Loudoun Now for Oct. 8, 2020

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2020 ELECTION GUIDE INSIDE PAGE 8

VOL. 5, NO. 45

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Supervisors Poised to Vote on Land Conservation Programs

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Hamilton Town Councilmembers Craig Green and Elizabeth Gaucher work to unpack personal protective equipment that town leaders will hand out to area residents on Oct. 10 and 17.

Towns Work to Distribute Remaining $8.4M in CARES Act Funding

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

From the $150 billion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security—or CARES—Act that Congress approved in March, $12.2 million has trickled down to Loudoun’s seven incorporated towns.

They face a Dec. 15 deadline to disperse the money or will be required to return it.

Virginia received about $3.1 billion from the CARES Act, $1.3 billion of which was dispersed to the 95 counties and 38 independent cities via two installments of $644.6 million. Loudoun County’s share was $72.2 million, and from that, $12.2

million was distributed to the county’s towns in two installments, with allocations based on each town’s population.

During the past four months, those towns have used $3,779,730 of their comCARES ACT continues on page 42

After years of debate, county supervisors are poised to vote on a pair of conservation programs that could permanently protect the county’s rural land from development while still letting owners realize some of its value.

County supervisors on Tuesday, delayed a vote on a plan that would reestablish a Purchase of Development Rights program, and launch a study of a Transfer of Development Rights program. Both programs allow landowners in designated areas to separate their development rights from their land and sell those rights, permanently blocking development on that land.

Loudoun has had a Purchase of Development Rights program before, in which the county government buys and retires development rights, leaving the land under conservation easement. That has existed in Loudoun’s ordinances since 1999, but has been unfunded since 2004 when a newly elected Board of Supervisors at its first meeting reversed much of LAND CONSERVATION continues on page 43

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PAGE 3

NAACP Leaders Find Schools’ Segregation Apology Lacking

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The 2020 Valor Awards honored more than 100 first responders and civilians.

Valor Awards Recognize 103 First Responder, Civilian Heroes

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Valor Awards ceremony on Oct. 2 honored more than 100 first responders and civilians who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help their neighbors.

The ceremony, like almost all events this year, looked different this time as those same firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers, health care workers and caring citizens fight the COVID-19 pandemic. While normally the event packs the ballroom at the National Conference Center, this year attendance was strictly limited, with other precautions such as face masks in place.

Fire-Rescue Chief Keith Johnson said when the pandemic began, there was no COVID-19 playbook. Instead, first responders leaned on their experience, education and training.

“It was that analytical ability that will help us through this process, and certainly we’ve had struggles, and certainly we’ve

had bumps and bruises along the way,” Johnson said. “You see, COVID-19 has taught us that we have no control of what is presented to us in our lives, but rather we overcome and adapt. And that’s what first responders do.”

First responders continue to adapt, going into harm’s way in the pandemic—a few nights before the Valor Awards, Johnson told people during a meeting about the planned Philomont fire station replacement, “We are in the worst situation since the pandemic started,” with 12 members positive and 54 quarantined at that time. Overall, 170 fire-rescue system members, he said, have recovered from the virus.

“These outstanding women and men demonstrate their commitment to our safety and that of our families and our coworkers and our neighbors every single day that they put on their uniforms,” said Loudoun Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Stacey Metcalfe. “These are folks who run towards danger. They charge into burning buildings, face down dangerous assailants

and regularly confront situations with unknown circumstances and uncertain outcomes.”

109 people including 92 first responders and 17 civilians were recognized at the ceremony for their heroic actions. Their stories ranged from Leesburg Police Department officers Omar Fuentes, Michael McDonald and Donnie Wilhelm, who saved a suicidal young woman from herself in a hotel room; to Loudoun County Fire-Rescue System members Bradley Brown, Keith Lee-Diamond, and Brian McGill, who commandeered equipment at a construction site to save a worker who had fallen into a hole on site and was badly injured; to Brian Flynn, a civilian who spotted an elderly woman in her car in a creek in January with water up to her hips, and rescued her; to two elementary schoolers who spotted a garage on fire and alerted neighbors, preventing it from spreading to the house.

View the full Valor Awards program and read all of the heroic stories at loudounchamber. org. n

One week after the Loudoun County Public Schools division posted on its website a formal apology for its segregationist history, the Loudoun NAACP hosted a Friday night online forum during which members said much more needs to be done.

Chapter President Michelle Thomas dismissed the apology as “self-serving” and said Loudoun’s Black families are looking for more than just recognition of educational inequities— past and present.

The apology was issued as one element of Superintendent Eric Williams’ plans to combat systemic racism in the division, an initiative announced in June six months after the Virginia Attorney General’s Office opened an investigation into allegations of discrimination.

NAACP leaders said talks with school leaders to address their concerns have stalled in recent weeks and they now expect the AG’s office to issue its report, an action they said should be followed by a lawsuit seeking to impose corrective actions. It is not just policy changes likely to be on the table; the conversation, like many similar talks across the country, also turned to reparations.

County Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) and Supervisor Juli Briskman (D-Algonkian) participated in the 90-minute “community conversation” session. However, no members of the School Board or division administrators logged in; the audience was told that was on the advice of the school division attorney.

As NAACP leaders questioned the value of the apology, Randall said it had merit.

“I believe this is the beginning of a conversation that should be happening,” she said. “I believe the community as a whole deserved the apology.”

It is up to community leaders to decide the next steps, she said. “I continue to think the apology was well-meaning, but well-meaning by itself means not much unless we do the next step,” she said.

“I think it was more of an acknowlegment of what has hapAPOLOGY continues on page 41

Screenshot

The Loudoun NAACP hosted a Friday night onlline forum Oct. 2 to discuss the school system’s segregation apology.

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Loudoun

Under Pressure, County to Study Renovating Philomont Fire Station

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Facing criticism around plans to build a new fire station on an open field in Philomont, as well as their refusal until last Wednesday night to answer questions about those plans, county fire-rescue officials have said they will study renovating the current fire station as an option.

That followed advice from Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), who called it “the next prudent step” to examine whether the current building could be renovated to a modern standard, or torn down and a new one built on the same lot.

The other option—and the only one officially on the table until Wednesday night’s community meeting at Woodgrove High School—was to build a new facility on a 7-acre parcel that until this year hosted the annual Philomont Horse Show.

That property is owned by the Philomont Volunteer Fire Department, which since 1957 had hosted the horse show there as a fundraiser, but retired the show this year.

The department also offered the land to the county fire-rescue department to build a new station, abandoning the current station between the Philomont General Store and Philomont Community Center.

But county planners have already expressed skepticism about staying on the current site.

“The option of the complete teardown and rebuild on the current 2.6 acres, you can tell with 2.6-acre sites opposed to a normal 5-acre site, as well as well and septic—one might jump to the conclusion that it couldn’t fit,” said Department of

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Fire Rescue Chief Keith Johnson leads the Sept. 30 meeting at Woodgrove High School on plans for a new Philomont fire station.

Transportation and Capital Infrastructure Deputy Director Bruce Johnston. “But we’ll go ahead and do the study.”

Prior to the meeting Wednesday, Fire-Rescue Chief Keith Johnson had declined multiple requests for information or meetings from the community, including from the Blue Ridge Leader and

Loudoun Now. “The fire department is sort of the center of gravity in our little village, and we feel quite a bit that we’ve been left out of the loop,” said Tom Lacey. “The proposal to terminate the horse show and build a FIRE STATION continues on page 5

AG Herring: Localities Must Comply with FOIA During Emergency

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Attorney General Mark Herring has issued an advisory opinion warning local governments that the state’s open government laws remain in effect during the state of emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—which could have a bearing on Loudoun County’s own emergency rules.

On April 15, Loudoun supervisors adopted an emergency ordinance to conduct

meetings outside of normal open meeting laws, as gathering in one place became unsafe during the pandemic. That emergency ordinance, which supervisors renewed in September, also holds that “notwithstanding any provision of law, regulation or policy to the contrary, any deadlines requiring action by the County, a Public Entity, or their respective officers (including Constitutional Officers) and employees shall be suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic,” and that “failure to meet any such deadlines shall not constitute a

default, violation, approval, ratification or recommendation, or result in any other automatic action or consequence.”

Herring cautioned Monday, Oct. 5 such declarations cannot include exemptions to the deadline to respond to Virginia Freedom of Information Act requests.

Under state law, all public records are presumed to be public and available for inspection unless there is a specific exFOIA continues on page 5

Loudoun Still Seeking PPE Donations

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The need for personal protective equipment to support the COVID-19 pandemic response continues in Loudoun County.

The county government is still seeking donations of both PPE and monetary donations to purchase protective equipment, which it distributes the equipment to long-term care facilities and other health care providers that face a critical need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of a reduced rate of donations over the past few weeks, the county will close one of its two donation drop-off sites next week, at the Dulles South Recreation and Community Center in South Riding. Donations will still be accepted at the county’s Leesburg site, at 751 Miller Drive. Items being accepted are disposable gowns, surgical masks, face shields, N95 respirators, enclosed goggles, coveralls, gloves and hand sanitizer.

Officials say the greatest need currently is for N95 respirators, disposable gowns, surgical masks and face shields.

Any donated supplies must be unopened.

The county is not able to accept homemade equipment, such as homemade masks. More information is online at loudoun.gov/ppe.

Monetary donations allow the county government to use its buying power to purchase PPE in bulk to create a sustainable supply that can be provided to Loudoun-based agencies. Electronic donations may be made through the Loudoun County website at loudoun. gov/ppe. Checks with “COVID-19 Donations” noted in the memo line may mailed to the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office, addressed to Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office, COVID-19 Donations, P.O. Box 347, Leesburg, VA 20178.

More than 44,425 pieces of PPE have been donated since the program began in March 2020, and more than $43,837 has been donated since the county began accepting monetary donations in April.

The county is also accepting requests from Loudoun-based health care providers and facilities in need of personal protective equipment. Requests can be made through a form online at loudoun. gov/ppe.

The county faces a deadline for helping out health care providers; the end of the year marks the deadline to spend money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act. n

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Fire station continued from page 4 structure here should have been brought out a long time ago. It’s caused a certain ill will between a lot of citizens and the fire department.”

Many of those expressing concern over the proposal were themselves formerly involved in the volunteer fire department and the Philomont Ladies’ Auxiliary that supported it.

The Snickersville Turnpike Association wrote to county supervisors asking for more community meetings, worrying that the one meeting Wednesday before a bond referendum this November is not enough. Loudouners will be asked to authorize the county to issue $21.6 million in debt, based on preliminary estimates of the cost to build a new fire station.

“We feel it is imperative that public discussions about the pros and cons of a new

FOIA continued from page 4 emption allowed—and almost all of those exemptions are voluntary, not required, meaning there are very few documents the local government are prohibited from giving the public upon request.

State law also puts deadlines on answering those requests. Governments have five business days to respond to a request; they may also grant themselves a seven-day extension, and may also charge the requester the cost of producing the records and withhold them until paid.

Local governments cannot relax those deadlines, Herring wrote, quoting state law: “…Because VFOIA specifically states that ‘[a]ny ordinance adopted by a local governing body that conflicts with the provisions [VFOIA] shall be void,’ any

PAGE 5

fire station in Philomont be extended to provide for greater citizen participation and education,” reads the letter. “To date, the process has not been transparent.”

Peter Weeks, a member of the Snickersville Turnpike Association, said if the county does not show interest in setting up more community meetings, the people of Philomont will likely set up their own and invite county officials to attend–much like what happened in Aldie where similar objections to a firehouse project ultimately prompted county leaders to find another location for the project.

Former Planning Commissioner Chairman Al Van Huyck drew comparisons to the years-long battle over a new Aldie fire station, which saw the county buy and subsequently abandon two separate sites, including the historic Aldie Tavern, under pressure from the community.

“The community fought that very hard, and the fire department tried very hard to put it there,” Van Huyck said. “My ques-

tion is, what did you learn from that experience about community involvement?

I heard you mention Lucketts, where you worked with the community, but it’s my understanding that our community in Philomont has not been able to have meetings, has not been able to contact you. We have a long list of emails rejecting meetings.”

Johnson said those meetings were not possible during the COVID-19 pandemic until the state entered Phase 3 of the governor’s Forward Virginia plan to reopen Virginia and allow gatherings—which it did on July 1. He also said the meeting Wednesday happened earlier in the planning process for the station than similar meetings in Aldie.

“Personally, I think that we’re ahead of the game here,” Johnson said.

A handful of Philomont villagers defended the plans to build a new station on the horse show grounds, including current and former volunteers.

“Every time we renovate or make changes, we do that at the expense of some other portion of the station,” said Philomont Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Peter West. “We simply do not have enough room to accommodate all of the functions that we need to achieve in this building.”

According to both volunteer and county fire officials, the current station is too small to accommodate modern, larger fire engines and trucks, lacks a fire protection system, and has inadequate sleeping, shower, exercise, and administrative spaces for 24-hour staffing. It also lacks decontamination areas to prevent firefighters from being exposed to toxins and carcinogens when returning from calls.

Construction is tentatively planned to begin in 2025.

“The only thing that we’re not open to is doing nothing, because the first responders who live in that building deserve a better building,” Buffington said. n

such ordinance would be without legal effect.”

Therefore, he wrote, “The time limits for responding to requests for records in VFOIA remain in place and must be complied with even during the current emergency.”

Despite the state of emergency, Loudoun Now has seen no slowing of responses to requests from the newspaper.

Charlottesville Del. Sally L. Hudson (D-57) had requested an opinion on FOIA deadlines from Herring.

It is not the first time the current Board of Supervisors’ rules have had an uncertain relationship to transparency law. In January, supervisors unanimously adopted new rules of order calling for members to be censured if they disclose what happens in closed session—although no such prohibition exists under state law.

The county government is not required to

keep any public records of what happens behind those closed doors.

The continuity of government ordinance allowing for electronic meetings also predated the state law specifically allowing such meetings, and electronic

meetings during the state of emergency have been used to conduct normal business such as ceremonial resolutions that were unrelated to the pandemic response or government actions required to maintain operations. n

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Leesburg

Council Won’t Move Forward on Liberty Amendments Holiday

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Although the Town Council recently added a new town holiday to its calendar, there was not as much support for another.

The Town Council this week could not find a majority to support a state holiday celebrating four Constitutional amendments that expanded voting and civil rights to all U.S. citizens.

Mercury Patton, town manager of the Town of Vienna, is behind an initiative to establish both a Liberty Amendments Day and a month-long celebration recognizing the ratification of the 13th, 14th, 15th and 19th amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

According to a Leesburg town staff report, the Virginia Municipal League is expected to endorse the idea in its policy statements that are adopted in October.

The four amendments were ratified between 1865 and 1920. The three Civil Warera amendments—the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments—abolished slavery, included the Equal Protection and Due Process

clause, and prohibited denying the ability to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, respectively. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, prohibited the denial of voting rights based on gender.

As envisioned by Patton, Liberty Amendments Month would begin annually on June 19, or Juneteenth, which was recently adopted by the Town Council as a new town government holiday, and is expected to be approved by the General Assembly as a state holiday. The month-long celebration would run through July 19. Liberty Amendments Day would be celebrated on the third Monday of July.

The council had requested a work session discussion on the initiative, which occurred Monday night. Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel said the town staff was not taking a position on the holidays, but said if the council supported the idea, staff recommended adding the item to its legislative policies statement ahead of the 2021 General Assembly session.

But a split council, at least for now, does not appear to be interested in moving the discussion forward. Councilwoman Su-

zanne Fox said she supported the idea of Liberty Amendments Day, but did not find merit in a month-long celebration that would occur in the summer months when generally schools are not in session. Councilman Tom Dunn said he did not understand why, if Constitution Day is already celebrated each year on Sept. 17, there was a need for another holiday singling out specific amendments.

Mayor Kelly Burk, Vice Mayor Marty Martinez and Councilman Neil Steinberg all expressed support for the additional holiday. Steinberg pointed to the educational opportunities available in recognizing the four constitutional amendments.

“I understand that we recognize the Constitution as a whole, but these four amendments are particularly important, especially as they pertain to people of color and gender,” he said. “It seems to me that anything we can do to help people better understand the Constitution and these critical amendments as they relate to Juneteenth and the four weeks following I think LIBERTY HOLIDAY continues on page 7

Replogle Challenged on Residency Qualifications KARA RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

A resident is challenging Leesburg Town Council candidate Bill Replogle’s eligibility for November’s ballot.

Leesburg resident Brian McAfee has filed a petition to Loudoun Commonwealth’s AtReplogle torney Buta Biberaj questioning whether Replogle met the residency requirements to run for the council seat.

When Replogle announced his campaign in May, he acknowledged that he lived in the River Creek neighborhood, outside the town’s corporate limits, but had purchased a house on North Street and was in the process of moving back into town.

Replogle and his family had previously

lived in the town’s Woodlea Manor neighborhood, beginning in the early 1990s.

McAfee alleges that Replogle knowingly falsified his address to qualify for November’s Town Council election. Replogle’s certificate of candidate qualification, which McAfee said he obtained from the Office of Elections via a Freedom of Information Act, lists his address on May 19 as 307 Edwards Ferry Road in Leesburg. That is the home of Bruce and Rachel Roberts.

When reached Thursday, Replogle said there was a several-week lapse between the closing on his North Street home in early May and his move into town. He said Bruce Roberts, a friend of his, offered Replogle the opportunity to stay at his residence during that time period, an account confirmed by Roberts. Replogle said he and his family have been living in their North Street home since July 1.

“Did I stay there every night? No, COVID was raging and I wasn’t concerned as much about being in that position as my

personal health and the health of the Roberts,” Replogle said, referring to the Roberts’ home. “I wasn’t a nightly guest there, but I was over there a number of times. Everything was kind of messed up by COVID.” In his email to Biberaj, McAfee also alleges that Replogle updated his voter registration to match the Edwards Ferry Road address.

“Regardless of property he may own within Town limits, he did not reside, nor has he ever resided, at the address provided. Mr. Replogle should be ineligible for candidacy as he did not reside within Town limits at the time he submitted his Certificate. Additionally, Mr. Replogle is guilty of election fraud, by submitting a residential address that he does not/did not reside in, in order to falsify his qualification(s) for the office in question,” McAfee wrote in his email.

State law requires voters, and candiREPLOGLE continues on page 7

Norman Duncan

Effort to Rename Post Office Advances in Congress LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The House of Representatives has passed a bill authored by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) to rename the downtown Leesburg post office in honor of Norman Duncan, a World War II veteran and community member who died in August 2019 at the age of 100.

“I’m proud that we are taking an important step to honor the life of the late Norman Duncan, a beloved member of our Loudoun County community,” Wexton said in a statement following the action. “Mr. Duncan’s lifetime of service as a World War II veteran, advocate for caregivers, and a loving friend and neighbor deserves to be recognized and celebrated. The passage of my bill to rename the downtown Leesburg post office in his honor brings us one step closer to making Mr. Duncan’s legacy a lasting part of our community.”

The bill was passed by unanimous consent in the House last week and moves to the Senate for consideration. n

Leesburg Post Office

OCTOBER 8, 2020

TOWN notes New Exhibit at Balch Library This month’s exhibit, “History of the African-American Vote,” is on display in the Margaret Mercer Room at the Thomas Balch Library.

The Friends’ Black History Committee designed the exhibit to mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment and the sesquicentennial of the 15th Amendment. The collection includes posters,

Liberty holiday continued from page 6 is a great idea.”

