handled within the board’s committee structure.

However, if the board is intent on making formal seats for union leaders, maybe there should be one more—from a taxpayer’s union.

After watching the free-handed spending—be it for unneeded land purchases or a half million dollars on a police department study or the School Board’s recent spur-of-the-moment, end-of the-year gifts to every single school—it’s obvious they need a little help in the financial oversight department. Cutting the real estate tax rate is a hollow brag if it is unaccompanied by fiscal stewardship. Data centers and ballooning home costs should not be viewed as providing a blank check. Spending decisions should be deliberate and frugal, but too often are painless these days—while property owners have seen little relief.

If county leaders are so intent on giving unions a stronger voice, they should first consider: what would my taxpayers’ union rep have to say about that? 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 Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com

Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.

ADVERTISING Susan Styer, Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com Tonya Harding, Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com

LETTERS to the Editor Addressing the Threat Editor: The Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association commends the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors for pursuing a zoning amendment to protect the historic village of St. Louis from inappropriate development that would endanger village residents.

The threat of high-density development has raised immense concern from residents and preservation organizations across Loudoun because the water supply cannot support substantial housing growth. St. Louis residents, many of whom have lived there for generations, have continuously expressed their longstanding water problems and are relieved to see the supervisors taking action to prevent their wells from running dry.

St. Louis also has a rich history as an early African-American settlement established after the Civil War and it is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Residents in the village are proud of its heritage and many historic buildings remain, including the original Schoolhouse (c. 1887), Mt. Zion Baptist Church (1893), cemeteries with remains of the enslaved and free, and Banneker School (1948). The village is one of the best-preserved of its kind and an essential historic resource that represents an integral part of our nation’s history.

VPHA sincerely thanks the supervisors for their leadership in taking swift action to protect the water supply, health, safety, and historic resources of the St. Louis community. We stand with the village residents ready to assist the process in any way possible and look forward to celebrating a successful citizen-Supervisor partnership to permanently protect St. Louis.

— C. Dulany Morison, Chair Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association

Unmet Needs Editor: Loudoun women are struggling to access health care. Why? Women are more likely to have persisted through the pandemic without recommended preventative health care compared to men, according to national data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. This disparity illustrates just one of the many ways that COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted women and girls.

The Loudoun Commission on Women and Girls is determined to understand how our local women and girls are experiencing the impact of COVID-19 and to identify solutions to support an equitable economic recovery customized to Loudoun County.

Preliminary findings from LCWAG’s winter survey indicate that access to health care is among the top three unmet needs of Loudoun women, alongside child care support and workforce support. One in three of the nearly 400 local women surveyed reported having one or more unmet needs.

A new survey is underway and all women ages 18 and older who reside in Loudoun County are asked to provide their feedback at: LCWAG.org/survey.

The new survey hopes to understand what programs and targeted supports are most in demand locally. The online survey is estimated to take 5-10 minutes, and must be submitted by May 21 at 5 p.m.

— Angela Mitchell, Chair Loudoun Commission on Women and Girls LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 33

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

Readers’ Poll

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

Did your kids experience learning loss this year?

Brood X is coming.

Will you be adding cicadas to your meal plan?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

PARENTING WITH A PURPOSE

LETTERS to the editor continued from page 32

Addressing the Weaknesses Editor: The May 7 ransomeware attack on Colonial Pipeline reveals challenges not only to the U.S. cyber defenses, but also to the vulnerability of our energy system. A centralized system for delivering fossil fuels, generating electricity, and for distributing electricity is not secure. This ransomeware attack reveals just one of many potential weaknesses.

A distributed energy system, on the other hand, is much more secure. Rooftop solar panels on homes and business plus battery storage is a more reliable and secure way to power our homes and businesses. Electric vehicles will eliminate long lines at gas stations. The technology exists. Prices are coming down. Electrification must be supported.

