Loudoun Now for Sept. 8, 2022

n LOUDOUN

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VOL. 7, NO. 42

Pg. 8 | n EDUCATION

Pg. 12 | n OBITUARIES

Pg. 32 | n PUBLIC NOTICES

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

Pg. 33

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Supreme Court Rejects Bid to Halt Special Grand Jury

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN

agustin@loudounnow.com

a school in 1866. In 1927, the old frame school was replaced by a brick two-classroom structure. Four more classrooms were added in 1940. After the new Lovettsville Elementary School was constructed, the building continued to serve the community.

Nancy Orndorff was the first manager of the Lovettsville Community Center when it opened in 1974. She, along with former assistant manager Diane Moore, stopped by to check out the new building at the ribbon cutting. She said the mod-

The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday ruled the special grand jury empaneled to investigate Loudoun County Public Schools’ handling of student sexual assault cases may continue.

The investigation stems from a case in which a male Loudoun student sexually assaulted a female student in a school bathroom and later was transferred to another school where he assaulted a second female student. Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order in January requesting the Attorney General “initiate and coordinate investigative and prosecutorial efforts” into the school division. Attorney General Jason Miyares requested a special grand jury to investigate.

Attorneys for the school district in July sought an injunction to prevent the grand jury from going forward. The School Board argued that the Attorney General was overstepping his authority in asking for the grand jury and that the function of the grand jury was not appropriate for the situation.

Circuit Court James E. Plowman rejected that petition.

LOVETTSVILLE COMMUNITY CENTER continues on page 23

GRAND JURY continues on page 42

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

The new Lovettsville Community Center officially opened Aug. 31. The old center will be torn down over the next few months.

Lovettsville Celebrates a Renewed Community Focal Point

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN

agustin@loudounnow.com

After decades of debate and planning, the new Lovettsville Community Center is officially open.

County and town officials past and present gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, Aug. 31. The basketball court, fitness rooms and community rooms are now open to the public. Construction will continue on the parking lot and the old community center will be torn down over the next few months.

The property has been a community center since 1974, but has been the cen-

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Attendees of the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lovettsville Community Center on Aug. 31, 2022.

ter of the Lovettsville community long before that.

The county obtained the land to build

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INMED Hosts Jamaican Delegation, Announces Mobile Home Park Aquaponics Plan

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Visiting dignitaries from Jamaica last week got a look at plans for a new aquaponics garden near the Leesburg Mobile Home Park, from Leesburg-based nonprofit INMED USA and developer and park owner David Gregory.

Gregory purchased the park after a previous developer, with plans to displace the residents and redevelop the park for townhouses, backed out of a contract to buy it. Since then he has also partnered with nonprofit INMED on plans to bring new services to park residents.

On Aug. 31, Jamaican 4-H and government leaders including Jamaica 4-H Clubs President Ronald Blake, Global 4-H Council Vice Chairman Collin Virgo, and Jamaican Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries Franklyn Witter visited another of Gregory’s properties, the former Auto Recyclers of Leesburg scrapyard at the end of Depot Court in Leesburg, to hear about the new

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Developer David Gregory, pictured Aug. 31 with plans for an aquaponics facility at the former scrapyard on Depot Court near the Leesburg Mobile Home Park.

plans, which also include a restaurant and greenhouses at another of his properties, Graydon Manor. They were also joined by representatives from nonprofit One Sparrow.

After buying the mobile home park in Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Loudoun County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) presents Jamaican Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries Franklyn Witter with a ceremonial Loudoun County plate during his visit.

MOBILE PARK PLAN continues on page 42

Communities Reflect on 9/11 Attacks LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The national day of mourning now known as Patriot Day will include several local ceremonies to honor the memories of those killed in the Sept.

11, 2001 terrorists attacks.

In Lovettsville, the town square will be filled with 2,977 American flags, representing each person killed in the attacks. A ceremony will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue through noon.

In Leesburg, residents and first responders will gather at Freedom Park at 5 p.m. Sunday for the town’s annual Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony.

Held at the town’s Freedom Memorial, the program will include remarks by 9/11 REMEMBRANCE continues on page 42

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Almost 3,000 flags stand in the Lovettsville town green in 2021, commemorating the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

PAGE 4

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Loudoun

ON THE Agenda

Loudoun Broadband Alliance Releases Affordability Report

Lifeguard Shortage Limits Public Pool Hours

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The Loudoun Broadband Alliance found that internet affordability programs are underutilized in Loudoun County in a report published Tuesday.

The report, “Making Broadband Affordable for Loudoun County Residents,” found that although about 3.2% of Loudoun households fall below the federal poverty level, only 1% of households are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal program to offer low-cost or free internet service.

The report also notes that figure underreports the number of eligible households not taking advantage of the program, since they are eligible if they make up to twice the poverty income level, or up to $55,500 for a family of four.

“LBA believes that everyone should have affordable access to broadband internet service,” Director of Affordability Initiatives John Kiff stated. “LBA’s study on broadband affordability in Loudoun

County indicates that many residents may be unaware of the benefits that are available, or they are unable or hesitant to complete the application. We need to change that.”

The report also notes that students in some lower-income households struggled to complete online schoolwork during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a “homework gap.”

The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households, and major internet service providers in Loudoun including AT&T, Comcast, and

Verizon offer a broadband internet plan for $30 or less, making internet free to households in the program.

Households also qualify for the program if a family member received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year or participate in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program; federal public housing assistance; Supplemental Security Income; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; veterans’ pension or survivor benefits; Lifeline; or Medicaid.

BROADBAND AFFORDABILITY continues on page 7

County Halts Jenkins Park Lighting Plan

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County has canceled plans to light the athletic fields at Scott Jenkins Memorial Park near Hamilton, following opposition from residents nearby and the owners of Ellmore’s Garden Center across Rt. 7.

The decision also marked two unusual occurrences in the county boardroom—supervisors prepared to vote against the county government’s own application, and the withdrawal of an application moments before it would have seen a deciding vote.

The adjoining Harmony Park & Ride is already lighted.

County staff members sought to add lighting to five fields, including three softball fields, one baseball field and one rectangular multipurpose field, with 23 light poles from 60 to 70 feet tall. But to

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The county government has halted its plans to light the athletic fields at Scott Jenkins Memorial Park near Hamilton.

do so, they would have to modify one of the conditions from the board’s original vote to establish the park in 2010, which forbade lighting the fields—conditions the county government put on itself for the county-owned property.

Comments from the public online

and in public hearings unanimously questioned or opposed the plan, citing concerns over light pollution in the county’s rural area. Proponents of the plan argued new lighting technology dramatically reduces the amount of light that would spill off the property.

Some of those people voiced their opposition again at the board’s Sept. 6 meeting.

Joyce Harris, whose family owns a more than 800-acre farm southwest of the park protected by a conservation easement, said again voting against lights at the park would help guard the community in the future. And she said, “good sportsmanship means that the results of a game are respected by both teams.”

“A losing team shouldn’t ask to keep LIGHTING PLAN continues on page 6

A lifeguard shortage is limiting pool hours at the Claude Moore Recreation and Community Center, and could affect other Loudoun County parks department facilities.

The shortage is exacerbated by lifeguards returning to school with the fall semester.

The county has announced that pool hours at Claude Moore will be adjusted to prioritize peak hours at least through Labor Day. The pools will close for parts of the day when there are not enough staff or when fewer people are typically using the pools.

For example, the competition pool will be open Wednesdays through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9:15 p.m., but will close from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, and from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday. It will be open from Mondays from 11 a.m.

Pool schedules are different for each pool and on each day and are updated as they change online at loudoun.gov/poolhours.

So far, hours at the pools at the Dulles South Recreation and Community Center and the Round Hill Indoor Aquatic Center are not affected, but residents are advised that could change unexpectedly. Any changes to those hours will also be posted at loudoun.gov/poolhours.

The county’s outdoor pools closed for the season on Labor Day.

Safety Officials Urge ‘Lasting Legacy’ for Preparedness Month Loudoun County leaders are encouraging residents and businesses to take time during September, National Preparedness Month, to prepare for emergencies.

This year’s theme is “A Lasting ON THE AGENDA continues on page 7

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Lighting plan continued from page 4 playing again and again and again until they achieve a different outcome. Your no vote will help protect the health, safety and general welfare of residents today and provide additional protections for us tomorrow,” she said. “Please keep our rural areas dark.”

Barbara Ellmore, of Ellmore’s Garden Center, also repeated her opposition—the original condition of approval was in response to concerns that lighting on the fields would affect the nursery, especially the light-sensitive poinsettias for which the nursey is particularly known. And Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Executive Director Michael Myers said light pollution also leads the deaths of birds, pollinators and other wildlife.

“The future of Loudoun is bright, but that doesn’t mean we have to light up the night,” he said.

A majority of supervisors, while thanking and complimenting staff members’ work, appeared ready to vote down the lights, and got as far as making a motion to deny the application and discussing it.

“This particular area, it could definitely use lighting, except of the fact that it does really collide in a lot of ways with the community that surrounds it, and is quite frankly in a lot of ways out of character for western Loudoun,” said Supervisor Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin).

“Western Loudoun County—whether we want to say it or not—it is different, and people don’t move to western Loudoun County for a suburban experience,” said Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). “They move there for rural experience, and sometimes that means pitchdark at 9 o’clock.”

But supervisors especially noted what they considered to be an agreement with the community made during the original approval in 2010.

“The lights are very high-tech and they can probably do what we need them to do. I think for me the issue was never the lights,” Randall said. “For me, the issue was, we said what we would do or wouldn’t do to the community.”

“In 2010 we made the deal with the community—kind of a handshake with the community—that we were not going to put lights on the field,” said Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge). “To me, that’s a handshake that we can’t go back on.”

“From the nearby residents’ perspective, they’ve got to be internally scream-

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 ing ‘just stop it,’” said Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg). “I am persuaded that when we committed earlier to no lights, that is the commitment we should keep.”

Several supervisors also expressed heartburn about voting against a county application. Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said while he believed the light pollution could be mitigated, and was undecided on the application, the board “should not ever be in this position.”

“The board is about to deny an application from our own staff. That doesn’t make any sense,” he said, also pointing to the amount of county staff time spent on the application since it was filed in 2021.

He and Vice Chair Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) said something went wrong in this application.

“Something broke down in this discussion, and I would really say, when we’re starting capital projects of any kind, there has to be buy-in from the board early on, with supervisors and community,” Letourneau said.

“I do think there probably should have been some better coordination with the county residents before it got to this point,” Saines said.

With supervisors set to vote, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet pointed out he could simply withdraw the application on behalf of county staff if they preferred—and did, forestalling a vote.

It would have been an unusual step for supervisors to vote against an application to allow a project listed in their own Capital Improvement Program, which they most recently approved in April—and as the heads of county government, effectively vote against their own application to themselves.

It was also unusual for a legislative application to be withdrawn moments before a vote. Those applications go through a lengthy process before arriving to the county dais for a vote, including staff meetings, agency referrals, public hearings, possible work sessions and a vote at the Planning Commission, and finally, a public hearing and vote at the Board of Supervisors. Typically, if a legislative application is going to be withdrawn, that has happened long before it reaches a final vote.

Hemstreet said the county staff would not bring the application back without direction from the board, although some supervisors also asked about possible future discussions about further mitigating the impacts of lighting the fields. n

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Broadband affordability continued from page 4 With the report came an action plan.

The Loudoun Broadband Alliance plans to partner with organizations in Loudoun that work directly with households most likely to be eligible for the program, to promote enrollment and find other solutions for households that still struggle to afford broadband internet.

They plan to begin in areas with internet access. Then, they will work to develop

LOUDOUNNOW.COM options for households in underserved areas, and finally to find solutions for households that do not qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program but still cannot afford the internet options available to them.

The report notes broadband internet in underserved areas, such as the county’s rural areas, tends to be more expensive.

The ongoing project to offer fiber optic connections from All Points Broadband to underserved areas of the county will include a $199 installation fee, and a monthly fee of $79.99.

The alliance will also be working to

promote the state’s Line Extension Customer Assistance Program, which covers the cost of longer service drops to homes from roads and easements that contain internet infrastructure. However, homes eligible for the All Points Broadband project are not eligible for the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program.

Learn more about the Loudoun Broadband Alliance and find the report at loudounbroadbandalliance.org. Get more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program and apply online at affordableconnectivity.gov. n

PAGE 7

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ON THE Agenda continued from page 4

Legacy,” urging family to prepare now to protect their loved ones.

“We want people to take action to prepare themselves and their families for the many types of hazards that could affect Loudoun County. Preparing now for the future will help build a legacy of preparedness so that family members know what to do in case of a disaster,” stated Loudoun County Coordinator of Emergency Management Kevin Johnson.

National Preparedness Month comes in the middle of hurricane season and is a reminder that even though Loudoun is inland, the county is vulnerable to the effects of hurricanes such as flooding.

Throughout the year Loudoun can also face blizzards, high winds, power outages, tornadoes, and even potential terrorist attacks, officials warned. Residents are urged to make a plan if the family is not together when disaster strikes, build a kit of supplies for at least 72 hours and be informed.

Resources to assist with all of that are available online at loudoun. gov/ready, Ready.gov, ReadyNOVA.org and from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management at vaemergency.gov/ emergency-kit.

The Loudoun County Office of Emergency management will also display preparedness information at county facilities and libraries. n

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Leesburg

AROUND Town Battlefield Parkway Meeting Planned

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Longtime winemakers Bob and Loree Rupy have opened a tasting shop in downtown Leesburg for their October One Vineyard.

New October One Tasting Shop Showcases Virginia Wine

BY DANA ARMSTRONG

darmstrong@getoutloudoun.com

A quick glimpse at the signs around October One’s new tasting shop in downtown Leesburg reveals owners Bob and Loree Rupy’s philosophy on vino. A neon sign in the back glows “Virginia Wine” in electric purple. A framed quote attributed to Loree reads, “It’s a good wine if you like it.”

“We like to keep it simple, and we love to tell the stories behind the wines. With having all of these Virginia wines and other Loudoun County wines here, we try to get the backstory,” Bob Rupy said.

The Rupys are the husband-and-wife team in charge of October One Vineyard and, now, October One Tasting Shop.

