Loudoun Now for April 17, 2025

MD Offers $3M to End White’s Ferry Impasse

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

An announcement Friday that Maryland authorities are offering up to $3 million to help relaunch White’s Ferry operations has the two property owners involved with the four-year stalemate reviewing their options.

The Potomac River ferry just north of Leesburg closed in December 2020 following a Loudoun Circuit Court ruling that the operators did not have rights to use the Virginia landing and efforts to negotiate a new lease deal failed.

The ferry owners sold their holdings, including the Maryland landing, to Loudoun businessman Chuck Kuhn. The Virginia landing is owned by a family partnership, Rockland Farm LLC, led by Libby Devlin.

Although both property owners have stated a desire to resume ferry operations, talks between Kuhn and Devlin to resolve the dispute have not been successful.

On April 11, Marc Elrich notified Kuhn and Devlin that the Maryland General Assembly approved $1.5 million to aid in restarting the ferry operation and the county’s proposed Capital Improvements Plan would include another $1.5 million to support the effort.

A year ago, Kuhn’s JK Land

WHITE'S FERRY continues on page 47

Community Reacts Following Move to Dissolve Purcellville Police

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The move by Purcellville’s Town Council majority last week to begin the process of closing its Police Department has sparked concern among residents, Police Chief Sara Lombraña, the remaining

three councilmembers and surrounding jurisdictions.

Mayor Christopher Bertaut and Vice Mayor Ben Nett, who worked for the

POLICE continues on page 46

The motion came from Councilmember Susan Khalil during budget discussions April 8 and directed the staff to prepare an ordinance that would eliminate Chapter 42 of the town’s code - the chapter that lays out the Police Department’s roles and responsibilities. It resulted in immediate outcry from community members in the audience.

PURCELLVILLE

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Town residents sign recall petitions for Purcellville Mayor Christopher Bertaut, Vice Mayor Ben Nett and councilmembers Susan Khalil and Carol Luke outside of the town hall April 8.

‘Running Toward Danger’ Acts of Valor Honored in 40th Annual Chamber Awards

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampalon@loudounnow.org

One hundred and seventy-four of the county’s heroes were honored April 9 for valiant actions taken over the past year during the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce annual Valor Awards ceremony.

The Chamber awarded a variety of honors including medals of valor, meritorious awards, unit citations, lifesaving awards, certificates of valor and the Stu Plitman First Responder Service Award.

“These are the folks who run toward danger and regularly confront perilous situations that often involve unknown circumstances and unforeseeable outcomes,” Loudoun Chamber President and CEO Tony Howards said. “Today, we honor not just our valor award recipients, we celebrate all first responders for the service and sacrifice they offer to communities across our great nation.”

The Stu Plitman is given to emergency first responders who demonstrate the highest commitment to fostering positive relationships within the community in ways that positively enhance the safety and security of our citizens. Its namesake founded the Loudoun First Responders Foundation and was a tireless advocate for first responders.

That award was given to Deputy John Miller, who first joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2013 and since has worked closely with the community analyzing data to educate and inform citizens about crime prevention methods, complete security

assessments of homes, schools, daycares, houses of worship and businesses, coordinated nine public education programs and developed the Neighborhood Watch Guide along with 25 watch groups in the county.

The event also included a special remembrance of firefighter Trevor Brown who was killed in a February 2024 home explosion and the firefighters and law enforcement personnel that responded to the event.

Brown was awarded the Gold Medal of Honor posthumously during the event and his wife Laura attended to accept it. Silver medals of honor were awarded to

Commonwealth’s

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

As part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities, Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson hosted an April 11 awards ceremony honoring some of Loudoun’s own service providers that walk through tragedy with community members every day.

“There are people that live within this community, that live with us, that are our neighbors and our friends, and those people, given a challenge and an opportunity and many times confronted with an issue, step forward,” Anderson said. “And they step forward because they are committed to helping others, and that is really impressive. And so that’s what this is all about. This award ceremony is to recognize those people that have done extraordinary deeds to help others, and the fact that they’re doing it to help others, and in some cases, put

firefighter Brian Diamond and Lt. Christopher Kerkstra, who were both injured during the explosion. Firefighters Nancy Cortez, Steven Keesler Jr., Advanced EMT Allison Key, Tech Scott Key and James Lockhart, Capt. Karam Mashaal and firefighter Allison Orlowski were awarded bronze medals of valor for their courage and response during the event. Assistant Fire Chief Byron Andrews, Lt. David Bulman, Battalion Chief Matthew Burns, Captain Bryce Chapman, Deputy Edmund Chong, Captain Tom Clappi, FF/EMT Kevin Daskalovitz, Captain Jason Dice, Deputy Sean Doogue, Public Safety Telecommu-

nicator Arin Flook, Captain Troy Gittings, Master Deputy Joseph Hacay, Deputy Robert Hefner, Lieutenant Michael Hott, Lieutenant Jason Ilowite, Deputy Chief Aaron Jacobs, Sergeant Scott Kennedy, Lt. Michael Kovach, FF John Larsen , Technician Ryan McCaffrey, Lieutenant Boyd Morris, Deputy Lauren Nelson, Deputy Brandon Noland, Deputy Nicholas Pechstein, Lieutenant Tristan Quigley, FF/EMT Abigail Savat, FF/EMT Emma Sweeney, Tech Adam Scheetz, Deputy Daren Smith, Deputy Justin Sperling, FF/EMT Gabriel Vidal, Battalion Chief Todd Webber, FF/EMT Noah Wing, Lieutenant Nathan Wise and, Tech David Feder each received certificates of valor.

AIC Natas Bache, FF/EMT Matthew Boger, FF/EMT William Brantner, PST Sup. Michael Brosan and PST Micheala Browning, AIC Sergey Fedorovsky, Technician Jeffrey Garvie, Captain James Gray, PST Stephanie Griffiths, AEMT Emelyn Hernandez, PST Sean Hicks, FF/EMT Stone Hykes, AIC Garrett Irving, D/O Ryan Kaminski, PST Jessica Lamb, FF/EMT Tyler J. Martin, EMT Lauren Murphy, EMT Faizan Nasir, Paramedic Samuel Neglia, AEMT Nicholas Neglia, PS Telecommunicator Arelys Perez, AEMT Lynn Robinson, FF/EMT Jonathan Sauter, D/O Casey Sullivan, EMT Samantha Wahl, FF/EMT Ryan Welch, Lieutenant Daniel Young, Paramedic Emily Young and D/O Mark Zamor received unit citations for their work Feb. 16, 2024.

See the ful list of recipients at loudounnow.org. n

Attorney’s Office Honors Victims’ Services

their own safety at risk is to be recognized for sure.”

Sen. Russet Perry (D-31), who previously worked for the Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, said she knows the importance of the impact service providers have and pledged to continue working at the state level to enact law changes that help support them.

The particular impact of Loudoun’s services was highlighted by Jaclynn Bostic-Clarke, a 24-year-old University of Virginia law student, who shared her own experience as a victim.

At 17, Bostic-Clark was raped by someone she thought was a friend, but after taking steps to share what happened to her, she still felt lost.

“I wasn’t the perfect victim. I felt vulnerable, yet angry with everyone. I experienced immense amounts of shame but felt like I deserved justice. I still lashed out at family, lost friends and engaged in risky behavior. I even ended up in a relationship with my

assailant because I thought I would have rather been with someone that treats me poorly than alone,” she shared.

As Bostic-Clarke progressed through college and excelled academically, she still felt as if there were a “war going on behind the scenes” as she attended court hearings and suffered harassment from her assailant and his friends.

“It just felt like I couldn’t do anything right. Oddly enough, I feel this is the essence of victims’ rights. Far too often, society believes too much in the image of the perfect victim, the idea that victims should be devoid of mistakes or irreproachable. In other words, we tend to blame victims for crimes committed against them unless they fit neatly into the box that society puts them in,” she said.

It wasn’t until her first year in law school that a professor helped embolden her and teach her the value and importance of what a lawyer can do.

“She explained that being a lawyer isn’t

about the grades that you get in law school, or the money you make. It’s not about the prestige and it’s not about the type of lawyer you choose to become. What it’s truly about is advocacy, picking aside and defending what you believe in, no matter what others have to say about it,” she said.

Bostic-Clarke is set to graduate law school next year and said she is looking forward to brighter days ahead.

“My experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly, have informed me of what victims’ rights should be about – shaping justice, facing the needs and the desires of the victim, rehabilitation and, of course, having grace for the way that the people who have been victimized cope,” she said.

In addition to Bostic-Clark, Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Mark Lotz, Deputy First Class Richard Dau, Leesburg Detective Josh Carter, Jefferson County Community

VICTIMS' SERVICES continues on page 16

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Nearly 175 first responders and civilians were honored during the 40th Annual Valor Awards hosted by the Loudoun Chamber on April 9.

Loudoun

Planning Commission Recommends Approval of Evergreen Mills Road Development

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The county’s Planning Commission last week recommended approval of a proposal to build 518 housing units and commercial uses along Evergreen Mills Road just south of the Leesburg Executive Airport.

The development, known as Greenfield Farm, envisions 496 single-family detached units, 22 multi-family attached units and 44,265 square feet of commercial uses on the nearly 175 acres. The application would also permit a gas station and a drive-through restaurant.

