Loudoun Now for Nov. 12, 2020

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Schools Ready for Return to Classroom

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Nearly a year after the stateside arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare officials throughout Loudoun County are bracing for the likely convergence of a coronavirus spike and arrival of the winter flu season.

It’s been a career-defining year for Loudoun’s healthcare heroes, who found themselves working long hours with ever-changing protocols in the spring months.

“Things were changing on an hourly basis back in March and April. You’d have one thing down and then another protocol would come out, or more information, and you’d have to change accordingly. It was a rapid-fire amount of information,” said Dr. Laura Cook, an emergency room physician with HCA’s Stone Springs and Reston hospitals. “Having the most up-todate information, up-to-date protection, that was the biggest thing at the beginning, and kind of bracing ourselves.”

Cook said neither hospital ever reached full Intensive Care Unit capacity, with a surge plan needing to be implemented, but they came close. The hospitals were also always well stocked with personal protective equipment for staff, and ventilators.

It was similarly busy at Inova Loudoun Hospital, which also, fortunately, was always well-stocked in terms of needed equipment and staffing.

“We were having like 40 people in the hospital with COVID, three different critical care units running, and we had a lot of

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

numbers represent the number of positive tests returned in a day, and are based on a rolling, seven-day average, he said.

Goodfriend said he does not believe this jump is attributable to the second surge of COVID that many nationwide are bracing for, but instead just a general letting down of the guard and COVID fatigue.

“It’s more just people getting together, playing youth sports, going to folks’ houses, going to eat dinner. Things they had put off for a while, but they’re being a little less careful now,” he said. “We’re really trying to reinforce to folks the critical importance

The Loudoun School Board on Tuesday night voted unanimously to fully implement its hybrid learning program with plans to return about half of the division’s 81,000 students to the classroom by Jan. 21.

After weeks of debate and evolving staff plans, the board endorsed plans to allow about 8,300 students in grades 3-5 and seniors at the Academy of Science and the Academy of Engineering and Technology to begin hybrid classes—with two days of in-person instruction each week—starting Dec. 1.

The board also voted to begin hybrid tracks for 22,000 middle and high school students with the start of the second semester on Jan. 21.

Several board members, as well as a vocal contingent of parents at board meetings, have pressed for an earlier return, but that proved to be impractical as administrators continue to juggle a list of daunting challenges—from technology needs, to space constraints, to bus schedules.

The plans were developed based on the results of parental surveys during the summer, when roughly

TWINDEMIC continues on page 35

RETURN TO CLASS continues on page 23

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The Loudoun County Health Department continues to schedule regular COVID-19 testing events, with half a dozen scheduled for the month of November alone. On Tuesday, lines formed for testing at both Philip A. Bolen Park in Leesburg and Brambleton Community Park in Ashburn.

very sick people,” Inova Loudoun Hospital Medical Director Dr. Christopher Chiantella said.

Now, after months of the number of daily new COVID cases in the hospital staying relatively flat, Cook said she is starting to see the numbers creep back up. StoneSprings has also been receiving transfers of patients from southwest Virginia, where healthcare systems are being overwhelmed with a surge in COVID cases.

Loudoun Health Department Director Dr. David Goodfriend is seeing a similar trend.

“In the beginning of October, we were seeing about 25 cases a day on average, with a lot of day-to-day variation. Now we’re up to about 40 cases a day,” he said. Those

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Williams Leaving to Lead Texas School Division

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

A view from the second floor of the Dulles Town Center mall, which has been foreclosed on, sold, and is under new management.

Following Foreclosure, Centennial Eyes Redevelopment of Dulles Town Center Mall LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Centennial Advisory Services announced Tuesday it has taken over management of the Dulles Town Center, an announcement that followed the Oct. 22 foreclosure on the regional mall Lerner Enterprises built and has operated for two decades.

According to a company statement, Centennial will provide a full spectrum of management, leasing, marketing and accounting services for the property. It will also develop a “value creation strategy” with the potential for a future mixed-use redevelopment of the property.

Centennial Advisory Services President and Centennial COO Whitney Livingston stated the company specializes in “transforming shopping centers into redefined spaces well suited to the lifestyle of tomorrow’s consumers—something we look forward to doing at Dulles Town Center.”

When Dulles Town Center opened with fanfare in 1999, malls were viewed

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The acres of parking lot outside the Dulles Town Center mall are often mostly empty, as retail and shopping malls have hit hard times.

as a central core of suburban life. Today, brick and mortar retailers are reeling from the growth of online shopping, with malls taking a heavy hit. County assessment records show Dulles Town Center was valued at $300 million in 2008. A decade later in 2018, the assessed value had dropped to $183.6 million. Following the recording of the deed of foreclosure, the value is listed at $55 million.

Chuck Taylor, the senior vice president of Client Services for Centennial Advisory Services, said the company would “be

working hand-in-hand with the shopping center’s existing tenants to help them through the difficulties COVID has posed, and to institute a new hospitality-themed focus and customer experience that we expect will ultimately attract new tenants to the property as our vision for the future of this center is unveiled.”

The 23.5-acre mall property is part of Lerner Enterprises’ boarder Dulles Town Center project—a 554-acre master planned commercial, retail and office park located at the southeast corner of the Rt. 7/28 flyover.

The Dulles Town Center mall is a two-level shopping center comprised of about 1.4 million square feet of retail space. It features spaces for 160 stores and restaurants, according to Centennial’s statement. In recent years, many stores, including anchors like Nordstrom and Lord and Taylor, have closed.

Centennial was founded in 1997 and is a national owner of major shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations. n

The Loudoun County School Board is preparing for a nationwide search to find the division’s next superintendent.

Superintendent Eric Williams is the finalist to serve as superintendent of the Clear Creek Independent School District near Houston, TX. The announcement was made on Monday.

Williams has served as Loudoun’s school superintendent since 2014, following the retirement of Edgar Hatrick, who held the post for 23 years.

“I’m grateful for my tenure as superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools,” Williams said during Tuesday’s School Board meeting. “We have an amazing staff in Loudoun County, as well as students, parents and a broader community that supports and values education. It has been an honor to serve here.”

Williams is serving a four-year contract that expires June 30, 2022.

His annual salary is $306,204 and he was awarded a $20,000 longevity bonus, an element of his contract, on June 30.

“Dr. Williams is a dedicated and passionate leader, and we will miss his service and advocacy for all WILLIAMS LEAVING continues on page 33

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Superintendent Dr. Eric Williams, pictured before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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PAGE 4

Loudoun

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

ON THE Agenda

Planning Commission Votes Against Supervisors’ Rural Water Proposal

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Planning Commission has recommended against a proposal that would extend central water and sewer service across the line that divides the suburban east and rural west.

While some towns in western Loudoun have central water and sewer, county zoning rules have long forbidden central water and sewer service in the county’s Rural Policy Area, which covers roughly the western half of the county. But in anticipation of a new school just across the border between the Rural Policy Area and Transition Policy Area, county supervisors asked the Planning Commission to advise on a proposed change to the county comprehensive plan, to allow central water in sewer connections to publicly owned properties in the Rural Policy Area that directly adjoin the Transition Policy Area.

It is targeted at a specific site along Evergreen Mills Road, where the county has 173 acres under contract to purchase for a new middle school. The policy exception is

meant as a cost saving and permit-expediting measure for that property, but that rule has stood for decades as a brake on development in the west, and the proposal worried Planning Commissioners. And at their meeting Oct. 8, some criticized the patchwork nature of the new rule.

Commissioner Jeff Salmon (Dulles), who also served on the previous Planning Commission and the Stakeholder Steering Committee which helped write the new comprehensive plan that was approved in 2019, recalled the issue came up then, too.

“Their [supervisors’] intent was to minimize and really not do anything related to the [Rural Policy Area,” Salmon said. “I think for me, this really flying the face of that. By changing the comprehensive plan in this manner, I don’t really consider this planning. This is really putting a Band-Aid on a problem that the Board of Supervisors chose not to deal with.”

He said the right way to deal with that problem would be to put that land into the Transition Policy Area—something the previous board took off the table during comprehensive plan work, and which is not proposed now.

Other commissioners agreed. Commissioner Mark Miller (Catoctin) said he agrees that if a school goes in, it needs central water and sewer service, but said that was not the process to allow it.

“It’s just not how you plan,” Miller said.

“It’s just arbitrary. It’s just making decisions based on squeezing round circles into square boxes—whatever the analogy is—and I think we as a commission need to send a message to the Board of Supervisors saying, hey, you’re a different board, we’re a different commission than approved this general plan, let’s work together to figure out how to do this the right way.”

Only Commissioners John Merrithew (Sterling) and Roger Vance (Blue Ridge) voted to pass the plan amendment, although they also voted to support it with slightly different restrictions on where central service would be allowed: to address public health threats to an existing rural community, or to serve public facilities on contiguous parcels immediately adjacent to Evergreen Mills Road and on the south side of Red Hill Road.

RURAL WATER continues on page 5

Ion Was to Host National Skating Championship LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Ion International Training Center in Leesburg had been set to host the 2021 US Figure Skating Championship Series in December, making it one of eight sites that would host the event that helps decide who will represent the nation at the Olympics.

The event was scheduled for December and expected to bring in more than 400 figure skaters and almost 200 coaches from 21 states and DC, a huge sporting event in a county that has become known for sporting events.

The COVID-19 pandemic canceled those plans, however, as case counts began to climb again and U.S. Figure Skating switched to an all-virtual format.

“While we understand many of our athletes and their families may be disappointed by this announcement, the health and safety of our members remain paramount,” stated U.S. Figure Skating President Anne Cammett. “As a skating community, our continued ability to adapt

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

The ION International Training Center includes one of Loudoun’s largest arenas, with seating for 3,500 around a NHL-size ice rink.

during the ongoing pandemic shows the resiliency of our athletes, coaches and officials and their passion for our sport.”

But the now-canceled plans nonetheless represent the caliber of event that was promised when the $100 million complex was opened in 2019—and were in the works before the facility even broke ground.

When the Ion center was only an idea,

Visit Loudoun, through its Loudoun Sports Tourism brand, was working with U.S. Figure Skating, promoting renderings and the opportunities that would come when the new ice center came to fruition.

“The combination of two outstanding figure skating clubs and having a firstclass facility made Leesburg and Loudoun County a great location for this competition and others,” said Visit Loudoun Director of Sales, Sports & Services Torye Hurst, who oversees Loudoun Sports Tourism. “Understanding the current climate dictated a change, we look forward to hosting them again in the future.”

Facilities like Ion and Segra Field— now the home stadium of two pro soccer teams and a pro rugby team—have established Loudoun as a sports destination. And Visit Loudoun has also been in discussions with other national organizations including U.S. Speed Skating, National Collegiate Rugby and National Collegiate Boxing.

ION continues on page 5

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The Loudoun Homeless Services Center on Meadowview Court in Leesburg.

Free COVID-19 Testing Saturday in Leesburg Loudoun County will offer two free drive-through testing events for COVID-19 on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Tuscarora High School and Simpson Middle School.

The testing events are open to all, with no age or residency requirements and no prescriptions or appointments necessary. Results are expected within a week.

To help reduce wait times, people who plan to attend the testing event are encouraged to complete a registration form for each person who will be receiving a test before arriving.

Information about the testing events and links to the forms in English and Spanish are available at loudoun. gov/covid19testing.

It will be the second free mass testing event within a week; a free testing event Tuesday, Nov. 10 attracted long lines of cars to testing sites at Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park near Leesburg and Brambleton Community Park in Ashburn. When the event ended at 1 p.m., many people were still waiting for their turn to be tested, and testers from Loudoun Medical Group worked to get the rest of the people in line at that point through.

With cases climbing again nationally, cold weather pushing people indoors and schools reopening locally, Loudoun health officials are watching for an expected in increase in infections in Loudoun.

Cases locally are beginning to climb again, with an average of 54.4 new cases reported over the past seven days as of Tuesday, the highest number of new cases per day reported since June 13. The highest seven-day average ever reported in Loudoun was 107.7 new cases a day, reported on May 31.

Go to loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to proON THE AGENDA continues on page 5

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Ion

ON THE Agenda

continued from page 4

continued from page 4

tect yourself and your family and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19.

Residents with questions about COVID-19 may call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov.

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The sun rises on the Potomac River at White’s Ferry.

Potomac River Health Report Downgraded For the first time in a decade, the Potomac Conservancy has downgraded its rating of the health of the Potomac River.

The Potomac River Report Card found that, while the river has been on a steady path of recovery since 2011, that recovery has now plateaued, with some backsliding attributed largely to rapid development around the river. Deforestation and development sprawl around the river have limited the environment’s natural ability to absorb and filter rainwater, and polluted stormwater runoff into the river has continued to increase. While the pollution from agricultural properties in the river has continued to fall, urban runoff has continued to climb.

This was also exacerbated by high-

er-than-average precipitation, with record-setting rainfall in 2018.

The report points particularly to the Trump administration’s rollbacks of longstanding environmental protections, such as the Waters of the United States rule under the Clean Water Act of 1972. The rule requires a federal permit before discharging pollutants into certain waterways; an early-2020 change in the definition of what waterways were covered reduced the area where it has effect.

“It’s a far cry from when we graded the river an abysmal D just ten years ago,” the report notes, “but stalled progress could signal a dangerous reversal in course for the river’s health if threats aren’t addressed.”

Learn more at PotomacReportCard.org.

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“Building on the success of our youth sports programs, we are expanding to include collegiate and other adult tournaments, which supports our efforts to position Loudoun as a premier sports destination and aligns with our strategic plan goals to make sports a key sector of

Rural water continued from page 4 Vance said that would adequately protect against further expansion into the rural area.

Merrithew further specified it should be to serve public facilities noted on a map of existing and planned facilities in the comprehensive plan.

Merrithew’s change would make the process of extending central water service to new parcels more involved. By requiring it be a facility identified in the comprehensive plan, Merrithew’s amendment would have meant extending that service to new facilities required another comprehensive plan amendment. Without that, it would require only a commission permit, a simpler process.

PAGE 5 our tourism efforts,” said Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson.

The tourism office’s Loudoun Sports Tourism brand, launched in 2019, has helped secure 17 tournaments that are expected to take place in Loudoun in 2021.

These events range from hockey and softball to lacrosse and rugby and are anticipated to generate nearly 20,000 room nights in the county—when Loudoun gets past the COVID-19 pandemic. n “I would hope that process is a little more comprehensive than I feel like this process has been,” Merrithew said. But, he said, the school will be needed, and said, “I don’t know if we want to cut off our nose to spite our face.”

Planning commissioners voted that down 7-2. However, the motion to recommend against the change passed 8-1, with only Vance opposed.

A third motion, to request that supervisors direct county planners and the commission to conduct a broader evaluation of the land use in the area, passed 8-1, with Commissioner Jane Kirchner (Algonkian) opposed.

The plan amendment now goes to the Board of Supervisors, with a recommendation against approval from the Planning Commission, for a final decision. n

PAGE 6

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Leesburg

AROUND Town

Council Considers Gift Card Program to Disburse Remaining CARES Funds

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The Leesburg Town Council will soon have to determine how to spend $3.5 million in remaining CARES Act funds, with the latest idea of a restaurant gift card program a no-go.

On Monday night, the council discussed an idea put forward by Councilwoman Suzanne Fox to send a $50 gift card to be redeemed at a Leesburg restaurant to every town household. The cost of such a program would be at least $800,000, Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel said, accounting for the town’s more than 16,000 households.