They opened the doors to their tasting shop on Loudoun Street on July 13 and celebrated their grand opening on Aug. 27.

The Rupys began their wine jour-

ney in 2006 when they worked at Bluemont Vineyard with some friends. Loree worked in the tasting room. And Bob, though he didn’t have a wine background or chemistry degree, became a student of the wine-making process.

In 2015, the Rupys separated from Bluemont Vineyard to dive further into the wine industry on their own. There was a shortage of wine grapes in the region at the time. They hoped to find a location to grow grapes and supply the fruit to Bluemont Vineyard and other Loudoun County wineries.

They found a 30-acre plot near Bluemont with just the right elevation and soil to cultivate their grapes. They named their property October One Vineyard, an homage to their wedding anniversary.

With the help of their friend and Vineyard Consultant Doug Fabbioli, and their Vineyard Manager Severino Maya Garcia and his crew, the Rupys transformed their Viognier, Albariño, Merlot, Cabernet

Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc varietal grapes into incredible, award-winning wines.

As Loree said, “Well, if we’re going to produce some grapes, we might as well put the name on it and sell it.’ And then the thought was ‘where would we sell it?’ since we didn’t have a tasting room.”

By 2018, they had 400 cases of their 2015 vintage ready to sell. Their answer was in the local farmers markets around Leesburg and the Cascades.

“It’s a farm product. We thought that was a good place to connect with the local community that was interested in local things and interested in local wine. And it was a great place to build our brand, sell wine, and sell our wine club,” Bob said.

Their wine soon gained popularity with customers—especially their Albariño white wine. The Albariño grape varietal is native to Spain and Portugal OCTOBER ONE continues on page 10

The Town of Leesburg will hold a public input meeting Sept. 21 to provide additional information and receive feedback on the alternatives for a grade-separated interchange under consideration at the Battlefield Parkway and Leesburg Bypass intersection.

The intersection ranks as one of the most congested in town. The project is intended to reduce congestion as well as to provide safer access for pedestrians and bicyclists.

This meeting is a follow-up to a community session held in April when four design options were under consideration. It will take place between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. in the lower-level banquet hall at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center.

Participants will be able to view the displays and learn more about from design engineers and town staff members. Feedback will be collected at the meeting and online at leesburgva.gov/departments/capital-projects.

For more information, contact Project Manager Karin Franklin at 703-771-6674 or kfranklin@leesburgva.gov.

Body, Birth and Baby Center Opens The Body, Birth and Baby Center will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting and open house Sept. 17 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Founded by Caroline Lisa Philips O’Neill, the Caroline O’Neill center provides support to families through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and into parenthood. Services include fertility massage, prenatal and postpartum massage, hypnobirthing classes, and postpartum workshops.

AROUND TOWN continues on page 11

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

October One continued from page 8

and is a relatively rare find in Virginia.

Although the grape grows well here, the vines produce half as much fruit as other varietals. Therefore, not many growers choose to plant it.

But the Rupys say the growers who do choose Albariño reap the rewards.

Its light-bodied, citrus flavors and high acidity make for a refreshing pour. The Albariño is their fastest-selling wine and won Best of Class in the 2020 Loudoun Wine Awards.

That’s not October One Vineyard’s only claim to fame. In the 2021 Virginia Governor’s Cup, their 2019 Cabernet Franc won gold, and their 2019 Merlot and 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon won silvers. Their 2020 Viognier also won the Chairman’s Grand Award in the 2021 Loudoun Wine Awards.

“As we grew, there were some cumbersome aspects to the logistics and being at the farmers market with all this wine,” said Bob. “You can only do so much when you’re traveling with a large amount of product—especially a volatile product

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The new October One Tasting Shop in downtown Leesburg gives longtime winemakers Bob and Loree Rupy a place to showcase their wine from Virginia-grown grapes.

that does not really care for the changes in weather,” Loree said.

It was time for the Rupys to find a more sustainable, year-round location.

Luckily, they found the ideal space for a tasting shop within walking distance of

CABINET SHOWPLACE

their longtime home in Leesburg.

October One Tasting Shop offers all the wine varietals from their vineyard and a monthly, rotating menu of wines from all over the state. They seek to learn the backstories behind every wine and brand

they sell to convey the same in-depth information about other vineyards’ wines as they do with their own.

“There are great conversations to have about wine growing in Virginia. And I like to embrace our varied growing conditions from year to year. We’re really leaning into it as far as our brand goes and trying to show people Mother Nature’s hand in the process in Virginia,” Bob said.

He hopes to curate wine lineups that show the effects of different soils, weather conditions, and producers’ hands on the wine’s properties: its color, acidity, alcohol content, and flavors.

“We have a lot of pride in our local industry in Virginia, so the more people we can tell about it, the more excited we get about it,” he said. “I love meeting people from different places and turning them on to local products. That neon sign, Virginia Wine, let’s tell more people about it and have them taste it.” n October One Tasting Shop is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

It’s located at 7 Loudoun St., SW, Leesburg, VA 20175. For more information, go to octoberonevineyard.com.

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PAGE 11

Leesburg Police

Leesburg’s newest police K-9 is off to training with partner Officer Bobby Hall and a new name.

It’s Riley in a Landslide in LPD K9 Voting LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The voters have spoken, and the Leesburg Police Department’s new K-9 will be named in memory of a longtime town dispatcher.

In online voting from among three choices, residents overwhelmingly selected the name Riley, which garnered 87% of the vote.

The name is a tribute to Sherry Riley, an 18-year member of the department and who attained the rank of communications technician 3. She grew up in Leesburg and prior to joining the LPD, she volunteered with the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary as an operational member of the company. She died in June at age 57.

On Monday, Riley’s family stopped by the police station to provide launch for the staff and to express appreciation for the honor.

During her time at the police department, Sherry was well loved by each of her coworkers. Sherry left behind a legacy of kindness and compassion for helping others, and we are grateful that we

AROUND Town continued from page 8

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each got to share part of our lives with her,” the department stated in announcing the name selection.

K-9 Riley and his handler, Officer Bobby Hall, will now complete a basic K-9 handler course, including training in patrol and explosive ordinance detection. n with others going through the same thing. Typically, you have to seek out these types of services individually, but now families can find them all in one place feeling the cohesiveness of care and support.”

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

SCHOOL notebook

Education

Board to See Revised Student Disciplinary Policy

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Students line up for lunch at Ball’s Bluff Elementary School in 2017.

No Kid Hungry, Balow Urge Parents to Apply for Free Meals LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Nonprofit No Kid Hungry Virginia and Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow are urging parents to apply for free meals for their children at school under newly expanded eligibility rules this year.

This year, a federal waiver allowing all students to receive free meals at school without an application expired, meaning students are once again paying to eat breakfast and lunch at school. Families must once again apply for free meals this school year, but the state has expanded the eligibility for those programs to include higher incomes than before.

Previously, students from families with incomes at or below 130% of the federal poverty level could qualify for free school meals. Students from families making up to 185% of the federal income poverty level, $51,338 for a family of four, qualified for reduced-price meals.

With a new infusion of state funding from the General Assembly this year, students who previously qualified for the reduced-price meals instead can get free meals.

Students are also automatically eligible for free meals if anyone in their household receives benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or Medicaid. Schools should notify those families that their child is automatically eligible.

“School meals are important sources of nutrition for students and help reduce food insecurity in the commonwealth,” Balow stated. “I urge all families to apply to determine if they qualify. Filling out an application is simple and takes less than 15 minutes.”

“School meals are critical to supporting academic success and well-being,” No Kid Hungry Virginia Director

Sarah Steely stated. “We are grateful to all school nutrition staff who work hard to fuel our students’ minds and bodies.”

According to the Virginia Department of Education, more than 525,000 students qualified for free meals in Virginia when data was last collected in 2019. The new eligibility means approximately 64,500 more kids can access free meals.

“It’s more important than ever for families to apply for free school meals. If no application is on file, students will need to pay for meals on the first day of school and may start to accrue meal debt,” VDOE School Nutrition Director Sandy Curwood stated. “And the good news is, if you qualify, free meals are seamless. Students will access their meals in the cafeteria with a pin number or a lunch card, with no overt identification. Please apply now.”

Learn more about Loudoun School Nutrition Services and find applications for free and reduced meals at lcpshealthycafe.org. n

The School Board next week will consider revisions to student disciplinary policies including giving administrators authority to keep students who have been accused of serious offenses out of school and away from other students A new policy section addresses crimes outside school including when the superintendent is to be made aware, alternative school options for the offending student and the authority of teachers to remove students from their classroom for certain behavior. Another updated section deals with discipline for students with disabilities.

The updated discipline policy comes as the division faces continuing criticism for a allowing a male student who sexually assaulted a female student at one county high school to be transferred to another school, where he assaulted a second female student. The incident spurred an ongoing special grand jury investigation led by the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.

Committee Updating 2 School Board Rules The School Board’s Legislative and Policy Committee is working to revise school policy to bring it into compliance with a revised state law dealing with the Loudoun board’s transition to staggered term for its members, including the lot drawing and timeframe of implementation.

The revisions change the term of office and vacancy of office for school board members.

Under the law, representatives of four of the nine districts are to be elected to the school board for fouryear terms and members of the remaining five are to be elected to twoyear terms. The staggering of terms is to be conducted at the electoral board’s first meeting of 2023, but no later than Jan. 31, 2023.

The committee also is bringing school policies into compliance with a state law which states among other things that no elected person of governing body of a county, city or SCHOOL NOTEBOOK continues on page 13

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 13

Dual Language Immersion Program Planned for 2 Elementary Schools

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

A dual-language immersion program could be coming to two Loudoun County elementary schools.

During the Aug. 16 Special Programs and Centers Committee meeting, school district staff members announced Potowmack Elementary School in Sterling and Sanders Corner Elementary School in Ashburn were selected to host the pro-

gram, which could launch next fall.

The plan is to have two kindergarten classes per school teaching 50/50 English and Spanish with the teachers switching halfway through the day, meaning students would learn Spanish for half of the day and English for the other half.

Suzette Wyhs, supervisor of world languages and cultures, told the committee that students would be learning to read in two languages simultaneously.

“They will be receiving reading instruction, writing instruction and literacy

basically in Spanish and English on top of being provided access to content,” Wyhs said. She said that means they will be able to learn math in Spanish, as well.

Neil Slevin, executive director of teaching and learning, said they were excited to provide another expanded opportunity for students.

The schools were selected through a process that included an interest survey that was sent out in June. That survey revealed a high interest in having a dual language immersion program in the coun-

ty, according to the presentation. The next step was an information session on June 29 for all principals. Interested schools then submitted their forms by July 29 saying they were interested in hosting the program. A committee then used a decision matrix to determine which two would be recommended.

Committee Chair Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) pointed out that the school inDUAL LANGUAGE continues on page 42

SCHOOL notebook continued from page 12

town may have a personal interest in any contract with his governing body.

The committee discussed those policy updates Aug. 31. Both policies will come back for more discussion in committee.

Committee Updates Policy on Reporting Student Offenses On Aug. 22, the School Board’s Discipline Committee updated a school district policy that deals with the school district reporting student incidents to law enforcement, the school board and the Virginia Department of Education. It also details which offenses committed by students need to be reported by law enforcement to the superintendent, principals, and other designated individuals.

Schools to Provide Free Online Tutoring for All Loudoun County Public Schools will provide free online tutoring to all students this year.

The school division has partnered with Tutor.com which offers one-on-one access to tutors in more than 200 subjects for all grade levels, 24-hours a day, according to an email from the school division.

Access to the service can be found through students Schoology accounts.

There is no limit to how often a student can access the service.

All of Tutor.com’s tutors are vetted through an application process that tests for expert level subject knowledge. All sessions are monitored by Tutor management and each Tutor completes an extensive background check, according to the email.

The platform also provides access to self-guided resources including Advanced Placement videos and SAT/ACT Essential courses. n

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Public Safety

Leesburg Murder Case Advances to Grand Jury

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The case against a 21-year-old Leesburg man charged with second-degree murder in the April 4 shooting of his cousin was sent to a grand jury for review following a preliminary hearing in Loudoun County Circuit Court on Thursday.

The investigation began when Leesburg Police Department dispatchers received a call at 2:30 a.m. April 4 reporting a suspicious event at a Fort Evans Road apartment. Officers arrived to find an adult male in the apartment with multiple gunshot wounds. Javaun Wright, 21 of Waldorf, MD, was declared dead at the scene.

Nelson Jose Coronado Jr., 21, of Leesburg, is charged with second degree murder and one count of the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

During the Sept. 1 District Court hearing, Coronado’s attorneys claimed he acted in self-defense, saying Wright was acting aggressively after taking prescription

drugs and alcohol earlier in the evening.

According to testimony, Coronado asked a friend, Tamara Walters, who was on her way to meet him that night in an Uber, to pull off at the nearest exit to help him because he said Wright was passed out and was unresponsive.

Walters testified that she met them in the parking lot of the Chick-Fil-A on Belmont Ridge Road and tried to help Coronado revive Wright. After applying frozen bags of food to his neck and body he came to, but became very agitated. By this time, according to testimony, they were in Leesburg near the Homewood Suites on Fort Evans Road.

Walters said she began having a panic attack and told Coronado to pull over, the two got out of the car in the parking lot of the Homewood Suites and began yelling. Walters testified she was scared and worried about Wright. Police were called by the hotel management around 1:30 a.m.

Walters said that Wright was coming to and kept trying to engage with officers in a friendly way.

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Responding officers testified he seemed under the influence of something and told the group to take him home to rest.

Coronado lived in the apartments across the street from the hotel, so police let them walk there, according to testimony.

Walters said she got to the apartment first to clear her head. A few minutes later Coronado arrived and told her not to open the door. Wright arrived shortly after, still agitated.

Walters said she tried to calm him down by talking to him, but he pushed his way into the apartment, pinning her between the door and a wall. She said once he entered the apartment she continued to try to calm him, even trying to grab his hands to stop him from swatting at her, as he continued to push her against the wall. She testified he was slurring and didn’t appear to be himself.

