Loudoun Now for Dec. 17, 2020

n LOUDOUN

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Pg. 6 | n PUBLIC SAFETY

Pg. 10 | n OBITUARIES

Pg. 27 | n PUBLIC NOTICES

Pg. 29

YEARS IN BUSINESS Special section Pgs. 15-17

VOL. 6, NO. 3

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

DECEMBER 17, 2020

Scott A. Ziegler has been named to serve as the interim superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Celebrating Unity

On Sunday—the fourth day of Chanukha—two dozen families joined in a menorah car parade and an afternoon of ice skating. “This is what we call Jewish pride and unity in Loudoun County, Virginia,” Rabbi Chaim Cohen told the participants in the first-of-its-kind event. “We do this today, united as a community.”

A Looming Crisis?

End of Eviction Moratorium Could Have ‘Tsunami’ Effect

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Fr. Daniel Velez Rivera, of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Leesburg, took a call from Loudoun Cares in mid-March asking for his help aiding the Latino community as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic were first felt stateside. His job? Working

through Catholic Charities to provide rental assistance to Loudoun residents.

As a pastor, Velez Rivera already had a nontraditional work schedule, usually working six days a week. Now, he works seven days a week spent in large part supporting the rental assistance program. And those days can be long, sometimes close to 20 hours.

“I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” he said, following a 14-hour workday.

“I pray that I would’ve said yes even knowing what I know now.”

He spends much of his day camped out in his cozy home office, combing through a

Ziegler Named Interim Schools Superintendent

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The transition has begun for the leadership of Loudoun County Public Schools.

Superintendent Eric Williams is resigning, effective Jan. 6, to take a new job leading the Clear Creek Independent School District near Houston, TX. On Tuesday, the School Board unanimously appointed Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Talent Development Scott A. Ziegler to serve as the interim superintendent.

The board is expected to launch

EVICTIONS continues on page 33

ACTING SUPERINTENDENT continues on page 35

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Animal Services’ Law Enforcement Working to ID Cat Shooters

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Two county departments, a state agency and six local nonprofits are on the hunt for those responsible for the shootings of 10 domestic cats—five fatal—since April.

The Loudoun County Department of Animal Services Dec. 2 reported the latest shooting, of a cat named Sweetie, who was euthanized because of his “catastrophic injuries” inflicted by a pellet gun.

In May, an Ashburn cat named Hope was shot in the back right leg with a pellet gun, suffering a shattered femur and requiring a more-than-$5,000 surgery to remove the bullet and reconstruct the bone.

Another shooting left a cat named Mr. Binkzy paralyzed. His owners now have to manually express his bladder at least three times daily, keep him on medications and take him to see the feline neurologist. Because Mr. Binkzy can’t walk, his owners push him around in a stroller.

Other cats were even less fortunate than Hope and Mr. Binkzy.

Those shootings have occurred predominantly in eastern Loudoun. There, six cats

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Department of Animal Services Humane Law Enforcement Chief Chris Brosan visits the spot under the Point of Rocks Bridge where three cats were found dead with gunshots through their bodies in late September.

have been shot. Humane Law Enforcement Chief Chris Brosan said a few of those shootings occurred within a quarter mile of each other.

Another cat was shot near Hamilton and three more were found dead in a bag with clean gunshot wounds through their bodies in the parking lot of the McKimmey Boat

Ramp along the Potomac River under the Point of Rocks Bridge in late September.

Brosan said there has been an uptick in shootings in the past six weeks.

Animal Services has stepped up its efforts to bring the perpetrators of those shootings to justice. Brosan said his 11-member Humane Law Enforcement team is running down different leads, patrolling the areas where the cats have been shot and knocking on doors to obtain information and raise awareness of the problem. He said the department has received a significant number of calls and social media posts with tips as to who might be perpetrating the shootings, with an influx of tips coming in recent days.

“People are actually seeing the stories, seeing some of the flyers that have been posted … and they are calling us,” he said.

Animal Services Community Relations Manager Talia Czapski said many community members also have come forward to help hang flyers. Aside from the department’s usual 30 volunteers, Czapski said another 30-40 new volunteers have come CAT SHOOTINGS continues on page 35

Courthouse Modifications for Jury Trials Nearly Complete

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

As much as day-to-day operations were drastically disrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, operations in the county courthouse all but came to a halt in mid-March. There hasn’t been a jury trial since then.

But that should change by January, thanks to the work of the county staff, who have been modifying the building to safely allow the many people necessary for those trials back inside. According to Assistant County Administrator John Sandy, that work should wrap up this month.

“They’re seeing a lot of progress. They’re feeling pretty confident,” he said.

Four days after Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency, Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald W. Lemons on March 16 signed into effect a Declaration of Judicial Emergency that required all civil, traffic and criminal matters, including jury trials, to be continued in an effort to keep as many people as possible out of courthouses to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Lemons extended that order for a 14th time Dec. 3, holding it in effect through Jan. 3.

But on Oct. 15, a panel of the Virginia

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Since the public was allowed back in the courthouse following statewide closures in March, sheriff’s deputies have been taking temperatures and asking COVID-19-related questions to anyone entering the complex.

Supreme Court approved Loudoun’s plan to resume jury trials, with the stipulation they would not begin for 45 days, or Nov. 30. There still hasn’t been a jury trial yet and there likely won’t be one until the second half of January, Clerk of the Circuit

Court Gary Clemens said.

The first jury trial back is expected to be for Brian Welsh, the man charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the January 2018 shooting deaths of a mother and her adult son at their Aldie

home. That trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 19 and stretch to Feb. 12.

After that, jury trials will be held one at a time, with the county’s largest courtroom to be used for 14-person jury trials for felony criminal cases and a smaller courtroom for eight-person jury trials for criminal misdemeanor and civil cases.

To accommodate those jury trials, Loudoun County General Services staffers have been retrofitting the courtrooms.

In addition to rearranging furniture and replacing fabric items with those made of wood or plastic, Sandy said the most notable adjustment has been the configuration of the juror seats. Instead of all jury members sitting in the jury box within a few feet of each other, Sandy said they’ll be positioned around the courtroom.

Clemens said judges will need to “test drive” that arrangement before giving the nod to proceed. He said the process has been difficult to tackle because the space is not designed for the kind of socially distant trials they’ll be conducting.

“It’s definitely been a challenge throughout the whole process,” Clemens said.

Sandy said, “social distancing is really the primary factor,” along with ventilation COURT MODIFICATIONS continues on page 35

PAGE 4

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

Loudoun

COVID Uncertainty Delays County Budget Planning

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Continued uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on local tax revenues has delayed county supervisors’ usual votes on the next annual budget.

Typically, at this point in the year the Board of Supervisors’ finance committee would give County Administrator Tim Hemstreet updated guidance on preparing the next budget. It’s work that county

staff members begin almost as soon as the previous budget is adopted in early April, with supervisors checking in over the course of the year as revenue and expense projections evolve.

But those projections are more uncertain than ever with the pandemic. Already, since supervisors held their first vote in October setting targets for the next tax rate, the situation has changed.

At that time, the equalized real estate tax rate—the rate at which the average property owner pays the same dollar figure in

taxes despite changing property values— was $1.035 per $100 of assessed value, the same as the current tax rate, with a wide gulf between personal and commercial property values. While local tax revenue growth is still below previous years, today that rate is estimated at $1.02, reflecting an improved outlook.

“We’re continuing to see changes in the revenue projections even as we go through this process today,” Hemstreet told supervisors on Dec. 8.

He said he expects to ask supervisors to

Supervisors Vote to Replace Segregated WWI Plaque

ON THE Agenda Free COVID-19 Testing Offered Dec. 29

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

A memorial on the courthouse green to Loudouners who died serving in World War I will be replaced with one that does not segregate those service members by race.

The plaque, on a stone monument, lists 30 names. Three of those are at the bottom of the plaque, separated by a line—the three Black people on the list, Pvts. Ernest Gilbert, Valentine B. Johnson, and Samuel C. Thornton. The memorial was put in 1921, donated by the American Legion. It will be replaced with a new one with a similar design, but with all of the names listed together.

The push to replace the plaque is led

by Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn). He previously contacted American Legion Post 34 to ask about replacing the plaque, receiving their support as well as a letter from the War Memorial Trust Committee, which includes local veterans, members of American Legion Post 34, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1177 which also endorsed the idea of simply listing all names on the plaque alphabetically.

They also suggested rededicating the memorial on its 100th anniversary next year.

Supervisors unanimously supported the change.

“Thank you, Supervisor Turner, for putting this up so that we can make the changes that are needed in our county, that we see that soldiers fought side by side for our country, and that we should not delineate the person because of their color or their race,” said Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run).

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At

reaffirm their budget guidance at a Jan. 5 meeting. He said he expects to ask supervisors to vote to prepare a draft budget at the equalized real estate tax rate, with cuts and additions worth 1.5 cents in either direction on the tax rate. Under the current revenue estimates, each penny of the real estate tax rate equates to $9,675,000 in the county budget.

“We do not think it’s going to get any worse,” Hemstreet said. “So, the numbers are just going to continue to improve, is what we think is going to happen.” n

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

A plaque commemorating Loudouners who died serving in WWI on the courthouse lawn in Leesburg.

Large) said “all history should be told, all history should be learned, but not all history should be celebrated.”

“These people made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War, so how are we going to separate them not just in life, but separate them in death?” Randall said.

“Not only did African Americans fight along[side] white soldiers in WWI and honorably, many faced severe discrimination when they came back,” said Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian). “And just for having the audacity to wear their uniforms, at times, they were beaten an even worse, so this is just a small way that we can honor that. I’m sure many expected to have the honor afforded to them that so many other soldiers had afforded to them once they honorably served in our United States armed forces, and they didn’t get that when they came back.”

The money to replace the plaque will come from the War Memorial Trust Fund, which is overseen by the War Memorial Trust Committee. It is expected it will take about six months to procure, manufacture and place the new plaque.

The county will also have to decide what to do with the current plaque; county staff members will explore options in that time, such as offering it to a museum or historical society.

The desegregation of the names on the monument by the county government was made possible by new state law that went into effect this July, the same one that allowed the Board of Supervisors to consider taking down the Confederate monument that formerly stood in front of the old courthouse. After those talks began that monument was taken by its owners, the Daughters of the Confederacy. n

Loudoun County will hold another free drive-through COVID-19 testing event Tuesday, Dec. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Franklin Park near Purcellville.

The testing event is open to all, with no age or residency requirements and no prescriptions or appointments necessary. A person does not have to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 in order to be tested. A PCR test, which tests for the novel coronavirus, will be administered via nasal swab. No antibody or rapid tests will be offered.

To help reduce wait times, people who plan to attend the testing event are encouraged to complete a registration form for each person who will be receiving a test prior to arriving at the testing site. The form is available in English and Spanish at loudoun.gov/ COVID19testing.

Forms will also be available at the testing site for individuals who do not have access to a printer or otherwise are unable to complete the forms in advance.

2021 Northern Virginia Housing Expo Begins Jan. 1 The 2021 Northern Virginia Housing Expo will launch Jan. 1 as a free virtual event at NovaHousingExpo.org.

The online expo, geared to firsttime homebuyers and renters, will feature the three key aspects of the annual regional housing expo in a virtual format: an exhibit hall with dozens of ON THE AGENDA continues on page 5

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

Check Holiday Decorations for Spotted Lanternfly Eggs If you bought live decorations for your holiday decorating like trees, wreaths and garlands, agriculture experts urge you to check them for eggs from the invasive spotted lanternfly.

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that can infest grapes, trees, stone fruits, and a variety of other plants.

Among other impacts, it could threaten Loudoun’s wine industry.

Adult spotted lanternflies die at the onset of winter, but their egg masses can survive below-zero temperatures. Egg masses typically include 30 to 50 jellybean-shaped eggs in neat rows, covered by a waxy substance that looks like mud. The egg masses can accumulate on tree trunks, branches, and other surfaces from the fall to early spring, when they hatch.

“We would like anyone who finds spotted lanternfly egg masses to take a photo and send the photo to us through our online form at loudoun.gov/spottedlanternfly. Then, destroy the eggs by scrapping the eggs into a baggy with alcohol,” said Beth Sastre, a horticulturist with the Virginia Cooperative Extension in Loudoun County.

Sastre advised residents to be aware that there could also be beneficial insects,

exhibitors, free workshops for first-time homebuyers and renters, and personal financial counseling sessions.

The virtual event will also include a weekly series of free workshops in English and Spanish that will be livestreamed on the second Saturday of every month. Sessions will feature topics including “Local COVID-19 Rental Assistance Programs,” “Avoiding Eviction or Foreclosure during COVID-19,” “Household Budgeting and Loudoun County Finance,” “Fair Housing,” and the spring A photo of the invasive spotted lanternfly and its egg masses, circled in yellow. and fall “Homebuying Market Overview.”

The 11th Annual Northern Virginia such as praying mantises, that may lay West Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Housing Expo is hosted by First Home Allieggs on trees and people could mistakenly Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, New York, ance in cooperation with Loudoun County think are spotted lanternfly eggs. She said New Jersey, Connecticut and Maine. and the counties of Arlington, Fairfax and mantis eggs should be taken outside so Loudoun County also offers free virtu- Prince William; the cities of Alexandria that they can hatch in the warm weather. al training and information sessions about and Falls Church; Virginia Housing; the Sastre recommended that Loudouners the spotted lanternfly, offered by the VirDulles Area Association of Realtors; the who are considering buying decorative ginia Cooperative Extension. The sessions Northern Virginia Association of Realtors; live material for the holidays purchase are designed to give homeowners associand the U.S. Department of Housing and it from one of the many local farms in ations, farmers and others the informa- Urban Development.