Markel said, however, that such a program could not be supported by CARES Act funding, because it “does not have a direct nexus to financial hardship.”

CARES Act funds can also not be used to supplement lost revenue, he said.

Markel drew comparisons to a similar program run by the Town of Middleburg during the summer, when the town government provided $20 vouchers to 16 participating restaurants to all 420 in-town households. The town used the entire $74,824 of its first installment of CARES Act funding to partially pay itself back for the money it spent on that program.

Fox said she was disappointed that

Leesburg could not find justification for a similar program using CARES funds.

“I’ve always realized that there needed to be a direct relationship with a known hardship and not revenue replacement,” to utilize CARES funding, she said. “I have a hard time with that, because what family has not been impacted in our town?”

Fox also noted that, as a small business owner herself, all revenue businesses receive goes into one pot, not for specific line items.

“I would argue everything is revenue replacement. I just feel like after the last presentation you gave and the amounts you were telling me that there were that we could find a way to help,” she said in addressing Markel.

Other council members also expressed disappointment that such a program could not be supported by CARES funds, especially considering the large amount the town has remaining in the pot. Leesburg has received two rounds of CARES funding, for a total of $9.8 million. Thus far, Leesburg’s CARES grant program has supported two rounds of grants for small businesses and nonprofits, along with reimbursements for COVID-19 related expenses, such as the purchase of additional cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, and building modifications. The town also recently rolled out a grant program for town food and

beverage establishments to allow them to be reimbursed for the purchase or rental of heaters and tents to keep outdoor operations running through the cold weather months.

Councilman Ron Campbell pointed out that he first brought up the idea of a restaurant gift card program in late May, and said it was important for the public to realize that the conversation of creative ideas on how to spend CARES funds did not just begin.

“At the end of the day that’s a lot of money to leave on the table and it’s unfortunate that we’re in this situation,” he said.

Markel is expected to return to the council’s Nov. 24 meeting with recommendations on how to spend the remaining $3.5 million in CARES funds. He has said there is not a sufficient amount of time to do a third round of funding to businesses or nonprofits. One idea that has been floated by town staff is a provision in CARES Act regulations that would allow municipal governments to reimburse themselves for police department salaries incurred during the pandemic.

Under current rules, CARES Act funding not spent by Dec. 31 must be returned to the federal government. The town staff would like to have its paperwork in order by mid-December to report its expenses to Loudoun County, which distributed funding to each town on behalf of the federal government. n

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The Leesburg Town Council still does not appear to be ready to move forward with discussing an artistic expression of the Black Lives Matter movement somewhere in town. But that could change when three new members take their seats Jan. 1.

The council again explored the issue during its Monday night work session, after initially discussing the idea of Black Lives Matter lettering being painted on a town street in September.

Councilman Neil Steinberg requested the item be brought up again and suggest-

ed that the item could be referred to the Commission on Public Art for consideration of possible guidelines or regulations in considering such an installation.

As they did when the debate first came up in September, council members appeared split on whether such messaging would be considered art or speech. Several Black Lives Matter street paintings have cropped up in metropolitan cities throughout the country since late May, following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, MN, that set off a wave of protests throughout the country over racial injustice and police brutality.

“If we do this, we’ve got to understand that we can’t discriminate on the

Visitors to the downtown area will be able to enjoy expanded outdoor dining through Dec. 20.

The town’s promotion was set to expire Nov. 8, but will continue another six weeks, weather permitting.

On Fridays and Saturdays from 4-10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. South King Street, between Market and Loudoun streets, is closed to traffic to allow downtown restaurants to create temporary outdoor dining areas. The street shuts down 30 minutes prior to the event.

Customers are not permitted to congregate in the street and must maintain social distancing. There are no live performances or outdoor entertainment; however, visitors are encouraged to patronize downtown shops while in the area.

The outdoor dining program has been supported by the town’s share of CARES Act funding.

Diversity Panel to Host John Lewis Doc Screening

messaging,” said Councilwoman Suzanne Fox. “As soon as we as a town sanction this the First Amendment will apply and we will lose control of messages that will or won’t be allowable. We have to support all speech in this way. I don’t know if that’s a box we want to open. I see that as kind of a headache for the town, because I think it could cause some strife.”

Councilman Ron Campbell said he did not support the item going to COPA because it does not consider it to be art.

Vice Mayor Marty Martinez concurred, and suggested a joint discussion between

The Diversity Commission will host the third installment of its series of online movie discussions on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m.

This month, the commission will discuss the documentary, “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” which chronicles the life and legacy of the American statesman and Civil Rights leader.

Lewis died in July at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer.

Participants are invited to watch the movie on their own prior to the discussion which will take place via WebEx. The movie is available to stream on YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services. Participation in the online discussion is free, but spaces are limited. Register via Eventbrite at leesburg-john-lewis-movie-discus-

MURAL continues on page 7

TOWN BRIEFS continues on page 7

BLM Mural Again Discussed, But No Council Direction

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

King Street Outdoor Dining Extended Again

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

PAGE 7

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The mission of the Diversity Commission is to foster diversity and inclusion in our community. In light of the current racial tensions and renewed attention to long-standing systemic racism, the commission is holding a series of online community discussions around these issues.

Pastimes Exhibit Open at Balch “Pastimes,” a collection of games, amusements, and other pleasant distractions, is on display in the Margaret Mercer Room at the Thomas Balch Library.

By appointment, visitors may explore some of the ways people have enjoyed their leisure time at home as long as 200 years ago. Items include examples of games owned and played by Loudoun County residents ranging from dominos (one of the oldest games played by mankind), card games, and a modern local take on Monopoly.

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 Form at leesburgva. gov/departments/thomas-balch-library.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil Nov. 20 Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, the Town Green in front of Leesburg Town Hall will host a vigil in honor of transgender individuals killed in the U.S. during 2020.

The vigil will run until 7:30 p.m. and consist of the reading of names and a few speakers. For more information, email equalityloudoun@gmail.com.

Transgender Day of Remembrance is an observance held each Nov. 20 that recognizes transgender individuals lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. It was started in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith, according to GLAAD.

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PAGE 8

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Education

Schools Face Deadline on CARES Act Spending

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Without an extension from the federal government, Loudoun County Public Schools may have to return $10 million in pandemic aid before the end of the year.

The School Board was briefed Wednesday on the status of the $27.9 million in CARES Act emergency funding that the division has received through the state and county governments. There is a Dec. 30 deadline to spend that money or it must be returned. The exception is a $1 million allocation that came with a Sept. 30, 2021 deadline.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Financial Services Sharon Willoughby said $5 million would be spent on staffing and $10.2 million on operations and maintenance by the end of the year, but as much as $11.7 million may remain unspent by that deadline.

That doesn’t mean the division doesn’t have needs to improve its distance learning program and prepare for the return of more students to the classroom. It simply means they can’t spend the money in time.

To qualify for coverage by the federal funds, Willoughby said any purchased items must be delivered by Dec. 30. With school districts across the nation all competing for the same materials and equipment—additional computer monitors for teachers, for example—the supply chain is a challenge.

“We are working very closely with the vendors. We don’t want to place a multi-million-dollar order for an item and risk not having those items on site by Dec. 30 and having to absorb that cost,” Willoughby told School Board members.

The school’s technology czar, Assistant Superintendent of Digital Innovation Vince Scheivert, said the procurement challenges have not abated since the early days of the pandemic when the division scrambled to purchase thousands of Chromebooks.

These days, Scheivert said the staff is “scavenging the aisles” looking for available items like cameras and microphones.

They’ve had to cancel some orders because of slowed deliveries. “Things that CARES SPENDING continues on page 9

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As Loudoun County school leaders work to set the division’s 2021-22 calendar, they are reviewing options to add up to four religious holidays and Election Day as new days off from classes.

Under three options under consideration, classes would start on Aug. 26, 2021, with plans for a 10-day winter break and a five-day spring break.

Following the division’s traditional calendar, dubbed Option A, classes would end June 17 following 180 class days.

In a second option, Option B, new holidays would be added for Yom Kipper (Sept. 21), Diwali (Nov. 4) and Eid al-Fitr (May 3), with 179 class days.

Option C would also add Rosh Hashanah, although the draft calendar presented to the School Board showed only one of the holiday’s two days (Sept. 7-8) as a school closure, for a 178-day school year.

None of the draft calendars include

Election Day (Nov. 2) as a school holiday, although the commonwealth and the county have both added it as a paid government holiday.

Traditionally, Loudoun’s school calendar does not recognize religious holidays.

However, the winter and spring breaks cover the Christian holy days of Christmas, Good Friday and Easter.

In responding to questions, School division counsel Stephen DeVita told School Board members they were free to set the calendar as they wished as long as they met state standards for class time.

The School Board plans to set the calendar at its Dec. 1 meeting, but not without getting some public input first. The members on Wednesday asked the division’s Public Information Office to conduct a special outreach to allow parents to make comments on the proposals in advance of that vote. n

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

SCHOOL Notebook SEAC Plans Battle of the ‘Burn Fundraising Traditionally, the football game between Broad Run and Stone Bridge high schools is a huge community event—and an import community fundraiser.

This year, students aren’t letting the COVID pandemic get in the way of their charity work.

The Stone Bridge High School DECA chapter has created the virtual Battle of the Bulldogs fundraising challenge to support the Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department.

During week of Nov. 15-21, the school’s upperclassmen and underclassmen will compete to collect monetary and online donations, as well as gift cards for the fire department’s holiday bingo night. Donations are being accepted through the @StoneBridgeBOTB Instagram account that will manage donations and keep track of the winning grade teams.

For more information, email elizabethcohen227@gmail.com.

Little Tree Huggers Plans Expansion Little Tree Huggers Eco-Green Preschool is converting from a homebased childcare center licensed to operate with a maximum of 12 children to a stand-alone environmental preschool with a projected capacity of 32 children.

The school opened in 2015 offering a comprehensive nature-based, bilingual curriculum in a wildlife sanctuary recognized by the Loudoun Nature Conservancy, the Audubon Society, and the National Wildlife Federation. An average day has the children spending 75% of the time, rain or shine, observing native birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects as well as helping out on the working farm, feeding animals, harvest eggs, and cleaning out pens. The school also won accolades for its geothermal heating and cooling, solar array, and various other energy efficiency features.

The school is seeking community donations to help cover zoning, licensing and engineering fees and to assist in the purchase of nearby parcels to be used for wildlife habitat and environmental education and an arts center.

Learn more at littletreehuggers preschool.org.

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

CARES spending continued from page 8 were supposed to be here in four weeks turned out to be four months,” he said.

For some items, it’s not just the shortage that presents a challenge; for example some models of infrared thermal imaging cameras available in the market are on a federal government banned vendor list, meaning CARES Act money can’t be used to buy them.

While division leaders hold out hope for an extension of the Dec. 30 deadline, there

has been no action by federal leaders so far.

Locally, the decision on whether to surrender the funds is set for the Dec. 15 board meeting.

In a breakdown of the federally supported personnel cost, the division spent $2 million for substitute teachers, $1.7 for tech support for virtual operations and health mitigation monitors, $600,000 for unemployment costs, $500,000 for custodian overtime, and $200,000 for staff training.

On the operations and maintenance side, $2.5 million went to staff personal protective equipment; $2.1 million was used to purchase technology equipment such as hotspots, health assessment soft-

PAGE 9

ware, microphones and headphones; $1.4 million was spent on cleaning supplies, furniture removal and storage, air purifiers for classrooms, and public health signage; $1.3 million was spent contracts for N95 mask fit testing, communications, and nursing services; $700,000 was used to purchase student face coverings, hand sanitizer, disposable masks, thermometers and protective barriers; and $200,000 funded instructional supplies such as mailing student packets, home learning supplies, distance learning software and band instrument coverings. The staff also has earmarked $2 million as a contingency for unanticipated needs. n

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PAGE 10

Public Safety

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Woman Who Killed Motorcyclist Convicted; Appeal Planned

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General District Court Judge Mary Costello Daniel last week found Rachel Nicole Frye Owens guilty of reckless driving for the June 7 crash that killed motorcyclist Damion Savon Robinson. But Owens will appeal the conviction.

According to Deputy Mark Lotz, just before 11 p.m. on June 7, Owens struck Robinson, who was riding a Kawasaki Ninja along Bles Park Drive, with her Dodge Challenger as she attempted to turn left onto Rock Creek Terrace. According to Lotz’s testimony during last week’s hearing, Owens struck Robinson at about 10 mph. The collision propelled Robinson nearly 51 feet. Robinson later died at the hospital.

Owens was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving.

Typically, General District Court judges rule on such misdomeanor cases in brief adjudicatory hearings. But in September, Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj requested Owens’ case be continued to November for trial.

In court Nov. 4, Biberaj called three witnesses to testify in the case, in front of nearly a dozen of Robinson’s friends and family members.

Ebony Lincoln, along with Owens’ 2-year-old son, was a passenger in Owens’ car when she struck Robinson. She testified that she and Owens had gone to Arlington for dinner that night and that Owens consumed one margarita around 6 p.m. She noted that the streetlights along Bles Park Drive are “very, very, very dim” and that when she got out of the Challenger after the wreck, she noticed Owens’ lefthand turn signal still blinking.

Biberaj argued five points—that Owens made the left-hand turn too soon, should have familiarized herself better with her new car, was distracted by talking with Lincoln in the car, was familiar with the area, and that the road is straight and absent of any vision impairments.

A security video captured at area resident Jeffery Spear’s house also showed that Robinson’s headlight was on at the time of the crash.

“There’s no way she could have missed seeing that motorcycle coming,” Biberaj said as she argued for Daniel to impose a 12-month jail sentence on Owens.

Owens’ defense counsel, Dave Albo, asserted that Virginia law clearly distinguishes between “crime” and “accidents” and that a demonstration of criminal negligence was required for the court to convict Owens of reckless driving. He said Owens merely committed simple negligence.

“This is a very sad and unfortunate accident,” Albo said, emphasizing the word “accident.”

Albo also pointed out that Biberaj presented no evidence of Robinson’s speed while traveling along the road.

Daniel said she didn’t take the case lightly and that “it’s a tragedy all around.”

“It’s my least favorite part of my job right here,” she said.

Albo said he would appeal the misdemeanor reckless driving conviction on behalf of Owens. Owens will not be sentenced until the appeal is heard in Circuit Court.

Outside of court, Selena Drincic, Robinson’s long-term girlfriend, is pushing for state legislators to introduce a bill in the 2021 Virginia General Assembly session that would amend the reckless driving law in a way that would require anyone who kills another and is convicted of reckless driving to be found guilty of a Class 6 felony, rather than a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The way the law is written now, a person can be convicted of felony reckless driving only if they were “driving without a valid operator’s license due to a suspension or revocation for a moving violation and, as the sole and proximate result of his reckless driving, caused the death of another.”

A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia is punishable by up to a year in jail. A Class 6 felony is punished by one to five years in prison. Both convictions could also carry fines of up to $2,500.

In a recent email to Virginia Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-33) and Del. David Reid (D-32), Drincic wrote that she had assembled a small and growing coalition of family members of crash victims and survivors interested in changing the law “to hold drivers more accountable when they kill or seriously injure someone.”