The commission held a public hearing in November with only one speaker voicing opposition to the application, citing concern for traffic and increased density incompatible with the rural and transition area.

Since then, the applicant, Orme Farm LLC, made changes to protect a bald eagle nest that was found on the property and change the housing layout to be outside the regulatory 660-foot buffer. Instead, a stormwater management pond, tree conservation area and pollinator meadow will be located there. Because of the change, the revised application also reduces the total active recreation space from 53,600 square feet to 47,400 square feet and the public amenity space from 241,000 square feet to 235,000 square feet.

The company has also committed to providing a historic marker near the estate.

The application includes a three-phase transportation improvement project.

The first phase would dedicate land and construct a realignment of Shreve Mill Road and build two additional lanes along Evergreen Mills Road. The second phase would construct four lanes along Crosstrail Boulevard. Phase three would include traffic signal justification studies and build additional improvements along Evergreen Mills Road.

The property also surrounds a 10-acre lot housing the farm’s early 1800s manor house, which is not included in the application.

“Staff continue to identify an impact to heritage resources as an issue for commission consideration and continue to identify outstanding issues related to capital facilities and transportation impacts,”

Project Manager Allison Britain said.

As a result of the development’s proximity to the manor, Britain said she recommended that the company commit to preserving the structure and developing a long-term preservation plan.

Company representatives said during the April 10 meeting that they plan to submit an application regarding that tract in May but they were not prepared to make any commitments regarding it that night. They envision some kind of agri-tourism business, such as a small winery or local produce market.

Commissioners Ad Barnes (Leesburg) and Eric Combs (Ashburn) also raised concerns about the development’s proximity to Leesburg Executive Airport. Combs said they had received several resolutions from the Town of Leesburg opposing the application.

“That airport is getting pretty busy,” Barnes said. “There are a lot of executive jets coming up.”

Commission Vice Chair Mark Miller (Catoctin) said the development would fill a commercial gap in the area and that it aligns with county’s Comprehensive Plan, which the county spent years developing. It envisions turning this area of the county from being more rural in nature to a transition area, he said. The planned road improvements are also much needed, Miller said.

The motion to recommend approval of the application passed 7-1 with Barnes opposed and Commissioner Madhava Reddy Madireddy (Dulles) absent. n

Environmental Commission Presents Excellence Awards

The county’s Environmental Commission on Tuesday announced its annual Environmental Excellence Awards given to organizations and individuals for their leadership on the issue within Loudoun.

This year’s winners include What About the Turtles, Beth Sastre, Loudoun Water, Ryan Nisay, Phil Daley and Al Van Huyck.

Van Huyck received the Lifetime Achievement Award after 50 years of championing environmental conservation. He has served on the Planning

Commission for six years and spent four years on the Agricultural District Review Committee. He also led the Loudoun Preservation and Conservation Coalition and Friends of Blue Ridge Mountains, and recently launched the Loudoun Cemetery Conservancy.

Daley also received the Lifetime Achievement Award for environmental education, protection, and advocacy in Loudoun County since 1980. He has volunteered with a variety of organizations including Loudoun Wildlife

Conservancy, the Goose Creek Scenic River Advisory Committee, the Audubon Naturalist Society, Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve and many others.

Nisay, a senior at Potomac Falls High School, founded and directs the Loudoun Nature Conservation Project, an organization that encourages youth to take action in environmental restoration.

Sastre is the Commercial Horticulturist for the Virginia Cooperative Extension – Loudoun. She has provided bilingual training on Worker Protection Standards

to local growers and agricultural workers using an innovative outreach system designed to implement specific programs for hard-to-reach unique groups.

What About the Turtles, led by Tanya Finch, is an initiative to protect wildlife impacted by construction. Finch mobilized community volunteers and coordinated with a local construction company and a wildlife advocacy group on a rescue operation for box turtles trapped in a construction site. n

Loudoun County

A rendering shows the proposed plans for the Greenfield Farm project which includes 518 residential units and nearly 45,000 square feet of commercial use.

AROUND town Leesburg

Ion Training Center Resumes Ice Programs Amid Ownership Change

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

A group of investors announced on April 11 that Ion International Training Center’s skating programs will continue under new ownership, a pivot from efforts to convert the complex to a conference center.

The investors, led by majority owner Joel Salamone, decided to return Ion’s ice operations effective immediately.

Loudoun Knights Hockey Director Craig Desjarlais said the operations are in a transitional period that includes building a new management team and laying out a new direction.

Most importantly, he said, the Washington Little Capitals and the Loudoun Knights hockey teams have secured a long-term home.

The skating community was alarmed in February when Ion Co-Founder and CEO Mitra Setayesh announced plans to transition the complex into a convention center and performance venue later this year.

The 95,000-square-foot skating complex opened in 2019 to serve as a training center for elite and aspiring figure skaters and hosted hockey leagues, curling clubs, and special events including concerts and graduations.

Setayesh said the move was triggered in part by a change in the youth sports landscape after the COVID pandemic and would meet a vital need in the region for a large meeting, performance and events space.

Skaters and their families urged town leaders to help keep the ice operations going and to oppose the convention center plans.

“It was a very chaotic time during the closing of the hockey season,” Desjarlais

said. “Eventually, we all collectively lost hope. When we all heard the news on Friday that the business was purchased and would remain ice permanently, the community of people that fought so hard for this finally had reason to smile and be excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”

The takeover also signaled that the center’s figure skating programs and groups

ION CENTER continues on page 7

Earth Care Team Presented with Tolbert Award

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

The Leesburg Town Council and Environmental Advisory Commission Chair Paul Sheaffer last week presented the Earth Care Team of Leesburg Presbyterian Church with the 2024 Tolbert Award for Environmental Stewardship.

The award recognizes outstanding contributions to sustainability and conservation within the local community. The Earth Care Team, led by co-chairs Laura Renauld and Kathy Brown has implemented sustainability initiatives including waste reduction, replacing

single use communion cups with reusable glass and establishing a food waste composting program on site.

Sheaffer made note of the church’s significant accomplishments in waste reduction and praised their replacement of single use communion cups while presenting the award.

The Earth Care team has also improved the church’s energy efficiency by installing LED lighting and roof insulation in the historic 1804 sanctuary. The team has also educated preschoolers on composting and recycling.

This spring, they will plant a certified “Backyard Habitat” on Market Street, creating a public space for environmen-

tal education and reflection.

“The Earth Care Team’s leadership in sustainability sets a strong example for the community,” Sustainability Manager Deb Moran said. “Their efforts make a lasting impact on Leesburg’s environmental future.”

The award honors the life of John W. Tolbert Jr., the first African American elected to the Leesburg town council who was also the vice mayor and chair of the Environmental Advisory Commission.

The church hosts an Earth Care fair every fall and holds Earth Care Team meetings welcome to all on the second Tuesday of each month. n

The Little Gym, Snapology Open Doors

A ribbon cutting was held April 11 to celebrate the grand opening of The Little Gym and Snapology.

According to long-time Loudoun County residents and franchise owners Chad and Tiffany Mussmon, the combined 9,000-square-foot facility is the first of its kind on the East Coast.

The Little Gym offers gymnastics programs to help children learn and grow through movement and imaginative play while Snapology offers programs based on research to teach STEAM skills while engaging children in fun, interactive play.

The Mussmons said the businesses will meet a growing need in the county for quality enrichment programs that build confidence, encourage creativity and make learning fun.

The businesses are located at 1604 Village Market Blvd SE #123 in the Village at Leesburg.

Learn more at thelittlegym.com and snapology.com

Police Host Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The Leesburg Police Department will participate in Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Tuesday.

On April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the department headquarters on Plaza Street will provide residents with a safe way to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription medications. The goal of which is to prevent prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings, and environmental contamination.

Chief Thea Pirnat said she encourages all residents to participate.

“By providing a safe and anonymous way for residents to dispose of unused medications, we hope to prevent these drugs from falling into the wrong hands and ultimately save lives.”

A secure disposal box in the lobby of the headquarters, located at 65 Plaza St. NE, runs 24 hours a day year-round for those with prescription drugs to dispose of who cannot attend the event. n

Norman K. Styer/ Loudoun Now Ion International Training Center opened in 2019 near Leesburg.

Spanky’s Pizza Celebrates Opening with Music, Raffle Tickets, Food

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

Spanky’s Pizza and Subs celebrated its grand opening April 9 with free pizza, raffle tickets, and live music.

Second-generation Loudoun restaurateur Azmi Zarou began Spanky’s soft rollout over the Thanksgiving holiday last year following a complete renovation of the space at 62 Plaza St. NE. The grand opening festivities kicked off with a speech from Mayor Kelly Burk and a ribbon cutting.

“A lot of families that are involved in the food business, when they grow up and they have to work in the restaurants, the last thing they want to do when they

Ion Center

continued from page 6

like the Loudoun Curling Club can continue their activities.

Desjarlais said that some aspects of the transition could be challenging, including making improvements to the interior and rebuilding the businesses’ reputation.

Despite the challenges, the transition brings with it fresh opportunities.

Desjarlais said he sees an opportunity to build up a grassroots program for kids with a desire to learn hockey and skating.

