Loudoun Now for Dec. 19, 2019

■ EDUCATION

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| ■ BUSINESS

VOL. 5, NO. 5

Pg. 18

| ■ LOCO LIVING

Pg. 24

| ■ OBITUARIES

Pg. 28

| ■ PUBLIC NOTICES

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DECEMBER 19, 2019

Supervisors Adopt New Gun Safety Rules

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun’s Curling Culture STORY ON PAGE 38

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

First-time curler Scott Smedile slides toward the hog line as he throws a 42-pound curling rock down the ice at Ion International Training Center in Leesburg.

County supervisors overwhelmingly voted to adopt new regulations on recreational shooting last week in front of a crowd of mostly gun rights advocates wearing “Guns Save Lives” stickers that overflowed from the boardroom into the lobby and another meeting room in the county government center.

County ordinances already prohibited discharge of firearms within 100 yards of a building with a current occupancy permit without permission of the owner, within 50 yards of a highway or primary or secondary road and within 100 yards of a public park or school.

One change approved following the public hearing added “and/or regularly occupied structure” to the restriction on shooting near buildings, seeks to address the question of finding occupancy permits for Loudoun’s old buildings, some of which were permitted under a former filing system that made them difficult to quickly find—and some of which have been occupied since before occupancy permits were required.

The other change was to add a new section to county code, reading: “The discharge of firearms for recreational or target shooting purposes shall be conducted in such a manner as to ensure that projectiles do not leave the boundaries of the property or parcel upon which the shooting is occurring, unless permission GUN RULES continues on page 39

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Beyond Impeachment: Wexton’s 2-Year Term in Washington Reaches Midpoint

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

While the national spotlight has been on the bitter House of Representatives battle over the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump, there are many other pressing matters keeping Loudoun’s sole congresswoman busy these days.

Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) has been representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District—which encompasses all of Loudoun, Clarke and Frederick Counties and the Cities of Manassas, Manassas Park and Winchester and parts of Fairfax and Prince William Counties—since January, following five years representing Virginia’s 33rd Senate District in Richmond.

The Leesburg resident now spends four days a week in DC, working out of her office in the Longworth House Office Building. Her days are packed with meetings, votes, speeches and other formal and informal events. As a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Space, Science and Technology, she said there’s a lot more to the work she’s doing than what’s seen on C-SPAN’s daily livestream of Congressional proceedings.

Loudoun Now spent the day shadowing Wexton on Dec. 11 as she neared the one-year milestone of her term.

While she frequently walked past the doors of the House Judiciary Committee meeting room where the details of the articles of impeachment were being debated—articles the committee voted two days later to send to the full House for a vote—Wexton’s day was spent

When a small group of community-minded residents launched Loudoun Now nearly four years ago, it was with belief that independent local journalism was an essential service.

Since then, Loudoun Now has built a reputation as a trusted, comprehensive news source and has been recognized for its: • Business success—Leesburg’s 2016 New Business of the Year Award,

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) takes a call from a CNN reporter on the annual defense authorization bill during the lunch hour on Dec. 11 in her second-floor office in the Longworth House Office Building.

voting on the House floor, participating in committee markup sessions, attending a Virginia Chamber luncheon and, among other happenings, giving a speech to her Congressional colleagues on the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act—a bill the House of Representatives later that evening debated for three hours and, the next day, voted to approve and send to the Senate for consideration.

That bill gives the Department of Health and Human Services the power to negotiate maximum prices for the nation’s most expensive drugs. With those estimated $500 billion in savings, the federal government could expand Medicare benefits to include vision, dental and hearing and further invest in new WEXTON continues on page 28

Homebuilder Abandons Westpark Plans After Rezoning Denial

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

It’s back to the drawing board for the owner of the former Westpark Golf Club property.

Lennar Homes, the contract purchaser on the property, has decided not to go forward with the purchase following last week’s Leesburg Town Council vote to deny its rezoning application.

John Foote, the attorney from Walsh Colucci representing the applicant, confirmed those plans this week. He said he was un-

Loudoun Now kicks off Voluntary Pay Program

sure what the next steps were for Dittmar Company, the owner of the property. A message left with a Dittmar representative was not immediately returned.

“What’s going to happen there is going to be up to Dittmar not to us. Lennar is done,” Foote said.

By a 5-2 vote, the council denied the rezoning application at its Dec. 10 meeting.

The applicant sought to rezone a portion of the property for the construction of 96 townhouses. Also contained in its rezoning application was a proposal to give the remaining 129 acres of the property, which

largely falls within the floodplain, to the town to maintain as open space or a public park.

For the second time in as many weeks, neighbors flooded the Council Chambers.

The majority of the speakers during the public hearing urged the council to deny the application, with many pointing to concerns about the impact the project could have on roads and the quality of life.

A few neighbors brought with them a flier that had been delivered to their homes, WESTPARK continues on page 36

• High quality journalism—first-place awards for investigative reporting, government, education and court coverage, and photography from the Virginia Press Association, and • Civic involvement—the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Small Business Community Leadership Award.

Loudoun Now also has the support of dedicated advertisers who value inthe-mail delivery; the newspaper’s weekly circulation, which has grown to reach more than 43,000 homes and businesses; and its extensive online readership and marketing tools.

While the business continues to grow, the newspaper also has faced challenges, such as increases in postal rates, newsprint costs—and the siphoning off of local marketing dollars by large, out-of-state corporations.

Because the newspaper is free, we are often asked VOLUNTARY PAY continues on page 28

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DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Board Postpones Demolition Order on Ashburn House

Loudoun

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

County supervisors are considering naming the old Leesburg courthouse after pioneering civil rights attorney Charles Hamilton Houston.

Supervisors Advance Plan to Name Old Courthouse

BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Board of Supervisors’ finance committee has endorsed the suggestion to formally name the historic courthouse in Leesburg, possibly after pioneering civil rights attorney Charles Hamilton Houston.

The action comes as part of a debate that began in fall 2017, as nationwide protests around Confederate monuments spread to the war memorial at the front steps of Loudoun’s courthouse. The county board, under pressure from both sides of the debate, punted on taking any immediate action. Instead, supervisors directed the county’s Heritage Commission to look into the history of the courthouse, and to consider the possibility of adding another monument to the ones already around the courthouse.

The Heritage Commission produced research on the courthouse’s place in American history, a document which, according to a county report, has now been printed 1,000 times and placed in every county library. The commission also made several other recommendations for new monuments, for seeking National Historic Landmark status for the

courthouse, and for naming a courthouse after Houston.

Since then, supervisors have worked to decide the best way to implement those ideas as the county gears up to expand the complex with the construction of a new District Court building across Church Street from the existing courthouses. Finance committee members this week recommended pursuing National Historic Landmark designation for both the old courthouse and the courthouse grounds; forming a committee to consider naming the old courthouse, possibly after Houston; reserving space for a “Path Toward Freedom” exhibit on the grounds; and gathering community input on designing and placing memorials on the grounds.

Supervisors focused largely on the practical questions of getting those projects underway. While the School Board has a formal process for naming buildings, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet said absent specific direction from the Board of Supervisors, county buildings are named “functionally.”

Board Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) pointed out, supervisors were meeting in a building named that way: “This building doesn’t have a name—it’s the Gov-

ernment Center. The Ashburn Library is the Ashburn Library.”

Although a recommendation came to the committee to name all three buildings in the courthouse complex—the historic courthouse, the current courthouse building, and the planned new courthouse—supervisors recommended naming only the historic courthouse, for now. The other buildings will likely be officially referred to as the Circuit Court and the District Court. Buona argued that would also make it easier for people to figure out where they need to be when going to the courthouse.

“I think that if we’re going to do anything [at] the old courthouse because of Mr. Houston and what he did—he’s known as the man that killed Jim Crow, and much of that killing of Jim Crow we can proudly say happened in the old courthouse,” said County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large).

The committee also recommended allocating $30,000 toward pursuing landmark status. According to a staff report, among the more than 2,600 historic places with that status, 121 are in Virginia and six are in OLD COURTHOUSE continues on page 7

County supervisors have delayed action once again on knocking down a privately owned house on Ashburn Road.

The county board on Dec. 11 held a public hearing on declaring the property a nuisance and ordering the removal of the unoccupied house on the property and possibly saddling the property owner with cost of that work through a lien. But instead of moving ahead, supervisors delayed a decision until July 2020, at least. Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) said that was to give the property owner more time.

“They’d had some time to try to get a historic designation or sell the property, however, frankly, they need a little more time,” Buona said.

The property owner, Carmen Felder of Leesburg, has sought and, so far, been unsuccessful in selling the property or winning a historic designation for it. But she has said the property not only represents a generational investment for her family, but a piece of history in the area.

Felder, a marketing professional, is among other things co-founder of former Redskins player Santana Moss’s charitable nonprofit, 89 Ways to Give.

Buona pointed out that although it lies near a historic district in Old Ashburn, the property is not inside those boundaries.

He said he’d like the county’s Heritage Commission to dive into the deeds on the property to decide whether it’s “truly historical.”

According to Felder’s repreDEMOLITION DELAY continues on page 7

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Supervisors Push Affordable Housing Proposals into New Year

BY RENSS GREENE

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County supervisors will pass to the next board a project to revise zoning laws to encourage more affordable housing.

In doing so, they pushed back against proposed rule changes that would allow higher housing density in parts of western Loudoun.

The changes underway are geared toward both loosening some regulations to allow more people to build accessory buildings on their property, and toward bringing more units into the county government’s price-controlled Affordable Dwelling Unit program. During the board’s Dec. 11 public hearing, supervisors sent that project to their Transportation and Land Use Committee for more work, meaning the next Board of Supervisors, which takes office in January, will be the one to vote on it.

To encourage more units in the county’s Affordable Dwelling Unit program, the proposed rules supervisors saw last week include reducing the size of development projects required to participate in the program from 50 unites to 24; providing more flexibility in the bonus density increases offered to projects voluntarily contributing to the program; allowing developments in the Transition Policy Area to participate; and increasing the cost of buying out of the program for single-family detached developments from onethird of the unit cost to 100 percent of the cost to build those homes.

Another set of changes would allow more people to build accessory dwelling units on their properties, expanding the rules to allow them in any zoning district with single-family homes or townhouses.

Supervisors had some concerns about the new rules as proposed, including the proposal to expand the program into the transition area that buffers the suburban east from rural west, and in the Joint Land Management Areas that border some western towns.

“If we’re talking about putting ADUs in western Loudoun, I think that’s something we’ve all universally expressed skepticism over,” said Su-

On one hand, we need affordable housing … and then you have the other side of it: People don’t want more density.”

— Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) pervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run).

Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) requested the ordinance allow increases in density only through rezoning applications, which require public hearings and Board of Supervisors approval, and that the new rules not bring that increased density to the transition area or Joint Land Management Areas.

He and Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) also requested staff members provide an analysis of how the new rules would fit with the new comprehensive plan, which also makes reference to providing more affordable housing.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) also expressed concern about allowing more developments to qualify for density bonuses by contributing units to the ADU program.

Other supervisors were also concerned the new rules could allow more units than otherwise permitted in zoning on some properties without requiring a public hearing or a vote by county supervisors.

“I guess the argument could be, well this was going to be by-right development anyway and there was no requirement for any ADUs, but it just doesn’t strike me that we’re gaining enough to justify it,” Umstattd said.

“There’s always opposing forces,” said Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn). “On one hand, we need affordable housing … and then you have the other side of it: People don’t want more density.”

Supervisors approved sending that work to committee 8-0-1, with Supervisor Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin) absent.

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County supervisors, with only weeks to go in their terms, have broken ground on two longstanding projects.

On Dec. 12, they held a ceremonial groundbreaking on the final phase of the Riverside Parkway extension, which will provide another alternative to Rt. 7 and the Dulles Greenway in parts of Loudoun.

The project has been built in phases, with the last section connecting Silvery Blue Terrace to Loudoun County Parkway at George Washington Boulevard. It will be a four-lane divided road.

When that section is complete, Riverside Parkway will connect from Loudoun County Parkway to River Creek Parkway, where it turns into Fort Evans Road and connects to the Leesburg Bypass, serving as a parallel road on the north side of Rt. 7. The work also includes the installation of a new Loudoun Water main and the replacement of the temporary traffic signal at Loudoun County Parkway and George

Washington Boulevard with a permanent light.

The day after breaking ground on Riverside, supervisors were back at another ceremony to mark the long-delayed start of construction on a sidewalk along Ashburn Road.

The project is meant to improve pedestrian access and safety in Old Ashburn by building 1,100 feet of sidewalk on the east side of Ashburn Road between Partlow Road and the W&OD Trail.

Supervisors have been working for years to bring the project to fruition. The project will also be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant and add drainage and signage improvements.

Construction of the final segment of Riverside Parkway is expected to be completed by the fall of 2021. It is a $23.34 million project. More information, including a link to sign up for updates on the project, can be found at loudoun.gov/riversideparkway. The $1.128 million Ashburn Road sidewalk project is expected to wrap up next summer.

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Demolition delay continued from page 4 sentative, Jim Sisley, the at-large appointee to the county Planning Commission and the owner and principal broker of Paladin Real Estate, tax records document the sale of a half-acre property on that site on Feb. 20, 1889, by a couple from Alexandria to Sally Simmons for $135. He speculated she may have been a single black woman teaching at the nearby Ashburn Colored School, making her a rare property owner at the time.

And if the building is demolished, the options on that lot will become very limited. The required building setbacks on either side of the long, narrow property overlap—meaning there is no area in the property where it would be legal to build.

The only location building could take place now is inside the footprint of the existing structure. If that goes away, so does the grandfathering for a building there.

The property is about 640 feet long along the road, and only about 100 feet wide at its widest point, according to county mapping information.

It is also an island of outdated zoning.

It is zoned for industrial development in an area of residential and rural commercial zoning and development. When the rest of the area was rezoned away from the industrial park vision of a previous county comprehensive plan, this property was left behind.

The county has delayed taking action on the property before. According to county report, Felder was first sent a blight notice on March 29, 2018. Since then, Felder and the county have been in correspondence

about securing, mowing and cleaning up trash on the property, and about selling it.

With that work underway and the building secured against entry, county zoning officials deferred enforcing the ordinance.

On July 26, 2019, with no change in ownership, county staff members pushed ahead on a blight abatement plan.

Under the county’s blight ordinance, if someone submits a complaint to the county, and the property owner is unresponsive to a notice requiring a blight abatement plan, the county can take action. The ordinance defines a “blighted property” as any individual commercial, industrial, or residential structure or improvement that endangers the public’s health, safety, or welfare because the structure or improvement upon the property is dilapidated, deteriorated, or violates minimum health and safety standards.” It must be vacant, lacking in upkeep, and unfit for human occupancy.

Felder said she took over the fight for her mother, who formerly lived in the house.

The parcel is one of the properties supervisors had in mind when they adopted a local blight ordinance.

“When we passed the blight ordinance about two year ago, there were three properties in the Ashburn area that we had complaints on,” Buona said. “Two of those properties, the blighted structures have been removed.”

Supervisors voted 8-0-1, with Supervisor Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin) absent, to continue the public hearing until July.

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Old Courthouse continued from page 4 Loudoun.

Today’s historic courthouse, actually the third on the site, opened in 1895. The first courthouse on the site was built in 1758. It stands on the same ground where the Declaration of Independence was read, where enslaved people were sold, where trials for people who helped slaves escape along the Underground Railroad were held, and where in 1933 Houston won a landmark civil rights case.

According to research led by Mitch Diamond, in 1932, Houston led the first all-black legal defense team in a southern state at the Loudoun County courthouse, defending a black man, George Crawford, who faced the death penalty in a murder case. Houston worked to document a racially biased jury selection process. Although Crawford was found guilty, he was

spared the death penalty, unusual for a black man convicted of murdering a white person. The case would mark an important moment for America’s justice system, and two years later, the Supreme Court ruled biased jury selection unconstitutional.

Future Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, one of Houston’s students, worked on the case as a researcher.

In Loudoun, Houston would also go on to help put pressure on the local School Board and raise money to build and equip the new Frederick Douglass High School, the first high school for black students in Loudoun. It opened in 1941.

Read the Heritage Commission’s courthouse grounds history research online at loudoun.gov/4054/Courthouse-Grounds-Research-Project.

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Leesburg Adopts Regulations for Shared Scooter Program

Leesburg

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The site of the future Crescent Parke development near Olde Izaak Walton Park, which will bring 344 residential units and 161,725 square feet of commercial development into Leesburg.

Still Growing:

Leesburg Nears Buildout

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The Town of Leesburg looks to be closing in on 20,000 housing units, and 26,000 jobs in town, if growth projections over the next five years prove true.

Public Information Officer Betsy Arnett recently delivered an update on the town’s growth statistics to members of the Planning Commission.

She pointed to the growth of the town, now the commonwealth’s largest, in just the past five years.

More than 1 million square feet of nonresidential uses have been developed during that period, with flex/industrial space being the biggest commercial addition, followed by retail and self-storage space, respectively. It’s no surprise that residential development has again begun in earnest following a post-recession lull. Almost 700 residential units have been added to Leesburg in the past five years.

“We’ve exceeded 200 units this year alone,” Arnett said. “That’s the most we’ve done in a single year since 2009.”

That number will likely not slow either, given the 444 residential units approved for construction, with more under construction, and the more than 1,900 projects in the development pipeline.

Commercial growth also continues, she said.

Just shy of 90,000 square feet of nonresidential development is under construction, and in the next five years Leesburg could add another 1.5 million

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The dam near Meadowbrook, land off South King Street and Evergreen Mills Road where developer Van Metre sought to rezone around 24 to allow for the development of a roughly 200,000-square-foot commercial center.

square feet, should everything in the development pipeline come to fruition.

Five years from now, Arnett estimates the town’s population will be at least 58,000. The latest Census estimate from July 2018 pegged the town’s total population then at 53,917. Historically, she said, the town has always exceeded that estimate.

Also in five years, Arnett projects 18,800 housing units in town, 26,000 jobs, and a total of 14 million square feet of nonresidential development, if everything that’s in the pipeline gets built.

There are currently less than 700 acres of undeveloped land left in town, with an active application of some sort on 288 of those acres, as the town approaches full buildout.

The Town of Leesburg is ready to welcome electric scooters and skateboards to its roadways.

On Tuesday night, the council passed regulations to allow dockless mobility operations in town and businesses that operate for hire motorized scooters, skateboards or electric bicycles. The council was under the gun to adopt the regulations ahead of Jan. 1. That is when, following last spring’s General Assembly action, these types of businesses would have been able to operate without restriction in a locality if there were no rules on the books.

Council members emphasized Tuesday that the adopted regulations would be an initial framework, and future regulations could be adopted to limit these types of operations in certain parts of town. One area that could command attention is mandating that the vehicles may not be driven on sidewalks, although Barbara Notar said to do that would require posting signs advising users of the prohibition. Another area suggested by Councilman Neil Steinberg was restricting their use in the B-1 downtown business district.