“Together we believe that Virginia should better hold drivers accountable when their reckless driving or other traffic violations cause a death or serious bodily injury,” she wrote. “… The safety of our community is a priority… .” n

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

PAGE 11

SAFETY briefs Aldie Double Murder Case Set for 20-Day Trial in January Brian KuangMing Welsh, the man charged with the early 2018 shooting deaths of an Aldie mother and son, will return to court for a 20-day jury trial in Circuit Court from Jan. 19 to Feb. 12.

Welsh Prosecutors allege that on Jan. 29, 2018, Welsh, 40, shot Mala Manwani four times in the head and her adult son, Rishi Manwani, seven times in the head at the family’s Tomey Court home. Police initially charged Welsh with the murders in March 2018. But when a ballistics report showed that bullets at the crime scene did not match the barrel of the gun found in Welsh’s possession, prosecutors dropped the charges and was released from jail.

Within the next year, investigators found that shell casings at the scene matched Welsh’s father’s handgun. Police subsequently re-arrested Welsh in October 2019.

He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Trial Scheduled for Man Charged in Police Chase Michael Bonner will return to Circuit Court for a three-day jury trial from April 12-14 for the four felony charges he accrued after evading police in February.

According to the initial report, Bonner, 55 of Harrisonburg, allegedly passed a Virginia State Police trooper in a stolen 2017 Ford Escape on I-66 at the exit for Rt. 50 in Fairfax County at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 27. When the trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop, Bonner sped away, east on Rt. 50.

Prosecutors charge that during the pursuit, Bonner reached speeds of up to 100 mph and rammed two State Police vehicles. Troopers surrounded Bonner’s vehicle after he hit a sign on South Sterling Boulevard near Shaw Road. Bonner was then shot at by a trooper while being taken into custody. No troopers were injured, according to the State Police.

Plea Set for Man Charged with Housemate’s Murder Joseph Lucio III is scheduled to be in Circuit Court on Jan. 7 for a plea on a second-degree murder charge stemming from the alleged killing of his housemate.

At about 4 a.m. April 7, Leesburg Police officers were called to a home in the Fox Chapel neighborhood off Fort Evans Road SE for a report of a man in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, the officers found Joel Rodriguez-Quezada, 48, with apparent trauma to his face and head. He died at the scene.

Detectives determined Lucio, 20, and Rodriguez-Quezada, who were housemates, were involved in an altercation that night. According to the April complaint, Lucio admitted to punching Rodriguez-Quezada in the face “several times” and biting his ear before leaving him lying on the living room floor and going to bed.

Lucio was initially charged with first-degree murder, which carries a punishment of 20 years to life in prison. Prosecutors last month agreed to reduce that charge to second-degree murder, which carries a punishment of five to 40 years in prison.

Lucio has been held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center since April.

Plea Expected in 17-Year-Old Sexual Assault Case The former deacon of Calvary Temple Ministries is scheduled to be in Circuit Court on Dec. 17 to plea to seven felony charges stemming from his alleged molestation of two teen girls 17 years ago. He is also set to be sentenced that same day.

Kevin O’Connor, 64, is charged with the sexual abuse two girls age 13-15 between April 1 and May 3, 2003. The case was initially reported to the Sheriff ’s Office in May 2003 but prosecutors declined to pursue charges at that time. The Sheriff ’s Office began re-examining the case in 2012 and arrested O’Connor in August 2018.

He is charged with forcible sodomy, two counts of indecent liberties with a child by custodian and four counts of aggravated sexual battery.

O’Connor was initially held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center but was released on a $10,000 secured bond on Aug. 21, 2018.

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PAGE 12

Photographer Uses Professional Skills to Save 12 Dogs from Euthanasia

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Nonprofit

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Photography sessions at scenic Morven Park have helped saved the lives of a dozen dogs.

Recently, local photographer Katherine Beliveau learned it costs $125 to transport a single dog from a shelter that euthanizes animals to the Fancy Cats & Dogs Rescue Team in Herndon. In response, she hosted 15-minute photography sessions at Morven Park in Leesburg, charged $125 per session and got 12 families to sign up. She raised $1,500 to give 12 dogs a “freedom ride,” saving them from euthanasia.

The Fancy Cats & Dogs Rescue Team nonprofit was founded in 1997 and is run by volunteers who work to end euthanasia at shelters in the DC area by rescuing cats and dogs and finding suitable, lifelong homes for them. In the last 23 years, the organization has found homes for more than 15,000 cats. Since the dog program was founded in 2018, it has found homes for about 600 dogs.

The team holds weekly adoption events at PetSmart in Chantilly, Dulles Land-

Contributed

Leesburg Honors Eagle Scout

Katherine Beliveau

The Shumaker boys from Leesburg pose with their four-month-old rescue, Bandit, in Morven Park.

ing and Springfield. The team also hosts events at Chico’s Natural Pet Market in Falls Church, although all events are on hold amid the pandemic.

Browse adoptable pets at petfinder.com/fancycats.

Learn more about fostering a cat or dog at fancycats.org/foster-31. n

The Leesburg Town Council recently recognized Jason Mills for his work helping The Ampersand Pantry Project as part of his Eagle Scout project. Mills built a community donation box, raised $7,500 in donations and contributed many volunteer hours to support the food pantry, which has been serving free launches daily from its East Market Street location since the outbreak of the pandemic. The donation box is located on Catoctin Circle and allows residents to pick up or leave food or other supplies.

GIVING back Woofie’s, Ellen Zangla Photography Plan Paws & Claus Fundraiser

Contributed

From left American Legion Post 293 First Vice Commander Bob Snyder, HeroHomes co-founder Jason Brownell, Post Commander Blaine Anderson, HeroHomes co-founder Matt Lowers and Adjutant Sam Barr during a check presentation ceremony.

Purcellville American Legion Donates to HeroHomes Members of the executive committee of the American Legion Post 293 in Purcellville met recently with the founders of HeroHomes to donate $750 to help veterans.

The money added to the building fund for one of the homes the nonprofit is building in the Purcellville area for wounded military veterans and their families.

Ashburn-based Woofie’s is joining Ellen Zangla Photography to host the seventh Annual Paws & Claus Charity event to benefit the Loudoun Pet Pantry on Saturday, Nov. 14.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., pets will be photographed by Zangla alongside Santa Claus in a holiday-themed set. Attendees are being asked to donate at least $25 or more for each photo.

The event has raised over $15,000 in the past seven years. As part of COVID-19 safety precautions, participants are asked to sign up for a time slot and limit the number of people accompanying their pet to one or two family members. In addition, attendees are required to wear masks and only pets may have their photos taken with Santa.

Paws & Claus will take place at Woofie’s Ashburn office, located at 44200 Waxpool Road, Suite 137. Sign up at

loudounnow.com/pawsclaus2020.

Loudoun Soccer Leads Equipment, Food Drives Loudoun Soccer’s travel programs have worked off the field this fall season to give back to those in need.

Director of Coaching John O’Hara and his travel players pitched in to help sort, fold, and pack the thousands of donated items at Loudoun Soccer Park. They collected over 300 pairs of cleats, more than 100 soccer balls, over 1,000 uniforms and dozens of shin guards, socks, bags and other equipment. Several local clubs and organizations contributed as well, including SYA, McLean Soccer Club, Great Falls-Reston Soccer, Old Dominion FC, and South Lakes High School.

The Equipment Drive will benefit Level The Playing Field and PUSH Academy in Mali, Africa.

Meanwhile, Loudoun Soccer’s 2008 Girls ECNL team teamed up with the LCPS Backpack Coalition to organize

food drives to collect family meal bags to those in need, collecting hundreds of food items so far.

Bungalows Gear Up Food Drive The Bungalow Alehouse and The Bungalow Lakehouse are partnering with Move For Hunger to host a Thanksgiving food drive to help provide meals for children and young adults who are precariously housed, homeless and atrisk, living in Loudoun County.

Community members are invited to visit the Bungalow’s Sterling and Ashburn locations and receive a half-price appetizer coupon when they donate five non-perishable food items. All food donations will benefit Leesburg-based Mobile Hope.

Donations may be dropped off through Nov. 25.

The Bungalow Lakehouse is located at 46116 Lake Center Plaza in Sterling and The Bungalow Alehouse is located at 44042 Pipeline Plaza in Ashburn.

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Business

Good Works Celebrates Addition of Affordable Housing in Ashburn

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Good Works, the county’s leading affordable housing developer, and TM Associates unveiled their newest project, Ashburn Chase, with a Nov. 4 ribbon cutting ceremony. During the past four years, the companies have delivered more than 300 rent-controlled units in Loudoun.

The two groups since 2016 have opened 83 apartments at Birchwood at Brambleton, 128 units at Stone Springs Apartments in Sterling, and 96 units at Ashburn Chase.

Kim Hart, the man most credited with the push for affordable housing in Loudoun, said that was made possible by a change to the local zoning code—and that with Ashburn Chase, those projects have approximately doubled the number of rent-controlled homes available in Loudoun.

“In the last four years we’ve been able to get as many units on the ground as the previous 20, thanks to that zoning change,” Hart said. “That’s why government matters.”

And those have been large projects with an increasingly complex mix of grants and tax credits, which is enabled by that zoning change.

“I always say at the beginning, any affordable housing gets built is simply a miracle,” Hart said. “… Just the financial clos-

ing on this project was 1,200 pages. It took 14 lawyers to approve it, and the closing took four days—that’s how complicated these deals are to put together.”

Hart also credited the county’s office of Building of Development for helping keep the project on schedule despite the pandemic with their responsiveness.

Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) pointed out the amenities that come with the apartments, which include a small gym and a community room. They are also located within walking distance of shopping and groceries.

“These types of amenities are what bring attainable housing communities up to par with market rate structures,” Glass said.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) credited Hart with leading the charge to develop affordable housing in Loudoun. Even before the 2016 zoning change, Hart helped develop affordable housing and advocated for those changes.

“Before Kim Hart came to Loudoun County many years ago, no one was talking about affordable homes, period the end,” Randall said. “… Kim Hart put African-Americans, people who live in very impoverished parts of the county—and we do have impoverished areas of Loudoun County—he put them into homes, and he did it in a way that respected their dignity

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Ashburn Chase Apartments, pictured at their grand opening on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020. Inset: Good Works CEO Kim Hart.

and their sanctity. And we would not have the amount of other diverse homes, the affordable housing stock homes that we have in Loudoun County, and more importantly, we wouldn’t have saved not just a family, but generations of people who were able to get into safe, secure homes.”

Like all affordable rental projects in Loudoun, apartments are expected to fill up immediately. Find out more at AshburnChaseApts.com. They are targeted at people making 60% of the area median income, $52,920 for a single person or $75,600 for a family of four. n

BUSINESS announcements Loudoun DED Earns International Honors Loudoun Economic Development received three awards from the International Economic Development Council, recognizing its business development and marketing efforts.

The department earned a gold rank in community engagement for its multimedia/video “Loudoun Is Ready” promotion, a collaborative effort with Visit Loudoun and the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. The pledge campaign was designed to help businesses reopen safely from the COVID-19 lockdown, providing guidance on CDC and Virginia Health Department safety measures and boosting the confidence of consumers. More than 700 businesses and organizations participated.

A silver rank in the Special Event category was presented for the Loudoun Vir-

tual Spring Farm Tour, which provided a new twist on the annual event that dates back to 1993 to connect farmers with consumers at the start of the growing season.

Thousands of people from 16 countries across the world logged in to explore Loudoun farms through specially created videos.

Another silver rank, in the Print Brochure category, was awarded for the department’s 2019 effort to create a plain-language guide to starting a rural business in the county. “Rural Uses in Loudoun County” is available in both print and digital form, and helps translate the technical language from the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance into a business-friendly resource.

“We are very proud of these recognitions and the value that our programming provides to the community. Two things that each of these three awards have in

common are that they were collaborative with other departments and organizations, and they are driven by the needs of the #LoudounPossible business community,” department Executive Buddy Rizer said. “Especially at times of economic uncertainty, Loudoun’s ability to pivot resources to where they are needed most is key to our success.”

The department received awards for all three categories in which it applied, selected from more than 500 applications across 35 categories. Awards were judged by a global panel of peers in economic and community development.

ing Home report for 2020-21.

The center achieved a rating of “High Performing,” the highest possible rating, for Short-Term Rehabilitation and LongTerm Care.

“Our team is incredible and to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report during these extraordinary times is an honor. We consider it a privilege to provide world-class healthcare to every patient and the families we serve,” stated Inova Loudoun President Deborah Addo.

Nursing and Rehab Center Makes Top Nursing Home List

The NOW Massage will open its first Virginia location at One Loudoun in Ashburn on Saturday, Nov. 21.

Located at 44727 Thorndike Street, the

Inova Loudoun Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Leesburg was ranked among the top 21% of U.S. skilled nursing in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Nurs-

The NOW Massage Opens in Ashburn

BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS continues on page 15

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

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BUSINESS announcements continued from page 14

spa will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19. From Nov. 21 through Nov. 27 massage bookings will include free upgrades for signature therapeutic massage treatments.

“We can’t wait to welcome the local community to our Ashburn oasis,” said Mark Garzone, the boutique’s owner-operator, a longtime Ashburn resident.

“Starting and maintaining a self-care routine has never been more important than NOW. The place to unplug and unwind is officially here.”

Learn more at thenowmassage.com.

Sichelstiel Joins Lifetime Wealth Management Lifetime Wealth Management has named Austin T. “Bo” Sichelstiel as a junior associate.

Sichelstiel is a recent graduate of The University of Georgia where he majored in financial planning. His community involvement includes the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, an initiative of the Internal Revenue Service helping prepare tax returns for the under served. He also was a member of the UGA HEROs Freshman Council, Freshman Forum, a Dawg Camp counselor, WIT at UGA, Shop With a Bulldog and an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

“Our financial planning and private wealth management practice has experienced explosive growth over the last two years to the point of needing another financial advisor to preserve and enhance our service levels,” said Lifetime Wealth Management President, CEO, and Chief Investment Strategist Jeffrey M. Maged.

“Even more so recently due to the economic and stock market upheaval as a result of the pandemic, but we continue to operate in our full and extended capacity to serve our clients.”

Sichelstiel has recently obtained his Series 7 General Securities license, the 63 and 65 licenses, as well as his Life and Health Insurance license. He will be developing his own practice under the LWM umbrella and will specialize in working with millennials and young families in wealth accumulation and management in addition to risk management strategies.

For more information call 571252-3502 or email Jeffrey.Maged@ lwm.us.com.

Show n u o d Lou e. v o l e som Spend your dollars locally this holiday season.

loudounnow.com

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PAGE 16

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

TOWN notes

Our Towns

LOVETTSVILLE COVID-19 Tests Stall Town Office Project

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The Mojax development company, which was building a subdivision on the north side of Snake Hill Road in the village of St. Louis, claims its neighbor to the south created the wetlands it’s charged with impacting.

Neighborhood Battle Continues Over St. Louis Development

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

In the past year, a developer seeking to build a 30-home subdivision in the village of St. Louis has come under fire from the state and neighbors for the wetlands its crews impacted—wetlands company leaders claim were created by one of their strongest opponents.

The Mojax development company, headed by Jack Andrews, in the past year had been drilling wells on a property in the village to prepare for construction of the Middleburg Preserve subdivision. Although that project has now stalled and the land is pending sale to the county government for $1.5 million, the state is still requiring Mojax to remedy the wetlands its crews impacted.