The Clean Cars Act adopted in the last session of the Virginia General Assembly goes a long way towards electrifying transportation and qualifying Virginia for federal funding programs. Already, as part of the Volkswagen Settlement, there are funding opportunities in Virginia to electrify school buses and government fleets and install public charging stations.

On May 10, Gov. Ralph Northam announced more than $9.4 million in Clean Air Communities Program awards to fund five government fleet electrification projects. While Loudoun was not in the first round of awards, the second-round webinar for potential applicants is starting on May 17, 2021. Details are on the Department of Environmental Quality website: deq.virginia. gov/get-involved/topics-of-interest/volkswagen-settlement-agreement. The second round includes school bus electrification grants.

Loudoun must take advantage of these opportunities to build a cleaner and more resilient community prepared for a changing climate.

— Natalie Pien, Leesburg

PAGE 33

Dealing With the Returning College Student

BY NEIL MCNERNEY

It’s that time of year when college students return home after nine months away. This year definitely has been different since many students spent part of the year at home. Regardless, the transition back home can be stressful on parents and annoying for students. As a family counselor who has worked with this issue for decades, I would like to share some ideas to make the transition as smooth as possible.

They are exhausted. The last few weeks of any college experience is exhausting.

They have dealt with the stresses and lack of sleep that exams produce. They had to say goodbye to friends for the summer.

They have also had to move their life out of a dorm or apartment. Moving is one of the top 20 stressors that adults experience, and they must do it twice a year. So cut them some slack for the first week or so as they recover from this.

Their friends may seem more important than you. Most college students have two sets of friends: Home Friends and College Friends. They have spent the last few months with their college friends, and now it’s time to reconnect with their home friends. This might feel like they don’t want to spend time with you. They might go from sleeping until 2pm to immediately leaving to spend the rest of the day with their home friends. Although this might hurt, it is normal. Our kids know that we will always be there for them, but they will only be around their home friends for a short period of time. As the summer progresses, this will decrease, and I assure you that you will get some time with them.

They are used to being answerable to no one. In college, there is little to no answerability to anyone. They can come and go as they please. They can sleep as long as they want and stay up as long as they want. It is a shock to the system to come home to the same rules and expectations imposed on them in high school. Be prepared for some pushback on this.

Here are a few ideas on how to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone: Relax the curfew expectations. Many conflicts during this time are focused on when the student can return home in the evening/morning. The arguments tend to focus on these themes: College student: “I’m an adult and I’ve been on my own for a while now. I’m perfectly capable of managing my evenings.” Parent: “As long as you live in my house, you follow my rules.”

Since this column is being read by the parents, my suggestion only focuses on you. My suggestion: Lighten up. Lighten up on your expectations. Lighten up on your curfew. You have extremely few days left with your son or daughter. Don’t waste that time arguing over stuff that won’t have a good outcome.

Instead, I would suggest that you have a conversation with your student about why it’s important to you that you know they are home. It could be peace of mind, etc. See if you can get cooperation instead of turning it into a conflict.

Be open to different opinions and ideas.

Your student has been away learning at a very high level. They have been (hopefully) learning how to think critically and have been spending time with peers of different races, religions, countries, cultures,

orientations, and political leanings. It is very likely that they will return with different views on things than when they left.

They might be excited to share these ideas with you. Keep in mind, though, that they are probably not well versed in these ideas and might be clumsy in expressing them.

I would ask for patience with them as they practice expressing their newly learned ideas. Be curious about their concepts and try to get them to talk more about it.

However, some of their ideas might run counter to what they learned at home, or their ideas might not yet be fully formed. Be gentle with them. Confronting them with the holes in their argument or challenging the basis of their ideas will not help in their growth. Keep in mind that they are young adults with a unique perspective on their world. The more we stay curious and open to their thoughts, the more likely they will want to stay connected to us.

Although there are many pitfalls during this time of students returning, we can make it an amazing time if we are gentle in our approach and remember that the person returning in May is different than the person that left in September. 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.