But, for now, the adopted regulations include requiring businesses to get permits before operating in town; operating rules that include limits on the number of vehicles and requirements for safety compliance; requiring the use of a helmet for operators; and the adoption of a new reckless riding provision in the Town Code that prohibits more than one passenger per vehicle.

These types of dockless mobility operations have already cropped up in nearby

localities, including Vienna and Herndon. While the programs have become popular options for getting around an area, they have had their share of problems, including issues with the vehicles being left on sidewalks or in public rights of way. Many of these vehicles can be “hired” by paying a fee via a cell phone app, not requiring them to be docked in a certain area.

Notar said she used the Town of Blacksburg’s adopted ordinance as a model for Leesburg’s.

“To me it is the cleanest, most basic ordinance to pass,” she said.

Notar said she suggested the adoption of regulations, rather than a pilot program, because the latter would require the town to work with a specific operator to kick off the program. No businesses have approached the town about starting such a service in Leesburg, she said. This week, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors took the other option and adopted a pilot program.

The new Town Code regulations passed 6-0-1, with Councilman Tom Dunn absent for the vote.

The county government has also launched a pilot program for for dockless shared mobility devices—such as e-bikes and scooters—within roughly a three-mile radius of the three future Metro stops in Loudoun and the existing Innovation Center Metrorail Station just across the Fairfax County line.

Scooters will be allowed starting in January in a large swath of central eastern Loudoun, including the W&OD Trail and up to the main terminal of Dulles International Airport.

The total number of devices permitted in the pilot area will be capped at 1,000.

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Town Receives Clean Audit

LoudounNow

The Town of Leesburg has received high marks on its financials from the preWelcoming all new patients! vious fiscal year.

The fiscal year 2019 Comprehensive ian Cochran and his staff atall new patients!

Welcoming Annual Financial Report and audit report Brian Cochran andand hishis staff an FamilyDr. Dental was presented to the Town Council last Dr.are Brian Cochran staffatat Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at week. The audit was conducted by Brown, Cochran Dental areare itted to providing aFamily comprehensive Cochran Family Edwards & Company, a public accounting Cochran Family DentalDental are dental office committed to providing a comprehensive dental office audit firm that specializes in audits of locommitted to providing a comprehensive dental office caring andcommitted gentle style that will serve most all of office to providing a comprehensive dental cal governments in Virginia. a caring and gentle style thatserve willserve serve all most with aawith caring andgentle gentle style that will most allofof The town received a clean audit opinwith needs caring and style that will most of all amily’s dental under one roof.

Insurance SPECIAL Please to receive the offer.

Mon. Wed.: 8am -present 6pm combined w/any other 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) with every scheduled The Village at Leesburg facing Please present coupon to Sat.: 8am -Wed: 1pm (once/month) Mon &24hr 8-6pm Mon. & Wed.: 8amyour - 6pm •Fri: Tues.

- Thurs.: 7am -&4pm • Fri.: -to1pm •coupon Service dental needs under roof.

Insurance scheduled cleaning or procedure.

Tues.

- 8am Thurs.: 7am -Emergency 4pm Notfacing be combined with anyone other offer.

SPECIAL 703-771-9034 with every scheduled The Village at Leesburg Leesburg, VA ion, which means there were no material 24hr Emergency Service ofyour Loudoun forfamily’s 13 years.

Use your benefits before the toend receive offer.

Not be Cochran has provided trusted dental care tothe the citizens family’s dental needs under one roof.

Insurance Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm your family’s dental needs under one roof.

Insurance Offer Expires January 1, 2016. cleaning or procedure.

Route 720175 between Wegmans and 24hr Emergency Service Tues.

Thurs.: 7am 4pm 1503 Dodona Terrace Use your benefits before the end Please present coupon to w/any receive the offer. combined other Fri:8am 8-1pm • -Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) y office offering budget wise payment options.

Dr. of the year and receive a FREE cleaning or procedure.

Route 7 between Wegmans and Fri.: 1pm Offer Expires 8/31/16.

WHITENING 1503 Dodona Terrace LA Fitness Not to be combined with any other offer. friendly office offering budget wise payment options.

Dr. misstatements within the financial stateVisit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com 703-771-9034 FREE of the year and receive a 24hr Emergency Service of Loudoun for 13 years.

Visit our website: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Fri.:Fitness 8am - 1pm Conveniently located in LA Teeth Whitening KitDr. with every Suite 210 Offer Expires 8/31/16. friendly offering budget wise payment options.

Please present coupon toDr. Sat.: 8am 1pm (once/month) Mon & -Wed: 8-6pm friendly office offering budget wise payment options.

Teeth Whitening Kitcleaning with every Suite 210office scheduled or procedure.

SPECIAL WHITENING ments. The town government was also The Village at Leesburg facing Please present coupon to Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Sat.: 8am 1pm (once/month) Leesburg, VA 20175 Mon & Wed:Tues 8-6pm Visit our website: receive the offer.

Not to be Conveniently located in an has provided trusted dental care toTheLeesburgVADentist.com the citizens Cochran has provided trusted dental care the citizens &your Thurs: 7-4pm scheduled cleaning orto procedure.

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1503 Dodona Terrace Suite 210 for703-771-9034 24hr Emergency Service of Loudoun for 13 years. of the year and receive a FREE Mon & Wed: 8-6pm LA Fitness scheduled cleaning or procedure.

Teeth Whitening Kit with every for 13 years.

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Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com scheduled cleaning or procedure.

Conveniently located in Leesburg, VA 20175 Please present7-4pm coupon to receive the offer. onveniently located in 8-1pm Fri: 8-1pm •The Sat: (Once/month) Tues & Thurs: Offer Expires January 1, 2016. signed fund balance of 20 percent at the Village at Leesburg facing Not combined with any other offer.

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Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm quires maintaining an unassigned fund Fitness Offer Expires January 1, 2016.

Teeth Whitening Kit with every urg, VA 20175 Offering the latest technologies newest treatment options Teeth Whitening Kit with Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Offering the latest technologies &8-1pm newest(Once/month) treatment options e 210 Offer Expires January 1, &2016.

BOOK ONCEof&atSAVE ALL YEAR so the town’s Please present coupon receive theevery offer.

Mon & Wed: 8-6pm Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: Invisalign™ - Digitalto Imaging balance least 20 percent, scheduled cleaning or procedure.

Mon & Wed: 8-6pm Please present to receive the offer.

Fri: 8-1pm • Sat:24hr 8-1pm (Once/month) scheduled cleaning or procedure.

Not tocoupon be combined with any other offer.

Invisalign™ Digital Imaging Emergency Service , VA Tues20175 & Thurs: 7-4pm 24hr Offer ExpiresNot January 1,Russell 2016. performance and reserves are right on the to be combined with any1509 offer.

Mullen Tues & Thurs:Service 7-4pm Offer 1, SE2016.

Emergency Dodona consultation Terrace Ste 201, Russell aother free 703-771-9887 Mullen Call orCall textExpires us us for a forJanuary DDS, MS Leesburg, VA 20175 complimentarythe consultation!

Please present couponPlease to receive offer.

1pm • Sat: 8-1pm Fri: (Once/month) requirements.

The fiscal year 2019 DDS, policy MS present coupon to receive the offer.

8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) Use your benefits before theoffer. end Not to be combined any other offer.

1509 Dodona Terrace SE Stewith 201, us for a free consultation 703-771-9887 Next to the Russell Mullen orCall text us for a Not to be combined with any other Use your benefits before the end on target performance was maintained (703) 771-9887 24hr EmergencyCall Service 24hr Emergency Service Leesburg Wegmans! of the year and receive a FREE complimentary consultation!

Leesburg, VA 20175 even though the town had DDS, MS of the year and receive a FREESchedule an $89 Professional Heater Tune-Up Now several unTeeth Whitening Kit with foreseen needs during the year, including www. mullenortho. com every Find us! & Get An AC Tune-Up for FREE in the Spring!

2 0 1 9

LOUDOUN’S

Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at FAVORITE Conveniently located Cochran Family Dental are in Dr. Cochran and his staff at The Village of Brian Leesburg to providing a comprehensive dental office Dr. Brian Cochran and his For staff atand What we offer committed Dr. Brian Cochran at Discounts Available Patients Conveniently located inhis staff 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 Cochran Family Dental are Conveniently located in Conveniently located in with aCochran caring and gentle style that will serve most all of Cochran Family Dental areFAVORITE Without Insurance!

Family Dental are • Cheerful, serene, Cochran state of theLeesburg, artand officehis The Village of Leesburg VA 20175 Dr. Brian staff at The Village of Leesburg your family’s dental needs under one roof.

Insurance committed providing a comprehensive dental The Village ofto Leesburg committed to providing a comprehensive dental office office • Digital x-rays (reduces radiation by 90%) 1503 committed to providing a Terrace comprehensive dental office 703-771-9034 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 Dodona #210 Cochran Family Dental are friendly office offering budget wise Dr. with a payment caring andoptions. gentle style that will servemost most all with a caring and gentle style that will serve allofof 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 Leesburg, VA 20175 Dr. Brian Cochran and20175 his staff at most • We file all dental benefi t claims withhasa provided caring and gentle style that will serve allInsurance of your family’s dental needs under one roof.

Cochran trusted dental care to the citizens Leesburg, VA committed to providing a comprehensive dental officeone roof. Insurance your family’s dental needs under Leesburg, VA 20175 703-771-9034 • Cosmetic Dentistry (veneers, whitefamily’s fifor llings, Zoom Whitening) Cochran Family Dental are friendly office offering budget payment options. Dr. of Loudoun 13 and years. your dental needs under one roof. wise Insurance 703-771-9034 HOURS: WHITENING SPECIAL with a caring and gentle style that will serve most all of friendly office offering budget wise payment Dr. WHITENING Cochran has provided trusted dental care tooptions. the office citizens 703-771-9034 • Crowns and Bridges, all phases Root and Dentures Conveniently located in- Canals FREE Teeth Kit options. committed to providing a Whitening comprehensive dental friendly office offering budget wise payment Dr. Mon.of&Implants, Wed.: 8am 6pm SPECIAL of Loudoun for 13 scheduled years. with every The Village at Leesburg facing Cochran has provided trusted dental care to the citizens your family’stherapy dental needs under one roof.

Insurance • We offer periodontal to restore your oral health as well as oral cancer screening.

HOURS: Tues. - Thurs.: - 4pm and WHITENING Use your benefits before the end will with a provided caring gentle style that serve mostSPECIAL all of Cochran has7am trusted dental care to the citizens cleaning or procedure.

WHITENING Wegmans and 1503 Dodona Terrace Route 7 between located in- 6pm FREE Teeth Whitening Kit of Conveniently the year receive a FREE Mon. &and Wed.: 8am Fri.:Fitness 8am - 1pm of Loudoun for 13 years.

Offer Expires 8/31/16.

LA friendly offering budget wise payment options.

Dr. SPECIAL withInsurance every scheduled The Village at Leesburg facing Teeth Whitening Kit with every HOURS: your family’s dental needs under one roof.

Suite 210office Conveniently located in the Village of Leesburg WHITENING SPECIAL of Loudoun for 13 years.

Tues.

- Thurs.: 7am - 4pm Please present coupon Sat.: 8am 1pm (once/month) Use your benefits or before the end Mon & -Wed: 8-6pm cleaning procedure.

HOURS: Route 7 between Wegmans and toWHITENING scheduled cleaning or procedure.

WHITENING SPECIAL Terrace Leesburg, 20175 Conveniently located in FREE Teeth Whitening of the year and receive a FREE Kit receive the Not to bepayment Fri.: 8am -1,citizens 1pm Cochran hasTerrace provided trusted dental care to the TuesEmergency &1503 Thurs: 7-4pm 1503VA Dodona #210 • Dodona Leesburg, VA&20175 •LA 703-771-9034 Mon. Wed.: 8am -offer.

6pm WHITENING January 2016.

Offer Expires 8/31/16.

Fitness 24hr Service friendly offering budget wise options.

Conveniently located inOffer Expires FREE Teeth Whitening Teeth Whitening KitKit with everyDr. Suite 210office

Cochran Family Dental gWelcoming all new patients!

Cochran Family Dental all new patients! ll new patients!

Welcoming all new patients!

Welcoming all new patients!

LoudounNow

W I N N E R

LOUDOUN’S 2018

Brian Cochran his staff an Cochran and and his staff at at chran Family Dental n Family Dental are are mmitted to providing a comprehensive dental office ted to providing a comprehensive dental office haring a caring gentle serve all of and and gentle stylestyle thatthat will will serve mostmost all of r family’s dental needs under Insurance mily’s dental needs under one one roof.roof.

Insurance ndly office offering budget wise payment options.

Dr. WHITENING office offering budget wise payment options.

Dr. WHITENING WHITENING Visit our website: TheLeesburgVADentist.com One Smile SPECIAL WHITENING chran has provided trusted dental care to citizens the citizens SPECIAL SPECIAL n has provided trusted dental care toSPECIAL the At A Time On e Sm il e At A Time Loudoun for 13 years. doun for 13 years.

WHITENING WHITENING Conveniently located in nveniently located in 703-771-9034 SPECIAL 771-9034 elage Village at Leesburg facing SPECIAL at Leesburg facing Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com ute 7 between Wegmans sit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com 71-9034 between Wegmans and and LA Fitness LA TheLeesburgVADentist.com Fitness website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com et our at: Next to the Teeth Whitening Kit with every

FREE

(703) 771-9887 Wed: 8-6pm scheduled cleaning or procedure.

Leesburg Wegmans!

Mon &Mon Wed:&&8-6pm HEATING AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES scheduled cleaning or procedure.

Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Offer Expires January 1, 2016.

Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm BOOK ONCE & SAVE ALL YEAR Expires January Please present coupon1,to2016. receive the offer. i: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month)PleaseOffer present coupon to receive theother offer. offer.And the winner is ... m • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) www. mullenortho.com Not to be combined with any FindHEATING us! Service& AIR Not 24hr Emergency CONDITIONING SERVICES to be combined with any other offer.

4hr Emergency Service NO BREAKDOWN

DECEMBER 19, 2019 higher than anticipated costs for snow removal and refuse collection, a legal settlement on stormwater remediation and early land acquisition of important rightof-way for future transportation improvements.”

The CAFR and the audit presentation are available at leesburgva.gov/cafr.

Town Government Announces Holiday Hours, Closings The Town of Leesburg has announced amended office hours and some closures during the upcoming holiday weeks.

Town offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25, Thursday, Dec. 26, and Wednesday, Jan. 1. Offices will close at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Ida Lee Park Recreation Center’s holiday hours are: 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24; closed Dec. 25; 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 31; and noon to 8 p.m. Jan. 1.

Ida Lee Park Tennis Center’s holiday hours are: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 24; closed Dec. 25; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 31; and noon to 8 p.m. Jan. 1.

The Thomas Balch Library will be closed Dec. 24-26, and Dec. 31-Jan. 1.

SNELL | Expires 12/31/19

Service includes (1) tune-up of an electric or gas heater and (1) air conditioner only. Oil systems excluded. AC tune-up must be performed before 5/15/20. May not be combined with any other offer.

FREE

If your heater breaks down this winter for any reason after our tune-up, we’ll credit the cost to a future service. If your AC breaks down for any reason after our tune-up in the spring, we’ll credit the cost to a future service.

GUARANTEE ite at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES BOOK ONCE & SAVE ALL YEAR

Schedule an $89 Professional Heater Tune-Up Now & Get An AC Tune-Up for FREE in the Spring!

NO BREAKDOWN

GUARANTEE

FREE

TUNE-UP FOR VALUE & COMFORT BOOK ONCE & SAVE ALL YEAR

SNELL | Expires 12/31/19

Service includes (1) tune-up of an electric or gas heater and (1) air conditioner only. Oil systems excluded. AC tune-up must be performed before 5/15/20. May not be combined with any other offer.

Extend the Life & Efficiency of Your System

Total Service Completed in One Hour

Schedule an $89 Professional Heater Tune-Up Now Lower Your Winter Energy Bills & Get An AC Tune-Up for FREE in the Spring!

If your heater breaks down this winter for any reason after our tune-up, we’ll credit the cost SNELL | Expires 12/31/19 to a future service. If your AC breaks Servicedown includesfor (1) tune-up of an electric or gas heater and (1) air any reason after our tune-up conditioner in the spring, only. Oil systems excluded. AC tune-up must be performed we’ll credit the cost to a future service. before 5/15/20. May not be combined with any other offer.

TUNE-UP FOR VALUE & COMFORT NO BREAKDOWN GUARANTEE Total Service Completed in One Hour

Lower Your Winter Energy Bills

$50 OFF

Schedule an $89 Professional Heater Tune-Up Now & Get An AC Tune-Up for FREE in the Spring!

ANY HEATER REPAIR

If your heater breaks down this winter for any + 2-YEARwe’ll WARRANTY ON cost ALL REPAIRS reason after our tune-up, credit the future service. If your AC breaks down for Extend the Life & Efficiencytoofa Your System Dispatch additional.in May not be combined with any other any reason after our fee tune-up the spring, offer. Offer cannot be used towards tune ups. we’ll credit the cost to a future service.

Save THOUSANDS on Unnecessary Repairs

FREE

Save THOUSANDS on Unnecessary Repairs

SNELL | Expires 12/31/19

NO BREAKDOWN

SNELL | Expires 12/31/19 Service includes (1) tune-up of an electric or gas heater and (1) air conditioner only. Oil systems excluded. AC tune-up must be performed before 5/15/20. May not be combined with any other offer.

If your heater breaks down this winter for any reason after our tune-up, we’ll credit the cost to a future service. If your AC breaks down for any reason after our tune-up in the spring, we’ll credit the cost to a future service.

TUNE-UP INTO DECEMBER TUNE-UP FOR VALUEGUARANTEE &CRUISE COMFORT NO EMERGENCY $50FOR OFF CHARGES VALUE & ANY HEATER REPAIR TUNE-UP FOR VALUE & COMFORT COMFORT PURCHASE A HEATER &

Total Service Completed in One Hour

Extend the Life Efficiency ofVOUCHER Your System FOR 2 GET& A CRUISE

Lower Your Winter Energy Bills

and installation of heating system. Cruise is transferable and may be gifted.

Save THOUSANDS on Unnecessary Repairs Company is responsible for cruise certificate cost and accommodations

Limit 1 cruise offer per customer. Cruise voucher will be issued after purchase

+ 2-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL REPAIRS

portion of the cruise fare only. Customer or guest is responsible for all other expenses, including without limitation: airline tickets, airport transfers, ground transport, government-imposed security fees, miscellaneous personal and incidental expenses, alcoholic beverages, spa services, gratuities, and sho excursions. Offer applies to residential homes only. shore

Total Service Completed in One Hour

$50 OFF

Dispatch fee additional. May not be combined with any other offer. Offer cannot be used towards tune ups.

SNELL | Expires 12/31/19

 Total Service Completed in One Hour  Extend the Life &

Lower Your12/31/19 Winter Energy Bills SNELL | Expires

(703) 493-1223

SNELL Heating & on Air Conditioning.

