Loudoun Now for Dec. 3, 2020

n LOUDOUN

Pg. 4 | n LEESBURG

VOL. 6, NO. 1

Pg. 6 | n EDUCATION

Pg. 10 | n OBITUARIES

Pg. 25 | n PUBLIC NOTICES

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

Restaurants Look Ahead to Cold Winter

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Holiday shoppers—wearing masks, and waiting in lines outside stores where staff are enforcing occupancy limits—thronged to the Leesburg Premium Outlets on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Holiday Shopping: Plenty of Options to Support Local Businesses

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

The COVID-19 pandemic has been great for big online shopping companies, with Amazon already touting record holiday sales.

And while Amazon is now sort of a local business—the internet giant, which

has data centers in Loudoun, is a member of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce—shoppers who want to find something special for their loved ones this holiday season and help keep smaller local businesses afloat in the pandemic have lots of options.

“I think during this age of COVID, certainly folks are so much more willing

to shop online,” said Loudoun Chamber President and CEO Tony Howard. “We’re asking them, if they feel they want to shop online because that’s how they feel the most comfortable, to still consider the local merchants.”

Nine months into the pandemic, loHOLIDAY SHOPPING continues on page 38

After nearly five years in business, Leesburg’s Dog Money Restaurant and Brewery is closing its doors, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dean Lake and Tim Regan were already seasoned pros when they decided to take over a space at 50 Catoctin Circle, launching in 2016 with a range of beers and a name referring back to the local currency issued by the Town of Leesburg before the Civil War. And since that time, it saw steady business, Lake said.

But with the pandemic cutting deep into the restaurant’s revenues, winter weather driving people back indoors, and Congressional gridlock that has lasted most of 2020, Lake said “without further federal assistance, we can’t continue.”

“In order for us to continue at the reduced revenue rate, we were going to have to count on federal loans or grants. We were going to have to count on a landlord who had the flexibility to work with us on rent costs, we had to count on consumer patterns of behavior, and we had to count on good weather,” Lake said. Almost all of those things came together for the business: “We’ve been very fortunate in all of those respects over the summer, but obviously we knew winter was coming. We did not know that there would be a lack of a second round of help from the government.”

RESTAURANTS continues on page 39

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Leesburg Using CARES Money for Police Salaries

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriquez@loudounnow.com

The Leesburg Town Council has decided how to spend its remaining CARES Act funds ahead of the Dec. 30 federal deadline. The debate leading up to that vote led to a bit of controversy.

By a 4-2 vote, the council voted Nov. 24 to allocate the remaining $3.6 million, of the total $9.8 million the town was awarded, to reimburse itself for the cost of Police Department salaries from the start of the fiscal year, July 1 to Nov. 13. Total personnel costs for the Leesburg Police Department over that time period are $4.5 million but, of that amount, only $3.9 million is eligible for reimbursement under the CARES Act guidelines. The remaining $600,000 accounts for administrative and dispatcher salaries, which are not eligible expenses.

There was a general feeling of malaise evident on the council dais that more of the town’s CARES allocation was not able to benefit residents and businesses. The town did two rounds of grant funding to both town-based businesses and local

Loudoun Now File Photo

The Leesburg Town Council will use a portion of its federally issued pandemic relief funds to help pay for its Police Department costs this year.

nonprofits, awarding just under $3 million to 344 town businesses, and $1.4 million to 27 different nonprofit organizations.

Although the application period is still open for another five days, so far the town

has received 18 applications accounting for $72,00 in reimbursement requests for tent and heater purchases or rentals from town eating and beverage establishments, in a grant program that opened just a few

weeks ago. Town government response efforts to COVID-19 also account for $1.9 million in funding allocations, for things like building modifications, enhanced cleaning, and support for the weekend downtown outdoor dining program.

Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel pointed to the estimated $5.5 million shortfall Leesburg is facing in its current fiscal year 2021 budget. He said that the $3.6 million that the town can be reimbursed for Police Department salaries can go a long way towards closing that deficit. If the council did not support using the funding in that way, the town would be required to return remaining CARES funding to Loudoun County.

“You have $3.6 million that is going to be left over or fall out. You have an eligible expense that you can apply that to. Why would you not take that,” Town Manager Kaj Dentler asked.

Dentler explained that, after the $3.6 million CARES fund reimbursement is allocated, that same amount would be taken out of the Police Department budget and CARES FUNDING continues on page 38

Loudoun Surpasses 10,000 COVID-19 Cases as In-Person Classes Expand

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

On Tuesday, Loudoun County Public Schools expanded its hybrid learning program—including two days of in-person instruction per week—to about 8,300 students in grades 3-5 and seniors at the Academy of Science and the Academy of Engineering and Technology.

As of this week, more than 18,000 of the division’s 81,000 students are being offered some form of in-person classes.

The expansion comes as Loudoun is seeing increasing COVID-19 caseloads and hospitalizations, reflecting a spike in infections across the nation.

Loudoun County Health Department Director Dr. David Goodfriend said so far, most schools have done a good job of keeping students and their families safe.

“When we track cases in the schools, both kids and staff, we expect to see cases because if there are cases in the community, eventually you can have cases in the school. We see very little transmission within the schools,” Goodfriend said at a Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, Dec. 1. “And the challeng is, can they keep

up those key steps that they’re taking of mitigation, of six foot distancing, mask usage, symptom screening with more kids in the schools, with more kids on the buses, to keep them safe. Where we’ve seen some problems is in some of our private schools, some of our preschools, where they’re not doing mitigation efforts.”

Over the weekend, the seven-day rolling average of new daily cases exceeded the 100 benchmark for the first time since May 30. Also, the cumulative number of Loudoun cases crossed 10,000, reaching 10,232 by Monday.

The average number of coronavirus patients in local hospitals reached 38, climbing toward the record of 42 that was set May 30. Since the onset of the pandemic, 561 Loudoun patients have been hospitalized and 144 deaths have been linked to the virus. Of the fatal cases, 85% have involved residents age 70 and older.

Another key measure has been holding steady, but now is showing signs of spiking as well. The seven-day average positivity rate of COVID-19 tests was at 8.5% on Monday. That metric has hovered around the 8% mark for most of November. However, for the first time since May, the county registered three consecu-

tive days with higher than 10% positivity rates over the weekend.

“The increase in numbers is generalized throughout the county,” Goodfriend said. “We’re not seeing big outbreaks, we’re seeing small transmission.”

The 14-day positivity average, one of two key figures used by school leaders to determine whether in-person classes may continue, was holding below 8% on Tuesday. The School Board has set a 10% positivity rate—when combined with an average of more than 200 cases per 100,000 population in a 14-day period—as the circuit breaker for classroom activities.

Over the past two weeks, Loudoun has seen 314 cases per 100,000 residents.

Under a refinement of the policy considered by the School Board on Tuesday night, in-person classes automatically would be put on hold if the 14-day positivity rate remained at 10% or higher for five consecutive days and if case rates remained above 200. Even if those conditions are not met, the superintendent of schools still could elect to cease or restrict in-person learning at any time.

No additional expansion of hybrid learning classes is planned until the start of the second semester, Jan. 21. At that

time, middle and high school students who have selected the hybrid option are scheduled to join students in grades K-5 in the classroom.

More Testing Offered The latest caseload and positivity rates follow a record wave of virus testing, fueled by a series of free public testing events sponsored by the county government and health department in recent weeks. The average number of testing encounters has climbed over 1,000 for the first time since the onset of the pandemic in March. The previous record, 866, was set in June. Through most of the pandemic, Loudoun has averaged about 600 tests per day.

The Loudoun government is offering two more free testing days this month.

The first drive-through clinic will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 at Bolen Park near Leesburg. On Sunday, Dec. 13, testing will be offered between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Potomac Falls High School in Cascades. No appointments are required. A registration form is available at loudoun.gov/COVID19testing. n

PAGE 4

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

Loudoun

Supervisors Pass Rural Water Plan, Land Use Review

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Supervisors have voted to create an exception to a long-standing rule prohibiting central water from the eastern side of the county extending into the western Rural Policy Area.

The change is targeted at farmland along Evergreen Mills Road where the county government has 173 acres under contract to purchase for a new middle school, with a due diligence period ending Dec. 16 and closing planned in January. The school system envisions a large school complex there eventually, adding a high school, elementary school and, potentially, the county’s first indoor track facility.

The amendment to the county comprehensive plan approved Tuesday, Dec. 1 allows central water and sewer service to publicly owned properties in the county’s western Rural Policy Area, but adjoining the central Transition Policy Area. But it was a process that raised concerns not only for rural preservation advocates who were worried by the prospect of central water service in the Rural Policy Area, but also neighbors who now find themselves surrounded by central water and sewer service but not allowed to connect. For example, Fleetwood Farm Winery, which is

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Farmland on Evergreen Mills Road, which the county plans to purchase for a new school complex.

across the street from the Transition Policy Area, is surrounded on its other three sides by the new county property—completely surrounding the business with water service, to which it may not connect.

Supervisors also voted to launch an-

other comprehensive plan amendment that could fix that.

Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) attempted to limit the area where public water service could be extended to just parcels south of Red Hill Road. Ever-

Randall Pushes Local Gov’t Environmental Work

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun’s county government could take a number of steps toward being a little greener.

Supervisors were scheduled to vote Tuesday on a number of initiatives that grew from County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large)’s request for a broad overview of sustainability in Loudoun.

Those include ideas like expanding the county’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program, which helps fund green energy projects. Supervisors could also pursue Power Purchase Agreements, financing tools that allow renewable energy developers to build projects and sell the power to customers, which are often

tax-exempt entities such as local governments that cannot directly claim federal tax credits for renewable projects. And they could create an Environmental Advisory Council, which would guide those and other environmental initiatives.

Supervisors during the previous term took several steps toward making Loudoun more environmentally friendly, starting with a review of an existing energy strategy, approving a program to help finance commercial clean energy projects, and adopting new state ordinances to lower barriers to renewable energy at home and on farms. Supervisors also ordered a review of the county’s recycling program, ultimately dedicating $218,000 to test collecting glass separately to reduce contamination in other recy-

clables, making those recyclables harder to market.

The idea for a new Environmental Advisory Council, which could be similar to or even incorporate the existing Water Resources Technical Advisory Committee, has been part of the environmental review since supervisors approved it unanimously in April. At that time, Randall said it could be a technical committee, toward creating a set of technical recommendations, wrapping up its work within the current board’s term, then disbanding.

It also would not be the first attempt at a local government body for environmental oversight.

Previously, the county had a Department of Environmental Resources that

green Mills Road in that area marks the boundary between rural and transition policy. Supervisors voted that down 7-2, RURAL WATER PLAN continues on page 25 went away during a mid-1990s reorganization, an Environmental Review Team in the early 2000s that has since been disbanded, a short-lived citizen advisory on environmental issues, and a Sustainable Energy Task Force that finished its work and made its final report and recommendations in 2012.

And the county could overhaul its County Energy Strategy, which was first developed in 2009. Supervisors took their first cut at reviewing that in 2018, finding that although the work was done quietly, that work was being done, although sometimes without formal tracking of its sometimes vaguely stated goals.

If approved, the overhaul would start with an estimate of how much that would cost, possibly including hiring an outside consultant and holding a Board of Supervisors workshop to figure out that consultant’s scope of work. n

DECEMBER 3, 2020

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Supervisors Ask State Legislators to Restore Transportation Funding

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

County supervisors are once again this year asking the General Assembly to restore funding for the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, which funds hundreds of millions of dollars a year in transportation projects in the region.

In Loudoun, the authority has been a major funder of a number of projects, including on Northstar Boulevard, Loudoun County Parkway, Shellhorn Road, Evergreen Mills Road at Watson Road, the Rt. 7/Battlefield Parkway interchange, and others.

But the authority took a hit in 2018 when the General Assembly voted—with support from a Loudoun delegate—to strip away two sources of revenue, hotel tax and grantor’s tax revenues, to help pay for Metro. That was expected to lose the Authority as much as $100 million a year.

In 2019, some progress was made when a bill to establish new fees and taxes around Interstate 81 to fund improvements on the interstate also included a provision to distribute some of that revenue—estimated at $20 million—to the NVTA each year.

The COVID-19 pandemic is also expected to impact transportation funding, depending both on how it affects tax revenues and commuting patterns as teleworking could become more common in the long term.

This year, restoring all of the NVTA’s funding once again tops Loudoun’s list of state legislative priorities.

Roads generally are nominally a state responsibility, but the region and county board have both stepped in to direct massive local and regional tax revenues to transportation projects as the state has fallen farther and farther behind and traffic congestion became the norm.

This is also the year that County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) took the wheel at the NVTA. Randall this year chairs the authority, having been elected by her peers on the authority in December. Last year, she served as vice chair, and chaired the authority’s Governance and Personnel Committee. State Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-33), one of Loudoun’s representatives in Richmond, also serves on the authority.

Supervisors met with state legislators this Monday evening, a customary get-together before each year’s General Assembly session.

See a map of NVTA-funded projects at NOVAGateway.org.

But money, this year especially, will be

hard to come by, state lawmakers warned.

The state’s tax revenues are also feeling the impact of the pandemic.

Also on supervisors’ list: fighting Dulles Greenway tolls. The State Corporation Commission is mulling over whether to grant ever-higher Greenway tolls for the next five years, with a decision expected sometime this year.

The Greenway is asking the state to grant it annual toll increases for the next five years, ranging from a 5% increase on off-peak traffic for 2022 to a 6.8% increase on peak hour traffic in 2025. If approved, tolls would stand at $6.15 per one-way trip in off-peak hours, and $7.90 in peak hours by 2025. A commuter traveling twice a day on the Greenway during rush hour, five days a week, 52 weeks a year would pay $4,108 in tolls annually.

Today those tolls are $4.75 and $5.80.

State legislators have been perennially unwilling or unable to stop toll increases on the Greenway, which were all but guaranteed under previous legislation.

Bills brought by some local legislators to change that law were stopped each year in the General Assembly, with support even from some other local legislators. But things could be different this year—that legislation has now automatically expired, leading to a renewed push to stop those toll increases. SCC staff members have already questioned the Greenway’s arguments, and are not recommending a toll increase.

“The number one thing that we will need to be able to move forward is unity in the delegation. Quite candidly, not having that last year was a fatal blow to us,” said Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles).

“And so I do sincerely hope that we can get everybody on board. The county and the board will be endorsing a very specific set of legislation on this that’s modeled off of Del. [Suhas] Subramanyam’s (D-87) bill.”

The most recent attempt to curb the Greenway’s annual toll increases in the General Assembly came from Dels. Subramanyam and Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10), who introduced a bill similar to one first introduced in 2015 by then-Del. David I. Ramadan.

Other perennial county priorities, such as maintain local authority and not imposing mandates from the state without also funding them, remain.

“We do understand, appreciate, that the state budget is just going be really tight this year,” Randall said. “We understand that.

I would encourage you all to also understand that ours is going to be equally as tight, and so not having unfunded mandates would be really helpful for us.” n

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PAGE 6

DECEMBER 3, 2020

AROUND Town

Leesburg

Nightly Closures Begin on East Market St.

Dirt Moving

Town Development Ongoing

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The commonwealth’s largest town is set to get even bigger, with dirt moving on several large development projects and others ready to move into the construction stage.

Bill Ackman, director of the town’s Department of Plan Review, and Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning Brian Boucher recently provided Loudoun Now with some updates on key projects.

White Oaks Farm At the Rogers Farm property, a former working farm steps away from Loudoun County High School, Stanley Martin Homes is developing a 162 single-family home subdivision called White Oaks Farm.

Twelve acres of the property that contain structures deemed historic will be preserved on the property and were placed by the Town Council into the H-1 District.

According to Ackman, frontage improvements along Davis Avenue, Lee Avenue, and Dry Mill Road are underway, along with construction of the stormwater management pond. Ackman said he expects construction on homes to begin in the spring.

