Loudoun Now for July 8, 2021

n LOUDOUN

Pg. 4 | n LEESBURG

VOL. 6, NO. 33

Pg. 6 | n PUBLIC SAFETY

Pg. 12 | n OBITUARIES

Pg. 19 | n PUBLIC NOTICES

We've got you covered. In the mail weekly. Online always at LoudounNow.com

Pg. 27

JULY 8, 2021

Supervisors Launch Renaming of Racist Road Names

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Shelton, Gia, Foxy and Kyra Brown stand in front of the house where the family has lived for the last 10 years, with the help of Loudoun Habitat for Humanity.

‘You Can Make it Your Own’

Loudouners Say What Housing Means to Them

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Living in Loudoun is expensive.

This obvious fact, known to every person paying rent or a mortgage in the county, is finally being confronted in a coordinated way by Loudoun government, nonprofits and even the business, marked

by the creation of the county government’s Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan.

That plan lays out objectives for making a place to live more affordable not only for the people with the lowest incomes, but at every level—in a county where, according to the draft plan, there are 35,000 people paying more than a third of their income on housing alone. In Loudoun, according

to that plan, the 2019 median household income was $142,229, and the median home value $556,600.

“If we’re going to get serious about this thing called attainable housing, it’s time to get serious about this thing called attainable housing,” County Chair Phyllis J. HOUSING continues on page 35

After a county review of public facilities in Loudoun honoring racist figures and symbols identified 16 public roads, county supervisors have voted to start the process of coming up with new names for them.

Loudoun County supervisors in December asked the county staff members to inventory county and state owned facilities named for Confederate and segregationist figures. At the same meeting, they began wheels turning to rename Rt. 7 and Rt. 50 where they honor lawmaker Harry Byrd, known for leading “massive resistance” to integration in Virginia, and Confederate cavalry commander John Mosby. In May, they followed up by setting out a process for coming up with and recommending new names for those highways.

The scope of the inventory of other racist symbols was limited to things the Board of Supervisors has authority to rename, or influence in renaming. The list now includes ROAD NAMES continues on page 35

New Expanded Kindergarten Summer Camps Dulles Campus Give your child

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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 2

JULY 8, 2021

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE 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

DRIVERS NEEDED Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011

Pearson Construction Carpenters and helpers wanted $16-20hr

See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com

Call Tim Pearson: 540-244-4018

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

Communications Technician (Police Dispatcher)

Police

$45,136-$75,961 DOQ

7/13/2021

Custodian

Parks and Recreation

$40,000-$60,024 DOQ

Open until filled

IT Systems Administrator

Utilities

$70,374-$120,339 DOQ

Open until filled

Police Officer

Police

$53,233-$89,590 DOQ

Open until filled

Project Manager

Utilities

$76,941-$131,689 DOQ

Open until filled

Senior Buyer/Contracts Administrator

Finance

$67,175-$115,044 DOQ

Open until filled

Senior Zoning Analyst

Planning & Zoning

$61,857-$105,896 DOQ

Open until filled

Systems Analyst/Infrastructure & Asset Management

Public Works & Capital Projects

$70,374-$120,339 DOQ

Open until filled

Training and Development Coordinator

Utilities

$52,446-$89,790 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

Utility Plant Technician: Trainee, Technician or Senior

Utilities

$44,905-$89,790 DOQ

Open until filled

Regular Part-Time Position Position

Department Outreach Program Coordinator

Hourly Rate Parks and Recreation

$23.03-39.43 DOQ

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.

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

Closing Date Open until filled

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

PAGE 3

Youngkin Unveils Education Plan at Rally in Ashburn

BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com

Republican gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin unveiled the first phase of his education plan, vowing to ban Critical Race Theory in schools, among other measures, during a campaign event last Wednesday outside of the Loudoun Public Schools Administration Building in Broadlands.

The event followed a virtual event earlier in the day with Democrats calling on Youngkin and Republicans to tone down the rhetoric around education, and the distribution of fliers claiming to be from the Ku Klux Klan and targeting the School Board.

The first phase of Youngkin’s plan focuses on standards of learning in schools.

He said the next two phases of the plan, addressing funding and empowering community members, will be shared in coming weeks.

Opposition to Critical Race Theory has been a galvanizing issue for conservatives across the county, amid claims that the academic theory is influencing curriculums throughout the division. The crowd of several hundred Youngkin supporters cheered when the candidate shared his plan to sign an executive order banning CRT. The extent to which Youngkin’s CRT ban would limit accurate teaching of history is unclear, as many conservatives

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin greets supporters after a campaign rally outside the Loudoun County Public Schools administration building Wednesday, June 30.

allege that topics involving race, such as slavery, are divisive.

Earlier in the day, during a virtual meeting for Virginia Democrats, Loudoun

School Board Vice Chairwoman Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian) called on Youngkin to tone down his party’s divisive rhetoric about schools.

“Being a leader means focusing on what actually matters, not things that YOUNKIN RALLY continues on page 33

Street Racing Stirring Concern in the Suburbs

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Two decades ago, much of Loudoun’s open space was comprised of woods and fields, and all of the county’s youngest drivers weren’t born. Today, many of those woods and fields are smooth, multi-lane roads that drivers with newly issued licenses are using to determine who has the fastest car and reaction time.

During a recent county board meeting, Sheriff Mike Chapman briefed supervisors on the increase of illegal street racing in Loudoun. Chapman said his office noticed an uptick in street racing in the past year, possibly correlat-

ing with people being cooped up inside amid the pandemic.

According to Maj. Easton McDonald, deputies made 172 traffic stops related to street racing and impounded several cars between early November and April 30.

“It’s been an ongoing issue, it hasn’t stopped,” McDonald said. “This is absolutely new.”

The street racers, whom McDonald said range in age from high schoolers to mid-20s and are mostly male, have been stopped for traveling nearly double the speed limit in some instances, like 94 mph in a 55-mph zone.

McDonald said they’re racing along multi-lane highways and single-lane

roads predominantly in Sterling, Ashburn, Broadlands and Brambleton. And they’re risking the safety of more than themselves.

“They’re definitely endangering other people,” McDonald said, noting that there have been some crashes, but nothing serious yet.

McDonald said the races sometimes are spontaneous, such as two cars racing through an intersection when the traffic light turns green. But other times, the races are planned—and sometimes on a large scale.

He said regional racing clubs use social media to organize meetups at designated spots. Those meetups, he said, range in size anywhere from 20 cars to

hundreds of them.

“They’re very inclusive,” McDonald said about the clubs. “They’re able to spread the information very quickly.”

In the past seven months, the Sheriff ’s Office has assembled operations targeted at identifying those clubs and their meetup locations, and has been somewhat successful at catching them.

From early November to April 30, deputies specifically involved in those anti-street racing operations issued 572 citations and 98 warnings. And on one May Friday night alone, deputies issued 22 street racing-related citations.

“We’ve been very fortunate to identiSTREET RACING continues on page 34

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 4

ON THE Agenda

Loudoun

New Environmental Commission Committee Sets Goals

BY CLAIRE THERIOT

Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) introduced four members of the county’s new Environmental Commission and the panel’s goals during a recent Facebook town hall meeting.

During the June 22 session, Briskman said Loudoun has committed to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ 2030 Climate Energy and Action Plan, and that the overarching objective of the Environmental Commission is to help keep up their side of this plan at the local level.

Briskman said they’ll need to be “identifying issues and proposing recommendations to protect, preserve, conserve, and enhance the environment; advancing environmental justice policies to ensure equity across all populations, especially minority low-income and historically underserved communities; and acting on priority initiatives identified in the Loudoun County comprehensive plan and the boards strategic plan.”

Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said this Environmental Commission is different from other advisory panels because of its emphasis on expert opinion. He added that he was pleased to see the group of 15 experts come together to explore renewable energy sources in the county and present their ideas to the board.

“I am fairly confident the Environmental Commission make-up and the tasking that we got so far more than meets the requirements of the comprehensive plan,” Turner said.

He expects the plan to pave the way for a new county energy strategy.

Marc Aveni, Department of General Services Assistant Director, said the committee will handle difficult topics, such as community choice, energy policies, and regulations for data centers. He said they will need to focus and dive into some of these complex issues.

Commission member Scott Emery said the commission should set goals to establish a clear framework for their rec-

ommendations related to the environment. He also said reducing carbon emissions was the key, and that clean energy sources can help achieve that goal.

Commission member Chris Tandy highlighted Briskman’s statement about environmental justice.

“We need to know where underrepresented communities are in relation to pollution sources,” he said. “We need to know how they might have compounding disadvantages and be prepared for some unfortunate outcomes that we’re going to have as temperatures increase.”

Tandy has been a member of the Loudoun NAACP since 2017 and is co-founder and a board member of the People Power of Virginia, a political action committee that supports environmentally progressive candidates. He said these skills would be a helpful contribution to the committee.

Tandy concluded the meeting stating that as the committee sets its goals and prepares to get to work, it will “need to be looking at the impact on the future.” n

Echelon Bar, Ashburn Sheriff’s Station Among Signatures of Loudoun Design Awardees LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The Loudoun County Design Cabinet, a volunteer group of architects, engineers, planners, and designers dedicated to supporting quality design in Loudoun County, presented the 2021 “Signatures of Loudoun” design awards in a ceremony on June 29.

The program, now in its 17th year, recognizes businesses and community organizations that choose superior design standards in building, renovating or expanding a project.

This year’s honorees range from the interior of Leesburg’s Echelon Wine Bar, to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office’s eye-catching Ashburn Station, to the familiar face of Stanley Caulkins in bronze sitting on a bench on Leesburg’s King Street.

Each year, the community is invited

to submit nominations, which are voted on by the cabinet. The cabinet presents awards in several categories.

The Pace Setters Award went to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office’s Ashburn Station, and to the Loudoun School for Advanced Studies.

JULY 8, 2021

The Interiors award went to Echelon Wine Bar in Leesburg.

The Makeovers Award went to King and Loudoun in Leesburg, now a collection of three shops including Brick and Mortar, Sunflower Shack and Señor Ramon Taqueria; and the Walker Farm Tenant House.

The Details Award went to the Leesburg LOVEwork Sculpture and the Windy Hill Foundation’s Heronview.

The Familiar Details Award went to the statue of longtime businessman Stanley Caulkin that sits on a bench on Leesburg’s King Street.

And the Vision in Design Award went to Larry Rosenstrauch, the former director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development.

More information is at loudoun.gov/ signaturesofloudoun. n

Zoning Ordinance Work Delayed The timeline to write a new county zoning ordinance to implement the vision of the 2019 General Plan has been delayed by six to eight months following a June 15 vote by the Board of Supervisors.

The county has had 56 in-person and remote focus groups with the public and various organizations and interest groups. The work is now in the hands of the Zoning Ordinance Committee, which has been working on the new ordinance for the last six months, and an early draft of the first major section of the new ordinance, containing use type tables by policy area, has been produced.

However, a county staff report indicated the “preliminary and rough nature” of early drafts of new zoning ordinance language had caused some confusion, and county planners asked for a six to eight month extension in the committee’s work to give them time to develop draft materials more fully, including companion documents to explain proposed changes.

That, they hope, will reduce confusion and concern among people attending the meetings.

The new timeline puts the new zoning ordinance in front of the Planning Commission in late 2021 to mid 2022, and the Board of Supervisors in mid to late 2022.

Virtual Public Meeting July 12 on Rt. 7 Corridor Study Loudoun County will host an online meeting Monday, July 12, from 6-7 p.m. to gather public input on the Rt. 7 corridor study.

The draft study completed in February reached from Rt. 28 to the Fairfax County line. The study included an evaluation of the history of crashes in recent years, an analysis of traffic operations along the corridor under existing conditions, travel demand forecasts, and an analysis of traffic operations. The public meeting will examine traffic, safety, and the potential impact of future work to the corridor.

Login information and meeting materials are available online at loudoun.gov/route7corridorstudy and loudoun.gov/remoteparticipation.

Members of the public must sign up in advance by noon Friday, July 9, to ask questions during the meeting.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

PAGE 5

Loudoun Library Earns Honorable Mention for Library of the Year LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The Loudoun County Public Library was one of two honorable mentions for the 2021 Library of the Year Award.

Established in 1992, the Library of the Year Award celebrates the library that most profoundly demonstrates service to the community, creativity and innovation. This year, judges also looked at how the library kept staff and patrons safe and

engaged through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every library system in the U.S. and Canada is eligible to win.

In its honorable mention the Loudoun Library is lauded for its response to the pandemic and its commitment to serving the county’s most in-need populations.

LCPL was lauded for its response to the pandemic and its commitment to serving Loudoun’s most in-need popu-

lations. That has included making thousands of face shields and other personal protective equipment for first responders; being one of the first libraries to reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic; outreach to senior citizens; expanding wi-fi access outside of libraries; virtual programming including tackling tough topics such as mental health, disabilities and race and ethnicity; and hosting ballot boxes.

“I’m deeply grateful to every member of our staff for their efforts over the past year,” stated Library Director Chang Liu. “They put aside their fears, came to work and never stopped searching for innovative ways to serve to the community.”

The awards are presented by Library Journal, a publication covering the library field founded in 18876, and Gale, a company providing libraries original and curated content and research tools. n

Cochran Dental CochranFamily Family Dental Cochran Family Dental Cochran Dental CochranFamily Family Dental

Cochran Family Dental Cochran Family Dental Welcoming all new patients!

ON THE Agenda continued from page 4

Welcoming Welcomingallallnew newpatients! patients! tact tracing, and COVID-19 testing and vaccination, involving over 1,930 volunDr. Brian Cochran and his staff at Welcoming allallnew patients!

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Conveniently located teers and performing over 91,200 hours Cochran Family Dental are in The Village of Leesburg Welcoming all new patients! to providing a comprehensive dental of service for an estimated value of more Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at office What we offer committed 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 Conveniently located in most all of with aCochran caring andFamily gentle style that will than $2.6 million.

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Online participants may also send questions to the project team as chat messages, which will be answered during the meeting as time allows.