All rights Save©THOUSANDS Unnecessary Repairs reserved. ELE GFC HVA PLB #2705171530

OFF CHARGES $ANY50 HEATER REPAIR

CRUISE INTO DECEMBER Efficiencey of Your HEATER NOREPAIR EMERGENCY ANY

Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk and Councilman Neil Steinburg present the Holiday Lights trophy to members of Boy Scout Troop 39 of Purcellville. The scouts won the top prize for their float in Saturday’s Holiday and Christmas Parade.

PURCHASE A HEATER & System + 2-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL REPAIRS GET A CRUISE VOUCHER FOR 2

 Lower your Winter Energy Bills

Limit 1 cruise offer per customer. Cruise voucher will be issued after Dispatch feepurchase additional. May not be combined with any and installation of heating system. Cruise is transferable and may be gifted. offer.

Offer cannot be used towards tune ups.

Company is responsible for cruise certificate cost and accommodations portion of the cruise fare only. Customer or guest is responsible for all other SNELL | Expires 12/31/19 expenses, including without limitation: airline tickets, airport transfers, ground transport, government-imposed security fees, miscellaneous personal and incidental expenses, alcoholic beverages, spa services, gratuities, and sho excursions. Offer applies to residential homes only. shore

SNELL | Expires 12/31/19

 Save THOUSANDS on Unneceessary Repairs

other

(703) 493-1223

© SNELL Heating & Air Conditioning. All rights CRUISE INTO DECEMBER reserved. ELE GFC HVA PLB #2705171530 NO

PURCHASE A HEATER & GET A CRUISE VOUCHER FOR 2

Limit 1 cruise offer per customer. Cruise voucher will be issued after purchase and installation of heating system. Cruise is transferable and may be gifted.

Company is responsible for cruise certificate cost and accommodations portion of the cruise fare only. Customer or guest is responsible for all other expenses, including without limitation: airline tickets, airport transfers, ground transport, government-imposed security fees, miscellaneous personal and incidental expenses, alcoholic beverages, spa services, gratuities, and

+ 2-YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL REPAIRS

Dispatch fee additional. May not be combined with any other offer. Offer cannot be used towards tune ups.

EMERGENCY SNELL | Expires 12/31/19

CHARGES

CRUISE INTO DECEMBER

PURCHASE A HEATER & GET A CRUISE VOUCHER FOR 2

(703) 493-1223

Limit 1 cruise offer per customer. Cruise voucher will be issued after purchase

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Thousands braved cold, breezy weather to watch the 2019 Leesburg Holiday and Christmas Parade on King Street on Saturday Extend the Life & Efficiency of Your night.

SystemBoy Scout Troop 39 of Purcellville took the top prize in the Leesburg Holiday and Christmas Parade’s Holiday Lights float competition.

NO EMERGENCY

CHARGES

DECEMBER 19, 2019

PAGE 11

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Former Loudoun Politician Pens ‘How To’ Book for Campaigning, Serving

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

A former fixture in Loudoun’s political scene has penned a guidebook for those looking to campaign for public service themselves.

Ken Reid, who served on both the Leesburg Town Council and as the Leesburg District representative on the Board of Supervisors, recently released his first book, “Six Secrets to Winning Any Local Election and Navigating Elected Office Once You Win!” Reid first won a seat on the Town Council in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010. In 2011, he won a seat on the Board of Supervisors but did not run for re-election four years later. He again won a seat on the Town Council in 2016, but resigned less than a year into his four-year term to take a job in Virginia Beach.

He said it was his record at the polls, winning four races, that prompted him to share his formula for success with a larger audience. He said he began working on the book shortly after resigning from his Town Council seat.

“I thought it would be very helpful. I’ve

dealt with so many candidates throughout the years. I won four elections, I never lost an election, and I had two very close [races]. I had a method and I wanted to impart that knowledge,” he said.

He said many would-be politicians get involved with the wrong advisors, or think they can win on their own merits. Reid’s method for campaigning boils down to the six M’s: messaging, manpower, management, marketing, money and momentum. The book also includes sample campaign material, like yard signs and

campaign event invitation templates.

While his 328-page book shares practical advice about campaigning, it also includes many reflections of his time serving in Loudoun. He doesn’t hesitate when asked who was the best campaigner he ever encountered. That honor belongs to former Sterling District Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio.

“As much as a lot of people don’t like him as a person and his anti-gay stance, the fact is he is a terrific, terrific retail politician,” he said. By retail politician, Reid references a candidate with a great grassroots campaign and lots of voter contact.

He also praises current Leesburg Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D) and Del. David LaRock (R-10) for their campaign style and face time with voters.

The second half of Reid’s guidebook focuses on advice for serving in elected office. Reid believes that he was successful in serving, and being re-elected, because he was a “go-getter” who was perhaps overly interested in results, though he admits in the book he was not always the most liked.

He praises Umstattd, who served as Leesburg’s mayor for more than a decade before winning her board seat, for the way in which she ran meetings. He also said he

has been very impressed with how current County Chairwoman Phyllis Randall (DAt Large) has led the board.

He did not have as kind words for Scott York, who served as county chairman during Reid’s time on the board and for three terms prior, or current Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk. He criticized York’s reticence in moving things forward on the board’s agenda, and Burk’s move to place time limits on council members’ comments during meetings.

Reid now lives in the Hampton Roads area and works as a technical writer for a government contractor. In addition to his work, he is active in the Orthodox Jewish community where he lives. He said he hopes to retire in three years and work on more books and plays.

What he does not have in the cards is another run for public office, he said.

While he was approached about running for an open seat in Norfolk, he declined.

“I’m pretty happy where I am,” he said.

“I’d rather be helping other candidates.”

Reid’s book can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play and iTunes.

The eBook is available for $14.99, while the paperback, which includes a consultation, is $29.95.

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PAGE 12

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Education 31 YEARS

Education Foundation Lands $2.4M for Computer Science Initiative LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

“Making Clients for Life” Proudly Serving Northern Virginia

604 Blue Ridge Avenue NE Leesburg, VA 20176 703-930-4872 Pangleandassociates.com

Town of Leesburg Fall Leaf Collection Ending On December 29th.

Leaves placed at the curb by December 29th will be collected by the Town’s leaf collection crews during the last week in December. Leaves set out after December 29th must be bagged and placed at the curb with your regular trash collection.

Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/ fall-leaves for more information.

GO Virginia has awarded a $2.4 million grant to the Loudoun Education Foundation to support its Virginia K-12 Computer Science Pipeline initiative.

The grant will support the 6-12 grade portion program, funding the creation and implementation of an education model for teaching computer science and computational thinking skills, as well as providing computer science electives in middle school and an experiential learning program in high school involving internships for both Loudoun County Public Schools and Chesapeake Public Schools.

“The Loudoun Education Foundation is committed to educating students with skill sets that will prepare them for current and future jobs in our digital world,” said LEF President and Chairman Scott Miller in announcing the award.

He said the program is intended to address the severe shortage of technology workers in the commonwealth.

“The Virginia K-12 Computer Science Pipeline initiative will help address this problem,” Miller said. “Computer science education will prepare students to work in technology jobs like cybersecurity, computer services, and data analytics, not to mention the tech jobs of the future that these students will be creating as future

Loudoun Now File Photo

Loudoun Education Foundation President Scott Miller

industry leaders. The program creates a long-term systemic solution for today’s technology workforce crisis and develops a pipeline for our future industry leaders.”

The grant money will be used to purchase equipment, support program operations and hire personnel.

The application was supported by the GO Northern VA Council.

“Once we fully grasped all the components of the proposal, it became clear to us the GO Virginia is exactly the kind of

funding that should support this initiative,” Council Chairman Tom Rust said.

“As this project demonstrates how every school system can do the same thing, we expect this will be viewed as one of the most important projects using GO Virginia funds. As school systems across the state make this change in basic K-12 education, Virginia will not only lead the nation as the most business-friendly state, we will lead in educating our students to be more than ready for today’s workforce.”

LEF Executive Director Dawn Meyer said the initiative also benefits from the support of innovative superintendents in both school districts.

“Together, we are developing a strategy to ensure this initiative is replicable for other school systems across the commonwealth with a plan for professional development, a database of curriculum and procedures for integration into core subject areas, and guidelines for building partnerships with STEM companies to develop experiential learning opportunities. This grant helps Virginia lead in computer science education in middle and high schools.”

GO Virginia is a bipartisan initiative adopted by the General Assembly in 2016 to encourage greater collaboration among localities, higher education and private sector partners on projects that create jobs and spur economic growth.

Northam Proposes $1.2B K-12 Funding Boost LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

Gov. Ralph Northam on Tuesday unveiled a proposed biennial budget that envisions one of the largest new investments in K-12 education, totaling $1.2 billion.

According to the announcement, the budget proposal included the single-largest increase for at-risk schools in Virginia history, raises teacher salaries 3 percent, funds more school counselors and new staff supports for English language learners, and makes significant new flexible funds available for local divisions.

“Students deserve quality public schools, no matter where they live,” Northam stated. “This budget provides extra funding to help close the achievement gap in high-need schools, especially in urban and rural Virginia.

Every child should have access to a worldclass education, and this budget advances that commitment.”

Northam said the funding increases would be aimed at closing achievement gaps experience by students of color, economically disadvantaged students, and

students with disabilities; providing more support for economically disadvantaged students that make up 40 percent of Virginia’s public pre-K-12 enrollment and for the 13 percent who are learning English; and improve teacher recruitment and retention, including $145 million to provide 3 percent raises for teachers in the second year of the biennium.

Loudoun Superintendent Eric Williams said the budget appears to support FUNDING BOOST continues on page 13

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Funding boost

Tuition Hikes Approved

continued from page 12 many of the local school division’s top priorities.

“While I won’t comment on the direct impact on Loudoun County Public Schools without more details about the Governor’s proposed budget, we appreciate Governor Northam’s emphasis and attention on continuous improvement in education in the Commonwealth,” he said. “The proposed budget appears to support many of the areas of investment that LCPS has prioritized through our programs and strategic actions, including a compensation program for teachers that encourages the best educators to choose to work in Loudoun, implementing equitable practices that impact student well-being and academic outcomes, an emphasis on support for English learners and students with unique learning needs, and social-emotional learning and the wellbeing of the whole student. We look forward to learning more about how this proposed budget may support LCPS’ efforts to empower all students to make meaningful contributions to the world.”

The School Board on Tuesday adopted new tuition rates for out-of-county and out-of-state students wishing to attend public schools in Loudoun.

The in-state rate increased 8.8 percent, to $10,960 per year. The out-of-state rate increased 9.9 percent to $15,998.

The formula used to set the rates is determined by Virginia Code. The rate charged for in-state students includes only the county’s share of funding, and one for out-of-state students which includes funding from all sources—federal, state, local and sales tax receipts.

Contract Awarded for Monroe Demolition The School Board on Tuesday approved the award of a $279,548 contract to Culpeper-based Demolition Services, Inc, to raze the C.S. Monroe Technology School in Leesburg.

The vo-tech programs were moved to the Academies of Loudoun campus last year. The property is being redeveloped to house the North Star School, which will become the new home of Loudoun County Public Schools’ Alternative Edu-

cation Program current housed at Douglass School.

The proposal by Demolition Services was the lowest of five bids received for the project.

Student Hear from STEM Leaders at Innovation Summit Seventy-six high school students from 13 schools attended the STEMStart Innovation Summit on Dec. 7 at the Academies of Loudoun.

The program was organized by STEMStart, a nonprofit created by freshmen Nirav and Niyati Kottury with the goal of closing the STEM gap. The program included keynote addresses by Allwyn Corp. CEO Madhu Garlanka and NASA collaborator Dr. George Pantalos; a panel discussion with local STEM leaders; and an update on the challenges of artificial intelligence.

Learn more at stemstart.org.

Rules Change Eliminates Hillsboro ‘Field Trips’ Students at the Hillsboro Charter Academy will no longer have to get parental permission for a “walking field

trip” when attending classes in the Old Stone School building nearby.

The School Board on Tuesday approved an amendment to the charter agreement that specifically allows academy administrators to conduct classes in the space the school rents there.

The change was requested by Hillsboro Charter Academy Chairwoman Gwen Wilf, who said the school had been using the rented space previously but required special parental consent because students technically were leaving the school campus and entering property owned by the Town of Hillsboro.

Lovettsville Students Sing at the White House The Lovettsville Elementary School fifth grade chorus performed at the National Christmas Tree out front of the White House the night of Thursday, Dec. 12.

It was the school’s 12th season performing in D.C. and 52 students rehearsed for more than 20 hours leading up to the performance.

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Public Safety Newspaper Publisher Sentenced to Prison Following Fraud Conviction LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

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Brian Thomas Reynolds, who pleaded guilty to defrauding investors in his Loudoun Tribune newspaper operation, last Friday, Dec. 13 was sentenced to serve 46 months in federal prison and to pay $512,500 in restitution.

Reynolds, 53, of Leesburg, also pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing seven firearms and associated ammunition. He has four prior felony convictions and is prohibited Reynolds from possessing firearms. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Liam O’Grady.

According to court documents, Reynolds defrauded both investors and lenders through the company he controlled that operated the Loudoun Tribune. Federal investigators found he made several materially false and fraudulent representations to actual and potential investors and lenders regarding the existence and value of advertising contracts held by the company, and created fake advertising contracts when no such agreements existed.

Reynolds also made materially false

and fraudulent representations regarding the company’s historical advertising revenues and the amount of money that he and others had invested in the company, falsely claimed that another individual had agreed to “match” the investments of certain investors, falsely claimed to at least one investor that the company lacked any debt, and materially overstated the amount of money held by the company in its bank accounts.

Court documents also state that Reynolds created altered loan documentation to defraud an individual who had lent money to the company by changing the language of the loan agreement to conditions that were materially more favorable to Reynolds and his company than had actually been agreed to by the lender.

Reynolds also was found to have made materially false representations regarding the number of issues distributed by the newspaper, and falsely claimed that a prominent businessperson served on the company’s advisory board, when in fact that individual held no position on the board and played no role in the operation of the business.

The investigation and prosecution were part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods, which focuses on violent crime reduction efforts.

SAFETY Briefs Ashburn Trainer Charged with Sexual Assault of Teen Girl Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office detectives have arrested an athletic trainer on charges that he sexually assaulted a girl during a practice with the Ashburn Elite Track Club.

Arnold D. Thomas, 54, of Leesburg, was charged last Friday with aggravated sexual battery, taking indecent liberties with a child and abduction. He was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

The alleged incident occurred Dec. 7 and was reported to law enforcement two days later. According to the report, the suspect was training the victim alone at the Ashburn center when he groped her.

The day following the arrest, Derrick Greene, the head coach and general manager of Ashburn Elite, posted a statement on the team’s Facebook page: “We have just learned that the Loudoun Thomas County Sheriff ’s Office (LCSO) arrested one of our coaches. At the time we received information about the incident, we immediately suspended the Coach from the team. He has not been at any BRIEFS continue on page 15

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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SAFETY Briefs

Teen Injured When Tree Fell on SUV Dies After Coma

continued from page 14

Ashburn Elite practice since that time.

The team has fully cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so throughout the investigation. The safety and well-being of all athletes is our top priority and all coaches have successfully passed a background check. We regret that is incident has occurred and are working on getting this matter resolved as soon as possible.”

Shot Postal Worker Charged with Stealing Packages The U.S. postal worker who was shot by a special agent with the Postal Service’s Office of the Inspector General in the parking lot outside the Lovettsville Post Office on Dec. 4 has been charged with felony embezzlement.

Postal investigators filed the charge Dec. 6. Nelson Clark Jr. is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 6 on his request to have an attorney appointed to represent him. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 27. Clark is alleged to have stolen packages valued at more than $500.

The shooting remains under investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office.

LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT

The 12-year-old girl who was critically injured when a tree fell on her family’s SUV on Purcellville Road last month has died.

Lindsey Jane Carmello had been in a medically induced coma since the Nov. 22 accident that also injured her father.

He was treated and released from the hospital. She sustained a traumatic brain injury.

In a Dec. 11 posting on a Go Fund Me page established to help the family through the tragedy, her mother, MaryIn that case, Clark, 32, of Martinsburg, WV, is accused of crashing his car into that of the postal agent who confronted him. The agent shot Clark in the arm. Clark was treated and released at an area hospital.

Clark has been released on bond pending the preliminary hearing.

Ashburn Man Charged in Fatal Car Crash The driver of an SUV involved in an

Ann Carmello, wrote, “This is the most difficult announcement that we have to make, Lindsey Jane Carmello, the most precious, sweetest, kindest little girl a Father, Mother, and Brother could ever have, went home to be with the Lord Jesus last night at 8:00 pm.”

She described her daughter as someone who enjoyed her friends and classmates and activities at school and church.

“We have many beautiful memories of Lindsey at Lovettsville Elementary, Harmony Middle School, dance classes and recitals, band concerts playing the clarinet, learning German, vacations at Outer Banks, Virginia Beach and of course Disney World. She was baptized at Christian early morning November crash that killed a Maryland woman has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and DUI. Brian M. Foley, 31, of Ashburn, was charged Dec. 12, after an investigation determined he was behind the wheel of his 2007 Toyota Scion at the time of the Nov. 16 crash.

According to the report, Foley was driving eastbound on Ashburn Farm Parkway between Starflower Way and Summerwood Circle just before 2 a.m. when the SUV left

Fellowship Church in Ashburn, Virginia and is a member of Cornerstone Chapel, Leesburg, Virginia,” she wrote. “She will always be our little flower, little butterfly, and our sweet little bunny rabbit, because she would walk around the house on her tippy toes.”

A memorial service is planned from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 22 at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg. The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Loudoun County or to Loudoun County Animal Services As of Tuesday, the Go Fund Me page set up to support the family and help pay medical bills had raised more than $48,000 in donations. the roadway and became airborne before striking a utility pole and driving through a residential fence.

Both Foley and the victim, Heather L. Wren (Guzman), 31, of Ft. Meade, Maryland, were thrown from the vehicle during the crash. Wren died at the scene.

Foley was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for Feb. 14 in Loudoun County District Court.

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NONPROFIT Briefs

Nonprofit

Humane Society Seeks Homes for Community Cats

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

A couple of young girls wait patiently as a Community Empowerment of Northern Virginia volunteer wraps the gifts they picked out for their parents this Christmas season.

Nonprofit Hosts Holiday Shopping for Hundreds of Underprivileged Kids

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

More than 1,000 Loudoun children shopped the day away on Saturday, picking out holiday gifts for their parents at the Sterling Park Baptist Church.

Community Empowerment of Northern Virginia hosted its eighth annual Winter Wonderland Shoppe as part of its Holiday Assistance Program on Saturday, Dec. 14 for kids to shop for gifts to give their parents this holiday season. The kids were allowed to pick out two gifts, or one large item, to give their parents on Christmas morning.