Councilman Ron Campbell, however, said that what residents really want is change and not just another holiday.

“What people want are enforcements of the Constitution and the rights, not just another day to celebrate. It’s belittling to think we’ve done something if we just proclaim another holiday. I think it’s a ridiculous position to take and a harmful position to take. I think it’s reckless and it’s demeaning,” he said.

Only Burk, Martinez and Steinberg expressed support for moving the discussion forward, lacking the fourth member needed to move the item to a vote.

At press time, no patrons for Patton’s holiday initiative have been identified in the General Assembly, but it is expected to come up for discussion when the legislators reconvene in January. n

Replogle continued from page 6 dates, to have both domicile and a place of abode within the jurisdiction. To establish domicile, a person must live in a particular locality with the intention to remain, the code states. A place of abode is the physical place where a person dwells.

McAfee said Friday he had not received any correspondence back from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, after registering his complaint on Sept. 17. Calls to Biberaj and an email to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office were also not returned.

Replogle is one of four running for a Leesburg Town Council seat, along with Ara Bagdasarian, Zach Cummings, and Kari Nacy. Three seats are in the ballot in November, with none of the incumbents for those seats seeking re-election. n

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images, and biographies related to Black history and the right to vote.

The exhibit may be seen by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, or 1-3 p.m. Call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or fill out an appointment request at leesburgva.gov/departments/ thomas-balch-library.

Keep Leesburg Beautiful Challenge Open The Town of Leesburg reminds res-

idents to sign up for the “Keep Leesburg Beautiful” challenge on Saturday, Oct.17.

The annual campaign, which allows the public to get involved in cleaning up the town, normally takes place during April. Because of COVID-19, the spring clean-up was canceled.

Residents, community groups, and businesses are encouraged to participate in the challenge by conducting their own trash clean-up. At the conclusion of the challenge, participants will be en-

PAGE 7

couraged to post photos with the trash they collected to the town’s Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages using the hashtag #KeepLeesburgBeautiful.

The town will provide safety vests, gloves, and trash bags, which can be picked up at the Liberty Street parking lot on the day of the event between 9-10 a.m. To avoid unnecessary interaction and congregation of participants, a drive-through will be set up.

To learn more or to register for the event, go to leesburgva.gov/KLB.

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

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Voting: It’s Not Just for Nov. 3 This Year It’s only the first week of October, but Loudoun voters already are heading to the polls. The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in an unprecedented flow of early voting, a practice typically restricted to absentee voters who won’t be in town on Election Day. The ballot includes races for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, two proposed amendments to Virginia’s Constitution, four county government bond referenda and municipal elections in Leesburg, Hillsboro and Round Hill.

How to Vote on Nov. 3 This year’s General Election offers voters multiple voting options, including one to vote absentee by mail, another to vote early in-person at the Office of Elections, a third to vote early in person at a satellite polling place, and the traditional option to vote in person on Election Day at their home polling places.

First, there is still time to register to participate in the election. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Here’s how you can vote.

Mail a Ballot In The deadline to request the Loudoun County Office of Elections and Voter Registration to mail an absentee ballot to your home is 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23. Absentee ballots will be counted only if they are postmarked by Nov. 3.

Vote Absentee In Person Residents who would like to vote early can now head to the county’s Office of Elections at 750 Miller Dr. SE, Suite C in Leesburg. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, 24 and 31, the office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Oct. 19-30, the office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 17, additional early voting sites will open—at the Loudoun County Government Office at Ridgetop in Sterling, at the Dulles South Senior

Center in Chantilly, and at the Carver Senior Center in Purcellville. Hours will vary at each location.

The deadline to register or update voter information is Tuesday, Oct. 13. The last day to vote early in person is Saturday, Oct. 31.

Before heading to the polls, voters should check their voter registrations, have an acceptable form of ID and grab a face mask.

Vote on Election Day Those who want to vote on Election Day, Nov. 3, can do so at their polling places any time from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There are 98 polling places in Loudoun.

Voters are asked to check their registrations on the Virginia Department of Elections Citizen Portal, bring an acceptable form of ID, check sample ballots beforehand, social distance, bring masks, and avoid peak times, which are typically in the early morning and evening hours. n For more information, go to loudoun.gov/ novemberelection.

Virginia’s U.S. Senate Race Running for a seat to represent Virginia in the U.S. Senate this November are incumbent Sen. Mark R. Warner (D) and retired Army Lt. Col. Daniel M. Gade, the Republican nominee.

Mark R. Warner

Mark R. Warner (Democrat, incumbent) PROFESSION: U.S. Senator Mark Warner has served as one of Virginia’s two senators since 2008. This year, he is seeking re-election to a third six-year term.

He serves on the Senate Finance, Banking, Budget and Rules Committees and as the vice chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence.

Previously, Warner served as Virginia’s governor from 2002 to 2006. Prior to that, he worked for two decades as a technology and business leader and co-founded the company that eventually became Nextel. n

Daniel M. Gade (Republican) PROFESSION: American University professor Daniel Gade is a 1997 graduate of West Point who has more than 20 years of military service.

In 2004, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Gade was wounded by enemy fire, which led to the amputation of his right leg.

He went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration and a doctorate in public administration and policy and has worked in President George W. Bush’s administration.

He also formerly taught political science, economics and leadership courses at West Point and is now a professor at American University in Washington, DC. n

Daniel M. Gade

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

PAGE 9

Virginia’s 10th District House of Representatives Race Jennifer T. Wexton (Democrat, incumbent) NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg JenniferWexton.com

Incumbent Democrat Jennifer Wexton is running for a second term in Congress, but it is not her first legislative job. Before running to represent the 10th district in 2018, Weston was a member of the Virginia Senate, representing the 33rd district.

An attorney by training, Braxton was a partner in the Laurel Brigade Law Group and has served as a substitute judge as well as assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Loudoun County. She ran unsuccessfully for Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2011 before joining the Senate in 2014 in a special election, replacing

Mark Herring after his election to Virginia Attorney General. There she served until running for Congress.

In 2018 she became the first Democrat to win the 10th Congressional District since 1981.

She and her husband live in Leesburg, and have two sons. n

Aliscia Andrews (Republican nominee) NEIGHBORHOOD: Aldie AndrewsforVirginia.com

Winning a seat in Congress would not be Republican Aliscia Andrews’ first ser-

vice in the federal government.

After growing up with the father serving in the Air Force, Andrews deployed in 2010 with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. During her time as a marine, she assisted with the disaster relief efforts after earthquakes hit Haiti and deployed in Europe, the Horn of Africa, in the Middle East. She remained on active duty while she and her husband started their family.

After leaving the marine core, she continued for analytics work in both the public and private sectors and with the intelligence community. She also volunteers in community organizations like he Loudoun County Criminal Justice Board, children’s groups, church ministries, youth sports leagues, and mentoring transitioning veterans.

She and her husband live with their two sons and daughter in Aldie. n

Loudoun Now asked both Rep. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-VA-10) and her challenger, Aliscia Andrews, about Congress’ role in helping quell the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in helping the people who have been put out of jobs and about getting the economy back on its feet.

On the pandemic, Wexton pointed to her work in Congress helping secure funding for the public health response, direct payments for families, greater unemployment benefits, free COVID-19 testing, rent and mortgage relief, emergency loans for our small businesses, and funding for states and localities.

She also said she began holding weekly calls with health officials, first responders, hospital systems and local and state leaders when the pandemic began, taking what they said back to Congress.

And writing the day after President Donald J. Trump returned to the White House and took his mask off in public despite his own ongoing battle with COVID-19, she faulted the president for failing to prepare for the pandemic and downplaying the threat of the virus.

Meanwhile, Andrews said the federal government’s role is to protect the citizens, and if the government is directing businesses to be closed, then Congress should make sure those businesses and their workers are compensated for the time they miss. She said she would work for additional stimulus bills.

As for the economic fallout of the pandemic, Wexton said she’s fought for another round of direct payments to families and emergency funding for childcare. She’s also backed extending the payroll support program to help airline workers, a particular concern in a district that includes at Dulles International Airport. But so far, the Dem-

ocratic-controlled House of Representatives and the Republican-controlled Senate have been unable to come to an agreement on a new relief bill since the CARES act, with the Senate often declining to even take up bills passed in the House for weeks.

Andrews said that with people going back out again, things seem to be more normal, and that that is reflected in decreasing unemployment numbers. However, she said another stimulus and round of payroll protection program loans is needed.

She accused Wexton and Democratic Party leadership of holding relief bills hostage instead of negotiating toward a compromise. She also said allowing children to go back to school would help families get back to work, and hurry an economic recovery.

Read their full answers on LoudounNow.com.

What is your top priority for the next Congress, and how do you plan to get that done with a partisan divide in government?

Rep. Jennifer T. Wexton (D-VA-10) The most pressing issues right now are getting this virus under control and supporting our families and small businesses in need. I’m proud of the bipartisan results that I’ve helped deliver for Virginians

during COVID-19, especially through the CARES Act. CARES included direct stimulus payments, enhanced unemployment benefits, funding for our schools and distance learning, rent and mortgage relief, and more. I also passed my Retirement Protection Act into law as part of CARES to help our retirees protect their savings during the pandemic. Additionally, by voting to create the Paycheck Protection Program, I helped more than 18,800 small businesses in Virginia—10 received loans totaling $2.4 billion.

I know that more needs to be done, which is why I voted to pass the bipartisan Heroes Act over four months ago. Unfortunately, the Trump administration and Senate Republicans decided to hit pause instead of working with us to achieve a deal.

Throughout my career in public service, I’ve found success in working across the aisle on issues that matter to our district. In the state Senate, I passed over 40 bipartisan bills into law -- all while serving in the minority party. In Congress, even amidst what seems like our government lurching from crisis to crisis, I’ve successfully passed five bipartisan bills through the House.

My experience and record of delivering on behalf of our community have positioned me well to lead our district through any challenge or crisis, all while putting the needs of our families first.

Aliscia Andrews (Republican nominee) My top priority for the next Congress is getting Americans the COVID-19 relief they so desperately need. With that comes getting our businesses and schools fully open safely so that the economy can come back and thrive and end the need for government relief. This can be done by accommodating concerns from both sides. Wearing a mask is certainly not fun or ideal, but if it means that businesses and schools can open, and our country can normalize again, then it’s a win-win. This is the same with school openings. If teachers feel comfortable teaching, they should be allowed back in the classroom with children who have parental consent. Hybrid learning was a great solution to help individuals with different degrees of concerns. We should find ways to move forward in this pandemic that are both logical and safe for all Americans.

I’m not afraid to reach across the aisle for help or to work together on a bill. I’m not going to Congress to represent only Republicans. I’m going to Congress to fix problems and improve the life of each and every individual in Virginia’s 10th District, because I care deeply about the people here. This is my home and these are my neighbors, they deserve a representative who cares about them. n

PAGE 10

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

On the Ballot: Leesburg Town Council The Leesburg Town Council election features four seats: the mayor and three Town Council seats.

Mayor Kelly Burk is the only incumbent of the group running for re-election.

She is vying for her third two-year mayoral term. She is challenged by Councilman Ron Campbell who, instead of running for re-election for his own council seat, is again squaring off against Burk in the mayor’s race. Two years ago, Campbell placed third in a three-way race with Burk and Councilman Tom Dunn. This year marks the first time Burk finds herself in a head-to-head contest for the mayor’s seat, as all of her previous campaigns have been three-way races.

Whatever the outcome of Election Day, it’s a guarantee that there will be three new faces on the council dais come Jan. 1.

Dunn is not seeking re-election after serving three terms, and the council still has one unfilled seat from Josh Thiel’s resignation in May. Four candidates are vying for one of three available seats—Kari Nacy, Zach Cummings, Ara Bagdasarian, and Bill Replogle. It’s Nacy’s second time running for a council seat, having finished in fifth place in 2018. While it’s Cummings first bid for a Leesburg Town Council seat, it’s his second time running in a municipal election. He previously served on the Town Council in his hometown of Dover, OH. Bagdasarian and Replogle are making their first bids for public office.

COVID-19 economic recovery appears to be top of mind for the candidates, based on their responses to a series of questions posed by Loudoun Now. Many are also considering how to weather the budgetary impact come the spring, when the new council will be tackling the fiscal year 2022 budget. Burk said it was premature to consider budget changes or reductions at this point, and her challenger, Campbell, said the fiscal deficit cannot be resolved by increasing taxes on an already fiscally stressed community. Council candidates do not appear to be inclined to raise taxes either to make up for a deficit, either.

On land development, as the council continues with a rewrite of its Town Plan, many running for office said public participation in that process is essential, with Bagdasarian pointing to past successes with task force approaches. Cummings said the town needs to prioritize re-development opportunities, as many candidates pointed to the town’s almost built-

out growth. Replogle said the town needs to encourage green building, and also ensure any development is also aesthetically pleasing. Nacy, who has overseen quite a bit of the Town Plan re-write as chairwoman of the Planning Commission, said the new Town Plan needs to retain Leesburg’s small-town charm.

While the Town Council has often been accused of having its own acrimonious relationship among its members, Loudoun Now asked candidates how the council can improve its relationship with its county peers, the Board of Supervisors. Replogle said being a more unified council, and speaking with one voice, could make inroads with county leaders.

Burk spoke of the council’s recent push for a joint committee composed of Town Council members and supervisors, and pointed to the success of the Coalition of Loudoun Towns in working with the board. Campbell pointed to several past factors that have affected the town’s relationship with the county, including historic and continuing partisanship.

Each candidate’s full response to a series of five questions posed by this newspaper can be found online at loudounnow. com/leesburgcandidates.

MAYOR (Vote for 1)

Kelly Burk (Incumbent) NEIGHBORHOOD:

Crestwood PROFESSION: Retired

teacher CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:

kellyburkformayor.com As with the other town leaders, my priority is looking for ways to ensure the vitality of Leesburg businesses, keep our communities safe during this pandemic, and protect the town’s fiscal strength and retain our high level of town service. Our business community has been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

Leesburg has instituted temporary zoning changes, such as closing King Street, allowing restaurant businesses more outLEESBURG continues on page 11

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Leesburg continued from page 10 door tables to enable greater space for outdoor dining; suspending parking fees; and extending the timeline for BPOL tax payments. In addition, our Utilities Department is working with customers who need a pay plan so that no water will be shut off, and the Economic Development Department has been working with the Small Business Administration to create job seminars on financing, best practices for businesses, and marketing ideas.

It took 10 years for the state/local economies to rebound to pre-recession levels after the Great Recession and we cannot wait that long for a recovery. I will work with our businesses, our faith communities, and our nonprofits to create a task force to help guide Town Council on the needs of the community. Visit Loudoun will become an even more important partner by creating a public relations campaign to encourage day trips and weekend overnight stays. Throughout this year, new businesses have opened, relocated, or expanded here in Leesburg. Our policies, diversity, and town culture continue to make Leesburg a great place for living, working, and entertainment.

R.E. “Ron” Campbell NEIGHBORHOOD: Potomac Station PROFESSION: Retired higher education administrator and nonprofit executive CAMPAIGN FACEBOOK PAGE:

Ron Campbell Leesburg Town Council I am running for mayor of Leesburg because the challenges that face our community require new leadership that has the ability and the experience to step outside of the partisan circle to lead conversations on important topics such as the economic recovery plan for the town and our small businesses. The impacts of COVID-19 are a critical top priority that must be addressed. It is estimated that we will lose 25 percent of our current small businesses. I plan to lead the council in the development of a five-year recovery plan to prioritize the budget impacts and take action on solutions to provide services to our residents and our small businesses.

The business community involvement in this plan is critical to the financial success

of the town and provides for new innovative concepts to stimulate small business growth.

My educational background and professional leadership roles have given me the experience that is critically necessary to support the challenges facing the town. In my four years on council I have developed partnerships without regards to political party affiliation and as a leader, I know how to use all of our common strengths to work towards serving all in our town.

I am a principled leader that will work with all elected members of the Town Council and will assure you that all members of our community will be treated with fairness and respect.

I believe in people over politics and pledge to always put the best interest of our town first.

TOWN COUNCIL RACE (Vote for 3)

Ara Bagdasarian NEIGHBORHOOD: His-

toric District PROFESSION: CEO, entrepreneur CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:

ara2020.org The top priority is adapting to, recovering from, and thriving during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This will require unprecedented collaboration between the town, businesses, and residents to work together creatively to develop solutions.

My background as an entrepreneur and CEO working in the public safety sector, as a nonprofit and community leader, and former Leesburg Economic Development Commission chairman uniquely positions me to help lead the town to tackle the challenges ahead. These challenges are actually opportunities to innovate and improve.

I will bring optimism, resourcefulness, creativity, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial perspective to the council.

Zach Cummings NEIGHBORHOOD:

Southwest Leesburg PROFESSION:

Residential real estate agent

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: zachcummings.com

As a candidate for Leesburg Town Council, I’m running to bring a fresh perspective to Leesburg. If elected, my priorities will be helping our small businesses survive and thrive during our current health crisis by supporting smart growth here in Leesburg. Smart growth is revenue-generating growth that fits with the neighborhoods here in Leesburg and the overall Town Plan. Finally, as a member of council, I will work to end the gridlock that has kept important ideas from being debated by the council. We must have elected officials that can disagree without being disagreeable.

As a small business owner and an active member of our community, I have the experience to work with people from all walks of life. My work as the vice president of fundraising for the Catoctin Elementary School PTA has afforded me the opportunity to meet so many of our small business owners and parents. I have engaged with many Leesburg organizations, including the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts, helping raise funds for the Stanley Caulkins Memorial in downtown Leesburg. I live in southwest Leesburg with my wife, Jeanette, son, Jackson, and Australian Shepherd, Taylor Sniffs.

Our town and our town government need a fresh approach and perspective to keep it moving forward. I would be honored to earn your vote his November.

Please visit zachcummings.com for more information about me and my campaign.

Kari Nacy NEIGHBORHOOD:

Country Club PROFESSION:

Director, EverWatch Solutions CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:

karinacy.com If elected my top priority for Town Council would be to focus on recovery for our community and small businesses from COVID-19. Additionally, ensuring the update of our Town Plan really reflects and maintains our small-town charm while ensuring Leesburg continues to improve for all residents.

Qualities I bring to council if elected would be transparency and honesty, and a positive outlook and attitude. Business, contracts, and budget acumen are also key qualities. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, a willingness to work together with every council member regardless

PAGE 11

of differing political views so that we are representing Leesburg in a professional manner.

Bill Replogle NEIGHBORHOOD:

Northeast Leesburg PROFESSION: Branding/Advertising/ Design CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: billforleesburg.com

While our top priority should be revitalizing the local economy in the wake of the pandemic, there is another time-sensitive issue that needs to be tackled immediately.

We need to acquire Westpark and preserve it as greenspace. This should be done without delay, before it falls into the hands of a developer. We should then initiate a study to find the best use in the eyes of the residents, and Town Council and staff should take that input and develop a game plan for the use of the property.

The pandemic has increased demand for outdoor activities like golf, tennis, hiking, biking and just walking. Westpark could be an Ida Lee South, or a par 3 golf course, and provide recreational opportunities for our residents and revenue for the town.