“The big hanging fruit is the potential to bring in a professional hockey team and or a junior hockey team to play out of Ion,” he said. “So the future plan, and I don’t want to speak on behalf of the investor, but the future plans are really big.”

He hopes to see Ion become a worldclass facility.

The uncertainty over Ion’s future came

get to be adults is work in the restaurants,” Mayor Burk said. “You [Zarou] are definitely the exception, not only are you willing to work in one restaurant, but you’re willing to work in two.”

12 years ago, Zarou opened Rocco’s Pizza but sold it to focus on his main business, Spanky’s Shenanigans, one of Leesburg’s most popular dining and nightlife locations. Last year, Zarou was offered the opportunity to buy Rocco’s back, turning it into Spanky’s Pizza and Subs.

Burk thanked Zarou for believing in and investing in the town.

“This is a great part of what makes Leesburg so special, our small businesses,” she said.

Zarou, and his business partner Anibal Fernandez, the former manager of Rocco’s, spent months developing the menu, which included a trip to a New Jersey pizza convention.

After the speeches and ribbon cutting, patrons got to enjoy the fruits of that labor for free. The festivity paired raffle ticket winnings, such as a free hat, with free pizza and drinks and a duo performance from musicians Todd and Ryan Wright.

“I just want to say thanks for everyone coming out and we will give you the best pizza and we just want you to come out and support,” Zarou said. “We’ll always make it right, thank you.”

To learn more at spankyspizzava.com. n

with setbacks. The Loudoun Knights missed the period of tryouts for 8 and under, 10 and under, and 12 and under travel teams. The only teams with their regularly scheduled tryouts are the 14 and under, sixteen and under and 18 and under travel teams.

“We lost basically nine teams of players at the 8U, 10U, and 12U level that have signed on with other regional programs,” Desjarlais said. He added that the skating center plans on providing supplemental tryouts for kids at those levels.

“We’re optimistic we might be able to get a couple of teams,” Desjarlais said.

He also called the change “a great reset.”

“I think that it’s a really good opportunity now for Ion International Training Center to become a really valuable part of the community and start to integrate themselves with local businesses and develop relationships within the community that haven’t been forged prior.” n

William Timme/ Loudoun Now Owner of Spanky’s Pizza and Subs Azmi Zarou hands out raffle prizes to winners.

Education

After Hearing, School Renaming Advances to Board Vote

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

Nearly two dozen speakers shared their views on plans to rename Mercer Middle School and Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School, based on a 2020 review of names connected with systemic racism, during a School Board public hearing last week.

The hearing is the final step in a yearslong process scheduled to end with a vote at the April 22 School Board meeting.

The community committees were tasked with choosing three alternative names for each school. The Frances Hazel Reid committee chose Loving Elementary as its top choice, in honor of Mildred and Richard Loving whose court case made interracial marriage legal, with the current name as the second choice and Limestone as the third. The school’s name was flagged because of Reid’s involvement with the United Daughters of the Confederacy in the 1920s.

The Mercer committee picked Gum Spring as its first choice, after the surrounding area and road, as well as being the name of the community created by George Washington’s freed slaves. The second choice is Stone Ridge, and the third is John Mercer Langston. The school was marked for renaming because of the connections to slavery of Charles Fenton Mercer, a congressman and business owner.

The review of the names was kicked off by the previous board, and the current members are split on whether to support

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the name changes.

Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles), Vice Chair Anne Donohue (At-Large), Sumera Rashid (Little River) and April Chandler (Algonkian) expressed support for the name change during the April 8 School Board meeting.

“I think it’s been divisive when there are probably ways that we could do it that would be unifying,” Chandler said. “It’s about being a good ancestor, not necessarily being a good descendant. So I’m thinking about what’s good for our children, and when we started this conversation, I went and looked at their research, and one of the things that studies have shown is that symbols and images have a direct impact on student self-esteem and their motivation.”

“When an underrepresented group is faced with symbols that are derogatory towards them, it impacts their motivation and makes it less likely that they can succeed. Our job is to make sure that students have the tools they need to succeed,” she said.

Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) and Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) were on the opposing side of the argument, for very different reasons.

Shernoff said that she wouldn’t support the suggestion of Loving for FHR because students had paired it with a common nickname for Richard to create an unsavory combination. Kari LaBell (Catoctin) also raised that concern.

“They were rigged. They were biased. They were partisan and not appropriate and not handled well at all. This board just pushed through what is not necessary for our students. It was a waste of time, a complete waste of time when people could be home with their families. Title 1 schools suffer and beg for renovations, and we’re going to do renaming of schools, which is purely cosmetic. It helps no one in achievement,” Griffiths said.

Opinions from speakers during the

SCHOOL RENAMING continues on page 10

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now

Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School in Leesburg.

Schools’ Grading Policy Passes with Lowered Retake Ceiling

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

Revisions to Loudoun County Public Schools’ grading policy were approved by the School Board on April 8. The changes include removing the 50% floor for Advanced Placement classes and lowering the highest grade permissible for a retake to 70% - a C grade.

The policy revisions have been in the works for over a year, with a review requested by Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) in February 2024. Public comment, especially from teachers and families, was the basis for most of the revisions.

Students’ ability to take an exam again if they earn below an 80%, the current retake ceiling, was a big topic for parents and teachers while commenting on the policy. Several teachers spoke up during School Board meetings about how retakes stunt student growth and increase teachers’ workloads.

Teacher Erin Crumbliss said that she had over 2,800 tests qualify for retakes in the past three years. She also said that lowering the retake ceiling would decrease retakes by 83%, according to her own data.

Another teacher, Mike Thornton, said that the retake policy is cutting back on teacher planning, which is necessary for quality education, and getting students stuck in a cycle.

“AP students that I teach, the most common thing I see that this is holding against them is they get stuck in a treadmill. They do poorly on an assessment. They want to retake it. They’re now stuck in the past unit, which means they can’t focus on this unit, which means they’re going to do poorly on this unit, which means they’re going to go ahead and have to retake and this is going to happen over and over and over again. They get stuck,” he said.

Changes to the policy include redefining terms like “reasonable effort” and the parameters of a major summative assessment, which now includes projects completed in or out of school, that counts for 10-25% of the total grade. Anything less than that is now a minor summative assessment. Reasonable effort is not currently defined, causing discrepancies in policy enforcement.

The floor of 50%, which is the lowest grade a teacher may assign to a student can earn in a quarter, except for high school final quarter grades, has been removed from AP classes. The reasoning for this motion, made by Shernoff, is that these classes are supposed to prepare a student for college and the floor is not reflective of that. Kari LaBell (Catoctin) agreed and said advanced students would

most likely not need the floor.

The change was opposed by Linda Deans (Broad Run) and Sumera Rashid (Little River), because Deans said that removing it only for them was inequitable.

Teacher workload was also considered, resulting in hard deadlines for late work at the summative assessment for the unit of study. This prevents teachers receiving all work for the quarter at once right before grades are due.

Changes to the retake section also feed into the teacher workload. If a student requests multiple retakes in a quarter or semester, then the teacher and the parents may limit that student’s ability to retake exams and getting stuck in a cycle. This will also prevent teachers from having to reteach and reexam every student.

The biggest retake change was lowering the ceiling - the highest grade students can get on a retake - from 80% to 70%. This was against staff recommendations. Chief Academic Officer Ashley Ellis said that the staff did not think this helped the growth mindset they interpreted from the original policy.

Deans agreed with keeping the higher ceiling, saying that every student is different and they should not punish those who may not have understood the material the first time.

One of the biggest arguments for the change from both public speakers and the School Board members was that the high ceiling was not indicative of students who were actually struggling.

“A child that has gotten 70 or above has not failed, if anything that’s average…If it’s less than that, it’s in an area that needs improvement that I can qualify saying, yes, we need to reteach that to this student and allow him another opportunity to show that he can progress again,” LaBell said. “I stress that we need to stretch the children’s ability to learn to study, because these are things they’re going to need when they go to college or when they go out in the real world. If they have to learn a new skill to a certain degree of competency, they will have to stretch and do it, or they won’t have that job.”

Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) cited data sent to her from a teacher that said between 63% and 74% of students are retaking exams with an 80% ceiling and between 20% and 40% for a 75% ceiling, but that number lowered to between 8% and 20% when it dropped to a 70% ceiling.

Shernoff made the amendment to lower the ceiling to 75%, and Mansfield further amended it to lower it to 70%.

The 70% ceiling narrowly passed 5-31, with Deans, Rashid and Arben Istrefi (Sterling) opposed and April Chandler (Algonkian) absent for the vote. n

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PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

SCHOOL notebook

Independence High Marching Band Wins State

The Independence High School Marching Band won the Commonwealth Cup at the state championships this school year for the second time in a row. In addition, they also won first place out of the 6A class, the biggest category for bands with over 150 members.

New Principal of Mountain View Elementary Named

Derek Racino will be the new principal of Mountain View Elementary School in Purcellville. He was formerly the principal of Sycolin Creek Elementary School, assistant principal at Sterling Elementary School, and was a teacher at Ball’s Bluff Elementary School.

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

You Deserve The Very Best

To win the Commonwealth Cup, Independence beat out the champions of the other five classes. The marching band also traveled to compete in the Bands of America regional competition in Louisville, KY. They placed 15th out of 90 bands present.