But according to Mojax leaders, those wetlands weren’t there when they bought the property, nor when they began work on it. Moreover, they claim they were wholly unaware that the wetlands existed

even after they were created.

They claim the wetlands were created in recent years by Job Woodill, who lives across the street from the Mojax property, serves as the president of the Friends of St. Louis civic association and is one of the most outspoken neighbors in opposition to the subdivision project.

Woodill said Mojax’s allegations are “totally ludicrous” and “retaliatory.”

According to a May 20 letter to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from Mojax’s attorney James Campbell, Woodill in recent years cleared and excavated land on his property and imported soil that was “more suitable for construction.”

“J2 Engineers have determined that illegal filling on the Woodill property likely resulted in the creation of wetlands on the Mojax property that were not previously there,” Campbell wrote. “Wetlands appeared on the Mojax properties only after Mr. Woodill cleared, removed material

and filled the wetlands on his property.”

According to a September 2013 determination letter from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a site inspection on one of the Mojax properties verified that “no waters and/or wetlands regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act … exist [on the property].”

Although the Army Corps determination letter expired in September 2018, Hobie Mitchel, who has been helping Mojax with aspects of the project, said county maps showed no wetlands on the Mojax property at that time. That’s why, Mitchel said, crews continued to drill wells, which led to two DEQ violations for adversely affecting 0.63 acres of wetlands.

In its May 2020 letter, Mojax demanded DEQ and the Army Corps “enforce all applicable Wetlands and Environmental Regulations” and “investigate Mr. Woodill’s actions.”

ST. LOUIS DEVELOPMENT continues on page 20

Work on the new town administration building was put on hold last week following positive COVID-19 tests from two concrete crew members.

According to Mayor Nate Fontaine, the entire construction crew was quarantined. A replacement crew will be brought in to complete the front porch of the 2,125-squarefoot building, which is being built next door to the existing town office.

Fontaine wrote in his Nov. 6 email newsletter that the town staff plans to move into the new building shortly after its completion. Originally, the town staff had planned to move into the building before the end of October.

Fuog/InterBuild is handling the work under a nearly $500,000 contract. Construction crews and town leaders broke ground on the project in August.

In addition to construction wrapping up on the new office, town leaders this month will begin knocking down the walls in the existing 1,250-square-foot town office to create a larger Town Council chambers with a new dais, additional seating, an updated sound system, a refurbished bathroom and new paint and flooring.

For updates on the project, go to lovettsvilleva.gov or call the town office at 540-822-5788.

Scouts to Collect Food Donations on Saturday Lovettsville-area scouts will be collecting food donations from doorsteps this Saturday, Nov. 14 as part of the Scouting for Food campaign.

The food will be taken to the New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, which houses the Western Loudoun Food Pantry. According to Mayor Nate Fontaine, the pantry “is in dire need of restocking.”

For more information on the food pantry, go to njlclovettsville. org.

TOWN NOTES continues on page 18

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

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PAGE 17

Round Hill Council Sets Priorities for Road, Park, Water Projects

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

The Round Hill Town Council last Wednesday night voted unanimously to adopt its Fiscal Year 2022 Strategic Action Plan, which outlines specific projects for the town to complete in the next few fiscal years—a town to-do list.

The plan outlines six high-priority projects to complete in FY 2021, two to complete in FY 2022 and four to complete in the long-term. It will be used to help the town staff compile the FY 2022 budget early next year.

The town’s highest priority long-term projects are the acquisition of a new well, for which the town has budgeted $98,593 in its FY 2021 Capital Improvement Projects Budget, and the renovation of the water plant; the completion of the second phase of Sleeter Lake Park, which will add more amenities including restrooms, a pavilion, ADA features and more boat storage, for which the town has $246,080 set aside in its FY 2021 Capital Improvement Projects Budget; and the construction of a southern water tower, which will be built off Yatton Road near Sleeter Lake to increase fire flow

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The Round Hill Town Council has identified the town and county’s Main Street project, which is installing sidewalks along Loudoun and Main Streets, as being one of the town’s highest-priority long-term projects.

and service reliability.

The Loudoun County Planning Commission in late 2018 signed off on the town’s plans to build that 165-foot, 500,000-gallon water tower, for which the town has bud-

geted $195,000 in its FY 2021 Capital Improvement Projects Budget.

Another long-term project includes completion of the first phase of the Main Street project, which is being handled by

construction company Highway Safety Services and is installing a sidewalk along the east side of Main Street from the Loudoun Street intersection to High Street. The sidewalk will then switch sides and continue along the west side of Main Street to the former W&OD railroad station and later to the northern boundary of town. Crews also will also install sidewalk south along New Cut Road to Lake Ridge Estates. The project is coupled with the Franklin Park Trail project. Together, they are costing the town and county $7 million.

In FY 2021, which ends June 30, the town will focus on completing the second phase of the Main Street project; constructing a new administrative office for the utility staff; selling a large reservoir property to reduce maintenance costs; furthering discussions on a town expansion to grow the tax base and bring in more residents to fill out town governmental roles; adding lighting and security cameras to the 200-foot pedestrian tunnel under Rt. 7 that connects the town with the Lakepoint Village neighborhood, which the town has ROUND HILL PRIORITIES continues on page 20

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PAGE 18

TOWN notes continued from page 16

Volunteer Fire, Rescue Company Kicks Off Food Drive The Lovettsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company fire station is accepting nonperishable food donations as part of its annual food drive, which runs through Dec. 31.

Those who wish to donate may stop by the fire station at 12837 Berlin Turnpike and drop them off in the weather-protected donation bin outside the banquet hall entrance on the left side of the building. Baby formula, diapers, and baby foods are also needed. Do not drop off items that require refrigeration, fresh foods that are prone to spoil quickly, previously opened items, or items past sale date expiration.

Donated items will be processed for distribution to area residents experiencing a need during the holiday season.

The Lovettsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company has postponed its annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa in December in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

MIDDLEBURG American Legion, Boy Scouts to Host Veterans Day 5K

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

Middleburg American Legion Post 295 and Boy Scout Troop 2950 will host the second annual Rally ‘round the Flag 5K Run at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at The Hill School.

The race will begin and end next to the school’s athletic fields and will stretch down a gravel path around the outdoor science center, pond and fields and through the grass between the amphitheater and the flagpole. Dogs on leashes and babies in strollers are welcome to participate.

Race-day registration is from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. An awards ceremony hosted by former U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Rob Jones will be held at 9:45 a.m. at the American Legion Patriots Hall. The Plains Road entrance to The Hill School will be closed.

Participants are asked to use the entrance off Madison Street.

Registration is available in-person for $35. Proceeds will benefit Troop 2950 and the American Legion post.

For more information and to register, go to lccveb.com/post/2nd-annual-rallyround-the-flag-5k-middleburg-va-5k.

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

PURCELLVILLE Franklin Park Set to Host Classical Banjo Performance The Franklin Park Performing & Visual Arts Center will host a Bach, Banjos and the Hero’s Journey banjo performance and talk from 7:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12.

Banjoist John Bullard will tell his story and introduce a program of classical music on the banjo while engaging the audience and inviting attendees to reflect on their own “hero’s journey” in life and music.

The performance is partially supported by funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Admission to the performance is $10. To buy tickets, go to franklinparkartscenter.org.

Bullard has gained international attention for his work in developing and transcribing classical repertoire for the five-string banjo. He is the first graduate of VCU’s Department of Music to earn a degree in banjo performance and has toured throughout the U.S. He has released three albums, the songs of which have been featured in the Dreamworks movie “Rise of the Guardian” and the award-winning Turkish drama “The Edge of Heaven.” His new album, “Classical Banjo: The Perfect Southern Art,” is the summation of his life’s work.

Learn more about Bullard at johnbullard.com.

Cabin Fever Film Festival Submissions Open Dec. 1 Regional filmmakers are invited to submit short and feature-length films and home movies for Purcellville’s fourth annual Cabin Fever Film Festival any time between Dec. 1 and 16.

The festival, which will be held Jan. 22 and 23, is sponsored by the Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center and the Purcellville Arts Council, will highlight local tales and talent films, student productions and vintage home movies with an emphasis on films made by area residents.

Film entries should include films ranging anywhere from 1-90 minutes in length and should be in digital format on a flash drive or on a DVD. All subject matter should be family friendly. Films can be produced as live action, stop motion, animation and other mediums. Filmmakers will be contacted shortly after the submission deadline and will be notified of their acceptance and scheduled showing time block.

The film slate will be announced Jan. 4.

The entry fee is $10 for the first entry TOWN NOTES continues on page 19

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

TOWN notes continued from page 18

and $5 for each additional entry. Accepted forms of payment are cash, credit cards payments and checks made payable to County of Loudoun. Drop submissions off at the Franklin Park Arts Center at 36441 Blueridge View Lane in Purcellville.

For more information, contact Franklin Park Arts Center Manager Elizabeth Bracey at elizabeth.Bracey@loudoun. gov or 540-338-7973, or Purcellville Arts Council member Suzan Mardis at sbmardis1@fcps.edu.

Only 75 tickets will be sold for each day of the film festival. Learn more and find application forms at franklinparkartscenter.org.

ROUND HILL

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being offered through the help of the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington and offers up to $1,200 in individual grants.

The town is utilizing $28,000 of its $118,154 CARES Act funding from the county.

To be eligible, individuals must live in the 20141 ZIP Code and have either a current mortgage statement or a rental lease in their name; must have proof that their income or employment was directly affected by COVID-19; and must have a government-issued photo ID. The town will not provide assistance to those who rent a room or basement from someone in the ZIP code area. Commercial

businesses are also prohibited from applying.

To apply, email roundhillcares@ccda.net.

Town Council Does Away with Voluntary Water Restrictions The Town Council voted last Wednesday to do away with voluntary water restrictions for the town’s nearly 2,000 utility customers.

Utility Supervisor Marty Feltner said he noted a reduction in water usage since the council implemented the voluntary restrictions in late June, which was done to limit stress on the water system during the

PAGE 19

COVID-19 pandemic. Still, Feltner said water usage in June and July was higher than normal compared with previous years; customers used more than 10 million gallons of water during those two months this year compared with the typical 8 million gallons.

The Town Council on June 29 voted to implement voluntary water restrictions for the 1,700 households the municipal water system serves. The town requested its water customers conserve water by limiting lawn and garden watering, car washes, swimming pool fills and other similar activities.

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Town Council to Continue Hosting Virtual Meetings The Round Hill Town Council last Wednesday night came to the consensus that it will continue to hold its meetings virtually on Zoom.

When Mayor Scott Ramsey asked each council member present at the Oct. 4 meeting if they preferred to continue meeting online or would like to again meet in person, two said they had no preference, Vice Mayor Mary Anne Graham said the council should continue meeting virtually indefinitely and Councilman Jesse Howe said he would prefer to meet in person, but said he understood COVID-related restrictions would prohibit that from happening.

Town Administrator Melissa Hynes said that if the Town Council were to begin meeting in person again, not all town staff members would be able to attend the meetings in the town office because they could not all maintain a 6-foot distance from each other.

“So far this format seems to have been really popular with the council,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey said the Town Council would next discuss meeting options at its first meeting in March 2021.

Town Offers Utility Assistance for Area Residents in Need Round Hill area residents have until Nov. 29 to apply for utility assistance from the town.

The town is offering a utility assistance program for customers living in the 20141 ZIP code who can demonstrate a loss of wages or employment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is

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Campbell alleged that although DEQ has investigated Mojax multiple times following complaints lodged by Woodill, it has done nothing with the multiple complaints Mojax has submitted regarding Woodill’s actions.

In addition to Campbell’s May letter, Mojax Manager Michael Oxman also sent a letter to DEQ on July 23 requesting the state investigate Woodill.

DEQ Regional Virginia Water Protection Program Permit Writer and Compliance Inspector Christoph Quasney said DEQ staff conducted a site inspection of Woodill’s property on Aug. 28, which, he said, turned up no unauthorized impacts to surface waters.

“DEQ staff did not observe any other surface waters on-site that would indicate onsite structures and construction-related activities occurred in surface waters, and thus such activities are not under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Water Protection Program,” Quasney wrote to Oxman on Sept. 1.

Loudoun County Public Information Officer Glen Barbour said it’s unclear whether the wetlands were inadvertently created.

Mojax leaders also claim Woodill did not obtain permits for the work he performed on his land, but instead obtained them only after the work was done. “[H]e did not obtain a grading permit to do the work on any of his properties,” Campbell wrote in his letter.

Barbour said that while the county staff confirmed Woodill constructed two agricultural buildings on his property in recent years, they were unable to determine whether Woodill obtained permits to grade

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continued from page 17 budgeted $44,500 for in its FY 2021 Capital Improvement Projects Budget; and conducting a town parking study to determine where parking can be added in the central commercial district.

In FY 2022, which will stretch from July 1 next year to June 30, 2022, town leaders plan to hire an outside firm to modernize the Town Code and publish it on the town website, as recommended by the Board of Zoning Appeals in 2019; and will look to invest in improvements and maintenance work to the Stoneleigh water and sewer system.

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

the land and build those structures.

Barbour said the county has since issued Woodill one required permit and that the county’s role in the situation is to simply monitor the state’s pending consent order for corrective action to the wetlands.

Woodill said he obtained permits for the work and noted that the DEQ staff inspected his property and formally closed the matter in August.

“It’s a ridiculous assertion on so many levels I can’t even respond to it,” he said. “I have permits for everything we do here. …

I don’t want anybody to question what I’m doing here.”

But Mojax is still pushing for DEQ to investigate Woodill. Matthew Clark, of the same law firm as Campbell, sent the department a new letter on Nov. 4 requesting the state provide an update on the status of its investigations into Woodill.

Quasney responded to that letter via email on Nov. 6, writing that “As based on the observations from the August 28, 2020, inspection report, no unauthorized impacts to state surface waters were observed.”

Mitchel said he’s unsure what Mojax’s options are now.

Regardless of what comes from the matter, Mojax is still obligated to remedy the wetlands its crews impacted. Under the proposed consent order with DEQ, the development company is required to pay a $32,275 civil penalty, restore wetlands and purchase 0.6 acres of wetlands credits. Residents have until Nov. 30 to comment on that proposed order.

Beyond Mojax remedying the wetlands, the county government is expected to soon ink a deal to purchase 16.4 acres of the 21.3 acres Mojax owns in the village. Once that happens, the county intends to place the land in conservation easement and create a park for passive recreation. n Last year, the town installed a new generator at the Stoneleigh well complex to allow the staff to operate the well without interruption to the system in times of prolonged power outage.

Removed from this year’s strategic plan was an initiative to implement meals and transient occupancy taxes. Round Hill is the only Loudoun town to not levy those taxes. The Town Council will discuss the option to implement those taxes more during the FY 2022 budget talks next year.

Town leaders will use the strategic plan not only to compile next year’s budget, but also to determine how much money the town will request from the county government to support its projects, which it will need to do by April. n

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

PAGE 21

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10:58 AM

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

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

Department

Controller

Finance

Utility Inspector II

Utilities

Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior

Utilities: Water Pollution Control

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Salary Range

Closing Date

$79,227-$135,636 DOQ

Open until filled

$56,956-$97,512 DOQ

Open until filled

$41,353-$89,790 DOQ

Open until filled

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

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

All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.