Westpark could also offer a system of walking/hiking trails, and perhaps some community gardens. If the revenue producing potential doesn’t cover the cost of the acquisition and maintenance, we could look at the potential for public/private partnerships to ensure there is no additional tax burden to residents. It would enhance our already envious quality of life. n

Election 2020

TE O V Y R EVE S MATTER

PAGE 12

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Redistricting Amendment Poses Thorny Question, With a Deadline

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

After generations of gerrymandering, with legislators, rather than voters, attempting decide who should be in power, Virginians this year will have the chance to change the way voting districts are drawn—but opponents say the proposed solution is actually more of the same.

The first proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot, Question 1, seeks to set up a redistricting commission of eight members of the General Assembly, and eight citizens.

The language on the ballot, which was crafted in the General Assembly, has been criticized as unfair and inaccurate, including in a Washington Post op-ed by Paul Goldman, a former Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman and a current candidate for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. Goldman has sued the state over that language, which makes no mention of political parties.

In fact, the amendment enshrines political parties’ role in drawing districts, as well as locking out third parties from the redistricting process. The legislators are chosen by major party leaders, the eight citizens are drawn from lists created by party leaders, and the citizens are selected by five retired Circuit Court judges, four of whom were also selected by party leaders.

That commission would then draw the new voting district maps to send to the General Assembly. At least six legislative members and six citizen members must agree to the maps to approve them, as well as at least three of the four senators on the commission for the Senate districts, and at least three of the four delegates for the House of

Delegates districts plan.

The General Assembly then must have a simple up or down vote on the maps, with no ability to change them. If the commission and General Assembly cannot pass a map by their deadline, the state Supreme Court draws the maps.

Supporters of the amendment, such as the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, and Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-33), argue the new system would make voting districts more fair.

“As it stands now, without the change in our constitution, whichever party is in power in the General Assembly will be able to control the process for ourselves, literally choosing our own districts,” Boysko wrote in her newsletter. “Rather than have districts drawn by the party in power with zero visibility, the redistricting commission will include citizen members, transparency and public meetings.”

She also said the amendment would stop backroom deals. She wrongly claimed the amendment prohibits commissioners, commission staff, or any other advisor or consultant to the commission from communicating with anyone outside the commission about redistricting outside of a public meeting. That language does not appear in the proposed amendment. Instead, it holds that all records and documents including internal and outside communications are considered public information, making them accessible by Freedom of Information Act requests. Meetings of the commission would be open to the public, and it must hold three public hearings across the commonwealth before proposing maps.

The amendment’s opponents, including the Virginia NAACP and the Democratic Party of Vir-

ginia, argue it keeps political parties in control of the redistricting process and threatens to further disenfranchise minorities.

“We need to reform the system, not make it worse,” said Robert N. Barnette, president of the Virginia State Conference of the NAACP. “Any redistricting amendment must include explicit and strong protections for Black voters and voters of color.

Amendment 1 far misses the mark.”

The state NAACP pointed out the proposed language only calls for racial and ethnic communities to choose their own representation “where practicable.”

Democrats are split on the amendment. It was crafted in part with Democratic help and enjoyed broad Democratic support before the party took control of the state legislature—putting it in position to redraw the voting district maps during the next round. Now many oppose the amendment, including the state party.

But either under a new system or the old one, new voting districts will be drawn soon—the new maps will be drawn in 2021, with census data from 2020.

Disabled Veterans Could Get Car Tax Break This year, Virginia voters will be asked whether the state constitution should be amended so that veterans with a service-connected, permanent and total disability will pay no taxes on their vehicles.

They would not receive any repayment for taxes paid previously, and the rule would be restricted to automobiles and pickup trucks. It would apply to veterans of both the U.S. armed forces and the Virginia National Guard. n

OCTOBER 8, 2020

On the Ballot: Bond Issues Before the county government can borrow money to finance projects, it must ask permission from voters in a bond referendum. With Loudoun’s triple-triple-a credit rating, it can sell bonds at low interest rates, generally considered one of the cheapest ways to finance construction projects. However, it is also not the only way to finance those projects; even if voters vote down a bond referendum, a rare occurrence, county supervisors may choose to fund the project another way.

Conversely, the bond referendum only authorizes that issuance. County supervisors could then decide not to issue that debt, although that is rare with the county’s packed Capital Improvement Program.

Bond questions this year are grouped into categories: school projects, public safety projects, parks and recreation projects, and transportation projects. While specific projects are named in those questions, they are also intentionally phrased broadly enough to allow county leaders to use that money on other projects in that category.

In total, this year the county is asking voters to support issuing more than $308 million in debt.

School Projects The county is asking to issue $123,755,000 in debt to finance projects like renovations to the Douglass School, school facility upgrades and alterations, school security improvements, and installing a welcome center at Sterling Elementary School.

Public Safety Projects The county is asking to issue $29,516,000 in debt to finance projects including expanding the Fire and Rescue Training Academy and building a Philomont Fire and Rescue Station—a project that has drawn controversy from the community, and for which the department will now study alternatives such as renovating the current station.

Parks and Recreation Projects The county is asking to issue $3,825,000 in debt to finance projects such as ongoing work on Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park near Leesburg and Scott Jenkins Memorial Park near Hamilton.

Transportation Projects The county is asking to issue $151,210,000 in debt to finance projects such as building sections of Braddock Road, widening Loudoun County Parkway between Ryan Road and Shellhorn Road, improving Rt. 15 between Montresor Road and the Point of Rocks Bridge, building a new road between Rt. 50 and Rt. 28 at Tall Cedars Parkway, installing a roundabout at Rt. 50 and Trailhead Drive, installing sidewalks along River Creek Parkway, and other projects in the county’s ongoing Sidewalk and Trail Program.

Although the road network is a state responsibility, transportation projects are the biggest part of the county’s Capital Improvement Program as the state has failed for years to keep up with Loudoun’s growth. n

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Elections in Western Loudoun Hillsboro The entire Hillsboro Town Council is up for re-election on Nov. 3, but no council members will be on the ballot. Residents have traditionally voted for their mayor and Town Council via write-in ballots.

This year, the terms of eight-term Mayor Roger Vance, Vice Mayor Amy Marasco and Councilmembers Claudia Forbes, Bill Johnston, Stephen Moskal and Laney Oxman are up. All of them aside from Johnston will seek re-election. Lisa Franke, whom Vance said was a “very reliable volunteer” in town, is seeking the write-in vote to take Johnston’s place.

All six elected officials will serve twoyear terms.

Johnston said he is not seeking a re-election because he doesn’t have the time required to continue on.

This year’s election comes amid a busy work schedule, as construction crews continue work on the town’s $14.3 million traffic calming and pedestrian safety project. That work has been ongoing since March 4 and is expected to wrap up in early April 2021. By that point, Hillsboro will have newly installed roundabouts on each end of town, new sidewalks along Rt. 9 through the town and buried utility lines.

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PAGE 13

Important Dates for Election 2020 Voter Registration Deadlines:

Absentee Voting:

ONLINE - Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. www.vote.virginia.gov.

IN-PERSON - Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 5 p.m.

BY-MAIL - Postmarked no later than Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.

IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING OPENS - Friday, Sept. 18.

LAST DAY TO REQUEST BALLOT BE MAILED TO YOU - Friday, Oct. 23

at 5 p.m.

LAST DAY TO VOTE ABSENTEE IN-PERSON - Saturday, Oct. 31.

(office will be open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

MORE INFORMATION: loudoun.gov/novemberelection or 703-777-0380

A Team of Experts...

Inside the Boundary

Round Hill Residents in the Town of Round Hill will head to the polls Nov. 3 for a special election to fill one Town Council seat. Jesse Howe was appointed to that seat on Aug. 5 following the June 30 resignation of Amy Evers.

Howe is alone on the ballot to serve out the remainder of a fouryear term through June 30, 2022.

The resident elected to the Town Council seat will remain on the council as the town and county work to complete two projects totaling $7 million that will connect Franklin Park with the town via a network of sidewalks and trails and improve the sidewalk system in town. n

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Education

Proposed Conduct Policy Raises Free Speech Concerns

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

A package of proposed revisions to the school division’s Professional Conduct policy has sparked concerns that employees’ free speech rights could be restricted and is likely headed back to committee for additional changes.

The School Board was briefed on the proposed amendments last week and directed the staff to complete minor changes before an anticipated adoption during its Oct. 13 meeting. Since then, employee concerns have continued to mount and a more involved re-write is expected.

The conduct policy covers professional expectations that prohibit bullying and drug use as well as inappropriate or intimate relationships with students. It also prohibits conduct that disrupts the school system operations, harms the school systems reputation or interferes with the work or educational environment.

The proposal states that “[n]othing in this policy or any other policy shall be interpreted as abridging an employee’s First Amendment right to engage in protected

speech, however, based upon an individualized inquiry, speech, including but not limited to via social media, on matters of public concern may be outweighed by the school division’s interest …”

Among the new sections is one seeking to implement the superintendent’s Statement on Equity, which seeks to “reject racist and other racially motivated behavior and language, recognizing that it encourages discrimination, hatred, oppression, and violence. Employees are expected to support the school division’s commitment to action-oriented equity practices through the performance of their job duties, as the Division engages in the disruption and dismantling of white supremacy, systemic racism, and language and actions motivated by race, religion, country of origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or ability.”

Under the policy, employees wouldn’t just be prohibited from making such harassing or discriminatory comments in the classroom, but also in their telephone, electronic and social media communications.

During last week’s meeting, School Board members questioned Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Talent Development Scott Ziegler about

how administrators and employees can determine the line between protected and prohibited speech.

“In most cases, employee speech is protected, but in the employer/employee relationship not all speech is protected by the First Amendment,” Ziegler said. “Because we are a government agency, there are test that we have to do when we limit employee speech. If we were a private business, we could fire anybody at any time for whatever they say or don’t say for any reason and we don’t really have to have a reason. Private sector speech is not protected.”

He said speech about public matters in a public forum—such as criticizing a school division policy—would be protected.

“An employee who speaks about a student in a public forum and identifies that student by name, that speech is not protected because that speech is disruptive to the mission and operations of the school system. Similarly, speech that is incendiary or insensitive that disrupts the school or the environment may not be protected speech.

And we look at each of those cases on a one-by-one basis and apply those tests,” he said.

Among those tests is whether the speech

violates the “trust bestowed upon them by the school division,” a phrase Ziegler said was taken from case law.

“For instance, if an employee engages in racially insensitive speech in the classroom that would be a measurable way in which trust could be eroded if we get calls from parents who say ‘the teacher said “x” in the classroom, my student was present and heard it an feels betrayed. I no longer trust that teacher to be able to educate my child and I want my child removed from that classroom as a result of that speech’—that’s something we can measure because trust has been eroded in the classroom,” he said.

“We’ve had cases like that where parents have used that exact language.”

Representatives of the Loudoun Education Association on Monday met with administrators to review employees’ concerns about the policy. President Sandy Sullivan said those talks resulted in agreement that the proposed language wasn’t clear enough and needed more work.

It was expected the School Board next week would send the policy back to its Human Resources and Talend Development Committee for refinement in November. n

SCHOOL Notebook D.A.R.E. Program Goes Virtual Like many elements of school life, the Sheriff ’s Office’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education program will be taught online this year.

Deputies have been coordinating with D.A.R.E. America and Loudoun County Public Schools to develop and implement the program into a virtual format that can be taught to students online. Launching in Loudoun in 1987, D.A.R.E. is intended to build decision-making and problem-solving skills to help students make informed decisions and resist drug use, peer pressure and violence.

“As we cannot conduct in-person teaching at this time, the most important thing we can do is continue to work with the children as a community, as a school system, and as a law enforcement

agency to try and educate them to make the right choices,” stated Sheriff Mike Chapman.

Diversity Effort May Cut Loudoun’s Seats at TJ As the Fairfax County School Board prepares to move to a lottery system for admission to the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, fewer Loudoun students may be able to attend the magnet school starting next year.

Meanwhile, Loudoun’s School Board this week was awaiting a ruling by a Federal District Court judge on whether a challenge to its own plan to revamp admission policies at its academy programs will move forward.

Both jurisdictions are changing their admission systems in efforts to increase diversity of the programs. Asian students make up the majority of the student body

at Thomas Jefferson and at Loudoun’s Academy of Science and Academy of Engineering and Technology. Loudoun’s division came under fire last year, when a complaint by the Loudoun NAACP alleging that very few Black and Hispanic students were being selected for the academy programs sparked an investigation by the Virginia Attorney General’s Office.

According to information provided to the School Board last week, Loudoun may only be allocated up to only 62 seats for the next freshman class at Thomas Jefferson under the new lottery system.

Typically, about 100 Loudoun students per year are admitted to the program.

Fairfax also plans to drop requirements for skills testing and cognitive testing that have been criticized as barriers for some students and to raise the required grade point average from 3.0 to 3.5.

In Loudoun, among the changes that were slated to go into effect this year are reducing the number of applicant assessment tests from four to two, creating a racially and ethnically diverse selection committee, and taking steps to achieve a better geographical balance in the student selections.

That plan is under legal challenge by a group of parents who allege the changes violate their constitutional rights by moving away from an objective, merit-based selection process, were developed using faulty data, and do not promote equal opportunity. The lawsuit was filed in Loudoun Circuit Court but moved to federal court at the request of school division attorney Julia Judkins.

Last week she argued a motion to dismiss parents’ request for an injunction to halt the implementation of the changes. As of Tuesday, Judge Anthony Trenga had not issued his ruling.

OCTOBER 8, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Public Safety

Johnson Sentenced to 74 Years in Prison for Deputy Shootings

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

A Loudoun Circuit Court judge last week sentenced Douglas Vernon Johnson to 74 years of active prison time for wounding two Sheriff ’s Office deputies in a Christmas Eve 2017 shooting. The sentence came after objections were made

by Johnson, the NAACP and some jurors who originally recommended a sentence of more than seven decades.

On Dec. 24, 2017, three deputies responded to a domestic dispute at a Sterling home. That altercation involved Johnson, a now-42-year-old U.S. Army combat veteran, and his then-19-year-old daughter.

After determining that Johnson was the primary aggressor, the deputies resolved to arrest him, which prompted Johnson to jump into his closet, grab a .45-caliber handgun and fire it three times during a struggle with the deputies, hitting one in his arm and both legs and another deputy in her leg.

Johnson was arrested and charged with 11 felonies. Following a week-long trial in August 2019, a unanimous 12-person jury sentenced him to 40 years in prison for two counts of attempted capital murder, 10 years for two counts of malicious wounding, 18 years for two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of attempted capital murder and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of malicious wounding, and six years for three counts of maliciously discharging a firearm within an occupied building. That prison time was recommended to be served consec-

Johnson

utively, meaning Johnson would spend a total of 74 years in prison.

Loudoun Circuit Court Judge James P. Fisher on Sept. 30 imposed the full 74year sentence, with an additional three years of suspended time for each of the 11 counts—or 33 years additional suspended time in total, along with five years of active probation in the event he is released from prison.

After commending the deputies for their “heroic” actions, Fisher said his sentence was not meant to disregard Johnson’s military service and crime-free past, but to show that the decision he made had consequences.

Johnson’s defense attorney, Edward

Ungvarsky, asked Fisher to impose a sentence of 74 years with 54 years suspended, effectively giving Johnson 20 years of active prison time.

Ungvarsky argued that the lengthy sentence was, in fact, a dismissal of Johnson’s service as a combat veteran who served the U.S. during two tours of duty in Iraq and Johnson’s character as a “quality person” to whom others gravitated toward.

Ungvarsky noted that five of the 12 jurors from the August 2019 trial, in affidavits, claimed that they did not adequately understand the sentence they were recommending—specifically that they were under the impression they were sentencing Johnson to concurrent, not consecutive, prison time.

“My understanding is that we sentenced Mr. Johnson to 18 years in prison,” one juror said. “We wanted to sentence him to less time,” another juror said, according to statements submitted by Ungvarsky.

Two of the jurors in their affidavits said they felt five years of prison time would be adequate for Johnson’s crimes.

“The jurors thought—incorrectly as it turns out—that the recommended sentences were to be concurrently served,” Ungvarsky wrote in a Sept. 23 pre-sentencing document. “Their intent was for Mr. Johnson to serve twenty years in prison.”

Ungvarsky reiterated that alleged confusion again in court last week.

“Seventy-four years is not what the jurors wanted,” he told Fisher. “They didn’t recommend consecutive time.”

But Fisher pointed out that during the trial, the court informed the jurors, after they had sought that clarification, that the time they were recommending would be consecutive and not concurrent. Fisher told Ungvarsky he felt the affidavits were inadmissible and an improper attempt to impeach the jury’s August 2019 verdict.

During the sentencing hearing, Johnson’s two sisters testified to their brother’s character and the wounded deputies testified to the physical and emotional pain they experienced after being shot.

Deputy Katherine Grimley and Deputy Tim Iverson both said it was clear to them that Johnson tried to kill them and that he was not attempting to commit suicide, as was claimed in some witness testimony during the trial. Iverson said Johnson pointed the gun at him and Grimley, not at himself.

“He tried to kill us,” he said. “He had no intent to shoot himself.”

Iverson said Johnson has tried to shift the blame, to the jury, to the judge, to the military, to his initial defense attorney and to the deputies. Grimley said the appropriate consequences to Johnson’s actions “are to spend the next 74 years in prison.”

“Mr. Johnson knew exactly what he was doing,” Grimley said.

Before being sentenced, Johnson apologized for his actions.

“I take full responsibility for what occurred. It is my fault,” he said. “It’s my chaos. … I’m so sorry.”

JOHNSON SENTENCED continues on page 17

SAFETY notes Shoplifter Pulled Knife on Staff at Sporting Goods Store Loudoun deputies are investigating a robbery that occurred Sept. 30 at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Dulles Town Center mall.

Witnesses said two women were concealing items and attempted to leave the store with a shopping cart of unpaid merchandise. When an employee confronted them, one suspects brandished a knife and they fled. Investigators believe

the suspects left in a vehicle, which was driven by a third suspect.

One woman was described as a Black female in her 20s, 5-feet 8-inches to -foot, 10-inches tall, 160 pounds, with pink braided hair. She was wearing a facemask, green sweatpants, white Nike sneakers, and a Nike men’s windbreaker-type jacket.

The second suspect was described as a Black female in her 20s, 5-feet, 5-inches tall, 180 pounds, with black braided hair. She was wearing a black facemask,

black Nike hooded sweatshirt, black pants, and black shoes.

Motorcycle Rider Killed in Rt. 50 Crash Near Aldie A 49-year-old Herndon woman was killed Saturday evening after riding on a motorcycle that crashed into a vehicle stopped in traffic on Rt. 50 near Aldie.

According to the Sheriff ’s Office, Fereshteh R. Roshan was a passenger on a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on

Rt. 50 when the driver crested a hill and came across vehicles stopped at a red traffic signal at Stone Springs Boulevard.

The motorcycle struck a 2014 Nissan Sedan.

Roshan was taken to StoneSprings Hospital Center where she died. The operator of the motorcycle was taken to Reston Hospital for treatment of injuries described as serious. The driver of a BMW who was struck during the crash was treated and released at StoneSprings Hospital Center.

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Johnson sentenced continued from page 16 Johnson’s sister, Erica Robinson, said Johnson was “loving,” “caring,” and “devoted to his family.” Dara Jackson, Johnson’s older sister, said her brother talked about suicide on multiple occasions in the past as a result of the PTSD he suffered following his combat service.

According to trial testimony from Stephen Lally, a psychologist who evaluated Johnson in May 2019, Johnson “fully meets the criteria for PTSD” and depression.