Minutes later Coronado emerged from the back of the apartment. She said Wright let go of her and lunged toward Coronado who fired a shot.

Walters said Wright kept going toward Coronado while she tried to leave the apartment. She testified she didn’t look behind her to see what was happening.

She said a second bullet ricocheted off the doorknob, preventing her from leaving. A third shot was fired as she was able to get the door open and run out.

Judge Deborah C. Welsh said the testimony was sufficient for the case to move to grand jury review for indictment.

“Mr. Coronado had a gun and by his own admission fired it three times at his cousin. Malice can be inferred on holding the gun, pointing the gun and shooting the gun,” Welsh said.

“There is probable cause here, not guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Those things will be determined in another court,” she added.

Coronado is expected to appear in Loudoun County Circuit Court on Sept. 13, following the grand jury’s next meeting. n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

PAGE 15

SAFETY Briefs Leesburg Abduction Suspect Arrested in Newport News

Fire Investigators Seek Neighborhood Video Footage

The Leesburg man wanted in connection with an Aug. 19 assault and abduction case was arrested last week in Newport News.

According to the Leesburg Police Department, Joel Hernandez-Melendez, 20, was taken into custody Wednesday with the assistance of the Newport News Police Department Herandez-Melendez and the United States Marshals Service.

He was held without bond at the Newport News City Jail on one felony count of abduction and one misdemeanor count of assault and battery.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred at a Fort Evans Road residence.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. Aug. 19, the Leesburg Police Department Emergency Communications Center received a call for a suspicious event at the home. Responding officers determined that Hernandez-Melendez assaulted the 16-yearold girl and abducted her by force. She was later found safe.

“We thank the community, and our law enforcement partners for your invaluable assistance in locating both individuals,” the Leesburg Police Department said in announcing the arrest.

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office is asking for neighbors’ help in its investigation of a fire that occurred around 4 a.m. Sunday in the CountrySide area of Sterling.

At 4:03 a.m., the county dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a car on fire next to a home on Whittingham Circle.

Fire and rescue units responded to find a vehicle on fire with fire extending into the front of the home. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire in the vehicle and the fire spreading to the home.

The residents were home at the time of the fire and were awakened by the sound of explosions coming from the vehicle.

No injuries were reported.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Equality Loudoun Plans for Loudoun LGBTQ+ Center

Nonprofit

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Volunteers load donations for the Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital’s famous annual rummage sale in August 2021.

Ladies Board to Take Rummage Sale Donations on Saturday LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital will accept donations for the 83rd Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at four locations.

Donations will be accepted at Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway; Inova Loudoun Medical Campus, 224 Cornwall Street in Leesburg; Middle-

burg Charter School, 101 N. Madison St. in Middleburg; and Loudoun Valley High School, 340 N Maple Ave. in Purcellville.

Many kinds of donations are needed including antiques, jewelry, furniture, sports equipment, books and media, clothing, home goods, holiday items, linens, tools, pet supplies and toys. Organizers request that items be packed in boxes with lids or flaps closed. Only clothes and non-breakable items should be placed in

plastic bags and tied shut.

For a complete list of acceptable donations, go to ladiesboard.org/rummage-sale-donations.

Donations will be offered for sale at the 83rd Annual Ladies Board Rummage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Loudoun County FairRUMMAGE SALE continues on page 18

Tree of Life Names New Center Director Amy Montgomery is the new director for Tree of Life’s Leesburg center.

She takes over the position previously held by her husband, Alex. The Leesburg resident served more than 11 years as a middle school teacher and will now lead volunteers at the center, located at 316 E. Market St. The Tree of Life’s recent clothing giveaway served more than 900 people.

Held in late August at the nonprof-

it’s Purcellville and Leesburg centers, the giveaway provided breakfast, haircuts clothing, backpacks, furniture, and Bibles. Volunteers contributed more than 1,300 hours of service and collected prayer requests during the event.

Founded by the Purcellville Baptist Church, Tree of Life Ministries is a collaborative effort of Christian churches to help the poor and needy. Learn more at tolministries.org. n

Contributed

Amy Montgomery

Equality Loudoun has announced its intent to open a LGBTQ+ Community Center by 2027, and issued a call for partnerships and funding.

The organization described the center as “a space where local LGBTQ+ community members and their allies would be able to gather in a safe and affirming environment that includes a recreational area, an employment resource area, an inclusive library, a food assistance pantry, an LGBTQ+ affirming medical partnership space, and a meeting area for local non-profits.”

“In the short term, we will continue working on expanding our capabilities in each of these areas to meet community needs,” stated The Equality Loudoun Board of Directors Secretary Lisa Williams.

“It’s important to have a welcoming space where our community can be who they are—without fear of judgment.”

The organization also announced it is partnering with Stop Child Abuse Network of Northern Virginia, and is seeking other new partnerships including to fund the center.

“After almost 20 years of advocacy, we are increasing our efforts at serving important gaps in LGBTQ+ care and need. Our community still faces daily issues here in Loudoun,’’ stated President Cris Candice Tuck.

“Unfortunately, the needs of the LGBTQ+ community continue to outpace the services and support systems currently available,” stated Education Director Jennifer Boudrye. Equality Loudoun cited a 2020 report from the Center for American Progress that 1 in 3 LGBTQ Americans have faced discrimination, including more than 3 in 5 transgender people. Equality Loudoun said they have also received regular reports of homelessness, abuse, harassment, and discrimination in Loudoun. n

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Volunteers outside Inova Loudoun’s Cornwall campus take donations for the Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital’s famous annual rummage sale in August 2021.

Rummage sale continued from page 16 grounds. For more details about the Sale and VIP tickets, go to ladiesboard.org.

The Ladies Board’s famous Rummage Sale draws shoppers from across the region and the mid-Atlantic. In 2016, it was named Annual Tourism Event of the Year in Loudoun and named Best Annu-

al Charity Event in Northern Virginia for three consecutive years, 2015 through 2017, by Virginia Living magazine.

Proceeds support Inova Loudoun Hospital and the Ladies Board Nursing Scholarship Fund. The Ladies Board raises hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for special needs equipment at Inova Loudoun Hospital and has awarded over $2 million in nursing scholarships since the program began. n

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Celebrating Entrepreneurship In Loudoun County Vote today for the 2022 Loudoun Innovation Challenge People’s Choice Award at LoudounInnovationChallenge.com

PAGE 19

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 20

Business

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Innovation Challenge Finalists Announced LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Some of the winners in this year’s record Loudoun’s Favorites contest gather for a group photo at a reception hosted by Loudoun Now at Lightfoot Restaurant on Thursday, Sept. 1.

Loudoun’s Favorites Winners Celebrate at Lightfoot Some of the winners in this year’s Loudoun’s Favorites readers’ poll gathered for a reception hosted by Loudoun Now at Lightfoot Restaurant in Leesburg on Thursday evening.

This year, there were a record 3,700 nominations in the annual readers’ poll, with 170 winners—some winning multiple categories—in more than 200 categories. Nearly 200,000 votes were cast to pick the people, places, busi-

nesses and organizations that would earn the distinction of Loudoun’s Favorite.

Some of those winners (and even runners-up) gathered for the reception to mingle with other winners and Loudoun Now staff, and introduce their work, and to celebrate.

The full list of winners is at loudounsfavorites.com.

— Photos by Renss Greene

The Loudoun Economic Development Authority and Loudoun Department of Economic Development have announced the finalists for the annual Innovation Challenge.

This year for the first time, the 12 finalists will compete in a live, in-person pitch event Sept. 24 at the Center for Innovative Technology. They will be competing for six grants totaling $150,000, including a $40,000 first place prize and a $10,000 People’s Choice Award.

Voting for the People’s Choice Award is open now through Sept. 25 at LoudounInnovationChallenge.com.

During the pitch event, the finalists will present their concepts to the Loudoun Economic Development Authority directors, followed by questions from the directors about their ideas’ implementation and viability before scoring. The highest overall score will be named the $40,000 Innovation Challenge winner, while individual category winners will each receive $25,000.

“Loudoun County is home to an entrepreneurial environment that encourages and nurtures innovative concepts by established businesses and startups throughout all stages of the business cycle,” stated Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director Buddy Rizer.

“The distinguished participants in this year’s Innovation Challenge represent some of Loudoun’s finest entrepreneurs, providing transformational ideas within their fields.”

This year’s finalists: Agri-Tech: Kappa AgTech, LLC Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery Worm Works, LLC

Clean Energy: Black Hydrovac, LLC Flying Ship Company Fuel & Tire Saver Systems Company, LLC

Highly Specialized Manufacturing: Birdie Everything, LLC FireBot Suppression Periscope Aviation Midwife, nurse practitioner and nutritionist Courtney Hasseman, owner of Integrative Healthcare for Women and Loudoun’s Favorite Midwife, speaks about her business at the reception hosted by Loudoun Now.

Information and Communications Technology: Dance Academy of Loudoun Founder and CEO Elizabeth Boehnlein introduces instructor Geralyn Ward at a reception for winners in this year’s record Loudoun’s Favorites contest. Their business this year was voted Loudoun’s Favorite Dance Studio from among 12 nominees.

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PAGE 21

LOUDOUN’S

FAVORITE

2022 2022

WW I INNNNE ER RS LoudounNow

200,000 Votes. 170 Winners.

Congratulations to the 2022 Favorites.

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Catoctin Veterinary Clinic Celebrations Made Simple Century 21 Redwood Realty Chariots for Hire Children’s Place Cleaner 4 Less Climatic Heating and Cooling Club Pilates, Ashburn Collegiate Sealers Colonial Funeral Home Comfenergy Costco Creative Underground Current Salon & Color Bar Dance King Darrell’s Barber Shop Doggie Wash, Purcellville DogGone Natural Dollar Tree Dulles Solid Construction Company East Coast Powerwashing Easy Day Yoga Edward Jones Epling Landscaping & Lawn Ethan Allen Eyetopia Fidelity Investments Five Star Painting Flagship Car Wash Center Ford’s Fish Shack Framing Store GLO Studio Tanning Golden Pond School Got Junk?

Great Country Farms H&H Used Cars Half King Studio Harris Teeter Hobby Lobby Home Depot Hope’s Treasures Hunt Country Jewelers Ida Lee Recreation Center Jenny’s Salon Jerry’s Florist & Gifts Jessica Ashley Events Joe Fleming Painting Jos. A. Banks Joylyn Hannahs Photography JP Handyman Service Jun Lee Taekwondo JW Home Improvements Keller Williams, Leesburg Kenzie’s Kare Ketterman’s Jewelers Kim’s Tae Kwon Do LA Fitness Learning RX Leesburg Animal Park Leesburg Toyota Autonation Leesburg Veterinary Hospital LEO Construction/Excavating Lou Lou Boutiques Loudoun Funeral Chapel Loudoun Golf & Country Club Loudoun Granite & Marble Loudoun Lumber Loudoun Nail Spa

Loudoun Test Prep Loudoun Valley Floors Loudoun Valley Roofing Lowes Lucketts Excavating M.E. Flow Maid Brigade Mattress Warehouse Maverick Bikes Meadows Farm Nurseries Melodee Music Men’s Warehouse Michael’s Misguided Angels Monk’s BBQ Morven Park Mountainview Solar Music Planet Radio Navy Federal Credit Union Nova Homeworks Old Lucketts Store Old Mill Boarding Kennel OpenAir Flight Training Pack Rat Hauling Palm Beach Tanning Party City Pearson Smith Realty PetSmart, Leesburg Platinum Group Real Estate Plaza Shell Potomac Vegetable Farms Prospect Solar Purcellville Cleaners Purcellville Florist

Raspberry Falls Golf Club Re Love It Reclaim It Restoration Rentals Unlimited, Sterling Reston Limousine Reynolds Team Realty Roosters, Leesburg Sam’s Marble & Flooring Serendipity Salon Shamrock Music Shoppe Southern States Spokes, Etc. State Farm Stockman Title & Escrow Swim Gem Tart Lumber The Dance Academy of Loudoun The Good Guys The Market Group Three Sisters Farm TMG Construction Total Pools Tractor Supply Trump’s Electrical Service Twice is Nice Twigs USAA Virginia Tire & Auto Wear It Again Kid Wegman’s Woofies WTOP You’ve Got Maids Zazu

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PAGE 22

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Towns

Round Hill Expansion Plan Moves to Circuit Court

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

County supervisors on Tuesday signed off on a plan to expand Round Hill’s town limits by 125 acres westward to include the Western Loudoun Sheriff’s Substation, the future Round Hill Fire and Rescue Station, and the Hill High Marketplace alongside Rt. 7.

Hill High includes More Better Restaurant and Beer Garden, Mom’s Apple Pie, Bogati Winery, the Round Hill Art Center, and Gateway Gallery, an artist co-op. The town refers to it as the Round Hill Western Commercial District.

The land is in the Joint Land Management Area around the town, which calls for cooperation between the county and town on land planning issues, and the expansion is called for in the town’s 2017 Round Hill Comprehensive Plan and the 2021 Round Hill Strategic Action Plan.

The strategic action plan calls for the expansion to “grow town tax base, provide a new source of volunteers for elected and appointed positions, and bring in key properties to achieve other Town objectives.”

It would also represent a 53% increase in the town’s area.

The Town Council voted to request the boundary line adjustment at its July

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The Western Loudoun Sheriff Station would be incorporated in the Round Hill town limits under a boundary line adjustment approved by both the Town Council and county Board of Supervisors.

21 meeting. County supervisors held a public hearing on the plan July 13 and voted unanimously Sept. 6 to approve the petition.

The boundary line adjustment request will next go to the Circuit Court for final approval.

The expansion is the first of sev-

eral the Town Council is considering to incorporate land in the Joint Land Management Area and within its utility service area. n

Chicken Fight Erupts in Lovettsville

Loudoun County

A map of the current and proposed future limits of the Town of Round Hill.

The Lovettsville Planning Commission was expecting a rare full house for its Wednesday night public hearing on new rules for maintaining livestock in town.

While backyard animals like chickens aren’t permitted in most areas of town, it’s a rule that hasn’t been strictly enforced.