Loudoun, because the spotted lanternDetails about how to participate in the fly has not been detected in Loudoun. tion they need to help prevent the spread event are online at novahousingexpo.org. of the invasive insect.

More information But if the material was not purchased in Resources geared toward homebuyers and about the training sessions and about Loudoun, inspect it very carefully. The renters in Loudoun County are online the spotted lanternfl y may be found at spotted lanternfly has been found in Fredat loudoun.gov/housing. erick and Clarke counties, as well as in loudoun.gov/spottedlanternfly. n

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

Leesburg

New Leesburg Council Members Sworn In

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

BY KARA RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

krodriquez@loudounnow.com

Three-term Mayor Kelly Burk and the three newest members of the Leesburg Town Council were officially sworn in during a brief outdoor ceremony on the Town Green on Thursday, Dec. 10.

Burk acknowledged that the swearing-in ceremony is usually filled with much more pomp and circumstance, but both she and her new colleagues expressed optimism for the starts of their terms on Jan. 1. Joining Burk are Zach Cummings, Ara Bagdasarian and Kari Nacy, the top three finishers in November’s four-person Town Council race.

County Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) offered the new three councilors the same piece of advice County Administrator Tim Hemstreet gave her when she took office in 2016—once you take office, you never stop being an elected official. She recalled her own early encounter of this, when she was approached by a neighbor to discuss broadband issues as she was grocery shopping in the middle of the night.

Randall offered kind words for each member.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Leesburg Council member Kari Nacy, Mayor Kelly Burk, and members Zach Cummings, and Ara Bagdasarian mark the occasion of their swearing-in Thursday, Dec. 10.

She commended Nacy for so quickly undertaking a second bid for elected office, after her loss in her first Town Council race in 2018.

“It shows your character and commitment,” she said.

Of Bagdasarian, Randall said, while she didn’t know him well personally, she has yet to hear one negative word uttered

about him.

“That’s a great place to start as an elected official, but it won’t last,” she said to laughs from the small crowd gathered.

She credited Cummings, the campaign manager for her 2015 bid for the county NEW COUNCIL continues on page 8

Dunn Finishes Dozen-Year Council Career

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

One of the most outspoken members of the Leesburg Town Council in recent years has bid adieu to his seat on the dais.

Barring a not unheard of special meeting, Councilman Tom Dunn likely served his last meeting as council member Tuesday. A few months back, Dunn announced he would be ending a previously announced bid for a fourth council term because of family considerations.

His term expires at month’s end.

Dunn was first elected to the Town Council in May 2008 and re-elected twice since. In between it all, he also waged three unsuccessful bids for the mayor’s seat, twice against former mayor and current Leesburg District Supervisor Kristen Umstattd and once against current Mayor Kelly Burk.

With his days on the council dais dwindling, Dunn was not much for wax-

Push for Public BLA Talks Fails to Sway Council

ing nostalgic on the events of the past 12 years.

“I had a job to do and I did it,” he said. “What benefit is it of looking back on anybody? I feel it’s more important for the citizens of Leesburg to look forward—who the new leadership is, growth and where it’s headed. I try to keep my ego in check. The people hired me to do a job, and I did a job I felt I should’ve done.”

His words are not unlike the campaign slogan he used for years, to return him to office so he could “Get the Job Dunn.” Dunn said he served every day of the last dozen years with the goal of keeping residents’ perspectives in mind.

“I always tried to put myself in [the position of] ‘where does the public stand on this’? So many times politicians are thinking about where their donations came from, what businesses or acquaintances will be affected, or where they’re getting votes or [losing] votes. When

Councilman Tom Dunn

I started there were 27,000 people in town, when I finished there was 54,000.

Most of those people have no clue who I am. They don’t know who the mayor DUNN continues on page 24

An effort by three members of the Leesburg Town Council to have a public update on the town-county negotiations of a boundary line adjustment has been met with stiff opposition by both town staff and remaining council members.

The latest instance of this came during a hastily called special meeting Dec. 8, when council members Suzanne Fox and Tom Dunn sought to discuss the BLA in an open session. The meeting adjourned because of a lack of a quorum, with only Dunn, Fox and Councilman Ron Campbell in attendance. The three other council members arrived in time for their regularly scheduled meeting, which began only 15 minutes later.

The BLA process was kicked off by the council in 2018 in an effort to expand its commercial base. The targeted annexation area includes more than 500 acres in the Compass Creek development off Battlefield Parkway, including the location of a new Microsoft data center campus. That area falls within the Joint Land Management Area, where the town and county have traditionally cooperated on planning policies.

Some property owners there have already signed off on coming into the town’s corporate limits, including the Ion International Training Center, and several commercial properties by developer Peterson Companies. But the full details of what the county is asking for to move forward with the BLA have never fully come to light, although several staff reports have indicated that a revenue sharing agreement between the two elected bodies may be a part of it.

Dunn, whose term along with Campbell’s expires Dec. 31, has often lobbied for the topic to be discussed in open session, and has usually chosen not to participate in closed session meetings on the topic. After last week’s special meeting failed to reach quorum, Dunn said he believes speaking about the topic only in closed session is done to hide the town’s inability to negotiate with the county.

“There are no negotiations. The town is letting the county know what they want, the county then counters and then we say yes,” he said. “The problem is that the staff is really just looking at the money to be gained in the revenue share and therefore willing to give up little by little all the issues the town had going into the BLA. With BLA TALKS continues on page 24

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

Wine Kitchen Gets Temporary OK for Awning

PAGE 7

Here to help you find your forever home!

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

A downtown Leesburg restaurant got special permission to use its CARES Act grant for the purchase of an awning for its King Street location.

According to Town Manager Kaj Dentler, the Wine Kitchen was one of 120 town eating and beverage establishments to receive a grant for tents or heaters during the upcoming winter months.

The council in October approved a grant program, using its CARES Act federal stimulus legislation funding, to provide businesses with funding for the purchase or rental of tents and heaters during the current calendar year.

Dentler said Wine Kitchen owner Jason Miller approached him about using his grant to instead purchase a retractable awning, similar to the one at neighbor Black Hoof Brewing. That, combined with electric heaters, would create a more versatile, year-round outdoor atmosphere, he said. According to Town Attorney Christopher Spera, he did not see any meaning-

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PAGE 8

New council continued from page 6 chairmanship, as the reason she was elected in the first place.

“It doesn’t at all surprise me that you did this,” she said. “I don’t think people know what a very good strategic brain they’re about to get on council.”

Randall credited Burk with being one of the longest-serving public servants in the town and county, and said her love of Leesburg “has always been so clear.”

The council members expressed their own enthusiasm to get to work come Jan. 1.

“I’m feeling really optimistic on where

Wine Kitchen continued from page 7

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ferently from a tent, since both would be used for the same purpose—to add outdoor dining capacity due to indoor dining restrictions posed by the pandemic.

Miller said the awning will allow the restaurant to add two or three tables outside. While that may not sound like a lot, that equates to about a 25% increase in seating, since the restaurant currently only has six tables inside to comply with social distancing requirements.

To comply with the stipulations of the CARES legislation, a purchase would need to be made by year’s end, making a timely, yet required, Board of Architectural Review approval for the awning unlikely. Town staff explored whether the advertising for such a public hearing could be accelerated to meet the tight timeline, but Spera ruled it could not.

So Dentler used his powers as town manager to grant a temporary approval so the Wine Kitchen could move forward with the purchase of the awning. Howev-

DECEMBER 17, 2020

we’re headed and I’m excited to get started,” Bagdasarian said.

Burk’s excitement was all the more palpable.

“This is going to be a whole different council,” she said giddily.

In a nod to Randall’s advice, Burk presented each new council member with a personalized leather notebook, so they would be ready to jot down all the concerns and questions from community members they would encounter as elected officials.

Burk, Cummings and Bagdasarian were sworn in by Circuit Court Judge, and former Leesburg town attorney, Jeanette Irby. Nacy was sworn in by Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens. n

er, Miller still must seek and receive BAR approval for the structure to remain up. If the application for the awning is denied, and an appeal of that decision to the Town Council also denied, Miller would need to remove the awning.

Dentler said the BAR has been directed to review the application “in all due speed,” but a public hearing on the matter is still not scheduled.

Miller is hopeful that the awning will be approved, particularly since the Wine Kitchen is using the same vendor as other businesses in the historic district. While he recognizes that January and its traditionally bitterly cold temperatures may make it difficult to utilize outdoor seating then, he hopes that having the awning for late winter and early spring will be a benefit. He said he plans to keep the awning up year-round.

“The town has been very helpful and cooperative,” Miller said. “I know a lot of people want to paint the opposite. This is a good example of being able to work with a business to come up with creative solutions.” n

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

Education

COVID Case Rise Suspends In-class Learning

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

After weeks of increasing COVID-19 cases locally, national and around the globe, Loudoun’s schools returned to 100% distance learning Tuesday.

On Dec. 10, the Virginia Department of Health published data showing that both core indicators used by the schools to monitor the level of community spread had exceeded the thresholds established by the School Board for suspending the hybrid learning program if the numbers remained high for five consecutive weekdays. However, the health department retroactively updated metrics for earlier dates in December that indicate both metrics had exceeded their thresholds as of Sunday, Dec. 6.

The 14-day average of positive coronavirus tests climbed above 10% for the first time last week. That positivity rate, combined with the fact that the number of new cases in the previous 14 days continues to be over 200, started a five-day countdown that would suspend the hybrid learning program, which includes two days of in-person classes, until the rate of community spread declines. The number of new cases has exceeded the 200case threshold for several weeks, now exceeding 400. The 14-day positivity rate this week was about 11%.

“We understand that this process is disruptive for families of students who have been participating in hy-

brid in-person learning this fall. The safety and well-being of all students, staff members, their families and the community continues to be our highest priority, and this decision is being made consistent with our commitment to achieving that objective,” Superintendent Eric Williams stated in an email to the school community.

Under the school division policy, hybrid classes will not resume until at least one of the two factors remains at an acceptable level for at least five consecutive weekdays.

That means the hybrid program will not restart before the annual winter break, which runs Dec. 23 until Jan. 4.

The Loudoun Education Association, which has been raising concerns about having adequate safety protocols in place in schools, called on Williams to continue the suspension of in-person classes at least until the start of the second semester Jan. 21. Also on that date, the School Board is expecting to expand hybrid learning to middle and high school students who selected that option. That expansion is dependent on a decline in the community spread measurements.

During Tuesday’s School Board meeting, parents and students speaking during the public comment period criticized the decision to halt in-person learning. Many urged school leaders to develop different standards that recognize there is little spread of the virus in schools. They said classrooms have proven to be safer than stores, bars and gyms, which remain open. “If bars should be open, schools should be open,” one speaker said. n

PAGE 9

Board to Expand Equity Committee The School Board’s largest advisory committee is set to get bigger.

During a Dec. 10 work session to revise its committee structure ahead of its annual organizational meeting next month, the board agreed to add seven more members to the Equity Committee. The panel was established in 2019 with 24 members.

In a series of straw votes during the work session, the board agreed to add a seat for someone representing the LGBTQ community, joining seats designated for representatives of other minority groups, including the All Dulles Area Muslin Society, the Loudoun NAACP, and of the Hindu, Jewish and Latinx communities.

Also planned is adding six seats for community members appointed by individual School Board members.

Currently, three School Board members serve on the committee. However, the change would allow the other six to have direct representation on the panel. Members promoting the change said they were concerned that the needs of their district were not being address or that they sought more direct involvement with the committee.

The committee, which meets monthly, is tasked with researching and making recommendations regarding all school division practices and policies related to equity.

This week, the School Board approved a change in one of the committee seats. Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky will replace Rabbi Amy Sapowith in representing the Jewish community. n

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PAGE 10

DECEMBER 17, 2020

Public Safety

SAFETY briefs

Facebook Search Warrant Fight Continues

March, April Jury Trials Set for 2 in Fatal Shooting

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

The fight to block a search warrant seeking to obtain information from an activist group’s Facebook page continues.

But the group might now be open to allowing the warrant to be executed if it seeks only publicly posted information.

On Sept. 11, members of the Free Them All VA Coalition protested the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s transfer of migrant detainees to the Farmville Detention Center, where a COVID-19 outbreak ensued and resulted in one death. In doing so, they left messages—“LIBEREN A TODXS” and “FREE THEM ALL!”— in large blue letters painted on the sidewalk in front of Attorney General Mark Herring’s downtown Leesburg home.

That prompted the Leesburg Police Department to obtain a search warrant on the group’s Facebook page to find out who is responsible for the graffiti, which was removed by the town’s Public Works Department.

The search warrant’s scope included: “Any and all subscriber records including subscriber names, address, phone numbers, length of service, credit card information, email address(es), and recent login/logout IP address(es). Any and all wall content/posts, messages, chats, videos, and pictures to included deleted material.”

But activists felt that search warrant was overly broad. With the support of the Public Citizen Litigation Group, they filed an Oct. 13 motion to quash the search warrant, or to limit the search to certain

“In this digital age, so much of our private papers are stored online that the construction of the First Amendment’s, and the procedures used to enforce those limits on government power, must evolve along with technology …”

— Public Citizen Litigation Group keywords.