Crescent Parke One of the more controversial Town Council decisions of 2016, the Crescent Parke project got off to a fast start, with trees cleared and some grading work done on the 53-acre project site near Olde Izaak Walton Park before activity stopped altogether. In June, the property was purchased

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The longtime Rogers Farm property in southwest Leesburg is the location of the White Oaks Farm subdivision, 162 homes under construction by Stanley Martin Homes.

from the previous developer by Stanley Martin Homes. Right now, Stanley Martin is working on design of the bridge leading into the park, floodplain alteration, and proffers they need to address for the Olde Izaak Walton pond. The approved rezoning included a proffer that would purchase the formerly leased park on the town’s behalf, and also make significant improvements to its pond.

“We will start seeing plans in here for

Davis Avenue extended [roadway], floodplain studies, and the Izaak Walton pond within the next six months,” Ackman said.

“With that being likely I expect dirt starting to move again in some capacity towards the fall of 2021, or sooner if they’re able to overcome some of the challenges.”

The approved project calls for 344 residential units, including 70 age-restricted DEVELOPMENT continues on page 7

Town Council Adopts Gateway Streetscape Plan

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriquez@loudounnow.com

A new vision for the entryways into Leesburg has been finalized by the Town Council on Tuesday night, The council voted 4-2 on Nov. 24 to adopt a streetscape plan for its Gateway District. The district replaces the H-2 Overlay District, which for years has been criticized for its design inconsistencies.

The effort to create new design standards

has been a collaborative effort among the town staff, a working group put together to study changes to the H-2 Corridor, and the Town Council, in a process that has stretched on for years.

“My goodness this has been around a long, long time,” Mayor Kelly Burk said at the start of Monday’s work session discussion.

The goal of the new district is to improve design in the five key entryways into town: North King Street, South King

Street, East Market Street, West Market Street, and Edwards Ferry Road.

The streetscape design ideas are different for each corridor, but the goal is that the end results all provide a welcoming arrival to Leesburg, improve the sense of place, enhance the visual and aesthetic experience, and preserve character-defining elements. A series of streetscape elements for each corridor was considered, from STREETSCAPE continues on page 9

Rt. 7 between the Leesburg Bypass and River Creek Parkway will have nightly lane closures over the next two weeks as crews install beams for the Battlefield Parkway overpass, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Eastbound lane closures are planned for this week, and will include intermittent traffic stoppages lasting up to 20 minutes. Through Thursday, Dec. 3, lane closures will begin at 9 p.m. with traffic stoppages between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., and all lanes reopened to traffic by 5 a.m. On Friday, Dec. 4, up to two lanes will be closed beginning at 10 p.m. Intermittent traffic stoppages lasting up to 20 minutes each will occur between midnight and 4 a.m. All lanes will reopen to traffic by 9 a.m.

Nightly westbound lane closures are planned Monday, Dec. 7, through Friday, Dec. 11. From Monday through Thursday, lane closures will begin at 9 p.m. with traffic stoppages between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., and all lanes reopened to traffic by 5 a.m. On Friday, up to two lanes will be closed beginning at 10 p.m. Intermittent traffic stoppages lasting up to 20 minutes each will occur between midnight and 4 a.m. All lanes will reopen to traffic by 9 a.m.

The entire project is scheduled to be complete in fall 2021. For details go to virginiadot.org/route7battlefield.

Balch Opens Kitchen Utensil Exhibit The Thomas Balch Library will feature the exhibit “Granny’s Cooking: Meals at 21 W. Loudoun Street, 1950s - 1970s” during December in the Margaret Mercer Room.

The display features antique kitchen utensils that were used by Mrs. S.J. Johnston who lived, and cooked, on the corner of Loudoun and Wirt Streets for almost 75 years.

Using family recollections, kitchen utensils, and recipes from the Charles A. Johnston Collection, the exhibit will recreate Johnston’s (Granny’s) cooking and offer a look back at Leesburg’s tasty past.

The exhibit runs through Dec. 31 and may be seen by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, or 1-3 p.m. To schedule an appointment call 703-737-7195, email balchlib@leesburgva.gov, or go to leesburgva.gov/libraryregistration.

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

Development continued from page 6

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units, and 161,725 square feet of commercial development. Twenty thousand square feet of non-residential uses are to be built before the issuance of the 173rd occupancy permit.

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Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at Cochran Family Dental are Church & Market The construction of 115 rental units on committed to providing a comprehensive dental office the former Loudoun Times-Mirror property in downtown Leesburg is expected to friendly officeand offering budget wise payment options.most Dr. all of Route 7 between Wegmans and serve with a caring gentle style that will 1503 Dodona Terrace Visit ourwebsite: website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Visit our TheLeesburgVADentist.com Fri.:Fitness 8am WHITENING - 1pm Conveniently located in LA begin next year. Ackman said he expects ly thereafter, the property owner filed suit friendly office offering budget wise payment options.

Dr. 210 at Leesburg SPECIAL TheSuite Village facing Sat.: 8am - 1pm (once/month) been no activity Cochran has provided trusted dental care to the citizens to finish staff review in the coming weeks, against the town. There has Use your benefits before the end Leesburg, VA 20175 Cochran hasWegmans provided trusted dental careInsurance to the citizens Route 7 between your family’s dental needs under one roof.

24hrand Emergency Service 1503of Dodona the summer 2019, Terrace and the site plan could be approved in early on the lawsuit since of the year and receive a FREE LA Fitness Teeth Whitening Kit with every of Loudoun for 13 years.

210 703-771-9034 after the town filed a response to theSuite comof Loudoun for 13 years.scheduled cleaning or procedure.

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Mon & Wed: 8-6pm friendly office offering budget wise payment options. Dr. Leesburg, VA 20175 Town Attorney ChrisThe project also includes 25,000 square plaint, according to Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm at:WHITENING WHITENING Visit our website TheLeesburgVADentist.com Visit our website: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Conveniently located in Here to help you find Conveniently located in Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) topher Spera. feet combined of retail, restaurant and of703-771-9034 SPECIAL 24hr Emergency Service The Village at Leesburg facing Boucher said the staff has recently SPECIAL Cochran hasatprovided trusted dental care to the fice space off Market Street, stretching back The Village Leesburg facing Use your benefits beforecitizens the end Routeat: 7 between Wegmans andbenefits property owner, your forever home! to the parking lot and alley that borders been in contact with the Route Use your before the end a FREE 1503 Dodona Terrace Visit our website TheLeesburgVADentist.com of the year and receive 7 between Wegmans and LA Fitness 1503 Dodona Traditional Terrace Land, of LLC, on a possible Church and Loudoun streets. of the year andTeeth receive a FREE Whitening Kit with every Loudoun 13 years.

Suiteplan 210 LAfor Fitness Mon & Wed: 8-6pm resubmission. The original project called Mon & Wed: 8-6pm Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) 24hr Emergency Service

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The development evolved over the past Suite 210 scheduled cleaning or procedure.

Teeth Whitening Kit with every Leesburg,toVA 20175 Offer Expires January 1, 2016. its & decade, first approved as a primarily office for a rezoning of about 24 acres next Mon Wed: 8-6pm Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm scheduled cleaning or procedure.

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24hr Emergency Service mixed-use development. Included in those Metre is no longer involved with the complans are more than 600 residential units, a mercial aspect of the project, Boucher said. mix of multi-family units, condominiums, Plans for the construction of the resitownhouses, and two-over-two dwelling dential subdivision’s entire 400 units have units. The plans also called for ground floor Lifetime Wealth Management been approved, and many of the homes are retail and office uses, with a significant already occupied. is offering a complimentary amount of structured parking.

Grow Keane Enterprises recently sent in its Your Wealth review of your insurance Brickyard third submission to town staff, and review portfolio to determine if your Construction drawings are in process, is underway, Boucher said.

“They’ve addressed a lot of the issues and the applicant is addressing first subcurrent plan meets your [raised] in the second submission. This has mission comments on the site plan for a goals and objectives. new 61-unit townhouse neighborhood been a useful submission,” he said.

Boucher said he anticipates the staff north of the Leesburg Plaza shopping censending back further comments to the ap- ter on Catoctin Circle. Some of these units, Manage Enjoy plicant, but expressed hope that the fourth per the 2018 Town Council approval, will Your Wealth Your Wealth be designated as live-work units. submission could be the one sent to the Ackman said he anticipates construcPlanning Commission to begin legislative tion beginning next summer or fall. review.

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Residential construction has been progressing at the mixed-use development off Rt. 7 and Battlefield Parkway. The project was approved by a divided council in late 2016, and includes up to 442,500 square feet of office space, 187,000 square feet of retail space and an 80,000-square-foot hotel along with two parking structures and a mix of more than 400 residential units.

The first phase of construction has been

Nearby, Boucher said there has been no activity recently on an application to rezone a 7.5-acre portion of the Leesburg Plaza property to allow for the construction of 320 multi-family dwelling units, 38,000 square feet of ground-floor retail and 83,000 square feet of office uses in three phases. The application was first filed with DEVELOPMENT continues on page 8

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

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From right, Eyetopia founder Paige Buscema poses with optician Christina Dugard and manager Nancy Helmke during the 18th anniversary celebration of the downtown Leesburg business.

Eyetopia Marks 18th Anniversary On Saturday, Paige Buscema and her team at Eyetopia celebrated 18 years of converting area residents to fashion plates with the choice of bold eyeware tailored as much to their facial features and personality as to the strength of their eyesight.

A professional optician for 30 years, Buscema launched Eyetopia in 2002 in a shop on West Loudoun Street and soon moved to a larger space at her current location at 223 E. Market St. in Leesburg’s historic district. Today, the boutique offers an extensive inventory of optical products as well as items of personal style, and gifts.

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the town in 2015.

King Street Station The South King Street area along the W&OD Trail has experienced a transformation with the ongoing construction of the King Street Station development, which includes four residential buildings, with 16 one- or two-bedroom units each, and 4,000 square feet of commercial space.

The first residential building is now completely full, Ackman said, and the third and fourth buildings are under construction.

Commercial tenants could move in as soon as the end of the year, he added. Frontage improvements have been constructed, including a welcoming plaza for nearby trail users.

Shops at Russell Branch More retail offerings will soon be available just outside of the Village at Leesburg development, thanks to a 2019 Town Council approval. Located at the southeast

corner of Rt. 7 and Battlefield Parkway next to the Lowe’s Home Improvement store, The Shops at Russell Branch will include Leesburg’s first Aldi grocery store, set to open soon; a Schmitz gas station; a Virginia Tire & Auto service center; and a car wash.

Ackman said he expects the site plan to be approved by early 2021.

Compass Creek Perhaps the next frontier of commercial development in Leesburg is the Compass Creek development, where Microsoft is building a data center campus. The property is the subject of boundary line adjustment negotiations between the town and Loudoun County, as the land falls in the Joint Land Management Area, where the two entities have generally cooperated on planning practices. In addition to the Microsoft campus and an AtHome store, developer Peterson Companies has also received approval from the Town Council for four drive-through restaurants. Ackman said construction could start late next year. n

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

Streetscape continued from page 6 medians, to street trees to streetlights and signage and more. The streetscape plan does not, however, prescribe specific improvements for each corridor. That would instead be a process considered by planning staff and, ultimately, the Town Council in designating future construction projects, or seeing if some of those improvements would be contributed by the private sector as part of new developments.

The plan considers everything from improving the auto-oriented nature of the East Market Street gateway with more welcoming features, to preserving the tree-lined streets common in both the West Market and North King streets corridors.

“The overall goal is to demonstrate design intent, to paint a picture of what we expect to see, not to specify exact tree planting or bench locations,” planner and project manager Rich Klusek said. “That is something we may want to consider in future steps of implementation.”

“I think everybody realizes and recognizes it’s the beginning framework,”

Councilman Neil Steinberg said. “There’s much work to be done. That work will be continued by the future council. This basically puts us in the position to simply have this work continue.”

Council members Ron Campbell and Suzanne Fox voted against adoption of the plans. Fox said she was concerned about the impact the plan would have on private property, and Campbell said he felt there were still “too many hanging parts” to consider adoption.

It’s not the council’s first action on the Gateway District, as earlier this year it adopted a series of Zoning Ordinance changes to create the district. Next up for the council will be consideration of the district’s design guidelines, planned for the council’s Dec. 8 meeting.

Consideration of the streetscape plan could get another vetting during a public hearing on a comprehensive re-write of the Town Plan, in a project referred to as Legacy Leesburg, planned for some time in 2021.

The streetscape plan can be found at leesburgva.gov/departments/planning-zoning/current-planning-zoning-projects/gateway-project. n

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PAGE 10

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Education

School Board Highlights Need for Western Aquatics Center

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

An effort to accelerate construction of a western Loudoun aquatics center as part of the school division’s long-range construction program failed to gain traction during a School Board work session Monday night. However, the conversation is expected to jump start the project in talks with county supervisors.

Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) proposed the $36 million addition to the school divisions proposed $1.357 billion, six-year construction plan. Seeking to address the dearth of training and competition opportunities for student athletes west of Leesburg, he suggested building a competition size indoor pool on the campus of a high school.

“This is a real need for our swim teams especially in western Loudoun, but really across the county,” he said.

The Board of Supervisors has plans to build an aquatics center as part of a western Loudoun recreation center. That $118 million project is on a scale with those at Claude Moore Park and in Dulles South, but construction is not scheduled within the next five years.

Serotkin said he was looking for a cost-effective way to get the project going, suggesting construction in FY 2025.

The only indoor public pool in western Loudoun is the Round Hill Indoor Aquatics Center, but its four lanes are too short for competition and too shallow to allow starts or diving. Training time at other area

Loudoun Now File Photo

School Board members are hoping county supervisors will move forward more quickly with plans to build an aquatics center, similar to the one at the Dulles South Recreation & Community Center, in western Loudoun.

facilities is scarce as well, with athletes required to train late at night or in the early mornings or to venture outside the county.

Serotkin said collocating the center on a school site could cut costs.

“This is a fairly normal thing that many school districts provide as part of supporting our students and the larger community,” he said.

Other School Board members raised concerns about taking on a project that

typically would fall under the purview of the county’s parks and recreation department, not only for construction but also for staffing, operations and maintenance.

Serotkin was joined by John Beatty (Catoctin) and Jeffrey Morse (Dulles), who both supported plugging the project into the school division’s construction plan.

However, others said they support having talks with the county board about how best to get the project moving.

“I think it is a conversation worth having,” Serotkin said.

The board is set to finalize its Capital Improvements Program on Dec. 15.

During Monday’s work session the board agreed to accelerate a $10 million upgrade to the HVAC systems at several schools, and discussed options to accelerate construction of high school weight rooms, lights for tennis courts and other smaller-ticket projects. n

School Board Eyes Additional Conduct Regulations for Members

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Two weeks after issuing a formal, public reprimand of one member, the Loudoun School Board this week was scheduled to consider a new set of policies designed to govern how members interact with the public, staff and press.

The staff-proposed Policy 1035, titled School Board Norms, Protocols and Violations, was unanimously endorsed by the board’s Legislative Policy Committee on Nov. 17. The restrictions on board members’ actions would be in addition

to the official bylaws and a formal Code of Conduct policy that has set those boundaries since 1973 and was last updated in 2016.

The proposal includes prohibitions on actions that could be “reasonably interpreted” as undermining decisions of the full board and requires members not impede day-to-day school operations that fall under the responsibly of the superintendent. It would require members to be trained on the Freedom of Information Act and the Conflict of Interest Act, adhere to student privacy laws, and to report cases of child abuse and sexual harassment.

The proposal also designates the chairman as the official spokesperson of the board for all School Board policies and School Board actions. School Board members who receive calls from the media regarding school operations—topics that include personnel, student matters, school programs, finance, campus conditions and emergency events—must redirect the calls to the chairman and also notify the superintendent and the division’s legal counsel that he or she had been contacted by a reporter.

Under the proposal, individual School Board members would only be authorized to discuss with members of

the media their votes on motions, campaign positions and “current events.”

School Board members also would be required to make arraignments in advance to visit any school or classroom.

Violations of the policy would be enforced by a verbal warning in a closed meeting of the board, a written warning issued in a closed meeting, a public censure during a board meeting, or removal from committees.