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HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Experienced Lab Tech Or MA – Busy Family Practice office in Lansdowne, VA looking for an experienced lab tech or MA to collect and process Covid 19, Flu & Strep samples. Must be familiar with manual and automated methods. EMR experience preferred.

We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401k and many other benefits.

Please send your resume to lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804

HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply.

Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended.

We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa

NOW HIRING FLAGGERS Full time, to provide traffic control & safety around construction sites. A valid driver license & clean driving record a must.

Star ting $13/hr & scheduled raises & bonuses.

Company-paid medical & dental premiums.

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

See the full job listings at

NowHiringLoudoun.com

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 22

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Obituaries Ruth Arlene Christensen Ruth Arlene Christensen, age 90, passed away peacefully, at her Purcellville home, on October 31, 2020. Arlene was born on November 15, 1929, in Norfolk, Virginia to Harry Suiter White and Wilma Steel White. She shared her childhood with her sisters Shirley and Alice, her brother Wesley, and numerous beloved cousins.

During her teenage years, Arlene attended People’s Bible School in Greensboro, North Carolina, today known as John Wesley Bible College. After graduating high school, she met a handsome sailor named Ralph Martin Christensen. They were married on December 22, 1949 in Norfolk, Virginia. Arlene and Ralph were married for 54 years, living primarily in Virginia and Ohio during his Naval career.

They were blessed with a daughter, Wilma Rebecca, their pride and joy.

Throughout her life, Arlene was a resourceful, talented, and hard-working woman. She was fiercely devoted to her family. Often, when they transitioned from one home to another during Ralph’s military career, Arlene kept busy farming and raising hogs, horses and show poodles.

She was also known to open their home to countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her strength and wisdom led her to be considered the family matriarch, leaving a legacy.

During the 1970’s and 1980’s Arlene ran a successful business, Arlene Christensen Catering Service. She worked for many clients in northern Virginia, sharing in their weddings, baptisms, funerals, and holiday parties. She took great pride in creating wedding cakes and planning family gather-

George Franklin Reitz

ings. Arlene exemplified a generous spirit of hospitality with grace and southern charm.

Arlene served in various ministries as a member of the Leesburg Church of the Nazarene, offering her gifts and talents. She directed Easter productions of the Living Last Supper and the Drive Thru Nativity during Christmastime. It was her supreme desire that her family and loved ones come to know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. She shared the love of Jesus with all she knew and was a living example of that love.

Ruth Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ralph, her brother Wesley White, and sister Shirley Davis.

Arlene is survived by her daughter Rebecca Gardner and husband Richard, granddaughters Shannon Englund and husband Scott and Danyelle Small and husband Toby. Her treasured great-grandchildren are Bethany, Hannah, and Amanda Small and Will and Catherine Ruth Englund. Great-great grandchildren include Alexis & Liam Small.

Arlene is also survived by her sister Alice Embrey and her children, Shirlene Brooks, David Bryson and Tammi Mills and families. Other surviving nieces include Sharon Williams and Debbie White Power and nephew David White.

The family thanks the countless neighbors, friends and extended family members who have shown an outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. A special thank you to the compassionate staff of Blue Ridge Hospice for their care and service.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Leesburg Church of the Nazarene at www.locolove.church or Blue Ridge Hospice, Inc. of Winchester, Virginia at www.brhospice.org

George Franklin Reitz, 86, passed from this life on November 3, 2020 in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. George was born on April 17, 1934 in Snydertown to Elwood Franklin Reitz and Isabel

Smith Reitz.

George loved to share memories of his childhood adventures ranging from delivering papers when World War II broke out to playing ball in fields now covered by main highways. George held many jobs, including hauling mail for his father, before he joined the Navy where he was an electronics technician.

In June of 1959 George married the love of his life, Nancy Ann Hursh. They had two children, a daughter Tammy and son Mark. George, a man of many talents, built the first house he, Nancy and their children lived in in Hellam, Pennsylvania.

In the early 1960’s George moved the family to Virginia to begin his work with the federal government’s Army Map Service. George traveled the globe often to secret locations, leaving the family for months at a time, to fulfill his service to his country. Later, George worked for the FAA for many years in the tower at Dulles International Airport and then at the FAA facility in Leesburg.

When George retired from the FAA he was able to devote time to his favorite hobby, Ham Radio. His call number was WW4GR. He spent many hours communicating with folks around the world.

George also became a fine picture framer, offering his services to locals. He was also

a long-time Mason and member of the Olive Branch Lodge in Leesburg.

When Nancy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, George became her full-time care-giver which allowed him to engage in another of his hobbies, cooking. PopPop’s creations, including pizzas and breads, were enjoyed by all.

In 2014 both George and Nancy moved to the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, although in separate residences due to the care Nancy required. George would take the shuttle bus almost daily to visit Nancy across campus (or “base” as he often referred to it due to his military background). They eventually lived in the same building which made visiting a little easier.

George could converse with anyone and always had a dimpled smile to share. He enjoyed engaging with family, friends, and strangers alike. He was kind and loving until his last breath.

George will be laid to rest next to Nancy in the Fairview Cemetery, Wrightsville, Pennsylvania.

George was predeceased by his wife Nancy, his parents, and his sister Nancy Fisher. He is survived by his loving family including daughter Tammy Reitz Greene (Stilson) of Hamilton, VA, son Mark Franklin Reitz (Judy) of New Bern, NC, grandchildren Brandy R. Gerwig (Nathan) of Red Lion, PA, Morgan G. McLellan (Sean) of Hamilton, VA, Michael Reitz (Sabrina Faircloth) of Shepherdstown, WV, Paige Reitz of Leesburg, VA, Cortni Reitz of Leesburg, VA, and Glen Reitz of Tuscon, AZ, and great-grandchildren Sarina Gerwig, Trey McDowell, and Addilynn Reitz.

Shirley Ruth Fishback Crosen July 8, 1935 – October 28, 2020

Shirley Fishback Crosen passed away peacefully in her sleep, with her husband by her side, in her home in Hamilton, VA on October 28, 2020 and woke up in Jesus arms.

She had courageously fought a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born in Alexandria, VA on July 8, 1935 to Mary Ruth Fishback and Charles Maloy Fishback. She grew up in Hamilton and Leesburg, VA. Shirley graduated Leesburg High School in 1953. She also met the love of her life there in the eighth grade, Jimmy Crosen, and the two of them were married in December

1954. They were married for over 65 years. Their four daughters, and all who were close to them were very blessed to witness this part of their life with them.

Shirley went on to attend Longwood College and received her BS in Teaching in 1956. She retired from Loudoun County Public Schools in 1991. The majority of her teaching career was spent at Hamilton Elementary School teaching third and fourth grade students. After retiring, she also worked with FEMA in the call center helping people get aid after being affected from a disaster. Shirley was an active member of Harmony United Methodist Church up until her illness. She enjoyed volunteering at the Church and the Ladies Board at Loudoun

Hospital. One of her biggest loves after retirement was traveling. She and Jimmy visited every State Capital in the U.S., except for New Mexico and many Foreign Countries. Although they travelled great distances, her favorite places were Williamsburg, Virginia and Ocean Isle, NC. She always had a great passion for U.S. History, and Williamsburg was her second home. Shirley is predeceased by her parents, Maloy and Ruth Fishback; daughter, Carolyn Crosen Quesenberry {Kevin}; sister, Charlene Fishback Rogers.

She is survived by her husband, James A. Crosen of Hamilton. Daughters: Susan Crosen Reimann {Rick} of Sarasota, FL; Cathy Crosen Kennan {Tim} of Leesburg, VA; and Sarah Crosen Wiley {Michael}

of Winchester, VA. Twelve Grandchildren and Nine Great-Grandchildren.

Very Special Friend, Colleen Wilmoth {George} of Hamilton, VA. Visitation will be at Colonial Funeral Home in Leesburg VA on Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 1:00 to 3:00. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Hamilton Baptist Church on Monday, November 2, 2020 at 12:30. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Leesburg, VA. Officiants will be Pastor Josh Miller, Greg Wilmoth and Colleen Wilmoth. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to The American Alzheimer’s Association or the Salvation Army of Loudoun County.

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Beryl Marie Harrington Beryl Marie Harrington, 97 of Lovettsville, Virginia passed on Monday, November 9, 2020, at Rose Hill Nursing Home in Berryville, Virginia.

Born Thursday, August 9, 1923 in Sarver, Pennsylvania she was the daughter of the late Ferd and Celia (Kuhnert) Sarver.

Beryl was an artist and avid painter, with her favorite being scenes of nature.

She was an active member in the Lovettsville community, also being one of the founding members of the Lovettsville Fire and Rescue Squad’s Ladies Auxillary Company. Beryl also owned a small shop in Lovettsville named Granny’s Antiques where she sold and traded trinkets, odds, and ends. She is survived by her grandchildren: Zachary Harrington, Amy (husband Justin) Dorrance and a sister, Shirley Pavlik. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Harrington, son Gary Harrington and siblings: Bettie Curtin, Bernice Sontum, and Robert Lee Sarver.

Interment will be on November 20, 2020 at 1:00PM in Lovettsville Union Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel. com

Helen A. Smeltz Helen A. Smeltz, 96, daughter of Ephraim Tharp and his wife Bessie Mae, died November 3, 2020.

She was married in 1943 to Colonel John O. Smeltz, and during his decades of Army service she accompanied him on various duty assignments both in the U.S. and abroad. She lived in the Potomac Falls area for many years.

Helen was born in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. She attended Fort Smith Junior College in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the University of Nebraska, and the University of Kansas.

She was a member of the Animal Welfare League of Fairfax County, The Eastern Star - Chapter 266, The American Legion Auxiliary, The Humane Society of the U.S., and Friends of the National Zoo. She participated in many activities at the Falcons Landing community where she lived.

Helen is predeceased by her husband John. She is survived by her nephew John M. Smeltz of New Jersey, and two special friends, Colonel Lois Guzik and Colonel James Compton.

Services will be held at a future date at Arlington National Cemetery. It is requested that flowers be omitted, and a remembrance may be sent to the American Cancer Society if it is the wish of friends and acquaintances.

Condolences and fond memories may be offered a murphyfuneralhomes.com.

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Return to class continued from page 1 half of the division’s students opted for 100% distance learning and half for the hybrid model that includes two days of in-class instruction and two days of online learning.

This week, families will have the opportunity to change those preferences, effective with the second semester. The new survey will reflect an evolution in the teaching approach. Instead of separate distance learning and hybrid classrooms, a “concurrent hybrid” program is being developed for secondary school students.

Distance learning students and hybrid students during their at-home days would participate virtually in live classes with students in the classroom for their in-person learning days.

Starting this week, parents will be asked to affirm or change their choice of learning track during a new survey to be conducted through Nov. 20. Those decisions will be used to plan for student schedules starting in the second semester.

The administration is planning a series of town hall-style meetings during the survey week to answer parents’ questions about the options. The sessions for 3-5 grades were held Wednesday and middle schoolers on Thursday. Sessions for high school students are planned Nov. 16.

Once the second semester parental selections are made, the school staff will take the next month to build the schedule for hybrid in-person days by Dec. 20 and

PAGE 23

finish the transportation routing plan— with only 13 passengers per bus—by Jan. 15, under the proposed timeline.

The School Board’s vote provides the opportunity, and the expectation, for more students to get in-person instruction. However, the availability of the hybrid program will depend on public health conditions—in individual schools and the community at large. The board at its Dec. 1 meeting plans to adopt a series of triggers—such as increasing COVID-19 testing positivity rates and wider community spread of the virus—that could send students back to online learning for as little as a few days or for a longer period.

Jeff Morse (Dulles), who was among the board members who had pressed for an earlier return to class, warned that the success of the plan depends on students, parents and staff adhering to public health protocols, including wearing face coverings and staying home when feeling ill.

“This can’t be done halfway,” he said.

Tuesday night’s School Board briefing also includes information gathered from a survey of teachers leading distance learning classes.

According to the responses, the vast majority of teachers reported spending more time planning for their online classes than for conventional classes, and two thirds said they are spending at least six hours per week beyond their contract time to prepare for classes.

The survey also shows high stress levels among distance learning teachers. About 60% reported experiencing stress frequently or almost always. And only 57%

of the online teachers said they were able to manage the stress in a healthy way.

At the same time, the teachers cited the need for socio-emotional support for students as their top concern, even above addressing challenges with the technology.

Loudoun Education Association President Sandy Sullivan told the School Board the organization is conducting a survey of its members to understand their experience in the current teaching environment and their views of expanded in-person learning. She said there were three words she was hearing frequently from teachers: “terrified, despondent, unsupported.”

Several School Board members said more needs to be done immediately to address teacher concerns. Among those, Beth Barts (Leesburg) said she would propose at the board’s next meeting providing 10 additional days of paid sick leave to in-person teachers to address the increased risk that they’ll be required to quarantine because of close contact with an infected person or contract the virus themselves.

As of Tuesday, 48 staff members, including 15 teachers, were under quarantine because of possible exposure to COVID-19. Four teachers were in insolation after testing positive for the virus.

The quarantines have led administrators to develop a “reverse distance learning” system, with teachers providing instruction from their homes to students setting in classrooms at school. In those cases, proctors are placed in the classroom to provide in-person assistance to students. n

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PAGE 24

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

THINGS to do

Loco Living

NIGHTLIFE

Courtesy of the Darby Brothers

Live Music: Darby Brothers Benefit Show Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The Darby Brothers bring their beloved classic rock show to benefit the Tree of Life food pantry. Guests include Juliana MacDowell and Mike Ault, Mark Cullinane, Todd Brooks and Chris Bowen. Tickets are $15 to $20.

Live Music: Pete Lapp

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Ashburn resident Swanka Burnette launched The Quick Critic in August—a website on which he posts three-minute films and 300-word reviews of movies and TV series.

Loudoun’s ‘Quick Critic’ Builds a Quick Following

BY JAN MERCKER

jmercker@loudounnow.com

What’s next in the Netflix queue?

At-home entertainment is booming as we roll through eight months of the COVID pandemic. But with so many choices, it can be hard to figure out what to watch. Ashburn resident Swanka Burnette can help.

Burnette launched The Quick Critic website and social media pages in August.

In just three months, he’s accumulated more than 30,000 followers on Facebook and Instagram.

“I feel like I know my audience pretty well, and I try to ultimately do reviews that not only that I will enjoy but that I feel people will want to share or comment on or go watch it themselves if they haven’t already,” Burnette said.

Burnette has found a niche in short and sweet three-minute, 300-word reviews of movies and series that are “substantive, spoiler-free and presented in a conversational and engaging voice.”

Burnette has an MBA and has worked in economic development for more than 15 years. But movies and television are his passion, and writing is his gift. This summer’s COVID-related slowdown inspired him to do something he’d been thinking about for a while: starting a website to build up his writing chops and share his love of movies and television during a challenging time. So far, he’s reviewed more than 70 movies and series on the site—in video, written reviews or both.

For this lifelong movie buff, film reviews are an art form—and a form of entertainment—in themselves.

“I’ve always liked movies. I’ve also liked reading reviews of movies and entertainment. As a student of human nature, I think it’s really fascinating how we could both watch the same movies and take different things from it,” Burnette said.

Burnette has found his niche in broad, spoiler-free reviews that often focus more on emotional response than plot points.

“There’s lots of options out there for long form traditional reviews—1,000

words plus, 10- to 15-minute reviews— and that’s great,” he said. “But I thought, ‘Let me challenge myself to get down to what are the most important things about this movie or piece of entertainment and do it in 300 words.’”