The group asserts in the motion that the search warrant would allow law enforcement officials to page through “a whole bunch of confidential messages, having nothing to do with the supposed crime of painting words on a sidewalk.”

It wrote that “paging through irrelevant documents” is construed as “exploratory rummaging” and that the search would violate group members’ rights under the First Amendment.

On Nov. 25, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office filed its opposition to the motion to quash, in which Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Bruce Johnson asserted that “the search warrant does not unfairly impinge upon first amendment

rights” because it is “narrowly tailored” and not “overly broad or burdensome.”

Johnson wrote that the photos and videos of protestors on Sept. 11 that were posted to the Free Them All VA’s Facebook page were “openly published” and not private.

If not for the language included in the search warrant’s scope, the litigation group and prosecutors could be on the same page when it comes to which pieces of information police are seeking on Free Them All VA’s Facebook page.

In a Dec. 8 email to Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Alex Downing, Public Citizen attorney Paul Levy clarified that if it was just the publicly posted photos and videos police want to obtain, “it seems to me that we probably don’t have anything that necessitates litigation.”

Still, the group filed a reply to prosecutors’ opposition on Dec. 11, in which it asserted that search warrants have to be drafted with “scrupulous exactitude.”

“In this digital age, so much of our private papers are stored online that the construction of the First Amendment’s, and the procedures used to enforce those limits on government power, must evolve along with technology …”

Leesburg Police Public Information Office Michael Drogin said Friday that Facebook has yet to respond to the search warrant and that is has not provided a timeframe for doing so.

Already, Leesburg Police have charged one person, 29-year-old Jessie Patton of Fairfax, with misdemeanor destruction of property in connection to the Sept. 11 protest. n

Woman Found Dead in Leesburg House Fire As Loudoun County firefighters worked to extinguish a Leesburg house fire Sunday night, a woman was found dead inside the home.

Just before 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 13, fire and rescue units from Leesburg, Hamilton, Purcellville, Lansdowne, and Ashburn were dispatched to the 300 block of Harrison Street after a 911 call reported that the house was on fire and someone may be trapped inside.

Firefighters arrived on scene and reported visible smoke from the rear of the

two-story townhouse. Crews entered the building and searched for the fire and residents. A small fire was located on the first floor along with the woman. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.

The Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire was accidental, caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials.

Damages to the structure are estimated at $184,800.

The Leesburg Police Department is assisting the Fire Marshal’s Office with the investigation.

The victim’s identification and cause of death will be released pending an investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The Fire Marshal’s Office noted that improper disposal of smoking materials not only results in millions of dollars in damages to Loudoun County homes, but also needlessly endangers residents and fire and rescue personnel. For reminders on steps to prevent fires, go to loudoun.gov/fireprevention or call 703-737-8600. n

A Loudoun grand jury Monday indicted Gavin Collins and Joshua Hunter on first-degree murder charges associated with the July shooting death of Jose I. Escobar Menendez.

Collins faces an eight-day jury trial from April 6-15.

Hunter faces a 10-day jury trial from March 15-26.

According to testimony Collins during a Nov. 16 preliminary hearing, Menendez drove to Sterling from Winchester to meet with a friend he had met three weeks prior to his death. Digital information recovered by the Sheriff ’s Office showed that texts being sent to Menendez came from the Sterling Sheetz, where surveillance video showed Hunter pumping gas into his Dodge Charger about 10 minutes before the shooting.

A surveillance video from the apartment complex near where Menendez was found shows headlights that Sheriff ’s Office detectives say they identified as being the headlights of a Charger.

A nearby resident testified that she heard cars pull up to the complex, with at least two people talking, before she heard a “pop” at 2 a.m.

Detectives later found a single bullet casing fired from a .45-caliber handgun. Menendez’s friend also later discovered Menendez’s phone off the side of the Rt. 7 entrance ramp onto Rt. 28 south.

The grand jury indicted Collins, 22, on one count of first-degree murder, two counts of felony robbery, two counts of felony use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, one count of felony possession or transportation of a weapon, one count of felony possession of controlled substances, and one count of felony possession of a firearm while in the possession of a controlled substance.

SAFETY BRIEFS continues on page 11

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

SAFETY briefs continued from page 10

The grand jury indicted Hunter, 22, on one count of first-degree murder, two counts of felony robbery, and two counts of felony use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Hunter Collins and Hunter have been held without bond at the Loudoun Adult Detention Center since July.

Grand Jury Indicts Unlicensed Dentist on 15 Charges A Loudoun grand jury Monday indicted Juan Ramos Jacobe on 10 felonies and five misdemeanors associated with allegations he operated an unlicensed dentistry practice in Sterling and sexually assaulted

six females.

Ramos Jacobe, 47, was arrested in late March as the Sheriff ’s Office investigated a report that he had “mildly” sedated a female victim for dental work at his home dentist office off North York Road and sexually assaulted her. The agency announced in July that five more victims had come forward and that Ramos Jacobe had operated the makeshift dental clinic out of his home since 2016.

The grand jury indicted him on two counts of felony aggravated sexual battery, six counts of felony practicing a profession without a license, one count of felony performing an invasive procedure without a license, one count of felony object sexual penetration by force, and five counts of misdemeanor sexual battery.

A scheduling hearing for Ramos Jacobe’s case is expected to soon occur in Circuit Court.

Ramos Jacobe has been held without bond at the Loudoun Adult Detention Center since March.

2011 Missing Case Sent to Domestic Relations Court Jacobe

The case against the former boyfriend of a missing Ashburn woman was trans-

PAGE 11

ferred to Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court last week. Ronald Roldan will face a preliminary hearing Jan. 13.

In 2011, 21-yearold Bethany Anne Decker went missing while five months pregnant and in her final semester at George Mason University. She has never been found. Her Roldan former boyfriend, Roldan, who investigators say was living with Decker at the time, was a person of interest in the case but had not been charged with her disappearance until last month when the Sheriff ’s Office charged him with abduction, a Class 5 felony.

In 2016, Roldan pleaded guilty to felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury and felony assault inflicting serious bodily injury in Pinehurst, NC after being charged with the attempted murder of his then-girlfriend Vickey Willoughby. He was sentenced to a minimum of six years in prison, after which he was to be deported to his native Bolivia.

According to information included in

a December 2014 search warrant, and several subsequent warrants requested by the Loudoun Sheriff ’s Office, Willoughby told Loudoun detectives that Roldan once told her, “I made someone disappear once and I’ll do it again.”

Teen Charged in Armed Leesburg Carjacking Leesburg Police have charged a 16-year-old teen with attempted robbery, attempted malicious wounding, abduction, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in connection with a Saturday night carjacking.

According to the report, the Police Department was alerted at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 about an armed carjacking and abduction that had occurred in the 100 block of Meadows Lane. The Sheriff ’s Office found three of the four victims with the vehicle at an apartment complex in River Ridge Terrace in Ashburn. The fourth victim remained in Leesburg. One of the victims suffered an apparent minor injury as a result of the incident.

The suspect was known to the victims.

He is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

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Nonprofit Metcalfe Named Executive Director, CEO of Morven Park LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation has named Stacey Metcalfe as the next executive director/CEO of Morven Park, beginning Jan. 11.

The foundation is a nonprofit organization that owns and operates Morven Park, a 1,000-acre park on the north side of Leesburg that is a popular destination for visitors and area residents. The estate, the former home of Virginia Gov. Westmoreland Davis, includes a historic house museum, walking and hiking trails, formal boxwood gardens, and renowned equestrian center.

Metcalfe comes to Morven Park with more than 30 years of corporate and nonprofit leadership experience, most recently serving as the director of Western Region Government & Community Relations for the Inova Health System. She is also the chair of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Loudoun County Economic Development Advisory Commission, and a former member of the Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation board of trustees.

“Morven Park contributes to the overall health of our community in countless ways,” Metcalfe said. “The park provides

Westmoreland Davis Memorial Foundation

New Morven Park Executive Director and CEO Stacey Metcalfe.

free civics lessons to our schools, boosts equestrian sport in the county, serves as a unique tourist destination, and is the perfect ‘green space’ for anyone looking to get outside and explore, to exercise, or even just relax in nature. This position combines many of the causes I’ve supported over the years, and I’m honored to have been selected to continue the Morven Park legacy.”

She takes the seat of Executive Director/CEO Sheryl Williams, who announced her retirement in the fall after 14

years with the nonprofit.

“Stacey has an impressive background of equal parts business acumen and philanthropic experience, which is exactly what is needed at an organization as large and diverse as Morven Park,” Williams said.

“I’ve known Stacey for many years and have seen her demonstrate her passion for making Loudoun a safer, healthier, and more prosperous county,” said Loudoun County Chamber President & CEO Tony Howard. “Her enthusiasm for Morven Park is also well known, and I’m sure she is going to be a tremendous advocate for them.”

Before working at Inova Health System, Metcalfe worked for the See Forever Foundation, the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, and The Washington Ballet, and managed her own event planning business, Esprit Events. She moved to Loudoun County in 1995 when she began working at AOL, where she rose to the position of Vice President of International Products and Technology.

She was also married at Morven Park in 2017, and lives in Leesburg with her husband and daughter.

For more information, or to support Morven Park, go to MorvenPark.org. n

GIVING back JK Community Farm Tops 2020 Growing Goals The JK Community Farm, a 150-acre farm near Purcellville, donated nearly 147,000 pounds of protein and produce to area food banks during 2020, exceeding its goal by 11,000 pounds during the pandemic.

Operating as the nation’s largest chemical-free community farm, the operation’s donated yield translated to 117,258 meals and was produced with the help of nearly 3,000 volunteers.

“Need grew exponentially this year, which challenged our efforts to grow more while keeping our volunteer workforce safe.

We adapted by spreading out our volunteer shifts and pushed to increase yield to ensure more families had healthy meals on their plates,” stated farm Executive Director Samantha Kuhn. “We plan to do even more this coming year to combat hunger.”

In 2021, the farm plans to produce 230,000 pounds of healthy food, increasing its donations to nonprofit partners—

Loudoun Hunger Relief, Food for Others, and Arlington Food Assistance Center—as well as expanding distribution into Washington, DC. To nearly double production, plantings will grow from 8 acres to 14 acres. As many as 4,000 volunteers will be needed to support the expansion.

JK Community Farm, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, started in 2018 with the support of JK Moving Services. Learn more at jkcommunityfarm.org.

LDS Congregations Deliver 80,000 Pounds of Food The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Salt Lake City warehouse has provided various Loudoun food banks with 80,000 pounds of food worth more than $144,000 for the Christmas season.

A portion of that food—which includes butter, cheese and nonperishables—was delivered to Loudoun Hunger Relief, where it was divided up among several other county food pantries.

“At a time when so many individuals

and families are experiencing unusually difficult economic times due to the pandemic, we are especially grateful to share with those in need,” said Dallon Cheney, bishop of the Leesburg Ward.

Middleburg Aids Seven Loaves with Donation Collection Businesses and residents in Middleburg are helping to raise food and financial donations the Seven Loaves Services food pantry at the United Methodist Church, 15 W. Washington St. Offices and retail shops throughout town have put out containers for food donations. A truck parked at the Safeway promotes a “Fill the Truck” donation effort.

With the support of BAC Dumpsters and other community partners, the town hopes to donate a ton of food to Seven Loaves.

Food will be collected through Dec. 20. Anyone wishing to make a financial donation may do so at sevenloavesmiddleburg.org.

DECEMBER 17, 2020

Mobile Hope’s Christmas Village Spreads Holiday Cheer Mobile Hope’s COVID-safe Christmas Village on Saturday provided needed gifts and a dose of holiday cheer to nearly 300 families. Hundreds of additional children will be provided toys this week through the nonprofit’s “Listen for the Honk” bus outreach to Loudoun communities.

On Saturday afternoon, cars lined up along Miller Drive in Leesburg for a drive-through experience that included falling snow, Santa Claus, Christmas carols and lighting, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch, Cindy-Lou Who and lots of elves.

The event was powered by Mobile Hope staff, more than 200 volunteers of all ages and abilities, and members of the homeless and at-risk youth served by the organization.

In preparation for the event, 3,000 gifts were wrapped by more than 160 volunteers who spent 320 hours preparing each individual package.

Also, nonprofit partner Hiya Baby distributed 12,000 diapers, 120 bundles with Christmas pajamas, My A to Z books and 550 lifetime subscriptions to the educational app “Speech Blubs.”

The Beverly’s Elves distributed over 1,200 bags of coats, hats, scarves and gloves.

The event was sponsored by Three Fox Vineyards, The Barker Family Foundation, Loudoun Families for Children, and Superlative Events.

Mobile Hope is a nonprofit headquartered in Leesburg that supports precariously housed, homeless and at-risk youth, helping them to become self-sufficient and support their well- being. Through a network of partnerships, Mobile Hope provides access to daily essentials and vital supplies—food, clothes, hygiene products, school supplies, medical support services, masks, books, toys and referrals to other organizations— at its headquarters and through the Mobile Hope bus program “Listen for the Honk.” In addition, Mobile Hope’s Crisis Care program focuses on the needs of 18-24-year-olds who are homeless, providing basic needs, emergency shelter, housing solutions, job assistance, extensive case management and life skills. n

DECEMBER 17, 2020

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PAGE 13

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

Business

Catoctin Creek Distilling, GWAR Create Ragnarök Rye Whiskey

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Whiskey drinkers will soon have a new tasting to try—one made from the blood of an intergalactic shock rock band’s members and melted Antarctic ice, as the legend goes.

Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. recently announced it partnered with the Richmond-based band GWAR to create the 92-proof Ragnarök Rye whiskey. The whiskey, which is aged in charred new white oak, sugar maple and cherrywood, will be launched in February and will sell for $99 for a 750ml bottle. Distillery Co-owner Becky Harris said she’s aiming to release 100 bottles initially.

Harris said the whiskey is one of the first creations her team has made by focusing on added flavor from wood. She said the high-quality whiskey should “speak to Virginia”—not only through taste, but through partnering with a band full of whiskey enthusiasts who hail from Richmond and, according to Harris, are “lovely people and terrifying intergalactic aliens.”

And it was a recent visit from those

Contributed

Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. Co-owner Becky Harris, GWAR drummer Jizmak Da Gusha, and distillery Coowner Scott Harris recently met to create the Ragnarök Rye whiskey.

whiskey enthusiast aliens that distillery Co-owner Scott Harris said was “a little stressful.”

“We had to constantly keep an eye on them to keep them from breaking stuff, and they even tried to eat our dog, Otto,” he said. “The only way we could get them to leave was to agree to bottle their whisky for them.”

The Berserker Blothar, the band’s lead singer, said the whiskey is “such a powerful spirit.”

“A delicious sacrament to drink in

preparation for battle, and it’ll get you really, really crazy,” he said.

Becky Harris said creating whiskey is similar to creating music, as both products are for people to take in, either by sipping or listening.

“It’s storytelling. It’s a different kind of storytelling, but ultimately you’re trying to take people on a journey,” she said.

Already, Catoctin Creek has received a tremendous amount of interest from GWAR fans and whiskey drinkers nationwide, Becky Harris said.

The whiskey also absorbs the over-totop, intergalactic origin story of the band, which is known for its grotesque costumes and science-fiction themed mythology.

In the legend, GWAR was formed “eons ago” when its members reportedly were banished from their home planet for each being an “intergalactic screw-up.” They descended to Earth as passengers on a flaming comet that plowed into Antarctica “with devastating force, melting the ice, setting much of the world ablaze, and leaving a massive crater filled with the purest Antarctic water.” Those events were recorded as the tale of Ragnarök, or the end of days.

Aside from now partnering to make whiskey, GWAR has two goals: to conquer Earth, and to perform for their “really passionate and engaged fanbase,” as Becky Harris put it.

It’s one of those shows that Becky Harris said she hopes to attend one day, adding that she has been warned to bring an umbrella; GWAR fans typically leave shows soaked in fake blood.

Learn more about Ragnarök Rye at catoctincreek.com. Learn more about GWAR at gwar.net. n

DECEMBER 17, 2020

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Our Towns

TOWN notes

Community Rallies to Raise $14K for Tammy’s Diner

BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

Through the help of the community, Tammy’s Diner in Round Hill will have the ability to stay open at least through February.

Diner owner Tammy Hines said she, like most other restaurant owners, has been struggling to keep her doors open ever since Gov. Ralph Northam’s first imposed restrictions on inside dining on March 23. She said, “this is the worse I’ve ever been”—and Round Hill resident Matthew Speer could see it in her eyes when he and his family ate at the diner two months ago.

To help out, Speer tipped Hines $50 on that visit then later set up a Facebook fundraiser, with the goal to initially raise $250. When contributions came flooding in at the end of November, Speer raised the goal to $1,000, then $2,000, $10,000 and eventually to $13,750. By the end of the day Dec. 11, about 200 people had beat that goal and contributed $14,057.

After Facebook collects its 3% fee, Hines will receive $13,631.

“It took off like a bandit,” Speer said of the fundraiser.

Hines said the support has been “wonderful” and that Speer has done “an awesome job.” She said she could make the donations last through February.

In that time, she’ll continue paying up to $325 just to run operations each day, $1,000 each month on rent and $2,000 each month to pay her single employee, while also paying for other expenses

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Nine Purcellville residents—including a 15-year-old, a Presbyterian pastor and a former military police officer— are ready to begin recommending to the Town Council ways to improve the town’s 14-member police force.

The Purcellville Town Council on Monday night unanimously appointed the inaugural slate to the Community Policing Advisory Committee, which the council voted to create in October after four months of discussion; its formation was originally suggested by

Luminaria to Light up on Christmas Eve The Town of Hamilton will hold its annual luminaria display starting at 4 p.m. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 along Colonial Highway through town.

Volunteers are needed to prepare and place the luminarias along the road. They should be at the Hamilton Safety Center at noon that day.

Help is also needed to light the luminaries that afternoon beginning at 4 p.m.

To sign up to volunteer, go to hamiltonva.gov/public-notice. For more information, email Carri Michon at clmichon@aol.com.

HILLSBORO Town Amends Rt. 9 Traffic Patterns for Holidays Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

About 200 people donated more than $14,000 to help Tammy Hines keep her Round Hill diner in business.

both professional and personal. At home, Hines also has a disabled husband and sick daughter to care for.

“This is my livelihood, this pays my bills here and at home,” she said about the diner. “I can’t survive on a 300- or 400-dollar day.”

Aside from the money the community raised for her, Hines also received a grant from the government in the spring. But,

she said, that money wasn’t nearly enough to supplement her loss of revenue.

“I still got bills coming in and I’m not making a dime,” she said. “I’m doing the best I can do.”

Once Facebook processes the donations, Speer plans to present Hines with the check along a wooden American flag from Valor Exteriors, which made a “pretty sizeable donation,” he said. n

Purcellville Council Appoints 9 to Police Advisory Group

BY PATRICK SZABO

HAMILTON

former councilman Nedim Ogelman and resident Molly Magoffin following a June 7 Black Lives Matter march in town following national outcry surrounding racism in policing.

Committee members will have staggered terms.

Serving from Jan. 4 to Jan. 3, 2023 will be 20-year town resident Thomas Christie; Leonard Markland, a former military police officer who, according to his application, feels the committee “… should not be an ‘oversight’ position, it should be a bridge position that helps the community and the police officers engage in the mutual protection of all”; Elizabeth Ford, a senior IT systems an-

alyst with Hitachi Vantara Federal and a seven-year volunteer at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center who mentors women; nine-month resident Caleb Stought, a former cryptologic linguist with the U.S. Army who also studied intelligence and criminal justice as part of his graduate studies at National American University; and 15-year-old Payton Arnett, the daughter of County Chair Phyllis J. Randall’s (D-At Large) chief of staff and one of the speakers at the June 7 Black Lives Matter rally in town.

POLICING GROUP continues on page 21

Rt. 9 through the Town of Hillsboro will be open to eastbound traffic only Monday-Wednesday and to westbound traffic only Thursday-Sunday during the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s.

From Dec. 21-23 and from Dec. 28-30, eastbound lanes through town will open to traffic 4-9:30 a.m.

Westbound traffic is prohibited those days. From Dec. 24-27 and from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3, westbound lanes will open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastbound traffic is prohibited those days.

Normal partial road access will resume Monday, Jan. 4 with the highway through town opening to eastbound traffic only from 4-9:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and to westbound traffic only from 2-7 p.m. on Fridays and westbound only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, go to ReThink9.com.

Town Collects Food, Gift Donations for Mobile Hope The Town of Hillsboro is offering the Old Stone School as a drop-off TOWN NOTES continues on page 20

DECEMBER 17, 2020

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PAGE 20

DECEMBER 17, 2020

Middleburg Awards Contracts for New Town Office Design, Construction Management

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

By next October, the Middleburg’s new town office should be fully designed and ready for construction.

The Town Council last Thursday night voted unanimously to award a $651,800 contract for architectural and engineering services for the project to Glavé & Holmes Architecture, which will partner with the North Carolina-based Creech & Associates design firm. It also voted unanimously to award a $417,770 contract for construction management of the building to Downey & Scott.

Once Glavé & Holmes designs the new building, Downey & Scott will assist in the review of the design and construction plans, offer engineering recommendations and provide daily onsite inspections during construction of the new town office, which

TOWN notes continued from page 18

location for nonperishable food items, hygiene products and unwrapped gifts. On Friday, Dec. 18, town leaders will deliver those donations to Mobile Hope, which will distribute the items to Loudoun families in need.

Drop off food and hygiene items and unwrapped gifts at the verandah near the Old Stone School’s auditorium entrance.

LOVETTSVILLE Co-op Volunteers Collect 36 Bags of Litter Along Rt. 287 Volunteers with the Lovettsville Cooperative Market recently collected 36 bags of trash, three tires and other miscellaneous large debris during its bi-annual Adopt-A-Highway clean-up along Rt. 287 from Purcell Road to the Potomac River.

The Co-op has been performing cleanups since 2013, after adopting a 1.7-mile stretch of Berlin Turnpike. Since then, its volunteers have collected 243 bags of trash and recycling, along with numerous tires and other debris. The most recent cleanup included help from a few Woodgrove High School students.

“It’s just one of the many ways the Coop contributes to the community,” said Co-op member Laura Lieberman. “And it’s another way to volunteer while social distancing.”

will be built on the same property as the existing 56-year-old town office. The town will purchase an adjacent property from Salamander Resort & Spa for $1 where it will build a parking lot for the new office and village green. The existing town office will be demolished.

Funding for both contracts is included in the town’s Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Improvement Budget, which earmarks $6.5 million for the new town office project overall. Of that, $1 million was budgeted in FY 2020, $3 million budgeted in FY 2021 and $2.5 million projected to be budgeted in FY 2022. According to a staff report, once the town is comfortable with the final project costs, it will proceed with the issuance of a general obligation bond to fund the project.

According to its response to the town’s request for proposals, the town will give Glavé & Holmes the notice to proceed on

MIDDLEBURG Town Council Approves $42K In Donations to 8 Nonprofits The Middleburg Town Council on Thursday night voted to approve $42,000 in charitable donations to eight area nonprofits, $22,000 of which will come from the Health Center Fund and $20,000 from the General Fund.

Of that amount, $4,000 will go to A Place to Be, $3,000 to American Legion Post 295, $4,000 to the Cherry Blossom Breast Cancer Fund, $4,000 to Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, $8,500 to Middleburg FISH, $11,500 to Seven Loaves Services and $5,000 to the Windy Hill Family Services Program.

Also included in that vote was $2,000 for the Middleburg Community Center, which is being directed by the Town Council to use the money specifically for its annual Angel Tree initiative to help local families in need. The community center had initially asked for $5,033, which the Health Center Advisory Board reduced by $3,000 before it recommended an amount to the Town Council.

Town Council Recognizes 9-Year Police Officer’s Service The Middleburg Town Council last Thursday night approved a resolution of appreciation recognizing Police Lt. John A. “Jay” Hollins for nine years of service.

Hollins was hired as a town police officer in 2012 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2017. He plans to retire in January. During that time, he redesigned and

Jan. 4. From there, the firm will take four weeks to develop the schematic design. Beginning March 1, the town staff will review that design. Beginning March 15, the firm will begin an eight-week design development period, followed by a town review of that design on May 10. The firm will then take 10 weeks beginning May 31 to compile construction documents. The town staff will review those documents on Aug. 23.

Final revisions to all those documents and designs will begin Sept. 13 and last three weeks. The plans should be ready for construction bidding on Oct. 1, 2021.

Town Manager Danny Davis said crews could break ground before the end of 2021.

The existing town office was built in 1964 and is too small for the growing town staff. According to a March 2018 space needs study, the town needs about 11,300 square feet to meet its current needs.

The town in August received interest

from 13 design firms and 11 proposals from construction management firms.

Some of Glavé & Holmes’ most notable projects include the designs of the 29,000-square-foot Charlottesville County Courthouse, completed in 2018; the 78,500-square-foot Fredericksburg Courthouse, completed in 2014; and the 330,650-square-foot Pocahontas Building renovation in Richmond, completed in 2017.

Some of Downey & Scott’s most notable projects include its involvement with the renovation and new construction of the Vienna Police Department, which will wrap up in 2022; the Rappahannock Regional Jail expansion, which completed in 2018; the 68,000-square-foot Manassas Public Safety Facility, which will be built in 2022; and the 106,000-square-foot Madison Trust Elementary School in Brambleton, which completed in 2016. n

updated the department’s property/evidence storage system; trained and recertified officers in the use of LIDAR/RADAR and in the use of their duty sidearms, shotguns and AR-15 tactical rifles; developed a system to calibrate and test patrol vehicles to reduce expenses; and annually organized the Virginia Bloodhound Search and Rescue training for recertification purposes and more.

He also trained through the New Chiefs/Deputy Chiefs Training School and attended the Professional Executive Leadership School—a program offered by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police through the University of Richmond.

“Thank you for the job that you’ve done,” said Police Chief AJ Panebianco.

“I’m proud to have been your chief but I’m honored to have been your friend.”

“It’s not the work you do, it’s the lives you’ve touched,” said Mayor Bridge Littleton. We cannot say thank you enough for all you’ve done.”

officer well-deserving of this recognition.”

Mayor Kwasi Fraser said “our hearts and spirit are with you, thank you very much for everything you do for the community.”

Police Chief Cynthia McAlister said she was proud of Calhoun and “so happy that he’s on our team.”