The board was scheduled to discuss the policy at its meeting Tuesday night, with plans for a vote on Dec. 15. n

DECEMBER 3, 2020

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PAGE 11

SCHOOL notebook Williams Hiring by Texas School Division Finalized The departure of Superintendent Eric Williams to take a new job leading a school division near Houston, TX, has been confirmed, folWilliams lowing a mandated waiting period after he was named the sole finalist for the post.

After six and a half years leading Loudoun County Public Schools, Williams final day on the job will be Jan. 6.

School Board Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) made the announcement Tuesday night.

The board has held a series of closed sessions to interview candidates to serve as the interim superintendent while a months-long national search is conducted.

Sheridan said the selection of an interim superintendent would be announced this month.

Freedom Principal Tapped for Admin Post Freedom High School Principal Douglas Fulton on Tuesday was promoted to be the new director of school administration for the Department of Fulton Instruction. He will begin those duties Jan. 4.

The director of school administration is responsible for the strategic direction, organization, and coordination of key components of the Department of Instruction as they relate to the operations of schools, including discipline matters, athletics, stakeholder services, communication, comments and complaints. Fulton will report to Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Ashley Ellis.

Fulton started his career in education in 1985 and has served as Freedom’s principal since 2012.

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PAGE 12

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

Nonprofit

GIVING back

A Place To Be to Debut ‘Hope for Christmas’ Film LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

A Place To Be is teaming up with a Tony-nominated Broadway star to create a special event featuring the original film “Hope for Christmas,” created to help children process their emotions surrounding a holiday season that may be overshadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The nationally recognized music therapy organization works with disabled children and young adults with a mission to change the way the world sees people with life challenges and disabilities.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the Middleburg-based nonprofit has adapted its innovative performance-based approach to allow its music therapy clients to continue producing inspiring, positive messages that have been shared with community audiences and thousands of public school students over the past decade. With the transition to telehealth services, the organization is working to double the number of clients it served in direct services programs prior to the pandemic.

The holiday program has been a special undertaking.

Filmed under COVID restrictions, the production is a partially animated, 30-minute film featuring 22 client/performers and

original music by J. Robert Spencer, an actor, voice actor and singer who was nominated for a Tony Award for his work in the Broadway musical “Next to Normal.”

“As a therapist, I’m deeply concerned about the effects this pandemic has had on our community’s mental health,” said Tom Sweitzer, co-founder and creative director of A Place To Be. “At our music therapy center, we’ve seen a tremendous demand for mental health services—especially involving issues of depression, isolation, and anxiety. These are the very same issues that many people battle every year during the holidays. I wanted to create an event to re-

mind everyone, no matter your challenge, no matter your restrictions, there is hope.

Our clients are proof of that.”

The film will premiere in a one-nightonly showing Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. during a special evening with Spencer and clients of A Place To Be. The event will stream live on A Place To Be’s YouTube channel (youtube. com/aplacetobe) and its Facebook page (facebook.com/aplacetobeva).

“Hope and gratitude are extremely powerful antidotes to fear and adversity. We wish this evening entertains and inspires but also helps foster conversations among families about their feelings about the pandemic during the holidays,” Sweitzer said.

A Place To Be is a leader in developing digital content involving music therapy, including its animated series, “The Land of Music,” developed for K-3 students to understand emotions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring lively music and artwork, “The Land of Music” has been shown to thousands of public-school children across the country including in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties Public Schools.

More details of the “Hope for Christmas” event may be found at aplacetobeva. org/hopeforchristmas. n

Ampersand Project Distributes 127 Thanksgiving Turkeys

BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

Close to 600 people had turkeys at the center of their Thanksgiving dinner tables, thanks to The Ampersand Pantry Project.

The nonprofit handed out 127 turkeys to feed 586 community members in need for three hours on Thanksgiving eve. The turkeys were cooked and refrigerated at Merone’s Catering in Dulles and brought to Leesburg in a refrigerated truck. Volunteers also cooked side dishes at Ida Lee Park beginning at 5 a.m. that Wednesday morning, and the Purcellville Giant Food donated 200 pies to include in the distribution.

Most people picked up their meals by driving around the former Tastee Freeze building off East Market Street, where the nonprofit has been providing free lunches daily since its inception in February.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ampersand Pantry Project has served more than 50,000 meals to community

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The Ampersand Pantry Project volunteers offload a batch of uncooked Thanksgiving turkeys to hand out to community members in need Nov. 25.

members in need.

Project Creator Peter Burnett said the nonprofit’s operations would shift

after Thanksgiving toward providing unwrapped toys for children of families in need this Christmas. n

Peterson Family Foundation Donates $500K The Peterson Family Foundation is donating $500,000 to organizations throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland that have mobilized to help those in need. Up to $300,000 will be given this year with the balance being given the following year.

Among the nonprofits receiving support in this round of funding are Loudoun Hunger Relief and the Ampersand Pantry Project.

The Peterson Family Foundation was created by Milton and Carolyn Peterson. Milton Peterson is also the founder of Peterson Companies, one of the oldest real estate companies in the DC area. Since the inception of the foundation in 1997, it has directly contributed and helped to raise millions of dollars for a diverse list of organizations with missions that the family supports.

“Giving back to the communities where we live and do business is part of our family’s DNA,” said Foundation President Lauren Peterson. “We are extremely proud to support so many worthwhile organizations at this critical time of need.”

Grants Support 20 Animal Rescues The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties have awarded $46,000 in grants to 20 nonprofit animal rescue organizations in Loudoun County and across Virginia.

Landsrath founded the Animal Rescue Fund of Virginia as an independent organization in 2008, distributing more than $1 million to Virginia-based animal rescue organizations before shutting down grantmaking operations in 2017.

Her husband and friends created the Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund within the Community Foundation at her passing in 2019.

Last year, the fund granted $34,700 to animal welfare nonprofits.

Included among the new grant recipients are the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center ($2,000); the Community Cat Alliance ($2,000); the Equine Rescue League ($5,000); GIVING BACK continues on page 14

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

PAGE 13

Hope for the Holidays Concert Planned Dec. 19 While most holiday events have been canceled this year, a coalition of musicians and community leaders is planning a special concert to raise funds for nonprofits serving children in Loudoun.

BENEFIT’s “Hope for the Holidays” online holiday music special will be broadcast Saturday, Dec. 19. The pre-recorded event will be available for viewing on BENEFIT’s Facebook page and YouTube Live from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Established in 2017, Bands Empowering Nonprofits with Engagement and Fundraising Improving Tomorrow has hosted several music festivals and events to assist Loudoun County nonprofits that serve children. In 2019, BENEFIT debuted the successful Crossroads Music Festival featuring 21 artists and bands performing original music in seven downtown Leesburg venues. While the organization was not able to hold its live music events this year, it devised the online holiday special as a way continue its mission to help nonprofits.

The Hope for the Holidays music special will be reminiscent of classic television specials. Set against the backdrop of Morven Park, the pre-recorded program will showcase performances by several Loudoun County musicians including: Juliana MacDowell, Emma Rowley, Jason Masi, King Street, Gary Smallwood, The Loudoun County High School String Quartet, and The Master Singers of Virginia.

“We truly appreciate Morven Park hosting us to film this holiday music special so that we are able to bring Hope for the Holidays into the homes of our local and global community,” said BENEFIT Co-founder Ara Bagdasarian. “When faced with the challenges of organizing

an event during the pandemic, we had to think outside of the box to safely support nonprofit organizations and provide them with the assistance they need.”

Funds raised through the 2020 Hope for the Holidays online music special will be awarded to seven nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County: Loudoun Cares, Loudoun Citizens for Social Justice/Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS), Loudoun Literacy Council, INMED Partnerships for Children, Project Horse Empowerment Center, the Ryan Bartel Foundation, and Women Giving Back.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the 2020 Hope for the Holidays online music special may contact BENEFIT at info@ benefit.live or go to the Sponsor page on BENEFIT’s website at BENEFIT.live.

“The mission of BENEFIT is to help raise funds and awareness for nonprofits that serve children in Loudoun County, and needs are greater this year,” said BENEFIT Co-founder Amy Bobchek. “We hope that everyone will tune in from the comfort of their homes Dec. 19, enjoy an evening of great music, and help us raise funds for these nonprofit organizations and the children they serve.”

“We are excited to have BENEFIT produce this holiday special in Leesburg,” said Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk. “We can all use some hope for the holidays and this online holiday music special is a great way to help support our community and these nonprofit organizations. When you give, you receive so much more in return. Let’s all give some hope this holiday season.”

For more information about BENEFIT’s 2020 Hope for the Holidays online music special, go to BENEFIT.live. n

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PAGE 14

DECEMBER 3, 2020

GIVING back

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Greenway Opens Registration for Charity Run The Dulles Greenway has opened registration for its inaugural Run the Greenway 5K and 10K race.

The race will take place on Saturday, May 1 and start at the Dulles Greenway’s Mainline Toll Plaza. There will also be an 800-meter Kids Fun Run and a virtual race option.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Loudoun nonprofits, including ECHO, Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, Loudoun Free Clinic, Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, and Loudoun YMCA. “We are excited to welcome the region’s runners and their families to the first annual Run the Greenway race,” stated TRIP II CEO Renée N. Hamilton. “We are honored to partner with and invest in local organizations that are making positive contributions to our community.”

To register, go to runsignup.com/Race/ VA/Dulles/RunTheGreenway.

Coalition Awarded Gold for Veterans Hiring The Leesburg-based Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes was among the recipients of the 2020 HIRE Vets Medallion Award during an award ceremony at the U.S. Department of Labor. The Coalition earned the Gold Award.

The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act Medallion Program is the only federal award program that recognizes job creators that successfully recruit, hire, and retain veterans.

“There are no harder-working or more dedicated individuals than U.S. Veterans, so of course the Coalition hires them,” stated David Walker, president and CEO of the Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rebuilding the lives of severely wounded veterans of the global War on Terror. “We’re proud to be recognized with this award, along with so many other companies and organizations across the land that recognize the unique talents, strengths and skills offered by our Veterans, and are wise enough to offer these amazing men and women an opportunity to shine.”

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is based on a number of criteria, ranging from veteran hiring and retention to providing veteran-specific resources, lead-

ership programming, dedicated human resources, and compensation and tuition assistance programs, with requirements varying for large, medium, and small employers.

Learn more about the Coalition at saluteheroes.org.

ChefScape at the Village at Leesburg.

Toys for Tots, Red’s BBQ Raise Money for Toys Loudoun Toys for Tots teamed up with Red’s BBQ Relief at ChefScape in the Village at Leesburg on Saturday to raise money for its toy-buying efforts this season.

A portion of the food customers bought from Red’s benefitted the nonprofit, which is asking for monetary support instead of toy donations this Christmas season, since it’s unable to gather the support of hundreds of volunteers to store the toys in warehouses this year amid the pandemic’s restrictions.

Program Coordinator Frank Holtz thanked Red’s BBQ Founder Red Banks, who once served as a U.S. Marine Corps Embassy Guard, for stepping up to help the Toys for Tots organization, which the U.S. Marine Corps created in 1947 to distribute toys to less fortunate children at Christmas.

Aside from the money raised on Saturday, Holtz said Century 21 earlier this month also raised more than $5,000 for Loudoun Toys for Tots.

“Things have been trickling in,” Holtz said.

As more donations come in, Toys for Tots volunteers will go shopping for thousands of toys, which will then be sent to four organizations for family pickup— Help for Others, LINK, Mobile Hope and The Salvation Army.

To donate this season, go to loudounva.toysfortots.org or write a check payable to “Toys for Tots,” place it in an envelope marked “Toys for Tots” and drop it off at the Leesburg Town Hall main lobby, located at 25 W. Market St.

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

DECEMBER 3, 2020

PAGE 15

Still Needed: 500 Angels Salvation Army Seeks Help with Toy Collection LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Five hundred area children are still in need of support for the upcoming holiday season.

The Salvation Army of Loudoun County announced this week that it is still seeking sponsors for 500 of its Angel Tree children.

The Angel Tree Program, along with The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, is one of the nonprofit’s highest-profile Christmas efforts. Each year, hundreds of local children benefit from gifts donated by residents or businesses, who often select their “angel” ornaments off a tree at a local store with a list full of their Christmas wishes, usually toys or clothes.

“Currently, we are facing an enormous challenge with almost 500 children who are on our list with no one to adopt them. We are desperate this year,” stated Advisory Board Chairman Tom Gatewood. “Last year, most of the children’s names were claimed within two to three

weeks. This year, with a greater need than ever before due to the pandemic, we are concerned that some children won’t have a Christmas. We need our community, more than ever, to adopt children.”

This year, in addition to the Angel Trees placed around local shopping destinations, the Salvation Army is making it as simple as going online to choose an angel to adopt at https://tsamm. org/angeltree/adopt.dpi. The nonprofit’s Walmart Angel Tree registry can be found at walmart.com/registry/registryforgood/6E88983B-2F34-4980-8B6B -4D6ECFC543A1/view. Those who are interested in adopting 10 or more angels can contact 703-771-3371, or email at angeltreeloudoun@gmail.com.

All gifts must be returned to The Salvation Army office, 10 Cardinal Park, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 no later than Wednesday, Dec. 9 The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For questions, call 703771-3371. n

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PAGE 16

DECEMBER 3, 2020

TOWN notes

Our Towns

BLUEMONT Bluemont Vineyard to Host Bartel Foundation Event Bluemont Vineyard will host The Ryan Bartel Foundation’s Love Local Night from 4-8 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 3.

Guests are invited to the winery’s patio for a countdown to the illumination of the vineyard lights with proceeds supporting the nonprofit, which was founded by Ryan Bartel’s parents following his suicide. The Bartels strive to prevent youth suicide through awareness, upstream educational programs and activities that support and empower youth, families and the community atlarge through acceptance, connection, resiliency and hope.

For more information on the night, go to bluemontvineyard. com. Learn more about the foundation at ryanbartelfoundation.org.

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Hamilton Sharp Edges shop manager Mike Lunsford stands next to founder and owner Carlton Vaughan and his cousin.

From Poverty to Prosperity:

Hamilton’s Newest Barbershop Owner

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Twenty-four years ago, Carlton Vaughan was living in his native Jamaica with virtually no money in a house with no running water. Dozens of jobs and financial setbacks later, he now owns two barbershops and plans to expand.

Vaughan, known by his friends as Sawdy, opened Sharp Edges Barber Shop 2 a few doors down from the Hamilton Town Office along Colonial Highway in Hamilton in September. That move came as he was looking for locations to expand his prosperous Winchester-based barbershop, which he opened in 2007 after years of moving from job to job. That move was prefaced by decades of struggle, beginning with a childhood of poverty in Jamaica.

Vaughan moved from the Caribbean to Hackensack, NJ, in April 1996. Although he enrolled in high school once in New Jersey, he soon dropped out because, he said, he had missed so much of school previously in Jamaica that he couldn’t

keep up. From there, he tried working in a few different fields, but none worked out.

Upon becoming inspired by the barbershop next door to his house, he went to Kmart to buy a cheap pair of clippers and started to learn the trade.

It was after cutting a friend’s hair that he gained attention for the first time. Soon after, he started cutting hair for free out of his mother’s house. But with lots of competition in New Jersey, Vaughan, at the age of 19, decided to move to Winchester to start a legitimate barbering career—a decision he made while visiting his uncle for a weekend.

That decision proved more difficult that he expected, since, he said, many barbers didn’t want to hire him because he cut hair so well “it caused them to get jealous.” So, he moved around from industry to industry, getting fired everywhere he went because his passion for barbering hampered his focus on any other job.

That’s when he started cutting hair at his house for free. And soon after, he got a phone call that changed his life.

A man who owned a barbershop in Herndon was opening a new location in Winchester and needed someone to run it. With a bottle of water and can of oil to refill his leaking Nissan Maxima, Vaughan went to meet with the man and took the opportunity, agreeing to take 60% of the shop’s profits and hand the other 40% over.

After months of minimal business, Vaughan sought out the most popular guy in the local high school and cut his hair for free. That brought him endless business.