The Loudoun NAACP echoed that concern. Two weeks ago, the organization called for the court to consider Johnson’s struggle with PTSD in the sentencing and emphasized that his condition was not given much weight during last summer’s trial.

“The system failed Mr. Johnson, a retired major in the U.S. Army, by stigmatizing PTSD among our veteran population. … The United States fails too many of our veterans after they have served, and this is clearly another example of that failure,” a Sept. 23 statement from the Loudoun NAACP reads.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney

Alexis Downing, on the other hand, said Johnson was not suicidal or in despair, but was “angry and full of rage.”

The NAACP and Ungvarsky also challenged the trial verdict because 100% of the jurors were white. Johnson is Black.

A week before sentencing, Ungvarsky was in court arguing that Fisher should throw out the verdict and initiate a new trial. Ungvarsky centered his argument on the allegation that prosecutors used racist tactics when selecting jurors.

In his February motion requesting the new trial, Ungvarsky argued that three of the 12 jurors had been convicted of misdemeanors but failed to disclose those alleged convictions when asked during the voir dire juror selection process.

Ungvarsky claimed it was unfair to keep those white jurors on the trial because prosecutors ended up striking a final prospective Black juror who had been convicted of a DWI—a Class 1 misdemeanor—in Loudoun County General District Court in December 2018.

“There is no race-neutral reason for this disparate treatment of similarly situated jurors,” Ungvarsky wrote in his request for a new trial. “In striking [the Black juror], the [county prosecutor] excluded 100% of

PAGE 17

qualified Black jurors and ensured a jury that was 100% white.”

Among other requests, the Loudoun NAACP requested the court examine the prosecutor who conducted the jury selection; permit Johnson’s sentence to run concurrently with no more than 20 years of time served; and allow Johnson’s sentence to be served in an in-person mental health facility.

According to the commonwealth’s March 2 response to Johnson’s request for a new trial, the only misdemeanor conviction prosecutors found against any of those three prospective white jurors was an assault conviction against one of them that occurred in 1986.

While he was held at the Fairfax Adult Detention Center awaiting sentencing, Johnson formed a nonprofit to help others with PTSD and depression, his sister said.

That work is expected to continue as Johnson is transferred to the prison system.

Johnson next faces two cases filed by the deputies. Iverson and Grimley late last year filed civil lawsuits alleging Johnson assaulted and battered them. They are each seeking a judgment of $1.75 million and $350,000 in punitive damages from Johnson. n

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

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

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Business

2019 a Record Year for Loudoun Tourism LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Tourism brought almost $2 billion to the Loudoun economy in 2019, the sixth straight year of growth for Loudoun County tourism, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Travel Association.

The data from 2019 highlights some of what was lost during 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic—and the ground the industry is working to make up.

“Tourism remained a strong segment of Loudoun’s economy last year, but we know this industry that we love took a devasting hit in 2020,” said Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson. “Tourism is a critical part of the community and the fact that we show year-over-year growth, demonstrates we are a strong and resilient industry poised to recover. It may take some time, but we will be ready to celebrate when we surpass $2 billion in revenue one day.”

Loudoun was the third highest tourism revenue generator in the commonwealth, bringing in $1.9 billion in visitor spending, up 3.6% from 2018, according to the data. Tourism also supported 17,809 jobs and generated $755 million in wages in Loudoun.

In addition to increased spending, tourism-related state tax receipts for Loudoun in 2019 were about $50.8 million, up 4.6%, and local tax receipts were at $29.6 million, up 3.6%.

Last year, Visit Loudoun lead the Summer of Love campaign, with 28 events that attracted almost 40,000 people and got national media attention. 2019 was also the year Loudoun opened ION International Training Center and a new Home2Suites by Hilton—the first hotel to open in Loudoun in five years.

Early numbers for 2020 project a sharp decrease in tourism spending, despite some hopeful signs for an eventual recovery. As the pandemic escalated through March and April, Visit Loudoun pivoted with a variety of initiatives to support tourism and hospitality partners. The organization’s efforts were recently recognized when it received the Hospitality Hero Business award from the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association.

Those efforts included an online partner portal with access to up-to-date guidelines, information about financial assistance programs, data and analytics. Visit Loudoun also launched a 16-week webinar series, which more than 500 industry profes-

sionals attended to learn about everything from leveraging social media to applying for various federal loans and grants.

The Visit Loudoun Foundation, in coordination with both the Community Foundation and the Loudoun Chamber Foundation, created the Loudoun Tourism and Hospitality Relief Fund. That fund distributed more than $98,000 through charitable organizations to provide direct financial assistance to individuals who work or were working in the Loudoun tourism and hospitality industry.

Visit Loudoun, along with Loudoun Economic Development and the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, also launched the “Loudoun Is Ready” campaign, which unites business owners who pledge to follow the latest safety guidelines. More than 700 businesses signed onto the campaign.

According to the Virginia Tourism Corporation, tourism in Virginia generated $27 billion in visitor spending in 2019, its 10th consecutive year of growth. The tourism industry also supported 237,000 jobs for Virginia communities and provided $1.8 billion in state and local revenue.

Virginia ranks 8th in the nation for domestic travel spending. n

Maggie Malick Tops Loudoun Wine Awards Oct. 1 was the start of Virginia Wine Month and Loudoun’s winemakers kicked it off with a celebration of their industry’s best work.

This year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual awards gala was replaced by an Oct. 1 Facebook Live broadcast to announce best wines in 12 categories, as well as the winner of the best-in-show Chairman’s Award.

Maggie Malick, with her husband and winery co-owner, Mark, set the pace this year. Wines from Maggie Malick Wine Caves near Hillsboro took top honors in three categories and was awarded the top prize for the highest scoring wine in the 77-wine field. The vineyard won first prize for its Petit Manseng, Viognier and Fortissimo. The Petit Manseng was the Chairman’s Award winner.

The winners list included offerings from Loudoun’s oldest winery, Willow-

croft on Mt. Gilead, to one of its newest, Forever Farm and Vineyard north of Round Hill.

Of the 77 wines entered in this year’s competition, nine achieved gold-rank scoring and 60 others qualified for silver.

Sommelier and chief judge Neal Wavra said that result, following the assessment of five judges earlier in the week, was both remarkable and a testament to the high quality of wines being

produced in Virginia and Loudoun specifically.

Other category winners included Fabbioli Cellar’s Something White, October One Vineyard’s Albariño and 2017 Merlot, Walsh Family Wine Estate’s Chardonnay, Willowcroft’s Chambourcin and Petit Verdot, Forever Farm and Vineyards’ 2019 Cab Franc, Bluemont Winery’s 2017 Ascent, and Zephaniah Farm Vineyard’s 2018 Late Harvest Vidal Blanc.

Loudoun Wineries Association Chairwoman Amie Hinkle said the organization would continue to put the spotlight on the county’s top winemakers with special online presentations throughout Virginia Wine Month. You can view those, as well as the awards announcement, at facebook.com/ LoudounWineAwards. n

OCTOBER 8, 2020

BUSINESS announcements Bower Named Virginia Realtor of the Year Candice Bower, the managing broker of the Leesburg and Middleburg offices of McEnearney Associates, is the 2020 Virginia Realtor of the Year.

The award, announced on Sept.

30, is presented to professionals who have made proven contributions to the real estate industry through both personal and professional Bower achievement and outstanding volunteerism.

Bower has worked in the real estate industry in Maine, Massachusetts, and Virginia for 37 years. She opened both McEnearney Associates offices in 2009 and 2010.

For decades, Bower has been actively involved in Realtor associations at the local, state, and national levels.

For the National Association of Realtors, she has served as the federal political coordinator to Sen. Mark Warner since 2018 and has served on one of the association’s committees since 2008, including the Risk Management Committee. She was 2008 chairman of the Dulles Area Association of Realtors and the DAAR Realtor of the Year in 2006.

In 2006, she graduated from the Virginia Realtors’ Leadership Academy and served on its board of directors from 2009-2015 and again in 2018. She has served as president of the Women’s Council of Realtors Northern Virginia Chapter and chairman of the Virginia State CRS Chapter in 2016. In 2018, she was appointed by the governor to a four-year term on the Virginia Real Estate Board. She was recently appointed chairman to the Virginia Real Estate Board Education Committee.

Loudoun Company Simplifies EV Charging With a focus on safety and simplicity, Loudoun County-based Effortless Electric is working to streamline the ANNOUNCEMENTS continues on page 19

OCTOBER 8, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

BUSINESS announcements

CABINET SHOWPLACE Fine Cabinetry for the Entire Home

continued from page 18

installation of high-speed electric vehicle chargers for residential and commercial clients.

Helping to make the transition to electric vehicles as easy as possible, the firm works to take the hassle out of choosing a charger, finding a qualified electrician, pulling permits, and researching EV incentives by providing a one-stop EV charger installation package. The company serves Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, with plans to expand.

Owner Justin Mauch said his team consists of accomplished electrical professionals who tailor installations and charger setup to each customer’s needs. “Instead of only understanding electrical system needs, we keep up to date on all new plugin vehicles coming to market so we understand the needs from the car’s side as well,” said Mauch, a former professional cyclist and automotive enthusiast.

While the automotive industry is transitioning to electric models, the lack of standardization of EV terms often leads to misinformation between charging times and type of EV charger. Effortless Electric does the research for their customers to identify the best solution for their vehicles.

Learn more at effortlesselectric.com.

Catoctin Creek Distilling Now Exporting to the UK Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. has established a partnership with N10 Bourbon Ltd. to export its whiskies throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

N10 Bourbon is an American whiskey distribution company based in the U.K. and will export the Purcellville distillery’s popular single-barrel, pot-stilled whiskies: Roundstone Rye 80 Proof, Roundstone Rye 92 Proof Distiller’s Edition, and Roundstone Rye Cask Proof.

“I am extremely happy to be partnered with N10 Bourbons Ltd in the U.K.,” said General Manager and co-founder Scott Harris. “The U.K. is one of the most important markets in Europe for American whiskey, and we are thrilled to be partnering with a distributor who specializes solely in American whiskey. That will give our brand the focused attention it deserves.”

Catoctin Creek will initially be available at retailers including Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange.

“Working with distillers such as Becky and Scott to bring to our market high qual-

PAGE 19

Catoctin Creek Spirits are now available in the United Kingdon.

ity products like Roundstone Rye, which is locally sourced, then mashed, fermented, distilled and aged completely in house at their Virginia distillery, is what we are in business for,” said N10 Bourbons, Ltd. co-founder Nathan Dawes. “I am confident that Catoctin Creek’s range of 100% rye grain whiskies will prove to be massive hits with U.K. consumers.”

The arrangement between Catoctin Creek and N10 Bourbons is a new relationship for both companies. Barring any unforeseen problems with COVID-19, Harris hopes to make a trip to the U.K. in 2021, which will include visits to retailers, bars and restaurants to introduce the brand to the market.

Harris also credited the work of the Virginia Department of Economic Development, which, he said, has tirelessly promoted Virginia spirits in the London market and was instrumental in establishing the N10 Bourbons Ltd partnership.

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“Being a business owner is challenging, especially during times of COVID,” said Bow Tie Strategies President Rusty Foster.

“We must take every opportunity to set us apart from the competition and being a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise does that. I look forward to partnering with other LGBTBE companies and participating in the many educational opportunities offered to business owners.”

Bow Tie Strategies is now eligible to participate in the NGLCC’s corporate partners’ supplier diversity programs, can take advantage of the educational opportunities promoted by the NGLCC, and can work to foster business-to-business relationships with other LGBTBEs worldwide throughANNOUNCEMENTS continues on page 20

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out the year and especially at the NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference.

“We are so pleased to welcome Bow Tie Strategies to the ever-expanding network of NGLCC certified LGBT Business Enterprises and the hundreds of corporations and government agencies eager to put them to work,” stated NGLCC Co-Founder and President, Justin Nelson and Co-Founder and CEO, Chance Mitchell. “According to NGLCC’s groundbreaking America’s LGBT Economy report, America’s estimated 1.4 million LGBT business owners, many of them NGLCC certified, add over $1.7 trillion to the GDP and create tens of thousands of new jobs. We are proud to count Bow Tie Strategies among those who prove every day that LGBT businesses are the future of the American economy.”

The NGLCC is the business voice of the LGBT community and serves as the nation’s exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned and operated businesses.

For more information about Bow Tie Strategies, go to bowtiestrategies.com.

Aperiomics Lands $150K from The Launch Place The Launch Place, a venture development organization with offices in Danville and Research Triangle Park, NC, has invested $150,000 from its Seed Fund II in Sterling-based healthcare startup Aperiomics.

Aperiomics works to shift the paradigm of infectious disease testing through Deep Shotgun Metagenomic DNA sequencing, advanced cloud computing, and artificial intelligence technology capable of identifying every pathogen known to modern science. The business was launched from George Washington University in 2013 by a team of medical experts, technologists, and infectious disease researchers. Aperiomics provides services to patients, clinicians and researchers. Most recently, it leveraged its resources and expertise to increase testing capacity for the COVID-19 pandemic, now offering up to 2,500 tests per week. Aperiomics was named Life Science Innovator of the Year in 2016 and International Start Up of the Year in 2018.

“Our next-generation testing platform serves as a critically important resource for healthcare providers, ensuring their patients do not suffer unnecessarily from treatable conditions” said Aperiomics CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Crystal R. Icenhour.

“We are working to disrupt personalized

OCTOBER 8, 2020

medicine in a profound and innovative way, and our team at Aperiomics is excited to work with The Launch Place to advance positive clinical outcomes for patients across the country.”

With the seed funding, Aperiomics can invest in marketing efforts to inform healthcare providers on the value of its technology and gain access to a new network of investors and potential partners.

Learn more at aperiomics.com.

Insight Recovery Centers Earns Gold Seal Insight Recovery Centers in Ashburn has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program and Outpatient Programs by demonstrating compliance with its performance standards.

Insight Recovery Centers underwent an onsite review on Sept. 21 and 22 when a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated Insight’s compliance with behavioral healthcare standards spanning several areas including leadership, emergency management, infection control, performance improvement, environment of care, and treatment protocols.

In less than a year, Insight Recovery Centers earned its Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program and Outpatient Program licenses from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, as well as Joint Commission accreditation.

Insight Recovery Centers approach substance use disorders by understanding that it occurs on a spectrum. This means drug and alcohol can vary from mild to moderate to severe.

Learn more at insightrecoverycenters.com.

Toruño Launches UNO Souls Chat Brigitta Toruño, founder and CEO of UNO Translations and Communications, has launched the UNO Souls Chat podcast to honor people who give others hope and cultivate acts of kindness.

The program will feature a different individual each week and will be available on iTunes, Spotify, and iHeart Radio, as well as the UNO Souls YouTube Channel.

“UNO Souls Chats are a brief, authentic, and casual conversation about how the people interviewed use their positive skills as they journey through life, particularly during these surreal times,” Toruño said. “We invite people to share their stories, in their own way. Everyone copes in a different way and I think it’s nice for people listening to hear that message. Hopefully, these chats will give people a chance to feel inspired.”

Learn more at UNOSouls.com.

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 8, 2020

PAGE 21

HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to:

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

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

lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa

Regular Full-Time Positions Position

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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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Please fill out an application at trafficplan.com or come to our office on Tuesdays or Thursdays (8am-10am) 7855 Progress Ct. Suite 103, Gainesville, VA

Law firm seeks an enthusiastic, friendly, hard-working legal assistant for a full time position. Job duties include maintaining case files, drafting letters and litigation documents, collecting and analyzing records, and maintaining contact with clients. Ideal applicant will have a dedication to excellence, great communications skills, and be self-motivated. Experience in legal field helpful but not required as we are willing to train exceptional candidates. Competitive salary, PTO and retirement benefits offered to qualifying employees.

Please mail cover letter, resume and pay requirement range to: Law Office of William R.F. Conners, P.C. Attn. Legal Assistant Position 19490 Sandridge Way Suite 370 Leesburg, Virginia 20190

See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com

PAGE 22

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

Our Towns

TOWN notes

Lovettsville Leads VA in Census Response

BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

The 2020 Census count won’t wrap up until the end of the month but most enumerators in Loudoun have already completed a summer of door-to-door counting that is expected to help bring more than $70 million to Loudoun.

As of Oct. 2, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that more than 99% of American households in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico have been tallied, with 32.5% counted by Census enumerators and other field data collection operations, and 66.6% counted via responses online, by phone or by mail.

From those responses, 71.2% of Virginians responded on their own volition, placing the commonwealth sixth in that list of 52. Loudouners really helped to push Virginia atop that list, with 82.1% of the 413,500-resident population responding to the Census on their own volition—giving Loudoun the fourth-highest self-response rate among the commonwealth’s 95 counties and 38 independent cities, behind only Fairfax City with an 82.8% self-response rate, the City of Poquoson with an 82.6% self-response rate and the City of Falls Church with an 82.3% rate.

A decade ago, Loudoun’s self-response rate came out to be 75%.

And among Loudoun’s seven incorporated towns, 86.8% of Lovettsville’s 2,200-resident population answered, giving the town the designation of highest self-response rate in Virginia—a rate that, as of Oct. 4, was reported as being 0.8% higher than the next highest self-response rate, which was posted by the Town of Vienna.

Five of Loudoun’s seven incorporated towns made the top-20 list of self-response rates. Purcellville came in third in the commonwealth with a self-response rate of 85%. Leesburg came in seventh with an 80.8% rate. Round Hill came in ninth with a 79.8% rate. And Hamilton came in 17th with a 76.2% rate.

Middleburg ended up 104th with a 60.5% self-response rate and Hillsboro came in 114th with a 59.3% rate.

Combined, those responses—along with responses collected by enumerators, the numbers of which won’t be announced until next year—will prove important to

U.S. Census Bureau

A U.S. Census Bureau enumerator talks with a resident about the 2020 Census. As of Oct. 2, enumerators had counted 32.5% of Americans via door-to-door visits.

TOWN SELF-RESPONSE RATES Lovettsville 86.8% Purcellville 85% Leesburg 80.8% Round Hill 79.8% Hamilton 76.2%.

Middleburg 60.5% Hillsboro 59.3% OVERALL SELF-RESPONSE RATES U.S. 66.6% Virginia 71.2% Loudoun 82.1% the county and the services residents rely on.

The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are distributed to local communities throughout the next decade. An accurate count also affects how legislative districts are drawn, and can impact the number of seats Virginia has in the House of Representatives.

Census Bureau Partnership Special-

ist Alvenia McQueen previously told Loudoun’s Complete Count Committee— which was formed to help get the county’s population counted—that each Loudouner not counted means $2,000 a year lost. This year, more than $675 billion a year in federal funding for local, state and tribal governments is at stake.

Loudoun Census Project Manager Stacy Whitehouse said George Washington University calculated the $2,000-a-year figure based on nationwide programs and local statistics. She said the federal funding Loudoun will get will help the county to primarily fund school programs, like meals, language needs and teacher training.

She noted that the funding will also help the county pull itself out of the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming months and years.

Overall, the Census count is still ongoing across the nation. According to an Oct. 2 statement from the U.S. Census Bureau, “… data collection operations will contin2020 CENSUS continues on page 27

LOVETTSVILLE Celebration of Life Planned for Former Mayor Walker A celebration of life event for former mayor Elaine Walker is planned for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 on the Town Green and park pavilion named in her honor.