• • • • •

LoudounNow

LoudounNow

2020

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Leesburg, VA 20175 Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at Leesburg your family’s dental needs under one roof. Insurance The Village of Digital x-rays (reduces radiation by 90%) to providing a comprehensive dental office committed 703-771-9034 Cochran Family Dental are friendly office offering budget wise payment options. Dr. 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 We file all dental benefi t claims withhasa provided caring and gentle style that serve most all of Cochran trusted dental care to thewill citizens committed to providing a comprehensive dental office Leesburg, 20175 Dr. Dentistry Brian(veneers, Cochran and hisVA staff at one Cosmetic whitefamily’s fifor llings, Zoom Whitening) of Loudoun 13 and years. your dental needs under roof.

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- at Thurs.: - 4pm your benefits beforescreening. the end to the citizens Cochran has7am provided trusted dental care

Douglass Community Center Family to Cochran Relocate During Renovation

Dental are Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at committed to providing a comprehensive dental office Douglass Community Center proCochran Family Dental are grams in Leesburg will be temporarily with a caring and gentle style that will serve most all of office committed to providing a comprehensive dental friendly office offering budget payment relocated during renovations of the DouConveniently located in for thewise Village of Leesburgoptions. Dr. of Loudoun 13 years.

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Wegmans and 1503 Dodona Terrace Route 7 between of the year and receive8/31/16. a FREE Fri.:Fitness 8am - 1pm Offer Expires LA Teeth Whitening Kit with every Suite 210 Please present coupon to Sat.: 8am 1pm (once/month) Mon & -Wed: 8-6pm scheduled cleaning or procedure.

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7am - 4pm • Fri.: Please CLOSED • 24hr Emergency Service Not to be combined with any other offer. with every scheduled 24hr Emergency Service Use your benefits or before the end cleaning procedure. of the year and receive8/31/16. a FREE Offer Expires Teeth Whitening Kit with every Please present coupon to Mon & Wed: 8-6pm scheduled cleaning or procedure. receive offer.

Not to be Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Offer Expiresthe January 1, 2016.

Please present coupon to w/any receive the offer. combined other Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) Not to be combined with any other offer.

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Not to be combined with any other offer.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Medical Reserve Corps Honored for Pandemic Work

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tion at a later date. Phone numbers will remain the same Not to be combined with any other offer.

Emergency Service Announcements will be posted24hr to faceREMEDIATION / MOLD book.com/douglasscommunitycenter.

The center is offering limited summer • Demolition and Moisture Source Repair camp programs at Leesburg Elementary • Treat to Kill All Mold and Odors / HEPA Vacuum School through mid-August. For more • Reinstall Drywall / Baseboard / Paint—LIKE NEW! information, call 703-771-5913. For inOffer Expires January 1, 2016.

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A corps of volunteers that formed a major part of the backbone of the county’s COVID-19 response and vaccination efforts has been honored with a ceremonial resolution from the Board of Supervisors.

The Loudoun Medical Reserve Corps can trace its roots to the response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, when it became clear it would be necessary to have a pre-screened body of volunteers ready to step up and help in an emergency. In 2020 and 2021, the Loudoun MRC responded to the biggest public health emergency in a generation as the COVID-19 pandemic spread, and has also played an important role in the county’s responses to Zika, H1N1, SARS, Ebola, Lyme disease and malaria.

According to a resolution adopted June 15, the Loudoun MRC’s work during the current pandemic has included operating the call center, community outreach, con-

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24hr Emergency Service ADVANCED COVID-19 SANITIZATION

Evergreen Mills Road Lane Closures Begin

Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Our Patented Product MDF-500® There will be intermittent single-lane closures on north and southbound Evergreen Mills Road between Northstar Boulevard and Creighton Road for the next several weeks.

The roadway construction is scheduled to take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each weekday through the end of August. Traffic will continue in a single lane throughout the construction area.

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PAGE 6

JULY 8, 2021

AROUND town

Leesburg

Leesburg Airport Receives ARPA, CARES Funds

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Artist Penny Hauffe on July 2 creates a mural on the side of Virginia Village Shopping Center as part of efforts to relaunch Leesburg’s Arts & Cultural District.

Town Leaders Put New Focus on Arts & Cultural District

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Ten years ago, Leesburg debuted its Arts & Cultural District, hoping to spur investment from prospective business in locating in the county seat’s cultural center. A decade later, those same hopes remain as town leaders relaunch the district and figure out how best to promote the district.

Over the weekend, Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk presided over a soft relaunch of the district at the Virginia Village shopping center. It was a fitting location, in the heart of the district, next to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ visiting museum on wheels, and at a location ripe for redevelopment.

The district, which includes the historic downtown area and portions of Catoctin Circle, was adopted by the Town Council in 2011 to encourage arts-related businesses and organizations to locate in town. Incentives including Business and Professional Occupation License tax rebates, real estate tax rebates and zoning permit exemptions are offered. The Com-

Uncle Sam has sent some federal funding to help Leesburg’s municipal airport.

Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) announced last week that Leesburg Executive Airport had received a grant of $166,666 to restore 46,000 square feet of its south terminal apron.

The funding was awarded via the American Rescue Plan Act. More than $2 million in ARPA funding was earmarked for six of Virginia’s airports.

“We are glad to see these federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan being put to good use. This funding will enable the Commonwealth’s airports to continue supporting travelers and encourage economic opportunities for the surrounding regions,” the senators said in a joint statement.

It’s not the only federal help Leesburg airport has received recently. At its June 22 meeting, the Town Council approved a supplemental budget appropriation of $69,000 that was awarded to the airport through the FAA’s CARES Act Airport Grant Program.

The allocation will cover approximately $40,000 for the replacement of terminal furniture and $29,000 towards partial reimbursement for enhanced airport facility custodial services completed in the previous fiscal year.

— Kara C. Rodriquez

Trash Collection Beginning Earlier

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts brought its visiting museum to Leesburg over the weekend as town leaders worked to better promote the Arts & Cultural District.

mission on Public Art developed a marketing strategy for the district in 2019, acknowledging that many local residents or visitors to the downtown area are not even aware the district exists. Visit Loudoun has also dedicated its own page on its website to promoting the Arts & Cultural District.

While public art has sprung up throughout the district and historic downtown over the past decade and downtown Leesburg has indeed become a destination

in its own right, only a handful of businesses have taken advantage of the incentives to locate in the district, town staff acknowledged in a recent presentation to the Town Council.

To promote the district, and even to make town residents aware of its presence, signage and banners have sprung up throughout the town. The next, and perhaps biggest, decision will come down to ARTS DISTRICT continues on page 8

Because of high temperatures and heat indices typically experienced in July and August, Patriot Disposal will begin all trash, recycling, and yard waste collections in the Town of Leesburg at 6 a.m.

Residents and curbside commercial customers should ensure that items are at the curb by 4 a.m. on collection days to avoid missed collections.

Collections should be completed each day by 5 p.m. The revised collection schedule will extend through the remainder of the summer, until Friday, Sept. 3.

The Department of Public Works and Capital Projects offers automatic email and text notifications of changes to trash collection schedules and other public works-related news. Sign up at leesburgva.gov/subscribe.

For questions regarding the town’s trash schedule, go to leesburgva.gov/ trash.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

PAGE 7

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continued from page 6

Two Public Art Pieces Honored

how best to attract more arts businesses to the district, perhaps going back to the drawing board on offered incentives, and that is something town staff is charged with doing.

“We’re hoping to get more people aware there is an Arts & Cultural District and then an interest in coming to that district, participating in it, being a part of it,” Burk said. “We have had a couple of businesses come because of the incentives but most certainly I think we can look at making the incentives more desirable to an arts and culture kind of business.”

Burk said she was excited for the visual imagery, by way of banners and signage, to begin to draw residents’ and visitors’ attention to the district.

“People will begin to realize arts is important to Leesburg, and an important component to quality of life here,” she said.

To access an interactive map of the district, and for more information, go to visitloudoun.org/towns-and-places/leesburg/leesburg-arts-cultural-district. n

Two of the town’s public art installations were recognized during last week’s virtual Signatures of Loudoun Design Excellence Awards.

The LOVEwork sculpture, located at the corner of Harrison Street and the W&OD Trail, was selected the “Details” category.

Installed in 2017, the sculpture is part of Virginia Tourism’s “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign. Created by local sculptor Michael Clay, Leesburg’s LOVEwork is fabricated from bicycle parts, including a bicycle wheel that forms the “O”, highlighting its connection to the W&OD Trail. The LOVEwork is often used as a photo backdrop for marriage proposals, family visits, and other events.

The statue of the late Stanley Caulkins, located on South King Street in the historic district, was recognized in the “Familiar Details” category. Installed in 2019 and created by local sculptor Jeff Hall, the lifesize statue of Caulkins, sitting on a bench outside the building that housed Caulkins Jewelers for over 60 years, is a fitting memorial to the man who contributed so much to the Town of Leesburg.

“This is such an honor to have two wonderful additions to the Arts & Cul-

Arts District

JULY 8, 2021

Loudoun Now File Photo

The LOVEwork sculpture near Leesburg's Raflo Park.

tural District receiving this award,” said Donna Torraca, chairwoman of Leesburg’s Commission on Public Art. “Both of these projects required a team of individuals and organizations to raise money and work with the Commission on Public Art and the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts to make these installations a reality. We are absolutely delighted that both the town and the artists are being recognized with this award.”

“Huge thanks go to Plum Grove (Re) Cyclery and Lansdowne Development Corporation, who were major contributions to the LOVEworks, and to Diane and

Mike Canney, the Caulkins family, Larkin Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, the Leesburg Airport Commission, the Leesburg Rotary Club, the Honorable Joe and Bobby May, David and Ann Moyes, and Toth Financial Advisory Group, for their assistance with the Stanley Caulkins statue,” she said.

The Loudoun Design Cabinet’s annual Signatures of Loudoun Design Excellence Awards recognize quality design projects throughout the county that visually enhance and reinforce Loudoun County’s identity. n

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Council Dedicates Leesburg’s Newest Bus Shelter

BY KARA CLARK RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Just in time for the summer heat, area residents will have protection from the elements while waiting for transportation in northeast Leesburg.

On June 30, members of the Leesburg Town Council dedicated the town’s newest bus shelter near the intersection of Edwards Ferry Road and Heritage Way NE. Located near the county Department of Family Services’ Shenandoah building and the former Walmart shopping center, the new shelter, equipped with solar lighting, is in one of the town’s most highly pedestrian-trafficked areas.

The project also included the installation of new bus system signage at all 105 Loudoun Transit bus stops within town limits.

The total cost, including the new signs, was $129,745. The town was assisted with $37,151 in Community Development Block Grant funding through the Loudoun County government in accelerating the project in the town’s Capital Improvements Program, said project

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Town and County government representatives gather at the new bus shelter on Edwards Ferry Road to celebrate its construction and the completion of a new town-wide signage upgrade for the Loudoun Transit system.

manager Anne Geiger.

Two more bus shelters are in the pipeline for the town’s northeast quadrant, on Fort Evans Road. n

PAGE 9

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 10

JULY 8, 2021

Education

SCHOOL notebook

Arguments Over Suspended Loudoun Teacher Move to State Supreme Court

BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com

Whether a Loudoun Circuit Court judge was correct in ordering the reinstatement of a Leesburg Elementary School physical education teacher is now before the state Supreme Court.

The school division has appealed Judge James Plowman’s decision to reinstate Tanner Cross to his teaching position after Cross was placed on administrative leave following his public comments that, because of his religious beliefs, he would not follow the district’s proposed protections for transgender students.

The division’s attorneys are arguing that Cross’ “right to free speech and exercise of religion do not outweigh the School Board’s right to protect students from discrimination.”

Cross made his comments during a School Board meeting in May, speaking against proposed Policy 8040, which is intended to implement a new state mandate to protect the rights of transgender and gender expansive students.

“I’m a teacher, but I serve God first. And I will not affirm that a biological boy can be a girl and vice versa because it is against my religion. It’s lying to a child. It’s abuse to a child,” Cross said during the May 25 School Board meeting.

Two days later, Cross was placed on paid administrative leave. In its appeal, the district claimed that at least five parents requested that their children be removed from Cross’ class following his remarks.

Cross is represented by the conserva-

Loudoun Now File Photo

Tanner Cross addresses the public alongside his attorney, Tanner Langhofer.

tive Christian group, Alliance Defending Freedom. ADF filed for an emergency injunction for Cross to be reinstated to his position, arguing that the division violated Cross’ First Amendment rights.

Plowman granted the injunction, ruling that the School Board took unconstitutional action and, in doing so, silenced others from speaking out about the issue.

In the appeal to the Supreme Court, the school system’s attorney Stacy L. Haney claims that Plowman erred in concluding that Cross was likely to succeed in his civil suit seeking reinstatement. The appeal asserts that Plowman wrongly concluded that Cross would suffer irreparable harm without a temporary injunction, and failed to consider the totality of the circumstances involved with the case, including “the School Board’s interests in protecting the

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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wellbeing of students and preventing unlawful discrimination.”

In a response to the district’s appeal, ADF filed a brief arguing that Cross’ constitutional rights were violated.

“We argue that the lower court was correct to vindicate Tanner’s free speech rights and reinstate him to his position while the case continues,” said an ADF spokesperson.

Conservative parents in the county and national activists have swarmed to show support for Cross. Opposition to the proposed Policy 8040 has been a tentpole of the movement to recall the School Board.

The School Board is required by state law to implement the policy before the start of the 2021-2022 school year, and will vote on the policy during its Aug. 10 meeting.

A hearing date for the district’s appeal has not yet been scheduled. n

Stone Bridge Teacher Honored for Service William Wilkin, a beloved Stone Bridge history teacher and advisor of the school’s Key Club, was honored by the Capitol District of Kiwanis for his guidance over the program and service in the community.

Wilkin, who just retired after 18 years as a Stone Bridge teacher, oversaw the Key Club for 16 years. He was given the Dale Larsen Outstanding Key Club Faculty Advisor award “for his dedication and commitment to excellence,” said a club representative.