PAGE 34

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MAY 20, 2021

Parents May be Ready For Year-Round School

BY CHRIS CROLL

Prior to the pandemic, there were more than 15 school divisions in Virginia that operated on a year-round schedule. While students who attend school year-round are in class for the same number of days as they would be on an August to June school calendar, research shows that year-round students retain more of what they learn. For some student populations in Virginia, year-round school has also been shown to dramatically increase SOL test scores.

The most widely used year-round calendar has students in school on a 45:15 scheduling pattern. Students attend 45 days of classes and then have 15 days of recess or intercession learning. This cycle repeats four times throughout the year for a total of 180 instructional days, the same number of days that LCPS provides instruction today. At the end of the school year, students enjoy five weeks of summer vacation rather than the traditional eight weeks.

The ideal year-round model has all students in the division in and out of school at the same time. Some school divisions in the state use a two or three track system where cohorts of students attend school while others are on a break. This helps schools manage overcrowding by limiting the number of students in a building at any given time. Siblings are usually placed on the same track.

Crowds continued from page 1 cuits co-founder Charles Schech. “They’re getting us through, but we’ve had ads posted for a while and nobody’s coming at it. There definitely is a worldwide restaurant employee shortage.”

For Buford’s, which opened in downtown Leesburg during the pandemic, it will be the first time that the restaurant is allowed to welcome guests up to its full occupancy permit. Schech said Buford’s will keep limiting seating inside for a little while anyway, to help everyone feel as comfortable as possible in the small space. At the same time, they are adding more seating outside.

“We don’t want to go backwards, we’re going to keep it just a little while longer,” Schech said. “Same with the mask. The staff is vaccinated, but just to make sure—there’s people that may say that they are but aren’t—and just to keep people comfortable.”

Northam has already lifted the universal mask mandate to align with Centers for Disease Control guidance. Fully vaccinated people now need not wear masks even in-

About 54% of the Loudoun parents I surveyed in an informal online poll expressed an interest in learning more about yearround school. Reasons for considering yearround school include greater learning retention, giving kids time to “rest and reboot” at more regular intervals and being able to take vacations off-schedule from the rest of the country. About 38% of parents said they are not interested in learning about this model and the rest were undecided. Parents opposed to the idea of year-round school expressed concern that student athletes would miss out on summer sports camps, finding childcare can be difficult on such a varied schedule and they prefer that kids enjoy the longer “brain break” that eight weeks off can provide.

According to research, the SOL scores of year-round students are comparable to those of traditional calendar students for most general student populations. However, the SOL test scores of some subgroups, including black students, were higher at year-round schools. (Source: Virginia Joint Legislative Audit & Review Commission report to the Governor and General Assembly called “Review of Year-Round Schools,” 2012).

So where did the August-June calendar come from anyway? The reasons have little to do with student learning and everything to do with community needs. According to

the same report referenced above: “Rural schools in the 19th century implemented schedules that accommodated the agricultural needs of their local communities, and many rural schools were open for, at most, six months of the year. Conversely, many urban schools implemented much longer school calendars at that time, in some cases up to 49 weeks of school out of the year.

Urban and rural school systems abandoned these separate calendar structures in the late 19th century and moved to a standard ninemonth school calendar due to increased pressure to create a compulsory system of education.”

According to the National Association for Year-Round Education, in addition to less learning loss and higher test scores for some students, year-round school has other advantages such as higher attendance rates for students, fewer teacher substitution days, lower drop-out rates and reduced vandalism.

Year-round schools comprise about onesixth of all schools in the United States and, according to the Virginia Department of Education, only cost about three percent more for school divisions to operate, excluding transportation and food costs which were not included in cost calculations. In a 2020 Appropriation Act, the Virginia General Assembly authorized planning and startup grants to support school divisions that de-

cide to move to a year-round calendar.