“That’s how I started drawing them in. … It was like a Christmas town for us,” Vaughan said of all the money he and his brother were making, adding that he bought a new Mercedes and was also able to take care of his then-girlfriend and some friends. “I was living that life because I had never been down that road before.”

BARBERSHOP continues on page 23

MIDDLEBURG Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony this Friday The Town of Middleburg and the Middleburg Museum will host its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony from 6-7 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 4 at The Pink Box, located at 12 N. Madison St. In addition to the tree lighting, there will be caroling, hot cocoa and an appearance from Mrs. Claus. For more information, call 703-853-2174 or go to themiddleburgmuseum.org.

Community Center to Host Cookie Decorating Event The Middleburg Community Center will host a cookie decorating event for kids aged 7 and up from 4-5:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7.

Kids will decorate cookies and make Reindeer boxes to carry them home. All materials will be provided. Registration is $15. The class size is limited, social distancing will be practiced and masks are required.

TOWN NOTES continues on page 22

DECEMBER 3, 2020

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PAGE 17

Purcellville Making Progress on Recommendations to Improve Town Functions

BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

It’s been exactly two years since The Novak Consulting Group recommended the Town of Purcellville implement four dozen initiatives to improve its government operations. In that time, town leaders have discussed all the recommendations in some capacity and have initiated projects to address a handful of those suggestions.

The Town Council in June 2018 hired Novak to perform an organizational assessment of the town’s government structure for $69,800. On Dec. 5, 2018, the consulting group returned its 48 recommendations, aimed at improving the town’s policies, procedures, staffing levels and management practices across all departments, excluding the Police Department.

Those recommendations were categorized into eight groups: six intended for the Town Council, five for the administration team, six for the human resources team, two for the information technology team, nine for the finance team, two for the parks and recreation team, four for the community development team and 14 for the public works team.

They included suggestions to establish better communication between the Town

Council and the staff, develop a performance measurement system for staffers, create a Technology Advisory Committee, develop a parks and recreation annual work plan, develop a comprehensive economic plan and adopt a simplified utility rate structure.

Town Manager David Mekarski estimated it would take seven years and $3.7 million for the town to implement all 48 recommendations—$2.3 million to pay consultants and $1.4 million in in-kind contributions.

“This is something that can’t be done overnight,” he said. “To that end I think that we’ve made a lot of progress.”

Mekarski said progress on implementing all 48 recommendations is “running in the background.”

“We do that every day of our calendar year,” he said.

Mayor Kwasi Fraser keeps a spreadsheet with updates on all of those recommendations, noting some as being ongoing, some as completed and others delayed by the pandemic.

A Need for ‘Communication,’ ‘Cooperation’ While working through the recommendations, the Town Council and the town

management team have sometimes struggled to align their goals.

To help, Fraser said it’s most important to look at Novak’s first few recommendations.

The first, second and third recommendations are to regularly update and revise the town’s strategic plan and priority focus areas, to develop organizational and department work plans based on the Town Council’s strategic plan, and to establish a formal protocol for council and staff communication, respectively.

Mekarski agreed that the first recommendation was one of the most important to tackle, noting that the town’s strategic plan needs to be revised every two years when there’s a change on the Town Council.

“You really can’t ignore that,” he said, noting that he’s planning to meet with Vice Mayor Mary Jane Williams and Councilmen Christopher Bertaut and Stanley Milan in January, all of whom were elected in June.

Councilman Tip Stinnette, too, said the third recommendation was of great importance.

Fraser said “it’s always been a challenge” to ensure the town manager’s actions are in line with the council’s priorities and that Mekarski has been presenting projects

that are “not in lockstep” with the council’s strategic initiatives. He said that Mekarski is omitting from the annual budgets many innovative ideas designed to generate the town revenue.

In response, Mekarski pointed to the town-owned 189-acre Aberdeen property, which, he said, he and his team spent a “tremendous amount of energy” examining. The town staff for months has been working to prepare a request for proposals soliciting responses from firms interested in setting up a nutrient bank there—an initiative designed to provide the town with revenue from nutrient credit sales.

Mekarski said he isn’t worried about separation between the Town Council and his staff.

“We don’t have to be in lockstep,” he said. “In a democracy, there always should be a healthy tension between the executive and legislative branch.”

Mekarski added that the tension has never become unhealthy.

Fraser noted the town has made some progress in recent years. He pointed to the Fireman’s Field contract with Shaun Alexander Enterprises, a relationship begun in early 2018 that was soon after soured when RECOMMENDATIONS continues on page 18

Needs are Real. e T

Show Loudoun some love Spend your dollars locally this holiday season.

Visit Loudoun Now’s Virtual Mall at www.loudounnow.com/virtualmall

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LAWS is committed to providing free and confidential services for anyone who has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse.

Visit www.lcsj.org to learn more about our critical community services.

LAWS’ HOTLINE — 703.777.6552

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PAGE 18

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Construction Continues on Lovettsville Town Office

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

The 45-year-old Lovettsville town office got a facelift Monday, as crews gutted the interior to make way for a larger Town Council chamber.

Work continues on the town office project, which is seeing Fuog/InterBuild install a 2,125-square-foot town office addition next door to the existing 1,250-square-foot office for nearly $500,000. That building is in place and all the town staff ’s furniture has been moved in, but the town is still waiting on an occupancy permit to move in. Interim Town Manager Sam Finz Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now said that should come in by or before the middle of the month.

Crews tore down the walls in Lovettsville’s 45-year-old town office Nov. 30 to make room for a larger Town Council chamber.

In the meantime, staffers are working from home. n

Recommendations continued from page 17 Alexander attempted to back out of his contract.

Fraser also mentioned the town’s agreement with Lumos Networks, which is seeing the network pay the town $30,000 annually to install and maintain a fiber optic cable system within the town’s public rights-of-way. The Town Council voted to approve that agreement March 10.

In an effort to improve alignment between the Town Council’s and town management team’s priorities, Fraser said he brought in a dean from neighboring Patrick Henry College last year to sit down with the town staff and talk through projects. He said that was done at no cost to the town.

“It makes no sense to have a management team doing operations that are not in sync with us,” Fraser said.

Mekarski said that meeting, which included all of the town’s department heads, saw the dean and town staff discuss about 170 town projects, all of which were separate from the Novak recommendations.

He pointed out that the 10 most important projects they identified were each aligned with The Town Council’s strategic plan.

Overall, Fraser said the separation he sees between the Town Council and town staff is “not a major disconnect” and that it’s seen in many organizations. He said “cooperation” and “constant communication” would be the keys to bridge the divide. Mekarski said his staffers are instructed to be “open, honest, candid and courageous.”

Fraser noted that he tries to meet with Mekarski at least once a week. Mekarksi said those meetings are “actually very helpful.”

Eyeing the Utility Rates, Staff Pay, Project Costs Aside from getting the Town Council and staff on the same page, both have different ideas as to which recommendations are most important to take on.

Mekarski and Stinnette agreed the town needs to develop a comprehensive economic development plan and implement a simplified utility rate structure, as outlined in recommendations 34 and 47, respectively.

The Town Council on March 18 voted to adopt that simplified rate structure, but nine months later it has yet to be applied to the town’s utility billing system.

Fraser said town leaders also need to ensure the compensation study—which the town hired an outside firm to complete, as outlined in Novak’s fourth recommendation—is implemented appropriately. He stressed that the 10,200-resident town should not be compared with the 54,000-resident Town of Leesburg or the 413,500-resident county as a whole.

Mekarski said that study was performed by examining other communities with similar budgets, staffs and other criteria, regardless of their populations.

Fraser also said the process the town staff uses to create and advertise requests for proposals needs to be streamlined, since, he said, it takes too long for those to get issued. For instance, the town staff has been working for months to develop an RFP soliciting responses from firms interested in setting up the Aberdeen nutrient bank, but that RFP won’t go out until this week or next, Mekarski said. The Town Council didn’t provide the town staff with final direction on the contents of that RFP until October.

Fraser added that the town should use

“It makes no sense to have a management team doing operations that are not in sync with us,” — Mayor Kwasi Fraser requests for proposals to obtain more accurate financial estimates from outside entities on projects in the town’s Capital Improvement Program. He said that would prevent the town management team from estimating costs and moving ahead with charging taxpayers based on those estimates.

Mekarski pointed out the town staff is not estimating project costs.

“We are basing [project costs] from preliminary engineering that was accomplished by one of our engineers on retainer,” he said. “Those numbers are highly accurate.”

A Difference in Committees Another recommendation Novak made was for the town to set up a Technology Advisory Committee to help the Town Council “more effectively gather feedback regarding technology issues from town staff.”

When asked why that committee had yet to be created and what the difference was between it and the newly formed

Community Policing Advisory Committee, which the Town Council was able to discuss, create and begin accepting applications for in less than four months, Fraser said the Technology Advisory Committee would be “more internal” in nature, meaning it would serve the town staff and not residents directly. He compared it with the town’s other committees, including the new policing advisory committee, which, he said, are “citizen focused.”

The policing advisory committee is intended to review community policing issues and make recommendations to the Town Council concerning the procedures and policies town police officers use, how officer complaints are handled, and how bias and deadly force cases are investigated, among other duties, according to the ordinance to create the committee.

Looking Toward 2025 Overall, Fraser said the town has made “significant progress” on the Novak recommendations.

“I think we are in great shape with these recommendations,” he said.

Mekarski said that while he doesn’t expect town business to “radically change” in the next five years to the point where the town needs to have another organizational assessment completed, the COVID-19 pandemic nevertheless is changing Purcellville. He said it would be beneficial to focus on technological advances, since the pandemic has brought rise to virtual meetings across the world.

No other Town Council members responded to a Nov. 20 email seeking input on the Novak recommendations. n

DECEMBER 3, 2020

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Town of Hillsboro Traffic-Calming & Pedestrian Safety Project

ReThink9 DECEMBER UPDATE

RETHINK9 MILESTONES

What is ReThink9 ReThink9—and why do it?

● MARCH 6

The project tackles heavy commuter congestion and high speeds to reclaim the Town of Hillsboro’s historic “Main Street” (Rt. ( 9) with a traffic-calming system of two gateway roundabouts, three raised crosswalks, sidewalks, multi-modal trails and safe on-street parking.

All overhead utilities are being buried, the Town’s unsafe drinking water system replaced, sanitary sewer main and underground stormwater management system installed. Combining road construction with critical infrastructure improvements to “Build it Once, Build it Right” has saved millions in design and construction costs and years of disruption to one of Loudoun’s busiest arteries for The East Roundabout at Rt. 9 and Hillsboro Road replaces regional commuters and visitors. a traffic signal to mitigate congestion and regulates speed.

Where does ReThink9 stand today, what’s left to be done?

East Roundabout median construction is underway.

PAGE 19

With a start date of March 6, 2020, ReThink9 is currently ahead of its schedule, with completion expected in April, 2021. Work completed or near completion includes retaining walls and masonry, curbs and gutters and the installation of all underground utilities including power and communications conduit, street lighting conduit, storm sewers, drinking water main, sanitary sewer main and laterals. Now underway is utility cable installation, roundabout construction, sidewalk and parking bay construction, base asphalt paving and fall landscaping.

Slated for early spring is raised crosswalk construction, streetlight installation, utility pole removal, final paving and landscaping.

How is Hillsboro’s historic integrity being preserved?

A key principle of ReThink9 is assurance of the highest quality and durability of the finished product, reducing long-term maintenance costs and maintaining the historical integrity of the 270-year-old Town of Hillsboro. As 21st-century infrastructure is built, context-sensitive design, materials and craftsmanship are conserving the18thand 19th-century character of one of Virginia’s best preserved authentic rural villages. Meticulous care in stone wall construction, granite curb installation, with exposed aggregate storm drain gutters and aprons and slate-finished sidewalk pavers, complement the Town’s historic architecture. Dark-sky enabled pedestrian lighting and a streetscape with some 200 native-species trees planted to recreate a lush tree canopy—along with the elimination of intrusive overhead utilities—will restore to Hillsboro its unique sense of place.

Granite curbs and slate-finished sidewalk pavers complement Hillsboro’s 18th and 19th-century stone structures and ensure unparalled durability.

How does ReThink9 benefit residents, businesses and commuters?

Project launched with VIPs and Miss America joining in the festivities.

MARCH 26

Concrete poured for West Roundabout retaining wall.

Roundabout construction begins.

● APRIL 1

Water main break creates health emergency, requires change in construction plan.

● MAY 4

Full road closure begins in response to COVID-19 shutdown, schedule revised.

● JUNE

Water main, meters and service lateral installation.

Stone wall masonry begins.

● JULY

Electric, communications conduit installation begins.

JULY 14

Safe Drinking Water project complete, 20-year Boil Water Notice lifted.

● AUGUST

Sanitary sewer force main installation begins.

AUGUST 13

Traffic signals removed.

AUGUST 14

Partial road opening begins.

● SEPTEMBER

Sanitary sewer main and service laterals complete.

Granite curb and aggregate gutter installation begins.

● OCTOBER

Underground stormwater drainage system completed.

● NOVEMBER

Power conduits complete.

Base layers of asphalt are installed throughout.

NOVEMBER 23

First of over 200 nativespecies trees planted.

For the first time in decades Town water customers and visitors have safe and adequate drinking water, and new sanitary sewer infrastructure is now in place, which will ultimately replace aging and environmentally hazardous private septic systems. With calmed traffic, safe pedestrian accessibility and modern infrastructure, revitalized economic activity is achievable. As an authentic—and now accessible historic destination—the Town of Hillsboro will support and complement growing tourism and rural businesses surrounding Hillsboro. By mitigating congestion with two roundabouts, thousands of daily regional residents will have smoother rides to and from work and weekend visitors will encounter fewer delays as they travel to enjoy Hillsboro’s fabulous farm and wine country.

For the latest project updates, visit ReThink9.com

PAGE 20

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

DECEMBER 3, 2020

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PAGE 21

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PAGE 22

JINGLE BELL ROCK & RUN 2020

VIRTUAL RACE DECEMBER 1-31 5K & 10K RACE HALF MARATHON 100 MILE CHALLENGE 1 MILE JAMMIE JINGLE

TOWN notes continued from page 16

To register, go to mcc-cookie-class. eventbrite.com.

PURCELLVILLE Town Council to Meet Dec. 8 Following November Recess The Purcellville Town Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8 for the first time since Oct. 27.

The council opted to take a November recess because it did not take its typical August recess this year. For more information, call the town at 540-338-7421.

Town Reviewing Appeal to Housing Development

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The Purcellville Town Council and the town staff are reviewing a Nov. 19 appeal filed in opposition to the Board of Architectural Review’s granting of a Certificate of Design Approval for a developer to build a mixed-used building along Hatcher Avenue between Main Street and the W&OD Trail.

Casey Chapman, Martinsburg Plaza LC and Loudoun West Investments LLC have proposed to build a three-story, mixed-use development with commercial uses at street level and two stories of residential units above. The building is proposed to be L-shaped and feature 196 feet of wall fronting Hatcher Avenue and 124 feet of wall fronting the W&OD Trail, according to an Oct. 20 staff report.

The developers have also submitted an application to the town seeking written verification that the existing buildings on the property may be demolished. If the town approves, the developers will submit the written verification to the county to obtain a demolition permit. They also must get the town’s and county’s approval on an engineered site plan, construction plans and erosion and sediment control pans, and get the town’s approval on a site plan, zoning permit and occupancy permit.

According to a Nov. 20 town statement, if all required elements of the appeal are in order, the Town Council will hear the appeal, most likely on or before Dec. 22.

Arts Council Hosting Photo Exhibit Through December The Purcellville Arts Council is hosting an exhibit featuring the work of Mark V. Walker through Dec. 31 in the town hall.

The collection of 12 framed photographs capture natural scenes and ar-

DECEMBER 3, 2020 chitectural subjects from the Washington DC area, including monuments on the National Mall, Great Falls Park, and Harpers Ferry. Visitors can meet Walker virtually with pre-recorded interview and discussion of his photographs on display at purcellvilleva.gov/669/Purcellville-Arts-Council. Visitors can also view the show during regular town hall office hours Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Walker is local fine art and commercial photographer specializing in landscape, architecture and portraiture photography.