Club co-presidents Lydia and Maggie Wallis praised Wilkin for his dedication, generosity, and leadership of students.

The club excelled under his leadership, repeatedly collecting the most money for the Salvation Army out of all other organizations in Loudoun.

“Mr. Wilkin leads by example and has modeled this leadership value for many students. The students who have worked with Mr. Wilkin have memories to last a lifetime,” Stone Bridge Principal Timothy Flynn said.

Riverside Boys Lacrosse Crowned State Champions The Riverside Rams boys’ varsity lacrosse team won the 5A State Championship after toppling Douglas Freeman 22-9 in the title game in Leesburg last week.

Carter Ash, senior forward and Naval Academy commit, notched nine goals for the Rams. Ash was named the Virginia High School League All-Region 5A Player of the Year.

SCHOOL NOTEBOOK continues on page 11

JULY 8, 2021

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 11

Community Foundations Awards $26K in Scholarships LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has awarded $26,400 in scholarships from a variety of funds to six students.

Each year, the Community Foundation offers scholarship opportunities from funds established by local donors. Each scholarship fund supports a different area of focus as created and envisioned by the donor.

“Our team and board of directors takes tremendous pride in stewarding the scholarship funds that help these students further their education—especially given the hardships and uncertainties the past year presented,” President and CEO Amy Owen said.

Nardin Zaki, a graduate of Stone Bridge High School attending Northern Virginia Community College, was awarded a $5,000 Gavin Rupp “I Promise” Scholarship, established to support students pur-

suing a career in the health sciences field with an interest in pediatric oncology.

Katherine Hick, a graduate of Woodgrove High School attending Northern Virginia Community College, was awarded a $1,400 scholarship from the Blair and Mike Pirrello Vocational Scholarship, which supports people pursuing trade careers through vocational training.

Erica Dobies, a graduate of Loudoun County High School attending James Madison University, was awarded a $5,000 Henry Stowers Loudoun County

High School Scholarship, established to support graduates of Loudoun County High School pursuing higher education.

Zohayr Naveed, a graduate of Loudoun County High School who will study biochemistry and linguistics at the University of Virginia to, was awarded $5,000 from the Henry Stowers Loudoun County High School Scholarship Fund.

Kayla Ballve, a graduate of Loudoun County High School who plans to major in communication studies and sociology at Virginia Tech, was awarded $5,000

from the Henry Stowers Loudoun County High School Scholarship Fund.

And Danning Bisaga, a graduate of Loudoun County High School, will major in psychology and cognitive science at the University of. Bisaga was also awarded $5,000 from the Henry Stowers Loudoun County High School Scholarship Fund.

The Community Foundation publishes its available scholarship opportunities and application each year in early spring. To learn more about those scholarships, go to communityfoundationlf.org/students. n

McEnearney Associates, representing our communities for 40 years T H E T R U S T E D R E A L E S TAT E R E S O U R C E F O R LO U D O U N C O U N T Y

SCHOOL notebook continued from page 10

Rams Head Coach Nick Worek took home VHSL Coach of the Year honors. The Rams also won state titles in 2017 and 2019.

The Riverside girls’ varsity lacrosse team also had a successful campaign, finishing the regular season undefeated and going on to win the regional tournament.

The Rams fell to Douglas Freeman in the state final game, 16-14. Junior Lydia Oldknow was named the VHSL All-Region Player of the Year, while head coach Kristin Ash earned Coach of the Year honors.

Leesburg Man Raising Money for Earthquake Education A Leesburg Army veteran and National Weather Service technician, Timothy Bruno, is raising money to buy seismometers, devices that record earthquakes, for schools across Virginia to encourage STEAM learning.

Bruno’s goal is to provide two seismometers per school district. Bruno estimated that the total cost of equipment will be $418,950. As of July 6th, Bruno has raised $1810 toward his goal. He said that the 5.8 magnitude earthquake in Virginia on August 23, 2011, was a reminder that earthquakes can occur on the East Coast. He believes that the school seismometers will be valuable tools for community education and data collection.

The fundraiser can be viewed at: gof undme.com/f/s eismometers-invirginia-schools.

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PAGE 12

JULY 8, 2021

Public Safety

Round Hill Man Charged with Murder in Fatal Stabbing A Round Hill man has been charged with second degree murder in the stabbing death that occurred Saturday morning at a home in the Stoneleigh neighborhood.

The incident was reported at a Stoneleigh Drive home around 10 a.m. July 3.

The victim, Natalie Crow, a 24-year-old mother of a 9-month-old daughter, was found dead near the home’s driveway.

The suspect, Stone L. Colburn, 23, was found at the scene and detained. He also is charged with unlawfully, stab, cut, wound in the commission of felony.

Crow was ColColburn burn’s brother’s girlfriend and lived at the home with the family. Colburn also has been identified as the skateboarder who was struck by a tractor-trailer on Rt. 7 near the neighborhood in January and has been linked to a 2017 stabbing in Westford, VT.

Colburn was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

During an arraignment hearing Tuesday morning, Colburn appeared through a video feed from the jail. He said he was not employed and was appointed representation from the Public Defender Office

by District Court Judge Lorrie Sinclair Taylor.

During the brief proceeding, Colburn asked to be released from jail. Several times, he said, “I did not do it.”

“Ma’am, can I be released today? Because I did not do this,” he said to Taylor.

He could petition for a bond hearing later this week.

A preliminary hearing was set for Sept.

8. During that proceeding, a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury and then to Circuit Court for trial. n

Sheriff’s Office Launches Mental Health, Drug Addiction Pilot The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office has launched a pilot program aimed at helping members of the community affected by mental health illness and drug addiction.

This summer, the newly formed Community Assistance Response and Empowerment or CARE Team will have one full-time deputy per shift assigned to exclusively respond to and follow-up on mental health, suicide, overdose, and other calls for service involving critical issues.

“As part of the CARE Team, our dep-

uties will conduct follow-ups to ensure families have adequate resources, services, and support,” stated Sheriff Mike Chapman in announcing the initiative.

The deputies assigned to the team are all School Resource Officers who are certified in Crisis Intervention Team training and Fair and Impartial Policing and Insight Policing. The team will link those experiencing a behavioral crisis to the available services and will work with their families. The goal of the CARE Team is to increase the safety at the scene for everyone—the person in crisis, the

deputies, and community members, the agency stated.

The Sheriff ’s Office held its 50th session of CIT training in April. The program helps law enforcement officers peacefully resolve potentially violent situations. All Sheriff ’s Office deputies and dispatchers with at least two years on the job have completed the training. More than 700 local, state, and federal officers, as well as private organizations, also have completed CIT training through the agency. n

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PAGE 13

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JULY 8, 2021

Nonprofit

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Plans Expansion at Lucia Farm The Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Board of Directors is asking the community to help match its recent seed donation of $200,000 to support the organization’s purchase of Lucia Farm in Lovettsville.

LTR is the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship-accredited center in Loudoun County and was Virginia’s first therapeutic riding center. By moving to Lucia Farm from its current location at Morven Park, the nonprofit expects to provide an additional 99 days of equine-assisted services to serve adults and children, helping them thrive by becoming stronger, more resilient, and independent.

“Despite the great—and growing— need for our services, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding has a waiting list of 35 adults and children,” said Susan Koehler, LTR executive director. “At Lucia Farm, our ability to serve more people will increase instantly. For example, more Right stalls andclick more COLOR: flexibility give us an additional 99 days

Contributed

An aerial view of Lucia Farm.

each year to change the lives of individuals allowed us to keep operating costs down living with disabilities. while enjoying a location in a premier “We have been honored and extreme- equestrian center,” Koehler said. “Unfortuly grateful to Morven Park and the West- nately, this location doesn’t allow us to exto meet the current demand for sermoreland Davis Memorial Foundation for pand swatch, and find and replace with correct color their support for the past 26 years. It has vices. We will greatly miss Morven Park,

but need to do all we can to serve those in our county who could benefit greatly from equine-assisted services.”

Lucia Farm, along Berlin Turnpike, is a 25-acre equestrian farm with an indoor arena, an attached center stall barn with 17 stalls and four overflow stalls for a total of 21 stalls, and a lighted outdoor arena.

Other amenities include 10 paddocks with seven run-in sheds.

Board Chairman Reggie Howard said, “At Lucia Farm, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding not only can grow to meet the community need for equestrian-assisted services, but also lower overall costs in the long run.

The programming possibilities are endless, but making this move successfully will require community support. We hope those in Loudoun County who understand the dire need for therapeutic services—particularly in light of increased mental health issues related to the pandemic—will meet the board challenge to support this move.

Learn more and donate at ltrf.org. n

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.

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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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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 15

Bear Chase Brewery Writes Checks to Fire, Rescue Squads

BY CLAIRE THERIOT

On Saturday morning, Bear Chase Brewing Company presented checks to both Blue Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad and John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad of Clarke County.

Bear Chase Brewing is in Bluemont, just across the county line in Loudoun, with views of the valley below.

When the Bear Chase had just opened in 2017, Harold Rohde, then-president of

Enders Fire Department, recalled getting to know Blue Ridge Fire Department’s assistant chief, Chris Grubbs, and thenchief, Jacob White.

They discussed the idea of a “Firefighter Appreciation Day’’ with Stephen Macoff, Bear Chase’s chief operating officer, where they would bring up their fire trucks and equipment and brew beer with the Bear Chase Brewery. The brewery would then donate the funds raised to the fire departments.

“It has been a great way that Bear Chase has helped put money back into the Clark Fire Rescue System especially with COVID,” Rohde said. The brewery has now donated $17,620 from the program.

This is the third year of the fundraiser, which helps the departments pay for apparatus. The next Firefighter Appreciation Day is scheduled for Oct. 2.

In addition to raising money for the fire department, Bear Chase Brewing also raises funds for Habitat for Humanity. n

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Bear Chase Brewing Company employees meet with volunteers from Blue Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad and John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad of Clarke County on July 3 to present the proceeds of its third Firefighter Appreciation Day.

GIVING back BCT Launches ‘Pack the Pack’ Donations Program BCT-Bank of Charles Town has launched a new funding campaign through its BCTCares For The Hungry initiative to support local backpack food programs for food-insecure children.

This BCTCares campaign is called “Pack the ‘Pack” in reference to raising funds to purchase enough food to fill 5,000 take-home backpacks. Fundraising will be from July 1 through Aug. 31.

Monetary donations will be accepted at all BCT branch locations and online.

The BCTCares team was particularly moved to help the startling number of food-insecure children in our communities,” stated Bank President and CEO Alice Frazier. “Through our Pack the ‘Pack campaign, we are raising awareness in our communities about the thousands of local children who will go hungry and are asking those communities to join us to prevent it. A $5 donation will fill one backpack with food for one child.”

In Loudoun, BCT is partnering with the Loudoun Backpack Coalition. Learn more at mybct.bank/about/bctcares.

Volunteers Needed to Deliver Meals The Home Delivered Meals Program, administered by the Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging, urgently needs volunteers 18 and older who will safely deliver nutritious, noontime meals to individuals confined to their home. Drivers are needed weekdays in the Leesburg area.

HDM volunteers use their personal vehicle to deliver the meals along a specified route. Email the volunteer program at volunteer4PRCS@loudoun.gov or call 703-771-5984 to volunteer. Find more information about the program at loudoun. gov/adultvolunteers.

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PAGE 16

JULY 8, 2021

Business

BUSINESS announcements

United Airlines Pledges Major Expansion in Region

Kara C. Rodriguez/Loudoun Now

Beverly Ingle opened Bespokes Books on East Market Street.

Meet the Book Hunter: Bespoke’s Beverly Ingle

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

She calls herself the “book hunter” and now Beverly Ingle has her downtown lair.

Ingle celebrated the opening of her Bespoke Books and Archives at 7 E. Market St. in Leesburg last week. The cozy bookshop

has an eclectic assortment of books available to customers, from new reads to used books and, a particular passion of Ingle’s, vintage and classic titles, some of which are hundreds of years old. Ingle refers to her new shop as a “hybrid bookstore.”

“It really is kind of a blend,” she said.

“We’ve got everything from brand new

bestsellers, hot off the press titles to some used ones that are really either classic favorites in great shape or maybe different covers of the books, to lots of vintage books from the late 1800s or early 1900s. I’ve got stuff that goes back to the 1600s which is BESPOKE BOOKS continues on page 18

Tea Time: Options Abound on Loudoun’s Tea Trail

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County’s reputation as a winery, brewery or distilling destination has shared space in recent years with its plethora of coffee shop options and local roasters.

But make way for tea, as several shops have opened up, or are eying opportunities, in the county.

UNITEA CAFÉ 11 W. Market St., Leesburg facebook.com/UniTeaCafeLLC Owner JR Rena credits his family for being the driving force behind his first tea café in the heart of Leesburg. The COVID-19 pandemic stopped Rena from doing what he loved most, working in the restaurant industry in a host of different roles, from chef to beverage director. He moved back

to the Leesburg area to be closer to his family, and to chart his next course.

“I really wanted to get back into serving people,” he said. “My family has been really Renss Greene/Loudoun Now supportive. They said, ‘you should open your own place here.’

I think they also said that so I wouldn’t actually leave.”

The tea drinker looked to his own preference for drinking teas, versus his mother’s, and found the inspiration for UniTea Café.

“My mom loves bobas and fruit drinks and all those contemporary ways of drinking teas, where I’m very much about the old way of drinking teas which is loose leaf

teas. I love teas that are sourced from smaller estates around the world,” he said.

“I think the business idea sort of just evolved from me walking around Leesburg around the end of the March to signing a lease in April to really creating a menu that would really unite all of our family members in the form of tea,” Rena said. “Uniting the different ways of drinking tea whether it’s the old way or the new way and still making it exciting.”

The diverse tea menu at UniTea is complemented with an equally diverse menu of sandwiches, small bites, pastries and desserts. Included in the menu are a Cuban sandwich, banh mi sandwich and avocado toast. For those with a sweet tooth, try the sponge cake ube with flan. As business gets rolling, Rena is hoping to eventually add an opportunity for afternoon tea for his customers.