Those gifts ranged anywhere from bath products, blankets and slippers to car products and jewelry— all provided by local businesses, like Amazon and Target. To get the gifts to the Baptist church, Sterling-based Carmack Moving & Storage donated its services.

The kids and their parents also were treated to live holiday music and food from Chick-fil-a, Jersey Mike’s, Ledo Pizza, Papa John’s, Cinnabon, Joe’s Pizzaria, Mission BBQ and Wing Stop. Each family additionally had the option of picking up a free coat from among hundreds donated by the Sterling and Fairfax Burlington Coat Factory locations.

At the end of the day, families were invited back in to fill up trash bags with whatever items were left over.

Next weekend, the tables will turn and give parents the chance to shop for their kids. On Saturday,

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Community Empowerment of Northern Virginia volunteers help kids pick out Christmas gifts for their parents during the nonprofit’s Winter Wonderland Shoppe on Saturday.

Dec. 21, the nonprofit will welcome parents back to the church to shop from among 10,000 new toys at its annual Holiday Toy Shoppe.

Other event sponsors included Ignite Kingdom Church in Leesburg, Reston T-Shirt & Graphic Design, Key Graphics, Yankee Candle, the Sterling Wegmans and The School of Joshua Ministries.

Community Empowerment Northern Virginia is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of low-income families, single moms and at-risk youth in the region by providing community-based services that support, guide and inspire families to build the skills necessary to prevent crises. To do that, it focuses its efforts on the S.E.E.D. philosophy—support, empower, educate and develop.

The Humane Society of Loudoun County has an urgent need for safe homes for a group of endangered local community cats that must be moved by the end of the year.

Because these are outdoor working cats not suited for life indoors, society volunteers say the ideal homes include breweries, wineries, nurseries, warehouses and larger residential properties with large garages, barns, or stables—places where rodents are plentiful and mice are welcome.

Each of the barn cats is fixed and vaccinated. The Humane Society will provide all the equipment, set-up, and advice for a successful transition. No adoption fee will be assessed, but donations are appreciated.

The barn cats are part of Humane Loudoun’s “Critter Control” program, a form of organic pest control that can help keep rodents away from grain and food storage areas while offering a more effective alternative than dangerous pesticides.

Those who own or manage suitable properties are asked to contact the society at helpanimals@ humaneloudoun.org.

The organization’s community cat program recently received a boost from The Ursula Landsrath Animal Rescue Fund, which provided a $2,500 grant to help trap, neuter and return feral cats. As of October, the society has provided 160 spay or neuter procedures at 37 sites and worked to rehome 70 friendly cats and kittens.

For more information about the humane society’s other various programs

and how you can help animals in need throughout Loudoun County, go to humaneloudoun.org.

Contributed

Members of the latest Master Gardener training program celebrate their certification. Next year’s class is full, but registration for 2021 will open next spring.

13 Join Master Gardener Ranks Thirteen residents have completed training to join Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener program.

They completed the classroom training with more than 60 hours of instruction as well as 75 internship hours. Master gardeners are volunteer educators who encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management, education and training.

The 2020 class is full, but those interested in the 2021 training session may register at loudouncountymastergardeners.org/ become-a-mastergardener/. The application process will begin in the spring.

Eyecare Associates Deliver 38 Pairs of Free Glasses Associates in Eyecare on Saturday delivered eyeglasses to 38 patients of the Loudoun Free Clinic in BRIEFS continue on page 17

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Give yourself the gift of a better commute.

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Last Minute Shopping Toys for Tots volunteer Rita Satori and Coordinator Frank Holtz work to find gifts for newborn to 2-year-olds during a Tuesday night shopping spree at the Walmart Supercenter in Leesburg.

According Holtz, the foundation approved volunteers to purchase $10,000 worth of gifts to supplement donations it had already received in hopes of meeting the community’s Christmas wishes this season. Last year, the foundation distributed 28,109 toys to 6,834 Loudoun children with help from 304 volunteers.

Carpoolers: • Save time and money • Relax when riding • Enjoy company during the ride

NONPROFIT Briefs continued from page 16

Leesburg.

The free glasses were delivered after AIE last month sponsored free eye care exams for 42 pre-screened clinic patients at its Ashburn Village office.

“We can test a patient’s vision and tell them they need glasses or more specialized care. But most of our patients can’t afford that next step,” said Chuck Birdie, executive director of Loudoun Free Clinic.

Birdie said the effort by Associates in Eyecare to perform full exams and offer free frames and lenses made things a little brighter and a lot clearer for the patients.

Red Kettle Bell Ringers Needed Through Dec. 24 As of last week, the Loudoun Salvation Army reported that donations to the Red

Kettle campaign are running ahead of last year, but a shortage of bell ringers may cause the organization to fall short of its $112,000 goal.

With one week remaining in the campaign, $79,000 has been donated.

“These donations are important,” said Captain Pradeep Ramaji. “People’s donations help struggling people pay their bills. Food, rent, utilities, and so forth.

We don’t want to turn people away for lack of money.”

“We’re asking people to share just two hours to ring the bells. They’d be helping people by helping us. And eliminating worry for all concerned,” Advisory Board Chairman John Broglio said.

Bell Ringing ends Dec. 24. Those wishing to help may sign up using SignUpGenius at the bottom of our Salvation Army’s Home Page: virginiasalvationarmy.org/loudouncountycorps.

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DECEMBER 19, 2019

Community Leadership Award Finalists Announced

Business

Sterling Biotech Firm Celebrates New DNA Lab

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

A growing biotech company in Sterling is excited about the potential of its newest expansion.

That addition is a DNA testing laboratory, which Aperiomics CEO Dr. Crystal Icenhour is confident can help solve mysteries for a growing patient base.

Aperiomics is a three-year-old compaIcenhour ny, formerly incubated at George Washington University’s Ashburn campus. Its five-member founding group consisted of three professors, including one from George Washington, who is the chair of computational biology, along with Icenhour and another current company employee. For Icenhour, who has a medical research background, Aperiomics marked the second time in her career that she was brought in to help academics launch a company.

Though small in size, the addition of the lab has limitless possibilities for the company.

Its client base consists of patients and doctors trying to find answers to patient symptoms that seem to have no explanation.

“A lot of [patients] are sick for a long time and can’t figure out why,” Icenhour said. “A lot of times we’re able to solve that mystery for them.”

She points to one case where a patient was diagnosed with Lyme disease, but through DNA testing for infectious diseases, it was found that tuberculosis was the root of the illness.

“That’s the value we bring,” she said. “We identify everything in a [DNA] sample we receive so the doctor has the best information

available.”

“Seventy-five percent of infections are never actually identified,” Icenhour said. “That standard has led us down a path where we have multi-drug resistant antibiotics and we’re disrupting the normal flora of the body. There are new studies suggesting that autism can be tied to that disruption. We’re on the front edge of helping the doctors and researchers understand a whole new world we know exists.”

Aperiomics can test DNA from 11 different types of samples, including saliva, urine, fecal, and spinal cell fluid.

With the new on-site DNA lab, the company will be able to handle the most urgent of cases, while still working with vendors to process other samples. Icenhour said Aperiomics currently processes 30 samples per week, with each sample taking two weeks to go through the lab and three levels of quality checks before a report is released back to the provider.

Many patients do two samples. The company has a worldwide reach and has done testing for samples from 20 countries, but with its origins in Loudoun, casts the widest net in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Aperiomics works directly with health care providers and will also work with patients, but a health care provider needs to sign off on the testing.

Icenhour said she is hoping to make the DNA testing more available to the public, but acknowledges the process is not cheap. She said processing just one sample costs the company $600, and many insurance companies still do not cover DNA testing of any kind.

DNA testing is a personal cause close to her heart. Icenhour recalls seeing her grandmother labelled a hypochondriac by doctors when no one could diagnose what was causing her chronic pain. It even affected the way her family treated her, she recalled.

“I’m honoring her memory by helping people who are marginalized,” she said.

The company is quickly finding itself a leader in the nascent biotech community in Loudoun County, with Icenhour even advising the county government staff on the needs of the industry. This fall, Aperiomics was the recipient of a $75,000 incentive grant from the county to grow its DNA lab.

Its location in Loudoun County is convenient for many reasons, not the least of which is the company’s considerably sized data footprint. Aperiomics’ database currently includes almost 40,000 microorganisms, and Icenhour noted that data for a single patient, once all testing is complete, can take up one terrabyte.

Her goal for 2020 is to continue talks with insurance companies to open up coverage for DNA testing, along with a massive patient education campaign to make more people aware of the technology.

“What we’re doing is so big and it’s worth the uphill battle to get it to more widespread usage,” Icenhour said. DNA testing, “should be the first pass when someone comes in and has something that’s not clear. We’d like to triple our testing volume next year.”

The interest from the public already is strong, with the company receiving 50 inbound calls a day from doctors or patients wanting to know more about DNA testing.

With continued growth anticipated, Icenhour recognizes that the company will continue to need to work with vendors to process some of the DNA samples. They also are looking to market their software as a service to ensure others are running the same protocols.

She points to a sign in the company meeting room—“Do what’s right, not what is easy”— as a mantra of sorts for the company.

“It’s hard what we do, and a lot of times people are very skeptical,” she said. “But we push through those obstacles and objections every single day because it’s worth it.”

The Loudoun Chamber has announced the finalists in the running for the 2020 Loudoun Community Leadership Awards.

The program honors businesses and community leaders that have demonstrated effective leadership and commitment to support in the Loudoun community.

Winners will be announced Jan. 24 at The National Conference Center in Lansdowne. Winners in each category will have the opportunity to select one nonprofit organization that will be the beneficiary of a $1,000 grant through the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

This year’s finalists are: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: Solitaire Carroll, One Sparrow; Nick McCarter, Chartis Federal; Colleen Shumaker, Paul Davis Restoration; and Katie Barchas Wilson, The Market Group.

EXECUTIVE LEADER AWARD CATEGORY: Geoff Lawson, The

National Conference Center; Jimmy Olevson, MainStreet Bank; Tony Stafford, Ford’s Fish Shack; and Brigitta Toruño, UNO Translations and Communications.

SMALL ORGANIZATION (LESS THAN 100 EMPLOYEES) CATEGORY: 37 Media Market-

ing Group; C2 Operations; Northern Virginia Orthodontics; and The Zone.

LARGE ORGANIZATION (100 EMPLOYEES OR MORE) CATEGORY: Falcon Heating & Air

Conditioning; The National Conference Center; Main-

CHAMBER AWARDS continue on page 19

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Flavour co-owner Ammar Ikram and his wife, Emily, opened their first brick and mortar location in ChefScape at the Village at Leesburg last weekend.

Flavour Opens in Leesburg’s ChefScape

BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

After three and a half years selling their food from location to location, Ammar and Emily Ikram have set up their operation— at least for the winter—in a more permanent location.

Flavour, a food truck and catering company that specializes in adding flavor to American food, officially opened its doors for the first time in a brick and mortar location in ChefScape at the Village at Leesburg on Saturday, Dec. 14. The couple has debuted a new menu with four added dishes—chicken nachos; a spicy chicken quesadilla; a grilled cheese with three different cheese, sautéed onions and pepper jelly; and shrimp tacos.

Ammar said he and Emily parked the food truck for the winter—a time when business drops off considerably—but will again hit the streets in the warmer months.

He said Flavour will stay put in ChefScape at that time as long as business is good.

Ammar said that operating in a fixed location isn’t too dissimilar to the food truck, seeing that the space is about the same size, but that it’s definitely a change of scenery and is warmer.

“It’s cool, it’s different,” he said.

The Ikrams launched the Flavour food truck in June 2016 on a quest to find “the perfect bite.” Their food is influenced by Ammar’s Pakistani roots and Emily’s love of southern comfort food. Ammar said their most popular dishes are the Sammy—a sandwich featuring short ribs, arugula, pickled onions and cilantro sauce on a brioche bun—and the Pak & Cheese Bowl, truffle mac and cheese topped with short ribs, and chicken, cilantro sauce or roasted tomato sauce.

Flavour joins Johnny Ray’s, A Taste of Puerto Rico and Colombian’s Place in ChefScape.

Learn more at eatflavour.kitchen.

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Chamber Awards continue from page 18 Street Bank; and HHMI Janelia Research Campus.

NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE CATEGORY: Suzie Bar-

tel, The Ryan Bartel Foundation; Jennifer Montgomery, Loudoun Hunger Relief; Joshua Townsend, Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department; Ed Williams, Loudoun First Responders Foundation.

“Loudoun County is truly privileged to have so many outstanding leaders and organizations that are willing to invest their

time, talent and treasure to serve their community,” stated Chamber President & CEO Tony Howard. “The Loudoun Chamber is privileged to honor these great Community Leaders for the hard work and valuable contributions they have made to make Loudoun a world-class community to live, work, raise a family and grow a business.”

For details on the awards ceremony and to purchase sponsorships or tickets, go to LoudounChamber.org

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Lovettsville Extends Deadline for Town Office Proposals

Towns

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The Town of Purcellville could implement a four-tier water rate structure that could see utility rates raised by 4 percent in the next fiscal year and more in the next.

Purcellville Could Delay New Utility Rate Structure to Fiscal Year 2022

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

The Town of Purcellville could be close to adopting a new utility rate structure, but it most likely won’t be implemented until 2021.

For a fifth time, the Town Council last week discussed a proposal by Stantec, the town’s utility rate consultant, to implement a four-tier water rate structure to replace the existing 17 tiers. That structure would apply in different ways to single-family residential and non-single-family customers and could see water and sewer rates increase by a fixed amount every year through the next decade.

But Town Manager David Mekarski said those increases most likely won’t be implemented until Fiscal Year 2022 begins on July 1, 2021 because the town needs another year to inform residents. He said in the meantime, the town would probably increase utility rates by 4 percent in the next fiscal year.

Over the past few months, Stantec has compiled three utility rate structure options

for the town to consider—one that would increase water rates by 27 percent and sewer rates by 36 percent in the next fiscal year, followed by 4-percent increases in both for the remainder of the decade; another that would increase water rates by 15 percent and sewer rates by 20 percent in the next two fiscal years, followed by 4-percent increases in both for the remainder of the decade; and a final fixed-rate option, which the council has favored the most, that would increase water rates by 7.5 percent and sewer rates by 9.25 percent each year through the decade.

While the town staff set a council vote Dec. 10 to approve the fixed-rate increase structure, council members were confused as to why Stantec had yet to recommend rates to go along with those percent increases.

“I thought we hired Stantec to come and give us a complete package,” said Mayor Kwasi Fraser. “I don’t understand the decoupling.”

Mekarski said a council vote on the structure would have provided the town staff with

the ability to better shape the Fiscal Year 2021 budget.

“We can’t set the rate sufficiency analysis unless we set the methodology,” he said, noting that the vote would not have given the town the immediate go-ahead to implement new rates, but would have merely set a structure to follow when doing so. “The customers are not going to be impacted whatsoever because what we’re using this for is internal planning development.”

Following Councilman Joel Grewe’s motion to adopt the rate structure, Vice Mayor Tip Stinnette suggested the council not take the vote so that Mekarski could “go do what [he’s] supposed to go do as town manager.”

Grewe withdrew the motion.

The Town Council is expected to discuss the utility rate structure at a future meeting.

Its next meeting is Jan. 14.

If the council votes to approve the fixedPURCELLVILLE RATES continues on page 22

The Town of Lovettsville has extended the deadline for firms interested in building a new town office.

Town Manager Rob Ritter said the Dec. 12 deadline was extended to 2 p.m. on Dec. 30 because several firms that showed interest in responding to a request for proposals issued Nov. 13 asked for more time to do so.

Ritter said the town is expecting to receive a fair number of responses by the end of the month.

“We think we’ll get quite a few,” he said.

Once those come in, the Town Council will discuss the responses at its Jan. 9 meeting.

The town staff and council will then narrow their selections and invite the top-considered firms for an interview to elaborate on their proposals.

The firms will be evaluated based on their approach to the design-build project, qualifications, noted ability to meet deadlines and keep project costs down, and on their proposed project cost.

Ritter said the town staff is hoping to make a selection and get design work on the new 2,125-square-foot office, which will connect with the existing 950-square-foot office, underway by spring.

While Ritter’s proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2025 Capital Improvement Plan lists the required funding as $860,000, that amount could change based on how much the firms propose to charge.

The new town office is expected to provide for about double the office, meeting room, lobby and council chamber space and eliminate the need for the trailer office located behind the town office building.

DECEMBER 19, 2019

PAGE 21

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TOWN Notes BLUEMONT Dirt Farm Offers Barleywine Tasting this Weekend Dirt Farm Brewing will hold its second annual Bourbon Barrel Barleywine vertical tasting on Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 7 p.m. both days.

Beer drinkers are invited to taste the differences and similarities of the three vintage brews—all of which are strong ales. All three will be available for purchase in 750ml bottles and packaged as a Christmas gift. Visitors can also explore the brewery’s cellar library and purchase limited quantities of 2017 and 2018 vintages.

Learn more at dirtfarmbrewing. com.

HILLSBORO Winery Open for Christmas Eve Dinner 868 Estate Vineyards’ Grandale Vinter’s Table restaurant will host a Christmas Eve dinner from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

Diners will be treated to a menu of holiday food and wine specials, in addition to farm-to-fork selections from the restaurant’s regular menu, like butter steak, the holiday cheese ball, North Carolina style poutine and local lamb cherry meatballs.

To make a reservation, go to grandalerestaurant.com/reservations.

LOVETTSVILLE Pet Donations Sought in Holiday Drive VIP Boarding Kennel and Rainbow Bridge Pet Services are soliciting donations for their Presents for Pets 2019 Holiday Donation Drive to benefit homeless pets, and pets in need, in the community.

This year, donations will go to Gray Face Acres—a rescue and retreat for senior dogs—and the Loudoun Community Cat Coalition, which partners with animal welfare and rescue organizations to provide affordable and accessible trap-neuter-return services for caretakers in Loudoun.

To donate pet food, pet care

supplies and gift cards, go to the organizations’ websites to view their Amazon wish lists—grayfaceacres. org and loudouncommunitycats.org.

Donations can be mailed or dropped off in the Presents for Pets collection sleigh at VIP Boarding Kennel, at 39710 Rocky Lane, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call Rainbow Bridge Pet Services at 703-9735088 or VIP Boarding Kennel at 540-882-9909.

ROUND HILL Town to Install Cameras, Lighting in Rt. 7 Tunnel The Town of Round Hill is moving forward with a project to enhance safety and aesthetics in a 200-foot pedestrian tunnel under Rt. 7.

After three years of complaints about the safety and graffiti on the tunnel, which connects the town with the Lakepoint Village neighborhood, the town in the next few weeks is set to install temporary security cameras and lighting, and also paint the exterior walls to test them for their resistance to power washing. The town will later install permanent lighting and cameras and will paint the interior walls at an estimated cost of $20,000. Town Administrator Melissa Hynes said she would meet with Jenny Hinter, the president of the Round Hill Arts Center, to talk about possibly implementing a program that could see a middle school class paint a mural on the interior tunnel walls.