PURCELLVILLE VFW Post 1177 Recognizes Police Officer for Service VFW Post 1177 last week recognized Purcellville Police Officer Josh Calhoun for his work serving the town.

Stephen Hood, the safety officer with VFW Post 1177, said Calhoun distinguishes himself as a “tenacious and accomplished investigator,” a “consummate team player” and a “thorough training coordinator.” Hood added that Calhoun is “well-liked by the community” and is “an

Discover Purcellville Proposes EDAC Restructuring Discover Purcellville representative Hilary Cooley asked the Town Council last Tuesday to consider adding $25,000 to the Economic Development Advisory Committee’s budget to help revitalize tourism in Loudoun’s second largest town.

The request was part of a larger proposal in which Discover Purcellville leaders are urging the town to rework the EDAC and put more of an emphasis on tourism to support town businesses. Cooley justified those requests by noting that the results of a survey conducted by businesses along 21st Street in the past few weeks of November showed that 80% of visitors to the town came from outside the 20132, 20134 and 20158 ZIP codes.

Cooley, in emphasizing that business owners should play more of a role on EDAC, also suggested the town amend EDAC meeting start times, since it’s “really hard” for them to attend meetings at 7 p.m.

Cooley said Discover Purcellville would present the Town Council with more information at a later meeting date, and would be back with Visit Loudoun for a presentation on tourism.

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According to the town ordinance creating the committee, all members must be at least 16 years of age. Arnett will turn 16 on Dec. 27.

Serving from Jan. 4 to Jan. 3, 2022 will be Christopher Baltimore, a principal information security analyst with Halfaker & Associates; Kirk Balthazar, who, according to his application, “grew up [in] New York city and Washington, DC, during some of the worst times in our nation’s history and I witnessed first hand how some police department officers brought the community together while others tore it apart”; David Milam, the pastor of St. Andrew Presbyterian who was involved in the formation of the committee over the past six months and who noted in his application that he “found it compelling” to hear from several Town Council members about “the challenges of racial bias that are noticeably present in our good community”; and lifelong town resident Larry Simms, a retired 44-year teacher with Loudoun County Public Schools.

The Town Council also voted unanimously to appoint Vice Mayor Mary Jane Williams, who has served on the council since July 1, to serve a two-year term as the Town Council liaison on the committee. Town Manager David Mekarski also will need to appoint one of his staffers to facilitate committee meetings.

According to the Oct. 13 ordinance to create the advisory committee, the group is designed to enhance communication between police and residents, encourage town police to treat all residents equally and fairly, recognize police for their good work, raise awareness of police injustice and improve public trust of police.

Committee members, among other duties, will be responsible for providing

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recommendations to the Town Council on the Police Department’s annual budget. In the town’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget, $3 million is allocated to public safety and the Police Department, which has 22 sworn officer positions, eight of which are vacant.

The panel also will review issues members see in the department and recommend ways to prevent police bias and use of “unnecessary deadly force.”

The committee will convene in at least four public meetings annually.

Mayor Kwasi Fraser said the committee would begin meeting “as soon as possible,” likely at the beginning of the year, via video calls.

“All that [the committee] can do virtually, let’s see what can be done,” he said.

Missing out on spots on the committee are Andrea Walter, an active member of the town’s Volunteers in Police Service Program, which the Police Department created in 2018 to recruit resident volunteers to support its understaffed operations; Harry Harting, an auxiliary police officer with the Gordonsville Police Department and a former auxiliary deputy sheriff with the Shenandoah County Sheriff ’s Office, a former customs inspector and a former immigration inspector; Robert Rimmel, a Loudoun County Public Schools teacher and administrator; Christie Morgan, a real estate professional who has lived in town for 15 years; and Alie Campbell, a 2019 Loudoun Valley High School graduate.

Also not selected for appointment was Charlene Lane, a former police investigator for the Alexandria Police Department who emphasized during discussions of the committee’s formation in the past half year that the committee could lead to community groups actively searching for bias within the Police Department. n

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BLA Talks continued from page 6 Microsoft not coming into the town there really is no BLA anymore; it’s just a revenue share.”

Town Attorney Christopher Spera would not confirm whether Microsoft has decided that it will not consent to being incorporated into the town limits.

“Details of the agreement are not yet finalized,” he said.

Dunn said he believed an annexation process initiated by the town in Circuit Court would have been a better deal for Leesburg than a negotiated boundary line adjustment.

“We are on the losing end for this. The town is going to end up with some money, [but] we’re risking in town water [rates].

We’re risking our ability to negotiate for annexation with anybody else outside the town. We’re risking our ability for self rule and being able to have city status. We’re risking that Loudoun Water is still going to be able to be a player in the JLMA and thereby providing water to Microsoft.

There’s no security in this for the town other than trying to get some money but we could have gotten some money and security through a true annexation,” he said.

Fox said she believes there needs to be

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more transparency in the BLA process, and wants to see talks resume in open session.

She said both she, Dunn and Campbell have all been requesting information for months, only to be stonewalled by town staff.

“When the time comes to vote on the BLA and revenue sharing agreements— which vote is long past due and should have been handled by this council and not passed to the new council—I would like the citizens of Leesburg to know what the trade-offs and/or repercussions are for the town should we agree to the county’s terms.

We have been discussing/trying to discuss details for the past year, and the public still knows next to nothing about what is going on. Both the staff and three members of council should be more willing to be transparent about the terms of such an important topic,” she said.

Spera noted that the matter is part of pending litigation, as Leesburg filed suit against the county a month after its June 2019 decision to grant Loudoun Water, rather than the Town of Leesburg, the right to extend utility services to the JLMA as part of its comprehensive plan update.

“That litigation has been filed but not yet served. In addition, boundary line adjustments in general, if not done consensually, are potentially matters of a specific type of litigation between government bodies—an-

nexation. Agreement on the boundary line adjustments is essentially resolving potential annexation litigation. The agreement being negotiated is to resolve litigation, both the specific case the town brought [regarding the] county’s changes to its plan, as well as any individual annexation case that might be brought with respect to specific parcels,” he said. “It is not my practice to discuss the details of ongoing negotiations to resolve either actual or potential litigation in open session. In my experience, most Virginia local government attorneys share that view.”

Mayor Kelly Burk concurred with Spera’s assessment.

“In any negotiations you don’t want to show your complete hand while you’re doing the negotiating. We’re at that point,” she said. “Having that information, discussing that information out in the open at this point would be a detriment to what we’re trying to accomplish.”

Come Jan. 1, there will be three new council members to help shepherd the process forward. Burk is hopeful the new council will get the best deal for the town.

“I’m absolutely confident this group is focused and wants to work together,” she said. “The only agenda we have is what’s best for Leesburg.” n

DECEMBER 17, 2020

Dunn continued from page 6 is, a lot don’t vote for our position but every day they experience our decisions. I tried to put myself in [the mindset of] what do those people want. They want their snow removed, their trash picked up, their roads cleaned. If they complain, take care of their complaints. I always tried to position myself as I’m going to be their representative,” he said.

Dunn earned a reputation on the council as a staunch fiscal conservative, and it was common for him to come to spring budget deliberations armed with a long list of proposed cuts, and a push for his council colleagues to consider a tax rate cut.

Although he was often unsuccessful in that bid, he said he always viewed town revenues and expenses as residents’, not the government’s, money, and thus scrutinized line items with that mindset.

Dunn may have been even more well known for some of the controversial positions he took over the years, but was always unapologetic in sticking to his convictions.

“You can only be one person,” he said. “I have a core set of beliefs. If your core is strong, your beliefs come from that, and you shouldn’t waver from that.”

“Everybody is offended by something these days,” he said. “I’ve never called anybody a name, I’ve never tried to purposefully insult somebody, but I can’t help it if they felt insulted. You have got to stand by what you believe in because if you don’t then where are you? If your core is that flexible then it really isn’t a core.”

As he looks towards life post-council, Dunn reluctantly offers advice to the next incoming council.

“Don’t screw it up,” he said with a laugh.

But, he quickly added that his wish is that “every council does better than the previous council.”

As for Dunn, his focus moving forward is on family, which includes three adult children. The more than 22-year town resident acknowledges that whatever his next step is, Leesburg will always hold a special place in his heart.

To those who allowed him to play the role of council member since 2008, he expressed his appreciation.

“Thanks for letting me do it,” Dunn said. n

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

DECEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 25

See the full job listings at

NowHiringLoudoun.com

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

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

Department

Salary Range

Closing Date

Controller

Finance

$79,227-$135,636 DOQ

Open until filled

Police Officer

Police

$53,233-$89,590 DOQ

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Utility Inspector II

Utilities

$56,956-$97,512 DOQ

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Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior

Utilities: Water Pollution Control

$41,353-$89,790 DOQ

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Zoning Analyst

Planning and Zoning

$56,956-$97,512 DOQ

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

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

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

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.

HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE

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

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Construction Project Manager/Project Engineer Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to handle all aspects of construction project management. Duties include Preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring the assigned projects.

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Interacting daily with the clients to interpret their needs and requirements and representing them in the field.

We are looking for an accountable project engineer/project manager to be responsible for all engineering and technical disciplines that projects involve. You will schedule, plan, forecast, resource and manage all the technical activities aiming at assuring project accuracy and quality from conception to completion.

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Katherine Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 Leesburg, VA 20175 Send Resume to: khicks@meridiengroupllc.com (703) 777-8285

Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa

Construction Superintendent:

Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to provide on-site coordination for all phases of construction projects, including coordinating subcontractors, material and equipment, ensuring that specifications are being strictly followed, and that work is proceeding on schedule and within budget. The Project Superintendent shall be responsible for scheduling, inspections, quality control, and job site safety.

Part time with potential for full time. Prior federal government construction experience preferred, but not required.

Contact Info: Katherine Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 Leesburg, VA 20175 Send Resume to: khicks@meridiengroupllc.com Office: (703) 777-8285

INTERNSHIP: PROJECT ANALYST/ PROJECT ASSISTANT JOB DESCRIPTION Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual with strong analytical skills. Duties include, but are not limited to: • Creating, managing and disbursing reports related to the project

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in the following fields: Business Management, Project Management & Civil Engineering.

• Maintaining project assets • Communications and related database(s) • Evaluating and monitoring the overall project • Reviewing & reporting the project’s budget and finances • Routinely performing complete or component analysis • Notifying the entire project team about abnormalities or variances The analyst/assistant will help the entire project team complete the project within its planned scope, schedule and budget, while serving as a liaison for the project’s technical, functional and non-functional teams. Part-time to full-time, and internship positions available immediately. Individual initiates, coordinates, and executes administrative and project support to the project manager/team.

CONTACT INFO Kathy Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 Leesburg, VA 20175 www.meridiengroupllc.com khicks@meridiengroupllc.com Office: (703) 777-8285

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PAGE 26

DECEMBER 17, 2020

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The Loudoun County High School String Quartet performs before the cameras during the recording of BENEFIT’s “Hope for the Holidays” special at Morven Park’s Winmill Carriage Museum.

THE REAGAN YEARS NEW YEARS EVE PARTY 12/31/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

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Loudoun’s Arts Groups Go Big with Online Holiday Shows

BY JAN MERCKER

jmercker@loudounnow.com

In a normal year, Loudoun’s performing arts scene is buzzing for the entire month of December with holiday concerts and performances. And the Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company’s annual “Nutcracker” is the icing on the cake.

But LBPAC and other favorite arts groups are going virtual this year with fun and festive holiday streaming options.

And if you’re imagining living room livestreams, think again: this winter’s holiday offerings include polished, carefully produced specials. So get ready to snuggle up, make a donation and watch your favorite local performers from your couch.

LBPAC’s ‘Nutcracker’ This year, LBPAC presents a filmed version of the classic ballet. The online version brings a few modifications but will offer the same high-quality experience fans have come to expect.

For LBPAC Executive Director Cherie

Maroni, the goal was to provide one last Nutcracker experience for graduating seniors and offer the community a sense of continuity through a cherished tradition.

“My goal was just to get the kids on stage,” Maroni said. “Some of these kids who are seniors this year started out as babies doing Nutcracker. ... I couldn’t let a year go by without figuring out a way for the kids to have their final Nutcracker.”

This year’s show features seniors Morgan Ponte as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Alexandra Hitrik and Stella Celentano sharing the role of Snow Queen. As in a normal year, the lead roles are double cast, and viewers can choose from two productions online starting Dec. 24. The playbill for the show will be available Dec. 20.

Maroni’s team filmed the ballet in segments using five cameras for a high-quality film version. The performance features a smaller cast than a traditional production, with specially designed masks on dancers who don’t have “high cardio” solo roles. Soloists have quarantined for two weeks before the performance to protect fellow dancers, Maroni said.

In another big adjustment, the company is letting go of its usual practice of hiring professional male dancers to partner with young women from the company in lead roles. This year, Maroni’s daughter Emily Maroni, a dance student at American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles, will play the Nutcracker.

And this year’s ballet won’t have the usual lifts or partnering, as the Nutcracker is transformed from Clara’s Prince Charming to a toy companion that comes to life.

For Maroni, the changes and adaptations are well worth it to bring the production to life.

“It works for what we needed for this year. The kids look amazing and have worked so hard. They keep on trucking with a smile on their face,” Maroni said.

“This pandemic has taught these kids that no matter what life hands us, we’ll figure it out and we can always make a positive impact on other people.”