Former School Board member Tom Marshall (Leesburg) has been advocating that Loudoun County Public Schools consider year-round school for many years. He has strengthened his resolve because of the increase in learning loss that has resulted from the COVID pandemic, “I want the School Board to think about year-round school as a response to the pandemic, overcrowding and growth problems,” Marshall wrote in an email to me. When I asked him why he thinks his efforts have largely been ignored, he went on to say, “We have to avoid the groupthink that is motivated by a desire to go along with other jurisdictions to maintain harmony and conformity.”

Apparently, many Loudoun parents agree with Mr. Marshall and it might be the right time for Loudoun County Public Schools to take a closer look at year-round schooling as a solution for learning loss, overcrowding, equity and other educational concerns. n

doors except on public transit, in health care facilities, and in congregate settings.

Businesses continue to be able to require masks—and some do. Employees in sectors like restaurants, retail, fitness, personal care, and entertainment must also continue to wear masks unless fully vaccinated.

And some people are staying masked just to avoid making others uncomfortable, as people get adapted once again to life the way it used to be.

“On the employee side, we’re still requiring masks, because I don’t want an employee, a server or a bartender to go to a table that maybe the bartender or the employee has been vaccinated, but the guest doesn’t want to feel uncomfortable asking the employee, ‘hey, have you been vaccinated?’”

Stafford said.

As to the guests, Stafford and Schech both said, they’re going to take guests at their word—if they come in unmasked, they’re trusted to be fully vaccinated.

Being the hot new restaurant in town has had its ups and downs for Buford’s.

“We’re very fortunate that on Saturdays and Sundays it’s been very consistent. We’re doing the most that we can possibly do, but still struggling with not qualifying for

any of these grants or anything because we weren’t open in 2019,” Schech said. Generally, COVID-19 business relief grants have required businesses to show that they lost revenue compared to before the pandemic— difficult to show, for a business that didn’t exist before the pandemic. “This new round of grants that came out, we should be able to do something, and I guess we’ll reinvest in more equipment or something like that.”

The governor’s office has announced that the state of emergency in Virginia will continue at least through June 30 to provide flexibility for local government and support ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts. After that, Northam said he will take executive action to ensure individuals have the option to wear masks up to and after that date— currently, outside of a state of emergency, wearing a mask is illegal in Virginia. Masks will continue to be required in K-12 public schools, given low rates of vaccination among children.

“Virginians have been working hard, and we are seeing the results in our strong vaccine numbers and dramatically lowered case counts,” Northam stated.

In Loudoun, more than 50% of the entire population has had at least one shot

and 40% are fully vaccinated, according to the state Department of Health. The average number of new COVID-19 cases has dropped below 20, down from more than 80 a day four weeks ago. It is the lowest daily case count since the earliest days of the pandemic in April 2020.

“That’s why we can safely move up the timeline for lifting mitigation measures in Virginia. I strongly urge any Virginian who is not yet vaccinated to do so—the vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19. The message is clear: vaccinations are how we put this pandemic in the rearview mirror and get back to being with the people we love and doing the things we have missed.”

For people who missed going out to their favorite haunts and seeing all their old friends, the end is in sight.

“It’s going to be a challenge, and the main think I’d like to tell the readers is, be patient with your restaurants, be patience with all your retail things,” Stafford said. “…

Even though we closed real fast, it’s going to take us a while to get reopened and figure out what a full restaurant or a full business feels like.” n

Chris Croll is a writer, empathy activist and communications consultant. She sits on the Board of the Ryan Bartel Foundation, a youth suicide prevention nonprofit. Croll lives in Leesburg with her husband and two teenage boys.

MAY 20, 2021

Shortages continued from page 1 paint producers have their factories in the Lone Star state.

“When they had that freeze all the supply froze and when paint freezes it’s no longer good,” he said.