Residents who see anyone vandalizing the tunnel are asked to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office tip line at 703-777-1021 or report it at loudoun.gov/4596/Report-A-Crime.

MIDDLEBURG Town Donates $50K to Charter School The Middleburg Town Council voted unanimously to donate $50,000 to the Community Charter School to

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DECEMBER 19, 2019

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The Town of Purcellville and County of Loudoun will swap land near the Fields Farm property for a halfmile road to be built that will connect Mayfair Crown Drive with Hillsboro Road.

Purcellville, County to Exchange Land for Connector Road

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

The Purcellville Town Council last week unanimously authorized Town Manager David Mekarski to execute a boundary line adjustment with Loudoun County—a process that will see the town transfer 4.42 acres of land near the Fields Farm property to the county in exchange for 4.86 acres, so that the county can build a half-mile road connecting Mayfair Crown Drive with Rt. 690.

That will place Fields Farm Park Road within the town’s corporate limits once it’s completed in summer 2022 and will make the town responsible for its maintenance, although funding for that work will come from the state, according to a staff report.

The $7.8 million road will create a secondary entry to Woodgrove High School and the 254-home Mayfair neighborhood, and connect Hillsboro Road with Purcellville Road.

It will also provide Purcellville Road traffic with better access to the county’s planned Rt. 7/690 interchange, which is in

the design phase, as well as access to the planned Fields Farm Park sports complex, which should begin a $1.9 million design in Fiscal Year 2021.

The parking lot for the sports complex will double as the Western Loudoun Park and Ride Lot and will feature at least 250 spaces and cost the county $4.5 million.

Design of that lot began toward the end of this year.

Also in the Fields Farm area, the town is planning to build a 10-foot-wide shareduse path along Fields Farm Park Road that will connect the high school with the Rt. 7/Rt. 690 interchange.

Land acquisition for the town and county transfer began in July 2015, when the county Board of Supervisors approved a land transaction with H. Ralph Fields.

Following several rounds of negotiations, Fields decided not to bring his property into the town’s corporate limits. That led the town and county to agree to add the land that the county acquired from Fields to the town and remove land from the town that the county planned to convey back to Fields.

Purcellville rates continued from page 22 rate increase option, utility bills for average single-family users, or those who use 8,000 gallons of water per billing cycle, would go up by $1.75, to $219.32 in the first fiscal year of adoption. If implemented in the next fiscal year, those users’ utility bills would more than double to $461.76 by Fiscal Year 2029.

Meanwhile, average non-single-family customers with 1.5-inch meters would spend $475 less on their bi-monthly bills in the next fiscal year, while average non-single-family users with 2-inch meters would pay $7,498 less and average non-single-family users with 3-inch meters would pay $8,094 less.

The discussion surrounding a new utility rate structure follows a few years of declining utility funds.

In the last fiscal year, the town’s water fund shrunk by 39 percent and the sewer fund shrunk by 16 percent—declines attributable in part to the town’s responsibility for nearly $31 million of sewer debt and $21 million worth of water projects.

Additionally, Stantec found a deficit in the amount the town spends to provide water to single-family customers. While 73 percent of the town’s annual water output goes toward those users, they’re paying 86 percent less for water than the $17.99 it costs the town to provide it.

DECEMBER 19, 2019

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

TOWN Notes

Portrait Workshop Offered in January

sandy@theartistsinmiddleburg.org or go to theartistsinmiddleburg.org.

support its goal of raising $200,000 by Dec. 31.

The school launched a 2019 Challenge Grant Campaign after an anonymous donation offered to match all funds raised up to $200,000 by the end of 2019. Donations may still qualify for the match if they are fulfilled over a period of up to three years. If the school does not expend the town’s full $50,000 donation in three years, the money will be returned to the town. Aside from the town’s donation, the school has raised a little more than $6,000 on its Go Fund Me page.

Donations will help cover the school’s academic goals and ongoing expenses.

Those include $10,000 in repairs to four classrooms that need leveled floors; $20,000 to fix floors in the hallways and cafeteria; $50,000 to renovate each classroom; $25,000 to update the bathrooms; and $10,000 to provide a music room.

To donate, go to gofundme.com/f/ mccs2019.

Artists in Middleburg will hold a twoday oil and acrylic portrait workshop with artist Marcia Klioze from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4 and Sunday, Jan. 5 at the Birkby House in Leesburg.

A maximum of 10 students are invited to sign up and paint a costumed model, with demonstrations and individual instruction from Klioze using the method of Alla Prima, or painting wet-on-wet. Students will learn about the fundamentals of value, temperature, transition, color and blocking in darks and lights.

Klioze previously worked for more than four decades as a caricaturist, editorial illustrator and medical illustrator.

She now works as a portrait artist who tries to capture a moment by incorporating elements like the landscape, still life and individual loves and sorrows.

Admission to the workshop is $260 per person. Learn more about Klioze at atelierinthegarage.com. For more information on the workshop, call Artists in Middleburg at 540-687-6600, email its executive director Sandy Danielson at

Dickens-Themed Christmas Dinner Planned Saturday

continued from page 21

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

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

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

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

Market Salamander will host a Charles Dickens-themed Christmas dinner at 6 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 21.

The “A Dickens of a Christmas Holiday Dinner Experience” will offer diners a festive dinner prepared by Executive Chef Jason Deaver that will include roasted turkey, pheasant, classic fixings and a pairing of local and international wines and champagne. Diners can also begin the evening with hot apple cider and roasted chestnuts on the market’s terrace before moving inside. The market will provide each diner with a gift for their Christmas trees at home.

The dinner is $89 per person. To make a reservation, call 540-687-9720.

For more information, go to marketsalamander.com.

Council Reappoints 17 to 5 Committees The Middleburg Town Council last Thursday night voted unanimously to

PAGE 23

reappoint 17 residents to five different advisory committees to serve anywhere from one-year, to four-year terms.

Those include a reappointment of Don Woodruff and Mimi Stein to the Planning Commission to serve four-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2023; a reappointment of Bill Turnure, Punkin Lee and Linda Wright to the Historic District Review Committee to serve three-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2022; a reappointment of Emily Miller, Jim Herbert, Reggie Cooper and Michelle Myers to the Cultural & Community Events Committee to serve two-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2021; a reappointment of Sid Abrams and Will Heron to the Strategic Finance Committee to serve two-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2021; and a reappointment of Prem Devadas, Sean Martin, Vicki Bendure, Dev Roszel, Duane Ellis and David Greenhill to the Economic Development Advisory Committee to serve one-year terms ending Dec. 31, 2020.

The Town Council also voted to recommend that the Loudoun Circuit Court reappoint Bundles Murdock to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a five-year term to end Dec. 31, 2024.

PAGE 24

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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THINGS to do

LoCo Living

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Lansdowne Brunch with Santa Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lansdowne Resort and Spa, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne Details: destinationhotels.com/lansdowne-resort Catch Santa one last time. Tickets are $47.12 for adults, $17.36 for children 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and under. Advance purchase is required.

Morven Park Holiday Tours Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22, noon-5 p.m.

Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg Details: morvenpark.org Visit the iconic Davis mansion decked out in its holiday splendor and learn about early 20th Century Christmas customs. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. Tours continue Dec. 27-Dec. 29

Oatlands Gingerbread Tea Saturday, Dec. 21, 12:30-3 p.m.

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg Details: oatlands.org Oatlands continues its holiday teas with a gingerbread theme. Enjoy tea, scones, sandwiches and sweets in a gorgeous setting. Tickets are $50, $25 for children 10 and under.

Courtesy of Steve George

Loudoun favorites Steve George and Friends wrap up the year with holiday shows this weekend and a New Year’s Eve dance.

Friends, Fans and Nothing to Prove Steve George Keeps It Local and Lots of Fun

BY JAN MERCKER

jmerker@loudounnow.com

Sometimes a band is all about looking for their big break. And sometimes the joy of playing local shows with good friends and great fans is more than enough. For Steve George and his crew of longtime Loudoun musicians, it’s all about doing what they love—and getting the dance floor going.

“We do the music that we love to play, which ranges from country to rock ‘n’ roll to Motown to blues, and we do it because we like to do it,” George said.

Formed in 2014, Steve George and Friends unabashedly revels in members’ baby boomer sensibilities and musical taste and has an impressive following because of it. This year, they’ll wrap up the year with another sell-out New Year’s Eve dance in Lovettsville.

George, a Lovettsville native who still lives in town with his wife Lori, remembers starting piano lessons at age 5 with Lovettsville’s legendary piano teacher Olive Johnson. Johnson, who died last month at 99, continued teaching into her 90s.

George studied piano into his teens while teaching himself to play guitar. But George, now 61, has had an on-and-off relationship with music for the past

few decades while raising a family and building his contracting business Pine Hill Builders. He flirted with the Nashville songwriting scene at one point but for the past six years has been focused on the joy of playing with the band.

The beginnings of Steve George and Friends came when he got a chance to play solo at Andy’s Restaurant near his home in Lovettsville, which turned into a regular Thursday night acoustic gig. Gordon Smith, another Loudoun native and an alumnus of longtime local favorite the Brandy Stills Band, caught George during a Thursday night show, and the two hit it off.

“He said he’d bought a bass and wanted to jam and I thought, ‘Here we go.’ It turns out he could play,” George said.

The “friends” expanded from there, as George’s former high school classmate Eddie Nelson (who has since left the band) came on board on keyboards, and Smith’s cousin Steve Boyd jumped in on drums. The newly formed collaboration debuted in the summer of 2014 and started playing local wineries. The band continued to grow as lead guitarist Jimmy James of the James Boys band officially joined after sitting in at winery show. James STEVE GEORGE continues on page 27

Leesburg Animal Park Christmas Village Friday–Monday, Dec. 20–23, 6-9 p.m.

Leesburg Animal Park, 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg Details: leesburganimalpark.com It’s your last chance to catch all the fun at Leesburg Animal Park’s Christmas Village, with photos with Santa, crafts, live animals, lots of lights and a nativity scene. This weekend’s events feature special performances from A Place to Be on Friday through Sunday. Admission is $10.95 per person, free for children under 2.

Hot Chocolate Christmas Carols Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 801 Balls Bluff Road NE, Leesburg Details: thepickwickplayers.com The Pickwick Singers present their seasonal holiday program for an audience of all ages. This adult and teen vocal ensemble will be joined by a select children’s choir for traditional and contemporary holiday choral pieces. Admission is free. Bring a plate of Christmas cookies to share.

Rick Reaves Jazz Christmas Show Sunday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.

B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Holiday classics big band style from Loudoun’s own Rick Reaves and company. No cover.

ON STAGE ‘A Seussified Christmas Carol’ Saturday, Dec. 21, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.

StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com

MORE THINGS TO DO on page 25

DECEMBER 19, 2019

THINGS to do continued from page 24

This whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets, similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with if he ever had his way with the holiday classic. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children 3 to 12. Advance purchase is recommended.

‘The Nutcracker’ Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Stone Bridge High School, 43100 Hay Road, Ashburn Details: danceashburn.com Haven’t caught a “Nutcracker” ballet yet this season? Studio Bleu’s version is sure to charm.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door.

LIBATIONS December Holidays Wine Pairings Saturday, Dec. 21 and Sunday, Dec. 22, noon-4 p.m.

Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg Details: fabbioliwines.com There are so many celebrations observed during December: Hanukkah, the winter solstice, Kwanzaa, Saint Lucia Day, Las Posadas, Festivus, and Saint Nicholas Day. Celebrate with a special pairing of traditional foods from those celebrations with Fabbioli wines.

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Harpers Ferry Brewing Sunday, Dec. 22, 2-5 p.m.

Harper’s Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Hillsboro Details: harpersferrybrewing.com Enjoy a mellow meet and greet with an adorable Mr. and Mrs. Claus while sipping a craft brew in a gorgeous setting.

NIGHTLIFE Loudoun Now Rock & Roll Holiday Open House Friday, Dec. 20, 7-10 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: getoutloudoun.com Celebrate the season with your community-owned news source, local businesses, friends and neighbors. We’ll have music from Calgary—Cal Everett, Gary Smallwood and Todd Wright, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Open Mic Christmas Carols with Chris Bowen Friday, Dec. 20, 8-11 p.m.

1836 Kitchen and Taproom, 34 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville Details: facebook.com/1836kandt This Lovettsville holiday tradition is back and better than ever with fun interactive Christmas caroling with Chris Bowen.

PAGE 25

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM Live Music: Steve George and Friends Friday, Dec. 20, 6-10 p.m.

ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd. #115, Leesburg Details: chefscapekitchen.com Rock, country, blues and beyond from a local favorite. No cover.

Live Music: Rowdy Ace Christmas Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn Details: oldoxbrewery.com It’s a Rowdy Christmas ball at Old Ox. Don your ugly Christmas sweaters and enjoy a spirited singalong with local favorites Rowdy Ace. No cover.

Bluegrass Christmas with Amanda Murphy and the Lost Indians Friday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m.

B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Progressive and traditional bluegrass with a holiday twist from Northern Virginia’s Amanda Murphy.

Live Music: Mercy Creek Friday, Dec. 20, 8 p.m.

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com Mercy Creek returns to Monk’s with earthy, edgy, aggressive folk-rock. No cover.

Live Music: West King Street Band Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Original grassy folk music with clever songwriting and hot picking. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Live Music: Kid Brother Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com This indie band from Leesburg fuses elements of rock, folk and blues to create a sound all their own. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.

MORE THINGS TO DO on page 27

PAGE 26

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KID BROTHER HOME ON A HOT STREAK

BY MARTIN BONICA

mbonica@getoutloudoun.com

Fresh off an East Coast tour, up-andcoming indie rock band Kid Brother returns home this weekend to play a headlining show at the Tally Ho Theatre in downtown Leesburg and then prepare for the release of their second album in January.

Kid Brother formed in 2016, initially as a collaboration between Baltimore transplant Christian Neonakis (guitar, vocals) and Sam Athanas (drums).

They worked on a set of demos before adding guitarist Dylan Savopoulos. The

band cycled through bassists before settling on Richard Smith (former guitarist of Milo in the Doldrums) in late 2017, and keyboardist and vocalist Piano Whitman (formerly of Juxt) joined the band after the departure of Lindsey Cook in early 2019.

The band started out playing bars, breweries and “any place that would have us,” Neonakis recalls. Since then, it’s played as far west as Nashville, regularly appears at Union Stage, DC9 and the Black Cat in DC, and recently played their first international show at Sneaky Dee’s in Toronto.

The entire band lives in Leesburg,

Credit: Alex Mangione

Leesburg’s Kid Brother headlines at the Tally Ho Theater on Saturday night.

and that has worked to Kid Brother’s benefit.

“Relative to the rest of Northern Virginia, Leesburg is a small town,” Smith said. “We have this small community that we’re really integrated with. When we play, there’s a hometown band playing a hometown venue.

There isn’t a rush to sell pre-sale tickets and convince people to drive out of their heavy-traffic area.”

The road to headlining Tally Ho was a gradual one; the band started out playing some opening sets there before proving their mettle to earn top billing every six months. The band last played there in June, delivering a high-energy set of aggressive, catchy tunes to a packed hall.

The band’s debut album, “Baltimore Street Rat,” was recorded at M80 in Purcellville. The album includes staples like the earworm “Pastels,” the foot-stomping “Good News” and deeper cuts like the epic piano ballads “The Wooden Crown.” The album’s lyrics are serene and nostalgic at one moment, and bitter and caustic at the next, painting detailed pictures of desperate characters.

“What’s unique about Christian’s writing is that there’s no sense of vagueness in it. Some of its metaphorical, but it’s pretty to-the-point, which can be jarring for some people, but that’s what I really respect about it,” Whitman said.

The band’s songwriting process has democratized over the years. “All of us write music in our own time,” Whitman said. “It’s something that I’ve always done.”

She tracks demos in her home studio with no particular objective in mind, and if she picks an idea that seems appropriate for Kid Brother, “that’s gonna go into the drive.”

Athanas explains the next steps: “A lot

DECEMBER 19, 2019 of times on certain practice days, if we don’t have something to immediately practice, we’ll flip through it and pick one song. Sometimes it’ll blossom into something amazing.”

Jamming and improvisation are key elements in the band’s recent compositional process. “It’s super groovy,” Whitman said of the newer material Kid Brother has been introducing on the road.

Smith describes the band’s musical dynamic. “We have common material that we listen to, but our influential roots are all very different, so it just so happened to work out that even though all of our roots are different, we as musicians work very well together. It allows us to have a grab-bag from different genres and different styles.”

At a typical Kid Brother show, about half of the setlist is composed of unreleased material not heard on “Baltimore Street Rat.” Their sophomore album is recorded, and the band plans roll it out in late January.

Everyone in the band expresses enthusiasm about their trajectory, and desire for the project to keep going.

“My main goal is to create a sustainable, lasting career from this,” Neonakis said. Athanas agreed, pointing out how Kid Brother is slowly working through items on his bucket list—playing a festival (they appeared at FloydFest last year) and performing in Canada among them.

Smith said the band members have remained close friends as they’ve worked together for the past two years.

“It hasn’t gotten old,” he said. “I feel like no matter where the band goes and what happens, I’ve just been hanging out with my buddies this whole time.”

And Kid Brother’s momentum shows no signs of slowing.

GET OUT LOUDOUN BEST BETS Rick Reaves Jazz – Christmas Show Sunday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.

B Chord Brewing Company bchordbrewing.com

Calgary Featuring Cal Everett, Gary Smallwood & Todd Wright Loudoun Now Community Open House - Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Joey & The Waitress

Saturday, Dec. 21, 1-5 p.m.

Doukenie Winery doukeniewinery.com

DECEMBER 19, 2019

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 27

Steve George Continued from page 24 brought in his sister, Nancy James Rutherford, adding female vocals to the sound, and Gordon Smith’s cousin Chuck Smith replaced Nelson on keyboards and pedal steel. Gordon Smith makes his exit after the New Year’s bash and will be replaced by another Loudoun native, Eddie Lambert, on bass in 2020.

And while the band carries George’s name by default, George underscores that everyone contributes to vocals.

“That’s the best part about this band.

We all sing—I just started it. We never thought of a name for the band, and since we’re all friends and a lot of the fans are friends, we decided to keep Steve George and Friends.”

The band’s eclectic repertoire, covering everything from Pink Floyd to George Jones, and sense of camaraderie has helped them build a robust following, especially among fellow baby boomers looking for daytime shows with a party atmosphere. The band’s fans are so devoted that George considers them part of the gang.

“We consider our fans part of the ‘friends,’ too. Without the fans coming year after year, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing,” George said. “We’re all having a good time and there’s no pressure.”

With a growing fan base, George and his bandmates set about reviving an old tradition in his hometown two years ago.

THINGS to do continued from page 25

kid brother 12/21/19 DOORS: 6:00PM

STEVE GEORGE AND FRIENDS play Friday, Dec. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at ChefScape, 1602 Village Market Blvd SE #120, Leesburg. The band returns to Fleetwood Farm Winery for their annual Christmas show Saturday, Dec. 21 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg.