In addition to class champs and overall champs, Independence won the categories of best music, best visuals and best general effect.

School Renaming

continued from page 8

April 9 hearing were also mixed.

The commenters who opposed renaming the Leesburg elementary school said that Reid was a great woman and didn’t deserve to have her name taken off the school. Some said she opposed white supremacist parties later in her career.

Community member Tim Rush defended Mercer, saying that while Mercer held slaves, he did other positive things.

“George Washington was an indispensable leader in founding the Republic. He also held slaves. Would we delegitimize all his positive contributions by removing his name from a Loudoun County school. The case of Charles Fenton Mercer is exactly parallel in his three decades in the Virginia state legislature and as U.S. congressman,” he said.

Michael Rivera, a member of one of the committees, said the renaming initiative was political theater.

“The Francis Hazel Reid public survey was an afterthought, and the survey was ignored despite a majority of neighborhood residents around Francis Hazel Reid saying no to renaming. This fake public input session is wholly performative as well. The decision has already been made by Mansfield and their cronies. This is yet another political pet project and a waste of taxpayer dollars,” he said.

The pro-renaming side also came with

He has served as Sycolin Creek’s principal since 2012.

Racino received his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York in Elementary Education. He also has a master’s degree in school administration from Shenandoah University.

Superintendent Aaron Spence officially welcomed him to the role at the April 8 School Board meeting. n

passionate points. Some raised concerns that naming schools after supporters of the losing side of the Civil War should not be happening, that Mercer and Reid both supported slavery and the Lost Cause narrative. They said naming schools after white supremacists harmed people of color.

“This is not erasure. This is restoration. Renaming these schools is about confronting the uncomfortable truths of our past and choosing not to celebrate individuals tied to the Confederacy or the systems that upheld slavery,” Minority Student Achievement Advisory Committee Chair Errin Kunkel said. “It’s about ensuring that the names of our schools reflect the values we claim to uphold, inclusion, equity, safety and dignity. I cannot send my children into a school building that honors a legacy that would have denied their right to exist, let alone to thrive.”

Erika Ogedegbe said that Civil War memorabilia, such as statues and names of spaces, are not there to commemorate history like many people argue.

“As a nation, racism is an ongoing problem that impacts people’s lives, employment and health. Decades after the end of the Civil War, during the Jim Crow era, statues were raised, often in publicly visible and intimidating locations to send a message that seats of power are white spaces. School names should not be used to commemorate or honor individuals or organizations that supported the comparative cause, racial segregation,” she said. n

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LEESBURG, VIRGINIA

DAAR Names Buchanan Realtor of the Year

The Dulles Area Association of Realtors recognized several of the industry’s top performers during its annual awards ceremony April 10 at the 1757 Golf Club in Ashburn.

Sharon Buchanan of RE/MAX Executives was awarded 2024 Realtor of the Year. The award honors a DAAR member who exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism through community service, education, and active industry involvement.

Other top award winners were:

Rookie of the Year: Javier Mena with Samson Properties Educator of the Year: Nancy Pav with Century 21 Redwood Affiliate of the Year: Shawn Mitchell with Modern Mechanical Jeanette Newton Community Leadership Award: Dwight Brooks of Weichert, Realtors

Several Realtors also celebrated milestones in their membership with DAAR,

including Nancy Yahner, of Keller William Loudoun Gateway, who celebrated 35 years with the association. Find out more at dullesarea.com n

GovConnect Event to Support Federal Employees

GovConnect 2025 will be held May 8 in Leesburg. At a time of upheaval and uncertainty in the federal workforce, the event is designed to foster connections between talent, employers, and regional resources.

In Loudoun County, approximately 18,000 residents are employed by federal agencies or government contractors. Organizers said GovConnect 2025 is focused on supporting displaced federal employees and fostering economic resilience with the goal of bridging employment gaps by connecting professionals affected by workforce reductions with potential employers, providing opportunities for networking, professional development, and job matching.

Held at The Depot, the event is hosted through a partnership of The Building People, Loudoun Economic Development, Town of Leesburg Economic Development, and The Depot.

“We founded The Building People here in Virginia with big ideas, a small team, and a belief in innovation and service. Our growth has provided us with perspective and purpose—driving us to give back by creating a collaborative space for businesses and professionals

navigating the evolving federal contracting landscape,” CEO Lawrence Melton stated. “GovConnect 2025 is about turning disruption into direction, providing practical solutions, and fostering a unified community response to economic challenges.”

Loudoun’s Executive Director of Loudoun Economic Development Buddy Rizer said the program goes beyond job matching.

“It’s about supporting our federal workforce, strengthening our regional economy, and creating real pathways for people to thrive,” he said.

“Creating opportunities for both public and private sectors to work together to address common concerns is essential to maintaining a strong local economy, particularly in uncertain times,” stated Russell Seymour, director of Leesburg Economic Development.

The Depot is located at 215 Depot Ct., SE in Leesburg. The program will begin at 2 p.m. with an open house, followed by the networking program from 4 to 6 p.m.

For additional information and to register, go to  depotcourt.com/govconnect-2025. n

Sharon Buchanan of RE/MAX Executives is presented with the DAAR Realtor of the Year awards by Charles Fincher of Community Title Network.

Nonprofits

LoCo Disc Golf Club Leads Ice Bowl Fundraising for 5th Year

The 2025 LoCo Disc Golf Club Ice Bowl is currently in the lead as the international fundraising leader, having collected over $41,000 to support Loudoun Hunger Relief. A win would mark the club’s 5th victorious year in a row.

Loudoun Hunger Relief CEO Jennifer Montgomery confirmed that LoCo Disc Golf Club leads the second highest fundraiser by $5,000.

This marks the 14th year that the LoCo Disc Golf Club has participated in the event, raising nearly $235,000 for Loudoun Hunger Relief.

LoCo Disc Golf Club’s fundraising this year included a series of events throughout the winter, such as the main event and chili cook-off held held at Morven Park, the Hal and Berni Hanson Ice Bowl, the R’Ice Bowl, the indoor putting league and the Thrown Down The Mountain at Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont.

more than $41,000 to help the hungry in our community," LoCo Disc Golf Club Ice Bowl Chairman Brian Junkins stated in the announcement. “This would not happen without you.”

Loudoun Hunger Relief has served the community since 1991. Last year, LHR provided 2.3 million pounds or about 2 million meals of food support in Loudoun County to 14,000 community members.

Montgomery said the disc golf club is a “positive force in our community.”

“Over the years, they’ve helped feed local families and raise awareness about hunger in our backyard,” Montgomery said. “Their efforts have made a real difference, ensuring more families have the food they need. What makes the LoCo Disc Golf Club so special is how much they genuinely care about their neighbors.”

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the participants of the tournaments and events, who helped us raise

The motto of all events was “no wimps, no whiners,” and participants were expected to play no matter the weather. Ice Bowls are sponsored by disc golf clubs all around the world each year and raise funds for nonprofits that fight hunger in their community. Since 1987, Ice Bowls have raised over $7 million. During its first event in 2013, the LoCo Disc Golf Ice Bowl raised $775. A decade later, the club led international fundraising efforts.

“Their events are fun and create a spirit of giving back that includes everyone involved,” she stated. n

LoCo Disc Golf

Members of LoCo Disc Golf celebrate fundraising $41,000 for Loudoun Hunger Relief.

Escher String Quartet

The acclaimed Escher String Quartet brings their expressive brilliance to an afternoon of chamber music featuring works by Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Dvorák.

Sunday, April 27, 4 PM

Waterford Old School • 40222 Loudoun St., Waterford, VA

Tickets $45 adult, $20 student | Seating is limited: book early!

Major credit cards accepted

Main Street Chamber Orchestra presents

Main Street Chamber Orchestra presents BEETHOVEN’S

BEETHOVEN’S

Public Safety Teen Fatally Shot in Broadlands; Suspect Arrested

The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating the Saturday night shooting death of an Ashburn teen who died in a shopping center parking lot.

According to the preliminary report, the case started as a meet up to purchase drugs in the nearby Broadlands Apartments neighborhood.

The victim, a 16-year-old boy, and another juvenile drove to the site and waited for a person who had set up a drug transaction. Video surveillance allegedly shows the suspect, 19-year-old Fadlalla Mohamed, driving up in another vehicle, getting out and pulling out a firearm and firing at the victim, shooting him in the neck, according to court filings.

The victims drove away and stopped in the Harris Teeter parking lot in the Southern Walk shopping center.

Deputies were called to the scene for what was initially reported as a stabbing. Efforts to assist the victim with first aid were unsuccessful and he died at the scene. The Sheriff ’s Office has not released the identity of the victim.

Investigators identified Mohamed as the suspected shooter and he was arrested Sunday afternoon.

Main Street Chamber Orchestra presents BEETHOVEN’S

He was arraigned Monday afternoon in the Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and was held

MAGNIFICENT SYMPHONY #9

Jon Goldberg, Conductor

With the Piedmont Singers in the “Ode to Joy”

Wendy Oesterling, Music Director

without bond.

A preliminary hearing is set for June 9 at 10 a.m.

According to court records, Mohamed was out on bond pending trial in an unrelated criminal charge filed in February. He was released March 3 pending trial on a charge of committing a consensual sex act with a minor over 15.