Burnette divides his reviews into new releases (which have dramatically slowed down because of the pandemic) and “nostalgic” reviews of the old-school films and series that shaped his life. Burnette, who turned 40 this year, has strong GenX sensibilities and pays tribute to the iconic films and filmmakers that shaped his generation—from “Star Wars” to Spielberg.

He’s a devoted Ridley Scott fan, which shines through in his review of the 1986 classic sequel “Aliens.” And when he reviews nostalgic ’80s classics, it’s all about creating connection with his audience.

“I have to really tell people why I love this move and why you would love it too, or let’s talk about how this movie has an impact culturally in 300 words,” he said.

QUICK CRITIC continues on page 26

Saturday, Nov. 14, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Lapp returns to The Barns with acoustic interpretations of classic and alternative rock songs from Bon Jovi to Mumford and Sons.

Live Music: Liberty Street Saturday, Nov. 14, 1-5 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Kick back with soft rock favorites from Eric Stanley and Doug Wall.

Live Music: Jessica Paulin Saturday, Nov. 14, 2-5 p.m.

Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: twotwistedposts.com Paulin returns to Two Twisted Posts with a bank of well-loved hits from the ’60s through today: rock, country, oldies, alt, folk and pop. There’s something for everyone.

Live Music: Ginny Blair Saturday, Nov. 14, 2-5 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Blair returns to Breaux with a genrecrossing blend of folk, pop, rock, jazz and a few things in between.

Live Music: Greg Ward Saturday, Nov. 14, 2-5 p.m.

Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn

THINGS TO DO continues on page 25

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

THINGS to do continued from page 24

Details: lostrhino.com Wind down with groovy reggae from Greg Ward.

PAGE 25

Live Music: Ken Wenzel

NYC Comedy at Vanish

Sunday, Nov. 15, 1-5p.m.

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro Details: doukeniewinery.com Wenzel’s following continues to grow thanks to his roots-rock, country-jazz take on love, learning and life in America.

Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:30-8 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Live comedy is back in Loudoun with New York comedian Jordan Raybould. Tickets are $15 in advance.

Live Music: Tre Smith Saturday, Nov. 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing This young musician from Hampton Roads combines reggae, country, alternative and pop covers with passionate original tunes.

Live Music: Acoustic Ayre

SOUL ASYLUM WITH LOCAL H

FEB 22

UNCLE KRACKER

FEB 28

FAREWELL TOUR

FEB 21

CARBON LEAF BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR

FEB 29

TAB BENOIT UT

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

11/14/20 DO L O S SHOW: 8PM

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

www.TallyHoTheater.com DOORS: 7PM Courtesy Shane Gamble

JASON MASI

Live Music: Shane Gamble

VALFresco: Billy “T” Wilde

Live Music: Jason Masi

Saturday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m.

Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg Details: villageatleesburg.com The VALFresco concert series continues with highenergy rock, blues and pop from Billy “T” Wilde.

Sunday, Nov. 15, 1-5 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Masi returns to Breaux with his signature acoustic soul and R&B.

Live Music: Ernie Thiel

Live Music Juliana MacDowell and Mike Ault

Saturday, Nov. 14, 6-10 p.m.

Coach’s Corner, 100 Gateway Drive, Purcellville Details: coachscornerpville.com Thiel covers favorite ’70s, ’80s and ’90s songs.

You’ll be singing along before you know it.

Sunday, Nov. 15, 2-5 p.m.

Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville Details: creeksedgewinery.com MacDowell and Ault serve up earthy, folksy tunes as part of Creek’s Edge’s bi-weekly Acoustic Sunday series.

Saturday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m.

Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, 120 W. Main St., Purcellville Details: facebook.com/standupanddrink Stand Up and Drink presents an evening of up and coming comics at Catoctin Creek. The event is free.

Live Music: Kenny Ray Horton Sunday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m.

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont Details: bearchasebrew.com Catch Nashville singer/songwriter Kenny Ray Horton for a Sunday afternoon show.

Sunday, Nov. 15, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Celebrate Sunday with great tunes from altcountry rising star Juliana MacDowell and guests.

UFO

DOORS: FEB 13 6:30PM SHOW: 7PM

Mark Cullinane • Chris Bowen • Todd Brooks Juliana McDowell with Mike Ault

Saturday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m.

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont Details: bearchasebrew.com Classic rock and folk covers from a DMV favorite.

Live Music: Jules & Friends

THE 11/13/20 WAILERS

FEB 1

Benefiting Tree of Life Food Pantry

Sunday, Nov. 15, 1-5 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Celebrate Sunday with great country music tunes from rising star Shane Gamble.

Comedy Night at Catoctin Creek

DARBY BROTHERS & FRIENDS! COWBOY MOUTH

LOCO CULTURE

Live Music: Mercury Avenue Saturday, Nov. 14, 6 p.m.

Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com This duo from Haymarket plays a wide range of genres, traveling from ABBA to Zac Brown Band with fun stops in between.

TICKETS ON (703) 777-1665 wwww.TallyHoTheater.com SALE NOW!

Courtesy Stage Coach Theatre

YoHoHo and a Bottle of Death! Online Show Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.

Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach Theatre Company livestreams a new production of its pirate-themed murder mystery.

Tickets are $20 per device.

Sheila Arnold: Invisible Threads Sunday, Nov. 15, Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Master storyteller Sheila Arnold shares stories on race and life and the threads that bind us to family. Tickets are $5 in advance. Family groups will be socially distanced in the theater, and face coverings are required.

Tanglewood Marionettes: Sleeping Beauty Wednesday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org This 40-minute show for children 2 and older tells the familiar fairy tale with beautifully hand-crafted marionettes brought to life by a master puppeteer.

Face coverings are required for adults and children over 10. Tickets are $5.

LIBATIONS Today’s Virginia Table Dinner Courtesy Christian Lopez

Live Music: Christian Lopez Sunday, Nov. 15, 3 p.m.

B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Lopez returns to B Chord for an evening of alt/ folk/country rock. Tickets are $15 in advance.

11/20/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

Saturday, Nov. 14, 7-10 p.m.

Lost Creek Winery, 43285 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg Details: lostcreekwinery.com The final installment of Lost Creek’s Virginia Heritage culinary dinner series focuses on contemporary chefs who are expanding the boundaries, showcasing rustic comfort with a modern twist on the traditions of Virginia. Tickets are $99, with an additional $25 for a wine pairing.

THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND EXPERIENCE:

CROWDED UT O D STREETS OL

S

11/21/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

SHOW ADDED 11/28

DC IMPROV PRESENTS: COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG 11/27 & 11/28/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

SHOW ADDED 12/03 – 12/04 SOLD OUT

THE AMISH OUTLAWS 12/03 & 12/04/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

TUSK:

TRIBUTE TO FLEETWOOD MAC 12/5/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

CHRIS TIMBERS & JULIANA MACDOWELL 12/10/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 26

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Quick Critic continued from page 24 Burnette says one of his favorite contemporary series is the science fiction hit “Stranger Things,” set in 1984. The series, created by brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, premiered on Netflix in 2016.

“They made that show as a love letter to Steven Spielberg and “The Goonies” type things,” Burnette said. “They knew what they were doing. Nostalgia is a very strong hook and they figured out a way to capture that.”

Burnette doesn’t focus on a specific genre on the site but admits he’s a big fan of superhero fiction. He’s reviewed multiple “Batman” movies on the QC site and says he’s always first in line for new Marvel movies. But Burnette also loves introducing his audience to the non-blockbusters he calls “outliers,” including international films.

Some of his favorite outliers include the 2001 French action/horror/period movie “Brotherhood of the Wolf ” and Emmy-winning director Cary Fukunaga’s 2009 “Sin Nombre” about a Honduran girl trying to immigrate to the United States

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Ashburn resident Swanka Burnette, the creator of The Quick Critic movie and TV series review website, shows off a “Game of Thrones” replica sword he has hung on his wall.

and her connection with a Mexican gang member.

“Really for me, it’s more about the filmmaking process,” he said.

Burnette grew up in Cambridge, MA and played Division 1 football for the University of Massachusetts before turning to finance and earning an MBA in energy commerce from Texas Tech. Burnette

started his economic development career in Florida, but when he was looking to buy a house, he turned to Northern Virginia where he has lots of extended family.

After plenty of research, he picked Ashburn where he bought his home in 2015.

“Ashburn really stood out,” he said.

Burnette worked for Loudoun County Economic Development for several years

before taking a position as manager of growth and strategy for a manufacturing technology company. He also teaches business classes online for Union County College in New Jersey. But Burnette is a writer at heart and says launching QC was in part an effort to hone that skill.

“The thing that I really feel is my unique gift is my ability to write and convey through written word things that are interesting and even funny ... [Quick Critic] was a way to get my foot in the door and start creating content.”

Over the past three months, he’s found that the site and social media pages are also a way to share his passion for film and video and create community.

“I’m constantly being challenged to present the information in a way that makes sense based on what it is that I’m reviewing,” he said. “That’s exciting for me, and it’s fun. It’s a way for me to share with people and get a community going— and so far so good.” n Check out Swanka Burnette’s three-minute movie and television reviews at thequickcritic.com and follow him on Instagram and Facebook at @realquickcritic.

Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

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

Description

Case Number

Recovery Date

Recovery Location

Phone Number

Silver and red Schwinn Solution bicycle

SO200017324

10/23/2020

42149 Greenstone Dr. Aldie, VA

703-777-0610

Genesis V2100 bicycle

SO200017712

10/29/2020

500 S Lee Rd. Sterling, VA

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

ABC LICENSE

Maverick Foods LLC, trading as Maverick Cafe, 32 C Catoctin Cir SE Ste A, Leesburg, VA 20175-3612 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer on and off premises and Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Robert Bagnall, CEO 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.

11/12 & 11/19/20

ABC LICENSE

Cowbell Kitchen LLC, trading as Cowbell Kitchen, 26 N King St, Leesburg, VA 20176-2818 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer on and off premises and Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Breanne Brady 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.

11/12 & 11/19/20

ABC LICENSE

Zorba LLC, trading as Opa! Mezze Grill, 44110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Unit 170, Ashburn, Loudoun County, Virginia 20147-3999 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer on & off premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

JJ038733-25-01 , Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Case No.:

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Abbigail Jacobs Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Sifredo Amaya (aka Surfredo Amaya), putative father and; Michelle Jacobs, mother The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-281 for Abbigail Jacobs.

It is Ordered that the Sifredo Amaya (aka Surfredo Amaya), putative father and; Michelle Jacobs, mother appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before December 16, 2020 at 3:00 pm 11/12, 11/19, 11/26 & 12/3/20

Ionel Canavra, Owner 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.

11/05 & 11/12

LoudounNow.com

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

PAGE 27

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

ADD:

ZOAM-2020-01 Round Hill Town Council and Planning Commission The Round Hill Town Council and Planning Commission will conduct a joint public hearing pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2285, and 15.2-2286 of the Code of Virginia, as amended, on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 beginning at 7:30 p.m. for the purpose of receiving comments on the following proposed text amendment to the Round Hill Zoning Ordinance.

The purpose of the proposed text amendments is to add and amend the approved species list in Article 14 – Landscaping & Screening to remove non-native and invasive species and include tree and plant species that are native and readily available within the Piedmont region of Virginia. The following changes are proposed to Article 14 and are authorized by Code of Virginia Section 15.2-2286:

1.

Add and Remove the following species from approved CANOPY/STREET TREES: ADD:

REMOVE:

American Basswood

American Hornbeam

Crimson King Maple

English Oak

Baldcypress

Black Tupelo

Ginko

Japanese Pagoda

Common Persimmon

River Birch

Japanese Zelkova

Japonica Regent

Littleleaf Linden

London Plane

White Oak

Silver Linden 2.

Add and Remove the following species from approved EVERGREEN TREES: ADD:

Red Spruce

REMOVE:

Shorleaf Pine

Norway Spruce

White Pine 3.

Add and Remove the following species from approved UNDERSTORY TREES: ADD:

REMOVE:

Canada Serviceberry

Cockspur Hawthorn

Amur Maple

Flowering cherry

Common PawPaw

Flowering Dogwood

Flowering Crabapple

Golden Chain

Koosa Dogwood

Sweetbay Magnolia

Golden Raintree

Purple Leaf Plum

Washington Hawthorne

Ostrich Fern

Purple Love Grass

Seersucker Sedge

Tussock Sedge

Wild Geranium

Wild Ginger

Woodland Phlox

Woodland Stonecrop

6.

Add the following species under the heading PERENNIALS: ADD:

American Alumroot

Bergamot

Black Cohosh

Blazing Star

Blue Wild Indigo

Blue Wood Aster

Butterfly Weed

Cardinal Flower

Common Boneset

Common Milkweed

Common Wild Petunia

Dwarf Crested Iris

Eastern Prickly pear

Eastern Rose-mallow

Eastern Solomon’s Plume

Golden Alexanders

Goldenrod

Meadow Phlox

Mountain Mint

Narrow-leaved sunflower

Orange Coneflower

Scarlet Beebalm

Smoothe Oxeye

Southern Blue Flag

Spotted Beebalm

Swamp Milkweed

Threadleaf Coreopsis

Turk’s-cap Lily

Viola (all species)

Virginia Bluebell

Virginia Spring Beauty

Water Lily

White Foxglove

White Turtlehead

White Wood Aster

Wild Bleeding Heart

Wild Geranium

Wild Pink Sticky Catchfly

Wild Red Columbine

Yellow Wild Indigo

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, this meeting will be conducted electronically pursuant to Ordinance 2020-04: Providing for Continuity of Government adopted by the Mayor and Town Council on April 28, 2020. There will be no public access to the Town Office for this meeting. The Mayor, Council, Planning Commissioners and Staff will be participating remotely via Zoom. Members of the public may attend this meeting electronically using the link or call in number provided below: Join Zoom Meeting:

4.

Add and Remove the following species from approved HEDGES/SHRUBS: ADD:

REMOVE:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82562897872?pwd=YVpDNGhqUVdkQ2xxZVVBdDNtaWVrQT09 Meeting ID: 825 6289 7872

Buttonbush

Common Elderberry

Azalea (various species)

Chinese Holly

Passcode: 509183

False Indigo Bush

Great Rhododendron

Cotoneaster

English Yew

To Participate by Phone: 301-715-8592

Maple-leaved Viburnum

Mountain Laurel

Euonymus

Japanese Holly

Ninebark

Northern Spicebush

Japanese Yew

Rhododendron (various species)

Pasture Rose

Red Chokeberry

Viburnum (various species)

Winged Euonymus

Strawberry-bush

Teaberry

Virginia Sweetspire

Wild Azalea

In the event of cancellation, the Joint Public Hearing will be held on December 16, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.

Complete copies of the proposed text amendments are available on the Town website at www.roundhillva.org or by emailing dalbright@roundhillva.org. All interested persons should appear and present their views at the above time and place. If a member of the public cannot attend, comments may be submitted by mail to PO Box 36, Round Hill, VA 20142; or emailed to dalbright@roundhillva. org. Comments received by Noon on the day of the hearing will be distributed to Town Council and Commission members and made a part of the public record. The Planning Commission will hold a meeting immediately after the public hearing and the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will begin after the Planning Commission meeting.

Winterberry

Witch Hazel

5.