TEA TIME continues on page 17

United Airlines has announced plans to expand its Washington, DC. region workforce by up to 3,000 by 2026. Most of those positions are expected to land at United’s hub at Dulles Airport.

“This is United playing to our strengths. The location of our U.S. hubs means we’re uniquely positioned to focus on premium products, business travel and global flying like no other U.S. airline,” United Airlines EVP and Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said in a statement.

“We’ll deliver a better, more consistent experience, with more features for more customers, faster than ever.”

United estimates that every new direct airline job results in about two additional indirect jobs like aircraft manufacturers, airport management and airport retail.

In recent months, United has announced new, nonstop, capital-to-capital service from Dulles to Athens, Frankfurt, and Accra, the capital city of Ghana. A return to 220 daily departures from Dulles is approximately 80% of United’s capacity from July 2019.

United also announced plans to purchase 150 sustainable electric ground service vehicles for Dulles, part of a $100 million investment in a new baggage system at the airport.

This fall, United will open its Polaris Lounge at Dulles, a $41 million space to service premium travelers.

Dulles Airport Gets $3.3M for Runway Work The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will receive a $3.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to go toward runway reconstruction at Washington Dulles International Airport, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (DVA) announced June 29.

The airports authority will also get a $1.7 million grant toward runway reconstruction at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington.

The two grants are part of more than $13.7 million across the state to four airports, also including to the Virginia Highlands Airport Commission for Virginia Highlands Airport in Abingdon, and the Stafford Regional Airport in Stafford.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

Tea time continued from page 16 UniTea Café will celebrate its grand opening Thursday, July 8. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

TEADM LOUNGE (coming late 2021/early 2022) 46515 Harry Byrd Highway, Sterling teadmlounge.com TeaDM Lounge is looking to bring its bright lights to Sterling by the end of this year, or early next year, following the success of its Falls Church predecessor.

TeaDM, which resembles more of a traditional dance club atmosphere than your run-of-the-mill tea shop, features a menu that includes traditional brews and coffees, with its signature sea salt coffee a particular crowd pleaser. Fresh fruit smoothies and teas are also available.

When the sun sets, TeaDM offers a selection of late night bubble teas, with boba pearls served with alcohol, said owner Jay Tran. Menu selections include lunch and dinner plates and Vietnamese cuisine, along with ice cream.

“We don’t have that kind of concept here,” said Tran of TeaDM. “Hopefully that will work well.”

saw the opportunity.

“I was trying to figure out a way to get it, so I thought I would try and do it myself. I love doing branding. I decided to brand the whole thing myself, design all the products, jump off the deep end,” she said.

Matcha is a finely ground powder of specialty grown and processed green tea leaves that is sourced from Uji, Japan, the matcha tea capital. Lozina envisions that Kensho Tea will offer customers a space to both buy matcha tea products and paraphernalia, and a bar to make all kinds of madeto-order drinks, as well as offer snacks and desserts.

KENSHO TEA Location/opening TBD kenshotea.com It was the pandemic that prompted Elena Lozina to put her marketing brains to work and create a product-based business to compete in the matcha business.

The company that Lozina bought her matcha from went under, and the marketing business owner

TM

THE STANDBY POWER PEOPLE

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She said she is actively looking for space in Leesburg, where she has lived for the past year. Lozina said she instantly fell in love with the town. “It really speaks to my soul,” she said.

Until she has brick and mortar space, Lozina is taking Kensho Tea on the road, and hosting a series of pop-ups at local businesses. The next one is set for Saturday, July 18, at Muz & Rose at 3 Loudoun St. in downtown Leesburg. Tea drinks, iced lattes, summer lemonade and macarons will be available for purchase. n

We’ll be there in the darkest moments.

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THE EMPRESS PEARL TEA 737 E. Main St., Purcellville empresspearltea.com Empress Pearl Tea recently opened in the bustling Shoppes at Main & Maple center, and has given western Loudouners a trendy tea shop with an assortment of bubble tea and tea selections. The Taiwanese tea shop’s menu includes an assortment of the traditional milk teas, from green jasmine to black oolong and chai, to the specialty—cookies + cream milk tea and tiger sugar milk tea. Fruit teas can be mixed with a base of black tea, green tea or lemonade, or choose from one of the specialty selections, like dragon fruit mango green tea or the tiki tea, which includes guava, passion fruit and mango. To help with the summer heat, creamy frappes and fruit slushes are also available. Toppings including cotton candy, tapioca pearls, both big and mini, and flavored jellies are available.

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PAGE 18

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

DinDin: A Home for Chefs, An Option for Busy Families

Providing meals for DinDin still gives chefs the opportunity to run their own businesses or side hustles, Aggrey said.

However, when they are cooking for DinDin, they have to follow a series of protocols, including only using ghost kitchen space and adhering to hygiene standards.

On the consumer side, the DinDin website allows customers to peruse a plethora of pre-made meal selections, with both family servings and individual meals available. There’s lemon garlic chicken from Chef Gail Hooks in Lorton, or steak fajitas from Chef Kyle Vermeulen in College Park, MD. For those who need a sweet tooth satisfied, Chef Dennis Stanley, of Chantel’s Bakery in Sterling, has a selection of his delectable desserts available for purchase, including his signature golden cake and dark chocolate mousse. DinDin allows customers to select from a variety of chefs in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, with an assortment of cuisine, or even by searching for certain dietary considerations, like vegan or gluten free.

“It’s like a virtual food court,” Aggrey said.

In addition to giving busy families the freedom of choice to accommodate all their family members’ tastes or dietary considerations, Aggrey is most proud of is the time it returns to families.

“It turns out that working parents with children want to be intentional about giving them quality meals. You want your time back,” he said. “I wish if there is a silver lining to COVID it’s that DinDin provides families the opportunity to sit down, build community, and connect with each other.”

For now, delivery is available only on Wednesdays and Sundays, with a $60 food ordering minimum. Thus, DinDin is not an on-demand food delivery company, differentiating itself from an UberEats or Doordash. Instead, DinDin encourages busy local families to think ahead to the following week, and order heat-and-serve meals that can meet their family’s needs. They also recently launched a subscription service.

No matter where the chefs’ kitchens are located, all selected meals are curated in one box, and delivered together. A local business and friend of Aggrey’s quickly stepped up to solve the new company’s delivery dilemma. Upon discussing his idea with Reston Limousine CEO Kristina Bouweiri, Aggrey’s friend was quick to offer her company’s services.

“Kristina is huge. She stepped in there right out of the gate. They give us that special touch and they know logistics and transportation like the back of their hand.

Kristina is really committed to Din Din as a strategic business unit,” he said.

Bouweiri said she jumped at the chance

to be involved shortly after Aggrey asked her to be on DinDin’s advisory board. Serving as DinDin’s exclusive delivery partner helps her company as well, giving work to her drivers and becoming yet another prominent sector of her business, she said.

As business grows, she has committed to leasing more cars for DinDin deliveries if needed.

“I am just so thrilled that that opportunity landed on my lap,” she said.

Currently, DinDin delivers to the entire Rt. 7 corridor, as far west as Leesburg, and the Washington, DC, metro area, including parts of Maryland. Aggrey said he expects to expand their delivery radius as more chefs and ghost kitchens come onboard.

The Montgomery County, MD, resident said he does not expect DinDin’s business to subside, even with COVID restrictions going by the wayside and restaurants fully reopening to customers. Feedback from the public has been extremely positive, and already the company has attracted more than 1,200 customers, Aggrey added. And, with the world reopening, life for busy families and executives will only get busier, necessitating a service like DinDin to fill in the gaps on those hectic weeknights.

Aggrey said he only sees his business expanding, and is looking to eventually add a farmers market concept to DinDin, featuring locally-made products, to further stimulate entrepreneurship. He is also excited about the rise of the meal prep industry, and said the DC region could become a Silicon Valley of sorts for the industry.

For more information on DinDin, go to eatdindin.com. n

ing in archives. An overarching issue that I’ve always been an advocate for is access to information. There’s so many manuscripts and correspondence and all types of things that may not be considered important. But whether it’s a family or organization or corporation there’s significant reason to keep some of those documents.

That’s information somebody is going to want at some point. I can help families and organizations get all organized and help them analyze what is their intent with the collection, and weed out what to keep. That way, generations can understand more.”

Ingle said all the pieces fell perfectly into place for opening her first bookshop. Her family had recently relocated from Texas, and quickly fell in love with Leesburg, its aesthetics and strong historical roots. An ancestor of Ingle’s lived in Loudoun during the Revolutionary War, and she is eager to piece together that genealogical puzzle. She

said opening a bookstore “had always been bubbling around in the back of my mind” and reading had always been a big part of her life. A professional writer, Ingle has published books, and has a master’s degree in library science.

She recalls waking up one morning after arriving in Leesburg with the resolve to scope out the downtown book scene.

“I knew we’ve got Books and Other Found Things, but as far as anything offering new material or really ancient texts which I love,” Ingle said she didn’t see anything currently offered. “I poked around and found the spot on Market Street. It was a beautiful and perfect place. Somebody tipped the first domino and it all fell right into place. The funding was available, the space was just what I wanted. It’s the perfect starting spot, close to King Street, near the action. It’s small enough that it feels intimate without being tiny. It’s just kind of the

perfect time to stick my toes in the water, especially coming out of COVID.” The 500-square-foot space is “sort of like visiting somebody’s living room.” She said she can foresee growing into a larger space down the road, possibly even within the same building, and continuing to be a part of the downtown fabric.

Perhaps what Ingle is most excited about with her new business is being able to hunt down treasured titles for her customers.

“The whole finding treasure aspect of it is what I think is probably the most fun of the entire enterprise,” Ingle said. “That’s why I have chief book hunter as my title— it’s fun to find and source something somebody has been wanting for years.”

Initial hours for Bespoke are 1-6 p.m.

Thursdays through Sundays, and Wednesdays by appointment. For more information, go to bespokebooks.org. n

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

John Aggrey recalls reading newspaper headlines last summer as federal COVID-relief payments were being handed out to many small business owners.

“Restaurants were being slammed and chefs were being displaced with no rescue capital in sight. Everyone else was getting rescue capital,” he said.

Many restaurants, particularly smaller mom-and-pop shops, closed permanently and others were cutting staff because of lower sales or COVID restrictions requiring a shorter supply of available seating.

Aggrey, who as the CEO of The Unicorn Group has had a front row seat to seeing how tech startups grow, questioned what he could do to help solve the problem. Enter DinDin. Aggrey created an online marketplace, which incorporated last August, to give a home to displaced chefs, and a reason for families to come sit down at the dinner table together.

Aggrey describes DinDin as a “dual marketplace.”

“We are basically empowering displaced chefs to cook their specialty meals out of ghost kitchens that do not have walk-in traffic. It has all the food permits, all the hygiene protocols of a commercial kitchen, just no walk-in traffic. We’re allowing these chefs to cook their specialty meals out of a ghost kitchen. We’re taking care of the friction of having a customer. We get them a new customer. We collect the payment. We send the food order to them. We box the meals,” he said.

Bespoke Books continued from page 16 amazing to touch and hold.”

“I’m stocking hard-to-find books on interesting topics, collector’s editions of classics, vintage editions with beautiful cover designs, and antiquarian books that are practically works of art,” she continued.

If Ingle finds something fascinating, she adds it to her inventory. Categories currently include adult and children’s fiction, U.S. history, famous and infamous personalities, domestic arts (including cooking, entertaining and etiquette), theology and philosophy, among others.

Bespoke also gives Ingle the opportunity to offer her archiving services.

“That’s a whole other kind of fun for me,” she said. “It stems out of my interest in genealogy and professional train-

JULY 8, 2021 SHEILA ANDAHAZY, 66, died June 20.

She was born Nov. 19, 1954, in Muncie, IN. She worked more than 40 years in the IT industry. She is survived by her husband Joseph Andahazy; sons Luke Andahazy of Winchester and Wil Andahazy of Tuscaloosa, AL; mother Chrystal Daugherty of Muncie, IN; siblings John Daugherty Jr., of Anderson, IN, Michael Daugherty of Muncie, IN, and Debra Corey of North Port, FL. A Celebration of Life gathering for friends and family will be arranged at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the ASPCA. [Hall Funeral Home] JACQUELINE KILBOURNE ELDREDGE, 90, of Middleburg, died June 21. She was born on January 1, 1931, in Washington, DC, to Walter Harry Kilbourne and Lillian Robinson Kilbourne. She was predeceased by her brothers, Walter of Washington, DC, and Bill of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is survived by her sons, Ted of Rectortown, and Coe of Bloomfield, and five grandchildren. A memorial service was held June 29 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or the Piedmont Fox Hounds. [Royston Funeral Home] CHRISTOPHER ARTHUR MACDONALD, 48, of Ashburn, died June 25. He had cancer. He was born Feb. 3, 1973, to Carolyn Ann Arthur and James P. MacDonald. He married Susan Branner in 2002. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughters Kyla and Rae and sister Carolyn Ann Arthur. Memorial contributions may be made to The Adler Center for Caring in Aldie or to the Jim Macdonald Scholarship Fund at the Dare Coalition Against Substance Abuse at P.O. Box 3604, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948.

Services will be held July 8 at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg. [Colonial Funeral Home] AUDREY BROWN MCINTOSH died April 4.

She was the daughter of Colin Hall Brown and Karin Nelson from Sweden. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Jim and sister Janet Brown Stine. She is survived by her children Steven McIntosh and Diane Hemphill; and four grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 10, at the Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Rochester, or to the University of Rochester School of Nursing.

[Colonial Funeral Home] KELLY ANN NUTWELL died June 29 after a long illness. She was born Jan. 28, 1960 in Toms River, NJ. She was predeceased by two children, Helen Worrall and Donald Worrall. She is

LOUDOUNNOW.COM survived by her husband Richard Nutwell of Ashburn, son Nicholas Nutwell of Austin, TX, daughter Julia Nutwell of Richmond, sister Donna Jorgenson of Venice, FL, and brother Patrick Worrall of Toms River, NJ. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Ashburn at 2 p.m. July 23. [Colonial Funeral Home]

PAGE 19

Obituaries Merle Mayner World War II and stationed at Bainbridge, MD as a photographer. He was honorably discharged February 1946. He went to work for the Army Corps of Engineers as a purchasing agent. Using his GI bill he obtained a commercial pilot’s license.