His work has received recognition from renowned periodicals. It is also routinely showcased on corporate websites and is on display in personal galleries from San Francisco to New York City. He is working on a photobook documenting all 61 U.S. National Parks. So far, he has visited 28 of them. Walker’s portfolio can be found at markvwalkerphotography.com.

WATERFORD Waterford Foundation Plans Afternoon of Holiday Fun The Waterford Foundation will host a day of workshops, tours and all-around holiday merriment from noon to 6:30 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 5.

From noon to 6 p.m., the foundation will host a workshop for anyone to make a “Ye Olde Waterford Cake”—a traditional apple cake. Also in that time slot, the foundation will invite families to take holiday photos at the Bond Street Barn and to make a canned- or dry-good food donation. The collection box will be located at the Waterford Market at 15487 Second St. Those who purchased items during the Home & Holiday Sale can also pick up their packages at the lower level of the John Wesley Church across from the Old Mill from noon to 6 p.m. Parking will be on Liggett or Main Streets. Do not park on Bond Street.

The foundation will host a wreath-making workshop from 1-2:30 p.m. and kids will have the chance to visit with Santa at the Old Mill from 2-3 p.m. There will be a guided walking tour of the village from 4-4:45 p.m. and the foundation will announce the winners of the Deck the Door contest at 6 p.m.

For more information, go to waterfordfoundation.org.

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Barbershop continued from page 16 After that partnership ended, Vaughan built up the courage to lease a building in Winchester and open his own shop, Sharp Edges, in 2007, with added motivation from his wife.

A stranger sold him “everything a barbershop needs” for $4,000—furniture the man had obtained from a closed Sport Clips.

Also, during that time, Vaughan became the owner of a popular nightclub in Winchester, Island Delights. But, he said, that venture failed and he lost everything he had.

Then one day, Vaughan said he decided to change his music preferences from rap artists like Rick Ross and Meek Mill to more positive music. He said he then found God and started preaching and going to church. He was baptized as a Christian in 2014.

Vaughan began preaching in Sharp Edges, and his business grew, he said. “[God] literally grew me and pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said.

Finally, when looking for a new location to open a second barbershop in Lees-

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

burg, Vaughan came across the Hamilton location, which he bought and renovated to accommodate Sharp Edges 2.

He said he didn’t feel like he fit into the community at first, as a black Jamaican man in a rural Loudoun town with an 89% white population, but those thoughts were soon vanquished when clients started flowing through his doors.

“To us it was a mismatch, but come to find out it’s perfect,” he said.

Vaughan even promoted one of his barbers in Winchester to manager in Hamilton. That’s Mike Lunsford, who got an opportunity to first work as a barber in Winchester when he visited Vaughan fresh out of jail in January.

Lunsford said the journey from car mechanic to jail to the manager of a barbershop has showed him that “God put me in this position to learn how to do things on my own and for myself ” and that the position is strengthening him to take on his future.

“This man is a hell of a manager,” Vaughan said.

Moving into 2021, Vaughan said he and his team are trying to “kick back and focus and see where to go next.” “… There’s going to be more [Sharp Edges locations],” he said. n

PAGE 23

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PAGE 24

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Business

Falcons Landing Announces New Leadership LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Falcons Landing has announced the appointment of Gary Handley as the new president and CEO of the life plan community in Potomac Falls.

Handley most recently served as the executive director at the Palms of Fort Myers, where he spearheaded a successful mission to become one of the first senior living communities in the U.S. to receive J.D. Power’s Senior Living Certificate. Major Handley retired from military service in 2000 after 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard. He has more than 20 years of experience leading healthcare organizations. He was awarded his Fellowship of the American College of Healthcare

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

Gary Handley has been named the new president and CEO of Falcons Landing Potomac Falls.

Executives in 2019 and holds the designation as a Certified Director of Assisted Living by the Senior Living Certification Commission. He also is certified as a Dementia Partner by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and holds a bachelor’s degree in business Administration from Norwich University and an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University.

Among Handley’s priorities in the new position will be the opening of Falcons Landing new memory care building, Hillside House, next year.

He replaces retired U.S. Air Force Major Gen. Barbara Brannon, who served in the post for 14 years, since 2006. In her farewell remarks to residents and staff members last week,

Brannon reflected on the support of her team and their accomplishments.

Falcons Landing was founded by the Air Force Retired Officers Community to provide continuing care retirement living to military officers and federal employees and their spouses. Last month, The Johnson Center at Falcons Landing was recognized as a Best Nursing Home in the 2020-2021 survey by U.S. News World Report. The Johnson Center also has been awarded the highest distinction from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, earning a Five Star High Performance rating for both shortterm rehabilitation and long-term care, ranking it in the top 5% of the 15,000 nursing homes in the U.S. n

BUSINESS announcements Lombardi Launches EL Strategic

go to elstrategic.com or facebook.com/ELStrategic.

Erin Lombardi, former director of business development at Tarara Winery, has launched her own consulting firm, EL Strategic. The new company focuses on providing business development, brand engagement Lombardi and broker services to small businesses.

Lombardi joined the Tarara team in 2017 and quickly became known in agritourism circles for her dynamic, high-energy style. Lombardi is an ambassador for the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and was named Ambassador of the Year in 2019. This year, she’s nominated for the Chamber’s Community Leadership Award in the Young Professional category.

Winners will be announced at the Chamber’s annual meeting in January. Lombardi is a member of the board of trustees for the Visit Loudoun Foundation, which offers scholarships for Loudoun students working toward tourism-related degrees. Lombardi, who lives near Lovettsville with her family, made Loudoun’s 40 Under 40 list last year and was selected as a member of the 2021 Leadership Loudoun class.

For more information on EL Strategic,

Campaign Promotes Blackowned Businesses During Holidays As holiday shopping gears up this week, the folks at Loudoun Shops Black are encouraging shoppers to consider supporting local Black-owned businesses.

The website LoudounShopsBlack.com features more than 150 locally owned businesses—from restaurants and retail shops to salons and fitness studios.

The businesses are organized by category, making it easy to locate and support the many Black-owned businesses in Loudoun County.

Shopping small and local not only keeps dollars within Loudoun, but it also means shoppers can find more unique gifts. Consider picking up organic elderberry syrup or seasonal tea from Henderson Holistic Health. Shop for active wear at Fab & Fit or for handmade accessories at Posh Couture or Sow Cole Creations. Create a gift basket with treats from Popcorn Monkey or Chantel’s Bakery. Buy a gift card to Temple Training, Mix & Melt Studios, or Cork & Keg Tours. Or leave the cooking up to Johnny Ray’s Sultry Soul Food, 12 Tables Elegant Dining, Lady K’s Catering or one of the many restaurants or chefs featured on

The family behind apparel brand Jaka’Z Inc. is among more than 150 business owners featured on LoudounShopsBlack.com.

LoudounShopsBlack.com.

The volunteers who launched LoudounShopsBlack.com earlier this year said they wanted to provide a resource for those who want to be intentional with their dollars, resulting in job creation and more opportunity.

“This is an easy way to make a big impact right in our backyard,” the Loudoun Shops Black board said in a statement.

“Let’s make it part of our families’ way of life, and just another way that we shop local and love Loudoun.”

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Rural water plan continued from page 4 with only Buffington and Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) in favor.

The move by Supervisors Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) and Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) to launch a new, holistic review of whether that whole area should be in the Transition Policy Area— revisiting a debate from the last term’s work on the county’s 2019 General Plan, and something that the Planning Commission asked for when it recommended against creating the exception—passed 8-1, with only Umstattd opposed. Buffington noted it was nearly identical to a motion he attempted to make at a public hearing in November.

Umstattd said it would open the door

to yet more land being moved out of the rural policy area, following the decision during the last term to move some other parcels into the transition area.

“So this will now theoretically open it up for a third part of the Rural Policy Area to just be brought into the Transition Policy Area,” Umstattd said. “We’re eating away piece by piece at the Rural Policy Area.”

Buffington, meanwhile, supported that move, but not allowing water and sewer service into the Rural Policy Area without his additional constraints.

“The notion that the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is going to decide to acquire a piece of property and then site a public facility there without any kind of public discussion or approval is honestly preposterous,” Letourneau said.

There is already some limited central

Obituaries Deborah Paige Beaver Deborah Paige Beaver, 68 of Berryville, Virginia passed on Saturday, November 14, 2020, at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia.

Born Thursday, July 24, 1952, in Leesburg VA, she was the daughter of the late Edwin Beaver and the late Anna Beaver. Deborah grew up on South King Street in Leesburg and attended Loudoun County High School.

Deborah worked as an office manager at Beaver Sheet Metal for years, she then went to work for VDOT as an office assistant for Project Development, there she remained with VDOT for over twenty-seven years.

Surrounded by the company of her co-workers whom Deborah was very fond of.

Supporting her native teams, Deborah loved the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals. Among other

pastimes, Deborah loved spending time with her family and her many friends. She loved the company of her many nieces and nephews, whom are all saddened by the loss of Deborah.

Surviving are brothers, Thomas S. Beaver (Bonnie) of Leesburg, VA, John Beaver (Tonya) of Inwood, WV and Ross Beaver (Bonnie) of Ruckersville, VA, sisters, Bobbi Beaver Williams (Donald) of Leesburg, VA, Peggy (Bill) Hummer of Sterling, VA, Betty Cooper of Bowie, MD, Sharon Jackson (Donald) of Hamilton, VA, Beverly Brown of Fredericksburg, VA and Jan Beaver of South Riding, VA. She was predeceased by brothers, James Lloyd Beaver and Charles Edwin Beaver, sisters, Elizabeth Hough and Nancy Milbourn.

A Funeral service was held on Thursday at Leesburg Union Cemetery. Interment was in Leesburg Union Cemetery, Leesburg, VA.

Jeffrey Lyndon Neff Jeffrey Lyndon Neff passed away on November 6th, 2020 at Inova Loudoun Hospital, Lansdowne, VA after a very long illness.

Jeff was predeceased in death by his Uncle Clyde, Aunts Nancy and Ila, brother, Anthony, sister, Teresa and stepfather. He is survived by his mother, Juanita Hanson Twin, sons Jakob and Joshua, sister, Billlie

Kirk, Aunts and Uncles Justin and Jan, Bill and Susie, Ron and Jean and Aunts Inez and Patsy and Uncle Gerald.

Jeffrey was a multi-talented young man and wonderful caregiver to his brother, sister and stepfather.

Jeff will be missed by all that knew and loved him, but missed and loved by no one more than his mother.

For information about placing an Obituary in Loudoun Now, contact Susan Styer at sstyer@loudounnow.com

water and sewer service available in the Rural Policy Area, where towns have extended their systems beyond their borders. There is also an existing exemption to allow central service to address public health threats to existing rural communities.

The last time the water service area was expanded was in 2004, when supervisors voted to permit central water service in the Transition Policy Area, which divides the Rural and Suburban Policy Areas; before that, it was allowed only in the Suburban Policy Area.

Allowing water and sewer service has long been seen as a precursor to more intensive development, and prohibiting that service in most of the Rural Policy Area has been treated as a way to protect the rural west from development. n

PAGE 25

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Elizabeth “Betty” Robic and Ernest “Ernie” Robic Elizabeth “Betty” Robic and Ernest “Ernie” Robic passed away peacefully at home on October 10th and on November 9, 2020, respectively. They had been married for 66 years.

They are survived by their three sons, Michael, James, and John and 11 grandchildren.

Betty was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on January 29, 1929 and graduated from Misericordia College. She moved to the DC area to begin a teaching career and met Ernie on a blind date, married, and settled in Herndon, Virginia where she raised her three boys.

She taught in Loudoun County for more than 40 years before retiring in her seventies. Betty actively supported her minority students during the desegregation of the County’s schools, often attending social events at their invitation. As adults, they continued to reach out to her over the years letting her know just how much they appreciated the direction and guidance she provided them.

Betty spent many Friday nights cheering on her boys during their sporting events.

Betty was a long-time Washington Football Team fan and regularly went to games at RFK with her sons and brother CJ. Her favorite players were Charlie Taylor and Doug Williams. She also enjoyed reading and raising her many dogs over the years including Collies and Samoyeds. But, nearest to her heart were her beloved German Shepherds and their daily walks around Lake Carey.

Ernie was born in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12, 1927. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade to work in the steel mills to support his family. He joined the Navy on his seventeenth birthday and participated in four major Pacific battles in WWII.

After the war, he worked as the head bellman at the Shoreham Hotel in DC where he regularly escorted President Truman to his standing Friday night poker games. He then worked at TWA, once driving Howard Hughes to the DC office where he fired the entire staff, including Ernie, but not before the ride back to the airport and a nice tip.

Ernie went on to get his GED and then to study at the University of Virginia. His career was in banking where he rose from debt collector to Executive Vice President for commercial and retail banking, managing a team of more than 5,000 employees before retiring in 1992.

Ernie’s personality was magnetic – his wit, charm, and friendly joking will always be remembered and sorely missed. He was instrumental in the success of his sons’ various businesses, quickly identifying the soft spots in any business plan and always advocating a conservative approach. He preferred “colorful” language to communicate, yet he possessed an unmatched vocabulary.

He’ll be remembered piloting his pontoon boat around Lake Carey – Captain Ernie, pipe in his mouth and wind in his hair.

Betty is predeceased by her father Clarence Toole, mother Elizabeth Toole, brother William Toole, and brother Clarence “CJ” Toole. She is survived by her brother James Toole. Ernie is predeceased by his father Matthew Robic, mother Anna Petnuch, sister Francis Wlodarski, sister Helen Gage, brother George Petnuch, and brother Andrew Petnuch. He is survived by his sister Diane Petnuch, brother Jack Petnuch, and sister Rosalind Petnuch.

Funeral arrangements were made by Adams Green Funeral Home in Herndon, VA and a private burial was held at St. Stephens Cemetery in Shavertown PA. Donations in their name can be made to the Virginia German Shephard Rescue, https://www. shepherdrescue.org/.

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PAGE 26

DECEMBER 3, 2020

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Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Christ Timbers and Juliana MacDowell have teamed up to put on a joint show at Tally Ho Theater Dec. 10

‘It’s Always Magical’

Two Loudoun Favorites Launch a Musical Collaboration

BY JAN MERCKER

jmercker@loudounnow.com

Chris Timbers and Juliana MacDowell have big plans for 2021.

But as COVID continues to impact the local and national music scenes, these two very different singer/songwriters are taking time to enjoy a new collaboration—to the delight of their shared local fan base.

They’ll wrap up a surprisingly busy fall season with a joint show at Leesburg’s Tally Ho Theater on Thursday, Dec. 10.

12/19/20 DOORS: 7PM | SHOW: 8PM

“We realized that people enjoyed us sharing the stage together and singing songs together. That’s part of what geared us into bringing our bands together for shows,” Timbers said.

And while the two musicians approach their art from different places, they celebrate a shared joy in the creative process.

Timbers is a Loudoun-native with a long performance history—and a brush with fame with the jam band Less Traveled COLLABORATION continues on page 28

THINGS to do HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Clay and Metal Loft Holiday Sale

THE REAGAN YEARS NEW YEARS EVE PARTY

“We are definitely different when it comes to our musical styles, but I still think when it comes to shows, we attract a common crowd,” MacDowell said.

Timbers’ blues-inspired alternative soul and MacDowell’s pop-infused Americana strike different chords. But the two musicians are friends and musical collaborators who describe themselves as kindred spirits. Both have put together solid bands and have big plans for the year to come. But for now, they’re thinking locally and enjoying each other’s musical company.

Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Clay and Metal Loft, 27 Fairfax St., Leesburg Details: theclayandmetalloft.com Shop for ceramics, jewelry and other treasures from local artists in a socially distanced setting.