THE STEVE GEORGE AND FRIENDS NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE is Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Lovettsville Game Club. Tickets are $35, must be purchased in advance and are nearly sold out. To grab a spot, go to lovettsvillegameclub.com/events.

LIVE WIRE: THE ULTIMATE AC/ DC EXPERIENCE

yards. And unlike some other winery acts, they’re far from background music.

“When we play wineries, people are expecting to dance and there will be 25, 30, 40 people on the dance floor, which is not the case for every winery show. Some wineries have told us people expect dancing whenever there’s a show, and I think we started that,” George said. “People expect to have a party and dance and have a great time. That’s the experience people are expecting when they come to see us, and we give it to them.”

a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Tickets are $25.

until 2 a.m.

The four horsemen

Classic Rock Christmas with Fire Me Now

Live Music: Holly Montgomery Band

01/10/20 DOORS: 7:00PM

Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.

B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Get festive with high-energy classic and modern rock with a holiday flair. No cover.

Thursday, Dec. 26, 8 p.m.

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: spankyspub.com The DC-based singer/songwriter and bass player plays rock covers and originals to get you singing and dancing along.

The unlikely candidates

Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.

MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macdowellsbrewkitchen.com Fun, high-energy, danceable covers from this new Loudoun-based quartet. No cover.

Naughty & Nice Party Old Ox Comedy Night: Louis Ramey

12/27/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

The Lovettsville Game Club, one of the town’s social hubs, had given up on New Year’s Eve dances for more than two decades after attendance had dropped.

“They just couldn’t get a crowd,” George said. “We convinced them to let us try it, and it sold out. So that’s a tradition we’ve brought back.”

The third annual Steve George and Friends New Years Eve dance was close to selling out at press time. But the band is probably best known for daytime shows at area wineries, including a monthly gig at The Barns at Hamilton Station Vine-

Bad Santa Party with Bad Panda

Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn Details: oldoxbrewery.com Comedy veteran and world traveler Louis Ramey, current host of TV Land’s “Prime Movie Blocks,” is

RADIO PETTY: THE ULTIMATE TOM PETTY TRIBUTE SHOW

Saturday, Dec. 21, 9 p.m.

14 Loudoun, 14 Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg Details: facebook.com/14loudoun Were you naughty? Wear red. Were you nice?

Wear green. Whatever color you choose, you can celebrate with dancing, drinks and holiday cheer

COMING UP Berserkle on the Squirkle Wednesday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m., registration; 11 a.m., event begins Lovettsville Town Square, 1 Town Square, Lovettsville Details: facebook.com/lovettsvillewinter Lovettsville’s fun and silly family 5K returns with costumes and regifted prizes. The winner is selected at random so you don’t have to be fast to win this one.

12/28/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

THE REAGAN YEARS NEW YEARS EVE PARTY 12/31/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

TRIBUTE TO MORRISSEY & THE SMITHS: GIRLFRIEND IN A COMA 01/03/20 DOORS: 7:00PM

10 Years 01/04/20 DOORS: 7:00PM

01/11/20 DOORS: 7:00PM

beatlemania now!

01/17/20 DOORS: 7:00PM

Tribute to rush: Sun Dogs 01/17/20 DOORS: 7:00PM

the elo show 01/17/20 DOORS: 7:00PM

cowboy mouth 01/17/20 DOORS: 7:00PM

PAGE 28

DECEMBER 19, 2019

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

[OBITUARIES]

Wexton continued from page 3 medical research.

“The inability to afford necessary drugs should not be a death sentence in the United States of America,” Wexton said during her 10 a.m. speech. “This bill is a win for the American people.”

Next, Wexton trekked the footballfields-long underground corridor from the Capitol Building to the Rayburn House Office Building to participate in a markup session with the House Committee on Financial Services, where she listened in on suggestions from the committee’s 59 other Representatives on edits to financial-related bills that might one day be passed along to the full House for a vote.

At lunch, she attended the Virginia Chamber’s annual Congressional luncheon before heading back to her office to take a phone call from CNN for a story on the annual defense authorization bill— which the House passed later that day and, for the first time ever, provides all federal workers with 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

After that, it was back to the House floor for a round of votes on a handful bills and then off to Financial Services for more votes before a return trip to her office to prepare her homework for the night.

As the sun began to dip below the Virginia horizon, Wexton left her desk a final time that day to head back to the House floor for a final round of votes, again passing by the House Judiciary Committee’s meeting room as news crews began setting up their camera equipment in preparation for the committee’s debate on impeachment, which stretched late into the night.

Wexton ended her day in the Capitol Building presiding as Speaker of the House pro tem for an hour during the debate on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act. In addition to all those engagements, which began about 40 minutes past sunup and stretched until more than three hours past sundown, Wexton also found time to meet with representatives from the National Institutes of Health, the Office of Inspector General for the Washing-

Voluntary Pay continued from page 3

how readers can support the newspaper and the work of the staff. Our answer continues to be for our readers to support the advertisers who make what we do possible.

Samuel Lee Coleman

(Age 64) of Sterling, Virginia

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) walks out of the U.S. Capitol Building into the chilly, December air of Washington, DC after a long day of votes, markup sessions and meetings.

ton Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the National Educators Association, the American Jewish Committee and with the Democratic Caucus.

Those types of days have been ongoing for Wexton for the past 12 months. When asked if any part of the job as a U.S. Congresswoman was more challenging than she anticipated, Wexton said she’s learned to delegate more than she did while representing Loudoun in the Virginia General Assembly; to rely more on her staffers, nearly all of whom have more experience on Capitol Hill than her; and that she can no longer get away with representing Loudouners in the shadows, since she’s now a recognizable face on the streets of the nation’s capital and in the farthest reaches of Loudoun.

“I’m no longer an anonymous person,” she said.

At the moment, Wexton is working to gain support on a bill she introduced that would direct the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to help financial instiNow, following a trend among community news organizations, we are offering a way to more directly support the newspaper through a voluntary pay program.

A Voluntary Pay Program is exactly that—a completely voluntary contribution. Readers who wish to contribute

tutions identify and report suspicious or illegal financial activity related to the purchase of firearms, with the ultimate goal to help prevent mass shootings.

She’s also working to ensure that phase two of Metro’s Silver Line is built safely and built to last, and continuing to vote for the passage of appropriations bills—bills that provide funding for necessities like national defense, education, homeland security and general government operations.

“There’s a constellation of issues,” she said.

In general, Wexton said she would move into her second year in Congress by continuing to focus on learning what she can do to improve the lives of Loudouners and her 10th District constituents by “being present and hearing them.”

“Everyone wants to be heard,” she said.

“When you listen, everybody may have different concerns, but there’s a bunch of things we can do to help.” a few dollars a month, or more, can support our mission to be the county’s most reliable, comprehensive local news source and to continuously improve to better serve residents and businesses.

To make a contribution, go to loudounnow.com/voluntarypay.

He is survived by his parents, John Henry Coleman and Jettie Coleman Wisemon and step-father, Clewester Wisemon of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; his loving wife of twenty-nine (29) years, Cassandra Briggs-Coleman; sons, Scottie Alexander Coleman of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Samuel Lee Coleman, Jr. of Sterling, Virginia, Joshua Roberson of Long Beach, California, Malachi Roberson of Leesburg, Virginia and Dedetron Parks of Houston, Texas; daughters, Toya Coleman of Camden, Arkansas, Karissa Coleman of Arlington, Texas, Kim Coleman-Williams of McKinney, Texas and Mariah (Meme) Coleman of Sterling, Virginia; brothers, Monte (Yvette) Coleman, Wayne (Janice) Coleman of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Bernard (Sheila) Coleman, Cedric (Michelle) Coleman, Lorne Coleman of Houston, Texas and Arick Coleman of Texas; sisters, Paulette Coleman-Washington and Ashley Coleman, both of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; uncles, Leonard (Alberta) Jackson and Eddie (Jean) Jackson of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Carnel (Rayetta) Jackson of Los Angeles, California; and one aunt, Wanda Williams of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; ten (10) grandchildren, one (1) great-grandchild and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.

He is predeceased by his grandparents Paul and Callie Boyd, John and Novella Smittie and John Coleman.

Visitation and viewing was held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. till of service 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Sterling, 21449 Potomac View Road, Sterling, VA 20164.

Interment was on Tuesday Dec. 17, 2019 at Chestnut Grove Cemetery, Herndon, VA. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA, MD, DC 1800388-1913

DECEMBER 19, 2019

PAGE 29

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

[OBITUARIES] important ones. After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease Sue passed away peacefully in her daughters’ home surrounded by family.

Sue was born in Reading, Pennsylvania to Doris Hall Grubbs and John Leo Grubbs.

She was the baby sister of Jean Leigh Pugh.

Sue is preceded in death by all three, as well as her husband, Stanley Bernard Heineman.

Sue Grubbs Heineman

Joyce Ann Smith (Age 74 of Middleburg, VA She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Raymond L. Murray (Tracy) of Reston, VA, Curtis L. Murray (Patty) of Middleburg, VA and Angela R. Porter of Chantilly, VA; eighteen grandchildren, Tasha, Arkia, Raymone, Isiah, Jontay, Tara, Sheena, Gregory, Briana, Re’Sean, Erik, Jordan, Javon, Ayanna, Kimberly, Antoinette, Curtis, Jr. and Austin; twenty one great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service: 11:00a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 304 East Marshall Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 Interment : PRIVATE Arrangements by: Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA, MD, DC 1800-388-1913.

“To love a person is to learn the song in their heart, and sing it to them after they have forgotten.” - Arne Garborg July 14, 1937 - December 2, 2019.

Daughter. Sister. Mom. Wife. Friend. Gran.

Six words that inadequately define the 82 years of her life, but to us, were the most

Survived by her loving family - daughters Peggy Sue Combs-Way (Richard) of San Diego, CA; Julie Garland (Lee) of Round Hill, VA; Cindy Marvel (Bill) of Pensacola, FL; Tracy Hayes (Ellen Schwartzberg) of Norfolk, VA; and grandchildren Tracy Combs, Jared Garland, Abel Garland, Seth Garland, Preston Marvel, and Robin Marvel - she will be remembered for her love of the beach; her kitties Smudge, Blackout,

Chessie, and Smokey; her love of Scrabble; of completing challenging crossword puzzles; her caustic wit; the effortless love and soul-satisfying pleasure being “Gran” allowed her.

We wish to thank all of Sue’s caregivers throughout these last intense months.

A Celebration of Life is set for July 18, 2020, 11:00am - 4:00pm, in Round Hill, Virginia at the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department where she served proudly as an administrative member of the Board of Directors for the last 24 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department would be sincerely appreciated. The mailing address is RHVFD, PO Box 8, Round Hill, VA 20142.

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

Red Fuji Advanced Sports BMW bicycle

SO190021817

11/20/2019

25000 block Blackstone Ct., Chantilly

Phone Number 571-258-3497 12/12 & 12/19/19

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.

Recovery Date

Recovery Location

Silver, black and red Schwinn Ranger with 24” tire

Case Number

Phone Number

SO190022788

12/5/19

43316 Hay Road, Ashburn

571-258-3497

Black Trek FX2 (rusty)

SO190022788

12/5/19

43316 Hay Road, Ashburn

571-258-3497

Red/black Hyper Shocker 2G bicycle

SO190023029

12/8/19

46620 E. Frederick Dr., Sterling

571-258-3497

Green/white Hotrick Specialized children’s bicycle

SO190023147

12/10/19

Tripleseven Rd./Regina Dr., Sterling

571-258-3497

Blue Schwinn Airacuda children’s bicycle

SO190023147

12/10/19

Tripleseven Rd./Regina Dr., Sterling

571-258-3497

White/blue Mongoose Show Time children’s bicycle

SO190023147

12/10/19

Tripleseven Rd./Regina Dr., Sterling

571-258-3497

Description Don’t miss the show.

12/19/19 & 12/26/19

GetOutLoudoun.com

LoudounNow.com

f Scrabble; word rtless love ng “Gran”

regivers onths.

July 18, nd Hill, nteer Fire roudly as e Board of

the Round would be ng address ill, VA

PAGE 30

Legal Notices

Resource Directory

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

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

YR. MAKE 1973 2005 2004 2000 1990

DECEMBER 19, 2019

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MODEL

VIN

CADILLAC 6L47S3Q444538 SCION TC MAZDA MZ6 NISSAN ALTIMA GREAT DANE TRAILER

STORAGE

ASHBURN TOWING JTKDE177550045091 1YVHP80D145NZ5475 1N4DL01D0YC133982 1GRAA9626LB001425

703-585-8770 AL’S TOWING BLAIR’S TOWING ROADRUNNER WRECKER ROADRUNNER WRECKER

PHONE# 703-435-8888 703-661-8200 703-450-7555 703-450-7555

12/12 & 12/19/19

Barber

Accounting/Taxes ROBERT BEATSON II

Attorney/Accountant,Former IRS Attorney Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars All types of Federal, State, Local & Foreign Taxes Individual/Business Trusts - Estates - Wills Amended & Late Returns Back Taxes - IRS Audits Civil Litigation Business Law - Contracts

703-798-3590 OR 301-340-2951 www.beatsonlaw.com

BOBCAT Bobcat

CLEANING SERVICE Cleaning

* Bobcat Services * * Gravel Driveway Repair *

Br am

hall Trucking

540-822-9011

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS/ QUALIFICATIONS FOR:

◆ Stone DuSt ◆ Mulch ◆ topSoil ◆ SanD ◆ ◆ light graDing ◆ graveling ◆ ◆ Drainage SolutionS ◆ Backhoe Work ◆

Let us heLp you carry your Load!

FIREWORKS DISPLAYS, RFP (RFQ) No. 138783, until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 21, 2020.

A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on January 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at 742 Miller Drive in the Phil Bolen Room, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 for clarification of any questions on the specifications.

MASTER PLAN FOR THE LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, RFP (RFQ) No. 154782, until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 14, 2020.

NORTHSTAR BOULEVARD: ROUTE 50 TO 0.18 MILES SOUTH OF SHREVEPORT DRIVE, RFP (RFQ) No. 113780, until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 17, 2020. This is a Design-Build project.

TASK ORDER INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT DESIGN SERVICES, RFP (RFQ) No. 141784, until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, January 22, 2020.

Solicitation forms are available by downloading them from the website at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement at no cost. Solicitation forms may also be picked up at the Division of Procurement at 1 Harrison Street, 4th Floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays or call (703) 777-0403.

www.ashburnbarbershop.com

Cleaning

703-901-9142 www.cbmaids.com cleanbreakcleaningcompany@gmail.com

Cleaning

R&D Cleaning Service, LLC Residential - Commercial Move In/Out - Carpet Cleaning

Excellent References - Reasonable Rates Licensed & Insured - FREE ESTIMATE

CALL MARLENE

(703) 303-1364 Email: rdcleaningserv@gmail.com R&D Cleaning Service LLC RDCleaningservice.com

WE ACCEPT:

Residential and Commercial Excellent reference - Reasonable rates Free in home estimates Family Owned and Operated Licensed, Insured & Bonded

Evenezer Cleaning Services, llc RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL LICENSED/INSURED/BONDED Quality Service at a Great Price!

*Good References * Reasonable Prices *Satisfaction Guaranteed * Free Estimates phone: 571.206.2875 email: evenezerservices69@yahoo.com • We Go Green!

FF $30 O Clean First

Construction

WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 12/19/2019

A message to elderly and disabled Loudoun County residents from

Robert S. Wertz, Jr.

Commissioner of the Revenue Residents 65 and older or totally and permanently disabled who wish to apply for 2019 Real Property Tax Relief for the first time must submit an application to my office by the December 31, 2019 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 Email: trcor@loudoun.gov Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 12/05, 12/12, 12/19, & 12/26/19

CONSTRUCTION Construction

Construction

Licensed-Insured-Bonded

AQS CONTRACTING

FR ESTIMEE ATES

571-505-5565 ∙ WWW.AQSCONTRACTING.COM Basements Kitchens Bathrooms

Additions Decks Structural Repairs

Interior/ Exterior Home Repairs

Construction CONSTRUCTION C ustom C onstruCtion A dditions • r epAirs Blue Ridge Remodeling, Inc. 540-668-6522

Kenny Williams Construction, Inc. * Decks & Screen Porches * Additions * Fences * Garages * Finished Basements * Deck Repairs Free Estimates

703-771-8727

www.kennywilliamsconstruction.com Licensed • Insured • bonded

www.brrinc.net Purcellville, VA

Since 1976 • Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

Serving Loudoun County for 35 years.

Class A Contractor

DECEMBER 19, 2019

PAGE 31

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Resource Directory Construction LOUDOUN

CONSTRUCTION GROUP

Decks

Dentistry

Cell: 571-213-0850 571-235-8304

C & BROTHERS

GENERAL CONTRACTORS Licensed & Insured

Finished Basement - Custom Audio/Visual Rooms General Painting - Kitchen & Bath Remodels Finish Carpentry - Sunrooms & Decks General Handyman Services - References Available

Loudoun-Construction.com | Leesburg, VA

contractor VA, DC HIC LISENCE

DECKS, PATIOS, AND STONE WORKS LICENSED BONDED & INSURED

Free Estimate candbrothers@gmail.com

240-413-5827 240-413-5873 www.candbrothers.com

LEESBURG, VA

EXCAVATING Excavating

Purcellville Purcellville

Cristian Arias

Francisco Rojo

Electrician Pediatric Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry

540.441.7627 • • F: O:O:540.441.7627 F: 540.441.7912 540.441.7912 smiles@novatoothfairy.com smiles@novatoothfairy.com 17333 Pickwick Dr, Suite A

17333 Pickwick Suite A Purcellville, VADr, 20132 Purcellville, VA 20132 www.novatoothfairy.com

www.novatoothfairy.com

Excavating

Fencing

J.DREYERS EXCAVATING

Licensed & Insured and RLD Certified

Land Clearing • Roadways • Ponds • Riding Arenas • Demolition • Foundations Drainage Solutions • Under Drains • Large Pipe & Stream Crossing Boulder Placement • Storm Damage Cleanup • Large Stump Removal Laser Fine Grading • Earth Sculpting • Top Soil • Fill Dirt • Stone Hauling

Fast, Reliable, Professional Service since 1981 (540) 338-2684 | Cell: (540) 295-5947 | JDX1@rocketmail.com WWW.JDREYERSEXCAVATING.COM

Loving Fence

NEW INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & PAINTING LICENSED & INSURED

WESLEY LOVING 1824 HARMONY CHURCH RD HAMILTON, VA 20158

540-338-9580 LOVINGFENCE@AOL.COM

C2 Operations offers Professional Exterior, Siding, Gutters and Window/Door Services and Repair throughout Loudoun Co and NoVA. Services Include Gutter Replacement • Gutter Repairs • Gutter Screens Leaf Relief Screens • Microguard Screens Copper Gutters • Custom Gutters 703.651.6677

HANDYMAN Handyman

Licensed. Insured.