During this time he became a father of two children from his first marriage. In 1961 he transferred to the Federal Aviation Agency, purchasing aircraft for the government which included the Boeing 727. He married Ruth Dowden on July 15, 1961 and enjoyed 57 years with her until her death in 2018. He made many friends in his 15 years at the Homewood retirement facility.

RICHARD PAUL REHLING, 68, of Leesburg died June 26. He was born Dec. 7, 1952 in Cincinnati, OH, to Richard A. and Lucille A. Rehling. He is survived by his wife Linda, and sister Maura. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. July 8 at St. Francis de Sales in Purcellville, followed by interment at Ketoctin Church Cemetery, Memorial contributions may be made to Loudoun Hunger Relief. [Colonial Funeral Home] JAMES LEE RIDGEWAY, 78, of Sterling died June 30. He was born March 11, 1943, in Prince William County. He was predeceased by his wife, Shelia Ridgeway; sons, James Lee Ridgeway Jr. and James Allen Ridgeway; parents, John G. Ridgeway and Elsie L. Ridgeway, brothers, John G. Ridgeway Jr., and Floyd R. Ridgeway; and sister, Francis M. Poole. He is survived by his daughter Angela Roberts; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sisters, Mary Ridgeway, Barbara Batista, and Darlene Shifflet; and brothers, George Ridgeway, Wayne Ridgeway, and Daniel Ridgeway. Services were held July 6 at Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon.

Interment was at Sterling Cemetery. [Adams-Green Funeral Home] WILHELMUS RUIFROK, 89, of Sterling, died July 1 at his home. He was born March 19, 1932, in the Netherlands to Wilhelmus Ruifrok and Maria Bernacki Ruifrok. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Carol, brother August and sons Jonathan and David. Services will be held starting at 10 a.m. Friday, July 9 at Adams Green Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in Herndon. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart or American Cancer Associations. [Adams-Green Funeral Home] SONIA “JANETH” POLO SOTOMAYOR, 57, died June 28 at Inova Fairfax Hospital after two years battling cancer. She was born on Feb.23, 1964, in Cochabamba, Bolivia to Jorge Polo and Soraida Sotomayor de Polo. She married Orlando Lopez and had three children, Alexandra, Diego, and Pia. She moved to Ashburn in 2016 to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Services were held July 2 at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg.

Interment was at Ketoctin Cemetery.

[Colonial Funeral Home]

Merle Frederick Mayner, 103, of Frederick, Maryland passed away Friday, July 2, 2021. Born April 29, 1918 in Sheldahl, IA to the late Edgar Eldon and Esther Christina (nee Sandberg) Mayner. He was the beloved husband of the late Ruth Elizabeth (nee Dowden) Mayner. He was preceded in death by his brother Edgar Warren Mayner and sisters Mary Joy Harriet Mayner Double and Louise Gertrude Mayner Knight.

He grew up in Iowa and worked as a photographer for the Des Moines Register and Look Magazine in his 20’s. He came to DC for a job with the government, but arrived on December 7, 1941, the day of the Pearl Harbor attack. He was drafted into the Navy September 1943 during

Merle is survived by his son Ronald Mayner (Gail) and Karen Huggans, grandchildren Carie Lynn Mayner Dinneen (Chris), Julie Anne Mayner Bergel (Stephan), Troy William Mayner (Merrie), Sean Kelly Huggans (Shawn) and Jamie Lee Huggans (Annie), 11 great grandchildren, his sister Lola Marie Herbold and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for family and friends will be conducted at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Homewood Foundation, 7407 Willow Rd. Frederick, MD 21702.

Services arranged with Keeney & Basford P.A. Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at www. keeneybasford.com

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

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

PAGE 20

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES: BEAUMEADE-BELMONT 230 KV TRANSMISSION LINE #227 RECONDUCTOR AND PARTIAL REBUILD CASE NO. PUR-2021-00100 On May 20, 2021, Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application for approval and certification to construct and operate electric transmission facilities in Loudoun County, Virginia (“Application”). Dominion filed the Application pursuant to § 56-46.1 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) and the Utility Facilities Act, Code § 56-265.1 et seq.

continues 5.43 miles to Structure #227/182, which is located near the intersection of Samuels Mill Court and Cochran Mill Road (SR 653).

Line #227 then continues 1.28 miles until it terminates at the Belmont Substation, which is located near the intersection of Gant Lane (SR 652) and Cochran Mill Road (SR 653).

For a 0.76-mile segment of the Project, the Company proposes to replace five structures (Structures #227/182-186) and reconductor Dominion seeks (i) to reconductor approximately 6.7 miles of the the line; for the remaining 5.95 miles of the Project, the Company is Company’s networked overhead 230 kilovolt (“kV”) transmission Line proposing only to reconductor the existing line, with no structure #227 between its existing Beaumeade and Belmont Substations, using replacements.

2-768.2 ACSS/TW/HS conductor, designed for a maximum operating The existing structures along the 0.76-mile segment of the Project temperature of 250 degrees Celsius and a minimum summer transfer capacity of 1573 MVA; (ii) to uprate the line terminal equipment at proposed for replacement (Structures #227/182-186) range in height Beaumeade and Belmont Substations to 4000 Amp standards by from approximately 111 to 144 feet, with an average structure height replacing line switches, line leads, wave traps, breakers, breaker of approximately 125 feet. The proposed structures along this 0.76switches, and bus segments as needed; (iii) to uprate line switches at mile segment of the Project range in height from approximately 125 to the Company’s Ashburn Substation and Northern Virginia Electric 155 feet, with an average structure height of approximately 137 feet.

Cooperative’s Cochran Mill Delivery Point, which are intermediate These structure heights are based on preliminary conceptual design stations tapped from Line #227, to 4000 Amps; (iv) to remove an idle not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final 230 kV conductor between Structures #227/182-188; and (v) within engineering design. the 6.7-mile Reconductor Project, to remove five double circuit 230 kV All distances, heights, and directions are approximate. A sketch weathering steel lattice towers (Structures #227/182-186) supporting 0.76 mile of the existing Line #227 and an idle 230 kV conductor, which map of the proposal accompanies this notice. A more detailed map will be replaced with four double circuit and two single circuit 230 kV may be viewed on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/ Transmission-Line-Projects. A more complete description of the Project galvanized steel poles (collectively, the “Project”). also may be found in the Company’s Application.

Dominion states that the Project is necessary to maintain the structural The Commission may consider a route not significantly different integrity and reliability of its transmission system in compliance with mandatory North American Electric Reliability Corporation Reliability from the route described in this notice without additional notice to the Standards. The Company further states that the Project will replace public. aging infrastructure that is at the end of its service life.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing The Company states that the desired in-service date for the Project public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or is December 31, 2023. The Company represents that the estimated COVID-19, and the declarations of emergency issued at both the state conceptual cost of the Project (in 2021 dollars) is approximately $15.1 and federal levels. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or million, which includes approximately $11.3 million for transmission- other documents required to be served in this matter shall be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-170, Copies and related work and $3.8 million for substation-related work. format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules Dominion represents that given the availability of existing right-of- of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive Information way (“ROW”) and the statutory preference given to the use of existing shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC ROW, and because of the additional costs and environmental impacts 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. For the that would be associated with the acquisition and construction of new duration of the COVID-19 emergency, any person seeking to hand ROW, the Company considered no alternate routes requiring new ROW deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 371for the Project.

9838 to arrange the delivery.

Description of the Route Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s The proposed route for the Project is located within an approximately 6.7-mile existing transmission ROW corridor currently occupied by Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties double circuit 230 kV transmission Line #227 entirely within Loudoun and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by County, Virginia. The existing transmission line ROW for the proposed electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice Project route varies from 100 to 250 feet wide. The ROW originates and Hearing or subsequent Hearing Examiner’s Ruling for further at the Beaumeade Substation, which is located near the intersection of instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Smith Station Road and Gloucester Parkway in Loudoun County, and Information.

JULY 8, 2021

JULY 8, 2021

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JULY 8, 2021

Our Towns

TOWN notes MIDDLEBURG Public Input Sought on New Town Hall

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The KCE Solutions rig sits in Purcellville on July 2 awaiting repairs after being released from an eight-day tow company hole.

Transformer Transport Hit by Huge Fines, Fees

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Getting unstuck from one of the new roundabouts on Rt. 9 in Hillsboro following a June 25 mishap didn’t clear the way for the massive generator to reach its destination at an Ashburn-area data center.

In fact, nearly two weeks later, it still hasn’t completed its journey. And the trucking company has been hit with high towing fees and Sheriff ’s Office fines—surpassing $100,000. For 12 days, the rig sat in a Purcellville industrial park, pending the payment of a five-figure towing bill.

And when it rolled out on Tuesday morning, following a round of corrective maintenance, Sheriff ’s Office inspectors pulled it over again just a few miles down Rt. 7.

Following a more than 6-hour inspection, the rig again was cited for violations and put out of service.

Rick Diggs, the president of the Florida-based trucking company hired for the haul, said he’s never had such an experience in his 20 years in the industry. He has appealed to everyone from town leaders in Hillsboro and Purcellville to the Attorney General’s Office to help. In a June 30 email he sent to the Loudoun Board of Supervisors, Del. Dave LaRock (R-33), U.S. Senator Mark Warner’s office and town leaders in Purcellville and Hillsboro

he characterized the fee being charged as “extortion.”

Before June 25, the generator was just a routine transport, coming from Wisconsin to Loudoun’s Data Center alley, part of a multi-job contract. A wrong turn or a construction detour got the 8-axle rig off its intended route and onto Rt. 9 with no place to turn around. The newly completed roundabout at the west side of Hillsboro ended the trip, as the driver, with 30 years of experience, was unable to navigate the circle and the trailer became lodged on the stone walls.

At the scene, Sheriff ’s Office inspectors cited the rig for inadequate breaks and other infractions. It was put out of service and Road Runner was called to tow it away, although it was driven, not towed, to the company’s nearby Purcellville office. The Sheriff ’s Office fines exceeded $30,000 and the towing and storage bill was another $50,000.

Diggs spent several days trying to negotiate a lower tow charge, initially offering $4,000. By Friday, he found no alternative but to pay the bill, and held hope of pleading his case for a more reasonable fee later in civil court. The county government has a towing advisory board where one might take such a complaint, but the owner of the towing company chairs that panel, which works closely with the Sheriff ’s Office.

Next, he called a mobile mechanic to make the repairs cited by the Sheriff ’s Office, another $3,000. At 6:30 Tuesday morning the rig was back on the road and headed to its destination on Shellhorn Road. But just past Clarke’s Gap on Rt. 7 the driver and his two guide vehicles were stopped again by the same Sheriff ’s Office inspection team. The driver was told they were alerted by a 911 call saying there were sparks coming from underneath, although it was unclear how they arrived at the position to intercept them so quickly.

Following an inspection that continued into the afternoon, the driver was cited with an even longer list of violations and the rig was again put out of service, along with another round of fines. Diggs said he declined the deputies’ suggestion to have Road Runner tow it again and called another company.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this before,” Diggs said, noting his company operates all across the country and regularly in Virginia. “Things happen, but there are too many things going in this situation.”

Diggs’ company may be coming through Loudoun a lot less. In addition, having to pay for the idle time of cranes waiting to install the transformer at the data center site, he lost the contract on seven more future loads. n

The Town of Middleburg will hold a second public outreach session on the new Town Hall project on Monday, July 12, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Middleburg Town Office.

This session will include a review of the history of the project; a presentation of the latest design plans, including sketches of some of the interior layouts; presentation of the exterior design approved by the town’s Historic District Review Committee; discussions of the public amenities and community benefits; an updated timeline of the project; and a question and answer session.

Town residents and business owners are encouraged to attend to learn about the plans. Those interested may also participate through Zoom.

Learn more at the town’s website middleburgva.gov.

PURCELLVILLE

Contributed

From left, Adam Bailey, Jason Chapman and Kristen Muller

Wastewater Staffers Win Awards Three members of the town’s Wastewater Treatment staff were recently recognized for their work and dedication during the Virginia Rural Water Association’s 32nd Annual conference.

Adam Bailey received the Wastewater Rookie of the Year award for his enthusiasm for learning and developing as an operator.

Jason Chapman received the System Operator Specialist of the Year award for showing exemplary knowledge encompassing process control and for his willingness and passion for training new employees.

Kristen Muller received the Lab Technician of the Year award for her exceptional critical thinking skills and her attention to detail.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

“One of the Summer’s best concert lineups.”

-The Washington Post

The Town of Leesburg’s Award Winning Free Summer Concert Series

2021

Washingtonian Magazine’s Best Bet for Summer Concerts.

Official Radio & Social Media Partner

Official Media Partner

Town Hall Green 25 West Market Street

Presents:

Cal Everett Saturday, July 10 7:00 - 8:30 pm Lawn chairs and blankets are advised.

No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or pets allowed.

In case of inclement weather, the show will be cancelled.

For more information, visit www.idalee.org

PAGE 23

PAGE 24

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

Loco Living

THINGS to do SUMMER TUNES VAL Plaza Party: Levi Stephens

Friday, July 9, 6-8 p.m.

Village At Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg Details: villageatleesburg.com DC-based Levi Stephens blends genres, from soul to rock to gospel to folk while always remaining honest, clever and conversational.

Hillsboro Music In The Gap: Shannon Bielski and Moonlight Drive Friday, July 9, 7 p.m.

Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro Details: oldstoneschool.org Acoustic renditions of bluegrass, country and pop favorites.

The B Chord Express

Saturday, July 10, noon B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com B Chord teams up with Baltimore’s finest bands for a day of music, food and fun with tunes from The Dirty Grass Players, Joe Keyes and the Late Bloomer Band and Mitch & Accomplices. Admission is free.