Leesburg Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show

Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Freedom Park, 101 Colonel Grenata Circle SE, Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov

Leesburg’s annual holiday craft show moves outside with more than 30 local and regional artisans selling hand-made items including candles, stained glass, carved wood, jewelry, table linens and other treasures. Admission and parking are free. Masks are required.

Dirt Farm Open-Air Christmas Market

Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, noon-5 p.m.

Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com Sip on Dirt Farm beer and signature hot beverages while you shop unique, handmade items from local artisans and vendors including Monkeytown Pottery

and Burnt Factory Wood & Glass.

Purcellville Reverse Holiday Parade – CANCELED

Saturday, Dec. 5, 6-9 p.m.

Hirst Road, Purcellville Details: purcellvilleva.gov Purcellville shakes up its annual holiday parade to allow for safe viewing. This year, parade participants will line up and remain stationary on the westbound side of Hirst Road with decorated floats and vehicles.

Viewers will drive east on Hirst Road past the floats and enjoy the “parade” from their cars. Floats must be registered by Nov. 30.

THINGS TO DO continues on page 29

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

DECEMBER 3, 2020

PAGE 27

HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE

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

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

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

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

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PAGE 28

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Holiday Happenings Abound

arts while socially distancing. We need the arts more than ever.”

Luckily, Stagecoach is not the only Loudoun business getting in the festive spirit this holiday season.

Over at Bluemont Vineyard, 15,000 holiday lights are strung through 10,000 grape vines that make the Blue Ridge hillside look like the landing pad for a spaceship. Each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. through Jan.

2 vineyard staff will lead a countdown to the illumination, followed by a rousing holiday toast with Bluemont wines.

Talking lights, Dec. 14 is the start of Franklin Park Arts Center’s first Winter Lights Walk: the illumination of an array of lighted sculptures on a walkway through the grounds of the park. Open through Jan. 2, the festive outdoor experience features the work of local artists and is an extension of the Purcellville park’s indoor gallery exhibit, “Stars, Night and Winter Sky.” Downtown Middleburg meanwhile resembles a scene from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Visitors can take part in a family-focused scavenger hunt, enjoy free hot cocoa at various stops, drop letters for Santa at the local post office and enjoy carriage rides down Washington Street where lampposts are hung with antique wooden Christmas ornaments and decorated with twinkling lights.

Staying in historic Loudoun towns,

last spring and a joint show at B Chord Brewing in October.

“Any time we sit down together, it’s always magical,” Timbers said. “I’ve admired and loved Juliana since I first heard her play. I love her songwriting, I love her singing, I love her presence and her storytelling.”

For MacDowell, learning from Timbers’ career of nearly four decades and his extensive network of DMV musicians has helped her move forward.

“There’s nothing better than playing with a friend. There’s nothing better than finding a kindred spirit,” MacDowell said.

“Chris has been at this for so long. It’s interesting for somebody like me to collaborate with a veteran, a local legend in a way.”

Timbers is known as a connector on the DMV music scene and has helped MacDowell build relationships with top musicians in the region. When MacDowell was rebuilding her band in the wake of the pandemic, Timbers jumped in to help her find just the right mix.

“Chris has been hugely kind,” she said.

“I’ll tell him I need somebody and he’ll throw a couple phone numbers at me and say tell them I sent you.”

The Tally Ho show will be a debut for MacDowell’s new band, which features guitarist Mike Ault, drummer Andy Hamburger, bassist Sonny Petrosky, Dave Hadley on pedal steel and Benjie Porecki on keyboards. MacDowell is recording her third album in Nashville with legendary producer Bil VornDick, with a scheduled

release this spring.

Meanwhile, Timbers has put together a stellar band of his own, featuring his longtime friend and collaborator Mike Tony Echols on bass, Pete Thomas on guitar, Paul Dudley on drums, Natalie Brooke on keyboards and Eli Gonzalez on saxophone.

Timbers has a new management company and has been focused on songwriting and expanding listenership on streaming services while planning for a return to touring after the coronavirus restrictions are lifted. Timbers is slated to release his new song “Loving You” for Valentine’s Day 2021 as a single.

“I’m just approaching [new songs] one at a time,” Timbers said. “I look forward to being able to get out there and get on the road again.”

Both artists have had unexpectedly busy summer and fall seasons after a very uncertain spring.

“We all thought things were doomed for the year, but things started falling into place” MacDowell said.

One of the highlights of a busy season at Loudoun’s wineries and breweries for both artists was their October joint concert, organized by the Barns of Rose Hill at B Chord Brewing.

But both artists are bracing for a slowdown this winter as opportunities for outdoor gigs fade away. The socially distanced indoor show at the Tally Ho will feature new material for both bands, along with some holiday tunes.

MacDowell has played the Tally Ho

BY VISIT LOUDOUN

The scripts are handed out, the lights go down and a murmur of anticipation goes up in the audience.

Let the fun begin!

The fun in question is Stagecoach Theatre Company’s interactive dinner theater production of the comic Christmas-themed, murder-mystery, “Up on the Rooftop, Click, Click, Bang.”

To accommodate diners, the production is being staged in the Carriage House at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens for five nights in December, where intermission will be a threecourse, socially distanced dinner catered

by Pure Perfection.

“Audience members will be given roles and Detective S. Claus will try to solve the mystery of the murder of Frosty the Snowman,” said Producer and Stagecoach Founder Jerri Wiseman. “It’s great that people can still enjoy performing

Collaboration continued from page 26 in the ’90s and early 2000s. But struggles with substance abuse, the death of his brother from cancer at age 40, and a stint in prison put his music career on hold a decade ago. With support from friends and family, Timbers returned to Loudoun and has focused on relaunching his musical career.

MacDowell started her musical career later in life but has been catching up with a vengeance in the past decade. She hit the local music scene with Joey Bauer of Joey and The Waitress Band in 2012 and launched her solo career two years later.

MacDowell, who usually splits her time between Key West and Loudoun, took the music scene in Key West and beyond by storm, cranking out two acclaimed albums of original material with a third in the works.

MacDowell and Timbers met at MacDowell Brew Kitchen, owned by MacDowell’s husband Gordon, which has become a live music hub thanks to its popular outdoor “beach” in downtown Leesburg. Timbers, a frequently featured act at the venue, showed up when MacDowell was hosting a jam gig.

“I just walked in and introduced myself to her,” Timbers said with a laugh.

That meeting has led to frequent collaborations including a livestream performance during Virginia’s COVID shutdown

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Bluemont Vineyard's lighting of the vines.

county seat Leesburg has a Christmas tree lit up in the Town Square and the streetlamps decorated with red ribbons and greenery. Don’t miss the annual Holiday Fine Arts & Crafts Show, which moves outdoors on Dec. 5 to Freedom Park, and will feature more than 30 local artisans. The town puts a twist on its traditional holiday parade by offering a free Glitter and Glow Drive Thru at Freedom Park on Dec. 12.

There are more intimate events to get into the spirit, too.

Over in Lucketts, Old Lucketts Store is hosting its annual Holiday Open House four days a week through Dec. 20.

Purchase a ticket online in advance to get access to the Holiday Design House—a festively decorated 19th century farmhouse on the property in which all décor and items in the home, from homeware to ornaments to furniture, can be purchased.

— Happy Holidays!

with other acts, but the Dec. 10 show will be a first for Timbers after months of dialog with the venue’s owners. The two bands will take the stage separately, with Timbers’ band performing first. But there may be room for a joint appearance from the two songwriters, in the kind of laidback improvisational style that both musicians love. “[The Tally Ho] is able to bring in all these touring acts, but now with COVID, we can play the stages that are slightly bigger that we couldn’t get on,” MacDowell said.

Both Timbers and MacDowell anticipate a renewed shift to livestreams this winter, similar to the model many musicians adopted in the early days of the pandemic.

But they’re also both intently focused on helping keep local and regional venues afloat.

“It’s tough because you want them to survive, and so many places have already shut down,” Timbers said. “I know some places I’ve played in DC will never open their doors again. ...You want to make sure everyone’s safe. It’s kind of a battle sometimes.”

Juliana MacDowell and Chris Timbers play the Tally Ho Theater Thursday, Dec. 10. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets for the seated show are $20-$30. For tickets and information, go to tallyhotheater.com.

For more information about Juliana MacDowell, go to julianamacdowell.com.

To learn more about Chris Timbers, go to christimbers.com. n

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

DECEMBER 3, 2020

THINGS to do continued from page 26

Live Music: Doin’ Time

‘Up On The Rooftop Click Click Bang’

Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m., doors open; 6:30 p.m., show begins.

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach Theatre’s beloved holiday murder mystery dinner theater returns to Oatlands. Socially distanced seating is available for groups of up to eight people. Masks are required except during dinner. Tickets are $60. Performances run through Dec. 19 at Oatlands.

LOCO LIVE Live Music: The Amish Outlaws

Thursday, Dec. 3 and Friday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The exuberant Amish Outlaws return to the Tally Ho for two nights of socially distanced fun—and tunes ranging from Snoop Dogg to Johnny Cash. Tickets are $20-$30 for this seated show.

Live Music: Billy T. Wilde

Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. #115, Leesburg Details: chefscapekitchen.com Heavily influenced by American blues, soul and funk Wilde has been moving audiences around the DMV

songwriting.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2 p.m.

Loudoun Brewing Company, 310 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: facebook.com/loudounbrewing The Doin’ Time outlaws return to LBC with country hits from Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., Johnny Cash, George Jones, Willie, Waylon and other favorites.

ET BEST B

Lost Rhino Holiday Street Market

Saturday, Dec. 5, 3-8 p.m.

Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Lost Rhino hosts local artists and craftspeople with products including candles, jewelry, skin care and home decor. There will be plenty of craft beer along with hot chocolate, cider and food specials. The tap room features live music by Dave Lange.

PAGE 29

Live Music: Chris Hanks Blue Christmas Friday, Dec. 6, 5-7 p.m.

Loudoun County Courthouse The Leesburg United Methodist Church offers a time to pause and acknowledge our losses this year: a time to hurt, to grieve, to hope and to heal.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m.

Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com Hanks returns to Social House for an evening of country favorites.

Live Music: Bad Panda

with passionate, high energy performances for more than a decade.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. #115, Leesburg Details: chefscapekitchen.com High energy pop and rock favorites will keep you singing along all night long.

Live Music: Jill Fulton Band

Live Music: Britton James

Saturday, Dec. 5, 1-5 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Fulton brings blues, country, soul and classic rock favorites to Vanish.

Live Music: Steve George and Friends

Saturday, Dec. 5, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Kick off a new month with rock, country, blues and beyond from a local favorite.

Live Music: Ginny Blair

Saturday, Dec. 5, 2-5 p.m.

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

Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-5 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com With a repertoire of high-energy covers and originals, James is a favorite at wineries and breweries around the region.

Live Music: Deane Kern and Eric Selby

Sunday, Dec. 6, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Modern acoustic roots music from one of Loudoun’s most dynamic duos.

Live Music: Jason Teach

Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Longtime singer/songwriter Jason Teach returns to Breaux with his signature honest, heartfelt

Live Music: Chris Timbers Band and Juliana MacDowell

Thursday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Two Loudoun favorites join forces for a great evening of music, with new songs from both bands and some holiday favorites in the mix. Tickets are $20-$30.

COMING UP Mark Forrest Christmas Concert

Saturday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org International Irish Tenor Mark Forrest presents a Christmas concert with favorite songs of the season with soloist Maureen Codelka and special guests Jennifer Timberlake and Cecilia Bracey. Limited social distanced seating is available in the theater with face coverings required. Streaming tickets are also available. Tickets are $20 for in person seating, $5 for streaming.

Leesburg Holiday Drive-Thru Parade

Saturday, Dec. 12, 5:30-8 p.m.

Freedom Park, 101 Colonel Grenata Circle SE, Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov Stay in your car and check out glowing and glittery stationary floats from individuals and community organizations. Event is free and open to the public.

‘A Christmas Story’

Saturday, Dec. 12-Wednesday, Dec. 23 StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach presents a socially distanced stage production of the classic holiday tale of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Check the website for a complete schedule. Tickets are $25 per person.

Legal Notices Notice of Public Hearing FY2021 Project Fund Budget Amendment Town of Hamilton, Virginia

ABC LICENSE

Pursuant to Code of Virginia, as amended, Section 15.2-2507, the Hamilton Town Council will hold a virtual public hearing via Livestream & Zoom call-in on Monday, December 14, 2020, beginning at 7:00pm to receive comments and consider taking action on a proposed FY2021 budget amendment to allocate remaining funds from the FY2017 Loudoun County Grant in the amount of $160,961 for the Pedestrian Improvement Drainage Project expenses.

The regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will take place immediately following the public hearing.

Information regarding the proposed budget amendment is available at the Town Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30am and 4:00pm and on the Town’s website at https://www.hamiltonva.gov David R. Simpson Mayor 12/03/2020

7-Eleven Inc and Grewal LLC, trading as 7-Eleven 38941A, 22065 Railcar Drive, Sterling, Loudoun 20164 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

David Seltzer, VP, 7-Eleven Inc and Bhardevbachan Grewal, Manager Member,Grewal LLC

ABC LICENSE

Pegasus Restaurant Group, LLC, trading as Red Bar Sushi & Best Thai Kitchen, 525 E Market St Ste F, Leesburg, Loudoun, Virginia The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On Premises, Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Rebecca Metzger, Member

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

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

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

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

12/03 & 12/10/20

12/03 & 12/10/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 30

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Monday, December 14, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

ZCPA-2020-0007 JOHNSON LANDSCAPE BUFFER - POOL (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment)

Mark D. Johnson of Chantilly, Virginia, has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-1991-0005 and ZCPA-1995-0006, South Riding, in order to modify an existing 25-foot landscape buffer to allow for the construction of an inground swimming pool, deck, and patio, with no resulting change in density, in the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) zoning district. The subject property is located within the (AI) Airport Impact Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 0.36 acres in size and is located on the north side of Priesters Pond Drive (Route 2239) and the west side of Flintonbridge Drive (Route 2238) at 25815 Priesters Pond Drive, Chantilly, Virginia, in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 129-30-1413. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for predominantly residential uses at a recommended density of four dwelling units per acre.

(Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, at maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.60 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception); 4) An application to rezone approximately 70.16 acres from the PD-MUB zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in effect on February, 17, 2020 to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended from time to time; and 5) A Special Exception to permit impervious surface in the form of raised boardwalk crossings not to exceed 9,150 linear feet in the Floodplain Overlay District, Major Floodplain (FOD, Major Floodplain). Thees applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 5-1506(E).

The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms; Lot Access Requirements.

Allow structures requiring a building permit in the PD-MUB Zoning District to be erected upon any lot which has frontage on a Class I, Class II, Class III road, or private access easement.

§4-1354(B) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza, Table 4-1354(B), PD-MUB Planned Development Mixed-Use Business Public Plaza, Requirements Table.

Reduce the minimum area of the required public plaza for a PD-MUB district greater than 100 acres in size from 1% of the total land area of the district, or 3.55 acres (154,638 SF) to a minimum of 100,000 SF.

§4-1354(B)(3) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza.

Modify the requirement that buildings that adjoin the public plaza shall be a minimum of two stories and have a vertical mix of at least two uses so that buildings adjoining the public plaza may be one story and have one use.

§4-1354(C) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Vertical Mix.

Reduce the requirement for buildings within the district to contain a vertical mix of at least two (2) different use categories from at least 50% of the buildings to at least 20% of the buildings

§4-1354(F) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Sidewalks.

Reduce the requirement that continuous sidewalks be provided on both sides of all streets to one side of the street.

§4-1355(C), PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Lot and Building Requirements, Building Height.

Increase the permitted maximum building height from 100 feet to 160 feet in Land Bays B, F, J, and R

§4-1358(C), PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Use Limitations, Street Trees.

Reduce the tree density requirement from one tree per 25 feet along all areas dedicated for vehicular travel, excluding alleys, to one tree per 44 linear feet -of block length for streets with onstreet parking and to one tree per 35 liner feet of block length for trees with no on-street parking requirement

(Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District Special Exceptions & Zoning Modifications)

§5-1303(A)(1), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, Site Planning.