The commission is working to establish authority to permit residents to keep livestock or fowl in town while also setting standards designed to limit the impact on neighbors. One of those rules: no early-morning crowing roosters allowed. But someone with a 2-acre fenced area could have one buffalo or 10 sheep, under the draft ordinance.

Although the ordinance sets rules for

having cattle, ponies, goats and swine, no one in town currently has backyard livestock, according to the town staff.

Several residents do keep chickens, some drawing complaints about the noise and birds running at large off the owners’ properties. The proposed rules would require the birds be kept in a fenced area during the day and kept inside a coop at night. The town also is laying out rules for keeping pens and coops “neat and sanitary,” securing feed from rodents, and disposing of waste.

If the commission supports the regulations following its Sept. 7 public hearing, the issue would move to the Town Council for another hearing and final action. n

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 23

Lovettsville Community Center continued from page 1 ern replacement was “really nice,” as she reminisced on the days when she and Diane ran the place.

She said the pool was built under her watch after four or five women approached her about getting one. She said they took off on a fundraising drive that made the project possible.

The community center has been a huge part of the town since the former school was converted from preschool classes, aerobics classes, childcare and cooking and just about any other class, Orndorff said.

Moore, who was the assistant manager from 1979 until 2006, said Sunday night volleyball was a huge deal in those days.

“Half the town of Lovettsville would be here on Sunday evening,” she said.

The new community center is over 18,500 square feet and has a full court gymnasium, a fitness room, a dedicated senior’s area, five classrooms, a kitchen, restrooms and meeting spaces. The project also included a 600-square-foot addition and renovation to the existing 1,200-square-foot pool house.

Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Stephen Torpy said the community center has been a cornerstone in the area for decades and said with the new building it will continue to be “a focal point for years to come and a continual gathering place of learning and play.”

The new community center has been a long time coming, said county Supervisor Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin). A bond referendum passed in 2007, but because of economic downturns it didn’t get into the county’s Capital Improvement Program until 2014. The scope and design of the project was heavily debated, with some in the community opposed to razing the old classrooms. And when construction finally got underway, the project stalled when the original contractor was dismissed.

Kershner also credited his predecessor, former Catoctin District supervisor Geary Higgins, who was in attendance, with helping to push the project through.

“We call it a community center, and one of the things that is really important to me is, we don’t at the county level necessarily create community,” Kershner said.

“Community is the people who are here.

You are the ones who create community.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

County staff cut the ribbon for the new Lovettsville Community Center on Aug. 31, 2022.

From left; Darby Charles, Lovettsville Community Center manager, Nancy Orndorff, the first manager of the Lovettsville Community Center, Diane Moore former assistant manager of the community center and Tyler Itnyre, current assistant manager of the community center.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

What we can do is create facilities like this to enhance and to improve and to really make community what it is, to bring families together, to create programing for young folks, seniors and other things that occur at the community center.”

“I am so pleased that one of the things that is going to happen with this facility is it’s an [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliant building. So, no matter what your abilities are you can use this facility and that hasn’t been said yet and I think

that is vitally important,” said county Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large).

Lovettsville Mayor Nate Fontaine, whose two children attended preschool at the old community center, said they were excited to have it open and thanked all who have helped make it happen.

“Projects like this can’t happen without being built upon the backs of giants— Geary Higgins, [former mayors] Elaine Walker, Bobby Zoldos, board members before this, Chair Randall and others. It

takes a lot of effort to get this done and it’s been a long-time project, there’s been some bumps in the road. But we are very excited to the community center open,” Fontaine said.

Members of the Lovettsville Town Council presented a resolution marking the completion of the new center to Torpy.

For a list of program offerings at the community center, go to loudoun.gov/1686/ Lovettsville-Community-Center. n

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 24

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Farm equipment was spread over 18 acres to display for last weekend’s Glenmore Farm auction.

Legard Farm Equipment Collection Goes to Auction

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The auction of R.T. Legard’s massive collection of antique farm equipment took place Sept. 1-2 at Glenmore Farm near Wheatland.

The sale attracted hundreds of farmers, collectors, and history buffs from around the region and beyond, including buyers logging in over the internet.

Farm equipment dating back to the

horse-team days was spread over 18 acres, with the lines of 180 tractors—some more than a century old—depicting the evolution of agricultural operations to the present day. The offerings included corn shellers, wagon tongues, chicken cages, tillers, antique washing machines and hundreds of other items once used by three generations of Legards who farmed the property or collected by R.T. over the years.

As the family retires from farming, Van Metre is developing 69 homesites on the land. n

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Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

R.T. Legard, center, looks over the bidding during the auction of his collection of farm equipment.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Hard Swimmin’ Fish Close Out Music in the Gap Hard Swimmin’ Fish, a Frederick, MD-based blues group, closed out this year’s Music in The Gap free summer concert series at Hillsboro’s Old Stone School on Friday, Sept. 2. The series ran from July 8 on Friday nights, with live music, food trucks, and local beer and wine on the lawn outside the school, presented by he Town of Hillsboro and the Hillsboro Preservation Foundation. For more information on Music in The Gap, go to OldStoneSchool.org. For more information about the Hillsboro Preservation Foundation, visit HillsboroPreservation.org.

Photo by Renss Greene.

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PAGE 25

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PAGE 26

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

THINGS to do

LoCo Living

LOCO LIVE One Family Brewing Freedom Celebration

Friday, Sept. 9, 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept.

10, noon-9 p.m.

One Family Brewing, 12851 Lutheran Church Road, Lovettsville Details: onefamilybrewing.com This two-day celebration features live music, craft beverages and more to benefit the Woody Williams Foundation, Hero Homes of Loudoun and the Douglas J. Green Memorial Foundation. Friday’s lineup features Mark Cullinane and the Hackens Boys. Saturday features Chris Bowen, Noah Garner, Mike Corrado and Joey Hafner and Ghost Pepper.

Tickets are $30 for a two-day pass.

Live Music: Rowdy Ace

Friday, Sept. 9, 6 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Kick back with a fun mix of country and rock tunes from Rowdy Ace.

Live Music: Stephen Wade Crounse

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Husband and wife team Jeff Ludin and Karen Capell play a big role in keeping the tradition of music alive at the Lucketts Community Center.

Saturday Night at the Old Schoolhouse

Intern John’s “Lost” Comedy Tour

Bluegrass Is Back in Lucketts

BY JAN MERCKER

jmercher@loudounnow.com

For nearly 50 years, the tiny village of Lucketts has hosted the biggest names in bluegrass—and helped launch the careers of a new generation of traditional musicians.

Like most live music, the Lucketts Bluegrass concert series took a hit during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with organizers canceling most live performances in 2020 and 2021. But this fall, the series makes a triumphant return, with favorite national acts and exciting new voices.

Karen Capell and Jeff Ludin are a husband and wife team of bluegrass aficionados who play a big role in keeping the music alive in Lucketts. The couple are board members for the Lucketts Bluegrass Foundation, which has organized the concert series since 2007. Capell books the bands for the series, and Ludin is the foundation’s past and incoming president, volunteering with the technology and business aspects involved with running a thriving 21st century nonprofit.

“The great thing about bluegrass is it

really is a community,” Capell said.

Capell and Ludin live in Fairfax County but have been die-hard Lucketts bluegrass fans for more than a decade and have helped guide the foundation through challenging times. It started in 2008 when Capell and Ludin read a listing for the series in a Washington, DC paper and decided to check it out. They won a pair of tickets to catch a second show in a raffle that night and were hooked.

“We just kept coming,” Ludin said.

Soon they were making financial contributions to support the foundation and were asked to join the board of directors.

The two retirees say they were often the youngest people in the room at board meetings and felt a calling to help build a series that would keep longtime fans coming back while attracting new audiences.

Ludin is also a board member of the Bluegrass Country Foundation, launched in 2016 to support Bluegrass Country programming after Washington, DC’s WAMU radio station took the show off the air. Ludin has worked to create synergy between the two foundations and began advertising the Lucketts series on Bluegrass Country’s streaming and HD

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

Elysium Axe Bar, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: elysiumaxebar.com Wade Crounse serves up a smooth mix of acoustic tunes, soft rock and country favorites.

radio platforms.

“We noticed we were starting to get some younger people,” Ludin said.

Capell, a Maryland native, longtime bluegrass fan and amateur fiddle player, has taken on programming the series with zest and passion, lining up a mix of famous favorites and up-and-comers.

“Lucketts has always loved traditional bluegrass. I don’t want to get rid of that entirely. We have a lot of really great traditional bands, and some of our young bands are traditional in style,” Capell said. “Bluegrass is a growing changing music. … We have a number of bands that are more progressive, and they do pull a younger crowd. But our longtime patrons like them, too.”

The couple regularly attends the annual International Bluegrass Music Association Convention, which features showcases and opportunities for venues and bands to connect. They’ll head to Raleigh, NC later this month with the 2023-24 season in mind.

“We get exposed to a lot of new bands,” Ludin said.

BLUEGRASS IS BACK continues on page 30

Friday, Sept. 9, 8-9:45 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com DMV radio personality Intern John embarks on his “Lost” comedy tour with ticket sales benefitting the Fisher House Foundation.

Tickets are $25.

Bill Monroe Birthday Bash Weekend

Saturday, Sept. 10 and Sunday, Sept. 11 B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com B Chord celebrates its second annual Bill Monroe Birthday Bash weekend with music from the Jerry McCoury Band, McClain Family Band, Springfield Exit, The Price Sisters and Only Lonesome. Tickets are $30 per day or $50 for a two-day pass.

Live Music: Rule G

Saturday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Rule G takes the stage at Vanish with favorite covers and a bluesy groove.

Live Music: Emma Bailey

Saturday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m.

868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: 868estatevineyards.com This DMV favorite puts her mark on pop, rock, country and beyond from oldies to the current charts.

THINGS TO DO continues on page 28

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

The Stage Hosts Benefit Concert at GMU

BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com

As a music teacher, Veena Pandiri has worked to inspire and encourage a spirit of giving back to the community in her students.

Pandiri, owner of the Notes N Beats music school in Ashburn and founder of The Stage nonprofit, is the organizer of the FEEL benefit concert Sunday, Sept. 11.

The concert features performances from more than 150 musicians, including many of Pandiri’s students, spotlighting both Indian and American music styles in a range of genres. FEEL is Pandiri’s first major benefit concert since COVID, after her organization raised thousands of dollars for cancer and autism-focused charities in 2017 and 2019.

Proceeds from this year’s concert will go to local and international charities, including Sterling-based Veterans Moving Forward, the Loudoun First Responders Foundation and efforts to fund physical therapists and a school bus for the Mallikamba Manovikasa Kendram school in Hyderabad, India which serves orphaned children with developmental disabilities.

The concert takes place at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, and Pandiri is hoping to fill the 2,000-seat auditorium, with more than 600 tickets sold as of last week. n The FEEL benefit concert takes place Sunday, Sept. 11 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the George Mason University Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive in Fairfax.

Tickets are $29 for adults and $19 for children 6 and under. To buy tickets or make a donation, go to thestagenonprofit.org/feel2022.

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PAGE 27

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 28

THINGS to do

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

BEST BETS

continued from page 26

Live Music: Short Hill Mountain Boys

Saturday, Sept. 10, 1 p.m.

Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com The Short Hill Mountain Boys are back with old-time picking and singing from a local favorite.

Live Music: Sela Campbell

Saturday, Sept. 10, 3 p.m.

Notaviva Craft Fermentations, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro Details: notavivavineyards.com Rising star Sela Campbell returns to Notaviva with an eclectic mix of country favorites.

Live Music: Crossing Elden

Saturday, Sept. 10, 3-6 p.m.

Crooked Run, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling Crossing Elden is a local acoustic duo featuring altfolk-rock originals and covers from the 1960s to the 2020s. They’ll play songs from their new EP and lots of favorites.

THE FREEDOM CELEBRATION Fri., Sept. 9, 4-8 p.m. • Sat., Sept. 10, noon-9 p.m.

One Family Brewing Company freedom-celebration-2022.eventbrite.com

FRIENDS OF MENTAL HEALTH CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT Saturday, Sept. 10, noon-4 p.m.

Old Ox Brewery loudounnow.com/fmh_cornhole

DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY Saturday, Sept. 10, 6-10 p.m.

MacDowell’s Beach macsbeach.com

HIGH NOON Saturday, Sept. 10, 6-9 p.m.

Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com

Live Music: Juliet Lloyd Trio

Saturday, Sept. 10, 5 p.m.

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: lostbarrel.com Singer/songwriter/pianist Juliet Lloyd returns to Lost Barrel with her signature pop, rock and classic soul favorites.

DC Improv Comedy Night

Saturday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com DC Improv returns to Tally Ho with an early and late show featuring host Mike Brown and comedians D. Lo, Christian Escoto, Tommy Taylor and Winston Hodges. Tickets are $22 to $32.

Live Music: Diplomatic Immunity

Saturday, Sept. 10, 6-10 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.

Tarara Summer Concert Series: High Noon Southern Rock Tribute Saturday, Sept. 10, 6-9:30 p.m.

Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts Details: tararaconcerts.com Take a journey back to the golden age of live music and relive the raw power of favorite Southern Rock Anthems. Tickets are $20.

Live Music: Melissa Quinn Fox Duo

Sunday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.

868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: 868estatevineyards.com Wammie winner Melissa Quinn Fox returns to 868 with her signature high-energy blend of rock and country.

Live Music: Clark Peklo

Sunday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.

Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Peklo returns to Flying Ace with his repertoire of cool, unexpected covers with a strict No Eagles policy.

THINGS TO DO continues on page 29

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth.

We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

THINGS to do continued from page 28

LOCO CULTURE LWC Fall Native Plant Sale

Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg Details: morvenpark.org Shop for native trees, shrubs, flowers, vines and ferns from local nurseries with guidance from Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy volunteers.

Keep Loudoun Beautiful Canoe Clean Up

Sunday, Sept. 11, 8:45 a.m.-2 p.m.

Details: keeploudounbeautiful.org Join Keep Loudoun Beautiful volunteers as they paddle down the Potomac River collecting tires and litter along and in the water. Visit the website for more information and to register.

Mushroom Day at Izaak Walton

Sunday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.