11/12 & 11/19/20

Add the following species under the heading GROUNDCOVER/GRASSES: ADD:

Christmas Fern

Cinnamon Fern

Creeping Phlox

Foamflower

Golden Ragwort

Green-and-Gold

Indian Grass

Little Bluestem

Norhtern Maidenhair Fern

Oak Sedge

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 28

Legal Notices

VIRGINIA

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY

CATHARINE A.T. NORTHRIP a.k.a.CATHARINE A.T. ROEMER, Plaintiff, v.

FLOYD L.S. NORTHRIP, Defendant

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

) ) )

CL NO. 20-6937

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

TO CONSIDER ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TLOA 2020-0007, TO ESTABLISH THE GATEWAY DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider incorporation of proposed Gateway District Design Guidelines into the Leesburg Zoning Ordinance, as referenced in TLZO Section 7.12.4. The Gateway District is an overlay district and includes properties along five major corridors leading to the historic downtown including portions of East Market Street, West Market Street, North King Street, South King Street and Edwards Ferry Road, as established in TLOA Section 7.12.2. As set forth in TLZO Section 7.12.4, the Gateway District Design Guidelines will replace the H-2 Corridor Design Guidelines, will further define the design criteria set forth in TLZO 7.12.6, and will be used by the Preservation Planner and the Board of Architectural Review in evaluating Certificate of Appropriateness applications for properties within the Gateway District. The Gateway District Design Guidelines document includes the following chapters and key sections as noted for each chapter: 1. Chapter I. Introduction - to provide an overview of the Gateway corridors within Leesburg; the purpose of the Guidelines; the role of design review; guiding principles; the scope of the Gateway District; State Code of Virginia authority to establish the guidelines; local review authority in the district; and guidance on how to use the Guidelines for development projects which require a Certificate of Appropriateness.

2. Chapter II. Site Design Guidelines – guidance for building orientation and placement; parking; public spaces, screening, landscaping, utilities and service areas, lighting, and site design for attached housing.

3. Chapter III. Building Design Guidelines – guidance for architectural compatibility; alterations, additions or demolition of existing structures; and all aspects of new construction.

4. Chapter IV. Sign Design Guidelines – guidance for signage serving buildings and sites in the Gateway District.

5. Glossary – terms used in the Guidelines.

The Town Plan designates the properties along East Market Street as part of the Eastern Gateway District Small Area Plan; properties along West Market Street are designated as Low Density Residential; properties along North King Street are designated as Open Space, Major Institution, or Low Density Residential; properties along South King Street are designated as Low Density Residential, Open Space and Community Office; and properties along Edwards Ferry Road are designated as Downtown, Regional Retail, Community Office, and Low Density Residential. The proposed amendment proposes no changes to the uses or allowed density range in the Town Plan or as permitted by the current base zoning district of any property included in the proposed Gateway District (Overlay).

Additional information regarding the full text of this proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment may be reviewed either electronically, or in person at Town Hall by appointment. To view the amendments electronically, please go to the Town of Leesburg website at the following address: https://www.leesburgva.gov/government/departments/ planning-zoning/current-planning-zoning-projects/gateway-project. In accord with current COVID-19 health and safety procedures, if you wish to review hard copies, please contact Lauren Murphy, Preservation Planner at (703) 771-2773 or by email at lmurphy@ leesburgva.gov to schedule an appointment during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). The copies can then be inspected at the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during the scheduled appointment time. This Zoning Ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2020-0007.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk for the Planning Commission at (703)771-2434, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/ TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

11/5 & 11/12/20

THE OBJECT OF THIS SUIT is for the Plaintiff, CATHARINE A.T. NORTHRIP, to obtain a divorce a vinculo matrimonii from the Defendant, FLOYD L.S. NORTHRIP, on the grounds of the parties having lived separate and apart without cohabitation and without interruption for a period of time in excess of one (1) year.

IT APPEARING by Affidavit that the Plaintiff has used due diligence to ascertain the whereabouts of the Defendant without effect, and therefore IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before the 15 day of January, 2021 at 2 p.m. and protect his interests herein.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the above paragraphs be published once a week for four (4) successive weeks in Loudoun Now, a newspaper of general circulation in Loudoun County, Virginia. Loudoun Now is located 15 North King Street, Suite 101, Leesburg, VA 20176. The Clerk of this Court shall post this Order at the front door of the Courthouse, and shall mail a copy of this Order to the Defendant at his last known address at 106 Lester Dr. Camdenton, MO 65020.

10/29, 11/5, 11/12, & 11/19/20

Loudoun County Public Schools

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 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.

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

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

PAGE 29

Legal Notices

ORDER

COMMON VA. CODE §

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

Address of Affected Property: 107 Meadows Lane, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 Parcel Number: 188179649000

ABC LICENSE

Property Owner: Kirk C. Noll NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Leesburg Town Code Section 8-3 that the following conditions constituting a nuisance exist at the real property located at 107 Meadows Lane in Leesburg, Virginia: Deterioration of the rear wall of the town home located on the property, rendering the interior of the structure open to the environment and causing significant accumulation of debris in the back yard, both of which constitute a menace to the health and safety of the occupants of the structure and the public.

YOU ARE HEREBY ORDERED to ABATE and correct said nuisance within thirty (30) calendar days after service of the Notice of and Order to Abate a Nuisance by undertaking the following: Reconstruct the back wall of the residence such that the interior of the structure is enclosed and is secured from the weather; Assure that the exterior materials used are of a quality and nature that they can withstand ongoing exposure to weather; Assure that windows and gutters are properly installed, resistant to weather and properly channel water away from the structure; Remove accumulated debris from back yard.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN pursuant to Town Code Section 8-3 that failure to timely abate the nuisance in the manner specified will result in Town representatives entering the property and undertaking the minimum work required to abate the nuisance at the property owner’s expense. The property owner will be provided with an invoice itemizing the expenditures. If the invoice is not paid in full within 15 days of receipt, the unpaid balance will constitute a lien on the property on par with and collectible in the same manner as unpaid real estate taxes.

11/5 & 11/12/20

Loudoun County Public Schools

Fiscal Year 2022 – 2027 Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Year 2022 – 2027 Capital Asset Preservation Program The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings for the Fiscal Year 2022–2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Capital Asset Preservation Program (CAPP) budgets.

Date

School Board Meeting Topic

Tuesday, November 10, 2020*

Superintendent’s Recommended FY2022FY2027 CIP & CAPP Presented to School Board

Monday, November 16, 2020

School Board FY2022-FY2027 CIP & CAPP Public Hearing/ Work Session

Monday, November 30, 2020

School Board FY2022-FY2027 CIP & CAPP Public Hearing/ Work Session

Tuesday, December 15, 2020*

School Board Adoption of FY2022-FY2027 CIP & CAPP

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

The meetings will be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Fios Channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the LCPS 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 prior to 5:00 p.m. on the day of the School Board hearing. ‘No Contact’ walk-in speaker registration will also be accepted in the lobby of the LCPS Administration Building beginning 30 minutes prior to the meeting, until 5 minutes before the start of the meeting.

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 least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Kevin L. Lewis, Assistant Superintendent Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1385 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 11/26, 12/3, 12/10/20

Case No.:

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

NOTICE OF AND ORDER TO ABATE A NUISANCE

Mordern Food Group LLC, trading as Urbano Modern Italian, 21430 Epicerie Plz, Sterling, VA 20164-6636 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer on premises and Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

William Downes, member Tisha Bastedo-Downes, 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.

10/29 & 11/5/20

CL20-4819

Case No.:

Loudoun County Circuit Court

Loudo R

,

Lisa Monita Garett v.

Kenneth A. Lewis The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce and serve the Complaint for Divorce.

It is ORDERED that Kenneth A. Lewis appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before December 11, 2020 at 2 PM. 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 & 11/26/20

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

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

YR.

MAKE

MODEL

VIN

STORAGE

PHONE#

2001 2010 1995 1999 2019

HONDA CARRY ON CADILLAC HONDA NISSAN

ACCORD TRAILER STS CRV PATHFINDER

1HGCG16571A073557 4YMUL1211AG062033 1G6KY5293SU822641 JHLRD1863XC021348 5N1DR2MNXKC592187

TERRY’S ROAD RUNNER AL’S ASHBURN ASHBURN

540-338-4386 703-450-7500 703-435-8888 703-585-8770 703-585-8770

11/12 & 11/19/20

NOTICE OF A VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Loudoun County Family Services Advisory Board Webex https://loudoun-gov.webex.com/loudoun-gov/onstage/g. php?MTID=e9b02a470f95de51a8f16c2b78e378526

Pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, 42 United States Code §5301, et seq., and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations at 24 Code of Federal Regulations Subtitle A §91.105(e)(1), the Loudoun County Family Services Advisory Board will hold a VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., at the Webex link stated above to obtain citizens’ views and to respond to proposals and questions for the purpose of addressing housing and community development needs, including priority housing and nonhousing community development needs, fair housing issues, development of proposed activities, and review of program performance. The purpose of the hearing is to also obtain citizens’ views and to respond to proposals and questions related to activities to help families and individuals prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. Comments received at the Public Hearing will be considered in preparing Loudoun County’s 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan that will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for approval and subsequently submitted to HUD in May 2021. All citizens and organizations are invited to present their views and comments. Those interested in speaking during the public hearing are encouraged to sign-up in advance. Please contact Sandra Berrios by email at Sandra.Berrios@loudoun.gov, or call (703) 771-5731. For additional information on remote participation, please visit www.loudoun.gov/ remoteparticipation.

Anyone who requires a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or needs language assistance in order to participate in these activities should contact the Office of Housing is at 703-737-8323 (V/TTY).

11/12 & 11/19/20

Comm Jace Leo D

Loud

D

The object permanenc Foster Care §§ 16.1-28 Dunford an

It is Ordere appear at th protect her December

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 30

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

Legal Notices

JJ043391-05-00 JJ043327-05-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Misc.

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jace Leo Dunford and James Dunford III

TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLES 9 AND 18 TLOA-2020-0008 – VENDING KIOSK

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Dawn Dunford, Mother

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, November 19, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176. The purpose of this text amendment is to create a new accessory use called Vending Kiosk. The proposed amendments affect following sections of the Zoning Ordinance:

The object of this suit is to hold a 2nd permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Jace Leo Dunford and James Dunford III. It is Ordered that Dawn Dunford, mother appear at the above-named Court and protect her interests on or before December 8, 2020 at 3:00 pm

1. Sec. 9.4 Accessory Uses 2. Sec. 18.1 Terms Defined Copies and additional information regarding each of these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2765 and asking for Michael Watkins, Zoning Administrator. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2020-0008.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk to the Commission at (703) 771-2434, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

TOWN OF HAMILTON

HOUSE FOR RENT - 3BR 1BA 41 E COLONIAL HWY $1,600/MONTH FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO SCHEDULE A WALK-THROUGH OF THE PROPERTY PLEASE CONTACT THE TOWN OFFICE.

INFO@HAMILTONVA.GOV (540)338-2811 10/29 & 11/5/20

11/05 & 11/12/20

11/12, 11/19, 11/26 & 12/3/20

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

JJ044218-02-00,

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

Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Isabella S. Montenegro.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father appear at the above named Court and protect his or her interests on or before December 2, 2020 at 2:00 pm 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, & 11/19/20

ABC LICENSE

White Eagle Enterprise LLC, trading as Mi Familia Deli & Tienda, 428 S Sterling Street Sterling, VA 20164-3204 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Beer On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Anand Desai - 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.

11/12 & 11/19/20

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Opinion Reversing the Fortunes The plans to build a regional-scale shopping mall in Loudoun began decades before the Dulles Town Center opened in 1999. The Lerner family demonstrated remarkable patience waiting for Loudoun’s population to grow to a threshold that could support 1.4 million square feet of retail space.

Yes, the opening of the mall was a game-changer culturally, providing a new cornerstone of community life, not just community commerce.

More significantly, it brought back many millions of dollars that Loudoun residents were spending at Tyson’s Corner or Fair Oaks—money that was going to fund Fairfax County’s schools instead of the ones here at home.

In the decades since, e-commerce has taken an increasing large bite out of brick and mortar shops and even their powerful synergy hasn’t provided immunity to large malls. There certainly are options to maintain the mall property as a dynamic, experiential retail destination for many years to come under the new management. There have been similar transformations all across the country and there are opportunities for creative redevelopment options. It doesn’t have to become another field of data centers.

More importantly, as we enter the holiday shopping season, spotlight on

LETTERS to the Editor

the declining fortunes of the mall highlights a larger concern. When you

True North, Round II

don’t shop local, you’re hurting your community—sending tax money and

Editor: Recently, I attended the Planning Commission public hearing regarding a second rezoning request for the True North Data Center project. As you may remember, this is the same project that less than three years ago gained rezoning approval from the previous Board of Supervisors to place a data center in the Transition Policy Area directly adjacent to Goose Creek, a state scenic river.

At the time of the approval, the developer indicated he had to start construction immediately as he had a data center operator who would locate there and start generating $17 million per year in tax dollars. As we all know, that never happened and shortly after the site was completely cleared of vegetation, it has sat vacant except for one small building ever since.

At last week’s public hearing, the developer indicated he wants to rezone the property to include 60-feet-tall buildings, because of a demand from a data center operator who will locate there. However, we found out that the developer does not even have a letter of intent commitment to move forward with this project if the rezoning is approved.

Doesn’t this story sound very familiar to

jobs elsewhere.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t shop online. Many local retailers offer online services through their webpages. And many would be happy to accommodate curbside service and home deliveries. There are plenty of opportunities to click away within the county’s boundaries. Let’s not send our holiday savings to Silicon Valley or Seattle this year.

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

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what we heard in 2018?

I commend Commissioners Forest Hayes and Ad Barnes who asked the developer tough questions and got the real facts of this rezoning out for the public to see. Unfortunately, the rest of the commissioners voted to send this rezoning request to work session to try to come to a compromise instead of denying it. I am not sure why the county feels it necessary to facilitate these rezonings and spend county time to try to figure out a way for this developer to make money by changing the zoning on this property.

This rezoning goes to the Board of Supervisors next spring for a vote regardless of the vote made by the Planning Commission.

As a resident in the Catoctin District, I will continue to fight to limit the development of data centers in the TPA that are 60 feet tall and located on the banks of a state scenic river. The developer has hired numerous experts and is paying them lots of money to make his case. I don’t have the time or the money to have a fair fight with the developer. However, that is where elected officials are supposed to come into play.

The commissioners and supervisors LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 33

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NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Readers’ Poll

PAGE 33

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

How are you planning to do your holiday shopping this year?

How do you feel about the presidential election results?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls

LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 32 in our districts are supposed to look after our best interests and they are not responsible for making sure speculative developers make money on their speculative projects.

Catoctin District residents need to ask themselves whether 60-foot-tall data center buildings are the vision they want for our district. They also need to get involved and make sure their representatives know where they stand. The Board of Supervisor’s make up changed significantly in the last election because Loudoun residents became scared the previous board was

Williams leaving continued from page 3 students,” School Board Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) said in a statement released by the school division. “He effectively promotes high quality teaching and learning while working to build an inclusive, safe learning environment with high expectations for all students. It has been my honor and privilege to serve on the Loudoun County School Board during Dr. Williams’ entire tenure as Superintendent.”