“This was a brutal crime and is a tragedy for this young man’s family,” Sheriff Mike Chapman stated in the announcement of the arrest Monday. “I am proud of the many deputies, detectives, analysts and others who worked around-the-clock to identify the suspect, then locate and arrest him. The arrest of a suspect in less than 24 hours is a tribute to their diligence and skills, and to the use of state-of-theart technologies to identify and locate Mohamed.”

The Sheriff ’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances of the shooting and other people who may have been involved. Investigators ask anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Whitehead at 703-777-1021. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are asked to call Loudoun County Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919 or submit a tip through the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office app. n

Leesburg Police Excel During 2025 Iron Dog Competition

Saturday, April 26 - 4PM

Johnson-Williams Middle School

The Leesburg Police Department walked away from the annual Iron Dog Competition with several top placements.

200 Swan Avenue, Berryville, VA

Main Street Chamber Orchestra presents BEETHOVEN’S

MAGNIFICENT SYMPHONY #9

MAGNIFICENT SYMPHONY #9

Tickets $35, Under 18 Free www.mainstreetchamberorchestra.org

MAGNIFICENT SYMPHONY #9

Jon Goldberg, Conductor

Jon Goldberg, Conductor

Jon Goldberg, Conductor

With the Piedmont Singers in the “Ode to Joy”

With the Piedmont Singers in the “Ode to Joy”

With the Piedmont Singers in the “Ode to Joy”

Wendy Oesterling, Music Director

Wendy Oesterling, Music Director

Wendy Oesterling, Music Director

Saturday, April 26 - 4PM

Saturday, April 26 - 4PM

Saturday, April 26 - 4PM

The competition, held at Kettle Run Highschool in Nokesville, saw the dogs compete in a 1.5-mile course dotted with stations designed to test the strength, stamina, and teamwork of both handlers and their canine partners. The dogs were set to do suspect searches, odor detection, agility challenges and apprehension exercises. Leesburg PD’s four dedicated K-9 teams comprise the Canine Unit, which brought home several top placements in the competition.

narcotics K-9.

Senior Police Officer J. Sullivan and K-9 Dan took home second place in narcotics detection/ box search and Senior Police Officer P. Kidd and K-9 Riley took third place in explosives detection/ box search.

The annual event, organized by the Fauquier K-9 and Community Organization in conjunction with the Virginia Police Canine Association featured 35 law enforcement K-9 teams across Virginia and the Washington D.C. area.

Johnson-Williams Middle School 200 Swan Avenue, Berryville, VA

Johnson-Williams Middle School 200 Swan Avenue, Berryville, VA

Johnson-Williams Middle School ~ 200 Swan Avenue, Berryville, VA

Tickets $35, Under 18 Free www.mainstreetchamberorchestra.org

Tickets $35, Ages 18 and under free www.mainstreetchamberorchestra.org

Tickets $35, Under 18 Free www.mainstreetchamberorchestra.org

Senior Police Officer L. Brickley and K-9 Elmore won first place in and top narcotics article search and took second place in narcotics detection/vehicle sniff. First class Lieutenant Weible-Gallupe and K-9 Iris won first place in narcotics detection carousel search and second place in top

“The remarkable achievements of our K-9 units at the Iron Dog Competition underscore their tireless dedication, and it highlights the strong bond between officers and their canine partners,” Deputy Chief of Police Vanessa Grigsby said. “Their success is a testament to the hard work and training they undertake daily to ensure the safety and security of our community.” n

CHIP BECK

DOUGLAS GRAHAM

ALEXIS GUSTIN

HANNA PAMPALONI

NORMAN K. STYER

Victims' Services

continued from page 3

assault and tried to stop the deputy from entering the home.

Charles Town Family Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Sean Grady, DDS

Charles Town Family Dentistry is thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Sean Grady, DDS, to our dental professional team. The brand-new office will be opening in May 2025 and is ready to serve the community by building exceptional patient relationships and providing top quality care to create your perfect smile. Dr Grady is pleased to be offering his services in a comfortable and modern setting.

Dr Grady has over 30 years of experience in a wide range of family dentistry, complex smile makeovers, and Invisalign. Dr. Grady offers expert treatment to restore your smile to its natural beauty. For those requiring more advanced options, the practice also provides dental implants and dentures to help you achieve optimal oral health and appearance. For those wanting cosmetic options or smile enhancement, the practice will be offering veneers and whitening too.

The office is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a digital lab that enables same-day treatment options, so patients can get the care they need without the hassle of multiple visits. This modern facility is designed with patient comfort in mind, offering a relaxing and welcoming environment for all ages.

Charles Town Family Dentistry is now accepting appointments, and Dr. Grady and the entire team are eager to serve the community with top-quality dental care. Don’t wait—schedule your appointment today! 681-777-6453 or schedule online at charlestownfamilydentistry.com.

681-777-6453 I 860 Somerset Blvd, Charles Town, WV 25414 charlestownfamilydentistry.com.

Ministries Executive Director Keith Lowry and Director of Programs Kasey Perdue, Sterling Fire and Rescue EMT Training Officer Marybeth Henry, Inova Loudoun Hospital Dr. Benjamin Palachick and nurse Megan Pirowski, Loudoun Child Advocacy Center Director Jenn Hyde White and Loudoun County Public Schools student Xavi Crespin Cardona were honored with awards.

Lotz was recognized for his work above and beyond the call of duty after he responded to a single-vehicle crash during which a young man in the car was killed. He was the primary investigator on the scene and informed the family of their loved one’s death. Lotz also attended multiple court hearings throughout the case.

“One afternoon, he agreed to a very sensitive request from our office,” Victim Witness Program Director Michelle Tracy said. “He agreed to escort select staff assisting the deceased victim’s family and the family to the crash site to show them exactly where their loved one had died. You see, the family had informed us that their spiritual faith required certain things to be done at the physical location of someone’s passing in order for them to be able to ascend into heaven.”

Lowry and Perdue were honored for their efforts during a case when a woman arrived at their shelter in distress and with injuries to her face. Both the woman and her husband were residents of the shelter. Perdue was the first to notice the significance of the situation.

Lowry discovered that an assault suffered by the woman from her husband needed to be reported to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office and drove the woman there as well as provided important photos and evidence in the case.

“Given the victim’s transient situation, maintaining communication with her proved to be challenging. However, through Mr. Lowry and his staff, our office was able to maintain communication with this victim, ultimately contributing to a felony criminal conviction against the defendant,” Tracy said.

Henry, who has responded to more than 45,000 calls for service during her tenure as an EMT, was honored for an October 2023 incident, during which a woman called for service after being severely beaten and sustaining injuries to her head and face.

“The victim in shock, described how she had simply reached for her cell phone just prior to the defendant attacking her, an attack that would have a devastating, long and long lasting physical and emotional impact on her,” Tracy shared.

Dau responded to the scene following the call for service and was met by the victim’s boyfriend who has committed the

“Dau tried to persuade the defendant to step away from locking the front door but the defendant attempted to close the door in his face. All the while the victim lay injured and bleeding in the back room. As a result, Deputy Dau was forced to deploy his taser to immobilize the defendant so he could enter the home and rescue the victim who was still on the floor suffering from injuries from the severe beating,” Tracy said.

The victim was treated at Inova Loudoun Hospital by Palachick and Pirowski, who both testified during the perpetrator’s trial.

While incarcerated and leading up to the trial, the victim was contacted by the perpetrator multiple times.

“He began pressuring her not to testify against him,” Tracy said. “Luckily, Deputy Dau was assigned to this investigation. He took the time to listen to dozens of jail calls between the defendant and the victim, he downloaded the calls, summarized each one, and brought the information to the prosecutor.”

That, along with detailed notes taken by Pirowski while caring for the victim proved to be critical evidence during the trial with a reluctant victim.

Carter was honored for his work with a domestic violence victim who experienced years of constant physical, sexual and emotional abuse.

“The victim stated that she would not have ever had the courage or strength to leave that relationship for the final time without the support and encouragement from Officer Carter,” Tracy said.

Hyde White was honored for her testimony in a December 2023 case where she served as an expert witness in a high-profile sexual abuse case.

“Her testimony was rooted in deep understanding of the complexities of child sexual abuse and the trauma that accompanies it,” Tracy said.

Crespin Cardona, a seventh-grader, was honored for speaking up to a teacher about a classmate when he noticed severe burns on both of her hands.

“Xavi made a great decision to tell a teacher what he had seen, and then he asked the teacher to ensure his classmate was taken to the school nurse to get help. Alerting the teacher allowed school staff to immediately call for help, and his classmate to receive the critical medical care that she required for her open wounds,” Tracy said.

The student’s hands had been burned by a caregiver as form of punishment. After an investigation, the caregiver was criminally charged, later pleading guilty at sentencing.

National Crime Victims’ Week was established in 1981 to challenge the nation to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for all victims of crime. n

Saturday-Sunday April 26-27

Grow with Us

Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury’s Life Plan Community is more than just a place to live; it’s a vibrant lifestyle of connections and growth. Here, you’ll find a strong sense of belonging and a maintenance-free lifestyle that lets you focus on what matters most. As a Life Plan Community, we offer a full continuum of care, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Our new Villa apartments blend modern comfort with nature-inspired design, offering the perfect blend of outdoor beauty and cultural enrichment. With limited availability, now’s the time to plant roots in a community that nurtures lifelong relationships. Reserve your Villa apartment today—where every day blooms with possibility.