IWLA Loudoun Chapter, 19237 Mountain Spring Lane, Leesburg Details: lcciwla.org Ilona Conolly, former president of the Mycological Association of Washington, DC, gives a lively discussion and an audio-visual presentation covering mushroom identification, foraging, cultivation and mushrooms in food, arts and crafts. Advance registration is recommended.

Loudoun Pet Expo

Sunday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville Details: facebook.com/loudounpetexpo This festival for pets and people features more than 50 vendors, pet adoptions, reptile show, face painting, moon bounce, dog games, food and music.

Admission is food for dogs or cats or a bag of litter for rescue organizations.

Lovettsville History Talk: The Hessian Myth Sunday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.

St. James United Church of Christ, 10 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville Details: lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org The Lovettsville Historical Society hosts Ross H. Schwalm of the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. Moving from the French and Indian War through the American Revolution, Schwalm follows Hessian prisoners of war who settled in Lovettsville and became productive American citizens.

PAGE 29

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 30

Bluegrass is back continued from page 26 But the couple says Lucketts’ stellar reputation also has plenty of bands knocking on their door. The series has been an internationally known institution since the Johnson Mountain Boys released their Grammy-nominated live album “At the Old Schoolhouse” recorded there in 1988.

“If you know bluegrass, you know that recording,” Capell said.

Launched in 1974, the Lucketts bluegrass concert series has hosted national acts including Ralph Stanley, The Seldom Scene and the Country Gentlemen.

The series has continued with support from Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services, which renovated the old schoolhouse and made it the Lucketts Community Center in 1981.

The county completed new renovations in 2014 to celebrate the building’s centennial anniversary. The concert series has been volunteer-run for decades with support from the Lucketts Community Center Advisory Board. In 2007, the nonprofit Lucketts Bluegrass Foundation was created to run the program in cooperation with the community center. The series has attracted national and regional acts—and

fans from around the DMV and beyond.

“The last few years have been hard on the organization,” Capell said. With COVID closures and the death and retirement of several key volunteers, the board worked to keep the foundation up and running while supporting the musicians at the heart of the series. At the height of the pandemic, the foundation paid bands to perform in the empty auditorium, recorded the shows and broadcast the performances on Bluegrass Country on Saturday nights.

“We don’t exist if the bands don’t survive,” Ludin said.

The organizers are coming into the 2022-23 season (which runs Oct. 15 through April 22) with optimism but a little uncertainty. The foundation is ramping up with two performances per month instead of weekly concerts of years past, and Ludin and Capell hope diehard fans will return. The 2022-23 series features familiar names like Ralph Stanley II and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Nothin’ Fancy, Dry Branch Fire Squad and Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers along with rising stars like Liam Purcell and Cane Mill Road and Seth Mulder and Midnight Run. Series opener Colebrook Road is one of Capell and Ludin’s favorite pre-

COVID finds. The couple discovered the Harrisburg, PA-based quintet when they earned top honors at the DC Bluegrass Union band contest in 2016. Their initial plan was to offer the contest winner an opening slot at the Lucketts series that fall.

“They were so awesome we gave them a whole show,” Capell said.

Colebrook Road played three Old Schoolhouse shows before COVID and return for a fourth time to launch the new season Saturday, Oct. 15.

Founded in 2009 by lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Jesse Eisenbise and mandolinist Wade Yankey, the group is known for occupying a cool niche between traditional bluegrass and genre-bending progressive sounds. Colebrook Road serves up both original tunes and unexpected covers.

“We have pretty eclectic tastes as a band. … We’re not traditional bluegrass, we’re not super progressive bluegrass.

We’re just our own thing, and I think part of it is because we have such varied backgrounds for what we grew up listening to and we listen to today,” said Jeff Campbell, the group’s bass player and tenor vocalist. And so far, the band’s eclectic approach has been a hit with Lucketts audiences.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

For Campbell, playing the old schoolhouse is an honor because of the historic setting and enthusiastic audiences.

“Part of it is because it’s been around for a long time. The setting is really cool.

The crowd is always really appreciative and they’re very attentive,” he said. “…

Rowdy gigs are fun, but it’s also nice to have a room where people are actually listening.”

For Campbell, like for so many musicians, coming back to live music over the last year has been rewarding, and finally returning to the old schoolhouse is especially sweet.

“We’re doing the cool gigs at the cool venues that we’ve been to before. When we show up, we know the people that are there. It just feels good.” n The Lucketts Bluegrass Foundation hosts a free outdoor concert featuring Crandall Creek Saturday, Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. at Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts. For a complete schedule, tickets and information, go to luckettsbluegrass.org. For more information about Colebrook Road, go to colebrookroad.com.

September 11 Remembrance Ceremony th

The Mayor and Town Council invite you to spend a moment of reflection at the Freedom Memorial.

Sunday, September 11th Remembrance Ceremony will begin at 5pm at Freedom Park 101 Colonel Grenata Circle, S.E. Leesburg, VA 20175 For more information, contact the Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department at 703-777-1368.

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

PAGE 31

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Public Works & Capital Projects

$93,438-$169,567 DOQ

Open until filled

Emergency Management Coordinator

Town Manager’s Office

$93,438-$169,567 DOQ

Open until filled

Laboratory Technician

Utilities

$50,000-$88,071 DOQ

Open until filled

Parks Operations Supervisor

Parks & Recreation

$56,956-$103,363 DOQ

Open until filled

Police Officer

Police

$62,000-$94,966 DOQ

Open until filled

Project Manager

Utilities

$76,426-$138,530 DOQ

Open until filled

Stormwater and Environmental Manager

Public Works & Capital Projects

$82,999-$150,445 DOQ

Open until filled

Urban Forester/Landscape Management Specialist

Public Works & Capital Projects

$67,175-$121,947 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Inspector II

Utilities

$56,956-$103,363 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Plant Operator Trainee, I or II

Utilities

$50,000-$95,178 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Plant Technician or Senior Utility Plant Technician

Utilities

$50,000-$95,178 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Systems Technician Trainee

Utilities

$50,000-$81,495 DOQ

Open until filled

Regular Part-Time Position Position

Department

Hourly Rate

Post your job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com

Closing Date

Day Porter

Public Works & Capital Projects

$16.86-$28.85 DOQ

Open until filled

Receptionist I

Public Information

$20.51-$33.42 DOQ

Open until filled

To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs.

Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications.

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LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Obituaries

Marguerite Jones Ballenger Oct. 18, 1931 – Sept. 3, 2022

Marguerite Jones Ballenger, 90, of Charlottesville, Va., passed peacefully into the Lord’s arms while surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Elloree, S.C., the daughter of Marguerite Holmes Jones and William Raymond Jones, Marguerite is predeceased by her parents; and her brothers and sisters: James (Jim), Esther Ruth, Elizabeth (Betty), Robert, Richard (Dick), Mary Alice, William (Bill), and Thomas Winston (Wink). She is also predeceased by an infant grandson, Philip Michael Ballenger; and by her beloved husband of 54 years, Wesley Allan Ballenger, Sr. Marguerite grew up in Keene near Charlottesville, Va., on the family farm.

Her father was a Methodist minister, and as a youth, Marguerite traveled regularly with him to his country church charges in rural central Virginia. Her brothers Jim, Dick, Bill, and Wink all served in World War II, although Bill did not make it home after his plane went down over Germany. Marguerite kept her brother Bill alive in everyone’s hearts by sharing memories, letters, and stories of his youth. Marguerite graduated from Scottsville High School in 1949 and attended Mary Washington for 2 years before transferring to the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Education. She is a member of the first group of women allowed to live on grounds at UVA, and it was while a student Marguerite met her future husband Allan. After graduating in 1953, they married the following Thanksgiving at the UVA Chapel in a service officiated by her father.

Marguerite’s career as an educator spanned many years in the northern Virginia area. An active member of her profession, Marguerite, served on state curriculum committees, and later in her career, she led the development of an inschool suspension program in which she lovingly provided both discipline and ongoing individualized learning assistance.

After retirement to Brunswick County

in coastal North Carolina, Marguerite spent almost 20 years teaching GED for Brunswick Community College, helping to elevate the lives of over 300 individuals through education and improved employment opportunities.

Marguerite’s life was spent in service to others in so many ways, including leadership in her local Welcome Wagon and fundraising for both Virginia Mental Health Foundation and the United Way. After retirement, she and Allan volunteered at the Museum of Coastal Carolina. Her most treasured service over the years was to her church families, including Annandale United Methodist Church (UMC), Central UMC in Staunton, Va., Leesburg (Va.) UMC, Little River (S.C.) UMC, and Seaside UMC (Sunset Beach, NC.). She taught Sunday School, coordinated youth groups, led Disciple Bible Study courses, and made a pilgrimage with Allan to the Holy Land.

In her later years, Marguerite returned home to Charlottesville to be closer to her son and daughter. She loved being near UVA and attending the Thomas Jefferson Society reunion events every year. She reconnected with old friends in the area and made new friends through her Branchlands community and through Aldersgate UMC. She helped raise her youngest granddaughter Jo Anne, and was the ever-popular after school playground grandmother at Woodbrook Elementary School. In March 2020, Marguerite took up residence with Kathryn, Dan, and Jo Anne in Charlottesville. Marguerite traveled widely with her children and their families, and was always ready for her next great adventure.

Marguerite is survived by her son Wesley Allan Ballenger, Jr and wife Judi, of Leesburg, Va.; and her daughter Kathryn Ballenger Reid and husband Dan, of Charlottesville, Va. Her three grandsons are Wesley Allan Ballenger, III with his wife Becky, and two great-grandchildren Andrew and Julia, of Ellicott City, Md.; Jefferson William Ballenger of Leesburg, Va.; and Russell Alexander Ballenger with his wife Christine and great-grandchild Blake, of The Woodlands, Texas. Her two granddaughters are Megan Ballenger Reid Crow, with her husband Cas, of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Josephine Anne (Jo Anne) Reid, of Charlottesville, Va. Marguerite is also survived by a large number of loving nieces and nephews and their families.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1500 East Rio Road, Charlottesville, Va., with Pastor Chip Giessler officiating.

The family suggests that instead of flowers, contributions may be provided to Aldersgate UMC, Seaside UMC in Sunset Beach, N.C., Hospice of the Piedmont in Charlottesville, Va., or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

grandchildren and five great children.

There will not be a local service for Ruth; instead, she would want to be memorialized by individuals helping animals in any way they can.

Jerry Brant Caseman

Ruth Burton Ruth Jeanne Burton was called to heaven on July 30, 2022 at the age of 96 in Sewell, New Jersey. Previous to moving to New Jersey, she had lived in Leesburg for 20 years.

Ruth Burton was tenacious and independent. This served her well in a life rescuing, sheltering, placing, and adopting countless animals in need. She worked for many SPCAs around the country and was on the Board of Supervisors of the Norfolk Zoo. There she cared for a baby monkey that became to be known as Ruthie. Ruth was also on several radio and television shows to discuss pets.

Ruth handled education programs for a large shelter in Norfolk, Virginia. She would take various animals to schools, hospitals, and detention homes, teaching children to leave wild animals in the woods and show love to their pets by feeding, brushing, and walking them, as well as getting their pets spayed or neutered.

Ruth became interested in medicinal herbs, not only for people, but also animals. She studied many aspects of holistic care under well known practitioners. Her interest in herbs and animals culminated in her writing a small book called Herbs for All Creatures, where she documented stories of how she helped various animals.

Ruth is survived by her daughter, Cherie, her son, Steve, son-in-law Bob, and daughter-in-law Natalie, as well as six

Jerry Brant Caseman (Commander, USN Ret.), 81, formerly of Purcellville, VA died Friday, August 26, 2022, at Inova Lansdowne Hospital in Leesburg, VA. He was born on December 8, 1940 in Wheeling, WV, a son of the late Morgan B. and Pauline (Fowler) Caseman. Jerry attended Wellsburg High School and graduated from West Liberty State College in 1962.

He taught school for one year at Edgewood Middle School in Weirton, WV, and then joined the American Trucking Association in Washington D.C. In 1964, he completed Officer Candidate School with the US Navy at Pensacola, FL. After a year at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, where he learned to speak fluent Vietnamese, Jerry’s initial tours involved Vietnam assignments aboard the USS Midway, Enterprise, and Forrestal. Jerry’s military career as a Naval intelligence officer spanned 22 years and included work for the Naval Security Group and National Security Agency while stationed in San Miguel, Philippines; Nicosia, Cyprus; Athens, Greece; Norfolk, VA; Fort Meade, MD; Adak, AK; and at the Pentagon. For exceptional service to his country, Jerry was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal. Jerry retired from the Navy as a Commander in 1986 and began a career in business development in the defense sector, utilizing his skills coordinating activities and connecting people. He continued his involvement in the military intelligence community as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Military Intelligence Association. Jerry enjoyed chess, tennis, cycling Obituaries continued on next page

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Obituaries

PAGE 33

Legal Notices LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA

Obituaries continued from previous page

FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN

and especially singing. He sang for many years with the choir at Harmony United Methodist Church in Hamilton, VA, as well as with the Old Dominion Chorus.

Most recently, he was excited about the choir he had joined at the Hessler Heights community. Jerry loved all kinds of music and will be fondly remembered for his beautiful voice. Above all, Jerry loved and cared for his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 58 years, Sally (Mathieson) Caseman whom he married on July 11, 1964, his three beloved daughters and devoted sons-in-law, Susan and Don Loveday of Roanoke, VA, Beth Caseman and Stuart Bowen of Round Hill, VA, and Polly and Bryan Hughes of Leesburg, VA, and 10 grandchildren he was immensely proud of: Tom, Nick, and Caroline Loveday; Elise, Dane, and Graeme Bowen; and Carly, Casey, Colin, and Caleb Hughes.

It was one of Jerry’s greatest joys to be involved in and support the lives of the many young people he loved and knew: grandsons and granddaughters, nephews, nieces, and friends of his daughters. He loved to attend the games and school plays, give advice on winning and losing gracefully, and modeled generally how to be a good human being. Jerry also leaves behind four close brothers: Lynn (Milli) Caseman of MIddlebourne, WV, Kent Caseman (Martine Swain) of Atlanta, GA, Paul David (Patty) Caseman of Phoenix, AZ, and Chris (Nancy) Caseman of Dumfries, VA; sisters-in-law Alice (David) Javersak of Wheeling, WV, and Mary Beth Harvey of Wellsburg, WV; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Harmony United Methodist Church in Hamilton, VA with Reverend Debra Lucas and Reverend Paul David Caseman officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, Quantico, VA at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 8, 2022. Arrangements by Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road, N.E., Leesburg, VA 20176, (703) 777-1414.