Walker died June 1 at the age of 82. She served as a Town Council member for 10 years beginning in the 1980s and as mayor for 11 terms from 1990 to 2012—making her the longest-serving mayor in Loudoun history.

She was a founding member of the Coalition of Loudoun Towns, was involved with the Lovettsville Fire and Rescue Company for decades and is credited with helping to keep town growth in proportion, among other accomplishments.

“She dedicated her life to serve the residents of Lovettsville and served on countless boards and committees acting as an ambassador for the Town of Lovettsville and the surrounding area,” Mayor Nate Fontaine wrote in his Oct. 2 email newsletter.

Those wishing to attend Saturday’s event may bring a chair and are asked to wear a face covering.

MIDDLEBURG Water Main Flushing Continues Through Oct. 9 The Town of Middleburg’s semi-annual water main flushing will be ongoing through the end of this week, until Oct. 9.

Flushing, which removes sediment that has settled in the water mains, has been occurring overnight and should not be causing direct impacts to utility customers, aside from potential minor discoloration of water in homes or businesses. If that occurs, customers are asked to run their faucets until the water clears.

The water is clean and safe to drink at all times.

For more information, call the town office at 540-687-5152 or Inboden Environmental Services after hours at 540-325-0748.

TOWN NOTES continues on page 24

OCTOBER 8, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 23

Walk 4 Mountains Breast Cancer Walk/Run Planned Oct. 17 The third annual Walk 4 Mountains walk/run to raise money and awareness for charities that support women going through breast cancer treatment will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 beginning at the Lovettsville Town Green.

The MASKerade walking event invites residents out to walk five miles north along West Broad Way to Irish Corner Road, to Elvan Road south, to Rt. 675 east, to South Church Street, and back to the town green, where there will be live music and food and drink for purchase all day. Registration for an individual walker/runner is $40. For a team of four, registration is $70. For military personnel, first responders, teachers and students, registration is $30.

Those who aren’t comfortable attending in person may livestream the event. To help social distance, there are two, four-hour time slots available—one from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the other from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

There is a maximum capacity of 250 people on the green at one time.

All proceeds benefit the Loudoun Breast Health Network, Our Perfect Warrior, and Step Sisters—charities that support women going through cancer treatment by helping

ROUND 1 – PHASE 2 Grant Program

A second phase of funding, provided through the CARES Act, has been opened to fund an expanded business assistance grant program.

Contributed

Dozens of residents participated in the second annual Walk 4 Mountains event in 2019.

them to pay bills, take care of their children, perform yard work and house cleaning, give them rides to chemotherapy and more.

In the past two years, the event has raised more than $25,000 to help women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Last year alone, 400 people registered for the walk, which raised $16,000.

For more information, go to walk4mountains.org. n

The online application deadline has been extended until 10/16/20 for Leesburg businesses that meet the eligibility requirements.

TO LEARN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND APPLY VISIT: LeesburgVa.gov/CARESgrants Applications close at 5:00pm 10/16/20 For more information contact: BusinessInfusion@LeesburgVa.gov or call: 703-771-6676 Businesses that received funds through Phase 1 are not eligible to apply for Phase 2

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 24

TOWN notes

For more information, call 540-6876600 or go to theartistsinmiddleburg.org.

continued from page 22

Town Preps for 2021 Foxes on the Fence

Art Exhibit Seeks Artist Submissions by Oct. 9 Artists seeking to submit their work for Artists in Middleburg’s “Always in Season: Landscapes of the Piedmont” exhibit have until 5 p.m. Oct. 9 to do so.

Artists living within 50 miles of the town may submit any type of media, such as painting, pastel, sculpture and photography. Two-dimensional artwork should measure no more than 52 inches wide by 42 inches tall. Three-dimensional work should measure no more than 5-by-3by-2 feet. The gallery will notify selected artists by Oct. 14. They will then need to deliver their art to the gallery between Oct. 19 and 21 by appointment only. The exhibition will run from oct. 24 to Nov. 22, with no opening reception.

During that time, four individuals will be allowed into the gallery at any given time, with masks and social distancing required. Artists will receive 70 percent of the proceeds from the sale of their work.

Artists can pick up their artwork between Nov. 23 and 25 by appointment.

The Town of Middleburg is preparing for its third annual Foxes on the Fence art event next April and May. Artists will provide 53 cutouts of foxes, hounds and hares. Sponsors will allow those artists to paint the pieces by Dec. 18, which will then be hung around town and on the iron fence across from the Middleburg Safeway from April 1 to May 17, 2021. They will then be auctioned online

by May 9, 2021. Proceeds from sales will benefit town beautification projects and promote arts in the town through the Middleburg Beautification and Preservation Committee and the Middleburg Arts Council. The favorite piece will be awarded a $100 “People’s Choice” Award.

For more information, go to middleburgva.gov/355/Foxes-on-the-Fence.

Byrne Gallery to Host Shadow and Light Exhibit The Byrne Gallery will host a “Shadow and Light” exhibition from Oct. 1 to Nov.

1 at its Middleburg gallery, at 7 W. Washington St. The exhibit will feature the work of artist Antonia Walker, featuring landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley contrasted with scenes of rural France and Italy, according to a gallery statement. Walker has been a visiting artist at the American Academy in Rome on two occasions. She formerly studied drawing with Spanish sculptor Benjamin Saul. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including locally at Lansdowne Resort.

An artist’s reception will be held at gallery from 3-7 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 10.

For more information, call the gallery at 540-687-6986.

Town Hosts Tag Sale All Day Saturday The Town of Purcellville will host its 17th annual Tag Sale from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 10 at participating businesses across town.

Participating businesses include Dogtopia, which is offering a free day of doggie daycare and 20% off five-day passes; Nostalgia Boutique, which is offering 30% off storewide; Jenny’s Salon, which is of-

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fering a $10 gift card when customers by two items; and The Cozy Fox Estate Jewelry, which is offering up to 25% off.

According to the event website, the sale attracts 8,000 bargain shoppers each year.

Learn more at purcellvillevatagsale.com.

Purcellville Painted Benches Go to Auction on Saturday Damewood Auctioneers will auction off 34 painted benches at 7 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Bush Tabernacle.

Those wishing to bid on the benches can do so in-person or online. Admission is $12 per person.

Proceeds are used to promote community events in town.

Learn more and vie the benches at bid.damewoodauctioneers.com/ui/auctions/53984.

ROUND HILL Town Seeks Applicants for BZA Seat The Round Hill Town Council is lookTOWN NOTES continues on page 25

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TOWN notes continued from page 24

ing for residents interested in filling a vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals.

To be eligible, residents must presently live, and have lived for at least six months, within the town’s corporate limits. Interested residents can send a letter of interest, résumé and qualifications to Town Administrator Melissa Hynes and Mayor Scott Ramsey at mhynes@roundhillva. org and sramsey@roundhillva.org by Fri-

day, October 2. Applications may also be submitted by mail to the Town of Round Hill, P.O. Box 36, Round Hill, VA 20142.

Board members are appointed by the Town Council and serve five-year terms.

The board meets when needed to hear and decide appeals of alleged errors in any final order, requirement, determination or decision made by a town administrative officer in relation to the Zoning Ordinance.

For more information, call the town at 540-338-7878.

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PAGE 26

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Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser and Anytime Fitness manager Ebony Bright cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the business in larger space Oct. 3, 2020.

Purcellville Leaders Celebrate Re-opening of Anytime Fitness YOU CAN WAIVE THE APPLICATION FEE BY ATTENDING

Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser and members of the Town Council joined the staff at Anytime Fitness on Saturday morning to celebrate the re-opening of the fitness center.

Last spring, the gym was moving across Maple Avenue into larger space in the Purcellville Shopping Center when COVID-19

forced the closure of fitness centers and other businesses. In recent weeks, patrons have been returning for workouts.

Fraser said the re-opening was important for the town and its economy.

“With great businesses like this, you make dollars difficult for dollars to leave Purcellville,” he said. n

PPE DONATIONS FOR ALL HAMILTON HOUSEHOLDS! The Town of Hamilton is providing PPE to all properties that reside in the Hamilton 20158 zip code. The Mayor, Vice-Mayor and Town Council members will be at 38997 E Colonial Hwy on Saturday, Oct. 10th from 1pm-4pm and Oct. 17th from 9am-12-pm to hand out the supplies. Every household within the Hamilton zip code will receive 1 box of disposable masks (50 count), 1 large bottle of hand sanitizer (1000ml) and 2 packages of cleaning wipes (50 counts each) We’ve got the perfect blend of “tucked away” and “close to everything.” Located in Fredericksburg, VA – fifty miles south of Washington, D.C. and fifty miles north of Richmond.

There will be officers present from the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s office to assist with traffic procedures. PPE will be distributed by a drive-thru system, so please follow police directions. Please also bring a photo ID that shows a Hamilton 20158 address.

For questions, please visit our website at https://www.hamilton.gov You can also contact the Hamilton Town Office at (540) 338-2811.

Stay Safe!

OCTOBER 8, 2020

2020 Census continued from page 22 ue through October 31, 2020. Employees should continue to work diligently and enumerate as many people as possible.”

That statement was ordered on Oct. 1

by U.S. District Court Judge Lucy H. Koh, who presides in the Northern District of California. Koh ordered the U.S. Department of Commerce, which oversees the Census Bureau, to abandon a previously announced Oct. 5 stop date for field operations because the decision to end data collection so soon was “a hasty and unexplained change to the Bureau’s operations that was created in 4 days.”

But in Loudoun, enumerators have all but wrapped their work up after months of door-to-door rounds, which weren’t as necessary as they were in other U.S. jurisdictions thanks to the work of dozens of volunteers and Census Bureau workers who helped to encourage nearly 34,000 of Loudoun’s 413,500 residents to respond to the Census on their own.

With Loudoun’s self-response numbers already that high, the county currently stands to receive about $68 million from the federal government.

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

This year’s count was supported by the 20-person Complete Count Committee, which was led by County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and Vice Chairwoman Nicole Acosta of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. It was created in April 2019 and tasked with getting as many Loudouners as possible counted, especially those in hard-to-reach and historically under-counted populations, including underprivileged residents and immigrants.

Whitehouse, who also served as the county staff liaison to the Complete Count Committee, said there were 19 areas in Loudoun where committee members and county staffers focused a good deal of their efforts, the top four being the Town of Leesburg; the area surrounding the Dulles Town Center, which, Whitehouse said, is historically one of worst-counted areas in Loudoun; the Sterling Park area; and the Middleburg/Aldie area, which, Whitehouse said, typically features a self-response rate in the 60s.

This year, Whitehouse said the household response rates in 15 of those 19 areas exceeded 2010 Census response rates.

Acosta, the director of Grants and Nonprofit Programs at the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, said the committee set

an overall goal of counting 84% percent of Loudouners—a goal it will most likely exceed, given the data showing that more than 82% of county residents have been counted via self responses alone.

“We’re in good shape,” Acosta said.

Acosta said the committee was able to encourage such a high percentage of self responses because of the multiple subcommittees it set up to ensure there was enough outreach to undercounted populations. One of the tactics was to create campaign materials in at least six different languages.

“We wanted to make sure that we had more localized information to give out,” Acosta said. “We had one full year before the census opened [and] it took a good part of that year to get everything ready.”

Another method the committee used to reach as many Loudouners as it could was by partnering with more than 100 organizations. For instance, Loudoun Hunger Relief placed flyers in food bags reminding people how safe and easy it was to respond to the Census. The Loudoun Literacy Council also hosted classes for ESL students centered on why it’s important to be counted in the Census.

Loudoun County Public Schools also hosted numerous parent events before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, in which Com-

PAGE 27

plete Count Committee representatives were present to talk about the count. Social Studies teachers also taught their students about the importance of the Census in their classes.

“That was a great step,” Acosta said.

In all, Acosta said that aside from the committee having to work around COVID-related restrictions that canceled many planned events and other outreach efforts, the count went well, especially because the committee started work a year early, garnered help from many community organizations and had the full support of the Board of Supervisors and county staff. According to Whitehouse, upwards of 50 county staffers helped committee members reach as many residents as they did.

“Without that staff support, it would have been really difficult,” Acosta said.

Moving toward Oct. 31, the Complete Count Committee and county staff are working with their partners to ensure they provide yet-to-be-counted residents with resources they need to respond to the Census. Whitehouse said the county is also collecting feedback from those organizations describing how they feel the count went. n

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19 W Market St., Leesburg, VA For a full schedule please visit

FEB 29

ND 2/7 COBS BA CHRIS JA FIRE 2/8 BY L IA TR 2/14-15 o Nights ANIA Tw EAGLEM ARS 3/6 YE AN THE REAG

DC IMPROV PRESENTS: www.TallyHoTheater.com COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG 10/16/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

JOURNEY TRIBUTE:

TRIAL BY FIRE 10/17/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

COMMUNITY SHOWCASE 10/18/20 DOORS: 6PM SHOW: 7PM

ZACH DEPUTY

BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com

Sometimes it’s OK not to be OK. That was a tough lesson for 15-year-old Payton Arnett as she dealt with intense grief during her beloved grandfather’s illness and death from pancreatic cancer last year. Payton, a sophomore at Woodgrove High School in Purcellville, is a featured speaker in a new teen show from the national nonprofit This Is My Brave that airs this month.

“The journey it took for me to get to the place where I am now, I feel like there are so many people that go through the same things or have that process of ‘I need to be that positive person all the time,’” she said. “You have to take the time to grieve, whether it’s breaking down and crying or feeling angry or frustrated or just not talking to anyone. You have to do that or you can’t be there in the way you want to.”

The new high school edition of This Is My Brave’s online “Stories From Home” series airs Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. The show features Payton and other teens from around the DC region addressing mental health challenges including de-

10/23/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

HUDSON RIVER LINE:

PERFORMING THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL 10/24/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

BEATLEMANIA 10/30/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

SUNDOGS: A TRIBUTE TO RUSH 11/6 & 11/7/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

Photo credit?

Woodgrove High School sophomore Payton Arnett connected with This Is My Brave founder Jennifer Marshall after her moving speech at a march in Purcellville this spring. Now, Payton is a featured cast member in the nonprofit’s upcoming show featuring teens from around the D.C. area.

pression, eating disorders, grief, sexual harassment and suicidal ideation through original songs, poetry and essays. Cast members will be participating in a live chat during the initial screening, and the show will also be available on the TIMB

YouTube channel.

Jennifer Marshall, co-founder and executive director of This Is My Brave is an Ashburn resident who launched the nonMY BRAVE continues on page 30

THINGS to do LOCO LIVE Juliana MacDowell and The Chris Timbers Band Thursday, Oct. 8, 7-10 p.m.

B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com This special evening co-hosted by the Barns of Rose Hill features two local favorites: Americana from Juliana MacDowell and blues/roots from Chris Timbers. Tickets are $20 in advance.

Live Music: Yarn

B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Enjoy a fun Friday night of Pennsylvania bluegrass on the lawn. Tickets are $25 in advance.

Live Music: Dead Letter Office REM Tribute Friday Oct. 9, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Forget 2020 and lose yourself in your favorite REM classics from this top-notch tribute band. Tickets are $20-$30 for this seated show.

Thursday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com This Brooklyn/Raleigh-based band of storytellers spins their Americana yarns at the Tally Ho in a socially distanced setting. Tickets are $20-$30 for this seated show.

Live Music: Ginny Blair

Live Music: Cabinet

Live Music: Mosby Territory

Friday Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Blair’s set features a genre-crossing blend of folk, pop, rock, jazz and a few things in between.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2 p.m.

Maggie Malick Wine Caves, 12138 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville Details: maggiemalickwinecaves.com Mosby Territory is an acoustic/electric duo formed

by Will and Alona Williamson. The couple play a mix of blues, bluegrass, classic rock, folk and country favorites, along with fun originals.

Live Music: Clark Peklo Saturday, Oct. 10, 2-5 p.m.

Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Peklo returns to Lost Rhino with a repertoire of cool, unexpected covers with a strict No Eagles policy.

Live Music: Sweet Leda Saturday, Oct. 10, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights

THINGS TO DO continues on page 29

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 8, 2020

THINGS to do continued from page 28

Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Blending new school funk, psychedelic rock, soul and pop, Sweet Leda’s heartfelt original music has been described as a female-fronted, soul-based Zeppelin meets Chili Peppers.

Live Music: Voodoo Blues Saturday, Oct. 10, 5-8 p.m.

Loudoun Brewing Company, 310 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: facebook.com/loudounbrewing New Orleans inspired blues, funk and soul from a LoCo favorite.

Live Music: Jason Masi Saturday, Oct. 10, 6:30 p.m.

Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com Masi returns to Social House with his signature acoustic soul and R&B.

Live Music: JJ Billings Band Saturday, Oct. 10, 5 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Rock tunes from Tom Petty, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Aerosmith and beyond for an afternoon of fun.

Live Music: Unsullied Saturday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m.

Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com The winners of Crooked Run’s Battle of the Bands return with their high energy brand rock ‘n’ roll.

Live Music: Kenny Ray Horton Saturday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m.

American Legion Post 293, 112 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: facebook.com/americanlegionpost293 Catch Nashville singer/songwriter Kenny Ray Horton in Purcellville.

Live Music: Bad Panda Saturday, Oct. 10, 8-11 p.m.

Chefscape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. # 115, Leesburg Details: chefscapekitchen.com Chefscape brings back music in a socially distanced setting with rock ‘n’ roll from Bad Panda. Tickets are $20-$80 for tables of four to eight people.

Live Music: Melissa Quinn Fox Band Sunday, Oct. 11, 1-4 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Make it a fun Sunday with Fox’s high-energy blend of rock and country.

Live Music: John Durant Sunday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m.

Maggie Malick Wine Caves, 12138 Harpers Ferry

Road, Neersville Details: maggiemalickwinecaves.com Loudoun’s modern troubadour returns for an afternoon of great tunes at Maggie Malick’s.

PAGE 29

TICKETS START AT $39 — LIMITED VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE

Live Music: Yonder Mountain String Band Sunday, Oct. 11, 5-9 p.m.

B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com For nearly two decades, Yonder Mountain String Band has pushed the traditional acoustic genre envelope by delving into rock ‘n’ roll. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of show.

Live Music: Ken Wenzel Thursday, Oct. 15, 5-8 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Wenzel brings his roots-rock, country-jazz take on love, learning and life in America to MacDowell’s Acoustic Thursday.

LIBATIONS 50 West Fall Festival Friday, Oct. 9, Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11 50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: facebook.com/50westvineyards Celebrate fall with harvest sangria, mulled wine, fire pits and s’mores. The event features live music from Dave Lange on Friday, Alex Barnett on Saturday and Chris Bone on Sunday. Check out the website for details.

Wine 101 Bootcamp Saturday, Oct. 10, 3-4:30 p.m.

Ashburn Wine Shop, 44050 Ashburn Shopping Plaza #Suite 159, Ashburn Details: facebook.com/ashburnwineshop Take your wine knowledge to the next level and learn to swirl, sniff and sip like a pro. This socially distanced class is limited to 10 participants.

Tickets are $50.

LOCO CULTURE Franklin Park Outdoor Movie: ‘The Birds’ Saturday, Oct. 10, Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org This 1963 Alfred Hitchcock classic is the perfect way to get the spooky season rolling. Tickets are $3 in advance.

October 23, 2020 • 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Register Today at WomensHealthAndWellnessS ummit.com The Virtual Women’s Health & Wellness Summit focuses on providing the tools & resources to achieve better health through better living.