According to the announcement, Texas law requires the CCISD Board of Trustees to wait at least 21 days from the announcement of the sole finalist to make the appointment official. No date has

Editor: Now that the presidential election has been won by the Democrats, a “De-trumpification” process will have to course through the Republican Party’s veins if they are to once again be a worthy part of the American experiment in self-government. And the Loudoun County Republican Committee is not

exempt. The process should include at least the following declarations: The Republican Party embraces the lessons of history and hereby denounces demagoguery, and confesses that appealing to voters’ fears and prejudices has been ruinous to the country, most notably its children, and America’s capacity to fulfill its destiny.

We declare rational debate as the party’s only tool to persuade voters.

We now reject pathological dishonesty and embrace honesty as the only way to operate in the public trust.

We refuse to pit Americans against each other for political gain.

We reject any notions of white

supremacy and will work assiduously to make American democracy work for our increasingly pluralistic society.

We champion a free press as an essential American political institution, and admit that treating the press as an “enemy of the people” was irresponsible, foolishly immature, offensive to voters’ capacity to think for themselves, and the beginning of tyranny.

We once again declare that goodness, kindness, care and humility are the hallmarks for conservative governance.

If this process is not undertaken, a new conservative party must be formed.

been announced for Williams to begin the position.

In Texas, Williams is slated to replace another longtime superintendent, Greg Smith, who is set to retire at year’s end after 13 years in the post, and take over as the executive director of Texas’ Fast Growth School Coalition. Williams was selected from among a list of 80 initial candidates. While the Clear Creek Independent School District is about half the size of Loudoun’s, with 42,000 students, it also is serves one of the state’s fastest growing communities just south of Houston.

The search for a new Loudoun superintendent won’t begin until that appointment is made official, the division stated.

The School Board met in closed session Monday night to discuss Williams’ resig-

nation as well as options to name an interim superintendent to serve during the months-long search.

“Parents can have confidence that the entire LCPS team that they know and trust with their children’s education will remain focused on providing equitable, caring and engaging learning experiences for our students,” Sheridan stated.

In Loudoun, the hiring of a schools superintendent can be a once-in-a-generation decision. Hatrick served for 23 years and his former boss, Robert Butt, held the position for 19 years. Before them, Oscar Emerick, Loudoun’s fifth schools superintendent served from 1917 to 1957. Williams is only the fourth superintendent to serve in Loudoun since 1969.

It will be another daunting task for a

School Board that opened its four-year term in January with seven of the nine members serving in their first elective office. Shortly after completing their first budget deliberations, COVID-19 emerged.

Williams opted to close schools in March, the first Virginia school division to do so.

Board members and Williams’ staff have been wrestling with distance learning and complex return-to-school plans ever since.

Hatrick gave the School Board a full year’s notice when he announced his retirement plans in June 2013. The board kicked off a national search that included an extensive public participation process.

Williams was selected as Hatrick’s successor 10 months later and began in the post July 1, 2014. n

not making land use decisions in the residents’ best interests. Hopefully, this new board does a better job listening to its constituents.

— Ted Lewis, Leesburg

Self Reflect

— Chris Stevenson, Purcellville

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PAGE 34

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Never a Bad Time to Plant a Tree O UR

YARD to American Forests, a nonprofit conservation organization, a healthy 100-foot tree can take 11,000 gallons of water from the soil, and release it to the air as oxygen and water vapor, in a single growing season. Trees are natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainfall, and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers, and are the most effective land cover for water quality maintenance.

Some trees are special, and have witnessed history under their branches. I still regret the decision our homeowners association made shortly after we moved in. A farmer whose property abutted the development realized the proposed street layout would destroy a huge black oak about 170 years old. Very possibly, both Union and Confederate soldiers rode by that young tree. A relatively minor adjustment of the street plan would spare the oak, but would cause a somewhat more circuitous route in and out of the neighborhood.

After discussion, convenience won: The tree came down. I am often surprised how compelling an argument convenience makes. I find myself thinking of that tree as I contemplate what to do with my little

bit of Loudoun.

I’d like to plant more trees to enhance enjoyment and beauty of my yard. Fortunately, there are several programs to help me understand any problems, identify the best trees for my site, and perhaps help me pay for them.

The Arbor Day Foundation is an excellent online resource for locating trees that will thrive according to the specific aspects of my potential planting spots, and possess the characteristics I desire. Check out the “Tree Wizard” at their site.

Virginia Tech Extension has several online publications which aid tree selection for various lawn conditions. “Problem-free Trees for Virginia Landscapes” is especially good at identifying trees that do, and don’t, grow well in Virginia, and why. A partial list of trees native to this area includes black cherry, oaks, sourwood, tupelo, sweetgum, willow and most fruit trees.

The Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD) has a tree-planting program to offset the costs of planting streamside vegetative buffers on non-agricultural land. Owners of such land in

Loudoun County are eligible. The category includes private land, commercial/ industrial properties, and homeowners’ associations. Landowners are reimbursed after planting, upon submission of receipts and the recorded declaration of restrictions to preserve the planted area, and a site inspection by LSWCD or county staff.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Service offers a program to help me reduce the amount of fertilizer, pesticide and herbicide I use. Healthy Virginia Lawns volunteers will visit my property, collect soil samples, and do a site analysis. The HVL team then will create a nutrient management plan detailing the nutrients my lawn does, and does not, need, and a schedule for nutrient applications. For several reasons—the HOA being one–I am not yet willing to eliminate my lawn.

However, I derive some satisfaction from the fact that with the addition of trees and strategically placed non-lawn ground cover, I am at least reducing the pollution problem, if not eliminating it.

There are many steps I can take to improve enjoyment of my yard, add to the value of my home while saving money, and enhance air and water quality for all of us. I can’t replace a 170-year old black oak, but I can plant a tree under which my brand-new great grandson’s grandchildren can play. Isn’t that a nice thought? n

BACK

My beautiful little piece of western Loudoun needs attention, but I am weary of all the grass mowing and putting down fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides to grow it more so that I can mow more. It’s not rational, because lawns are not very good for the environment.

In Loudoun, lawn fertilizers, and pestand weed-killer runoffs are particularly troublesome, polluting our waterways that drain into the Chesapeake Bay. But lawns are not our only problem. We are losing trees.

We need trees for many reasons. They produce oxygen; they clean the bad stuff (carbon dioxide) out of the air that we keep putting into it when we mow grass, and drive to buy more gas to mow again; they clean our water, enabling us to make ice for our drinks when we get hot from mowing; they provide food for people and wildlife; and they beautify our land.

We all walk, drive, hike and ride bikes and horses around and through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and get pretty comfortable that the forests will be with us forever. It is a false comfort.

According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia loses more than 16,000 acres of forest annually, mainly through conversion to home sites, shopping centers, roads and other development. Rapid population growth diminishes our shrinking forestland base.

Nationally, our forested areas are being eliminated at an alarming rate. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that more than 40 million acres of private forest could be lost in the next 40 years. This prospect likely has motivated national and global organizations (Nature Conservancy, Arbor Day Foundation, 8billiontrees.com, National Forest Foundation) to adopt programs to plant millions of trees.

The Nature Conservancy maintains that trees are the planet’s most efficient consumers of carbon dioxide; one acre of trees extracts about six tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year.

As trees grow, their leaves pull carbon dioxide and water from the atmosphere, and use the sun’s energy to convert them into chemical compounds such as sugars that feed the trees. Oxygen is a by-product of that chemical reaction. According

• IN

BY LARRY MALONE

Larry Malone is communications director for Friends of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a 501(c)(3) conservation organization founded in 2007. For more information, go to friendsofblueridge.org. He also is a member of the Executive Committee of the Loudoun County Rural Economic Development Commission.

Chris Van Vlack of the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District assisted preparation of this article. Contact him about LSWCD’s tree planting program at chris.vanvlack@lswcd.org or 571-9184530. In Our Backyard is compiled by the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition. For more information about the organization, go to loudouncoalition.org.

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Twindemic continued from page 1 of keeping numbers as low as possible, so when we do get into the winter surge we expect that it will be much more manageable.”

Chiantella said the number of COVID patients admitted to the hospital—not discharged and released—has been relatively flat since the early summer months.

“What we are finding in general is patients are not quite as sick as they were before, not anywhere near the patients in a critical care position as in the May/June time frame. Most people are not in an ICU bed,” he said.

Both of Loudoun’s two major hospital systems, however, are prepared for things to change rapidly as the temperatures cool, and flu season makes its annual arrival.

Chiantella is cautiously optimistic.

“I would have to say in general, intuitively, it would seem this would be a better year for flu,” he said. “Everything that people should be doing to try to limit the spread of COVID would also limit the spread of influenza. In the past we haven’t worn masks. We’re using good hand hygiene, wearing appropriate garb, social distancing. All these things that we’re doing for COVID should also work for influenza.”

Hospital systems also are in a better position to battle COVID than in the spring.

In addition to it now being a known entity, Chiantella said Remdesivir, which has been shown to provide a faster recovery time for COVID-positive patients, is now readily available, in addition to the hospital having supplies of needed steroids and blood thinners on hand.

The University of Virginia and the Virginia Department of Health have been collaborating on predictive models that use data analytics to forecast possible changes in COVID cases in the state. The most recent, Oct. 30 report predicts that confirmed cases will peak during the week ending Jan. 17 with more than 14,000 cases. That projection could get better or worse, depending on Virginians’ behavior.

“If we continue on this trajectory, we would expect 203,473 total confirmed cases

by Thanksgiving,” the report reads. “This reflects recent stabilization of new cases in Virginia. However, there are a number of risks that could influence case growth over the next several weeks, including fall weather, the holiday season, and a national surge in cases. If these result in a jump in case growth, cases may peak in January with over 23,000 new cases per week.

However, if Virginians respond by improving prevention efforts such as hand washing, social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding indoor gatherings, cases could peak in early December, at just over 10,000 cases per week.”

As of Nov. 10, Loudoun’s 73 COVID cas-

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PAGE 35

Health Department Preparing COVID-19 Vaccination Plan

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

With widespread vaccination held up as the path out of the COVID-19 pandemic, developing an effective vaccine is only half the job—it must also be produced en masse and distributed to as many people as possible.

Loudoun County’s Health Department Director Dr. David Goodfriend said his office is planning for that work, building on the vaccination plans used for another type of respiratory virus, H1N1 or swine flu.

“We’re probably going to do a variation of our drive-through testing or drivethrough vaccination plan in addition to our facility-based plans,” Goodfriend told county supervisors Nov. 5. “So, we’re working closely with all of our partners getting everyone back up to speed on es and seven-day average of 54 new cases a day was still well below its late May peak average of 107 new cases a day, following the first free mass testing events.

Goodfriend said the Health Department and area medical providers are emphasizing the need to get a flu vaccination ahead of the winter months. Current data shows that many Loudouners are heeding that advice.

“We know that there are significantly more people getting vaccinated than in a typical year. What we don’t know is if they’re just getting vaccinated earlier, versus new people getting vaccinated. A lot more people have gotten vaccinated for the flu, at least through mid-October,” Goodfriend said, pointing to state statistics.

“Each winter our emergency departments get very crowded and hospital beds start filling up. The more we can keep the flu out of the community, the more capacity we have to deal with COVID.” Flu cases at Inova Loudoun Hospital have thus far been relatively low, Chiantella said. He echoed Goodfriend’s urge to get a flu vaccination, and noted that all of the medical providers at the hospital have received flu vaccinations, and almost all of the remaining staff.

“I think it’s important for people to realize when we get an influenza shot the focus is to prevent death from influenza. The death rate from COVID is 30 to 40 times more than the death rate from flu,” Chiantella said. “The average seasonal flu death rate is below 0.1%. The death rate from COVID is 3% to 4%. It really puts things in a different perspective. I think people should take the stance that they should not take an unnecessary risk.”

One of the many great unknowns as the

what each one of them was like, because we’ve had a lot of turnover since 2009.”

Vaccination will probably come in two phases, he said: a first phase going to certain targeted populations, and as production of the vaccine ramps up, broader vaccination for the general public. The first phase will mean partnerships with longterm care facilities, which house some of the most vulnerable people and which had to quickly adapt at the beginning of the pandemic.

“There’s funding from the federal government where those pharmacies can partner with the long-term care facilities to go out on site and provide the vaccine,” Goodfriend said. “We’ve been working with our long-term care facilities to maximize the number who sign up for that because we think that’s by far the easiest option for them.”

And for now, he said, the Health Dewinter months get closer is what the effect of a “twindemic,” COVID and flu together, will have on the general population.

“We don’t know what the effect of COVID and flu together on an individual are. Even though a young person may do fine with COVID, if you have COVID and the flu is it going to be more severe? The symptoms are very similar. Flu-like symptoms could be flu or COVID, or you could be positive for both. A lot more folks may end up getting quarantined,” he said.

Cook said her hospitals have rapid testing for both COVID and flu at the ready, but test results are not always reliable.

“It used to be during the height of flu season we would stop testing people because everybody had the flu. At the beginning of COVID that was our stance, too,” she said. “We assumed people had it and told them to isolate themselves. Sometimes there are false negatives, and you don’t want to be reassured by a negative test if you still have all the signs and symptoms. It’s still hairy.”

Goodfriend said the Health Department is working to build up its cadre of case investigators ahead of any potential surge, to do a high level of follow-up for patients.

The department is also preparing for the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine, which could be available to the area’s higher-risk populations in the next few months. It could be available to the general public as soon as March or April, he said.

Goodfriend acknowledged that general public hesitation about the fast-tracked vaccination is a “significant concern” for health directors.

“We need to feel comfortable as health directors, and the health commissioner needs to feel comfortable. Once we all feel

partment will continue to watch cases to see if they climb as the weather changes, and prepare for winter when they are expected to—along with other seasonal infections such as the flu. He encouraged people to help hospitals from being overrun as COVID-19 cases climb by getting the flu vaccine now.

On Monday, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech announced they have had better-than-expected results with an experimental COVID-19 vaccine. They will now continue to monitor test subjects for negative side effects, expecting to have results in the third week of November. Pfizer projects it will be able to produce up to 50 million doses worldwide by the end of the year, and up to 1.3 billion in 2021.

The Loudoun County Health Department will host two free mass testing events Saturday, Nov. 14. n that it’s safe, how do we share that belief with the public?” he said. “The good part for the average Loudoun County resident is they are not in that first wave of vaccination. By the time it’s open to the general public there will be a good history of people getting vaccinated.”

Goodfriend asked anyone who is interested in joining the Loudoun Medical Reserve Corps to reach out, as there is a need for both medical providers and non-medical personnel who can do tasks like directing traffic and other essential roles. More information can be found at loudoun.gov/mrc.

Cook urged the public to make smart choices as they prepare for the winter months.

“Wear a mask, wash your hands, don’t go somewhere that has 800 people there,” she said. “You need to protect yourself, protect your family. If you are having symptoms and are concerned, let people know. Let people know they may have been exposed so they can be safe and protect themselves.

People need to be on the lookout and vigilant about it.”

Goodfriend said the Health Department will continue to schedule free COVID testing events, although the format may need to change a bit once it gets colder, with a goal to hit every part of the county. Four more testing events are upcoming: two in Leesburg on Nov. 14, and one each in South Riding and Purcellville on Nov. 21.

Goodfriend said the coming months could resemble the lockdown environment of April and May, if recent surges in other states and in Europe are to be any kind of forewarning.

“We may get lucky,” he said, “but we want to make sure we’re prepared.” n

PAGE 36

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