Tarara Summer Concert Series: So Fetch

Saturday, July 10, 6-9:30 p.m.

Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts Details: tararaconcerts.com How has it been 20 years since the millennium? Tarara’s summer concert series continues with favorite covers from the 2000s.

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

McKenna Smet picked up the sport of handball a few months ago. Now, she’s competing at the international level.

‘Just Brave Enough, Just Crazy Enough’ Ashburn’s McKenna Smet Makes National Handball Team

BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com

Most people don’t suddenly become world-class athletes in their early 30s. But Ashburn’s McKenna Smet has the ability, determination and just the right level of good crazy to make it happen.

The Loudoun-based personal trainer tried out for Team USA Handball last month on a whim—and made the team.

Just six months after taking up the sport, she’s now part of the women’s national team as they work to earn a spot at world championships in December.

“I didn’t expect it, but it’s all about getting out there and creating awareness and taking risks,” Smet said.

Making Team USA was unexpected but not entirely surprising for the former Division 1 soccer player. Now 32, she has trained at an elite level since her teens while running a successful training and wellness business.

“You have to keep in mind I have been training as if I was a professional athlete for the last 15 years of my life. That’s just who I am.”

— McKenna Smet Smet’s handball journey started last year when a Brazilian friend saw her throw a ball and suggested she give the sport a shot. Smet traveled to Brazil in December to work with a coach and get a skills evaluation. After encouraging results, she started looking for places to train in the

US. Smet found a Brazilian coach in Florida who suggested she give Team USA tryouts a shot in June, leaving her just a few months to get a crash course in the sport.

But Smet’s baseline fitness and hand-eye coordination developed over decades as an athlete gave her an edge.

“You have to keep in mind I have been training as if I was a professional athlete for the last 15 years of my life,” she said.

“That’s just who I am.”

Smet drove to Boston for tryouts last month, hoping her overall athleticism would help her get her foot in the door.

“I was nervous, but I was like I just have to do it to get it off my chest,” she said. And Smet found out she had what it takes. She was a surprise star during tryouts, and the women’s team coach pulled her aside and asked if she’d consider playing goalie. It’s a challenging, high-pressure role in a fast-paced sport, but Smet was up to the task.

SMET continues on page 25

Acoustic on the Green: Cal Everett

Saturday, July 10, 7 p.m.

Leesburg Town Green, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov Loudoun’s own pop music superstar returns to Acoustic on the Green.

LOCO LIVE

Live Music: Keeton Trio

Friday, July 9, 6-9:30 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Party at the beach with 90s and alternative hits from Keeton.

Live Music: Michelle and Jason Hannan

Friday, July 9, 6 p.m.

Crooked Run Brewing, 205 Harrison St. SE, Leesburg Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Original Americana and favorite classic country covers from Michelle and Jason Hannan.

THINGS TO DO continues on page 26

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

Smet continued from page 24 “I stood in that goal watching the USA starters coming at me full speed, and I just did my best to try to stop everything,” she said. “The coach said I was the only one brave enough and crazy enough to stand in goal. ... It takes a certain type of person to do that.”

Smet is embarking on a new sport at an elite level with players who often start in elementary school.

“This is unheard of what I’m doing,” she said. But it doesn’t come entirely out of the blue.

Her fitness level and her ability to train consistently at her business Elite Wellness Performance and Recovery in Ashburn over the past several years has given her an edge in a sport where goalies can continue playing into their 40s.

“The fact that it lets me train and do all of my recovery under one roof has been one of the biggest reasons I was in shape enough to go to this tryout,” she said.

Smet grew up as one of five siblings in Rockville, MD. A multi-sport athlete in high school, she went on to play Division 1 soccer while earning an exercise science degree at Towson University, then earning

a master’s in public health from University of Alabama. Smet shifted her focus to triathlons and crossfit after college and decided to make fitness her career. She opened Elite Wellness with business partner, Brazilian volleyball player Josi Pinheiro in 2018.

The business started out with a focus on cryotherapy, a treatment that uses extremely cold temperatures to treat soft tissue damage. Since then, Elite Wellness has branched out into overall fitness and wellness for adults and youth, offering personal training, sports massage and other services in a 3600-square-foot facility in Ashburn. Last year, Smet was named Loudoun’s favorite personal trainer in Loudoun Now’s readers poll.

Smet is now spending her weekends training in Florida and will head to Spain later this month to train with Team USA as the team gears up for the North America and The Caribbean Championship, which take place in near Chicago at the end of August.

The U.S. women’s handball team didn’t qualify for this summer’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, but team members are setting their sights on the world championships in Spain in December with an eye toward a U.S. handball presence at the 2024 or 2028 Olympics.

PAGE 25

The sport, which combines elements of soccer, basketball and hockey is enormously popular in Europe and parts of South America but hasn’t really gained a foothold in the U.S., despite having the fast-paced, action-packed style Americans love.

“I think it’s a dream sport for people who have a lot of good hand eye coordination and have certain athletic abilities,” Smet said. “It’s checking all the boxes— people just don’t know about it.”

Team USA includes a number of dual-citizenship players who play professionally in other countries. But Smet says organizers are trying to promote the sport and develop more homegrown players.

For now, she’s encouraging Loudouners to check handball competition at the upcoming Olympics and get a sense of the sport.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but they’re saying it’s America’s next great sport,” Smet said. “I really want to try to create more awareness.”

To learn more about Team USA Handball, go to teamusa.org/usa-team-handball.

For more information about Elite Wellness Performance and Recovery, go to elitewellnessperformance.com. n

Six ways you can support quality local journalism.

Send us your news tips Mark Zuckerburg doesn’t cover news from the Loudoun school board or county meetings. We do. But we can’t be everywhere all the time. So we rely on you, our readers, to let us know if you know something that our readers would want to know. Send your news tips to editor@loudounnow.com. We want to know.

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Following a trend among community news organizations, we are offering a way to more directly support the newspaper through a voluntary pay program. A voluntary pay program is exactly that—a completely voluntary contribution. Readers who wish to contribute can help support our mission to be the county’s most reliable, comprehensive source for local news and community information—and also to help us do more to serve Loudoun’s residents and businesses.

Go to loudounnow.com/contribute

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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 26

JULY 8, 2021

BEST BETS

SHANNON BIELSKI & MOONLIGHT DRIVE Friday, July 9, 6-10 p.m.

Music in the Gap Hillsboro Old Stone School oldstoneschool.org

Ericson Holt Friday, July 9, 7-10 p.m.

“Villa on the Hilla,” Leesburg getoutloudoun.com/holt

THINGS to do continued from page 24

Live Music: Philadelphia Freedom Elton John Tribute

Friday, July 9, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com It’s a fun and fashionable tribute to Elton John and his most memorable music. Tickets are $20.

Breaux Key West Celebration

Saturday, July 10, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Live music from Ken Wenzel at 11 a.m. and Mark & Da Sharks from 2 to 5 p.m. Food vendors and craft vendors. Reservations required for patio seating and groups of 10 or more.

DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY BAND Saturday, July 10, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

McDowell’s macdowellsbrew kitchen.com

Margaritaville at Henway Hard Cider

Saturday, July 10, 1-5 p.m.

Henway Hard Cider, 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: facebook.com/henwayhardcider This fun summer show features Tim Campbell and The Tropical Attitudes Band, a specialty margarita cider cocktail and Caribbean themed food for sale.

Tickets are $15 and include a souvenir glass, first cider and a floral lei.

Live Music: Shade Tree Collective

Saturday, July 10, 2 p.m.

Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Traditional bluegrass from this Maryland-based fivepiece band.

CAL EVERETT Saturday, July 10, 7-9 p.m.

Acoustic on the Green Leesburg Town Green idalee.org

Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Fox returns to Lost Rhino with a high-energy blend of rock and country.

Live Music: Nathaniel Davis

Saturday, July 10, 5 p.m.

Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com With his top-notch vocal and guitar work and inventive approaches to both classic and popular music, Davis is a Loudoun favorite.

Live Music: Diplomatic Immunity

Saturday, July 19, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com This party band brings high-energy fun to MacDowell’s beach with hits from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today.

SO FETCH Saturday, July 10, 6-10 p.m.

Tarara Concert Series Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com

Live Music: Bob G Acoustic

Sunday, July 11, 1 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Bob G serves up acoustic pop and rock from the ’70s to today.

Live Music: Jules & Friends

Sunday, July 11, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Juliana MacDowell brings together top local musicians for an afternoon of great Americana and beyond.

Live Music: Mark Cullinane

Sunday, July 11, 2 p.m.

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com Cullinane returns to Harvest Gap with his signature acoustic classic rock tunes.

Live Music: Freddie Long

Sunday, July 11, 2 p.m.

868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: 868estatevineyards.com Long is part introspective singer/songwriter, part bluesy classic rocker for a perfect Sunday vibe.

Live Music: High Maintenance Duo Live Music: Jes Jams

Live Music: Rule G

Saturday, July 10, 1 p.m.

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Rule G brings their bluesy groove to HFB.

Saturday, July 10, 2:30 p.m.

Forever Farm & Vineyard, 15779 Woodgrove Road, Purcellville Details: foreverfarmandvineyard.com Enjoy covers from the 60s through today as Jessica Paulin covers favorites from Joplin to Gaga.

Live Music: Melissa Quinn Fox

Saturday, July 10, 2-5 p.m.

Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive,

Live Music: Jason Masi

Sunday, July 11, 1 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Masi returns to Breaux for a mellow Sunday with his signature brand of acoustic soul and R&B.

Sunday, July 11, 4:30 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com The acoustic duo from High Maintenance band entertains with powerful vocals on popular covers.

Live Music: Faster Pussycat

Wednesday, July 14, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The legendary down-and-dirty glam rock band hits the Tally Ho. Tickets are $25-$50.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

PAGE 27

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following: ZCPA-2020-0012 & ZMOD-2021-0008 LEXINGTON 7 - LAND BAY A

(Zoning Concept Plan Amendment and Zoning Modification) Van Metre Communities, LLC of Fairfax, Virginia, has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-2015-0001, Lexington 7 in order to allow Land Bay A to be developed with a maximum of 35 age-restricted single-family attached residential units at an increase of 8.18 dwelling units per acre. The subject property is located within the R-8 (Single Family Residential) zoning district and the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours. The application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The Applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§1-205(J), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms, Road Corridor Buffer and Setback and Other Setback Measurement from Streets. and §5-1403(A), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, General Provisions

Permit building and parking setbacks to be measured from the existing right-of-way limits for Riverside Parkway, rather than the future 120-foot right-of-way (ROW) that would be accommodated by the proposed reservation area.

and §5-1403(B), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffer; Setbacks Matrix, Table 5-1403(B).

(More detailed descriptions of each modification are available upon request.)

The subject property is approximately 4.28 acres in size and is located north of Route 7 on the north side of Riverside Parkway (Route 2401) and west of Smith Circle (Route 823) in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as 056-18-0246. The area is governed by the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)) which designates this area for predominately residential uses arranged on medium-to-large lots at a density of up to four (4) dwelling units per acre or up to six (6) dwelling units per acre of infill development.

ZMAP-2019-0014, SPEX-2019-0029 & ZMOD-2019-0039 LOUDOUN SOCCER PARK (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception & Zoning Modification)

Loudoun Youth Soccer Association of Leesburg, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone approximately 11.14 acres from the JLMA-20 (Joint Land Use Management Area-20) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-SA (Planned Development-Special Activities) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the development of all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-SA zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 0.40; and 2) a Special Exception to allow lighting standards that do not comply with the standards of Section 5-1504(A). These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 5-1504(C). The Applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§4-705(B)(2), PD-SA Planned DevelopmentSpecial Activity, Lot Requirements, Yards, Adjacent to Agricultural and Residential Districts and Land Bays Allowing Residential Uses.

Reduce the required yard from one hundred (100) feet to thirty-five (35) feet where the property borders agricultural districts, any existing or planning residential district, or land bays allowing residential uses.

The subject property is located 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 approximately 11.14 acres in size and is located north of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) on the east side of Sycolin Road (Route 625) at 19798 Sycolin Road, Leesburg, VA in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 192-36-5833.

The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Joint Land Management

Area (Leesburg JLMA Employment Place Type)) which designates this area for a range of light and general industry core uses, and conditional uses including special activities and parks and recreation, at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.

ZCPA-2020-0009, SPEX-2020-0024, SPMI-2020-0009 & ZMOD-2020-0021 DULLES BERRY

(Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Special Exception, Minor Special Exception & Zoning Modification) Vizsla Ventures LLC, of Washington, DC has submitted applications for the following: 1) amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZCPA-2018-0002, ZMOD-20180005 & ZMOD-2018-0006 in order to increase the permitted Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 0.4 to 1.1; 2) a Special Exception to increase the permitted FAR from 0.4 to 1.1; 3) a Minor Special Exception to eliminate the six (6) foot earthen berm required within the Road Corridor Buffer Type 3 Buffer. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed increase in the maximum FAR is permitted by Special Exception under Section 4-406(C). The proposed modification to Section 5-664(E) (2), Landscaping/Buffering/Screening, Road Corridor Buffer is permitted by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-600. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§4-406(A) PD-RDP Planned Development - Research and Development Park, Building Requirements, Lot Coverage.

Increase the maximum lot coverage from 0.55 to 0.80 within the PD-RDP zoning district.

§4-406(B) PD-RDP Planned Development - Research and Development Park, Building Requirements, Building Height.

Allow a maximum building height of one hundred (100) feet without additional setbacks within the PD-RDP zoning district.

The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 6065 aircraft noise contours and located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District), Major and Minor. The portion of the subject property subject to this application is approximately 92.97 acres in size and is located north of Shellhorn Road (Route 643) and the Dulles Greenway (Route 627), on the east side of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 062-25-6361. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Urban Policy Area (Urban Employment) and Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment)), which support a broad array of Employment uses at a recommended minimum FAR of 1.0 in the Urban Policy Area (Urban Employment) and a recommended maximum FAR of 1.0 in the Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment).