The show offers a swan song for longtime dancers and fills a gap in the commuHOLIDAY ONLINE continues on page 28

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

THINGS to do HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Santa at the Old Schoolhouse

Friday, Dec. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts Details: facebook.com/luckettscc Stop by the Lucketts Community Center during a drive-through event. Enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate, get a glimpse of our gingerbread contest entries and see Santa from the comfort of your car.

Santa’s elves have holiday gift bags for all our visitors.

Event is free, but advance registration is recommended.

Loudoun Kitchen and Bar Ugly Sweater Party

Saturday, Dec. 19, 5-10 p.m.

Loudoun Kitchen and Bar, 501 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: theloudounkitchenandbar.com Join host Mike Weber and DJ Santa for an evening of fun and prizes for every ugly woolen garment. COVID regulations are enforced, so wear a mask. Event is for ages 18 and over.

Fabbioli Ugly Sweater Weekend

Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road Details: fabbioliwines.com Wear your ugly holiday sweater to the tasting room and get a half-price wine tasting.

Bluemont Vineyard Ugly Sweater Party

Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20, noon-5 p.m.

Bluemont Vineyard, 18755 Foggy Bottom Road Details: bluemontvineyard.com Put on your ugly sweater and enjoy an afternoon of fun at Bluemont. Tickets are $30 and include light fare, first drink and a holiday cup. Sweater contest starts at 4 p.m. Guests can stay for the lighting of the vines at 5:30 p.m. Advance purchase is recommended.

Wheatland Spring Visits with Santa

Sunday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery, 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford Details: wheatlandspring.com Reserve a spot and enjoy a family day at the brewery while Santa stops at your table for a socially distanced visit. Tickets are $24 per family and include a reserved table for up to eight people.

LOCO LIVE Live Music: Chris Hanks

Friday, Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m.

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

Live Music: TomKat Acoustic Duo

Friday, Dec. 18, 8-10 p.m.

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: spankyspub.com This duo, featuring members of the NOVA four-piece rock band Scorpion Rose, brings fun favorites to Spanky’s.

Live Music: Jim Steele

Saturday, Dec. 19, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Enjoy an afternoon of fun covers and originals from a longtime winery circuit favorite inside at The Barns.

Live Music: Moxie

Saturday, Dec. 19, 1-5 p.m.

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Moxie returns to Vanish with acoustic favorites that make your heart happy.

Live Music: Scott Kurt

Saturday, Dec. 19, 2-5 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Kurt’s unique brand of country music blends old-school outlaw grit with elements of guitar-driven rock.

Live Music: Mercy Creek

Saturday, Dec. 19, 2-5 p.m.

Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Mercy Creek returns to Loudoun with earthy, edgy, aggressive folk-rock.

Live Music: Jason Teach

Saturday, Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m.

Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com Longtime singer/songwriter Jason Teach is known for his pure voice and honest, heartfelt songwriting.

THINGS TO DO continues on page 28

Patsy L. Harding Passed away on Friday, December 11, 2020 in Berryville, VA. Beloved wife of the late Arthur (Boonie) C. Harding. Loving mother of Tonya and Duane Harding. Patsy was born in Hagerstown, MD April 11, 1943 to parents Albert K. and Mary M. Brown. She grew up in Brunswick, MD. Pat moved to Leesburg, VA over 56 years ago when she married Boonie.

She started selling Tupperware in the evenings while her children were young. She was a natural people person and loved by all that met her. Then she moved on to retire from being a Manager at the Leesburg Fashion Bug. Pat then did many years of volunteer work at the Loudoun County Senior Center. She was known to many as the “Hat Lady” because she owned so many, many, many hats. Very rarely would you see her without one.

She is also survived by her cherished grandson Connor Harding (Duane), her sister Betty, brothers Dean and Vernon. There are many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 (check website later for exact time) at Loudoun Funeral Chapel 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA. Due to COVID, the service will be webcast at www.loudounfuneralchapel under Patsy L. Harding obituary page. Any flower tributes can be sent to Loudoun Funeral Chapel.

PAGE 27

Obituaries Michael E. Inyang Age 77 of Reston, VA

Departed this life on Wednesday December 9, 2020 at his residence.

Michael was born October 21, 1943 in Nigeria to the late Ekaidem Inyang-Udo and Masarah Ekaidem. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son-inlaw, Ekopimo Ibia.

Michael Inyang was a man of great faith and courage. He grew up in his native Obong, Nigeria and only emigrated to the United States to reunite with his children at retirement. Despite the loss of both his parents at a young age, he persevered to achieve his educational and career goals.

He started as a clerk/typist at age 15 and progressed to several administrative roles, finally returning to law school to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming an attorney at age 53. He had a passion for reading, gardening and entrepreneurship. He retired from his role as an assistant professor at The Polytechnic in Akwa Ibom State

in 2004 so as to focus solely on his legal practice in Family Law. He is survived by his wife, Cornelia Inyang; his five children, Itoro Ibia of Reston, VA, Aniebiet Inyang Ntui (Ntui) of Calabar, Nigeria, Inyang Inyang (Miriam) of Leesburg, VA, Uforo Inyang Opara (Chinedu) of Reston, VA, and Otobong Inyang of Reston, VA; and his seven grandchildren, Atainyene, Yakayama, Imikomobong (Ibia); Kayinah (Ntui); Ekaidem and Abigail (Inyang); and Osita (Opara).

Private visitation and viewing will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2020 from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm at Lyles Funeral Chapel, 630 South 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Followed by private graveside services at 1:30 p.m. at the Chestnut Grove Cemetery, 831 Dranesville Road, Herndon, VA 20170.

Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director.

Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800-3881913.

Almeta Reid Lee

Age 77, of Bluemont, VA, Loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt departed this life on Friday December 11, 2020 at her residence. Born on November 11,1943, she was the Daughter of the late Thomas M. Reid, Sr. and Alberta Basil Reid. Almeta was preceded in death by husband, Thomas E. Lee, daughters, Albertina and Bridgett Reid.

She is survived by three brothers, Thomas E. Reid, Jr. (Teresa) of Bluemont, VA, Lawrence L. Reid (Betty) of Sterling, VA and Avery A. Reid, of Middleburg, VA; one sister, Cindy R. Brown (Clyde) of Berryville, VA, five grandchildren, Robert Reid, Inez

Reid, Devin Brown, Hubert Smith, Jr. and Christina Smith; a devoted friend Carol Lee and a host of great grandchildren , nieces, nephews , cousins and other relatives and friends.

Private viewing and visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Lyles Funeral Chapel 630 south 20th street, Purcellville, VA 20132.

Private graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Rock Hill Cemetery, Round Hill, VA. Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director.

Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800-388-1913.

Russell “Dale” Conklin

July 2, 1937 – December 5, 2020 Russell “Dale” Conklin was born in Washington, DC on July 2, 1937 to Alberta Elizabeth (Dale) Conklin and Walter Warren Conklin.

Dale grew up in Loudoun County, drove a school bus at the age of 17 and graduated from one of the first classes of Loudoun County High School. Dale became a Conduit Design Engineer for C&P and retired after 30 years of service. He enjoyed fishing and crabbing in Rodanthe, NC and volunteered for the Lucketts Fire Department. Dale was married to Lila Marie (Wilson) Conklin for over 30 years. From this union he had three children: Donna Marie (Bill), 3 granddaughters and 4 grandsons; Lori Rae (Jay), 1 granddaughter and 2 grandsons; and Russell (Rusty) Dale Conklin, Jr., (Tracey), 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons. Lila Marie predeceased him in 1987. Dale later married Patricia Ada (Midgett) Conklin. Dale and Patricia lived in Nauvoo, Illinois at the time of his death. Dale died from brain herniation after a fall as a result of complications from Covid 19 and is survived by his second wife, Patricia Conklin, and his brother, Allen W Conklin of Washington state..

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 28

THINGS to do continued from page 27

Live Music: Jason Masi

Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.

Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com Masi returns to Social House with his signature acoustic soul and R&B.

Live Music: Live Wire: The Ultimate AC/DC Experience

Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The Tally Ho serves up two nights of AC/DC favorites for pre-holiday fun. Tickets are $20-$30.

Live Music: Justified

Saturday, Dec. 19, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. #115, Leesburg Details: chefscapekitchen.com Justified is a country/rock band playing all your favorite contemporary and classic country along with classic and modern rock favorites.

Live Music: Christmas with The Bone

Saturday, Dec. 19, 8-11 p.m.

1836 Kitchen and Taproom, 34 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville Details: 1836kitchenandtaproom.com Chris Bowen returns to 1836 with his holiday jam.

Live Music: Billy Caldwell

Sunday, Dec. 20, 1-4 p.m.

The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Billy Caldwell (AKA Uncle Billy) tackles everything from Allison Krauss to Billy Joel for an afternoon of fun.

Live Music: Shane Gamble

Sunday, Dec. 20, 2-5 p.m.

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Catch country music rising star Shane Gamble at Breaux.

Live Music: Tally Ho Community Showcase

Sunday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The community showcase spotlights local talent with performances from Woodgrove High School, APEX and Graffiti Soundstage. Tickets are $10-$15.

ON STAGE StageCoach Bandits Improv Show

Friday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.

StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach’s irreverent improv troupe returns for a socially distanced live show intended for an adult audience. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased in advance by 5 p.m. day of show.

Afro-lachian Christmas

Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Storytellers Sheila Arnold and Adam Booth share Christmas and winter season songs, ballads and stories from the Appalachian and African-American cultures. This high energy program will stir memories, show shared connections between people, and warm the heart. Tickets are $10. Seating is limited and face coverings are required.

Join Our Local COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Efforts From memorial funds, to scholarship funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends.

The Community Emergency Relief Fund The Community Emergency Relief Fund supports the nonprofit organizations helping so many here at home. 100% of every gift help someone in need.

Won’t You Join Us?

CommunityFoundationLF.org  (703) 779-3505

Holiday online continued from page 26 nity during a holiday season like no other.

“We’re really fortunate that we’ve found a way to do it and do it safely in this crazy time and still fill that hole,” Maroni said.

“People can turn their fireplace on and in their own home have this holiday tradition.”

Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company’s “Nutcracker” is available Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Jan. 15 on demand. Access fee is $25 and donations are also welcome. Go to lbpac.org for streaming and information.

BENEFIT’s ‘Hope for the Holidays’ Concert The nonprofit BENEFIT has been using music to support local charities focused on children since 2016. With several large-scale summer music festivals under their belt, organizers launched the hit Crossroads Music Festival last fall, featuring revolving acts at several downtown Leesburg venues. But BENEFIT cofounder Ara Bagdasarian said he and his colleagues knew they had to come up with something different this year. After months of brainstorming, they decided on a pre-filmed holiday music special featuring favorite local musicians, including Juliana MacDowell and Mike Ault, Gary Smallwood, Jason Masi, King Street, Emma Rowley and the Master Singers of Virginia, performing holiday favorites. Loudoun’s Executive Director of Economic Development Buddy Rizer taps his rock radio DJ roots to step in as the emcee for the program.

“Given the challenges with COVID and really not wanting to promote people gathering in physical places, we had to come up with another idea,” Bagdasarian said.

But producers wanted something way beyond a typical living room livestream.

“We needed to do something that’s truly remarkable and unique,” Bagdasarian said. “So let’s do an old-school holiday music special like you’d watch when you were a kid. And rather than do it from people’s homes, let’s pick a really cool, remarkable location.”

The team at historic Morven Park near Leesburg offered up the estate’s Winmill Carriage Museum decorated for the holidays. An all-volunteer production team, including showrunner David Kramer, video producer Raymond Martinez of Leesburg-based Alimond Studio and Bag-

DECEMBER 17, 2020

dasarian on audio production, made the magic happen. The featured musicians also donated their time, Bagdasarian said, and he already has a list of local performers who are ready to volunteer for next year’s show—whatever format it takes.

For Bagdasarian and his team, the event is a chance for Loudouners to come together virtually and celebrate community.

“That was so important to us—this has to be super special. On December 19th at 7 o’clock, we’d love for families in Loudoun County and around the country to gather with their families, grab a cup of hot cocoa and enjoy.”

BENEFIT’s Hope for the Holidays Holiday Music Special premieres Saturday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. via Facebook and YouTube. Streaming is free and donations are encouraged. For details and to donate, go to benefit.live.

‘Hope For Christmas’ From A Place To Be Middleburg’s acclaimed music therapy studio, A Place To Be Music Therapy, has also done a special holiday movie musical “Hope for Christmas.” The show is designed to help children process their emotions during a holiday season impacted by the COVID pandemic. The 30-minute partially animated film featuring 22 performers from A Place To Be’s music therapy program and is narrated by Broadway star and Tony nominee J. Robert Spencer.

“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,” A Place to Be’s co-founder and creative director Tom Sweitzer told Loudoun Now earlier this month.

A Place To Be’s “Hope for Christmas” musical airs Sunday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. on Facebook and YouTube. Streaming is free and donations are encouraged. Go to aplacetobeva.org/hope-for-christmas to tune in.

LSO’s ‘Holiday Postcard’ Missing the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra’s joyful annual holiday concert this year? LSO’s free online “Holiday Postcard” concert airs Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m., featuring “Sleigh Ride,” passage from “The Nutcracker” and other holiday classics.