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ALL NEW PRESENTATIONS Here are just a few of the topics and speakers you will hear!

Panel - Staying Healthy During Covid-19 Monique DeMonaco, Coach Monique & Associates Dr. Ria Shirsolkar, StoneSprings Hospital Center Listen to Your Mother…Nature!

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Blue Sky Puppet Theatre: Imagine This Wednesday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org The latest from Blue Sky tells the story of Sir Author Pendragon and his trusty pencil Excalibur as they try to win the kingdom’s storytelling contest. Tickets are $5 and seating is limited.

703.777.8577 • events@jpevents.biz • WomensHealthAndWellnessSummit.com

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 30

My Brave continued from page 28 profit in 2013. Marshall has lived with bipolar disorder for more than a decade and is focused on removing the stigma from mental health challenges through storytelling. Her nonprofit has organized live performances around the country for the past six years. Marshall launched the teen edition of This Is My Brave last year with a live event in her hometown of Hershey, PA, bringing together 20 students from four high schools.

The organization has taken its shows online during the COVID pandemic, but Marshall says the stories are needed more than ever, especially for young people. She points to a National 4-H Council survey last spring that included 1,500 young people ages 13 to 19 nationwide. Researchers found that seven in 10 teens are struggling with their mental health in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Now is the time we need to be having these conversations at home with our family and opening up and addressing these feelings that we’re all going through— adults and teens alike. Part of our goal

with this performance is to open up those lines of communication within families to know that it’s OK. We’re all experiencing these feelings, and when we talk about it, we can reach out for support,” Marshall said.

For Payton, a desire to connect with other teens and let them know that it’s OK to share negative feelings motivated her to get involved. In her powerful spoken word performance for This Is My Brave, Payton describes the pressure she put on herself to be tough and not show emotion after the death of her grandfather, known as G-Pop, her closest confidant and best friend.

When her grandfather was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2019 and died in April of that year, Payton felt pressure to be strong for her family and bubbly and positive with friends.

“In my head I was kind of shutting down,” she said. “I knew the emotional toll of the pain would be too much in the moment. Was that the right choice? Definitely not.”

Finally, at a Christian summer camp surrounded by close friends, she was able to let go.

“In that moment, I couldn’t even pretend I was OK,” she said. “I broke down. I

was like, ‘I can’t do this anymore. I have to let it go and I have to deal with the grief.’”

Payton has also emerged as a voice for teens of color in Loudoun during a national reckoning on race. She was a featured speaker at a march in Purcellville this spring following the death of George Floyd. Marshall heard Payton speak during that event and reached out to her through the Loudoun chapter of the NAACP. “She was so passionate about speaking her truth. It was a cause she cared about and she was being such a leader for her community and for her peers. That spoke to me deeply and I wanted her voice in the show,” Marshall said. “So many teens are going through challenges with mental health. ... The pandemic and the racial injustice in our country has brought these emotions and feelings to the forefront, and kids need to know it’s OK to talk about it.”

Payton said that just as she felt the need to keep up an appearance of strength after her grandfather’s death, students of color in Loudoun often feel the need to keep up a facade. And that can be draining.

“The mental health toll that it takes being a young black student in a predominantly white school is a separate thing in itself,” she said. “You want to try to be a

OCTOBER 8, 2020

perfectionist student, with the thought process of, ‘I have to maintain a certain facade in school because I don’t want to seem like this stereotype or that stereotype.’ That’s something that is so important to talk about.”

When This Is My Brave initially asked her to share her story on a national stage, Payton said she was initially hesitant. But her drive to help her peers and inspiration from her grandfather pushed her forward.

“If I have this opportunity and I have this platform and I know this is something other kids definitely go through, why would I pass up the opportunity to do that?” she said. “I only am stronger because of what happened. Without the entirety of his passing, I wouldn’t be able to do things like this and help other people in the long run.”

The debut screening of This Is My Brave’s Washington, DC high school performance, featuring a live chat with Payton and other cast members, is Sunday, Oct. 18 at 4 p.m. Go to thisismybrave.org/events for details. The show will be available via the This Is My Brave YouTube channel after the initial screening at youtube.com/ user/thisismybrave. n

Legal Notices Public Notice The Town of Leesburg Board of Zoning Appeals

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MIDDLEBURG PLANNING COMMISSION

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 for a term to end December 31, 2025.

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 703771-2733 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., October 23, 2020, 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.

10/01, 10/08, & 10/15/20

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

The Middleburg Planning Commission will hold public hearings beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2020 to hear public comments on the following: Zoning Text Amendment 20-01 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 81 OF THE MIDDLEBURG ZONING ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO PENALTIES AND REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS. The proposal is to update the procedures and penalties available for enforcement of zoning violations.

Zoning Text Amendment 20-02 AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND REENACT ARTICLE XIV OF THE MIDDLEBURG ZONING ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO SIGNS. The proposal consists of a rewrite of regulations to ensure alignment with a U.S. Supreme Court decision pertaining to content-based regulation of signs.

The Commission meeting and public hearings will be conducted remotely in accordance with the Resolution Confirming the Declaration of a Local Emergency and the Ordinance to Implement Emergency Procedures & Effectuate Temporary Changes to Address Continuity of Governmental Operations during COVID-19.

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

Public participation will be available by calling (540) 339-6355 that evening. Those who plan to participate in the hearings are encouraged, but not required, to contact the Town Office in advance at (540) 687-5152 to register to speak. For those who only wish to observe the proceedings, the meeting can be viewed on the Town’s website at www.middleburgva.gov/town-meetings

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

The files for these applications may be reviewed at the Town Office, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to Deputy Town Manager Will Moore at (540) 687-5152 or by email at wmoore@middleburgva.gov

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1997 2008

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ROAD RUNNER ROAD RUNNER

703-450-7555 703-450-7555

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.

10/01 & 10/08/20

10/08 & 10/15/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 8, 2020

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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, October 27, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

ZCPA-2020-0003 TRUE NORTH DATA

(Zoning Concept Plan Amendment) Compass Data Centers IAD I LLC of Dallas, Texas has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-2017-0003, True North Data in order to: 1) allow for the option to consolidate three buildings into one building footprint; 2) increase the maximum building height from 35 feet to 60 feet; and 3) to reduce the amount of open space on the CDP from 64.25 acres to 60.25 acres with no resulting change in density. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is partially located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District - Luck Note Area, and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District).

The subject property is approximately 97.12 acres in size and is located on the north side of Sycolin Road (Route 625), on the south side of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and on the west side of the Goose Creek, on the northwest side Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 194-10-2562. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Light Industrial Place Type)), which designate this area for low-traffic Industrial and Employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 0.6.

SPEX-2019-0046 DULLES TRADE CENTER II – VEGETATIVE WASTE (Special Exception)

Pebble Run Associates LLC of Falls Church, Virginia has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit a Vegetative Waste Management Facility use in the PD-GI (Planned Development – General Industry) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-604. The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contour and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 14.37 acres in size and is located at the northern terminus of Pebble Run Place, north of Overland Drive (Route 2962), and east of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) at 23544 and 23540 Pebble Run Place in the Dulles and Blue Ridge Election Districts. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 123-28-7817. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type)), which designate this area for large Manufacturing, contractor with outdoor storage, other productive uses, and Mineral Extraction areas such as quarries and mines.

The subject property is approximately 62.87 acres in size, and is located south of Gloucester Parkway (Route 2150) and north of Waxpool Road (Route 625) on the west side of Pacific Boulevard (Route 1036) and north side of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail at 21641 Charles View Dr., Sterling, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 043-47-6221 and PIN: 043-482656. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which supports a broad array of Employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.

ZMAP-2019-0020 & SPMI-2019-0021 WAXPOOL CROSSING

(Zoning Map Amendment & Minor Special Exception) NFD Acquisitions LLC of Washington, DC, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 18.76 acres from the PD-OP (Planned Development – Office Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-24 Affordable Dwelling Unit (Multifamily Residential with Affordable Dwelling Units) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop up to 400 multi-family residential dwelling units at a density of 21.32 units per acre. The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contour and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The modification of the Road Corridor Building and Parking Setback Regulations applicable to the proposed use is authorized by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-1409, Waivers and Modifications (the Minor Special Exception application is not subject to consideration by the Planning Commission and requires approval only by the Board of Supervisors), pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§ 5-1403(B), Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, Road Corridor Buffer and Setbacks Matrix, Table 5-1403(B), Other Major Collector Roads.

Reduce the minimum building setback along Waxpool Road (Route 640) and Ashburn Village Boulevard (Route 2020) from 75 feet to 35 feet

(Commission Permit & Minor Special Exception)

The subject property is approximately 18.76 acres in size and is located on the north side of Waxpool Road (Route 640), west of Ashburn Village Boulevard (Route 2020), east of Ashburn Road (Route 641), at 21663, 21685, and 21691 Romans Drive, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Ashburn Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 088-37-1171 (portion) and PIN: 088-47-1916. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Compact Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for a mix of housing types including small-lot patio homes, Townhomes, Duplexes, and Multi-family Residential uses at a recommended density of 8–24 dwelling units per acre.

Virginia Electric and Power Company of Glen Allen, Virginia, has submitted an application for Commission approval to permit development of an Electric Utility Substation (Distribution) in the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101. The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours, and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed Electric Utility Substation use is authorized by Special Minor Exception under Section 5-600, Additional Regulations for Specific Uses (the Minor Special Exception application is not subject to consideration by the Planning Commission and requires approval only by the Board of Supervisors), pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following modification:

Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. To arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email dpz@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246, or you may view the file electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. For detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc.

CMPT-2020-0003 & SPMI-2020-0005 PARAGON PARK SUBSTATION

ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §5-616(D), Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, Utility Substations

PROPOSED MODIFICATION Eliminate the Type C Buffer Yard requirements along the west, north, and east substation perimeters.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 32

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Legal Notices Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Planning Commission public hearings are available for viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing.

Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who sign-up in advance. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audio-visual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified.

OFFICIAL VOTING INFORMATION

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:

ERIC COMBS, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

10/08 & 10/15/20

Loudoun County Public Schools

The Constitution of Virginia requires that you be registered in the precinct in which you live in order to be qualified to vote.

For the convenience of the citizens of Loudoun County, the Voter Registration Office at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C, Leesburg, is open each week Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

In order to be eligible to vote in the November General Election to be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, you must register no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13.

You are encouraged to make application for voter registration. Please call us at the number shown below should you have any questions. Remember, a good citizen registers and votes!

Judith Brown, General Registrar 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C Leesburg, Virginia 20175-8916 703-777-0380

Fall 2020 Elementary School Attendance Zone Change Process Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School (ES-23) and Hovatter Elementary School (ES-29) are scheduled to open in fall 2021, with the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. Elaine E. Thompson Elementary School is sited within the Arcola Center development at 24200 Pissarro Drive in Sterling. Hovatter Elementary School is co-located on the Lightridge High School site at 41135 Collaboration Drive in Aldie.

In establishing attendance zones for the two new schools, the current attendance boundaries for Aldie, Arcola, Buffalo Trail, Cardinal Ridge, Creighton’s Corner, Goshen Post, Hutchison Farm, Legacy, Liberty, Little River, Madison’s Trust, Pinebrook, Rosa Lee Carter, and Sycolin Creek Elementary Schools will be reviewed.

The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings to facilitate the necessary attendance zone changes.

Elementary School Attendance Zone Meetings

Date

Online - Eligible citizens of the Commonwealth can submit a voter registration application or update their registration information on-line as long as they have a Virginia driver’s license. To apply online go to - www.vote.virginia.gov Department of Motor Vehicles – You can apply or update your information online at the DMV when completing a driver’s license transaction.

Mail-in voter registration applications are also available at all Loudoun County libraries and community centers and can be downloaded at https://www.elections.virginia.gov/registration/voterforms/ You can also go to www.vote.virginia.gov to verify your registration address and find out what’s on your ballot and where you vote.

10/08/20

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

School Board Attendance Zone Overview

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

School Board Attendance Zone Work Session

Monday, November 9, 2020

Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

School Board Attendance Zone Work Session

Tuesday, December 1, 2020*

School Board Review of Elementary School Attendance Zone Recommendations

Monday, December 7, 2020

Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Tuesday, December 15, 2020*

School Board Adoption of Elementary School Attendance Zones

*Regular School Board Business Meeting All attendance zone meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and begin at 6:30 p.m.

ABC LICENSE

Denis Lesgourgues (President); Jean Jacques Lesgourgues (COB), Frederic Goossens (Managing Director ) trading as Baron Francois Limited, 22675 Dulles Summit Court Suite 175, Sterling, Loudoun, Virginia 20166 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for an Alcohol Wholesale license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

ABC LICENSE

Cetera Imports LLC trading as Cetera Imports LLC, 207 E Holly Ave Suite 200, Sterling, Loudoun, Virginia 20164 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine Import and Wine Wholesale license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

William Sylvester. Managing Member

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

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

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

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

10/01 & 10/08/20

10/01 & 10/08/20

The meetings will be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Fios Channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.lcps.org).

In-person comment will be accepted at the identified public hearings. Speakers may sign up in advance by contacting the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 or sending an email to public.comment@lcps.org, in which case the sender will receive a reply with a link to complete an online Citizen Participation/Public Comment registration form. All speakers must sign-up prior to 5:00 p.m. the day of the School Board attendance zone public hearing.

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

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

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Legal Notices

PAGE 33

Gaver Mill Road and Stony Point Road Trails Town of Hillsboro

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing

The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

Find out about two planned trail projects related to the Town of Hillsboro’s Route 9 Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Improvements project. Gaver Mill Road Trail includes sidewalk and shared-use path on the west side of Gaver Mill Road (Route 812) from the end of the Route 9 Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Improvements project to just north of the Catoctin Creek bridge. Stony Point Road Trail includes sidewalk on the east side of Stony Point Road (Route 719) from Route 9 (Charles Town Pike) to just south of Highwater Road. The trail projects also include curb ramps, crosswalks and retaining walls.

APPL-2020-0005 (Appeal – Determination) Bed and Breakfast Inn, Off-Site Manager Donald E. Walker Sr. of Waterford, Virginia, has submitted an application for an appeal of the May 5, 2020, Zoning Administrator determination, ZCOR-2020-0019, which found that, pursuant to Section 5-601(B)(1)(a) of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, the requirement for the owner and/or manager of the premises to provide full-time management at all times when the Bed and Breakfast Inn is occupied by overnight guests or private party attendees requires such owner and/or manager to be physically present on the premises (i.e. “on-site”). The subject property is zoned AR-1 (Agricultural Rural-1) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and is also located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 8 acres in size and is located north of Clover Hill Road (Route 662), on the west side of Creek Lane (Route 695), at 14551 Creek Lane, Waterford, Virginia in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 301-35-9661.

SPEL-2020-0001 (Special Exception for Error in Building Location) Potomac Farms-Shed San Romano of Ashburn, Virginia, has submitted an application for a special exception for error in building location pursuant to Sections 6-206(D) and 6-1612 of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to permit an existing 12 foot x 22 foot shed to encroach approximately 2.5 feet into the minimum 5-foot required side yard for a one-story, non-habitable, accessory structure required by Section 5-200(B)(5) and Section 5-200(B)(5)(a). The encroachment occupies approximately 55 square feet of land area. The subject property is zoned A-3 (Agricultural Residential) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and is also located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) (major floodplain). The subject property is approximately 1.049 acres in size and is located west of the intersection of Island Avenue and Potomac Drive on the south side of Potomac Drive at 44623 Potomac Drive, Ashburn, Virginia in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 056-49-2125.

VARI-2020-0002 (Variance) Francis – Canby Road

Review the project information and environmental document in the form of a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE) at the Town of Hillsboro Office at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132. Please call ahead at 540-486-8001 or TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate personnel.

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, the Town of Hillsboro is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Mayor Roger Vance, Project Manager, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132 on or prior to October 19, 2020. If upon receiving public comments it is deemed necessary to hold a public hearing, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted.

In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning potential impacts to properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is also included with the environmental documentation.

The Town of Hillsboro ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Virginia Department of Transportation’s Civil Rights Division at 1-800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711.

State Projects: EN18-236-002, P101, R201, C501 EN18-236-201, P101, R201, C501 UPCs: 113635, 113606 Federal: TAP-5A01 (969), TAP-5A01 (968) 9/17, 10/1 & 10/8/20

LOUDOUN COUNTY OFFICE OF ELECTIONS SUPERVISED BALLOT DROP BOX LOCATIONS

Justin William Cody Francis and Lesli Alexander Francis of Hamilton, Virginia, have submitted an application for a variance to permit a reasonable deviation from the following provisions of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the construction of a single-family detached dwelling on the subject property located approximately 12 feet from the western property line, 6 feet from the eastern property line, and 19 feet from the right-of-way for Canby Road (Route 662): 1) Section 2-103 (A)(3) (c), Lot and Building Requirements, minimum yards, which requires that no structure shall be located within 25 feet of any property line or within 100 feet from the right-of-way of any arterial road, 75 feet from the right-of-way of any collector road, and 35 feet from any other road right-of-way, private access easement, and/or any prescriptive easement. The subject property is zoned AR-1 (Agricultural Rural – 1) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is approximately 0.358 acre in size and is located on both sides of Canby Road (Route 662) approximately 0.7 mile south of the intersection of Canby Road (Route 662) and Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 347-49-2251.

Full and complete copies of the above-referenced application(s) and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning, County Government Center,

For the convenience of Loudoun County voters, supervised ballot drop boxes have been placed in libraries throughout the county. Marked ballots can be dropped off ONLY during the library hours of operation through Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 5 p.m.: Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Ashburn Library – 43316 Hay Road, Ashburn, 20147 Brambleton Library – 22850 Brambleton Plaza, Brambleton 20148 Cascades Library – 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls, 20165 Gum Spring Library – 24600 Millstream Drive, Stone Ridge, 20105 Lovettsville Library – 12 N. Light Street, Lovettsville, 20180 Middleburg Library – 101 Reed Street, Middleburg, 20117 Purcellville Library – 220 E. Main Street, Purcellville, 20132

1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call (703) 777-0246.

Rust Library – 380 Old Waterford Road, NW, Leesburg, 20176

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

Ballots can also be hand delivered to the following early voting locations during early voting hours ONLY through Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 5 p.m.:

All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view and/or participate in the public hearing electronically. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who sign-up in advance. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to krisitne.smolens@loudoun.gov.

Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chairman 10/08 & 10/15/20

Sterling Library – 22330 S. Sterling Blvd., Suite A117, Sterling, 20164

Office of Elections, 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C and Suite F, Leesburg, 20175 – Open Now Weekdays – 8:30am – 5:00pm Visit www.loudoun.gov/voteearly for hours of operation for all early voting sites.

These sites will not open until Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m.

Loudoun County Government Office at Ridgetop, 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, 20164 Dulles South Senior Center, 24950 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly, 20152 Carver Senior Center, 200 E. Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, 20132 Ballots can also be dropped off at all Loudoun County polling places on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, Election Day, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7p.m.

Ballots must be dropped off by 7pm on Election Night OR be received in the mail by noon on the Friday after the election.

10/08/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 34

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION This proceeding is for the nonjudicial sale of real property located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for payment of delinquent taxes under the provisions of Virginia Code §58.1-3975. Pursuant to Virginia Code §58.1-3975, the Treasurer of Loudoun County, H. Roger Zurn, Jr., (the “Treasurer”) will offer the real property described below for sale at public auction to the highest bidder on the steps of the Historic Courthouse of Loudoun County, in Leesburg, Virginia on:

TERMS OF SALE:

October 20, 2020 12:00 p.m.