$30 per estimate

Credited upon Acceptance

Junk Removal Residential, Farm & Commercial Junk Removal Services, Rolloff Dumpster Services.

Landfill Friendly We Donate & Recycle

HAULING

Licensed and Insured

540-454-0415 | PACKRATHAULING.COM

Damon L. Blackburn 703-966-7225 | www.myashburnhandyman.com damon.blackburn@yahoo.com

Land Clearing

Retaining & Decorative Walls • Stonework Fire pits, Fireplaces & Chimneys, Repointing Brick Concrete and paver driveways

20% Discount on Paver Patios & Walkways

Call Brian 540-533-8092

Free estimates, BBB, Lic/Ins.

More Than 20 Years of Experience FREE ESTIMATES

(703) 597-6163

AngelOchoa1103@Yahoo.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OchoasPainting

Hair Salon HAIR SALON

FREE HAIRCUT

C & Brothers Home Improvement, LLC 20 Years of Experience FRE Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling, ESTIMATEE S! Decks, General Handyman Services Cristian Arias 240-413-5827 | 240-413-5673 candbrothers@gmail.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured | References Available

Handyman General Contractor

Paint & Stain LLC Fully Licensed & Insured Save 50% when you provide your own supplies Excellent References FREE Estimates • Serving DC, VA & MD TEL (202) 910-6083 • CELL (571) 243-9417 paintandstain61@yahoo.com www.paintandstains.com full ins & worker’s comp

Locating Services UNDERGROUND LOCATING with Ground Radar • Utilities • Septic Systems • Graves • Sinkholes www.geomodel.com • 703-777-9788

Forestry Mulching Land & Brush Clearing 703-718-6789 major@veteransllc.us www.veteransllc.us

Interior & Exterior

703-597-6163 AngelOchoa1103@Yahoo.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OchoasFlooring

With any Color or Hightlights (New clients only)

Lovettsville, VA Veteran Owned & Operated VA, MD & WV Residential & Commercial

North’s Custom Masonry

CARPET INSTALLATION - FLOOR INSTALLATION Hardwood Re-finishing - Laminate Installation

(703) 443-1237

Veterans LLC

Powerwashing Basement Finishing Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Granite/Marble Installation Interior/Exterior Carpentry Crown Molding Rotted Wood Repair/ Replacement Hardwood Floor Installation, Sanding & Refinishing Carpet Installation Power Washing

Flooring OCHOA’S FLOORING

Please call KELLY for an appointment.

Landscaping

Painting

Masonry

Angie’s list member

Since 2000.

BUILT-INS • CABINETS • CLOSETS • CARPENTRY DRYWALL • INTERIOR DOORS • CROWN MOLDING CHAIR RAIL • CERAMIC TILE • PLUMBING • LIGHTING ELECTRICAL • BATHROOMS

(703)850-5387 | bradyhiggins@abhelectric.com

9 Fort Evans Rd. NE, Leesburg, VA 20176

Handyman

Handyman/Master Craftsman

Serving Northern Virginia Licensed & Insured

Perm, Haircut for women, men, and children

info@c2operations.com

Handyman

Master Electrician - VA Class C Contractor

PROFESSIONAL COLOR AND FOIL HIGHLIGHT PROM, BRIDAL, MAKEUP, UPDO

We perform the job you need, when you need it, and at the price that you can afford.

*SDVOSB* c2operations.com

Brady Higgins Owner

FREE ESTIMATES!

BOBCAT SERVICES

GARAGE DOORS Garage Doors

Gutters

LLC

Nooshin Monajemy, Monajemy, D.D.S. Nooshin D.D.S.

Realty Services

Windo

Richard Hamilton

Realtor® Associate Broker

c: 703.819.5458 e: richard.hamilton@pearsonsmithrealty.com w: www.varealestate4sale.com Call today for your free consultation!

Licensed in Virginia #0225020865

43777 Central Station Drive, Suite 390, Ashburn, VA 20147

We perfo

*SDVOS

PAGE 32

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Resource Directory

bhelectric.com

Roofing

Roofing C2 Operations offers Professional Exterior, Siding, Gutters and Window/Door Services and Repair throughout Loudoun Co and NoVA. Services Include Asphalt Shingles • Cedar Shingles/Shakes • Metal Roofing Slate Roof • Flat Roofing • Roof Maintenance Skylights • Attic Insulation

Owner

Northern Virginia censed & Insured

DECEMBER 19, 2019

We perform the job you need, when you need it, and at the price that you can afford.

*SDVOSB* c2operations.com

703.651.6677

info@c2operations.com

Roofing Roofing • Windows • Siding Doors • Gutters & More

YOU’VE CALLED THE REST, NOW CALL THE BEST! Roof Replacements • Roof Repairs • Siding Replacements • Insulation • Siding Repairs Flat Roofs • Cedar Shakes • Window Replacements • Skylight Replacements Skylight Repairs • Door Replacements • Gutter Replacements • Gutter Screens

0% FINANCING FOR 12 MONTHS www.lastcallexteriors.com info@lastcallexteriors.com

703.345.8709

Siding C2 Operations offers Professional Exterior, Siding, Gutters and Window/Door Services and Repair throughout Loudoun Co and NoVA. Services Include Siding Repairs • Siding Replacements James Hardie Siding • Vinyl Siding Trim Capping • Insulation

We perform the job you need, when you need it, and at the price that you can afford.

*SDVOSB* c2operations.com

703.651.6677

info@c2operations.com

Expert Tree Service Expert Tree & Stump Removal Hes Company, LLC HOA Maintenance • Tree Planting • Lot Clearing • Storm Damage Pruning • Trimming • Crowning •Spring Clean Up • Mulch 703-203-8853 • JohnQueirolo1@gmail.com www.hescompanyllc.com

Licensed & Insured • Member Angie’s List & BBB Affordable • All Major Credit Cards Accepted

Tree Removal

Video Production

NORTH’S TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPING

Tree Experts For Over 30 Years Family Owned & Operated SUMMER

• Tree Removal • Lot Clearing • SPECIAL 25% OFF • Pruning • Trimming • Clean Up • WITH THIS •Deadlimbing • Uplift Trees • AD! • Grading • Private Fencing • • Masonry Work • Grading Driveways •

Your Complete Tree & Landscaping Company Honest & Dependable Serv. • 24 Hr. Emerg. Serv.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

18 Liberty Street SW

(540) 533-8092

Lic./Ins. • Free Estimates • Angie’s List Member • BBB

Windows/Doors C2 Operations offers Professional Exterior, Siding, Gutters and Window/Door Services and Repair throughout Loudoun Co and NoVA. Services Include Window Replacements • Door Replacements Vinyl Windows • Provia Windows and Doors Low/E Windows • Custom Doors • Trim Capping We perform the job you need, when you need it, and at the price that you can afford.

*SDVOSB* c2operations.com

703.651.6677

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PAGE 33

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Home Care Agency needs CAREGIVERS in Vienna!

Call 703-530-1360 and ask for Anne. homestead.com/507/homecare-jobs to begin!

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

Assistant Zoning Administrator

Planning and Zoning

$72,952-$124,893 DOQ

Open until filled

Library Genealogy Associate

Thomas Balch Library

$52,446-$89,790 DOQ

Open until filled

Police Officer (Recruit)

Police

$53,233-$89,590 DOQ

Open until filled

Police Officer (Virginia Lateral)

Police

$53,233-$98,772 DOQ

Open until filled

Storm Water and Environmental Manager

Public Works and Capital Projects

$82,999-$141,929 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior

Utilities- Water Pollution Control or Water Supply

$41,353-$89,790 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Systems Crew Leader

Utilities

$52,446-$89,790 DOQ

Open until filled

Flexible Part-Time Position Position

Department

Parking Enforcement Officer

Finance

Hourly Rate $16.86-$28.85 DOQ

Closing Date Open until filled

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

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

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

FT LPN’S OR MA’S WANTED

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

Starting $13/hr & scheduled raises & bonuses.

Company-paid medical & dental premiums.

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

Large family practice in Loudoun County seeking FT LPN’s or MA’s to work with our new Nurse Practioners who recently joined our practice. We have openings in our Lansdowne, Stone Springs and Ashburn locations. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended.

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 attention Lisa

Attention Loudoun County!

Home Instead Senior Care is looking for caring and compassionate CAREGivers to become a part of our team and join our mission of enhancing the lives of aging adults throughout the Loudoun county community. Home Instead provides a variety of nonmedical services that allow seniors to remain in their home and meet the challenges of aging with dignity, care and compassion.

Why should you join Home Instead Senior Care?

• Very rewarding - meet wonderful people, build fulfilling relationships, and make a difference in the lives of our clients.

• Paid training in healthcare-industrybest practices.

• Flexible scheduling - perfect for retirees, stay-at-home moms, or students.

• Great supplemental income Call us today at 703.530.1360 or visit homeinstead.com/507/home-carejobs to begin!

These companies also are hiring. See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com

PAGE 34

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Opinion Important Investment Landing a $2.4 million grant to support its K-12 Computer Science Pipeline initiative is another significant achievement of the Loudoun Education Foundation.

The focus of this program—to ensure that students are provided the tools and experiences they’ll need to succeed in the workforce of their future—is important. But, more so, it will be the direct involvement of area businesses that will have the greatest impact on the community.

That has been a hallmark of the foundation’s work through the decades.

Many of our most important business sectors are facing critical talent shortages that threaten to stifle their growth, limit opportunities for innovation, and open them to threats from competitors in other markets. Companies involved with cybersecurity, computer services and data analytics are among those with the longest list of unfilled vacancies. They also serve some of the fastest-growing markets; the need for more well-trained employees won’t be declining anytime soon.

Those companies should be invested—and investing—in public

LETTERS to the Editor

school efforts to provide more workforce-oriented skills training. The

Meeting Our Fiduciary Duty

Go Virginia grant is one way to demonstrate that support, but the core

Editor: The Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company is disappointed by broad generalizations as reported by Loudoun Now on Nov. 21, entitled Supervisors Push Fire-Rescue Volunteers on Internal Audits.

At best this report implies negligence in the performance of our financial responsibilities and discredits the honest dedication and hard work of our committed volunteers.

Here are the facts: The county does not audit our books nor has the county Board of Supervisors ever found it necessary to audit our financial records. The published report references an audit. However, Cherry Bekaert defines their work as a maturity assessment. An audit as defined by

of the pipeline project is direct involvement by local business leaders.

They should be in the classroom as mentors and instructors. And they should be taking students into the workplace for internships and other programs that provide critical opportunities to expand on their classroom learning.

Our region’s workforce challenges won’t be solved by help wanted ads or efforts to import talent across the country. However, through programs like this one, other public school initiatives and the work being done by the region’s colleges and universities, we’re taking important steps toward creating an exceptional home-grown workforce.

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

generally accepted accounting standards was not performed, nor requested. The Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company participated in a Loudoun County sponsored maturity assessment during calendar year 2017. The result of that Maturity Assessment: No financial irregularities.

Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company continues to engage an independent CPA firm to compile our annual financial statement and the annual IRS Form 990. Following the end of the latest fiscal year, July 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2019, we retained Yount Hyde Blout, CPAs, to prepare and file all required financial reports. As has been our historical practice, we provide our accountants with a complete electronic set of our books, extensive related financial documentation and LETTERS continue on page 35

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

DECEMBER 19, 2019

LETTERS continue from page 34 prepare explanations in response to their questions. The independent accountants compile their reports with full access to every financial transaction. The historical result for each and every year has been: No financial irregularities or misappropriation.

The volunteers honor our service with the utmost care in meeting our fiduciary duty. Our bank accounts are reconciled each month by volunteers comprising the financial committee. An annual budget is prepared and approved by our board of directors. All unexpected but necessary non-budgeted discretionary purchases in excess of $5,000 require three bids, no conflict of interest and separate board approval.

All financial contributions and donations in total are used solely in support of operations. No donated funds are used for either personal or social purposes. We do not maintain a petty cash account and credit cards are issued only to senior officers with clear financial day to day operational responsibilities. All credit accounts are reconciled, each receipt and purchase approval reviewed and then paid on time without penalty each month.

Our major continuing operational expenses are equipment acquisition, equipment maintenance, personal protection equipment, and building maintenance.

As required by our policies, practices and procedures, all are budgeted annually and our budget is formally approved by our board of directors.

Our major emergency vehicles are replaced according to a county prescribed schedule. The county directly supports the purchase of a single engine and a single ladder truck. The volunteers maintain a second engine and a second ladder truck in order to meet the service levels we believe to be appropriate. In April 2019, we purchased a new engine and a new ladder truck at a total cost of $2 million. The county supervisors contributed to a portion of the ladder truck.

In order to make this purchase, LVFC borrowed $2 million from Middleburg Bank, currently Atlantic Union. Three banks reviewed our historical financial statements, our historical form 990s, as well as other financial information. All three banks found us creditworthy and offered to fund the purchase. These endorsements are evidence of our financial discipline and our commitment to honoring the generosity of the community

PAGE 35

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we serve.

Our ability to maintain additional emergency vehicles comes from citizen donations primarily from our annual mail in fund drive (currently in progress). We are grateful beyond description for the necessary financial support from the citizens, without which we would not be able to serve. We understand that effective financial procedures and our long term earned creditworthiness are necessary if we are to serve with credibility.

The Board of Supervisors has recently released a study concluding that the volunteer companies throughout the county saved taxpayers more than $25 million last year alone. Volunteerism is important to the life blood of our community and results measured are both tangible and intangible.

We passionately guard our history and our character and consistently strive to maintain those virtues. We are committed to maintaining our good name and to sustaining our integrity, which we have earned over our 216 years of service.

The citizens of Leesburg have honored us with continuing support. We are grateful for your confidence and we pledge our continuing commitment to honor that trust.

— Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company George Delalian, President

Density Too High Editor: I’m writing to share my personal and my neighborhood’s collective viewpoints on the proposed “revitalization” of the Village at Belmont Greene Commercial Center (ZMAP-2019-0008 Belmont Greene Revitalization).

As a member of the Belmont Greene Advisory Committee on the Commercial Development Property, I was one of seven HOA members designated by our HOA to investigate the proposal and attempt to work with the developer, ATAPCO, to achieve a mutually beneficial solution for the developer and the community. As such, I met with the developer, the HOA Board, and the community on several occasions. From the beginning, the community expressed many concerns with the initial and revised proposals. Unfortunately, the current proposal to redevelop the Village Center at Belmont Greene into over 200 residential units does not address the overwhelming feedback of the communi-

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LETTERS continue on page 36

PAGE 36

LETTERS continue from page 35 ty and has many potential unaddressed consequences.

The committee took a survey of our neighborhood: • 83% of residents would like to see the area developed as exclusively commercial or a mixed-use area with more commercial and a small residential component; • Approximately 75% of residents would like to see 50 or fewer new residential units, only 1.5% said they would be comfortable with the current proposal of more than 200 new residential units; and • If Loudoun County approves ATAPCO Properties’ request to rezone a portion of the existing commercial area for residential development, most residents would prefer the plan include only single-family units or townhomes.

Despite sharing these results, and the primary concern that the density being proposed is too high with negative downstream impacts on the schools, traffic, safety, community amenities, and maintenance, ATAPCO refused to address our repeated requests for significantly reduced density. Instead, they have submitted an unprecedented proposal that asked for numerous special exemptions to standard maximum building height, minimum back yard length, as well as the minimum distance from

Westpark continued from page 3 urging support of the project. Although it was not confirmed whether the fliers had been distributed by the developer, some residents criticized efforts undertaken to woo public supporters.

“The applicant has repeatedly used smoke and mirrors and scare tactics [to try to win support],” Cindy Boyce said.

Suzanne Smart said the photographs in the flier depicted a “utopia” that she did not buy into. She and others who spoke against the project said she believed that leaving the zoning on the property unchanged was the best way to proceed. The majority of the 141-acre property is zoned R-E, which could accommodate the by-right development of 27 homes. A small portion of the property is zoned for a hotel use.

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DECEMBER 19, 2019

Editor: Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton recently introduced a bill (the Gun

Violence Prevention Through Financial Intelligence Act). If this bill passes, it would set the stage for: • Having all of your personal credit card transactions searched by federal law enforcement agencies to identify any patterns of “suspicious” buying behaviors.

• Being “flagged” by law enforcement (federal, state and local) using a set of criteria which is secret, for a possible crime which hasn’t even been committed yet, for purchases and products that are legal, and • Law enforcement taking unspecified enforcement action against citizens who have not committed a crime. What could go wrong?

I’m aware that Wexton, the author of this seriously flawed bill, was a former prosecutor here in Loudoun, which I find very troubling given I thought lawyers knew a lot about the law. Purchasing a firearm, or ammunition, is not a crime in this country and is protected under the Second Amendment to the Constitution. However, Wexton wants you to know that if it’s up to her, if you exercise your rights as an American citizen, your financial records will be searched, you may be “flagged” by law enforcement based on that unwarranted search of your legal purchases and may have action taken against you, all for exercising your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Perhaps she would like her credit card purchases and those of her friends monitored by law enforcement to ensure they don’t buy too many drinks when

they are out with friends? (Since many more people are killed each year from drunk drivers than by guns). Using real-time data the police could gather from monitoring the drinks Wexton and her friends charged on their credit cards, the police could be dispatched to Wexton’s favorite watering hole to make sure she didn’t get behind the wheel. Or maybe the Department of Health and Human Services could monitor Wexton’s credit card purchases to ensure that she’s not eating too much unhealthy fast food, even having HHS special agents “flag” her and pay her a visit to warn her about her eating habits, possibly even coming into her home to remove any dangerous, unhealthy food (since many more people are killed each year by heart disease than by guns).

All of the recent light that has been shed on flagrant abuse of the FISA Court warrant process should be a wake-up call to anyone (including Rep. Wexton) who thinks that government cannot or will not abuse the power of surveillance. This dangerous bill, if passed, will force you to hand over your unalienable Constitutional rights in exchange for a false sense of security.

The wise patriot and statesman Benjamin Franklin said,“ Those who would give up essential Liberty to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”

Who do you think knew more about our fragile liberties, Benjamin Franklin or Jennifer Wexton?

— Ken Dattilo, Purcellville

While some residents said a hotel would be a better use of the property, other speakers who represented the real estate industry said that use wasn’t a good fit for the site.

“It’s not a spot that is highly desirable.

It’s seven acres that doesn’t have a lot of access, frontage, it’s on a dead-end road. To overlook the entire application because you want to save that seven acres of commercial is probably short-sighted,” commercial realtor Scott Munchel said.

Matt Benson, another member of the real estate community who spoke in support of approval, agreed that the site was not right for a hotel. He said townhouses would be much more compatible with the surrounding residential uses.

But council members largely agreed with the public’s takeaways, and decided there was not enough merit to the application to approve it.

“I’ve never been one big on trading housing for parkland,” Councilman Tom Dunn said. “Housing should stand, and the benefits thereof, on its own. I don’t see that here.”