Go to loudounsymphony.org to tune in. n

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

DECEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 29

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

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

Description

Case Number

Recovery Date

Recovery Location

Phone Number

Black and white 27.5 men’s Genesis V2100

SO200018037

11/4/2020

Wintergrove Dr/Hedgeapple Ct Ashburn

703-777-0610

Red/black Gary Fischer bicycle

SO200018203

11/6/2020

46386 Logan Way, Sterling

703-777-0610

Green Diamondback bicycle

SO200019458

11/28/20

E Holly Ave/N Sterling Blvd, Sterling

703-777-0610 12/10 & 12/17/20

Kevin Lemieux (SBN: 225886) The Law Office of Kevin Lemieux APC 2221 Camino del Rio South, Suite 308 San Diego, CA 92108 619-488-6767 Kevin@lawyerkevin.com Case No.: 20FL004402C Superior Court of California, Central Family Division County of San Diego 1100 Union Street San Diego, CA 92101 Mounika Dadireddy v.

Vijay Kamar Reddy Banda The court finds that the respondent cannot be served in any other manner specified in the California Code of Civil Procedure. The court orders that the documents listed in item 6 be served by publication at least once per week for four successive weeks in Loudoun Now newspaper.

Documents to be served by publication or posting: Summons (Family Law) (form FL-110) Other: Notice of Hearing, Notice of Case Assignment, D049, FL105, FL150, FL100, FL300, Declaration in suppott of RFO. 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, & 12/31/20

ABC LICENSE

Lansdowne Ventures LLC, trading as Brambleton Filling Co., 42315 Soave Dr., Brambleton, Loudoun, Virginia 20148 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.

Stephen M Rubino, Member John R Rubino, Member David J Rubino, 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.

12/17 & 12/24/20

ABC LICENSE

Beta Burger Inc, trading as Burger 21, 21305 Windill Parc Dr, Ste 160 Sterling, VA 20166-7041 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer on Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Joseph Yu, Partner 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.

12/17 & 12/24/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 30

Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION Case No.:

DECEMBER 17, 2020

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

JJ044339-02-00; JJ044339-03-00; JJ044339-04-00 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Mateo Alexander Parada Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Chelsea M. Deleon, mother; Melvin Parada, father

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Mateo Alexander Parada, and Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1283 for Mateo Alexander Parada. Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Mateo Alexander Parada. Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Mateo Alexander Parada; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Mateo Alexander Parada; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Mateo Alexander Parada. Further, Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Mateo Alexander Parada, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Mateo Alexander Parada for adoption and consent to the adoption of Mateo Alexander Parada.

It is ORDERED that the defendants, Melvin Parada, father and Chelsea M. Deleon, mother, appear at the above named Court and protect their interests on or before January 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm.

12/10, 12/17, 12/24, & 12/31/20

Case No.:

JJ040484-07-00

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

David Craig Johnson, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Christian Carter.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, David Craig Johnson, putative father, appear at the above named Court and protect his interests on or before January 12, 2021 at 2:00 pm.

12/10, 12/17, 12/24, & 12/31/20

A message to elderly and disabled Loudoun County residents from Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue

Project-Based Vouchers Proposals. The Loudoun County Office of Housing is accepting proposals from the owners of rental property to contract with the County for Project-Based Vouchers (PBV). The Loudoun County Office of Housing may award a contract for up to eight vouchers for newly constructed or rehabilitated housing that address special housing needs such as providing fully accessible, 504 compliant housing units. Proposals will be evaluated based on owner experience and capability to manage or build rental housing as identified in the proposal on a first-come, first-served basis. Loudoun County Office of Housing reserves the right to not award PBV. For more information about the application procedures and proposal review process are online at www.loudoun.gov/pbv or by contacting Janelle Beverly at 703-737-8213 or janelle.beverly@loudoun.gov.

12/10, 12/17 & 12/24/20

Residents 65 and older or totally and permanently disabled who wish to apply for 2020 Real Property Tax Relief for the first time must submit an application to my office by the December 31, 2020 filing deadline.

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

Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor Sterling Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle Suite 100 Internet: www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: 703-737-8557

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE LOUDOUN COUNTY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, RFP No. 338784 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 19, 2021.

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

Email: trcor@loudoun.gov Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 12/10, 12/17, 12/24, & 12/31/20

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ABC LICENSE

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.

* Bobcat Services * * Gravel Driveway Repair *

Blue Ridge Remodeling, Inc.

12/17/20

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.

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

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

Resource Directory

Lansdowne Ventures LLC, trading as Brambleton Corner Filling Co., 42175 Shapiro Dr., Brambleton, Loudoun, Virginia 20148 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.

Stephen M Rubino, 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.

12/17 & 12/24/20

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DECEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 31

Resource Directory CONSTRUCTION Construction

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Credited upon Acceptance

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Realty Services Richard Hamilton

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PAGE 32

DECEMBER 17, 2020

Opinion A Critical Choice A year ago at this time, seven newly elected School Board members, joined by two returning veterans, were preparing to embark on a year of change. They campaigned on it—pledging better communications, improved transparency, additional educational opportunities and a host of other goals.

They got their year of change, but not one that anyone saw coming.

After spending the first weeks of their service sorting through the complexities of the school division’s $1.4 billion operating budget—no small task even for the most experienced leaders—board members faced new challenges with the national movement to address racial inequities ramping up the pressure on the division’s ongoing equity efforts, and the arrival of the coronavirus bringing unprecedented public health concerns.

Since the spring, virtually every meeting has brought new challenges.

Sometimes, board members took bold action. Sometimes they got poor advice.

Sometimes they made poor decisions. Sometimes they were paralyzed by the overwhelming implications of the steps they would take, or not take.

And then their superintendent walked away.

Hiring a new superintendent is a big lift for any School Board, even under ideal circumstances. Since the division was established in 1917, only six men have served in that post.

The search process that resulted in the hiring of Dr. Williams took a year to complete. It involved extensive public outreach to determine the characteristics of and priorities for the next school division leader. Even a panel of community leaders was permitted to participate in the candidate interviews. Overall, it was a positive, inclusive process that resulted in broad support for the final decision.

It is clear that the priorities of 2014 are not the top concerns of 2021. The challenges facing educators today weren’t imaginable at the time. And, perhaps, the public has never been more polarized in its views as to the direction the division should be heading. It’s not an easy environment to make such an important decision.

The 2014 search model offers a good foundation for that work. While it may be more difficult in today’s environment to find unanimity, it is important to draw on the expertise and experience of other community leaders beyond the walls of the administration building.

As with the response to the pandemic, the hiring of a new superintendent is another mission for which this School Board didn’t sign up for; it wasn’t part of any member’s election platform.

And like the pandemic response, this is a mission that is critical for the board to get right. 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

LETTERS to the Editor The Town Cares

Wrong Strategy

Editor: Contrary to Frank McDonough’s Dec. 4th letter to the editor, I’m very happy to have a strong Republican presence in the town government for the following reasons: 1) Under the previous two mayors, residents were forced to pay for a minimum of gallons of water whether they used it or not, not pay for the actual amount of water we used. Over my 12 years here, I ended up paying the town several hundred dollars extra for water I never used. Thank goodness Mayor Fontaine realized how wrong this was and now I only pay for water I use.

2) The previous mayor was out of touch with what residents wanted, which is no development. When he sent out a survey asking what kind of fast food restaurant we wanted, with other pro-development questions, we told him forcefully what we thought of his survey.

3) I’m grateful the town supports the Second Amendment.

4) The town’s government has similar values to mine, and I know they support police protection, the rule of law, and I don’t have to worry about election fraud.

The town cares about quality of life and they care about us and know what we want.

— Patricia Ott, Lovettsville

Editor: On the one hand we have the Republican Party of Virginia, in a close vote, deciding to hold a convention. On the other hand, we have Amanda Chase delivering an ultimatum: “Hold a primary or I will run as an independent.” These strategies have not proven to be effective for Republicans.

Internal friction causes fracture. Recall how Perot split the vote and we got Bill Clinton; Sarvis split the vote and we got Terry McAuliffe; Scott York split the vote and we got Phyllis Randall instead of Charlie King. The current circumstances may be different, but a third-party candidate always works out badly for Republicans.

100% of independents and 50% of Republicans is not sufficient for Chase to win. 50% of the Republican votes and 0% of the independents is not enough for RPV Republicans to win the General Election against the Democrats. Splitting the slate does not work well either: besides the Governor’s mansion we would lose the offices of Lt. Governor and Attorney General.

Conventions restrict voter participation. They restrict outreach as candidates only need to woo the delegates; LETTERS continues on page 33

DECEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Readers’ Poll

PAGE 33

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

Winter is off to a snowy start, are you ready for more?

Has COVID-19 hit your family?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

Evictions continued from page 1 database of the hundreds of area residents who have reached out for support. The majority of his work is with the local Latino community, some of whom are undocumented immigrants.

“The most vulnerable population in the county is the Latino population who is the poorest,” he said. “They’re the people who cook your food in restaurants and serve it.

They paint your bedrooms, do your plumbing. This is the essential worker in Loudoun County. What’s going to happen with their home in two months? We don’t have the answer for that.”

Nationwide, many economists, elected officials and everyday citizens are concerned what the impact of ending of the Centers for Disease Control and Preven-

LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 32 no need for campaign workers getting the message out, no ground game, no funds raised. Conventions cost the RPV and voters money. Primaries are paid for by the state, hence leaving more money in the RPV bank account to help the nominee instead of wasting it.

The RPV and Amanda need to get together and come up with a compromise, with a winning strategy. Problems may well arise; now is the time for both entities to show they are problem solvers. Life and death issues, mega budgets, voter fraud, education, curfews … there are many examples of life changing matters that a governor can affect.

Develop a winning strategy.

— Jonathan Erickson, Sterling

tion’s moratorium on evictions will look like. Unless it is extended, beginning in January, 2.4 million to 5 million American households are at risk of evictions and could see themselves shown the door at their own homes.

Velez Rivera has a database of 600 residents that he’s helped to provide rental assistance funding through Catholic Charities, or through CARES funding received

by St. Gabriel’s Church. Between the two, he’s been able to secure hundreds of thousands of dollars to support those behind on their rental obligations.

“I’m a one man show,” he said. “And I want to disburse every single bloody penny I can.”

In Loudoun and elsewhere through the U.S., court proceedings for evictions are already underway, but the moratorium forbids anyone to be physically evicted from their homes before the end of the calendar year if the eviction is rent-based, rather than for breach of contract reasons. Landlords can get a judgment for the monetary amount owed to them from their tenants, but cannot kick them out until after Jan. 1.

So far, the number of eviction actions, or unlawful detainers, passing through the court system in Loudoun is actually lower than in 2019. Comparing March to December 2019 to March to December 2020, the number of unlawful detainers recorded in Loudoun County General District Court is 743 less, with 1,895 recorded in the 2019 timeframe compared to 1,152 for March through December of this year, according to Courtney Brill, the court’s civil supervisor. These numbers can include cases where the landlord took possession of the property or cases that were dismissed. For January, 62 such hearings are scheduled, she said.

But it is the number of cases that won’t show up in the court system that may be the most concerning.

Velez Rivera and Valerie Pisierra, exec-

utive director of Loudoun Cares, point to the numbers of residents who are not traditionally housed. They may be sub-leasers, renting a room from someone who owns or rents a property, or individuals or families that have already left their residences because of an inability to pay and are now living with family members, often in tight spaces.

“For our nonconforming renters that help is very limited,” Pisierra said. “They may have a six-month need, but we can only find funding for a month and a half.

We hope that that the person who is renting to them understands and is gracious with them and works with them, but that month and a half isn’t going to guarantee that they’re going to stay in that home when they owe six month’s rent.”

Yolanda Stevens, assistant director of the Loudoun County Department of Family Services, has overseen the county’s rental assistance program throughout the pandemic. Residents are eligible to receive up to nine months of rental assistance and, to date, the county has given support to 350 households, with aid totaling $1.5 million.

The average monthly rental payment disbursed has been around $1,645, she said.

Although CARES funding needs to be spent by year’s end, Stevens said the county government also has some Community Development Block Grant and local forms of funding it will use to help residents into the New Year.

Many nonprofit organizations have also been working together to provide rental assistance to residents who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. The CARES Act federal stimulus legislation funding has been critical to provide the funding needed to achieve this, Pisierra said. And, while the funding has gotten them through 2020, Pisierra said she is concerned about what will happen if more federal help doesn’t come to stem a wave of evictions.

“My biggest fear is all these people that we have supported so far, if funding doesn’t come in to support them further and landlords are allowed to start evicting, we’re looking for a tsunami of homeless. That’s the fear we have just seeing it day in and day out,” she said. “I don’t want to be the voice of doom. I want to be the person who is optimistic, but the situation is really dire.”

Pisierra and others acknowledge that Loudoun County may be better off than other areas of the country because of its proximity to the federal government and typically low unemployment. But, even if the estimate of 1% to 2% of the county’s 400,000-plus-person population being in danger of eviction is true, that is still a considerable number of people, at 4,000 to 8,000 people.

If those numbers bear out, “We’re going to overrun any type of low-income housing, any type of shelters,” she said.

Patty Young, principal broker for Pearson Smith Realty, said she believes it will be the landlords operating without management company oversight that will be the most in trouble come January. Those who have tenants behind on rent do not have some of the tools at their disposal that do those supported by a management company, she said. As an example, she pointed to the 35-day-long government shutdown that stretched from the end of December 2018 into January 2019. Management companies were able to offer payment plans and credit card financing, tools she and others in the industry have again put in place to navigate the current economic crisis.