Date Published: Thursday September 8, 2022 To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals

Thomas Anderson Tyler Sr. Thomas Anderson Tyler Sr., 87, of Leesburg, VA passed away on August 30, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Born on July 15, 1935 at home in Aldie, Virginia, Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Francis Tyler and Gladys Christine Anderson; brother Frank E. Tyler, Sr and sister Peggy Barrow.

Mr. Tyler leaves his family to cherish his memory including his loving wife of 56 years, Josephine Lee “JoLee” Blackwell Tyler. They were married on July 2, 1966, at Harmony Methodist Church in Hamilton, Virginia. Mr. Tyler is also survived by his children, Thomas “Tom” (Allison) Tyler and Annie Hewatt (Don); grandchildren, Elizabeth Tyler, Emily Tyler, and Thomas Tyler, Lily Hewatt, and Campbell Hewatt; his brother Robert “Bobby” Tyler (Julia) and his brother-inlaw Samuel Barrow Jr. and many nieces and nephews.

Tommy graduated from Aldie High School in Aldie, Virginia in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960.

Tommy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He took amazing care of JoLee after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her early years.

He always made sure her needs were met and treated her like a princess. His other greatest joy in life was being a “Pop” to his five grandchildren. He loved watching them grow up and cheered them on at all their sporting events.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 8, 2022, from 11-12PM at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA. A funeral service will be held directly after the viewing at 12pm with the interment to immediately follow at the Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundationhttps://msfocus.org.

Please share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com

Notice is hereby given that Loudoun County’s Department of Housing and Community Development has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The activity is funded under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for FY 2021 through FY 2025, (Grant Agreement No. B-21-UC-51-0006 through No. B-25-UC-51-0006). While the locations of the projects have not been determined at this time, some of these project sites may be located in the 100-year floodplain.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTIONS: Although some projects within the above referenced housing rehabilitation activity for FY 2021-2025 may be exempt from the eight-step decision making process in 24 CFR 55.20 as activities that do not meet the threshold for “substantial improvement” under 24 CFR 55.2(b)(10), some of the rehabilitation projects may exceed the substantial improvement threshold, which states: “Any repair, reconstruction, modernization or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure either (1) before the improvement or repair is started; or (2) if the structure has been damaged, and is being restored, before the damage occurred”. The following FY 2021 through FY 2025 activity may be subject to the eight-step decision-making process: Loudoun County Home Rehabilitation – Rehabilitation of income eligible owner-occupied housing units. Locations will be determined for this activity. The funding for this activity in FY 2021 is $56,555, in FY 2022 is $285,205, and anticipated in FY 2023 through FY 2025 to be approximately $280,000 in each of the three (3) remaining fiscal years, for a total anticipated project budget for the five-year period of $1,181,760. Funding amounts for FY 2023 through FY 2025 are estimated based on the FY 2022 funding allocation.

The proposed activity is located in Loudoun County, Virginia.

COMMENTS ON FLOODPLAIN ACTIVITIES: Loudoun County’s Department of Housing and Community Development considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values: The proposed activity is related to existing built environment and existing housing units to be rehabilitated. Even though portions of the Loudoun County are located in the 100-year floodplain, the County must address the need to revitalize its affordable housing stock. The County cannot neglect these areas, even though they are located in the 100-year floodplain. All mitigation measures will be taken, and this activity will not affect the floodplain, change its water flow or hydrology, or obstruct the water course. Loudoun County acknowledges compliance with state and local floodplain protection procedures.

Loudoun County has re-evaluated the alternatives to rehabilitating housing units located in the floodplain and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Order 11988 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three (3) primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate impacts. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Affected and interested parties are invited to submit comments either by mail to Loudoun County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, ATTN: CDBG Program Manager, PO Box 7000 Leesburg, VA 20177; or by email to housing@loudoun.gov. Comments must be received by the County no later than Thursday, September 15, 2022, or seven (7) days from the date of the publication of this Final Floodplain Notice. A full description of this activity may be reviewed during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Loudoun County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, 106 Catoctin Circle SE Leesburg, VA 20175.

Valmarie Turner, Assistant County Administrator 1 Harrison Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

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, September 27, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

INTERIM ADDITIONS TO AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICTS Applications have been received by the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning and referred to the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC) and the Planning Commission pursuant to Chapter 43, Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia to amend the ordinances for the following Agricultural and Forestal Districts to add the following parcels: District

PIN

Tax Map Number

Acres Enrolled

NEW HUGHESVILLE

456-10-1614

/45////////52/

10.00

NEW FEATHERBED

466-36-1590

/87/E/1////38/

25.25

NEW HILLSBORO

447-48-2053

/26//24/////2/

10.74

Any owner of additional qualifying land may join the applications with consent of the Board of Supervisors, at any time before the public hearing that the Board of Supervisors must hold on the applications. Additional qualifying lands may be added to an already created District at any time upon separate application pursuant to Chapter 43, Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Any owner who joined in the application may withdraw their land, in whole or in part, by written notice filed with the Board of Supervisors, at any time before the Board of Supervisors acts pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-4309.

The conditions and periods of the foregoing Agricultural and Forestal Districts to which parcels are being considered for addition are as follows: District NEW HUGHESVILLE

Period 4 Years

Subdivision Minimum Lot Size 25 Acres

Period Start Date December 7, 2021

NEW FEATHERBED

4 Years

40 Acres

November 4, 2018

NEW HILLSBORO

4 Years

20 Acres

April 11, 2022

Each of these Districts will be reviewed prior to its expiration date pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.

Received applications were referred to the Agricultural District Advisory Committee “ADAC” for review and recommendation. The ADAC held a public meeting on August 4, 2022, to consider the applications.

The report and recommendations of the ADAC will be considered by the Planning Commission at its public hearing on September 27, 2022. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its public hearing.

In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (8-4-2022 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/pc (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Public Hearings Packet).

SPEX-2020-0031 BANAKHOJASTE CHILD CARE CENTER (Special Exception)

Sam Banakhojaste of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit a Child Care Center use in the CR-1(Countryside Residential-1) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 2-504(X). The subject property is approximately 0.96 acres in size and is located on the west side of Potomac View Road (Route 637) and north of Palisade Parkway (Route 1795), at 20935 Potomac View Road, Sterling, Virginia, in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 012-35-1065. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for master planned neighborhoods with medium-to-large residential lots, and Retail and Service uses to serve the routine shopping and service needs of the immediate neighborhood at a non-Residential Floor Area Ratio

(FAR) of up to 1.0.

ZCPA-2020-0004, ZRTD-2020-0004 & SPEX-2020-0015 WOODLAND PLAZA TALL OAKS, LOT 1

(Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Conversion & Special Exception) Greenhill Landscaping of Great Falls, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) amend the existing proffers and Concept Development Plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-2007-0006, Tall Oaks Lot 1, in order to: 1) allow a contractor service establishment with outdoor storage; 2) to rezone the subject property from the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended through September 29, 2010 to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended (“Zoning Ordinance”) in order to develop a contractor service establishment with outdoor storage; and 3) a Special Exception to develop a contractor service establishment with outdoor storage in excess of 20% of the lot area, pursuant to Section 5-662 and is permitted by Special Exception under Section 4-504 (HH) of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and the Route 28 CB (Corridor Business) Optional Overlay District. The subject property is approximately 1.39 acres in size and is located on the north side of Woodland Road (Route 679) and on the west side of Cascades Parkway (Route 637) at 45934 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia, in the Sterling Election District. The property is more particularly described as PIN: 031-49-7342. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area), in the Suburban Mixed Use Place Type which designate this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational uses at recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.

Unless otherwise noted above, full and complete copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances and/or plans, and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-7770220, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246.

Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-7770246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing.

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

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

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

BY ORDER OF:

FOREST HAYES, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

LoudounNow.com

9/8 & 9/15/22

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

PAGE 35

Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR:

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

JJ045188-06-00

BASKETBALL OFFICIATING SERVICES, IFB No. 543783 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, September 29, 2022.

Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ashli Martinez-Bonilla Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Maynor Martinez Acosta, putative Father The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-281 and 16.1-278.8 for Ashli Martinez Bonilla.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Maynor Martinez Acosta, putative Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 14, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

09/08/22

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on September 22, 2022 for the following:

RFP No. 100181-FY23-19 Microsoft Teams Phone Migration and M365 Support Services The Town of Leesburg is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide Microsoft Teams Phone Implementation and ongoing M365 Support Services.

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

RFP No. 100313-FY23-18 SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERVICES The Town of Leesburg (the “Town”) is soliciting sealed proposals to establish multiple term contracts to provide snow and ice removal services. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at 10:30 A.M. The pre-proposal meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft TEAMS and made available to the public.

For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 9/1 & 9/8

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MIDDLEBURG PLANNING COMMISSION The Middleburg Planning Commission will hold a public hearing beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 26, 2022 to hear public comments on the following: Special Use 22-01 Request Michael A. Pappas for a special use permit for Limited Residential Lodging at 5 North Jay Street zoned R-3 Residential District.

The request is to allow, as a secondary use, the residential dwelling to be rented for lodging purposes for periods of fewer than 30 consecutive days.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION Case No.:

The Town of Middleburg strives to make its hearings accessible to all. Please advise of accommodations the Town can make to help you participate in the hearing.

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on September 20, 2022, for the following:

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

The hearing will take place at the Town Office, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia. The file for this application may be reviewed online at www.middleburgva.gov/313/Public-Hearings or in the Town Office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to Deputy Town Manager Will Moore at (540) 687-5152 or by email at wmoore@ middleburgva.gov

9/8/22

PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

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.

JJ046453-01-00

9/8 & 9/15/22

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Mailin Perez Munoz Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Manuel Bardales The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing regarding child protective order pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-253 for Mailin Perez Munoz; and hold a dispositional hearing regarding child protective order pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-278.2 for Mailin Perez Munoz.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Manuel Bardales appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

(Adjudicatory) and October 12, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. (Dispositional) 8/25, 9/1, 9/8 & 9/15/22

LoudounNow.com

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Case No.:

Case No.:

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

JJ046150-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Marjorie Cruz Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Marjorie Cruz; and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Marjorie Cruz.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.

(Adjudicatory) and October 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. (Dispositional) 8/25, 9/1, 9/8 & 9/15/22

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

JJ041604-05-00; JJ043080-03-00; JJ043081-03-00; JJ043082-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Diana Gissel Medina Lainez, Gabrielle Medina Lainez, Adrienna Medina Lainez & Karen Elizabeth Medina Lainez Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Jose Medina, Putative Father The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing for child in need of services case, pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-278.4 for Diana Gissel Medina Lainez, Gabrielle Medina Lainez, Adrienna Medina Lainez & Karen Elizabeth Medina Lainez.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Jose Medina, Putative Father appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interests on or before September 28, 2022 at 3:00 p.m 9/1, 9/8, 9/15 & 9/22/22

LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 36

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Legal Notices VIRGINIA:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Civil Action No. CL22-5089 COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, VIRGINIA, Plaintiff, v.

PARTIES UNKNOWN, Defendants, ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of the above-styled suit is to achieve the judicial sale of real estate located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for the purpose of collecting delinquent real estate taxes assessed against the subject real Property.

IT APPEARING that the subject real estate contains 13.22 acres, more or less, of unimproved land located in the Blue Ridge Election district, on “Poplar Ridge,” identified by Loudoun County PIN 688-45-3782-000 and Tax Map Number /68///4////UK/ (the “Property”), the owner of which is unknown. The Property is located in the southwest corner of the County, between Trappe Road and Blueridge Mountain Road bordered to the north by a parcel identified as PIN 693-208-837-000 with a current owner shown as Spurlock Family LLC, to the west by a parcel identified as PIN 693-196-566000, also with a current owner shown as Spurlock Family, LLC, to the south by a parcel identified as PIN 688-455-304-000 with a current owner shown as Victor E. Ferrall, Jr., and to the east by a parcel identified as PIN 688-379-524-000 with a current owner shown as Barbara Balfanz Allbritton.

IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT that there are or may be persons whose names are unknown that may have a potential ownership interest in the Property. They are identified in the pleadings as defendants by the general description of “PARTIES UNKNOWN”; IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT, that Plaintiff has exercised due diligence, to no avail, to ascertain the identity of the owner(s) of the Property and a location to serve said property owner(s) as party defendants; IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT that pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-316 those who may have interest in the Property, named Parties Unknown, may be served by order of publication; and IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT that pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-321, the party served by publication shall be required to appear and protect his interest by the date stated in the order of publication, which shall be not less than 24 days after entry of such order; it is therefore ADJUDGED, ORDERED AND DECREED that: 1. Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 8.01-316, 8.01-321 and 58.1-3967, the PARTIES UNKNOWN shall appear before this Court on October 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM, and do what is necessary to protect their interest herein; 2. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 8.01-321, this Order is to be published for two successive weeks in Loudoun Now; and 3. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-601, the cost of the Order of Publication, if any, shall be paid initially by the Plaintiff subject to recovery of expenses.

9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29

A message to Loudoun County Property Owners regarding the Land Use Assessment Program from Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue The Land Use Assessment Program provides for the deferral of real estate taxes on property that meets certain agricultural, horticultural, forestry, or open space use criteria.

Real property owners who wish to apply for land use assessment for the first time must submit to my office an application along with the required fee by the filing deadline. Forms are available online, in my office, or can be mailed to you.

Owners of real property currently enrolled in the land use assessment program must renew their land use status every 6th year by submitting a renewal form along with documentation corroborating the qualifying land use along with the required fee by the filing deadline. Renewal forms will be mailed the first week of September to those currently enrolled who are up for renewal. You may check your renewal year online at www.loudoun.gov/parceldatabase by entering the property’s address or parcel identification number and selecting the LAND USE STATUS tab. Properties renewed in 2017 are up for renewal this year.