Leesburg Celebrates Spring with Flower & Garden Festival April 26-27

Thirty-five years ago, Leesburg’s Department of Parks and Recreation launched a new event to showcase the offering of local landscaping and garden suppliers. Today, the town’s Flower & Garden Festival is Loudoun County’s largest annual event typically attracting 30,000 visitors and locals.

The free festival, which also serves as Loudoun County’s celebration of spring’s arrival, will be held April 26-27.

More than 125 vendors will fill the streets with seasonal blooms, herbs, gardening supplies, outdoor furniture, and more. In addition to those exhibits, festival goers may enjoy music, entertainment and activities for the kids, a rooftop beer garden, and festival food.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, rain or shine. Pets are discouraged.

Portions of King, Market, and Cornwall Streets will be closed for the event, however parking will be available in the Town Hall parking garage using the Loudoun Street entrance. Additional parking will be available throughout downtown and a free shuttle service, from Ida Lee Park, will run continuously throughout the day.

This year’s presenting sponsor is Loudoun Medical Group. Other

sponsors are Loudoun Credit Union, John C. Flood of VA, Charles Schwab, Integrated Wealth Advisors, Power Home Remodeling, Renewal by Andersen, Mountcastle Medical Spa and Laser Center, Kitchen Saver Custom Cabinet Renewal, Brain Treatment Center, Catoctin Veterinary Clinic, Loudoun Now, Wegmans Food Market, Amy Aesthetics and Wellness, Jun Lee Taekwondo, and Washington Gardener. n

FREE TREES

at this year’s

Flower & Garden Festival

On April 26 and 27, the Town of Leesburg Tree Commission invites you to help us replant our community! Located at booth #313 on East Market Street (near the post office), the Tree Commission will be giving away FREE Eastern Redbud and American Sycamore saplings to all attendees, as well as information on on how to properly plant and care for your trees. Be sure to stay close — twice a day, at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., we will be hosting a FREE special raffle where attendees can win one of four mature, potted trees courtesy of Northern Virginia Tree Experts !

Receive a FREE Eastern Redbud sapling!

Receive a FREE American Sycamore sapling!

Scan to learn how to care for your trees: leesburgva.gov/departments/public-works/urban-forestry

Leesburg’s Tree Commission

Established in 1995 , the Leesburg Tree Commission comprises seven members appointed by the Town Council for their interest and knowledge in urban forestry. This commission’s vision is to provide leadership to enhance, expand, and preserve the tree canopy for the benefit of the community.

leesburgva.gov

Arbor Day Celebration

The Town of Leesburg will also be celebrating Arbor Day, as Mayor Kelly Burk receives Leesburg’s 36th Tree City USA Award. The award will be presented by the Virginia Department of Forestry on behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Loudoun County Courthouse stage.

LEESBURG

SINCE 1989

On Stage at the Festival

There is more than bulbs and blooms to see during your visit to downtown Leesburg. The festival features live shows from some of the Loudoun music scene’s most popular performers on two stages.

MAIN STAGE — COURTHOUSE LAWN

Saturday, April 26

10 a.m. Hilary Veltri

Noon David Thong

1:30 p.m. Tree City USA Presentation

2 p.m. Joey Harner

4 p.m. Tejas Singh

Sunday, April 27

10 a.m. Zach Jones

11:45 a.m. Gary Smallwood

1 p.m. Landscape Showcase Award Announcement

1:30 p.m. Meisha Herron

3:15 p.m. Lenny Burridge w/Tim Rumfelt

ROOFTOP BEER GARDEN — TOWN HALL PARKING GARAGE

Saturday, April 26

Noon to 4 p.m. Eric Campbell

Sunday, April 27

Noon to 4 p.m. Rob Hoey

Loudoun Now File Photo

Hilary Veltri returns to open the festival as the first performer on the main stage starting at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Lightfoot Lot

Washington Gardener ............... 1

Gold Star Nursery 2

I See Spain 3

Legacy Farms 4

Nica-Art 5

DAY THREE BATH & BODY 6

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy 7

Snickers Run Garlic Farm 8

Sleepy Hollow Lights 9

J.Potts Design 10

SavATree 11

Eden Earth 12

Audia’s Farm & Nursery 21

Ripasso Barrel Co 22

Mam Jam’s Candle Company 23

Prudence Hill Homestead 24

Farmgirl Garage 25

Out of the Woodwork 26

The Garden Patch 27

Battle Worn Flags 28

West Market Street

Deckscapes of Virginia 100

The Painted Garden 101

Radical Roots Organic Farm 102 CRAFT 103

Loudoun Credit Union........... 104

Riverbend Landscapes & Tree Service 105

Glorious Goblets 106

Loudoun Lighting 107

Blossoming Roots Farm and Supply 108

Loudoun Medical Group 109

Ornametal Welding 110

Birch Tree Bookstore & Foliage Plant Shop 111

La Taqueria 112

LB Concessions .................... 113

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 114

Harvesting History 115

Integrated Wealth Advisors.......116

Calixto Farm 117

Catoctin Veterinary Clinic GP1

South King Street

Tres Trop, LLC 200

Nelsons Creative

Wood Products 201

Forest Mushroom

Growers Association 202

Berrygood Farm LLC 203

Bee’s Wing Farm 204

Peony’s Envy 205

Earth Essentials by Erica 206

Althouse Pottery 207

Hummingbirdology 208

Labella’s Paper Petals 209

Light & Shadow 210

Papa’s Birdhouses 211

King Street Oyster Bar .......... 212

Green Tree Tavern 213

K&S Woodcrafts 214

Plants & What Knot 215

Wood Fired Pottery 216

NoVa Deer Shield 217

Murrell’s Salsa 218

Sinbad Crafts and Plants 219

The Global Local 220

Wind and Fire Chimes 221

Bucks County Flowers + Things 222

GOURMET CREATIONS 223

Loudoun County Master Gardener Association 224

Richs Hand Carved Root Baskets 225

Plants With Purpose Farm 226

East Market Street

Wildwood Landscape LLC 300

NOVA Horticulture Club and Program 301

Parsonage Handmade Soaps 302

ABIJA BLUE 303

Presentability 304

Celestial Bonsai 305

SEVEN BARRELS 306

Little Austria ........................... 307

Succulents2Go 308

DC Lighting Pro 309

Laura’s Raw Honey 310

Support Station 311

Paisano’s Pizza 312

Putnam Hill Nursery 313

Town of Leesburg Tree Commission 314

MAXXDOGGTOYZ 315

Dondero Orchards 316

Starstead Farm 317

WW Farms, Lavender Fields 318

Fowler’s Rollin’ Rotisserie 319

Skrimpshack 320

Blue Ridge Kettle Korn LLC 321

FOOD VENDORS

SPONSORS

FESTIVAL TENTS

LANDSCAPE DISPLAY

By attending the Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival, you are granting the Town of Leesburg permission to use photographic images of you and/or your minor children for marketing purposes.

Lower North King Street

Homeland Contractors 400

Hope Flower Farm and Winery 401

Tote Bag Tent 402

Wagon Tent 403

ONICE 404

The Cottage of Herbs 405

Avant-Garden Pottery 406

NVW Growers 407

Fly Home Birdhouses 408

Acer Acres Japanese Maples 409

Loudoun Now......................... 410

A Farm Less Ordinary 411

John C Flood 412

R&B Crafts 413

Montgomery Shade & Awning Ltd. 414

Greg’s Art & Garden Iron 415

X-treme Products 416

Pollinator Rare Plants 417

Soco Swings 418

Forest Shepherd Farm 419

Charles Schwab 420

J&B Herb and Plant Farm 421

Premium Spas and Billiards 422

For The Birds 423

Cannabreeze Hemp Farm 424

Upper North King Street

Whisper Hill Farm 500

Lammar Marie’s

Gourmet Popcorn 501

Blooming Mountains

Botanical Sanctuary 502

Step by Stepping Stones 503

Sunny Sprouts Greenhouse 504

YummieThaiKitchen 505

Cousins Maine Lobster ......... 506

International Grill Co. 507

Cornwall Street

King of Pops 700

Shenandoah Crafts 600

Mudchurch Pottery 601

Prime Hydroponic 602

Loudoun Awakening 603

Power Home Remodeling ......... 604

518 Farms 605

Bill and Barb’s Crafts 606

Mountcastle Medical Spa & Laser Center 607

HousePlanters 608

Wild & Wonderful

Workshop 609

Renewal By Andersen 610

Got to Get It

Bonsai Trees 611

Goodman LLC | Native Plants & Conservation

Consultancy 612

Brain Treatment Center Ashburn 613

Terrabauble 614

Temalle Limited 615

SS Fragrances 616

Kitchen Saver......................... 617

Frog Music Garden 618

Slates Ornate 619

Isa Kollgaard Artwork 620

Hotplate Trivets By MAC 621

Designs in Glass 622

Alyssa Mae Crafts 623

Bartlett Tree Experts 624

Fire Pit Spice Company 625

ECHO Barkery 626

Leesburg Public Works 627

Post Office Lot

LCVR S NP1

Town of Leesburg

Environmental Advisory Commission NP2

Loudoun County Health Department NP3

Town of LeesburgBoard of Architectural

Review & Historic Preservation Division NP4

Loudoun Volunteer

Caregivers NP5

Loudoun Career

Firefighters Foundation NP6

Embark Center for SelfDirected Education NP7

Friends of Ball’s Bluff Battlefield NP8

Courthouse

American Legion Post 34

Leesburg Police Department

Loudoun Brewing

Bear Chase Brewing Harvest Gap

Lost Barrel

Vanish

Eleven Eleven Fabbioli Cellars

Crooked Run

Children’s Activities on the Green

The Garden Patch family area on the Town Hall green will feature children’s activities during both days of the festival, including arts and crafts, kids’ entertainment, performances by community groups, live music and dancing.