Councilwoman Suzanne Fox referenced the large amount of correspondence the council had received about the project, and estimated about a 4-to-1 ratio in opposition of the project.

“I respect what the applicant has tried to do, but don’t think this is an application that is airtight,” she said.

Vice Mayor Marty Martinez and Councilman Ron Campbell opposed the denial.

Martinez said he saw an opportunity with the open space donation to create trails or recreational or park amenities for southern quadrant residents to complement what is offered on the north side of town at Ida Lee Park Recreation Center.

“I was not happy with the [residential] density, but I also know the value of open space and parkland,” he said.

With Lennar now moving on from the project, Mayor Kelly Burk said she hopes that whoever comes forward next to develop the property considers a commercial application.

“I’d love to some innovative entrepreneur come up with some idea that would fit that property that maintains green space and would be a great asset for the town.

What that is it’s hard for me to define until I see it, but I think there’s potential there for lots of new and innovative ideas. I’m looking forward to see what people bring forward,” she said.

The golf club property went on the market in late summer 2017 and golf course operations recently ceased at Westpark after 50 years in business.

Belmont Ridge Road and Portsmouth Boulevard requirements.

So, while I oppose this plan, I also represent the 258 members of our United For Belmont Greene Facebook group as well as the 127+ residents who have signed a petition opposing the proposal because the design plan significantly increases housing density adjacent to our existing community, adversely affects traffic flow within and around the existing roads and will overcrowd our schools.

As a father of three young daughters, I specifically chose this neighborhood for its schools and I know for a fact that Belmont Station Elementary’s base capacity will be exceeded if this is approved.

Belmont Station’s capacity is 812 but the current enrollment is already approximately 790 students.

If the developer wants to simply extend the current density, zoning, and architectural style of the Belmont Greene community, I and the community would gladly consider that option.

The Loudoun County Planning Commission must stand up for our community by opposing this rezoning application and/or forcing it to simply be an extension of the existing Belmont Greene community.

— Doug Kushin, Ashburn

Fragile Liberties

DECEMBER 19, 2019

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PAGE 37

Parenting with Purpose

Encouraging Courage NEIL MCNERNEY

Courage. We know it when we see it, but we spend very little time thinking how to foster it in our children. It is one of those attributes we want for our child, but we tend to focus on it only when it’s not there.

For instance, it’s easy to point out when our child is afraid to get on a ride, or tell the person behind the counter what they want to eat. We see the fear on their faces and we immediately try to encourage them to face their fear. “Go ahead and tell her what you want to eat,” we might suggest.

Then we turn to the person and say: “He’s shy.”

Children’s lives, even teens, are filled with moments of fear. It is then compounded by the pressures we put on them to face those fears. As we reach adulthood, we’ve either learned to face those fears or structured our lives in such a way to reduce those fearful moments. I am, for example, mortified of dancing in public. This fear is a simple one to deal with: I don’t dance in

public! Problem solved! As an author and public speaker, I had to face my childhood speech impediment and learn to face the fear of speaking to large groups of people.

The first step to encourage courage is to not make it worse. If you are pulling into the Wendy’s parking lot, and you know your child doesn’t like talking to the employees, don’t force him. If this is an issue for him, I guarantee he is already nervous and expecting you to make him order for himself. Putting him on the spot with no discussion will increase his worried exponentially. Rarely does forcing a child to face a fear turn out well. It usually makes it much, much worse.

Instead, take it slowly. Have a conversation in the car and ask him: “Do you think you’re ready to tell them your order?” He will probably say no, but there is a subtle message within the question. By asking: “Do you think you are ready?” you are implying that at some point he will be ready, just not today.

Being brave and courageous is very dif-

ferent than being fearless. In my opinion, having courage means to be afraid and do the scary thing anyway. It is about facing your fear and not letting it stop you. My suggestion is to look for moments of bravery and point it out. For instance: “I could tell you were a little nervous about getting on the skateboard, but you did it anyway.

That must have taken a lot of bravery.” The goal is to point out the brave moment, acknowledge that it must have been difficult, and they did it anyway.

Our children give us many opportunities to point out their bravery. Our goal is to look for them and tell them that we noticed. Look for opportunities such as trying a new musical piece on an instrument, talking to an adult, trying a new sport, speaking in front of the class, going over to a new friend’s house, etc. For some children, anything new can cause anxiety.

Some examples: “That was really brave of you to tell her your food order. Nice job!” “I could tell you were a little scared, but you didn’t let it stop you!” “That took a

lot of courage to shake his hand.”

Look for these opportunities every day.

Encouraging a desired behavior is much more powerful than scolding an undesired behavior.

It tends not to help to try to decrease their fear by minimizing the issue. Rarely does it help to tell them that it’s no big deal.

In fact, it might actually increase their fear because they want to make sure you know how afraid they are. Instead, let them know that you get it. By letting them know you understand how hard it is, it will paradoxically allow them the internal strength to face their fear.

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

It’s Hard to Know the ‘Next Right Thing’ When Your Child is Suicidal

BY CHRIS CROLL

“I’ve seen dark before But not like this This is cold This is empty This is numb The life I knew is over The lights are out Hello, darkness I’m ready to succumb.”

Is this a journal entry written by a suicidal teen? Nope; these are the opening lyrics to the song “The Next Right Thing,” from Disney’s new movie, Frozen 2. Common Sense Media rates this movie as appropriate for children as young as age five.

I’m not surprised to see the subject of depression addressed in a movie for young children. Elementary and middle school guidance counselors across the country report seeing more anxious and depressed children in their offices than ever before. In a recent study, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that as many as 30% of children ages 6-12 report being mildly to severely depressed.

Overall, the rate of suicide among those aged 10 to 24 has shot up 56% between the years 2007 and 2017. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for people under 24, after automobile crashes.

In Loudoun County, some estimate that 15-20 children under the age of 18 have died by suicide in the past five years. Hundreds more have been brought to the emergency room for suicidal thoughts and/or attempts.

Exact numbers aren’t published for privacy reasons.

Experts are at a loss to explain the increase of very young depressed children.

Some blame social media. Others blame lack of adequate sleep. Most agree that there is a relationship between bullying and suicidal behavior. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that youth who report any involvement with bullying behavior (either being bullied or bullying others) are more likely to report higher levels of suicide-related behavior than youth who are not involved with bullying behavior.

One researcher noted increases in the number of suicides in the U.S. during the months school is in session. For this rea-

son, school divisions, including Loudoun County Public Schools, have tightened bullying prevention policies and are investing millions of dollars in increased mental health support for students. Other states are requiring mental health education as part of the core curriculum. Some school districts are even going so far as to do mental health screenings for every student each year, much like they do vision and hearing screenings.

There are few things more frightening for a parent than hearing their child is so depressed that they want to end their life.

There is a lack of resources available in our community to help families with an acutely suicidal child. The local Emergency Room is always an option. Loudoun County Mental Health, Substance Abuse & Developmental Services has staff available 7 a.m.-11 p.m. and can be reached at 703-777-0320.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached 24-hours a day at 1-800273-8255. Experts say the most important thing a parent can do is to take threats of suicide seriously and to never to leave an atrisk child alone.

To help our youth build resilience for

life’s inevitable ups and downs, local organizations like The Ryan Bartel Foundation offer suicide prevention programs such as, THE FORT, a weekend program that helps children as young as 11 to build positive social relationships with peers and mentors.

Loudoun County middle and high school public school students are being trained to recognize the signs of depression and suicidal behavior in classmates through a national evidence-based program called, “Sources of Strength,” which has been shown to reduce suicide attempts by more than 40%.

The song from Frozen 2 ends with the lyrics, “So I’ll walk through this night … stumbling blindly toward the light … and do the next right thing.” Sometimes that’s all a parent can do—take the next best step forward—in the hopes it’s enough to save their child.

Chris Croll is a writer, community activist and member of the Loudoun County School Board (Catoctin District). She lives in Leesburg with her husband and two children.

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DECEMBER 19, 2019

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Curling Culture Catching on in Loudoun

BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Loudoun enthusiastically embraced the Washington Capitals during their successful run to the Stanley Cup and is home to a passionate youth hockey community, but another winter sport is beginning to compete for ice time.

Curling in Loudoun is a niche culture that is seeing more and more residents sliding into competition every weekend.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, novice and ace curlers alike take to the ice at the Ion International Training Center in Leesburg, where five curling sheets provide space for practice and competitions.

Ion’s curling program is one of a few in the region and has begun attracting veterans from the 58-year-old Potomac Curling Club in Laurel, MD. But newbies are welcome as well.

Ion Curling Director Eric Johnson said the majority of the people he instructs have never touched a curling stone—a $500, 42-pound granite rock—let alone attempted to slide one across a nearly half-football-field-length sheet of ice or use a broom to guide it toward a bullseye-shaped target called the house.

First, a Social Sport Unlike most sports, curling is first and foremost a social sport that emphasizes community before competitiveness. It traces its roots to frozen ponds in Scotland during the 16th century and has been an Olympic sport since the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano.

Adam Kapp, the president of the Potomac Curling Club, said hospitality is different to curling than it is to other competitive sports, noting that teams always shake hands before and after each match and games are typically policed via the honor system.

“The social aspect of curling is paramount,” he said. “Really throughout, it is really about maintaining that atmosphere on the ice and off the ice.”

Jen Martinelli, the secretary of the Maryland club, said that type of sportsmanship is referred to as the “spirit of curling.”

Martinelli said curling is also a huge draw to the DC area’s thousands of engineers who want to use their strategic skills outside of work. She said that while many players are attracted to curling for the sport, they stay for the people.

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Ion International Training Center Curling Director Eric Johnson and Manager Nick Aiken work to freeze in the hacks ahead of Saturday night gameplay.

“It is the most accepting, loving, nurturing group of people I have ever met,” she said. “You can’t get it in just one day.”

Curling also resembles bowling with that type of social interaction. At Ion, curlers are allowed to bring drinks from the bar into the arena, just not onto the ice.

They can do that as long as they don’t imitate what a Canadian team did at the 2018 Red Deer Curling Classic—get removed from the tournament because of their drunken behavior.

Johnson said Ion brings in up to 20 curlers on Friday nights, up to 10 on Saturday nights and some on Sundays. He’s working to boost attendance by hosting theme nights and curling leagues.

A Game for All Generations Aside from the social scene that curling embodies, the sport is also a tough one to learn—one that requires a good deal of balance, especially since it’s played on ice.

Gameplay traditionally incorporates four players per team, with each throwing a rock twice per end, or round. There are typically 10 ends in a game. The goal is to get as many rocks as close to the button, or the center point of the house, as possible.

Balance comes into play when curlers throw stones across the ice—by pushing off the hack, which is a rubber block, gliding forward on one foot atop a shoeshaped piece of plastic and releasing the stone before reaching a point called the hog line.

Johnson said that’s one of the most dif-

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Ion International Training Center in Leesburg offers curling on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, as the Olympic sport continues to catch on in Loudoun and beyond.

ficult parts of the sport, noting that everybody falls. He said a background in skateboarding or snowboarding helps, though.

“It’s awkward, it takes a lot of balance,” he said.

Kapp compared the flexibility, balance and mentality required in curling to that required in yoga.

Kapp said he’s seen curlers ranging in age from 6 to 80 years old. He added that older people can curl using sticks, like they would in shuffleboard, and that there are wheelchair curling leagues. He said he’s also seen women curl while pregnant, or at least in the earlier stages of their pregnancies.

Loudoun’s Curling Locations Currently, Ion is the only place in Loudoun where people can find curling.

When asked why the Ashburn Ice House doesn’t offer the sport, General Manager Rob Lorenzen said he’s simply unable to do so because his two ice rinks are constantly booked for hockey games, figure skating, free skating and many other events. “We’re fortunate the demand has been strong,” he said.

Lorenzen said the setup for curling can also be time consuming. He referenced a similar venture he tried five years ago in which he hosted speed skating. That didn’t last because the ice required a good amount of special treatment to prepare for speed skating and because, like curling, there wasn’t as much participation as there is with ice hockey.

Johnson said it takes about a half hour using specialized ice maintenance techniques to prepare Ion’s rink for curling gameplay. Those include pre-chilling the rocks on the ice; going over the entire rink with a Zamboni twice; melting and freezing in the hacks; pebbling the ice with a Ghost Busters-looking backpack that sprays droplets of water onto the ice to create an orange peel-like texture that allows the rocks to slide better toward the house; nipping the ice, or cutting off the top layer; and sweeping the ice to get rid of any debris.

Setup is also expensive, with curling rocks often costing tens of thousands of dollars to supply. Martinelli said the Potomac Curling Club recently spent $36,000 on four sets of rocks, or 64 of them—coming out to be $562.50 a piece.

Curling Clubs Look to Cooperate Aside from Johnson working to add theme-nights and leagues at Ion, Kapp said the Potomac Curling Club is also looking to help Ion grow its curling program by offering Potomac’s decades of curling knowledge as a go-to resource. In general, the curlers in both programs want to grow the sport by encouraging more people to stop in to see if they have what it takes to compete in the sport’s highly relaxed, although chilly, social environment.

And with the Beijing Winter Olympic Games just 14 months away and the Milano Cortina 2026 Games on the horizon, a new member of the men’s or women’s U.S. Olympic Curling Team could be training in Loudoun.

“I think we all have the goal of growing the sport of curling and certainly we would love to grow it more in the region,” Kapp said.

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Gun rules continued from page 1 to do so has been granted by the owner of the property or parcel upon which the projectile lands. A projectile leaving the boundaries of the property or parcel shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.”

Speaker after speaker lined up at the hearing to oppose the changes, although there appeared to be some confusion about what the new rules would be, based in part on previous proposals to specifically require berms on private shooting ranges. Others pushed supervisors to declare Loudoun a Second Amendment “sanctuary county,” where local leaders pledge not to use local law enforcement resources to enforce new gun control laws.

Close to 50 people signed up to speak at the public hearing, although as the meeting stretched into the late hours of the evening, not all of them showed up to address the board.

“I oppose this bill and others like it, because they represent the subtle yet consistent erosion of our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms,” said Michael Schafer. “Of course, the Second Amendment was not designed to protect our ability to hunt and target shoot—it was designed to protect our ability to protect ourselves.”

Others argued the gun owners already know basic rules of safety that should prevent accidents like the ones that have occurred repeatedly during this Board of Supervisors term.

“All you’re doing is codifying what any responsible firearm owner is going to avoid,” said Mike Taylor, one of many firearms instructors who spoke. However, he also encouraged the board to get a vote done during this term, before the new board takes the dais in the new year: “I’m afraid if it’s forwarded to a future board, we’re going to see the berms and all kinds of restrictions coming back.”

Democrats seized the majority on the Board of Supervisors in November, many of whom have pushed for more gun safety rules.

Another speaker against the new rules, William R. Hymes III, 24, of Ashburn, is currently facing charges for reckless discharge of a firearm after an incident in which a bullet left a private shooting range and grazed a woman.

Relatively few people came to speak to the board in favor of the rules, although there were a contingent of people wearing T-shirts from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, an organization

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Christopher Karanski speaks to supervisors opposing new safety rules for private shooting ranges, wearing “Guns Save Lives” stickers and carrying a gun.

pushing for more gun safety regulations.

Others wore red, a color associated with Moms Demand Action and support for gun safety rules.

Julia Holcomb, one of those, associated the rules with a lesson children learn when they are very young—keep your hands to yourself.

“Why would you not know, when you learned when you were 5 to keep your hands to yourself, to keep the projectiles from your firearms on your own land?”

Holcomb said. “I’m with [Supervisor Tony R.] Buffington. Any reasonable and thoughtful and properly using gun owner knows that already. They really shouldn’t need to be told it.”

Many supervisors argued that responsible gun owners should not be concerned about the new rules.

“In my view, any reasonable and responsible gun owner would have no problem with this language right here, because when you shoot on private property, you agree that you will not shoot off that property onto another property,” said Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), who other supervisors credited with helping craft the new language. “… In my opinion, no reasonable and responsible gun owner would do that anyway.”

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said responsible gun owners should not be concerned about the language—only those who allow bullets to leave their property.

“That’s the only person in here who would be concerned about this language, someone who does that,” Letourneau said.

“For everyone out there—which I be-

lieve is the vast majority of people—who wouldn’t put themselves in that position in the first place, this isn’t a problem. We are getting at the bad actors here.”

“As much as the gun owners here believe in their own property rights, I know you also respect the property rights of your neighbors, and it’s a violation of the property rights of any of us to have reckless shooters shooting into our homes, wounding our family members as happened with one lady,” said Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg).

“Imagine if you’re in your back yard having a family barbecue, or a baby shower, and your house is hit by a stray bullet because of the recklessness and negligence of another person,” said Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling). “That would be unacceptable to you, and it should be. Where we can prevent tragedy, we should, and that’s why I’m voting yes on this.”

There remains disagreement on whether the new laws will be more enforceable than the old ones—or enforced at all.

The Sheriff ’s Office and Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office have argued they have seldom made charges—and never secured a conviction—because to successfully prosecute, they would have to demonstrate which person fired the bullet that left the property. County staff members have said the new rules might not address that loophole.

Supervisors Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin), who opposed new gun safety regulations throughout the debate, voted against the changes, citing that criticism.

“While I think this motion may make some people feel good, I don’t see where it

makes any difference in trying to solve the problem, and so I will not be supporting it,” Higgins said.

Supervisors adopted the new rule 6-3, with Higgins, Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) and Supervisor Suzanne M. Volpe (R-Algonkian) opposed.

One speaker, a former candidate for elected office, prompted audible gasps and objections even from people who shared his opposition to the new rules. George Melik-Ageamerian, who ran unsuccessfully for the Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors in November, and speaking directly to the two black supervisors on the county board—Saines and County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large)—argued the new rules were racist.

“Here’s a history lesson: the only reason we have ended segregation and the Jim Crow [laws] in the 1960s is because civil rights activists had guns and carried them and used them,” Melik-Agamerian said. “…The first job of the Ku Klux Klan was to ride around to disarm free blacks right after the Civil War. Once the KKK disarmed them, they went back to lynch them. Now I’m here to ask this board why you’re pushing racist gun control decrees on Loudoun residents, especially you, Koran, and Phyllis Randall who ran out of the room.”

Randall had left to take a phone call from her elderly mother, who she said had been sick.

Melik-Agamerian continued: “You are doing the work of the KKK. Yes. I said it, the KKK. You two owe your seat on this board to the countless thousands of civil rights activists who fought for justice. If not for their sacrifice, you would still be riding in the back of the bus, and now with these ordinances, these incremental steps, you are turning back the clock to the old days.”

He had earlier urged people at the meeting to make as much noise as possible, against the policy of the Board of Supervisors, although attendees of the public hearing mostly followed the board’s policy discouraging loud demonstrations of support or opposition from the audience.

The amendments come after a lengthy process and many heated debates among supervisors, in reaction to repeated instances of stray rounds striking properties, homes and, in one case, a woman, in most cases with no charges filed for the shooters and no successful convictions so far.

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DECEMBER 19, 2019