An additional deferral of taxes is available to current program participants if they sign and record an agreement to keep the property in its qualifying use for more than 5 but not exceeding 20 years. The commitment must be filed with my office by November 1, 2022 and recorded in the Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court´s office by December 15, 2022.

Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.

DEADLINES First-time Land Use applications and Renewal applications must be submitted to the Commissioner of the Revenue by Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Applications submitted after the deadline; November 2, 2022 through December 5, 2022, are subject to a $300 per parcel late filing fee in addition to with the standard filing fee. No first-time applications or renewal applications will be accepted after the December 6th deadline.

FILING FEES For submissions received or postmarked by November 1, 2022 - $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 9 USE STANDARDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF POTENTIALLY REVISING THE CONTENTS OF SECTION 9.3.12.2 DOGGY DAY CARE 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 TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, September 13, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLOA-2021-0004 to potentially revise the following Section of the Zoning Ordinance: Sec. 9.3.12.12 Doggy Day Care, to add additional use standards for this use including indoor animal space requirements.

Copies and additional information regarding the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment 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 calling Scott E. Parker, AICP, Senior Planning Project Manager at 703-771-2771.

Mr. Parker can also be reached by email at sparker@leesburgva.gov. This proposed zoning ordinance amendment is identified as case number TLOA-2021-0004.

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 Council at (703) 771-2733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

9/1 & 9/8

For submissions received or postmarked between November 2, 2022 and December 5, 2022 $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof plus a $300 per parcel late filing fee

Online: www.loudoun.gov/landuse Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: 703-737-8557 Email: trcor@loudoun.gov Mailing Address PO Box 8000 MSC 32 Leesburg VA 20177-9804 Overnight Deliveries 1 Harrison Street, SE, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20175-3102 Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street, SE 1st Floor Leesburg, VA 20175 Sterling Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Ste 100 Sterling, VA 20166 9/8 9/15, 9/22, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

PAGE 37

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ACQUISITION BY CONDEMNATION AND TO AUTHORIZE PAYMENT OF JUST COMPENSATION FOR REAL PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE TOWN OF LEESBURG, LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE EDWARDS FERRY ROAD NE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT PERMANENT SIDEWALK AND WATERLINE EASEMENTS, AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENTS ON AND ACROSS REAL PROPERTY DESIGNATED AS: PIN 188-35-2535-000, TAX MAP NO. /48///////130/ PIN 231-30-3748-000, TAX MAP NO. /48/A//34//11/ PIN 231-30-3412-000, TAX MAP NO. /48/A//35//18/ PIN NO. 231-30-2814-000, TAX MAP NO. /48/A//35//17/

FIELDS FARM PARK APPLICATIONS FOR REZONING, SPECIAL USE PERMITS, & COMMISSION PERMITS PARCEL NUMBERS 522-29-5928 & 522-29-6381 OWNER: LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS The Planning Commission of the Town of Purcellville will conduct a public hearing on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2022, at 7:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following applications: (1) One Rezoning application (“RZ 20-01”), which proposes to amend the zoning designation of the subject property from “X - Transitional,” to “Institutional and Public Use District” (“IP”). The existing X-Transitional zoning district is the zoning district assigned by the Town to land when it is annexed into the Town’s corporate limits. The proposed “IP” zoning district is described by the Town Zoning Ordinance as follows: “[The “IP”] district is intended to permit the location and growth of public and private educational, institutional, public, and semi-public uses in areas appropriate for such uses. The district is intended to encourage the retention or adaptive reuse of larger public and institutional uses on sites identified for such uses in the adopted comprehensive plan.”

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

The LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.

(a) one commuter parking lot with up to 260 parking spaces, and (b) 8 lighted public recreational fields; (3) Two Commission Permit applications (“CP 20-01” and “CP 20-02”), for the purpose of assessing whether the proposed special uses, described above, are in substantial accord with the Town’s adopted Comprehensive Plan.

in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, to consider the following Resolution: A Resolution to authorize acquisition by condemnation of permanent and temporary easements on and across real property for the public purpose of construction of the Edwards Ferry Road NE Sidewalk Improvements Project; to enter upon the area encompassed by the permanent and temporary easements; to begin and continue construction before the conclusion of condemnation proceedings pursuant to Virginia Code Sections 15.2-1901 through 15.2-1904 and Chapter 3 of Title 25.1 (§§ 25.1-300 et seq.); and to further authorize payment of just compensation to the owners of the following property: Permanent sidewalk and waterline easements and a temporary construction easement on and across real property identified as PIN No. 188-35-2535-000, Tax Map No. /48///////130/; Permanent sidewalk and waterline easements and a temporary construction easement on and across real property identified as PIN No. 231-30-3748-000, Tax Map No. /48/A//34//11/; and A temporary construction easement on and across real property identified as PIN No. 23130-3412-000, Tax Map No. /48/A//35//18/; and PIN No. 231-30-2814-000, Tax Map No. /48/A//35//17/.

A copy of the proposed Resolution and additional information is available from the Town Clerk, 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 Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council at 703-731-2733.

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

Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

The subject property is shown in yellow on the map associated with this advertisement. This property is located north of Route 7, between Routes 690 and 611. The subject property includes parcel numbers 522-29-5928 and 522-29-6381, as well as dedicated Public Right-of-Way. The subject property affected by the proposed request currently has 2 soccer fields, with the remainder of the land being currently vacant. The subject property is adjacent to and south of Woodgrove High School, and abuts the west side of the Mayfair residential community. The property is proximate to the future interchange planned to be constructed at Route 690 and Route 7.

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

For questions, please call (540) 338-7421.

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

Remote Participation Through “GoToMeeting” -- If you have already installed the GoToMeeting app and wish to comment during the hearing but cannot attend in person, please join the Public Hearing remotely by going to the following: Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/831938549 You can also dial in using your phone: Access Code: 831-938-549 United States: +1 (571) 317-3112 Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://meet.goto.com/install Email Your Comments: In addition, all persons have the option of sending an email to the Town Clerk, Diana Hays, at dhays@purcellvilleva.gov, with written comments or questions concerning the proposed project. Emails sent by 6:00 PM the day of the Public Hearing will be part of the written record for the public hearing, but may not necessarily be read aloud into the record at the public hearing.

9/1/2022, 9/8/2022

Public Notice The Town of Leesburg Board of Zoning Appeals The Town of Leesburg is soliciting resumes and letters of interest for an appointment to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This position is appointed by the Loudoun County Circuit Court to fill a former member’s unexpired term ending December 31, 2023.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meets as necessary the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA. Additional information concerning this quasi-judicial board is available from the Clerk of Council during normal business hours (Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 703-771-2733 or eboeing@leesburgva.gov, or the Town of Leesburg website at www. leesburgva.gov.

Please submit your letter of interest and resume materials by 5:00 p.m., September 12, 2022, to the Clerk of Council, at the Town of Leesburg, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 or via email to eboeing@leesburgva.gov. All interested parties will be forwarded to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for consideration.

08/11, 08/18, 08/25, 09/01 & 09/08/22

9/8 & 9/15/22

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO PROPOSE ORDINANCES FOR PASSAGE LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENTS CHAPTER 34 (UTILITIES) APPENDIX B (FEE SCHEDULE) Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-107, 15.2-1427, 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119, 15.2-2122, and 15.2-2143, the TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF LEESBURG will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as practical, in the Council Chambers at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, for the purpose of giving citizens an opportunity to appear and be heard and to consider the proposed Ordinances for passage as identified below.

Descriptive Summary The proposed Ordinances provides for the repeal of existing Chapter 34 (Utilities) of the Town Code, the adoption of a new Chapter 34.1 (Utilities) and the amendment of Appendix B (Fee Schedule) and the amendment of Chapter 8, Section 118.

W&OD Trail At-Grade Improvements W&OD Trail At-GradeCrossing Crossing Improvements Notice Noticeof ofWillingness Willingness Find out about various planned improvements to the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD)

FindTrail outcrossings about various planned improvements to theTrail Washington Old Dominion (W&OD) spanning the length of the W&OD within theand unincorporated areas of the Trail crossings the length of the W&OD Trailcrossings within the the County Countyspanning and the Town of Purcellville, including at:unincorporated Ashburn Road,areas Hirst of Road, Smith and the Town Purcellville, including crossings at: Ashburn Road, Hirst Road, Smith Switch SwitchofRoad, North Hatcher Avenue, Dry Mill Road near Route 9, Hamilton Station Road,Road, North Hatcher Avenue, DryIvandale Mill Road near Route 9, Hamilton Station Road, Cochran Mill Road, and Cochran Mill Road, and Road.

Ivandale Road.

Improvements may include the realignment of trail crossings, the construction of median refuge islands, the installation of flashing warning signs, tree trimming and clearing, and the restriction Improvements may include theproject realignment of local trail crossings, the construction of median refuge of parking. Funding for this includes tax funding, cash proffers and federal grants.

islands, the installation of flashing warning signs, tree trimming and clearing, and the restriction of For more information this project, visit: https://www.loudoun.gov/5746/WOD-At-Gradeparking.

Funding for thison project includes local tax funding, cash proffers and federal grants.

Crossing-Improvements

Chapter 34.1 Article I of proposed Chapter 34.1 provides for the Town’s water system. Article II provides for the Town’s sewer and sewage disposal system. Articles I and II include definitions and provide for: the Town providing water and sewer service; the applicable rules and regulations, the Sewer Use Regulations, and compliance with the Town’s Design and Construction Standards Manual; the application for and issuance of public facility permits; the operation of the Town’s water and sewer systems; the consideration of applications for out-of-town customers; availability fees; pro rata fees; the cost of improvements and the design and installation of water and sewer improvements; new connections; new development costs; cross connection and backflow protection; customer accounts; user and service charges; rates, fees and charges; billing and payment procedures; responsibility for damage to the water and sewer systems; and the administration and enforcement of Chapter 34.1.

Article II also includes provisions for the Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Program including: definitions; requiring appropriate devices to manage fats, oils and grease in food service establishments and non-residential facilities; the maintenance and inspection of devices; and administration and enforcement provisions.

Article III provides for the administration and enforcement of Chapter 34.1 including the issuance of notices of violation, penalties, and responsibility for damage to the water and sewer systems.

Appendix B (Fee Schedule) Appendix B (Fee Schedule) is amended to use the Town Code section numbers used in the proposed Chapter 34.1 and to conform the provisions and language in Appendix B to the provisions and language in Chapter 34.1. The amendments to Appendix B do not change the fees or charges for use and services of the Town water and sewer systems except for the hydrant meter rental deposit. There are no changes to existing water and sewer rates. The only proposed fee increases are for security deposits for hydrant rental meters from $1,000 to $1,200 for large meters and from $250 to $300 for small meters in Appendix B, § 34.1-136.

The proposed Ordinances adopting Chapter 34.1 and amending Appendix B impose fees or charges, and penalties in connection with the use and services of the Town water and sewer systems. The fees, charges and penalties imposed for the use of and services of the Town water and sewer system are authorized

by Va. Code §§ 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119, 15.2-2122, and 15.2-2143 and § 3-4 of the Charter of the Town of Leesburg.

For Pursuant more information on this project, visit: Policy Act (NEPA) and 23 CFR 771, an environmental with the National Environmental https://www.loudoun.gov/5746/WOD-At-GradeCrossing-Improvements document in the form of a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE) was prepared as per an agreement between the Federal Highway Administration and the Virginia Department of

Transportation.

In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act,771, Section 106 and 36 Pursuant with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 23 CFR an environmental CFR Part 800, information concerning Categorical the potentialExclusion effects of the proposed improvements onagreedocument in the form of a Programmatic (PCE) was prepared as per an in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places be mentproperties between listed the Federal Highway Administration and the Virginia Department of will Transportation.

In availablewith with the theNational PCE. The PCE can be viewed Act, on the project106 website. compliance Historic Preservation Section and 36 CFR Part 800, informationIfconcerning the potential of the proposed improvements listed in or eligible your concerns cannot effects be satisfied, Loudoun County is willingon to properties hold a public hearing.

You for listing in the National Register of be Historic Places willa be available with PCE can be may request that a public hearing held by sending written request to the Mr. PCE. Mark The Hoffman, Project Manager, viewed on the projectLoudoun website. County, 101 Blue Seal Drive, Suite 102, Leesburg, VA 20177 or by email to dtci@loudoun.gov on or prior to September 21, 2022. Please reference “W&OD At-

Grade Crossing Improvements” in the subject County line.

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, Loudoun is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that aCounty public ensures hearing be held by sendingand a written request to Mr. Hoffman, ManLoudoun nondiscrimination equal employment in Mark all programs andProject activities ager,inLoudoun County, 101 VI Blue 102, Leesburg, 20177 orrequire by email accordance with Title andSeal TitleDrive, VII of Suite the Civil Rights Act of VA 1964.

If you anto dtci@loudoun.gov prior toofSeptember 2022.

Please assistance, reference “W&OD At-571-258Grade Crossing accommodationon foror any type disability or21, need language please call 3282 (TTY/TDD 711).

Improvements” in the subject line.

Loudoun County: CRCP-2021-0010

Loudoun County ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment all programs and activities in State Project: EN20-053-224, P101, R201,inC501 accordance with Title VI and Title VII of theUPC: Civil118286 Rights Act of 1964. If you require an accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance,(221) please call 571-258- 3282 (TTY/TDD 711).

Federal: TAP-5B01 Loudoun County: CRCP-2021-0010 State Project: EN20-053-224, P101, R201, C501 UPC: 118286 Federal: TAP-5B01 (221)

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Full Text Available A copy of the full text of the proposed Ordinances are available from the Town Clerk located in Town Hall. Additional information regarding the proposed Ordinances is available in the Department of Utilities, located at 1385 Russell Branch Parkway, SE, Leesburg, Virginia, 20175, during normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling Amy Wyks, Director of Utilities at 703737-7119.

At the public hearing, all persons designed to express their views concerning these matters will be heard.

Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Opinion Promises

The Board of Supervisors got it right Tuesday night when it shut down the county’s own attempt to renege on promises not to install lights at the Scott Jenkins Park.