Five Star also does a lot of jobs that involve finish carpentry and replacing wood, so the lumber shortage has been just as big a pill to swallow.

“It’s made it increasingly more difficult to estimate complete jobs,” he said. “I had an estimate I did recently where the quote from the [lumber] supplier came back to be five times what I thought it would be, because there is no supply.”

It’s all amounted to what Roberts characterizes as his “worst nightmare” as a business owner. The short supply of paint has caused him to either refund his customers, or change to a lower or higher quality of paint, and eat the difference as a business owner, depending on availability. But he can’t absorb a five-fold price increase, he acknowledges. It can also add time to a project, as he and his employees have to run to multiple stores to buy the paint or lumber they need, depending on where the supply is available.

In pre-supply chain constrained times, a trip to Sherwin Williams or Home Depot or Lowes could serve as a one-stop shop for his company’s needs.

The timing couldn’t be worse, Roberts said, as his business is busier than ever.

“We have been so busy that at the end of the second week of April we completely turned off all of our marketing,” he said.

Business is just as hot in the real estate industry and for new home construction, which has also been hampered by seemingly

Helping hand continued from page 3 including Northern Virginia Food Rescue, the Loudoun Chapter of Moms Demand Action, Grace Covenant Church, the Loudoun League of Women Voters, the Fairfax County Policy Department Victim Services Division, the Ashburn Home Depot, the Sterling Office Depot, F22 Video Solutions, TPM Group and The SVE Firm.

Their support also will go into establishing the Guilford Elementary Pantry, which will be available to all of the students.

“This is more of a privilege for us to serve people,” Green said. “We could all be sick and in the hospital. We could all be with the people that the house burned down. We didn’t get to pick our parents, our nation, our nationality, our time, our

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endless supply chain issues.

“I would say a new supply chain issue pops up day to day,” said Kirsten Langhorne, managing director of Lansdowne-based Langhorne Custom Homes.

Langhorne said she is hearing stories from all of the suppliers she works with, on everything from the lumber shortage to getting snap ties for concrete work, or R-38 insulation.

“Some of it is just really long delays [in production]. Some suppliers won’t give us a delivery date because they can’t predict it for themselves. There’s so much going on and supplies are so short. If a supplier isn’t convinced they’ll be able to supply [a product] they won’t even give us a price off of which we can budget,” she said.

The ripple effect means delays in construction for Langhorne and other builders.

She estimates the delays in acquiring needed supplies is adding about 15% onto construction time. She said their suppliers and contractors are constantly trying to stay vigilant on what may be in demand and in short supply in coming months, and Langhorne said her company pre-purchased lumber when it heard of a looming shortage.

Langhorne pegs the beginning of the supply chain shortfall to last summer, when many manufacturers were having trouble keeping lines fully staffed because of the pandemic. She also attributes supply chain struggles to Texas’ wild winter weather.

Supply constraints are even affecting what local restaurants can put on your plate.

Kevin Bednarz, owner of The Ashburn Pub, said “every week it’s something different.”

“When it first started a year ago there was a run on to-go boxes. Then ground beef went crazy. Just this week I can’t get sour mix; I’ve had to order it off Amazon. It’s a matter of always being on your toes,” he said.

In addition to frequenting the global e-commerce giant, Bednarz, his wife and his general manager have made the rounds at Restaurant Depot, and also borrowed and traded products with other area restaurants.

“Not having a staple product even just for one week costs you time and energy. We’ve been ordering a couple hundred cases a week, so when one or two things go down, we’ve got to scramble to find it. But we’ve been really fortunate,” he said.

Bednarz refuses to pass higher costs onto customers with the label of “due to COVID-19.”

“I hate those three words,” he said. “So, we just work our butts off.”

For the most part, he said his menu and alcohol offerings have been able to stay intact. But in some cases it has caused him to change his restaurant’s featured items. With the price of snow crab legs skyrocketing, Bednarz said he is looking at alternate products for his traditional Sunday summertime special.