ZMOD-2021-0002 DULLES TRADE CENTER WEST LOTS 28 & 29 (Zoning Ordinance Modification)

Dulles Investments, LLC, of Alexandria, Virginia has submitted an application for a Zoning Ordinance Modification in the Planned Development – General Industry (PD-GI) zoning district to request the following Zoning Ordinance modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §5-1403(A)(1), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, General Provisions, and Road Corridor Buffer and Setbacks Matrix, Table 5-1403(B)

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

Reduce the minimum setbacks along Arcola Boulevard from 100 feet to 75 feet for buildings, and from 75 feet to 35 feet for parking.

The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher aircraft noise contours This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is approximately 3.93 acres in size and is located north of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621) and east of Trade West Drive (Route 3535), in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 162-38-0068 and PIN: 162-48-2 288. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Sub`urban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type)), which designates this area for large manufacturing, contractor with outdoor storage, and other productive uses at densities up to 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

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JULY 8, 2021

Legal Notices 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 703-777-0246 (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. To arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email dpz@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246, or you may view the file electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. For detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, 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. Planning Commission public hearings are available for viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast. All members of the public 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. 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 Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and

Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audio-visual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified.

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

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

BY ORDER OF: FOREST HAYES, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 07/08 & 07/15/21

TOWN OF LEESBURG

TOWN OF LEESBURG ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

IFB NO. 17012-FY22-04 Battlefield Parkway Trail Across the Route 15 Bypass Landscaping

TO CONSIDER ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TLOA-2021-0007 AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENT TLZM-2020-0005 TO EXPAND THE H-1 OVERLAY, OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT, TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRETY OF THE PROPERTY AT 20 UNION STREET NW

**NOTE: The Town of Leesburg has implemented revised procurement procedures during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Effective January 1, 2021, and for the duration of the Emergency or until further notice, all bids and proposals in response to a formal solicitation issued by the Town 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. **

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, JULY 15, 2021 AT 7:00 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2020-0005 and Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLOA2021-0007 to include the entirety of the property at 20 Union Street NW, in the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District while removing portion of the same property from the Gateway District (Overlay).

SEALED BIDS to construct the above project will be received by the Town of Leesburg, electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), UNTIL BUT NO LATER THAN 4:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021. Bids shall be submitted electronically using the following naming convention: the IFB number and the name of the bidder (i.e. “IFB No. 17012-FY2204_Your Company’s Name”).

All questions regarding this bid must be submitted in writing via email to CapitalBidQuestions@ leesburgva.gov until but no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 13, 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.

The subject property consists of 0.84 acres. That portion affected by the proposed amendment is zoned R-6, Moderate Density Residential District, and further described as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 230-18-5465.

Rezoning/Application TLZM-2020-0005 is an amendment initiated by the property owner (Loudoun County Board of Supervisors) to amend the official zoning map to extend the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District, to include approximately 0.60 acres of the subject property.

The Town Plan designates this property as “Downtown” on the Land Use Policy Map and specifically identifies the property as one that may be eligible for inclusion in the H-1 Old and Historic District Overlay.

Zoning Ordinance Amendment Case Number TLOA-2021-0007 is an amendment to the text of Section 7.5.3 to add a description of the land proposed for this addition to the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District.

Work includes tree plantings, mulching, maintenance including watering and all incidentals related thereto. The Town reserves the right to perform all, part, or none of the work.

Additional information and copies of these applications 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 Christopher Murphy, Senior Planning Project Manager, at 703-737-7009 or cmurphy@leesburgva.gov.

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.

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.

Bud Siegel, P.E., Acting Manager Office of Capital Projects

loudounnow.com

07/01 & 07/08/2021

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

JULY 8, 2021

PAGE 29

Legal Notices TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLZM-2021-0001, 20 UNION STREET NW 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, July 15, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2021-0001 20 Union Street NW. The subject property consists of 0.84 acres situated at 20 Union Street NW at the intersection of Union Street NW and Wirt Street NW. The parcel is split-zoned, with a portion zoned R-HD, Historic Residential District, and a portion zoned R-6, Moderate Density Residential District The property is further described as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 230-18-5465-000.

Rezoning Application TLZM-2021-0001 is a request by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to rezone the entire subject property to the GC, - Government Center District and H-1, Overlay, - Old and Historic District Overlay. The purpose of the rezoning is to preserve the c. 1880’s former AfricanAmerican Douglass School and to allow its possible conversion to a museum that honors the AfricanAmerican heritage and education in Loudoun County. The site is located in the Central Planning Area of the Leesburg Town Plan, and the Planned Land Use Policy Map further designates the Subject Property as “Downtown.”. The recommended density range is 0.35 to 1.0 FAR whereas the existing density of 0.21 in two separate buildings is intended to remain. The Heritage Resources Chapter specifically identifies the Subject Property for preservation through inclusion in the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District.

Additional information and copies of this 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 Christopher Murphy, Senior Planning Project Manager, at 703-737-7009 or cmurphy@leesburgva.gov.

At this hearing, 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.

07/01 & 07/08/2021

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

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

ABC LICENSE

Corner Essentials, LLC, trading as Culinary Corner Essentials, 44200 Waxpool Road, Suite 112, Ashburn, VA 20147

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

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

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

07/01 & 07/08/21

07/08 & 07/15/21

Loudoun County Public Schools

Proposed Middle School & High School Attendance Zone Change On June 8, 2021, the Loudoun County School Board initiated an abbreviated attendance zone change process that proposes to assign the Hartland and Lenah Circle East communities to the Mercer Middle School/John Champe High School attendance zone – prior to the start of the 2021-2022 academic year.

Additional information on this proposed attendance zone change is posted on the Loudoun County Public Schools webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/236732).

The School Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the attendance zone change on August 10, 2021, to be followed by action on the proposed change later the same evening. Persons may sign up to speak at the August 10 meeting by calling 571-252-1020. Written comment may be sent to lcpsplan@lcps.org; all correspondence and information received will be shared with the School Board.

The August 10 meeting will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Fios Channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.lcps.org).

Persons who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, in order to participate meaningfully in the August 10, 2021 public hearing and meeting, should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services, Division of Planning Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1050 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org

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

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

05/27/21 07/08/21

NOTICE OF HEARING Seizure of 5 Cats

In accordance with the authority set forth in §3.2-6569 of the Code of Virginia, on Friday, July 3, 2021, the Loudoun County Department of Animal Services seized 5 cats including: an approximately 3 year old spayed black/white domestic medium hair cat, approximately 3 year old gray domestic shorthair neutered cat, approximately 3 year old black domestic shorthair neutered cat, approximately 3 year old black domestic medium hair neutered cat, and an intact approximately 3 year old chocolate point Siamese type cat that were found abandoned at 14719 Beamertown Road, Purcellville, Virginia 20132.

A hearing to determine whether cats have been abandoned, cruelly treated or have not been provided with adequate care will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at 10:00AM in the General District Court of Loudoun County, located at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176.

07/08/21

ABC LICENSE

Pollo Campeon Inc, trading as Pollo Campeon, 46950 Community Plz Ste 122, Sterling, Loudoun, VA 20164

06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, & 08/05/21

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.:

J044669-03-00 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lucas Eduardo Ixcotoyac Castro

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Catarina Castro Chiroy, mother, Lucas Ixcotoyac Itzep, putative father, and Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Lucas Eduardo Ixcotoyac Castro.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Catarina Castro Chiroy, mother, Lucas Ixcotoyac Itzep, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before August 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m 07/01, 07/08, 07/15, & 07/22/21

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 30

JULY 8, 2021

Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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.

Case No.:

JJ044218-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Description

Case Number

Recovery Date

Recovery Location

Phone Number

Black/white Kent Ambush bicycle

SO210009074

6/6/2021

42840 Beaver Crossing Sq. Ashburn, VA

703-777-0610

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isabella S. Montenegro

07/08 & 07/15/21

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning review hearing pursuant to Va. Code Sections 16.1-282.1, 63.2-906 and 63.2-910.2 for Isabella S. Montenegro.

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.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father appear at the above named Court and protect his interests on or before July 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm.

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#

2005 2009 2004

TOYOTA TOYOTA NISSAN

PRIUS CAMRY XTERRA

JTDKB20U153091917 4T4BE46K89R120209 5N1ED28TX4C649230

AL’S TOWING ROAD RUNNER TOWING D&M TOWING

703-435-8888 703-450-7555 703-471-4590 07/08 & 07/15/21

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS/PROPOSALS FOR: BACKGROUND VERIFICATION SERVICES, RFP No. 392783 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, July 27, 2021.

JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR LOUDOUN VALLEY COMMUNITY CENTER, IFB No. 418782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, August 5, 2021.

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

WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 07/08/21

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TO CONSIDER ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TLOA-2020-0004 REVISING DENSITY/INTENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS IN THE GC-GOVERNMENT CENTER ZONING DISTRICT 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, July 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLOA-2020-0004 to amend the following sections: Sections 7.3.3.A, 7.3.3.C, and 7.3.3.E to revise the density/intensity and dimensional standards in the GC, Government Center Zoning District.

Additional information including copies of the full text of this proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the 2nd floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Christopher Murphy, Senior Planning Project Manager, via email at cmurphy@leesburgva.gov, or via telephone 703-737-7009. This Zoning Ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2020-0004.

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

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PAGE 32

JULY 8, 2021

Opinion Accusations or Conversations?

The School Board’s month-long summer recess comes at an ideal time to provide a needed “time out” following an overheated June meeting that required the posting of a Sheriff ’s Office rapid response team nearby in case violence broke out. It came unnervingly close.

While cheered in some circles, it was an embarrassing display. One wonders if these parents would celebrate such behavior by their own children in a similar public forum.

It is clear that the debate over efforts to address equity concerns— here and across the nation—have created deep, passionate divides with accusations leaving little room for conversations. What is not yet clear is whether those involved want to learn about opposing views or listen meaningfully to the concerns of their neighbors.

Is this to be a community discussion or a political one? At their core, those are very different.

The former typically is a mechanism to continue efforts to improve the education system and expand opportunities; the latter has as its priority scoring votes and holding on to or regaining power.

Notwithstanding the national debate, the challenge facing Loudoun’s school leaders is how to provide a constructive forum to address public objections, inviting the board’s critics to seats at the table. It is there that the true concerns might be separated from political rhetoric.

The combative approach taken so far may be benefiting someone, but the students don’t seem to be high on that list. n

Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com

Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC

EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com

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

Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com

PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723

Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com Hayley Milon Bour, Reporter hbour@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 Meritorious Work Editor: Loudoun County public schools begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance.

It is a sacred reminder that our country was created to be “indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Recently, the Loudoun County School Board has been challenged for its commitment to provide an equitable education to all. We, the members of The Center for Spiritual Living Leesburg support the efforts of the School Board to create a safe and nurturing environment for all students. We commend the School Board’s courageous work on racial equity and the rights of transgender students.

There is a new American story that

is emerging. It is a commitment to compassion, inclusivity, justice, equity, healing, and the rediscovery of the Golden Rule. Students have a human right not to be bullied, intimidated, or threatened due to their race, religion, socioeconomic status, or preferred gender. Our public schools hold a sacred trust to be inclusive and to treat everyone equitably.

We encourage the School Board to continue their meritorious work, so all our children experience a place where liberty and justice for all are a commitment—not just empty words.

— Charlene Banks, Community Director, Center for Spiritual Living Leesburg

Share Your Views Loudoun Now welcomes readers’ comments on issues affecting our community. Letters may be emailed to letters@loudounnow.com or mailed to the newspaper office. Letters should be no more than 500 words and must include the writer’s name, address and contact information for confirmation purposes.

JULY 8, 2021

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 33

Readers’ Poll

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

What’s your view of the debate surrounding the school division’s equity initiative?

Marijuana’s now legal for adults 21 and older in Virginia. Your reaction?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls

Youngkin rally continued from page 3 stoke fear and drive people to be divisive,” Reaser said.

While the School Board has gone to great lengths to dispel that misinformation surrounding its equity efforts, Youngkin told reporters that there is evidence of CRT being used to train school staff.

“Loudoun County is ground zero for the fight to return our schools to a curriculum that prepares students for the future,” Youngkin said. “The classroom is not a place for a political agenda. ... We must start teaching our children how to think. Not what to think.”

Speaking to reporters after the rally, Youngkin was noncommittal on the school division’s proposed Policy 8040, which is intended to comply with a new state mandate providing protections for transgender and gender fluid students— the other electrifying issue for many conservatives in the county.

“I think we need to listen to parents and gather all the data, which they haven’t done a good job of. I would encourage school boards across Virginia to make sure that they have listened to families…

This is a tough issue,” Youngkin said.

While Youngkin said that policy makers are only discussing the issue, in 2020 the Virginia Assembly did pass legislation and the Department of Education created a model policy for school boards to use, which is very similar to the proposed Policy 8040.

The School Board has been accepting feedback on the policy over the past several months, and has heard hundreds of public comments from parents and activists. The board is required by state law to implement the policy before the start of the upcoming school year, and will vote on it during its Aug. 10 meeting.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Andrea Weiskopf protests at a rally for Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin outside the Loudoun County Public Schools administration building Wednesday, June 30.

Youngkin also said that, if elected, he would appoint a new Secretary of Education, a new Superintendent of Schools, and an entirely new State Board of Education.

He emphasized school choice and the creation of more governor’s schools for excellence, such as Thomas Jefferson High School. He said he hopes to work with the private sector to avoid diverting funding from public schools to magnet and charter institutions.

He also excoriated the impact his opponent, former Democratic governor Terry McAuliffe, had on education throughout the state during his term from 2014-2018.

Youngkin charged that during McAuliffe’s tenure, Virginia went from being one of the best states for education to one of the worst.

“When he was governor, he lowered standards, and he dragged our children’s performance down with those diminished expectations,” Youngkin said.

Youngkin pointed to Virginia dropping from seventh to 10th in the country in student achievement on advanced placement testing. And despite denials of racial inequity in schools, Youngkin emphasized that scores are lower among Black and Hispanic students.