That’s not necessarily because the lights would, with today’s technology, be incompatible with the rural environment, although a compelling case on that front has yet to be made.

More concerning is the trust factor—that any agreement made by the county government could so easily be undone. Would county leaders be so willing to let a developer turn up the impacts on neighbors by deleting some similar proffer provision?

And more alarming is that it would be the second time a Board of Supervisors had pulled out of a lighting restriction. The neighbors around Franklin Park for many years thought their night-sky views would be preserved as well. When the demand for

ballfield capacity reached a boiling point, the lights went up. It only takes five votes to go back a county promise.

That brings us to the next county challenge involving an effort to provide more youth sports opportunities to western Loudoun—the Fields Farm complex in Purcellville.

The county purchased that land decades ago with the specific intent of building lighted sports fields that were not permitted at Franklin Park. At that time the land was bordered by industrial uses on the north side of the Rt. 7 bypass. The later development of a schools complex to its north only increased the compatibility of the plan.

What wasn’t envisioned at that time was that a residential neighborhood would spring up on the adjacent land. Now those residents, apparently unaware of the county’s decades-old plans, are raising the alarm about the impacts the sports

complex and commuter parking lot will have on their community.

There are valid safety concerns associated with the increased traffic the project will bring. County, town and school leaders already are at work addressing them. But this was never intended to be a cul-de-sac community; many of the safety measures sought now would be needed if the surrounding property were developed in some other way.

As efforts continue in the coming weeks to address the neighborhood concerns, it will be important to remember the promise of this park property. This was intended to be the central, lighted sports complex for western Loudoun. Its location in a planned urban growth area was specifically selected for that purpose. This was a site where lights and bleachers full of cheering parents, and even a football stadium would be welcomed.

That plan—that promise—should not change. n

LETTERS to the Editor Fair Playing Field Editor: Planning Commission Chair Forest Hayes kicked off the first Zoning Ordinance public hearing by asking his fellow commissioners to “give more than equal share of weight to individuals and not specialized interest groups.” He specifically singled out the frequent speakers from interest groups as “not representing” the majority of residents in the west.

For the record, I like Commissioner Hayes, and believe he has overall led an excellent Planning Commission. However, in this case his statements are both wrong in fact and dangerous if taken seriously by his colleagues.

The majority of the “special interest” groups are non-partisan, non-profit membership organizations. There are over 4,000 individual dues paying citizen

members in just the organizations participating in the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition.

The average family with full time jobs, children at home or in school, contribute to these “specialized organizations” because they believe in their mission and goals, but have no time to read, digest, and form an opinion about such documents as the 1,000-plus pages of the proposed rewritten zoning ordinance.

The so-called special interest groups are the source of informing the public of pending development actions which are counterproductive to their way of life because they track proposals on the county platforms which the average citizen does not have time to scan.

The so-called special interest groups are not “hand wringing shouters.” They assemble professional staff, citizens with

specific expertise, and carefully prepare professional documentation for their positions which is shared with staff and supervisors.

It was interesting to note Commissioner Hayes did not mention the representatives of the business and development community as being among the “special interest group” voices he wishes to suppress. They also come to the table with researched and in-depth proposals for the rewrite of the zoning ordinance and for many other development issues in the county. Their special interest contribution is also of value.

While there is often reason to oppose some of the business and development community proposals from the point of view of preserving the quality of life of our present and future populations, their special interests should be recognized as

legitimate just as those that reflect the heritage and environment of the county and its quality of life.

I hope Planning Commissioner Hayes can rethink his position and provide a fair playing field for all the interests which are focusing on the zoning rewrite.

— Alfred P. Van Huyck, Round Hill Editor’s Note: The writer is the chair of the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition.

Whitewashing Our Story Editor: It seems that Winston Smith recently visited Loudoun Valley High School’s cafeteria in the name of the “Ministry of LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 41

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Readers’ Poll

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Labor Day marks the start of the sprint to Election Day. Where do you stand?

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: Training camp is over.

What’s your prediction for the Washington Commanders’ season?

LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 40

Truth.” Specifically, he had to eliminate the Class of ‘90s Class Gift—a mural of faces of the class.

Why? It seems that the wall was deemed not “important” enough.

Regardless, as Orwell’s “1984” reveals, the Thought Police always have an explanation, yet that explanation needs not to be revealed. History—or herstory as many in the portraits represented— doesn’t matter.

The faces were hopeful. Optimistic. Some—if not all—happy for that moment in time. Notice the past tense.

They no longer “are.” Our children who eat (yes, in the present) at the tables no longer see us.

We were the faces who saw: • Death by suicide—assistant principal, upperclassman, peer • Cancer

• Broken marriages • Addiction • Poverty

• Death again

And so much more.

During that year, we congregated in different ways for pictures that would memorialize our time at LVHS. For months, our artist peers labored for the culminating work to be revealed by graduation. The art revealed stories of hope, resilience, and triumph. Stories that, for some reason, no longer “mattered.”

What a shame that Winston was invited for a visit for now the faces are gone.

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They clearly didn’t matter to those in charge today. None of us had a chance to capture once more their beauty. Their socio-economic diversity. Their truth. Their witness. And what’s even worse, many of them are the faces that came back to our community to make it what it is today: •

A place that welcomes

•

A place that remembers what it was to become better (as so many of us did)

•

• •

A place that listens

A place that comes together and unites when we need to

A place that knows—and respects [or so we thought]—our stories.

Our history/herstory.

We were LGBQT+, broken, afraid, lost, sad, happy, hopeful, and more. And we looked forward. But, according to LVHS, none of that matters. We weren’t “important” enough because someone at Valley decided our stories no longer mattered. How sad, especially for those who now walk the halls knowing that they, too, may one day be erased.

Thank you for those who shared so quickly the loss of our faces, our stories, our future, our past. Hopefully, we can somehow piece together what the “Ministry of Truth” destroyed. And, for that matter, why a white wall is more “important.”

— Jennifer Keller Bergel, Lovettsville

CRT Completely Appropriate Editor: Critical race theory is being used as boogeyman by the far right, dark money-funded activists.

Critical race theory really just means

that while learning about American history and economics and healthcare (and anything really) that we need to consider the experiences of Black people and people of color.

It means that implicit bias (that occurs automatically, unintentionally, and often unnoticed) plays a huge part in perpetuating racism through our social, financial, instructional, judicial, and other systems.

It means that stereotypes affect how we treat others.

We didn’t ask to be taught these stereotypes. We didn’t ask for the privilege afforded to us by racism. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t true or don’t exist or that we don’t benefit from them. We aren’t being asked to feel guilty about our ancestors being oppressors. We are simply being asked to acknowledge that Black people and other people of color experience life differently than we do and that their experience matters. 57% of the LCPS student body is non-white.

This makes CRT not only important but also completely appropriate. Why would we teach only whitewashed history when the majority of the students aren’t white?

In the words of Winston Churchill, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” How can we learn from history if we aren’t even learning accurate history?

— Heather Gottlieb, Leesburg

Opposing the MVP Editor: Loudoun, for almost eight years people in this county have been working with environmental groups across Virginia to stop the Mountain Valley Pipeline.

Now, Senators Manchin and Schumer

have apparently reached a cynical side deal to advance a fossil fuel “wish list” of Sen. Manchin’s that would fast track the MVP. The pipeline would increase Virginia’s greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 90 million tons, equivalent to 23 coal fired power plants each year.

Since its original application for certificate of public convenience in 2015, MVP has racked up over 300 environmental violations with the Virginia DEQ and had key permits vacated in federal court. MVP’s impact on Virginians living near the route is extreme. It includes contamination of water resources, land disturbances such as landslides, and risk of methane leaks and explosions if the pipeline is ever put into service.

This pipeline was nearly dead. It was out of options because MVP’s owners have no idea how to build the project through Virginia’s waterways, mountains, forests and karst geology in a way that complies with environmental regulation like the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Virginia doesn’t owe Sen. Manchin anything. Senators Kaine and Warner should be vocally opposed to such an egregious subversion of foundational environmental policy and direct harm to their constituents.

Contact Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner and let them know that you oppose the Mountain Valley Pipeline and Senator Manchin’s side deal.

Info on Loudoun Climate Projects work on MVP is at loudounclimate.org/mvp.

No side deal. No sacrifice zones. No MVP. — Chris Tandy, President Loudoun Climate Project

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Dual language

Grand jury

continued from page 13

continued from page 1

terest survey stood out to her the most in the process.

“If a school isn’t interested it won’t be successful, because you just can’t tell a school they are going to do it. So that piece just really stands out to me, and making sure the schools want to do it. If they buy in, then they will be successful,” she said.

School Board member Tom Marshall (Leesburg) said he was excited and hopes the program is extended further once it gets going.

In deciding which schools to choose, school staff members looked at criteria including alignment with the community interest survey, leadership interest, the capacity of the building which also included any boundary changes, transportation, the English Learner population, and the percentage of the home language—in this case, Spanish—for the 50/50 model. A one-year timeline was presented to show when the program would start in the two schools, projected to start with the 20232024 school year.

The dual language program was previously approved through the budget process. n

The School Board on Aug. 16 appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court seeking to overturn Plowman’s ruling.

The Supreme Court’s Sept. 2 ruling focused on the school division’s claim that the grand jury proceeding infringed upon the provision in the Virginia Constitution that vests the supervision of schools in the local school board. The court said the School Board had not offered a convincing argument for why the grand jury investigation infringes its rights.

“A grand jury investigation does not render the power of local supervision meaningless. The School Board will continue to oversee the County’s schools exactly as before. The constitutional power to administer a school district does not bring with it immunity from investigation for violations of the criminal law,” the ruling stated.

The justices also found there was no irreparable harm demonstrated—the standard for granting an injunction—and agreed with Plowman’s ruling that “fear of and potential for investigative overreach by the grand jury does not constitute irreparable harm to the School Board’s authority.”

“The special grand jury is not hiring and firing teachers, spending money allocated for the schools, deciding where schools should be built, and so on, i.e. nothing the grand jury is doing restricts

9/11 Remembrances continued from page 3 Mayor Kelly Burk and a wreath-laying.

The memorial will remain open until 9 p.m. for residents to visit.

At 6:30 p.m., the Town of Purcellville will hold a ceremony at the First Responders Monument near the Bush Tabernacle. The monument includes a piece of steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center and stone from a barn near Shanksville, PA. The guest speaker will be Virginia State Police Sergeant Mike Middleton, who responded to the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001 and was involved in the immediate rescue.

Also in Lovettsville, One Family Brewing will hold its second annual The Freedom Celebration on Friday, Sept. 9 and Saturday, Sept. 10, with craft beverages, live music, food trucks and fireworks. Proceeds will help build a Gold Star Families Memorial, a home for a wounded warrior and support deployed troops. Advance tickets required at onefamilybrewing.com. n

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

“This is yet another win for both Loudoun families and the Commonwealth in our fight for justice and answers.”

— Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares

— Loudoun County Public

Schools statement

the School Board’s core constitutional power of supervision over the schools in Loudoun County. At this point, there does not appear to be any actual harm, much less irreparable harm,” the ruling stated.

Gov. Glenn Younkin and Attorney General Jason Miyares issued statements following the ruling.

“As Attorney General I made a promise to Virginians to investigate what happened last year in Loudoun County.

In July, I defeated the Loudoun County School Board’s attempt to block the investigation in the trial court. Today, The Supreme Court of Virginia affirmed that victory. We are pleased with the court’s ruling and ready to move forward. This is yet another win for both Loudoun families and the Commonwealth in our fight for justice and answers,” Miyares said.

Mobile park plan continued from page 3 April, Gregory bought the adjacent junkyard property in June. He said there are no plans to redevelop the property, but he is focused on helping the park residents, including providing jobs at the recycling center, to be branded Scrapy Dave’s, and other support through INMED. Concept plans show the aquaponics facility at the recycling center, which is adjacent to the mobile home park.

INMED U.S. Programs Director Jennifer Lassiter Smith said the aquaponics project is the next step in serving the park community, with both fresh produce and nutrition education. She said children in the park community will also have the opportunity to collaborate with members of the Jamaica 4-H Clubs.

“It starts with access to healthy and organic food, and our partners in 4-H and their curriculum in educating children around sustainable, agriculture, and cul-

“While LCPS is disappointed in the results, it will continue to comply with the Special Grand Jury’s requests and awaits the results of its investigation.”

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Jamaican Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries Franklyn Witter attends an Aug. 31 event announcing plans for an aquaponics project at the Leesburg Mobile Home Park.

tural exchange,” she said.

“It is almost criminal that we live in the highest-income … county in the richest country in the world, and we have children that are hungry, today, tonight and tomorrow,” Gregory said.

Witter complimented the plans and the work for the park community so far, and said rural Loudoun reminds him of the ru-

Youngkin said the ruling was a victory for parents. “After the Loudoun County School Board failed to address sexual assault incidents in their district, were not held accountable for their actions and continuously let down students and parents in Virginia, I signed an executive order on my first day in office authorizing an investigation by Attorney General Miyares into the Loudoun County Public Schools,” he said.

The school division also issued a statement: “Loudoun County Public Schools appreciates the Supreme Court’s consideration of the unusual circumstances regarding this special grand jury. While LCPS is disappointed in the results, it will continue to comply with the Special Grand Jury’s requests and awaits the results of its investigation.” n ral area in Jamaica where he lives. He also pointed to INMED’s partnership with Jamaica 4-H Clubs, where it first launched its INMED Aquaponics Social Enterprise.

“It was a really impactful project, and we are here from Jamaica to cement those partnerships and to make sure that we can strengthen the partnership,” he said.

Loudoun County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said solving problems like poverty takes a cooperative effort of philanthropic nonprofits, government and business, and praised Gregory.

“You do have a heart, a passion, and a commitment for people who just were … born with … obviously the same abilities, but not the same opportunities, and sometimes that’s the issue,” she said. “It’s not abilities. It’s not intelligence. It’s not any of that, it’s just simply opportunities. And so the fact that you see people who don’t have those opportunities, are you going to do something about it means the whole world to us.”

For more information about INMED USA, go to inmedusa.org. n

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

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