Restaurateur Curtis Allred said the nationwide supply chain shortages are just another argument for buying local. For supplies for his restaurants, Delirium Cafe USA and Wild Wood Pizza in Leesburg along with several ghost kitchen concepts, he is seeing strong increases in price from suppliers, particularly on things like chicken wings, fry oil, and ground beef.

“We have had to either change vendors, change products, or not change and just not carry it. We were already looking at some significant seasonal menu changes for the warmer months; this just hastens that. This is when buying local really makes sense. Local vendors are smaller vendors and not quite as subject to major impacts like regional or national producers,” he said.

Even some of the largest Loudoun man-

ufacturers are not immune to the whims of the supply chain. Joe May, chairman of the board and chief technology officer of EIT in Leesburg, said the integrated circuits his company relies on for many of its products are facing staggering production delays.

“We’ve got some business in house that is going to be 40 or 50 weeks before we’re able to get the necessary components required to complete the order. I’m sure we’ll find some way around it, but it’s not going to be ideal, and it’s not going to be in a timely manner,” he said.

May points to the rising popularity of electric cars, which perhaps will only gain more of a following after last week’s East Coast fuel shortage.

“Electric cars in particular are consuming a whopping amount of integrated circuits,” May said. “Some of that is eating into the supply of other integrated circuits. There’s finite capacity and a lot of effort is being put in filling automotive requirements. There’s just no easy way around it—you can’t build an integrated circuit factory in six months.”

May believes COVID-19 was an “aggravator” for the supply chain issues his company is facing, but not the sole culprit. Looking into the future, with some car companies forecasting a switch to an all-electric fleet in a matter of years, and some airplanes moving away from fuel to electric components, he believes it will only become more difficult to get these needed circuits.

The solution? Re-designing their way around the problem, he said, and in other cases looking outside of the country for needed supplies.

“It’s a matter on an individual basis of making do with the best you can, and doing a lot of searching on a worldwide basis.

Thank goodness they invented the internet,” he joked. n

season, our year for living, and so all these kinds of things are a privilege.”

Green also said he hoped the event inspired other people to something to help the people around them—“make them sit on their sofas and think, ‘you know, I could have went over there today.’ You sure could have!”

He said in every community, there are people all around to help out—something as simple as mowing the lawn for a neighbor and keeping company a lonesome older person. “[Moreland] comes from a very strong family, and he was raised very well,” said Joseph Seriki, who attended while Moreland was busy with a family matter. “So community has been something that’s always important to him.”

The effort to help those families continues. New Virginia Majority has established a GoFundMe page to collect monetary do-

nations for those impacted by the fire. The money will be distributed directly to families, including food, clothes, and rent money for their new homes.

Donations are at gofundme.com/f/ funds-for-chase-heritage-fire-survivors.

The county government also issued a call for help on Friday, asking property owners in the Sterling, Cascades, and Ashburn areas in need of tenants, or people aware of property owners searching for tenants, to contact the county. They can contact Christine Hillock, Community Development Specialist with the Office of Housing, with available housing options and suggestions, as well as for questions and more information by email at christine.hillock@loudoun. gov or phone at 703-771-5590.

“I’m hoping that the cynicism dies out and people come back to a place where just, really, human beings matter,” Green said. n

Students continued from page 3 for students,” Ziegler said. “When we say kids are not broken, this pandemic happened on a global scale. Every student in every school in every classroom worldwide missed that academic time.”

“We’re not going to treat them like they’ve done something wrong or they’ve come to us broken for the next year,” he said. “We’re going to do our very best to make sure that learning is exciting, that school is welcoming, safe and affirming for every student, and then we’re going to meet those needs academically and were going to provide the social and emotional support students need as well.”

“When we say students are not broken, that is a mindset for educators to take into account as we move into the next year.” n

PAGE 36

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MAY 20, 2021

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