Allow the 10% tree canopy for sites zoned PDMUB to be calculated using the entire PD-MUB Zoning District rather than per site plan

NA Dulles Real Estate Investor LLC of East Setauket, New York, have submitted applications for the following: (1) To rezone approximately 13.14 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park zoning district under the 1972 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit a 10,000 square foot (SF) civic building and a 100,000 SF central plaza to be located in Land Bay K and to permit additional employment, commercial, and/or residential uses to be located in Land Bays K and L.; (2) An application to amend the existing Proffers and Concept Development Plan (CDP) approved with ZMAP2008-0021, ZCPA-2012-0014 and ZCPA-2017-0008, Kincora Village Center in order to a) Shift location of the central plaza from Land Bay J to Land Bay K; b) Relocate the minimum 55,000 SF Science Museum from Land Bay J to Land Bay A; c) Align Roads 8 and 9 to create a street, and add Roads 14 and 17 in Land Bays F and L, and rename Roads A, B, and C with numerical labels; d) Shift the location of a monument sign/entry feature in Land Bay J; e) Revise locations and clarify the number of Public/Civic/Institutional Uses to be provided; f) increase the number of multifamily (MF) dwelling units permitted from 1,400 to 2,600 in the PDMUB zoning district; g) Adding Land Bays B, K, L, and/or R to the list of land bays where residential uses are permitted; h) delete the commitment to provide a center for the performing arts; i) Delete the commitment to provide a 35,000 SF plaza in Land Bay F; j) Revise language to clarify which buildings along Pacific Boulevard will be a minimum of four stories; k) reduce the percentage of buildings in the PD-MUB zoning district that are to have a vertical mix of two or more uses; l) clarify the commitment to construct Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) and/or Unmet Housing Needs Units (UHNUs) in compliance with the EarthCraft program and universal design principles; m) exclude data center square footage from the trigger for providing shuttle service; n) clarify that the road fund contributions will not apply to the New Residential Units or to non-residential uses beyond the non-residential Gross Floor Area (GFA) originally committed with prior approvals; o) reduce the width of non-asphalt trails from 8 feet to 6 feet; p) remove sign commitments allow the sign guidelines included in the “Kincora Design Standards” not applicable; and q) allow the Owners to use on-site, non-potable wells for irrigation purposes with a resulting increase in density from 0.43 Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) to 0.57 FAR; (3) An application to rezone approximately 22.72 acres from the PD-IP

§5-1407(B)(2) & (3), Buffering and Screening, Parking Area Landscaping and Screening Requirements, Peripheral Parking Area Landscaping.

Reduce the minimum plant units from 50 plant units to 20 plant units per 100 feet and to reduce the required continuous landscape strip width from 10 feet to 4 feet

CMPT-2020-0006 & SPEX-2020-0023 MILESTONE TOWER – GARDENIA DRIVE (Commission Permit & Special Exception)

Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV of Reston, Virginia, and the Board of Supervisors, acting through the Loudoun County Department of General Services have submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 199 foot tall (195 foot tall with a 4 foot lighting rod at the top) Telecommunications Tower and a related equipment compound in the PD-H3 (Planned Development Housing - 3) zoning district; and 2) A Special Exception to permit a 199 foot tall (195 foot tall with a 4 foot lighting rod at the top) Telecommunications Tower and a related equipment compound as an accessory use to a Fire and Rescue Station. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use pursuant to Sections 5-618(C)(2)(c) and 5-618(C)(2)(d) (i), and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 5-618(C)(3)(j). The subject property is approximately 6.91 acres in size and is located on the north side of Gardenia Drive (Route 3460), the west side of Northstar Boulevard (Route 3171), and the east side of Lightridge Farm Road (Route 705) in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN 249-26-9025.

The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Large Lot Neighborhood)), which designates this area for residential uses and substantial open space in low-density communities with a variety of house and lot sizes. Target densities of 1du/3ac with total nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 0.1.

ZMAP-2018-0014, ZCPA-2018-0013, SPEX-2020-0013, ZRTD-2020-0005 ZRTD-2020-0006, ZMOD-2018-0035, ZMOD-2018-0041 ZMOD-2020-0029, & ZMOD-2020-0032 KINCORA VILLAGE CETNER

And To reduce the minimum distance that a tree or shrub can be planted from a curb or paved area from 3 feet to 1.5 feet

The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, and is also located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 300 acres in size and is located in the southwest quadrant of the Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and Sully Road (Route 28) interchange, on the west side of the Sully Road (Route 28), Gloucester Parkway (Route 2150)/ Nokes Boulevard (Route 1793) interchange, and north of West Severn Way (Route 1748), in the Broad Run Election District.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

DECEMBER 3, 2020

PAGE 31

Legal Notices The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PROPERTY ADDRESS

PIN 041-19-4573

21391 Pacific Boulevard, Ashburn, Virginia

040-19-0276

N/A

040-19-3991

N/A

040-18-8480-001 040-18-8480-002

45170 Kincora Drive, Ashburn, Virginia

The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed-Use Place Type)) and Route 28 Corridor Plan, which designate this area for compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational amenities uses, at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.

SIDP-2020-0007 CHICK-FIL-A LANSDOWNE SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan)

CHICK-FIL-A, INC. of Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to increase the square footage of two drive-through menu boards for a Chick-Fil-A. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-2003-0006, Lansdowne Village Greens in the (PD-TC) Planned Development-Town Center zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is approximately 21.798 acres in size and is located north of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and on the east side of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) at 19313 Front Street, Leesburg, Virginia in the Ashburn Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 113-39-9265. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which designates this area to provide compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of residential, commercial, entertainment, cultural, and recreational amenities uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.

ZMOD-2020-0033 TUSCARORA CROSSING PARKING REDUCTION (Zoning Ordinance Modification)

Wellington Development, LLC of McLean, Virginia, has submitted an application to request the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION

PROPOSED MODIFICATION

§5-1102(B)(1)(b), Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements, Number of Parking and Loading Spaces Required.

Reduce the required parking spaces for 180 multifamily Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Land Bay 6 of Tuscarora Crossing from 338 to 271

Note Area. The subject property is also partially in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject properties are approximately 83.24 and 77.42 acres in size and are south of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and east of Sycolin Road (Route 643) in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 150-45-6472 and PIN: 150-47-9920. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan(Leesburg Joint Land Management Area Policy Area Employment Place Type),, which designate this area for flex space, manufacturing warehousing, contractor services, and other productive uses up to a 1.0 Floor Area Ratio (FAR) uses.

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

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Planning Commission public hearings are available for viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audiovisual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified.

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

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

BY ORDER OF:

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

ERIC COMBS, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZCPA-2019-0010, Tuscarora Crossing in the PDH4 (Planned Development-Housing) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District-Luck Quarry and Luck

11/26 & 12/3/20

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MIDDLEBURG TOWN COUNCIL The Middleburg Town Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020 to hear public comments on the following: Zoning Text Amendment 20-01 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 81 OF THE MIDDLEBURG ZONING ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO PENALTIES AND REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS. The proposal is to update the procedures and penalties available for enforcement of zoning violations.

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

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

Public participation will be available by calling (540) 339-6355 that evening. Those who plan to participate in the hearings are encouraged, but not required, to contact the Town Office in advance at (540) 687-5152 to register to speak. For those who only wish to observe the proceedings, the meeting can be viewed on the Town’s website at www.middleburgva.gov/town-meetings The files for these applications may be reviewed at the Town Office, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to Deputy Town Manager Will Moore at (540) 687-5152 or by email at wmoore@middleburgva.gov The Town of Middleburg strives to make its hearings accessible to all. Please advise of accommodations the Town can make to help you participate in the hearing.

11/26 & 12/3/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 32

Legal Notices

DECEMBER 3, 2020

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

JJ043391-05-00 JJ043327-05-00

Case No.:

COUNTY OF LOUDOUN SECOND HALF REAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE H. Roger Zurn, Jr., Treasurer

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jace Leo Dunford and James Dunford III Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Dawn Dunford, Mother

December 7, 2020 The deadline for payment of the second half real property tax is December 7, 2020.

Payments postmarked after December 7, 2020 will incur a 10% late payment penalty. Additional interest at the rate of 10% per annum will be assessed. The due date will not be extended for bills where assessment questions have been filed with the Board of Equalization.

For Your Safety and Convenience, please consider making payments online, by phone or mail.

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

CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS Online:

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.

www.loudounportal.com/taxes Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover

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

Pay your taxes through your mobile device: Link2Loudoun app is available for free from the iPhone App Store and the Google Play Store.

The app allows access to www.loudounportal.com/taxes to pay your taxes.

By Telephone:

24-hour line 1-800-269-5971 703-777-0280 during regular business hours.

Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover

21641 Ridgetop Circle Suite 104 Sterling, Virginia 20166

Stay up to date on tax information by subscribing to the Tax Notices category of Alert Loudoun at www.louduon.gov/alert. You can also text the word “TAXES” to 888777 to receive text messages about tax-related information, including upcoming deadlines.

For information regarding Real Property Tax Relief for the Elderly or Disabled Persons, please contact the Tax Relief Division of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at trcor@loudoun.gov, by phone at 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief.

11/26 & 12/3/20

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

687-5152 to directed to

6 & 12/3/20

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

Loudoun County Public Schools

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

2014

DODGE

CHARGER

2C3CDXBGXEH266069

D&M TOWING

Elementary School Attendance Zone Meetings

Date

Please contact the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office at 703-777-0280 or email us at taxes@loudoun. gov with questions or if you have not received your bill.

edures &

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Sifredo Amaya (aka Surfredo Amaya), putative father and; Michelle Jacobs, mother

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

24 hour depository boxes are located outside each office

f a rewrite

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Abbigail Jacobs

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.

TREASURER’S OFFICE LOCATIONS Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

S. The

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

Case No.:

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.

County of Loudoun P.O. Box 1000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000

1 Harrison Street, S.E. 1st Floor Leesburg, Virginia 20175

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Fall 2020 Elementary School Attendance Zone Change Process

Please note: There is a convenience fee added to a Credit Card transaction.

There is no fee for electronic checks (e-check).

By Mail:

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

PHONE# 703-471-4590

11/26 & 12/3/20

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

School Board Attendance Zone Overview

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

School Board Attendance Zone Work Session

Monday, November 9, 2020

Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

School Board Attendance Zone Work Session

Tuesday, December 1, 2020*

School Board Review of Elementary School Attendance Zone Recommendations

Monday, December 7, 2020

Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Tuesday, December 15, 2020*

School Board Adoption of Elementary School Attendance Zones

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

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

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Legal Notices TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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 TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 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 Town of 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 TLZO 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. They 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 1. 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 statutory 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 2. 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 3. Building Design Guidelines – guidance for architectural compatibility; alterations, additions or demolition of existing structures; and all design aspects of new construction.

4. Chapter 4. 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 will not change designated uses or allowed density ranges 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-zoningprojects/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 this matter will be heard.

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

11/26 & 12/3/20

LoudounNow.com

PAGE 33

Notice of Public Hearing Town of Lovettsville Town Council The Lovettsville Town Council will hold a public hearing on the following item at their meeting at 7:30 pm on December 10, 2020. Pursuant to and in compliance with Town of Lovettsville Ordinance 2020-03-0006 (adopted by the Lovettsville Town Council on March 26, 2020) this meeting will be held electronically. The Planning Commission, and staff will be participating remotely.

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

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

LVZA 2020-0003

Amendments to Sec. 42-290, Uses and structures permitted in required yards.

Consideration of an amendment to Article VIII, Section 42-290, Uses and structures permitted in required yards.

The purpose of the amendment is to allow decks in the R-C, Retirement Community zoning district to extend to one foot from the rear and side yard property lines. The R-C district has a minimum side and rear yard setback of 8 feet. Current requirements of Section 42-290 prevent installing a deck in the side yards of a residence in the R-C district and would allow only a 3-foot deck in the rear yard. The proposed amendment would allow a 7-foot deck in either the side or rear yard provided the deck was 2 feet or less above the ground.

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

11/26 & 12/3/20

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

APPL-2020-0006 Business Service Establishment - Mercure Business Park Lot 21 Mercure Business Park Association of Vienna, Virginia, has submitted an application for an appeal of the August 4, 2020, Zoning Administrator determination, ZCOR-2020-0110, which found that a parking lot for vans used to deliver packages from a nearby e-commerce distribution facility is a “Business Service Establishment, excluding retail sales or outdoor” use permitted in the PD-GI (Planned Development–General Industry) zoning district pursuant to Section 4-603(V) of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and that a building structure is not a requirement to establish the use. The subject property is zoned PD-GI (Planned Development-General Industry) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and is also located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, located partially between the Ldn 60-65 and outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 4.78 acres in size and is located northwest of Quicksilver Drive (Route 1076) and east of Mercure Circle (Route 1075) at 44129 Mercure Circle, Sterling, Virginia in the Dulles Election District.

The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 091-49-0771.

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

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

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

Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chairman 12/03 & 12/10/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 34

Legal Notices NOTICE TOWN OF LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Remote Public Participation Available Members of the public who wish to speak during the petitioners’ section and/or public hearings of the December 8, 2020, Leesburg Town Council Meeting can do so remotely.

Information on how to participate remotely can be found on the Town of Leesburg’s website www.leesburgva.gov/agendas or on the agenda that will be posted outside of the Clerk’s Office and in the lobby of Town Hall (25 West Market Street) by close of business on December 2, 2020.

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

12/03/2020

DECEMBER 3, 2020

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 FY2022–2027 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and Capital Asset Preservation Program (CAPP) budgets.

Date

School Board Meeting Topic

Tuesday, November 10, 2020*

Superintendent’s Recommended FY2022-FY2027 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 Business Meeting

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Town of Leesburg will accept sealed proposals in the Procurement Office, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176, until 3:00 p.m. on December 15, 2020 for the following:

RFP No. 100181-FY21-25 Implementation Services for Microsoft M365 The Town of Leesburg is requesting sealed proposals for implementation services for a Town-Wide implementation of M365 to include but not limited to the conversion, configuration, as well as administration and end-user training resources.

November 30 and December 15 Meeting Update In compliance with Governor Northam’s Statewide Measures to Contain COVID-19, the November 30 and December 15 meetings will be held virtually. 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). Both meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Each registrant will receive a unique speaker identification (ID) number by telephone (if they call to register) or via email for those who register online. The unique speaker ID will allow participants to access the meeting and provide live comment. Speakers are prohibited from sharing the speaker ID with others and will forfeit the opportunity to speak if the information is shared.

Speakers must be logged into the meeting at the time their name is called. Speakers must limit comments to the time allotted by the School Board Chair which will be announced prior to the start of the public hearing. The Chair determines the time based on the number of speakers and the agenda, but not to exceed five (5) minutes.

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

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TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 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 the following sections of the Zoning Ordinance: 1. Sec. 9.4 Accessory Uses 2. Sec. 18.1 Terms Defined

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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 (MondayFriday, 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 TLOA2020-0008.

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Construction 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.

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Persons wishing to address the School Board on the capital budgets must sign up in advance to provide live, virtual comment at the November 30 public hearing. Online and telephone registration will be available until 5:30 p.m. on November 30. Speakers may sign up in advance by sending an email to public.comment@lcps.org or calling 571-252-1030.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

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DECEMBER 3, 2020

Opinion Controlling The Message For a school division facing extraordinary challenges meeting its mission to educate more than 81,000 children, its leaders seem to be devoting an undue amount of time and energy seeking to stamp out dissention among the members of the county’s largest workforce and, more recently, our elected representatives—the stewards of the largest portion of our local tax dollars.

In October, administrators spurred controversy with a policy that claimed the school division’s interests could outweigh the free speech rights of employees, including in their social media postings.

This month, there’s a bizarre new proposal to formally limit School Board members’ public comments.

It’s a policy that appears to create opportunites to squelch dissenting and minority views, as it comes with threats of sanctions against actions perceived to undermine decisions of the full board.