The activities are sponsored by Catoctin Veterinary Clinic. Also providing hands-on activities will be representatives of Headway Church, NOVA Creative Reuse Center Loudoun Museum, and Kiwanis Club of Leesburg.

GARDEN PATCH ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 26

11 a.m. WOW Hour with Zoo-to-You

12 p.m. Interactive games with DJ Squared

12:30 p.m. Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers

1 p.m. Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts

1:30 p.m. Kim’s Tae Kwon Do

2:30 p.m. WOW Hour with the Science Guys

4 p.m. Bella Ballerina

Sunday, April 27

11 a.m. Interactive games with DJ Squared

12 p.m. WOW Hour with Rocknocerous

1:30 p.m. DJ Cici

2:30 p.m. Jun Lee Tae Kwon Do

3:30 p.m. WOW Hour with Earthquest

Load Your Wagon

What’s the best tool to use at the festival? It’s a little red wagon. Some visitors buy by the armful, but most quickly figure out it is better to go with the wagonload. While you can bring your own, the town has its own fleet with some to borrow at the event’s main gazebo at the center of the festival. n

In the (Beer) Garden

While the kids play below in the Garden Patch, adults at the festival can enjoy cold beer and wine on the top level of the Town Hall parking garage.

The rooftop beer garden allows visitors to sample the offerings of some of Loudoun’s favorite craft beverage makers without leaving downtown. This year’s lineup includes Bear Chase Brewing Company, Harvest Gap Brewery, Lost Barrel Brewing, Loudoun Brewing, and Vanish Farmwoods Brewery. Fabbioli Cellars will

be pouring its award-winning wines.

The $17 ticket includes a commemorative festival glass and two drink tickets. Additional tickets are $4.

The beer garden also enjoys its own entertainment stage. Performing Saturday afternoon is Eric Campbell playing hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s from noon to 4 p.m. and Rob Hoey performs hits, deep cuts and sing-alongs from the past 60 years on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. n

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Typically, a trip to the Flower and Garden Festival is a daylong excursion, and Leesburg has plenty of points of interest just beyond the festival area.

Here are a few suggestions:

GET THE APP

The Town of Leesburg’s Tour Leesburg app offers self-guided walking tours of the downtown area.

Currently, the app offers tour of Charming Finds, African American History, Downtown Architectural, Historic Highlights, Public Art Tour, Loudoun County War Memorials, Union Cemetery, and Women’s History.

Each tour has historical photos, maps, images and audio narration of each site.

You can begin a tour at any point of interest, or simply open the app to get directions.

TOUR DODONA MANOR

At the edge of the historic district on East Market Street is the home of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate George C. Marshall, who served as chief of staff of the Army, secretary of state, secretary of defense and president of the American Red Cross.

The George C. Marshall International Center operates Dodona Manor as a historic house museum at 312

E. Market St. The house was home to George and Katherine Marshall from 1941 to 1959. Weekend guided tours provide a full picture of Gen. Marshall’s life—on the international and national stage as well as his local life.

Tours are offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per adult and may be purchased in advance at georgecmarshall.org.

The center also offers a free, self-guided walking tour that explores the architecture and fascinating history of the home. That tour may be viewed at the center’s website.

VISIT THE LOUDOUN MUSEUM

The official repository for Loudoun’s history, the museum works to navigate the county’s evolving future, conserve Loudoun’s diverse and complete history, interpret authentically, and disseminate knowledge of Loudoun’s culture, history, and natural treasures.

Currently, the museum features three special exhibits spotlighting three different eras of Loudoun’s history: Caught in the Maelstrom of Civil War: Loudoun Divided; A Fragile Republic: 1800-1825; and Vintage Pursuits: Cultivating a Virginia Wine Industry.

The Loudoun Museum, located at 16 Loudoun St. SW, is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission. n

Loudoun Now File Photo

Located at the edge of Leesburg’s downtown historic district, Dodona Manor, the home of Gen. George C. Marshall, is open for weekend tours.

Garden Week Showcases Historic Hunt Country Properties

Historic Garden Week is coming to Middleburg this year.

Since 1929, Garden Club members across Virginia have showcased their efforts to conserve lands, preserve historic landscapes, promote the love of gardening and artistic design with statewide tours of historic gardens.

This year’s tour features 29 different tours April 26 through May 3.

Locally, four properties near Middleburg will be open for visitation, hosted by the Fauquier and Loudoun Garden Club and the Leesburg Garden Club.

Ellerslie is a recently renovated property included in the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Gardens in 2020. Benton is the home of a former Garden Club of Virginia President and

included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Also on the tour is The Pond House, a charming property with low wet areas, shady woodlands and open sunny meadows. Also, Little Oak Spring, the former home of Paul and “Bunny” Mellon is open for touring on Thursday and Friday, and requires a separate ticket.

To see the full tour brochure and get tickets, go to gcvirginia.org/historic-garden-week.

Proceeds from the tours support the restoration and preservation of the commonwealth’s historic gardens, provide research fellowships for building comprehensive records of historic gardens and landscapes, and support the mission of the Garden Club of Virginia. n

The gardens of Ellerslie near Middleburg will be open for ticketed tours as part of this year’s Historic Garden Week program.

There

The

The

Purcellville Council Considers Utility Rates

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Purcellville Town Council last week heard from utility advisors what rate increases for water and wastewater users could look like over the next several years depending on several varying factors. Six scenarios were presented.

Director of Finance Elizabeth Krens has told the council that the utility funds need to maintain structural balance, meaning they are self-sustaining. This is a factor considered by credit rating companies.

The town’s utility advisor Stantec Consulting Principal David Hyder said April 9 that the cost of running the town’s utility system is approximately $21.78 per gallon of water and $33.40 per gallon of wastewater.

“If you generate that, that would cover your full cost of running the system,” he said.

However, in fiscal year 2026, the average residential customer will pay $13.20 per 1,000 gallons of water and $24.07 per 1,000 gallons of sewer. High user residential customers, which use an average of 24,000 gallons on a bi-monthly basis, pay $18.83 per 1,000 gallons of water.

“So clearly, we’re not currently covering our costs for residential customers,” Hyder said.

The first rate model was based on the strategy adopted by the prior Town Council to raise rates in line with the de-

mands of the system. Under that plan, the town increased rates 16% for water and 18% for wastewater in fiscal year 2025. Under that model, additional rate increases were planned over the next four years: water rate increases of 16% in FY 2026, 14% in FY 2027, 12% in FY 2028 and 9% in FY 2030 and wastewater rate increases of 22% in FY 2026, 22% in FY 2027, 5% in FY 2028, 5% in FY 2029 and 5% in 2030 were presented.

In that scenario, the average single family bi-monthly water bill would increase by approximately $14.50 year over year until FY 2029 when the increases would lessen to approximately $11.50 a year. The average single family bi-monthly wastewater bill would see increases of $42.37 in FY 2026 and $51.72 in FY 2027. After that, year over year increases would plateau to approximately $15.

The town’s water operating reserve would drop to 75% of the town’s fiscal policy level – which is a year’s worth of operating expenses – in FY 2026. In FY 2027 it would increase back up to 100% and stay steady until FY 2030 when it would drop back to 75%. By FY 2035, the reserve fund would be nearly depleted.

The challenges facing the water fund are driven by the need for new capital projects and by debt service payments, which begin to increase sharply in FY 2029.

The town’s wastewater operating fund reserve, which currently sits at 75%, would drop to nearly 30% of the policy level in FY 2026, and slowly begin to increase

reaching approximately 75% in FY 2029.

Scenario B assumes 50% of the town’s meals tax revenue is transferred from the General Fund to the utility funds, authorized by the Town Council earlier this year, for three years.

Under that, water rates would remain flat for FY 2026 and 2027, but require a 20% increase in FY 2028, a 25% increase in FY 2029 and a 30% in FY 2030. That would keep average water bills steady until FY 2028 when they would increase by $18.24, $27.33 in FY 2029 and $40.99 in FY 2030.

The water operating reserve fund would dip to 75% of the policy level in FY 2026, but increase back up to 100% in FY 2027 and remain mostly steady through FY 2030.

For wastewater, this scenario sees no rate increase in FY 2026, 15% annual increases for FY 2027-2029 and an 8% increase in FY 2030. Average users would see no increase in their bills in FY 2026, but would pay $28.88 more in FY 2027, $33.20 in FY 2028, $38.23 in FY 2029 and $23.39 in FY 2030.