RAIN OR SHINE Registration Starts at 11:30 a.m.

1.

This is a nonjudicial sale of tax delinquent real property being sold pursuant to the provisions of Virginia Code §58.1-3975. The real properties, described below, satisfy the conditions for a nonjudicial sale as set forth in subsection A of Virginia Code §58.1-3975.

2.

The Treasurer reserves the right to withdraw any property from sale and to reject any bid by declaring “NO SALE” after the last bid received on a property.

3.

Any person who wishes to bid on any property during the auction must register with County staff before the start of bidding. As part of the registration process, potential bidders must: (i) have sufficient funds on hand to pay the Minimum Deposit required for each parcel on which they want to bid; and (ii) sign a form certifying that they do not own any property in Loudoun County for which any delinquent taxes are due, or for which there are zoning or other violations.

4.

The Minimum Deposit required for each parcel is specified below, as part of the property description. The full amount of the Minimum Deposit must be paid by cashier’s or certified check made payable to the County of Loudoun at the time the auctioneer declares the sale.

5.

In lieu of attending the auction, bidders may submit written bids to Steven F. Jackson, Esq. at the address listed below. All written bids must be accompanied by the applicable Minimum Deposit, which shall be paid by cashier’s or certified check made payable to the County of Loudoun. Written bids must also be accompanied by a certification that the bidder is not the owner of any property in Loudoun County for which delinquent taxes are due, or for which there are zoning or other violations. A written bid form, which includes the required certification, can be obtained from the Treasurer or the Treasurer’s website.

6.

Written bids (with the required deposit and certification) will be received by the Treasurer at any time prior to the date of auction and held under seal until the date of the auction. If a written bid exceeds the highest live bid received from the audience during the auction, the audience will have an opportunity to bid against the written bid. If a higher bid is not received from the audience, the Treasurer may declare the sale to the proponent of the highest written bid or may reject all bids by declaring “NO SALE.” 7.

The entire balance of the purchase price must be paid in full by cashier’s or certified check payable to the County of Loudoun within 30 days after the date of the auction.

8.

The final winning written bid or live bid accepted during the auction cannot be withdrawn. Any bidder who attempts to withdraw his/her bid after it has been accepted by the Treasurer may be required to forfeit his/her deposit.

9.

Properties are offered “as is”, with all faults and without warranties or guarantees either expressed or implied. Prospective bidders should investigate the title on properties prior to bidding. The sale of the properties is not subject to the successful bidders’ ability to obtain title insurance.

10. All recording costs (including but not limited to any grantor’s tax/fee) will be at the expense of the purchaser. All property will be conveyed by a special warranty deed from the Treasurer, pursuant to Virginia Code §58.1-3975(H).

11. Announcements made the day of sale take precedence over any prior verbal or written terms of sale.

The Treasurer represents that information regarding the properties to be offered for sale, including acreage, type of improvements, etc., is taken from tax and/or land records, and is not guaranteed for either accuracy or completeness. Bidders are encouraged to make their own investigation to determine the title, condition, accessibility, and occupancy status of each property and to bid accordingly. The sale will be made subject to matters visible upon inspection, and to restrictions, conditions, rights-of -way and easements, if any, contained in the instruments constituting the chain of title. Any costs incurred by a bidder to inspect or investigate any real property are the bidder’s responsibility and are not reimbursable.

The owners of the properties listed below may redeem it at any time prior to the date of the auction by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, interest, costs, including the costs of publishing this advertisement and reasonable attorney fees, incurred through the date before the auction.

Below is a brief description of the properties to be offered for nonjudicial sale at the auction. More detailed information may be obtained by contacting Steven F. Jackson, Senior Assistant County Attorney, (703) 777-0307 or Tracy Stanley, Deputy Treasurer for Collections at (703) 771-5656.

*************************** Record Owner: Owner Unknown LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /25////////98/ Loudoun County PIN 481-16-3278-000 Treasurer of Loudoun County, H. Roger Zurn, Jr., Minimum Deposit Required: $501.00 Parcel of unimproved land, approximately 0.28 of an acre, in the Blue Ridge District with no situs address, located on Short Hill Mountain, identified in the Loudoun County Mapping System by Parcel Identification No. (“PIN”) 481-16-3278-000 (the “Property”).

The Property is bordered to the north by parcel identified by PIN 481-16-4697-000, and to the south, east and west by parcel identified by PIN 482-45-5549-000.

For illustration purposes only, the Property is depicted on the plat recorded as Instrument Number 20130516-0040609 among the land records of the Loudoun County Circuit Court as owned by “Tribby”, although a title examiner hired in 2016 by the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue concluded that a search of the land records of Loudoun County since 1878 show no instruments of record (i.e. deeds or wills) directly vesting title to the referenced parcel in “Tribby”, nor any deed conveying out from “Tribby” a parcel matching the description of the Property

*************************** Record Owner: Heirs & Successors in Interest of Isaac Waters LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /25////////99/ Loudoun County PIN 481-16-4697-000 Treasurer of Loudoun County, H. Roger Zurn, Jr., Minimum Deposit Required: $1,424.00 Parcel of unimproved land, approximately 1.83 acres, in the Blue Ridge District with no situs address, located on Short Hill Mountain, identified in the Loudoun County Mapping System by Parcel Identification No. (“PIN”) 481-16-4697-000 (the “Property”).

The Property is bordered to the south by parcel identified by PIN 481-16-3278-000 and 482-45-5549-000, to the west and north by PIN 481-15-8838-000, and to the east by PIN 481-19-2695-000.

For illustration purposes only, the Property is depicted on the plat recorded as Instrument Number 20130516-0040609 among the land records of the Loudoun County Circuit Court as now or formerly owned by “Isaac Waters”. A title examiner hired in 2016 by the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue concluded that a search of the land records of Loudoun County since 1877 show no instruments of record (i.e. deeds or wills) conveying this parcel out of Isaac Waters or his heirs.

Steven F. Jackson, Senior Assistant County Attorney Office of County Attorney 1 Harrison Street, S.E. P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-7000 (703) 777-0307

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 8, 2020

PAGE 35

Legal Notices 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 2015 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 2, 2020 and recorded in the Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court´s office by December 17, 2020.

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 Friday, November 2, 2020. Applications submitted after the deadline; November 3, 2020 through December 7, 2020, are subject to a $300 per parcel late filing fee in addition to with the standard filing fee. No firsttime applications or renewal applications will be accepted after the December 5th deadline.

FILING FEES For submissions received or postmarked by November 2, 2020 -$125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof For submissions received or postmarked between November 3, 2020 and December 7, 2020 - $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 9/10, 9/24, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22 & 10/29

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Case No.: JJ037196-20-00; 21-00; 22-00; 23-00

Case No.:

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

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

Damon Smith, putative father and Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold a 6th permanency planning hearing and review of foster care plan with goal of adoption, pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Malek Conner and Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Damon Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Malek Conner.

Damon Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Malek Conner. Damon Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Malek Conner; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Malek Conner; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Malek Conner. Further, Damon Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father will have no legal and/ or financial obligations with respect to Malek Conner, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Malek Conner for adoption and consent to the adoption of Malek Conner.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Damon Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before October 23, 2020 at 10:00 am.

10/01, 10/08, 10/15, & 10/22/20

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

TOWN OF LEESBURG, VIRGINIA REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS BATTLEFIELD PARKWAY / ROUTE 15 BYPASS INTERCHANGE ACCESS REPORT DEVELOPMENT RFP NO. 20004-FY21-04 The Town of Leesburg is accepting proposals for development of an Interchange Access Report (IAR) for the Battlefield Parkway/Route 15 Bypass Interchange project. Proposals must be submitted to the Town of Leesburg, Procurement Division, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176, no later than 3:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2020. All proposals must indicate RFP title, number and submittal date on the external shipping material.

All questions regarding this RFP must be received in writing by email at CapitalBidQuestions@ leesburgva.gov until but no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.

Interested offerors may download a copy of the RFP from the bid board on the Town’s website at http:// www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard. Contact Cindy Steyer at 703-737-2302 or csteyer@leesburgva.gov with questions about obtaining these documents. All addenda issued for this project will only be posted on the Town’s bid board and eVA (https://eva.virginia.gov).

Renée M. LaFollette, P.E., Director Department of Public Works & Capital Projects 10/08/20

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

JJ039889-08-00; 09-00,

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Karley Bryner-Kerr Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Michael Smith, putative father and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a hearing on Petitions for Termination of Parental Rights of Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1283 for Karley Bryner-Kerr. Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order terminating their residual parental rights with respect to Karley Bryner-Kerr.

Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Karley BrynerKerr; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Karley Bryner-Kerr; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Karley Bryner-Kerr.

Further, Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Karley Bryner-Kerr, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Karley BrynerKerr for adoption and consent to the adoption of Karley Bryner-Kerr.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before December 10, 2020 at 10:00 am.

10/01, 10/08, 10/15, & 10/22/20

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

JJ042687-05-00 JJ042688-05-00

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Case No.:

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jaxon Ezekiel Jenkins and Ashton Leon Jenkins

JJ044463-01-00

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

Unknown Father

,

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Samuel Lee Jenkins III, putative father

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing in child in need of services’ matter pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-228 and 16.1-241 for Giszelle Perez.

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Jaxon Ezekiel Jenkins and Ashton Leon Jenkins.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, Unknown Father, appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before October 28, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

It is Ordered that the defendant Samuel Lee Jenkins III, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before October 13, 2020 at 3:00 pm.

10/01, 10/08, 10/15, & 10/22/20

9/17, 9/24, 10/01 & 10/08

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 36

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Legal Notices PUBLIC AUCTION This proceeding is for the judicial sale of real properties located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for payment of delinquent taxes pursuant to the provisions of Virginia Code Section 58.1-3965, et seq. Pursuant to Orders entered by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia, the undersigned Steven F. Jackson and Zaida C. Thompson, Special Commissioners of Sale of said Court, will offer the real properties described below for sale at public auction to the highest bidder on the steps of the Historic Courthouse of Loudoun County, in Leesburg, Virginia on:

TERMS OF SALE:

October 20, 2020 12:00 p.m.

RAIN OR SHINE Registration Starts at 11:30 a.m.

1. The sale of any real property is subject to the approval and confirmation by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County.

2. The Special Commissioners of Sale reserve the right to withdraw from sale any property listed and to reject any bid by declaring “NO SALE” after the last bid received on a property.

3. Any person who wishes to bid on any property during the auction must register with County staff before the start of bidding. As part of the registration process, potential bidders must: (i) have sufficient funds on hand to pay the Minimum Deposit required for each parcel on which they want to bid; and (ii) sign a form certifying that they do not own any property in Loudoun County for which any delinquent taxes are due, or for which there are zoning or other violations.

4. The Minimum Deposit required for each parcel is specified below, as part of the property description. The full amount of the Minimum Deposit must be paid by cashier’s or certified check made payable to Gary Clemens, Clerk of the Loudoun County Circuit Court, at the time the auctioneer declares the sale.

5. In lieu of attending the auction, bidders may submit written bids to Steven F. Jackson or Zaida C. Thompson, Special Commissioners of Sale, at the address listed below. All written bids must be accompanied by the applicable Minimum Deposit, which shall be paid by cashier’s or certified check made payable to Gary Clemens Clerk of the Loudoun County Circuit Court. Written bids must also be accompanied by a certification that the bidder is not the owner of any property in Loudoun County for which delinquent taxes are due, or for which there are zoning or other violations. A written bid form, which includes the required certification, can be obtained from the Special Commissioners of Sale or the Treasurer’s website.

6. Written bids (with the required deposit and certification) will be received by the Special Commissioners of Sale at any time prior to the date of auction and held under seal until the date of the auction. If a written bid exceeds the highest live bid received from the audience during the auction, the audience will have an opportunity to bid against the written bid. If a higher bid is not received from the audience, the Special Commissioners of Sale may declare the sale to the proponent of the highest written bid or may reject all bids by declaring “NO SALE.” 7. If either a written bid or a live auction bid is approved by the Loudoun County Circuit Court, the balance of the purchase price must be paid in full within 30 days after court approval.

8. Once a submitted written bid or a live bid has been accepted during the auction, it cannot be withdrawn except by leave of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County. Any bidder who attempts to withdraw his/her bid after it has been accepted by the Special Commissioners of Sale may be required to forfeit his/her deposit.

9. Properties are offered “as is”, with all faults and without warranties or guarantees either expressed or implied. Prospective bidders should investigate the title on properties prior to bidding. The sale of the properties is not subject to the successful bidders’ ability to obtain title insurance. The sale of the properties is made free and clear only of liens of defendant(s) named in the respective judicial proceeding, and of those liens recorded after the County filed a lis pendens with the Circuit Court of Loudoun County.

10. All recording costs (including but not limited to any grantor’s tax/fee) will be at the expense of the purchaser. All property will be conveyed by Special Warranty Deed from the Special Commissioners of Sale.

11. Announcements made on the day of sale take precedence over any prior verbal or written terms of sale.

The Special Commissioners of Sale represent that information regarding the property to be offered for sale, including acreage, type of improvements, etc., is taken from tax and/or land records, and is not guaranteed for either accuracy or completeness. Bidders are encouraged to make their own investigation to determine the title, condition of improvements, accessibility, and occupancy status of each property and to bid accordingly. The sale will be made subject to matters visible upon inspection, and to restrictions, conditions, rights-of-way and easements, if any, contained in the instruments constituting the chain of title. Any costs incurred by a bidder to inspect or investigate any property are the bidder’s responsibility and are not reimbursable.

The owner of any property listed below may redeem it at any time before the date of the auction by paying all taxes, penalties, interest, costs (including the pro rata costs of publishing this advertisement and attorney’s fees) incurred through the date before the auction.

Below is a brief description of each property to be offered for sale at the auction. More detailed information may be obtained by examining the files in the Clerk’s office of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, or by contacting the Special Commissioners of Sale at (703) 777-0307; or Tracy Stanley, Deputy Treasurer for Collections at (703) 771-5656.

***************************

THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN v. ROBERT L. PISCIOTTA, et al.

CIVIL ACTION NO. CL 19-725 LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /48///215/327/ PIN 188-28-2869-013 Zaida C. Thompson, Special Commissioner of Sale Minimum Deposit Required: $19,398.00 Residential condominium located at 92 Hancock Place, NE, Leesburg, Virginia, and described of record, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia as: UNIT 327 PHASE FIFTEEN, BLOCK 1, HERITAGE SQUARE, A CONDOMINIUM, TOGETHER WITH the undivided interest in the General Common Elements and Limited Common Elements which attach to said Unit, as described in that certain Declaration with the attached plats designating the relative location and identification of each Unit and General and Limited Common Elements located in the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, and recorded in Deed Book 642, at Page 183, and as amended among the Land Records.

AND BEING part of the property conveyed to Robert L. Pisciotta, from Catherine Bastiani (f/n/a/ Catherine B. Pisciotta) by Quitclaim Deed dated March 18, 2014 and recorded as Instrument No. 20140319-0013364 among the Land Records. ***************************

THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN v. OXANA DROUGOV, et al.

CIVIL ACTION NO. CL 20-2487 LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /62//17////17/ PIN 085-46-1787-000 Steven F. Jackson, Special Commissioner of Sale Minimum Deposit Required: $43,640.00 Single-family residential parcel containing .05 of an acre, more or less, with improvements in the Ashburn District located at 43682 Balmoral Terrace, Ashburn, Virginia, 20147 and described of record, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia as: Lot 17, Section 2, Block 2, The Ridges at Ashburn, as the same appears duly dedicated, platted and recorded among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia in Deed Book 1660 at page 22 and resubdivided in Deed Book 1730 at page 805.

AND BEING the same property conveyed to Alexander Drougov by deed dated July 29, 2002 recorded at Deed Book 2225 Page 2049. Alexander Drougov died intestate on July 3, 2011 and a List of Heirs recorded as Instrument Number 20110812-0048924 identifies Oxana Drougov, his wife, as his sole heir at law. ***************************

THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN v. BRIAN D. HARDY and ANNE M. HARDY, et al.

CIVIL ACTION NO. CL 20-2404 LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /28/A/1/H//10/ PIN 304-46-3641-000 Steven F. Jackson, Special Commissioner of Sale Minimum Deposit Required: $49,495.00 Single-family residential parcel containing .05 of an acre, more or less, with improvements in the Catoctin District located at 15668 Factory Street, Waterford, Virginia 20197 and described of record, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia as:

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 8, 2020

THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN v. HEIRS AT LAW & SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF ERNEST A. RICHIE A/K/A ERNEST A. RITCHIE, et al.

CIVIL ACTION NO. CL 20-2596 LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /15///////102/ PIN 479-49-0158-000 Steven F. Jackson, Special Commissioner of Sale Minimum Deposit Required: $4,765.00

All of that certain lot or parcel of land, with a dwelling house and other improvements thereon, situated in the Town of Waterford, Loudoun County, Virginia, lying on the North side of Factory Street, and separated from the property of Divine, Shawn, and others, by three twelve foot alleys, and being the same property conveyed to John D. Spinks by deed of record in said County Clerk’s Office in Deed Book 7-U, Page 274, from Elizabeth H. White and others, September 24, 1901, and therein described and designated as Lots No. 25 and 31. Said parcel of land also being described according to a plat of survey prepared by J. Horace Jarrett, C.L.S., dated January 7, 1985, recorded with Deed in Deed Book 857, page 480, as follows: Beginning at a pipe on the Northeast side of Factory Street, a corner of Kenneth M. and Eleanor B. Gonseth and the East side of a 12’ alley, thence departing from Factory Street and running with said alley N. 25 degrees 00’00” E. 184.36’ to a pipe on the South side of a 12’ alley, thence running with said alley S. 65 degrees 00’00” E. 105.50’ to a pipe on the West side of a 12’ alley, thence running with said alley S. 25 degrees 00’00” W. 231.51’ to a pipe in the North side of Factory Street, thence running with Factory Street N. 40 degrees 55’30” W. 115.55’ to the beginning, containing 21,937 square feet more or less.

PAGE 37

Parcel of unimproved land containing 15 acres, more or less, in the Catoctin District with no situs address and described of record, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia as:

AND BEING the same property conveyed to Brian D. Hardy and Anne M.B. Hardy by deed dated October 31, 1991 recorded at Deed Book 1141 Page 1716 among the land records of Loudoun County.

That certain tract of land (wood lot) situated in the County aforesaid in the Lovettsville Magisterial District on the east side of Short Hill Mountain, adjoining the lands of H.W. Cole, Vickers, George & Conner containing fifteen acres of land more or less.

AND BEING a portion of the same property, conveyed to Ernest A. Richie from Henry C. Peacock and Anna Peacock by deed dated March 14, 1913 recorded at Deed Book 8S Page 196 among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia. ***************************

***************************

Steven F. Jackson Zaida C. Thompson Special Commissioners of Sale Office of County Attorney 1 Harrison Street, S.E. P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-7000 (703) 777-0307

9/24, 10/1, 10/8, & 10/15/20

VIRGINIA

NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires.

All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.