Young predicts that the impact of evictions may not come as early as January, because of the backlogs at the court system. But she also predicts that increases in foreclosures and short sales could also be forthcoming.

“We’re not going to get out of this unscathed,” she said. n

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 34

DECEMBER 17, 2020

PARENTING WITH A PURPOSE

The Sigh of Relief - A Quick Way to Reduce Anxiety

BY NEIL MCNERNEY

The internet is filled with clickbait promising instant results by using some simple technique. Usually, I scroll past these, knowing that the majority have no basis in science or haven’t been proven as effective. As a former biology major, I am always a skeptic when it comes to quick, easy solutions. The technique I will be sharing, though, is actually one that seems to tick all the boxes of being effective: It has been well researched, it is based on neurochemistry, and it works.

The technique goes by many names, such as Square Breathing, Box Breathing, and 4-4-4 Breathing. I just call it deep breathing. Simply, it means taking in a deep breath, completely filling your lungs, then fully exhaling. The most important part is that the exhale should take twice as long than it took you to inhale.

That’s the technique. Simple, and surprisingly effective. Inhale, then exhale taking twice as long. Let’s take a look at why this technique works. There are two

reasons we think this helps our stress levels. The first reason is pretty easy to understand. The second reason is, in my opinion, the much more powerful reason.

The first reason: During our day-to-day lives, we breath without any awareness.

Although we can control our breathing, we also just breath automatically. This automatic breathing is usually upper chest breathing. It replaces the air in the upper section of our lungs, but often leaves the deeper areas untouched. This deeper section tends to become saturated with high levels of carbon dioxide and doesn’t allow more oxygen to reach our bodies. By pulling in a deep breath and then fully emptying our lungs, it allows that section of the lungs to get new, oxygenated air, which increases our alertness and allows our brain to function more effectively.

Our anxious part of our brain is in the more primitive section. Our calm section is the area that benefits more from highly oxygenated blood. Getting lots of oxygen to that area of the brain helps it work more effectively, hence a calmer mood.

The second reason has to do with our diaphragm. This is the muscle that is used during deep breathing and when we are exercising. During inhale, it pulls the lungs open. During exhale, it pushes against the lungs to push out the old air. When the diaphragm is pushing again the lungs, it is activating a group of sensors on the muscle, which sends a signal to the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are the calming chemical that allows us to think clearly and reduces the feelings of anxiety and panic. So, when we are exhaling for twice as long as inhaling, we are pushing those buttons for twice as long, allowing for a longer release of endorphins.

This is a fascinating discovery, and it makes sense. We, as humans, have been taking a sigh of relief for thousands of years. A sigh of relief, if you think about it, is just a quick deep breath and exhale.

This technique can be used both as a prevention and also during moments of anxiety. My Apple Watch has an option to remind me to breathe. Although at times annoying, it reminds me to take a moment

to pause and breathe. This technique can also be used in the moment when feeling stressed or anxious. Just a few deep breaths can make a world of difference when I am feeling stressed, anxious, and especially when I am feeling irritated. Irritation is often a sign of anxiety, so a few deep breathes helps quite a bit.

Give this technique a try and see how it works for you. I am confident that you will see a difference.

This month’s column marks my 48th contribution to Loudoun Now. I am gratified to have been a part of this amazing publication for four years, and hope to have at least another four. n Neil McNerney is a licensed professional counselor and author of Homework – A Parent’s Guide To Helping Out Without Freaking Out! and The Don’t Freak Out Guide for Parenting Kids with Asperger’s. He can be reached at neil@neilmcnerney.com.

Before You Hand Your Child That Device, Please Read This

BY CHRIS CROLL

With COVID raging in our community, and school out for the holidays, many devices are likely to find their way in the hands of children this holiday season. Parents are tired and, frankly, many of us are out of ideas for how to entertain our kids at home. Letting children access screens makes them happy and it gives us a break. As a result, screen usage by kids has gone through the roof.

As I watch my teens staring at their phones day after day, I can’t help but wonder if the threat behind those screens is as great, if not greater, than the threat of the virus we are trying so hard to avoid. I recently interviewed Lisa Honold, director of the Center for Online Safety, to ask her some questions about how to keep kids safe online. Here is an excerpt of that conversation.

Have online threats increased since the start of the pandemic? During the first three months of quarantine, Bark, a company that tracks online threats, saw a 23% rise in online child pred-

ators, a 63% increase in hate speech and today more than 36% of teens are posting and/or sexting nude pictures of themselves online. Parents are always surprised when they find out their kids have posted nudes online or sexted explicit photos to friends. Obviously, this can have devastating consequences for a young person. To make matters worse, online predators are engaging in an activity called, “sextortion” where they get ahold of these nudes and then threaten to make the photos go viral if teens do not pay up or send even more explicit photos. Many kids are frightened when this happens so instead of reporting the threat, they give in to the extortionists and the abuse continues. This has become such a problem that the FBI issued a warning this year for parents about the dangers of online sexual exploitation.

What ages are most at risk for dangers online? All parents of children under the age of 18 need to be vigilant about what their kids are doing online. Even games that young children play, such as Minecraft, are known to have sexual predators

lurking about. There was a case in the news recently where a 6-year-old was approached in a Minecraft chat room and asked to send explicit photos.

Where should parents go to set up parental controls on devices? A free online resource called “Bark-o-matic” gives parents step-by-step instructions for how to set up parental controls on gaming systems, tablets, phones, smart TV’s and other devices.

What do experts say about the amount of screen time our kids should be getting right now? These are extenuating circumstances, so it is OK—necessary even—for kids to be on screens more now than before the pandemic.

That said, parents must do three things to keep kids healthy and safe: 1. Install a filter to prevent kids from accessing inappropriate content. Most antivirus software includes a content filter or parents can invest in a commercial solution like Circle.

2. Set screen time limits. Taking a break from screens gives your child a chance to use their imagination, get

some exercise and be creative. On the Center for Online Safety website, you can find a list of more than 100 offline activities for kids.

3. Supervise your child’s online world. Bark and other services monitor 30+ of the most popular apps and social media platforms, including texts and emails, for signs of digital danger. If something out of the ordinary or inappropriate appears on your child’s device, parents are alerted. Otherwise, a child›s privacy is maintained.

With our children spending so much time online this season, and for the foreseeable future, it is more critical than ever for parents to have visibility into what our kids are accessing through those screens. n Chris Croll is a writer, empathy activist and communications consultant. She lives in Leesburg with her husband and two teenage boys.

DECEMBER 17, 2020

Cat shootings continued from page 3 forward to raise awareness of the crimes.

An $8,000 reward is being offered for tips leading to the arrest of the those responsible for one or more of the feline shootings.

That reward will be paid through donations from individuals, Friends of Loudoun County Animal Services, the Loudoun Community Cat Coalition, the Humane Society of Loudoun County, 4Paws Rescue Team, PetConnect Rescue, and Friends of Homeless Animals.

The Humane Law Enforcement team isn’t handling the investigations on its own.

Team members are also consulting with the Sheriff ’s Office to process evidence and cross reference cases, such as when residents report hearing gun shots fired to the Sheriff ’s Office. It’s also using K9 units from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Under Virginia law, any person suspected of cruelly and unnecessarily beating, maiming or mutilating any dog or cat that is a companion animal—and as a direct result causes serious bodily injury or death, even via euthanasia, to the dog or cat—can be charged with a Class 6 felony, punishable by

Court modifications continued from page 3 and cleaning protocols being set in place.

Clemens said there will be a General Services staffer in the courthouse each day to help with daily cleaning efforts there.

“They’re going to have staff dedicated to this for the duration,” Clemens said.

Sandy said that, while the modification work didn’t require a lot of “real physical structural changes,” the real challenge came when county staffers sought to purchase certain materials but were faced with empty shelves. But, he said, the county staff was able to work around those shortages and find other materials to do the job.

“They have become very efficient at

Acting superintendent continued from page 1 a national, months-long search for a new superintendent, although no formal action has been announced.

Since Williams announced his plans in early November, the School Board has held a series of closed sessions to discuss

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PAGE 35

one to five years in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

As for determining who Animal Services will eventually slap with those felony charges, its team is considering multiple factors.

The spree of shootings began about a month into COVID-19-related closures, meaning thousands of residents have been working from home since then. Thousands of children have been going to school from home since then, too. Pellet guns, which kids can get their hands on more readily than real guns, have also been used in many of the shootings, which is why Animal Services is considering the possibility that juveniles may have committed some of the shootings.

But Brosan said his team has no definitive evidence to suggest that yet. He said that if they do charge a juvenile with one or more Class 6 felonies, they would work with juvenile intake and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to determine the appropriate way forward. Under Virginia law, a suspect as young as 14 year old may be tried as adult if they are charged with a felony.

Brosan also noted that many people, regardless of age, might be getting frustrated or angry in their personal lives while being stuck at home amid the pandemic, which

could be leading to some of the shootings.

“At the end of the day, we are looking to bring whoever this is to justice,” Brosan said. “This is a felony. This is no laughing matter. … We will move forward with prosecution to the fullest extent.”

Overall, Brosan said the Humane Law Enforcement team is treating each shooting as an independent situation, and not as a serial-shooting scenario.

He emphasized that the shootings aren’t just concerning in terms of animal welfare, but they’re also public safety risks because most are happening in heavily populated areas.

Brosan said the shootings also are concerning because they could lead to future crimes that could hurt or kill people. Brosan noted that animal abuse has often been connected to domestic and child abuse.

He backed that correlation by pointing to the case of Michael Bowles, the Lucketts-area man who was sentenced to serve two consecutive life sentences for the first-degree murder of his father after he shot his dad with a sawed-off shotgun and then burned down his parents’ home in July 2017. Less than three years prior to that incident, Bowles was charged with cruelty to animals for slitting his dog’s throat. He was convicted of that charge in 2015.

In addition to the recent feline shootings, Animal Services, along with the Sheriff ’s Office and the Virginia State Police, investigated the posting of videos and photographs portraying “graphic and disturbing acts of animal torture on Instagram.” In that case, the individual posting the videos demanded viewers send money to prevent future acts of cruelty.

The IP addresses associated with the videos indicated that the incidents occurred in and around Ashburn, although the investigation later determined, through search warrants on Facebook and Instagram, that the videos had originated in the Middle East.

Brosan said his team visited every Ashburn address associated with the posts and found them all to be fraudulent.

“Unfortunately, with all of the data centers in Ashburn these types of situation are becoming more common place,” he said. “A lot of the videos that were posted were duplicates in a number of complaints, so we believe the individual is just pulling them off the dark web and then posting them.”

Those who have seen or heard of anyone shooting cats should call Animal Services at 703-777-0406. Those calling may remain anonymous. n

getting that work done,” Sandy said. “They were able to hit the ground running.”

As for the dozens of prospective jurors who will report to the courthouse for voir dire—the juror selection process—they’ll assemble in more than one room. Clemens said his office has commandeered additional office space to spread them out. He said modifications to those rooms should be complete by early January.

Loudoun’s plan for a jury trial return calls for the court to issue jury summonses to at least three times the number of jurors than would be needed to report on the trial date, since the court anticipates it will defer many summoned jurors based on their responses to a COVID-19 questionnaire.

Since courthouse modifications began in October, cases have proceeded as

scheduled to the greatest degree, albeit with many more remote hearings than ever before. Clemens said that aside from Adult Detention Center inmates frequently appearing in court via a livestream from the jail, parties involved in civil cases—including litigants, defendants and witnesses— have been able to do the same.

Clemens said that while he was unsure whether judges are permitted to hear cases remotely, all Loudoun judges have been physically reporting to the courtroom.

And, Clemens said, Fairfax County Circuit Court Chief Judge Bruce D. White has been “very collaborative” with Loudoun County Circuit Court Chief Justice Douglas L. Fleming throughout the entire courthouse modification process, which will be put to the test Jan. 19.

“The Welsh case is going to show us where we may want to make adjustments,” Clemens said. “It’s going to be a learning process for everyone.”

County leaders understand there’s a chance the Welsh trial still might not begin on time. With COVID-19 cases on the rise—the seven-day rolling average of new daily cases crossed the 100 benchmark for the first time since May 30 the last weekend in November, with the cumulative number of Loudoun cases reaching 10,049—Lemons could issue a new order disallowing jury trials regardless of whether individual circuit courts have the Virginia Supreme Court’s approval to proceed.

“It’s certainly a potential reality,” Clemens said. n

the transition and interview candidates to lead the division on an interim basis.

Ziegler has served as the division’s top personnel administrator for the past year.

He previously served in administration for public school divisions in Portsmouth and Virginia Beach and taught high school in Virginia Beach for 15 years. He holds degrees from Eastern Nazarene College, Cambridge College, and Northwestern Nazarene University.

“I look forward to working with the students, families and staff and teachers of Loudoun County and helping us to move forward during this transition time,” Ziegler said of the appointment vote.

Williams, who was hired in July 2014, is only the sixth superintendent in Loudoun since the school division was formed in 1917.

In addition to Williams, Chief of Staff Nyah Hamlett also has resigned. She has

been hired as the superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Division in North Carolina. She joined the Loudoun staff last year after serving 12 years in Henrico County Public Schools.

The search process that resulted in Williams’ hiring in Loudoun took about a year to complete. Williams was one of 61 applicants considered for the post. n

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PAGE 36

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