He also charged that Virginia has a staggering statewide 62 percent “failure” rate of eighth grade math, a figure that astounded the crowd. Youngkin’s claim referred to a 2019 report from the National Assessment of Academic Progress, which showed that 37 percent of Virginia students showed basic proficiency in math, while 25 percent showed below basic proficiency. In the 2018-2019 academic year, 80 percent of Virginia students passed the 8th grade math SOL. “I often say that ‘Terry McAuliffe believes in every child left behind’,” Youngkin said.

The McAuliffe campaign has touted a plan to invest $2 billion annually into

schools throughout Virginia.

Youngkin did emphasize bringing children together and teaching unity. He did not address Reaser’s or any other Democrats’ comments or the social upheaval and tumult of the June 22 School Board meeting. During a public comment session dominated by debate over Critical Race Theory and transgender rights in schools, the crowd erupted into chaos, prompting the School Board to end public comment early. Deputies cleared the board room, and the meeting continued closed from the public. The incident drew national media attention.

One protester demonstrated at the event. As Youngkin addressed the crowd for roughly 20 minutes, Andrea Weiskopf paraded through with a sign reading “If you aren’t here to protest systemic racism in LCPS, go home!” and wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt. She was followed by a few Youngkin supporters and incurred several jeers.

Several groups came in support of Youngkin, including Parents Against Critical Race Theory and Fight for Schools.

School Board member John Beatty (Cactotin), who is seeking the GOP nomination for Virginia’s 10th District congressional seat, was in attendance. Beatty has been an opponent of the district’s equity work. He said the district is encouraging a radical version of racial equity education.

“I think it’s clearly there given that they give teachers the recommendation to read the book ‘How to Be an Antiracist’ by Ibram X. Kendi. They strongly encourage the Southern Poverty Law Center’s courses so teachers can take that, too,” Beatty said.

Ibram X. Kendi is an anti-racist author, historian, professor, activist and director of the Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University. n

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JULY 8, 2021

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Illegal street racing in Loudoun has become more of a problem this year, as the county’s younger drivers have been hitting the best roads to see whose car is fastest and whose reaction times are quickest.

Street racing continued from page 3 fy some frequently visited locations,” McDonald said.

Most of those operations take place in the evenings and nights when the weather is calm—the type of weather suitable for an evening street race.

McDonald said that on the nights deputies lack intelligence on the meetups, at least one or two units patrol the most heavily raced areas of the county, like Brambleton.

Communities Respond Brambleton Community Association General Manager Rick Stone confirmed that illegal street racing has been a problem recently, as the HOA has fielded concerns from residents regarding street racing in the past six months. Stone said street racers are frequently racing in the evenings and nights on the community’s collector roads, including Northstar Boulevard or Belmont Ridge Road.

But, Stone said, the Sheriff ’s Office’s response to the complaints has helped to lower the number of such incidents.

Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87), a Brambleton resident, said he hasn’t witnessed blatant street racing in the community but has heard loud cars in the distance that could have been racing.

Street racing concerns seem to be even worse in Sterling.

On the Sterling Park Neighborhood Exchange Facebook group, one resident wrote on April 9 that Davis Drive “is currently a racetrack.” Also in April, a resident posted that Shaw Road and Davis Drive have been drag racing hotspots in the past year.

Davis and Shaw are particular hotspots for street racing because drivers frequently use them to cut through the community to get from Old Ox Road to Church Road and vice versa.

And on Aug. 19 last year, one resident posted that she lives on a busy street in Sterling Park where the increasing number of “very loud cars going up and down the street” had begun to wake her up at “all hours of the night.”

Sterling Foundation Chairwoman Cheryl Villalobos said she has also noticed an increase in the frequency of engine revving in the area.

“That’s been so annoying,” she said. “If the cicadas weren’t enough, that’s worse.”

Villalobos said there’s also speeding on Sterling Boulevard. She said that when she and other community volunteers work to pick up litter along the road, cars sometimes speed past well over the posted 35 mph speed limit.

“You notice when someone is going fast,” she said.

In the other communities where the Sheriff ’s Office is reporting many occurrences of street racing, residents either aren’t noticing the issue or aren’t reporting it.

The general managers of the Broadlands Association, Ashburn Farm Association, Ashburn Village Community Association, South Riding, Potomac Station Community Association, CountrySide, and Cascades Community Association all said they haven’t heard any reports of illegal street racing issues in their neighborhoods.

Police Can No Longer Cite Drivers for Loud Cars As for the types of cars the street racers are driving, they’re often like what’s

seen in the “Fast & Furious” movie franchise: smaller imports that can more readily be modified for faster speeds and louder noise.

Many racers, and even drivers who aren’t guilty of illegally racing through the county’s streets, often modify their cars to increase the level of sound coming from their exhaust pipes, sometimes by installing aftermarket mufflers and other times by completely removing their mufflers or catalytic converters.

But while in the past deputies could pull drivers over for what they might feel is a louder-than-allowed sound coming from a car, as of March 1 they are no longer legally allowed to do that. Now, they have to wait until they see those drivers explicitly disobeying the rules of the road and endangering the lives of others.

In November, the General Assembly passed legislation establishing that law enforcement officers are prohibited from legally stopping drivers for driving cars with exhaust systems that allow excessive or unusual levels of noise, with license plates or brake lights out, with defective and unsafe equipment, with windows tinted more than what’s allowed in Virginia, or with objects suspended within the vehicle.

Legislators passed that legislation, along party lines, with the intent of cutting back on racial profiling in traffic stops.

But the new law makes it impossible for deputies to pull drivers over for operating vehicles with illegal features. Instead, deputies are now tasked with keeping an even keener eye open to illegal street racing.

“We police the behavior,” McDonald said.

All three of Loudoun’s Democratic state senators and all six of its Democratic delegates voted in favor of that legislation.

Subramanyam said he supported the measures because of the sometimes “friv-

olous traffic stops” for offenses like loud exhaust systems and items hanging from rearview mirrors that have led to criminal charges that might not have been warranted. He said the legislation was one of many pieces of legislation introduced to address the “systemic problem” with police profiling drivers in traffic stops.

But, he said, if it’s found that the new law is related to an uptick in illegal street racing, he would be amenable to working with his colleagues in Richmond to tweak the law in future General Assembly sessions.

“Even the best legislation can have unintended consequences,” he said. “… I’m open to fixing problems in the community.”

Still, Subramanyam noted that having a modified car doesn’t mean a driver will street race. He said he has seen drivers without upgrades on their cars speeding at more than 80 mph along Loudoun County Parkway, where the speed limit is 45 mph in most areas.

Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-33) said her constituents have expressed concern about the new law affecting deputies’ abilities to pull over and charge potential street racers before they endanger lives.

She said education on the dangers and penalties for street racing might be part of the solution.

Boysko said she has pledged to work with stakeholders to find “a reasonable solution” to the issue.

Moving into the summer months and beyond, the Sheriff ’s Office is working to put as many deputies on the lookout for illegal street racing as possible.

“We become a nuisance [for the street racers],” McDonald said. “We’re just not making it pleasant for those individuals.” n

JULY 8, 2021

Road inventory continued from page 1 Confederate Court near Lucketts, Fort Johnston Road near Leesburg, Jeb Stuart Road in Philomont, and near Round Hill, Hampton Road, Early Avenue, Jackson Avenue, Lee Drive, Longstreet Avenue and Pickett Road, all in the Hillwood Estates subdivision. It also includes the signs marking the Mosby Heritage Area in Loudoun.

The county board can change the names of those roads at its discretion. In the case of Rt. 50 and Rt. 7, that authority lies with the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and for the Mosby Heritage Area signs, with the Virginia Department of Transportation. The former Mosby Heritage Area Association, a conservation and preservation group in the area, has already changed its name to the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area.

More roads could also remain; the

Housing continued from page 1 Randall (D-At Large) told the assembled business leaders at a Loudoun Chamber of Commerce PolicyMakers Series event June 22.

The people struggling to pay rent are certainly serious about it.

The Chamber meeting was followed June 30 with a virtual event by New Virginia Majority. The community organizing group has worked to put the Spanish-speaking community front and center in the Loudoun County boardroom—where once it unusual to ever hear an interpreter in the boardroom, now at most Board of Supervisors meetings a New Virginia Majority interpreter calls in to translate for a line of speakers.

At the event, moderated by Vee Maddox, Loudouners speaking in both English and Spanish told their own stories of struggling just for a place to live.

Geraldina Padilla, speaking through an interpreter, said she is renting space in a single-family home with her husband and two kids. The owners have put restrictions on the family—limiting them to cooking twice a week, not having the TV on after 8 p.m., being quick with showers, and even raising the rent if family comes to visit. But she is one of many who have to take whatever they can get to make ends meet.

Liliana Weinberg also said oftentimes families have to move their children in with strangers to have a roof

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report notes it does not include names whose origin is unclear—such as several roads named Lee in Sterling Park, which could refer to the Confederate General Robert E. Lee, or could refer to other Lees.

And county staff members also volunteered one more name which they said was not in the scope of the report but which is worth noting: Kephart Bridge Landing, named for George Kephart, who owned both Coton and Belmont plantations for a period of time. Born in 1795 and dying in 1870, he became wealthy working in the slave trade, both for one of the largest slave trading companies in the country and as the owner of slave pens and a slave ship traveling between Alexandria and New Orleans, according to the report.

Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) wondered if there was more to know about the people who led a war for slavery against the United States.

“Has the Heritage Commission or staff determined what the actual views of each of these individuals specifically were, per

se?” Kershner asked. “Specifically the generals, just because they have an association with the Confederacy?”

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) had already done that research, pointing to examples such as Wade Hampton’s paramilitary Red Shirts after the Civil War. “The term ‘because they happened to have Confederate history is a little like, ‘other than that, Mr. Lincoln, how was the play?’” Randall said. “Happening to have Confederate history means they were on the side that wanted to keep people enslaved. That’s what the Confederacy was and in the end, that’s what the Civil War was.”

“They did in fact secede from the Union, they are seditionist and traitors, and there’s np way we should be honoring or naming roads, buildings or having signs about them,” said Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian).

“What message do we send to African Americans by having so many things

named after Confederates and segregationists? What message does it send to our Latino, Asian and Native American populations that Loudoun gives such honor to white supremacists?” said Vice Chairman Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling). “The argument often is made that these people simply represented their time, but if that were the case, they would not have had to fight for slavery, or fight for segregation.

The reason they had to do this is because plenty of people at that time thought slavery and Jim Crow were despicable. It was wrong then and it is wrong now. Why on Earth are we debating whether they should be honored in 2021?”

Supervisors voted 8-0-1 to develop a work plan and public process for coming up with new names for those roads, Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) absent, and 7-1-1 to come up with cost estimates to hiring consultants to research the provenance of names where it is unclear, Kershner opposed.n

over their heads.

“They need to share house with people they have never met,” Weinberg said.

“During COVID, the situation has gotten worse, because the kids are forced to stay home without privacy, and in most cases, without supervision. The parents have no choice in this matter, because they need to go to work to provide for their family.”

Sometimes circumstances are even more dire than that—Judy Hanley, the executive director of the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, said 60% of the women who come to their emergency shelter end up returning to their abusers, simply because there is no place else they can afford to go.

It is also, said Father Daniel Vélez Rivera of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Leesburg, an invisible problem to many people. He said until recently, even he was unaware of the poverty struggles in some of his own pews. He said it was shameful to realize how little he knew about the poverty his congregants are experiencing.

“I’m a Latino serving the Latino community. Imagine those who are so distanced from the issue of poverty,” River said. “So I feel like it is our responsibility as a Christian community, to hold up the banner, to walk side by side with all of you that are present, that are wanting to be—I’ll use it, but I don’t like the word—warriors of justice.”

But for Gia Brown, who 10 years ago moved into a home built by Habitat for Humanity, having a home of her own has made all the difference.

Brown has three kids, ages 18, 14 and 11. When she was selected for a Habitat house, she was living in a county Affordable Dwelling Unit, her first home after moving out of her parents’ house.

There, she said, rent was manageable, but she only had two bedrooms—which meant with two daughters and a son, her son was staying in the room with her. And, she said, when the family moved into the house, it was something they could make their own.

“It’s a huge difference, because it’s yours, and I’ve always said that it’s something that my kids will have as long as I can keep it within the family,” she said. “It’s a place that they will always have to come, so that’s a huge accomplishment for me.”

And even though affording to live in Loudoun is still a struggle—although she’s been working at the same doctor’s office since 2005—the house gives them some stability.

“We can still struggle even though we’ve got the Habitat house, and the mortgage is affordable,” Brown said. “You’re still struggling, but the main thing is knowing that you’re not going to be out. You’re going to have a place to live.”

At the PolicyMakers event, Randall pushed the business community in the room to get on board.

“If we are now serious—and I mean serious—about addressing the unmet housing needs in Loudoun County, I need an all-in effort,” she said. She said she faces consistent pushback when she talks about attainable or affordable housing in Loudoun.

“I know what I’m doing when I talk about this, yet the pushback is still so strong, and what I’ve learned to some degree is this: it’s not just how we talk about housing, it’s who talks about housing in Loudoun County,” Randall said.

One of those business leaders is attorney Colleen Gillis, a partner at Cooley LLP, where she specializes in land use and represents some of the largest and most recognizable development projects in Loudoun.

She also serves on the committee working on that unmet housing needs plan. At the Chamber event, she reflected on the past 15 years of growth in Loudoun.

“Somehow we’re always worried that just around the corner is the cliff we’re going to fall off, and the whole place is going to go to hell,” Gillis said. “I have not yet seen that.”

She urged people at the Chamber event to talk to their neighbors about the need for attainable housing, addressing the inertia of opposition to attainable housing.

“We need to actually be in a place where we start being the change we want to see,” Gillis said afterward. “I can sit here at a Chamber breakfast every month for the next 36 months—it’s not going to change it as much as somebody seeing themselves in my support for affordable housing, my support for strengthening the fabric of community.”

“It’s time for the board to put on their policymaker hats and make some policy,” said longtime affordable housing developer Kim Hart. “[…]That’s where we are. It’s time for the board to make policy.” n

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JULY 8, 2021

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