Description

Case Number

Recovery Date

Recovery Location

Phone Number

Pink Diamondback bike

SO200014614

09/10/2020

20649 Southwind Terrace, Ashburn

703-777-0610

Blue/silver One Next power climber mountain bike

SO200014727

09/11/2020

16909 Evening Star Dr. Round Hill

703-777-0610

Black/pink Mongoose mountain bike

SO200015022

09/16/2020

46620 E Frederick Dr. Sterling

703-777-0610

Maroon Free Spirit cruiser bike

SO200015022

09/16/2020

46620 E Frederick Dr. Sterling

703-777-0610

Black/red/white Mongoose bike

SO200015022

09/16/2020

46620 E Frederick Dr. Sterling

703-777-0610 10/01 & 10/08/20

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

ABC LICENSE

SBPR-2020-0009 MAIN TREE FARM Karyn Minnix, Manager of Carrington Builders at Main Tree Farm LC, of Leesburg, Virginia, is requesting approval of a Preliminary/Record plat of subdivision to subdivide approximately 76.6273 Acres into an AR1 cluster subdivision, consisting of twelve (12) single family detached (SFD) cluster lots, three (3) single family detached (SFD) rural economy lots and three (3) open space parcels. The property is located on the north side of Thomas Mill Road (Route 820), approximately 0.75 mile west of the intersection of Thomas Mill Road and Dry Mill Road (Route 699). The property is zoned AR-1 (Agricultural Rural-1) under the provisions of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance.

The property is located within the Catoctin Election District and is more particularly described as MCPI #310-46-3273 and including portions of MCPA #310-35-7586 and MCPI #310-35-4694.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the Loudoun Online Land Applications System www.loudoun.gov/LOLA by searching for SBPR-2020-0009. Complete copies of the above referenced application are also available for public review at the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, Land Development File Room, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical public access to the file may be interrupted. You may contact the project manager to arrange for alternative access to the file if necessary. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Tom Donnelly, at Tom.Donnelly@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to the Department of Building and Development, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by November 6, 2020.

The Department of Building and Development will take-action on the above application in accordance with the requirements for Preliminary/Record plat subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.09 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).

10/08/20

Amia Salon & Spa, LLC, trading as Liplash Organic Spa, 20755 Williamsport Pl, Unit 220, Ashburn, Loudoun County, Virginia 20147-6523 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for an Day Spa license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

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

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

10/08 & 10/15/20

LoudounNow.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN

APRIL CHRISTINE MELSON, Plaintiff v.

ROGER CLARK MELSON JR., Defendant

) ) ) ) ) )

, In Case No. CL 20-5464

ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of this case is for the Plaintiff to obtain an Order of Divorce from the Defendant on the grounds of the parties having lived separate and apart, without any cohabitation and without interruption, for a period of more than one year before this case was filed.

An Affidavit having been made and filed that the Defendant is not able to be located within the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the last known name of the Defendant is Roger Clark Melson Jr., and the last known address of the Defendant is 2968 Shore Drive #217, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451.

UPON CONSIDERATION WHEREOF, this Order of Publication is granted, it is therefore, hereby ORDERED, in the name of the Commonwealth of Virginia, that the Defendant appear in this suit on the 6th day of November, 2020 at 2:00 PM, and do what is necessary to protect his interest in this suit, and that this Order be also published for four consecutive weeks in Loudoun Now, and posted, and mailed to the Defendant according to law.

ENTERED this 17th day of September, 2020.

I ASK FOR THIS: THE LAW OFFICE OF REBECCA ZUBROSKI VSB No. 66653 P.O. Box 652 Leesburg, VA 20178 (703) 779-3675 Facsimile: (703) 779-3676 Rebecca@zubroskilaw.com Counsel for Plaintiff April Christine Melson 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, & 10/15/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 38

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Legal Notices Notice of Public Hearing Town of Lovettsville Town Council

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR: PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR FOR COMPRESSED BREATHING AIR SYSTEMS, IFB No. 301782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, October 22, 2020.

The Lovettsville Town Council will hold a public hearing on the following item at their meeting at 7:30 pm on October 22, 2020. Pursuant to and in compliance with Town of Lovettsville Ordinance 2020-03-0006 (adopted by the Lovettsville Town Council on March 26, 2020) this meeting will be held electronically. The Town Council, and staff will be participating remotely.

Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting.

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

WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 10/08/20

Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically.

LVZA 2020-0002

Add Limited Residential Lodging as a Permitted Use in Certain Zoning Districts.

Consideration of an amendment to Article I, Section 42-2. Amendments to Definitions and rules of construction; Article VIII, Section 42-297, Bed and breakfast homestays, bed and breakfast inns and country inns; and Article VI, Section 42-233. - CRA-1 Commercial and Residential Annexation District, Section 42-234. - R-1 Residential District, Section 42-235. - R-2 Residential District, Section 42236. - R-3 Residential District, and Section 42-238. - T-C Town Center Planned Development District.

The purpose of the amendment is to establish Limited Residential Lodging as a permitted use in certain residential districts. The use would permit homeowners to rent space in their homes to lodgers for up to 30 days subject to performance standards including but not limited to annual registration, limits on the number of guests, required safety equipment, and limits on signs and activities.

The proposed zoning amendment is available for review on the Town website www.lovettsvilleva.gov.

You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by calling the Town Office at (540) 822-5788 or contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at jmerrithew@lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened on the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

10/08 & 10/15/20

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PAGE 39

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PAGE 40

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Opinion Out of Touch Loudoun’s COVID-19 numbers are tracking relatively well. Many of Loudoun’s youngest students will soon be headed back into the classroom. The county’s local government leaders are scrambling to get the remaining federal aid into the hands of families and businesses that can benefit from the assistance. Our community has rallied to respond to the dire implications of the pandemic virus.

As it becomes clearer that the public health risks will continue into next year, the future of our families and businesses grows murkier.

With the initial round of economic aid winding down, enterprises from airlines to the corner diner that have been limping along in hopes of an upturn remain at risk. The latest signal from Washington is that no more help will be on the way any time soon. Add a little pre-election gamesmanship to Capitol Hill’s debilitating inability to achieve compromise and you get nothing. They may be jockeying for votes, but Amer-

LETTERS to the Editor

icans of all political stripes will be impacted by the failure to agree on a coherent national strategy.

Reimbursement Due

And our leaders would be wise to not dismiss the seriousness of the disease, even if they only measure its danger by the mortality rate.

If they believe that American families can afford to have their breadwinners in at-home isolation for a week or two—or afford a weekend hospital stay, with or without the benefits of experimental treatments— they’re even more out of touch than they’ve let on for so many years.

It is important that we get through this together. Unfortunately, that’s made more difficult by the continuing disfunction of our national leadership.

n

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

Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723

EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com

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

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

Editor: After reading accounts from numerous parents about the difficulties that they face on educating their children following the school closures, I thought of the following facts.

The schools are closed. The county does not have universal internet coverage.

Many parents therefore are being forced to spend significant time and resources to provide alternative ways to educate their children.

It would seem to me that these parents, as a group, should initiate a class action suit against the county and the school system for reimbursement.

— Dan McGinnis, Round Hill

A Disservice Editor: Members of the school board, when is this madness going to end?

Across the country people are being violently coerced into apologizing for being white or acting white. The term “systemic racism” has become as annoying as the word “unprecedented.”

Cities are on fire because a portion of the population feels that violence gets results and, unfortunately, it’s working. All the years of many presidential administrations including a Black president and all of a sudden in the past seven months the United

States is plagued with systemic racism and has been deemed the worst country in the world? Given all of the accolades of intellect and diplomacy bestowed upon Mr. Obama, wouldn’t he have certainly known this during his eight years in office? The predictions of doom and gloom have reached epic and apocalyptic proportions.

This “apology to blacks” feeds into mob coercion and succumbs to the no longer peaceful protesters. We are experiencing a time where conservatives (or any non-far-left liberals) are not free to place in their yards political signs of their choosing because angry mobs will come to their homes and attack them. That is not conjecture or opinion, it is a fact. This is no way to live.

The School Board should be above this explosion of false and fabricated white guilt and not drag Loudoun County Public Schools into the madness occurring across the nation. This apology is akin to hoisting a BLM sign in your town hoping BLM supporters will not destroy the town with “mostly peaceful protests.”

I enjoy living in Loudoun and felt that we were doing well avoiding the violence, maintaining low crime rates, avoiding criminal protests and needless destruction. I thought the county was LETTERS continues on page 41

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Readers’ Poll

PAGE 41

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

Do you support the establishment of local Purchase of Development Rights and Transferable Development Rights programs to conserve rural land?

Has your level of concern about COVID-19 changed since the outbreak in March?

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LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 40 going to remain a sane outlier from the madness, an enclave of rational thought.

I am disappointed in the board’s decision to give in to the mob and the media and apologize. Blacks, whites, Indians, Asians, Hispanics and many others live and worship together in our county peacefully and calls of racism and abuse of minorities is unfounded and fabricated to fit the narrative that is being thrust upon us.

The School Board is elected to represent, support, and work for the

Apology continued from page 3 pened and it seemed to be the first step as to how we move forward as an institution, as a community, together to ensure we are very intentional about working to resolve the hurt, wounds, the lack of sympathy or empathy, the lack of education, the lack of awareness, the pure ignorance of what had happened in the past and, honestly, a call on the carpet of what is happening today,” said Kenya Savage, adding that all community leaders should work together to make the system better.

Thomas questioned the timing and asked why the apology was simply posted online and did not include the involvement of community groups such as the NAACP and the Douglass School Alumni

people of Loudoun County (not a political party or personal agenda) and with this apology it has done the citizens of this county a disservice.

— Michael Rivera, Leesburg

Goes Too Far Editor: Not just Christians need to worry about the Virginia Values Act. Virginia businesses need to worry, too. The VVA is anti-business. It goes too far to ban workplace discrimination of certain classes of individuals: LGBTQ+.

The laws that the VVA spawns may

Association.

“LCPS must show good-faith efforts that they are intentional about taking corrective actions,” she said. “The first point of solving any problem is to admit you have a problem. This is the first point of doing that, but we want to highlight the disingenuous because they had 150 years to apologize.”

But she also said the time for talking may be over, as little progress has been made in conciliation talks over the past several months. “We’re beyond the first step,” she said.

Robin Burke said the organization has been pushing for changes that would improve access to challenging curricula, eliminate discrimination and harassment, eliminate discipline policies that disproportionately impact Black students, and eliminate bias in the hiring process.

put any business or public body with more than five employees in financial jeopardy.

For example, a protected individual is not hired. That individual sues the business owner for discrimination. Even if the lawsuit is frivolous, the employer has to prove at great uncompensated expense that this individual is not a victim of discrimination but the wrong person for the job. How many businesses have hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay attorneys? Do you think this is exaggeration? Punitive damages are capped at $350,000 and compensatory damages, e.g., for emotional distress, are

“LCPS must show good-faith efforts that they are intentional about taking corrective actions.”

— Michelle Thomas, NAACP Chapter President

They’ve also requested the hiring of an outside consultant to oversee those actions.

Burke said she was hopeful the school

unlimited. Another example, what if a protected individual is hired and turns out to be incompetent? The individual is fired and then sues for discrimination under the VVA. Again, the employer must prove at great uncompensated expense that the individual is not being fired due to discrimination.

How can businesses stay in business? They have now become the victim. Virginia’s economy will contract (fewer jobs, less production, less tax revenue). The VVA must be revised to balance businesses’ needs with those of the LGBTQ+ population.

— Rose Ellen Ray, Leesburg

district was following the blueprint of a similar process in Prince Edward County, where an apology was issued for the actions of community leaders who disbanded the public school system rather than comply with integration orders, resulting in $2 million being invested in systems to help children who were harmed. So far, four Virginia counties have received restitution, she said.

“I’m certain that will be NAACP Loudoun branch’s next demand in the apology,” she said. “I guess you have to put your money where your mouth is.”

While Thomas and other members expressed frustration with the current state of affairs, she remains optimistic that the tide is turning.

“Don’t lose heart. We’re making progress,” Thomas said. n

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PAGE 42

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Town leaders have opted to use nearly $1.2 million to support businesses and nonprofits and about $525,000 to fund governmental expenses, including COVID-19 testing, town office cleaning, PPE purchases, staff overtime pay, workspace modifications, communication efforts and the voucher program, in which the town staff mailed vouchers to all utility customers to spend at participating businesses. The town’s first round of business interruption grants helped 25 businesses.

Town staff is reviewing another 80 applications for a second round of those grants.

The town has already used about $615,000 of its CARES Act allocation.

The town will use its remaining $1.2 million on another round of business grants in cooperation with the county government, on nonprofit grants and on the same types of initiatives it has already initiated, such as PPE purchases, staff pay and the voucher program.

CARES Act continued from page 1 bined CARES Act allocations to keep governmental operations running smoothly and to support the businesses and the nearly 70,000 residents living within their borders.

All seven Loudoun towns have until Dec. 15 to spend the remaining $8,421,058 of their combined allocations, at which point they’ll be required to return any unused funding to the county government so it has time to process the money and return it to the state government, which will then return it to the federal government.

Here’s how Loudoun’s towns have prioritized their spending.

Hamilton The 630-resident Town of Hamilton received two installments of $56,496 in CARES Act funding, totaling $112,992.

Town leaders opted to set aside money to purchase and provide personal protective equipment donations to 1,739 households, upgrade virtual meeting capabilities, pay for a handwashing station at the Hamilton Community Park, sanitize and install panels in the town office to separate and protect the staff, pay the town attorney for the time spent to draft and review emergency town ordinances and resolutions, and to pay for additional PPE for utility operators.

So far, the town has spent $81,315 on those initiatives. Town leaders plan to use the remaining $31,677 to support residents.

Hillsboro The 170-resident Town of Hillsboro received two installments of $15,125 in CARES Act funding, totaling $30,250.

Town leaders allocated, and have spent, the entirety of that funding to pay for PPE and COVID-related sanitization efforts and upgrades in the Old Stone School.

The town plans to also provide qualified businesses with interruption grants.

Leesburg The 54,000-resident Town of Leesburg received two installments of $4.8 million in CARES Act funding, totaling $9.6 million.

The Town Council voted to allocate $6 million for small business grant funding, $2 million for nonprofit grant funding and $1.6 million to support town operations.

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The Town of Hamilton is set to distribute personal protective equipment, including 1,000-milliliter bottles of hand sanitizer, to area residents Oct. 10 and 17.

It has already distributed $1.58 million to support 176 small businesses, $1 million to support nonprofits and $205,441 to pay for governmental COVID-related expenses—a total of about $2.8 million. That leaves the town with another $6.8 million to distribute before Dec. 15.

Public Information Officer Betsy Arnett said the town staff has received another 228 applications from businesses seeking financial help in the form of a second round of grants, and is reviewing applications for a second round of nonprofit grants.

Lovettsville The 2,200-resident Town of Lovettsville received two installments of $187,372 in CARES Act funding, totaling $374,744.

Of that amount, town leaders set aside $166,244 to keep the town government operational, by purchasing PPE, paying staff overtime, paying legal fees and renovating the Town Council chambers to allow for in-person meetings; $93,500 to award business interruption grants; $45,000 to award nonprofit grants; and $70,000 for the Essential Services Fund, which is providing all town utility customers with $45 credits on their utility accounts.

So far, the town has distributed $130,491 of its total CARES Act allocation. It will distribute the remaining

$244,253 in the same ways it already has.

Middleburg The 830-resident Town of Middleburg received two installments of $74,824 in CARES Act funding, totaling $149,648.

The town used the entirety of its first installment to partially refund the money it spent on its restaurant support program, which saw the town mail out meal vouchers to 16 restaurants to all 420 in-town households.

The town plans to use its second $74,824 installment to sanitize the town office and support residents and businesses—$50,000 will be used to provide residents with housing support in partnership with the Windy Hill Foundation. Another $15,000 will be used to indirectly support businesses by cleaning at public restrooms and preparing for business activity to continue during the winter months. And the final $10,000 will be used to purchase PPE and cleaning supplies and to perform physical improvements in the town office, such as the installation of air purifier systems and additional technology.

Purcellville The 10,200-resident Town of Purcellville received two installments of $891,932 in CARES Act funding, totaling close to $1.8 million.

Round Hill The 660-resident Town of Round Hill received two installments of $59,077 in CARES Act funding, totaling $118,154.

Town leaders have allocated $30,000 to support nonprofits, $15,000 to support businesses, $66,000 to keep the town office sanitized, socially distanced and operating, and $7,000 to create an emergency fund to pay an outside organization to run the town’s utility services in the event the town’s utility staff becomes infected with COVID-19.

So far, the town has distributed $47,850 of its CARES Act allocation, including $9,850 to support 12 businesses with grants.

In all, the town is left with $70,304 to distribute before Dec. 15.

Mayor Scott Ramsey pointed out that Round Hill faces a hardship that other towns aren’t experiencing when it comes to having enough CARES Act funding to support residents. While the town received its allocation based on its 660-resident population, which includes 250 intown households, town leaders are trying to use that funding to additionally support all residents living within the town’s utility service area—about 3,400 additional residents in 1,700 homes.

“On a per-capita basis, we just have far less money to work with than other towns relative to our utility system and local population needs,” Ramsey said. n

OCTOBER 8, 2020

Land conservation continued from page 1 the previous board’s planning, particularly around conservation.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) in 2019 attempted to put that program back on the table, but it was voted down by the Republican majority on the Board of Supervisors at the time. According to her office, when that program was running, it protected more than 2,545 acres at a cost of $8.9 million, $4.2 million of which was from sources other than county taxpayer money, such as conservation grants or state or federal funding.

But the new Board of Supervisors has been more receptive to the idea, with the board’s Transportation and Land Use Committee working on the topic for months.

Transfer of Development Rights would see landowners directly or indirectly selling those rights to landowners in other designated receiving areas of the county.

That idea also already has a foothold in Loudoun: it is briefly referenced in the county’s 2019 comprehensive plan as one of the “tools available to the County and public and private entities to protect and preserve open space, farms, and natural,

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environmental, and heritage resources in perpetuity, allowing landowners to retain ownership of their property, while maximizing the economic value of the land.”

The previous Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors voted down proposals to include those programs in the comprehensive plan in more detail than that.

Those ideas again faced some opposition on the current board from eastern supervisors who worried about the impact of allowing yet more development in their districts without normal zoning and proper processes. A county report prepared for supervisors mentions undeveloped areas of the county’s eastern Suburban Policy Area, small parts of the Transition Policy Area designated now for compact or mixed-use development, and towns and the Joint Land Management Areas surrounding them as possible receiving areas for that density. If supervisors are to pursue a transfer of development rights program, they will have to figure out where those receiving areas will be.

But there is an alternative to allowing more houses in the county’s east and around towns: supervisors and county planners have also discussed creating a formula to convert residential development rights sold in the west into commercial

development purchased rights in the east.

There are also concerns about the program’s possible impact on the county’s affordable housing efforts. Currently, the county’s affordable dwelling unit program is supported by proffer agreements with developers. If developers can get additional development density through buying those rights rather than negotiating a rezoning, county planners have warned it could mean they no longer have to provide Affordable Dwelling Units.

The Transportation and Land Use Committee has recommended supervisors set

PAGE 43

county staff to work designing a purchase of development rights program, and to order a market study to evaluate the feasibility of a transfer program, estimated to cost $355,000.

Supervisors were scheduled to vote on those proposals at their meeting Tuesday, but deferred the vote until their next meeting with two members out. Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) was recently married, and Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) is recovering from an injury. A vote is now expected on Oct. 20. n

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OCTOBER 8, 2020

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