It also proposes to transform the chairman’s position from one

LETTERS to the Editor

charged with ensuring the orderly operation of meetings into the designated voice of the corporate board, with authority to speak on topics forbidden to other duly elected representatives from other

Reality Check

areas of the county.

Editor: It was with incredulity and disappointment that I regarded your decision to post the banal and tone-deaf letter submitted by Chris Stevenson entitled “Self Reflect.” It would have been more-appropriately entitled “Self Delusion.”

In all cases, the assertions incorporated and implied therein were either childish or disingenuous—and in many cases, both. (As an aside, it is always amusing when Democrats provide suggestions to Republicans regarding “declarations” that they should be issuing.)

The basis for this inane screed is without merit. There has been no “deTrumpification” [sic] of the Republican party. On the contrary, President Trump has actually raised the bar and set an example in terms of implementing a return to conservative principles.

As an overused and lame tactic for deflecting culpability, the Democrat Party invariably reverts to falsely accusing Republicans all of the things that they are actually instituting and inflicting on the populace. To wit: Republicans, in fact, have always embraced and supported the teaching of an accurate history. This is most-recently reflected by the creation of the 1776 Commission—as contrasted with the

Let’s not forget that it comes to controlling the message, the school division already has a proven track record and a $1.3 million Public Information Office that works hard at that task.

What seems to be missing in this series of events is that it is not “the message” that they should be worried about; it’s what happens in the classroom. Get that right and the rest takes care of itself. n

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

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

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

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

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

factually-inaccurate and racially-divisive principles embodied in the ”1619 Project” and “Critical Race Theory” curricula.

Additionally, Republicans are, and have been, consistent advocates of a civilized society under the law with strong support for law enforcement, while lawless Democrat cities adopt “defund the police” mantras—all while the chaos, looting, and burning associated with their party’s “mostly-peaceful protests” is allowed to run rampant.

Trump, and the members of his Republican party, have always denounced racism and white supremacists, treating all people as free and equal individuals; while Democrats—from the time of slavery, through the period of Jim Crow laws, and continuing in current times—have constantly created more and more ethnic, religious, and sexual siloes within which to subjugate, segregate and divide us.

Finally, Trump has rightly called out a corrupt and dishonest press, most of which currently serves as little more a Goebbelslike propaganda arm of the Democrat party—doxing and marginalizing nonconforming citizens (and voters) while suppressing any and all ideas that deviate from Democrat dogma (“it speaks loud within them”).

Make no mistake, the groundwork for LETTERS continues on page 37

DECEMBER 3, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Readers’ Poll

PAGE 37

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

If your kids have been back in the classroom, how has their experience been?

The Board of Supervisors is eyeing several new taxes.

Which ones do you support?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls

LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 36 a new conservative party has already been lain; it was done so by Donald J. Trump.

— RJ Hall, Leesburg

Solving A Problem?

Editor: I read the sobering Nov. 19 article regarding collective bargaining possibly being implemented for county employees.

I was struck by the estimate that the county might have to hire 12 additional staff to deal with unions, at a cost of $1.4 million a year (an average cost per employee of $117,000). A labor relations board adds another $300,000 per year.

My first thought was, wow, that’s a lot of money. My second thought was, what problem is being solved by such a large annual expenditure?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average government employee makes $7,240 more than privatesector employees. In addition, government employees on average also receive better health insurance and retirement benefits, work fewer hours, receive more leave and paid holidays, and are three times less likely to be fired or laid off as compared to private-sector employees. On a countyspecific level, govsalaries.com reports that Loudoun County employees’ median salaries are 18% higher than the U.S. median. What issues would labor unions advocate for on behalf of these employees?

Still higher pay? More lavish benefits and retirement plans? More restrictive workplace regulations? Even higher job security? And how much more will all that

add to the taxpayer’s bill?

Labor unions were involved in helping improve working conditions for employees in many industries—the 40-hour work week, safety regulations, child labor laws and more. But those problems were largely solved roughly 100 years ago. Now it seems unions are perhaps a solution in search of a problem.

I applaud county employees for helping make Loudoun a desirable, safe, clean and well-educated place to live. But do you really need taxpayers to cough up $1.7 million dollars (or more) per year in order to perhaps make your jobs somewhat better than they already are? Do you know how much you would be required to pay in union dues? I urge county leaders and taxpayers to consider the long-term impacts of initiating union involvement in the county employee workforce. Not all U.S. states allow unionization of government employees, but the ones that do can provide an important case study of the effects. One well-known example is Illinois, which faces approximately $140 billion in unfunded pension liability for their public employees.

This law applies to the entire state, and since Virginia has 95 counties, it’s not difficult math to realize that widespread unionization of government employees could create an annual tax increase of hundreds of millions of dollars statewide.

How does such a change happen? In the 2019 Virginia election, Democrats gained majority control of the state for the first time in over 25 years. As part of their first legislative session, Virginia law was changed to allow unionization of government employees. During that

election cycle, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, labor unions donated approximately $6.7 million dollars to certain candidates. It appears that their investment has the potential to pay off handsomely for the unions, at the expense of Virginia taxpayers.

— Shawn Curtin, Leesburg

Help Lead the Change Editor: The report by Patrick Szabo on 11/24 was an incredibly accurate view inside the Lovettsville Town council and the severe right-wing swerve it has taken since the departure of Mayor Zoldos in 2018. Your reporter was able to connect the dots that show the decline in high levels of integrity and the moral high road established by previous leader-servants in this small town.

Mayor Fontaine’s quote that somehow the rancor of the presidential election merely trickled down to the town and inflamed passions is patently wrong. That is not what has happened. This cancer has been festering on our body politic for years.

The division, hatred and character assassination started with the 2018 election of what became known as the Hate Slate. A slate of candidates running on a partisan platform of purging liberals/ progressives/democrats from town government and the creation of an altright “paradise.”

That formula, bolstered by an influx of out-of-town money and influence from the Virginia Constitutional Conservative and a fanatical gun store

owner, successfully repeated in 2020. The result is that only right-wing zealots are welcome in Lovettsville town government, its commissions, committees, or the community at large. Elections have consequences?

One former town official confided in few weeks ago that he was glad the late Mayor Elaine Walker did not have to see what had happened to the town she loved so much. She and Mayor Zoldos never accepted partisan wrangling in the Town Hall.

The Town Councils, commissions and committees before 2018 were composed of Republicans, Democrats, Liberals, Conservatives, Gays and Straight, Moderates and Extremists. And those things never mattered on the dais.

Those volunteers had one thing in common, they could leave partisanship, hatred, and rancor at the door. They worked together and the town was better for it. I saw it in my Planning Commission, Mayfest Committee and Love Winter Committee and others I helped out with.

Working in town event committees was fun and friendships forged. That soughtafter camaraderie is now dissipating at an alarming rate.

The town is hemorrhaging long-time volunteers from its commissions and committees. People of character and integrity are unwilling to toil in the service of hateful leaders. Who will step forward to lead the charge to put the love back in Lovettsville?

— Frank McDonough, Lovettsville Former Lovettsville Planning Commission Chairman

PAGE 38

CARES funding continued from page 3 placed in reserves to help close the deficit.

He said not taking advantage of the available funding would be a “catastrophic” decision and that the council would be “shooting [itself] in both feet.” Closing the deficit could require dire measures such as raising the real estate tax rate, which Dentler stated is not his intention, cutting services, or reducing town staff.

Councilman Ron Campbell said he wanted to ensure that the remaining CARES funds are used to close the deficit, and not other expenses in the General Fund. He received support from a majority of the council for a motion that stipulated the funds could not be expended until the audit for fiscal year 2021 is presented, likely late next year.

“There’s an economic reality; we’re not

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out of the woods,” he said. “Any use of this money to do anything else I think is not appropriate.”

Campbell also expressed disappointment that more CARES funds were not used to support residents, nonprofits and businesses.

“I don’t want anyone to think that somehow we did the best. I’m not talking about job performance [of town staff].

I’m talking about the use of the funds,” he said.

Councilman Tom Dunn said that the town did not need money for Police Department salaries which have already been paid, and suggested that town staff just found a creative way to put money in the General Fund which ultimately can be used for other expenses. He also pointed to the three incoming Town Council members who take office Jan. 1, and said some of them, along with some current council members, have expressed a de-

DECEMBER 3, 2020

“I don’t want anyone to think that somehow we did the best.”

— Councilman Ron Campbell sire to purchase the former Westpark Golf Club property.

“Frankly, I think that’s what the goal is here,” he said. “It was convenient that these funds are equal to the funds that were going to be given for Westpark.”

Both Dentler and Town Attorney Christopher Spera said town staff has not been engaged in any talks about purchasing Westpark since a council majority

Holiday shopping continued from page 1 cal businesses have adapted to keep their customers coming back. Business owners know that consumer confidence is the key to keep people coming through their doors, so they’re practicing safety protocols to keep their shoppers safe.

Joannie Wolford, the owner of the Savoir Fare catering company in Round Hill, said her team couldn’t cater from March to May, and through most of June.

But, she said, she has been able to keep her C’est Bon dinners-to-go operation open all year and is advertising “gourmet gifts” for Christmas.

She said she’s offering those dinners for pick up from 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays to Saturdays and is offering meals featuring lobster dip, beef tenderloin with bleu cheese crackers, brie with jam, dried fruit and nuts and more.

“I know it’s convenient to shop online, but we have got to get folks to buy locally,” Wolford said.

Michael Oaks, the owner of the ReLove It consignment shop in Purcellville, said he would like to see people support small mom-and-pop businesses, now more than ever.

“Many are just hanging on by a thread,” he said. “The Wal-Marts, Targets, etc. have billions of dollars behind them, we don’t.”

Oaks emphasized the catchphrase, “Shop small businesses, save small businesses.”

Middleburg Councilman Chris Bernard, who worked in the retail industry for five years, said the town is working to

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Signs at Leesburg Premium Outlets caution shoppers to practice COVID-19 safety measures, as they wait in line outside shops that have reached capacity.

help businesses remain open through the winter months, especially restaurants.

“We got to keep the restaurants open,” he said. “From an economic perspective, the restaurants are the lifeblood.”

To do that, the Town Council could vote Dec. 10 to implement a program that would help those dozen restaurants pay for outdoor seating tents to warmly accommodate guests from now until spring.

Bernard said the town also is producing videos encouraging people to keep visiting.

“We’re trying to do some marketing,” he said.

Other organizations have also begun offering at-home shopping from a broad swatch of local businesses. And many of

the things you can buy from Loudoun shops, you can’t find anywhere else.

For example, Take Loudoun Home, an initiative from the county’s Department of Economic Development, connects shoppers to local agricultural businesses at LoudounFarms.org, and has as a map to see which businesses are open to visit in-person and when.

Farmers markets across the county are a great way to get some shopping in outdoors, and LoudounGo.com lets people shop for gifts or fresh local groceries from their couches.

Franklin Park Arts Center’s Loudoun County Artisan Gift Box Subscription is a unique gift—a curated, three-box subscription from December through Febru-

decided against moving forward with the matter some months back. Mayor Kelly Burk said Dunn’s accusations were “the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard of ” and also pointed out how closing the deficit can benefit town residents.

“We can’t be so cavalier as to suggest that helping people by lowering taxes or not raising their taxes is not a good thing,” she said.

It was noted during the debate that the future council could not be bound by this decision, and ultimately could choose to expend the funds however members saw fit.

The 4-2 motion to endorse the CARES Act spending plan, which included the $3.6 million reimbursement for police salaries, passed with Dunn and Vice Mayor Marty Martinez dissenting. Campbell’s motion that asks that the funding not be appropriated until after the audit next year passed 5-1, with Dunn opposed. n ary that connects subscribers to Loudoun artists, musicians and artisans through items like original artwork, pottery, handcrafted soaps and candles, locally sourced food products like honey and tea, books, and music. Information is at FranklinParkArtsCenter.org The Waterford Foundation, at WaterfordFoundation.org, is hosting an online marketplace for visitors to shop for artisan wares and pick them up at the Waterford Mill.

And Loudoun musician Todd Wright has even put together two playlists of Loudoun music on Spotify, “The Songs of Loudoun” and the “Loudoun Holiday Playlist.”

And there’s still old-fashioned going out shopping. Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said it’s a chance to go out “where you can really connect with people again in a COVID-safe environment.”

“All of our businesses are ensuring you’re safe as you come in and shop,” Erickson said. “But the best part is, our towns are decorated, you’re going to hear music, you’re going to see people from a socially-distant perspective. They’re all going to have special touches.”

She practices what she preaches—she hit 13 stores in one day of Christmas shopping. At some of those shops, she got personalized help finding just the right gift.

“I think that Loudoun is absolutely delivering on holiday spirit and helping to boost everybody’s feelings during his holiday season,” she said. n Reporter Patrick Szabo contributed to this report.

DECEMBER 3, 2020

Restaurants continued from page 1 He said the business had been fortunate with good weather over the summer that let them stay open and keep employees on the payroll. That weather, he said, was the only reason the business made it this far.

And, he said, “I think we had a good run.”

“I was sitting here this morning at home watching the Senate hearings, where [Treasury Secretary Steven] Mnuchin is calling for not just loans, but grants specifically for restaurants,” Lake said Tuesday. “And that’s what we’ve been hearing for months and months, and it hasn’t happened. And it’s now clear that if and when it happens, it will be too late for Dog Money.”

Dog Money is not the first local restaurant to go under during the pandemic, and with the winter ahead, it likely will not be the last. But they’re not taking it sitting down.

“We’d all kind of climbed out a big hole that we were in, and August and September were pretty good months for restaurants,” said Tony Stafford, this year’s Loudoun Entrepreneur of the Year, the state’s Restaurateur of the Year in 2017, and the founder and owner of Ford’s Fish Shack. “Speaking for myself, we were only down about 15% for the month compared to last year. And then come late October, early November is when the bottom dropped out.”

That still can wipe out most or all of a restaurant’s profits, though—it is a business that operates on famously tight margins.

Stafford and other restauranteurs have joined together, meeting regularly to share their own experiences and figure out how to make it through the winter. Restaurants now are caught in perhaps the toughest spot of the pandemic—federal assistance for businesses has dried up, with no new action from Congress in months. At the same time, climbing COVID-19 cases, confusion around the governor’s orders limiting gatherings to 25 people—which do not change the rules guiding restaurant occupancy in the pandemic that already existed—and warnings against congregating indoors have kept people from going into restaurants.

It will come down to people continuing

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to do business with them.

“Restaurants are—I hate to use the words villainized, but every article you pick up about how COVID is spreading, a lot of them talk about restaurants,” Stafford said.

But, he pointed out, many of the things done today to slow the spread of the virus, restaurants were already doing under food safety regulations, and those practices have only been stepped up.

“If anything, coming to a restaurant is probably a lot cleaner environment than what you go to when you go to a grocery store or a large department store or something,” Stafford said. “Our employees are trained, our managers are trained.”

And they, he said, are who he wants to protect.

“It’s not about me, it’s about my employees,” Stafford said. “I employ roughly about 120 people now. We’re down from 160 we used to employ, but we employ about 120 people. And my employees are scared.

They’re seeing the drop off in business.

They’re seeing going from serving 200 people a day to serving 50 people day. They’re coming to me saying, ‘Tony, what’s going on, are you going to have to lay us off, are you going to have to cut our hours?’”

And unfortunately, now could be the worst time yet to lose a job in the pandemic. Unlike the spring, he said, there’s no government help out there for them.

“By coming out in either a restaurant, or takeout, or buying a gift card, you’re helping not only the restaurant survive, you’re helping those employees keep their jobs,” Stafford said.

In contrast to Congress, Lake said local governments have provided great help.

“Leesburg and Loudoun County both really stepped up,” Lake said. “They definitely were showing support for restaurants, and it was meaningful. It wasn’t enough for us, unfortunately, but I do appreciate the help that we got. It did make a difference.”

And don’t forget about the brews at Dog Money—Lake said he fully intends to stay in the brewery business.

“We still have a vital and thriving craft brewing industry in Loudoun County, and in Leesburg in particular,” Lake said. “And I hope to continue to be a part of that.” n

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