Like the water reserves, the wastewater fund reserves would see a dip in FY 2026 but largely increase back up to 75% of the fiscal policy level beginning in FY 2027.

Scenario C assumes a 50% meals tax transfer continues indefinitely.

Water rates would remain flat for FY 2026 and 2027 and see a 12% increase in FY

UTILITY RATES continues on page 35

Lovettsville Leaders Celebrate Broad Way Streetscape Groundbreaking

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Construction on the long-planned streetscape improvements along East Broad Way in Lovettsville is beginning. Community leaders celebrated the work last week in the council chambers.

Originally scheduled as a groundbreaking ceremony, the event was moved indoors because of inclement weather. However, the rain didn’t dampen spirits as project leaders praised the culmination of years of effort gaining support, funding and design work completed.

AROUND towns

LUCKETTS

DHR Approves Old Carolina Road Historical Marker

The Department of Historic Resources has approved a new historical marker highlighting the role of the Old Carolina Road in Loudoun County as a Native American trade route that extended across Virginia, linking the Potomac River with the Carolinas.

The sign will include reference to travelers who crossed the Potomac River at the nearby Noland’s Ferry, troop movements in the corridor during the Revolutionary War and Civil War, and a May 1776 trip by Thomas Jefferson enroute to Philadelphia to attend the Second Continental Congress and draft the Declaration of Independence.

The roadside marker was sponsored by the Lucketts Ruritan Club and will be placed at the Lucketts Community Center.

MIDDLEBURG

No Mille Miglia Warm Up Planned This Year

A popular happening on Middleburg’s community event schedule is coming off the calendar for 2025.

The town recently learned that the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA event will not be returning in October.

Middleburg first hosted the race in 2019 and the annual event has grown into a town-wide celebration of vintage racers featuring crowds to cheer on the drivers at the starting line and a downtown festival.

The event, which includes time trials for a fleet of race cars around the Virginia countryside over three days, is a precursor to the famed 1000 Miglia race in Italy. Top performers in the warm up secure invitations to participate in the historic race.

While hopeful to continue the partnership, Town Manager Danny Davis said the race organizers are going in a different direction for next year. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Lovettsville councilmembers, town staff, local elected officials, and representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation celebrated the groundbreaking of the town’s East Broad Way streetscape project April 10.

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Middleburg Eyes New Policies to Promote Water Conservation

water bills or have their service shutoff.

Please Consider Joining Us for the 2025-2026 Loudoun County Fellows Program.

To apply or for more information, please visit: www.cslewisinstitute.org/loudoun-county

Tim Bradley

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Email: t.bradley@cslewisinstitute.org

Phone: (301) 325-8565

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

As the region continues to be impacted by severe drought conditions, the Middleburg Town Council is reviewing two proposals aimed at promoting water conservation.

After experiencing drought for much of 2024, conditions in Loudoun County have not improved. The first quarter of the year was the second driest in the past 131 years, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System.

Middleburg is planning to update its emergency water restriction policies and is considering a three-tiered rate structure for water customers.

Last year, Middleburg prohibited outdoor water use from July to September as part of its mandatory conservation program.

Now, town leaders are considering ordinance changes that could impose water rationing during severe droughts. A draft policy would require residential customers to limit use up to 150 gallons per day and require business to reduce water use by 10%. Those who don’t comply with the restrictions could face a doubling of their

Broad Way Streetscape

continued from page 33

“I started my service on the planning commission back in 2017 and this was one of those projects that was on our [Capital Improvement Program],” Mayor Christopher Hornbaker said.

The project includes sidewalks, curb and gutter, storm drainage, a watermain replacement, and nine additional streetlights between Park Place and South Church Street. Hornbaker said the work would help make Lovettsville a walkable community.

The improvements are expected to cost approximately $3.9 million. Half of that was granted to the town from the Loudoun County government at nearly $2 million, with another $1.6 million awarded from the Virginia Department of Transportation, and $278,000 from a pay-as-you-go capital asset replacement grant.

“From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the Town Council, the staff here in Lovettsville and the citizens of Lovettsville, I want to thank the representatives from the county and from the state that have poured millions of dollars into the infrastructure, the safety improvements and the quality of life here for the citizens of Lovettsville.”

Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and Del. Geary Higgins (R-30) said Hornbaker has been a vocal proponent for the town, often

Town Manager Danny Davis said that last year only 40 customers used more than the average of 150 gallons per day.

Davis said he is looking to get public feedback on the proposal with the goal of having an updated conservation plan in time for summer when water use will increase.

Davis’ plan would lower the minimum charge paid by the town’s low-volume users, reduce the bills of average water users, and sharply increase fees paid by high-volume customers. In addition to lowering the bills for most customers, advocates of the proposal said it would promote water conservation.

During an April 10 briefing on the plan, councilmembers said more information was needed about the potential impact on business customers, as well as residents living in apartments that share a water meter and could face higher bills.

Mayor Bridge Littleton said it was unlikely the town could get enough community input before the June 30 deadline to adopt the budget.

Instead, the council agreed to increase water and sewer rates by 3% and to continue study of tiered rate options. n

reaching out for support on the project and others.

“He comes to see me often in Richmond to advocate for the town of Lovettsville. He does a fantastic job,” Perry said.

She praised the improvements as a “quality of life” project that will continue to enhance the town’s amenities.

Higgins said work on the project dated back to when he served on the Board of Supervisors between 2011 and 2019.

“We finally got in the budget with the county in 2018,” he said. “… the wheels of justice grind slow, but see exceedingly fine, as my mom used to say. So, it’s a real pleasure and an honor to be here to see this come to fruition and have this streetscape walkway, sidewalks, put in Lovettsville, because it is a need.”

Higgins also praised Supervisor Caleb Kershner (R-Catoctin) for continuing to support the project after being elected to Higgins’ former board seat.

Kershner’s Chief of Staff Stacy Carey, said, while he could not attend the groundbreaking, he was excited about the project’s advancement.

“Our towns are what makes Loudoun County so unique, and we have so many thriving, wonderful towns and Lovettsville is right at the top of the list,” she said.

Construction on the project is expected to take eight months and impact traffic between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Fridays. n

Utility Rates

continued from page 33

2028, a 20% increase in FY 2029 and a 25% increase in FY 2030. Average users would see a $10.90 increase in FY 2028, $20.39 in FY 2029 and $30.62 in FY 2030.

The wastewater rates would remain steady in FY 2026 and increase by 15% in FY 2027 and 10% in FY 2028 before plateauing at 2.5% year over year increases.

The water reserve fund would see a dip in FY 2026 bringing the levels down to 75% of the policy requirement, but it would increase back to 100% of the policy level in FY 2027.

The wastewater reserve fund dips to nearly 30% of the fiscal policy in FY 2026 but increases back up to nearly 75% of the policy level in FY 2027.

The fourth model assumes that the county government’s planned Western Loudoun Recreation Center west of the town boundary would be connected to the town’s water in FY 2028 using 20,000 gallons of water per day and provide $1.3 million in availability fees. The model also assumes the center will use 1,000 gallons of water per day in FY 2029.

Under that assumption, water rates remain flat until FY 2029 when they increase

by 15%, followed by 25% in FY 2030. Average bills would increase by $13.67 in FY 2029 and $26.17 in FY 2030.

Wastewater rates increase by 10% in FY 2027 and then plateau to annual increases of 3%. Bills would see an increase of $19.25 in FY 2027 and then steady increases of approximately $6.75 a year.

Water reserve funds dip to 75% in FY 2026 but increase back to 100% of the fiscal policy level in FY 27. They drop back down to 75% beginning in FY 2030.

Wastewater reserves drop to nearly 30% of the fiscal policy in FY 2026 and begin increasing year over year reaching 75% of the fiscal policy level in FY 2031.

Scenario E is based on an indefinite 50% meals tax transfer and a consistent 3% rate increase each year. The 3% increase would cause the average single family bi-monthly water bill to increase by approximately $3 a year and the average wastewater bill to increase by $6 a year.

Under that model the water reserve funds would be depleted by FY 2031 and wastewater reserve funds begin steadily declining in FY 2027 and are depleted by FY 2035.

The final scenario is based on an indefinite 50% meals tax transfer, steady 3% rate increases and the assumption that the Western Loudoun Recreation Center will

connect to town utilities.

With that model, water reserves dip to 75% of fiscal policy in FY 2026 but increase back to 100% in FY 2027 to 2029. The reserves fall back to 75% in FY 2030 and are depleted by FY 2032. Wastewater reserves fall to approximately 50% during FY 2026 and increase slightly in FY 2027.

Councilmember Erin Rayner said the models that assumed connection of the recreation center were “inappropriate” because there isn’t enough information to know what connecting it to the town’s system would look like.

“Up until a week or two ago, [the county] had said they were going to be providing their own water,” Director of Engineering Andrea Broshkevitch said. “So, we have not done any modeling yet.”

The town would likely need to develop another well to support the demands of the center, she added.

Rayner also asked what the impact of transferring meals tax revenue from the General Fund revenue to the utility funds would have on the town’s credit ratings.

“As you see it today, do you think our credit rating will be fine?” she asked.

Head of Public Finance at Davenport David Rose said it is important for the recurring revenues to match the recurring expenses faced by the town. Pulling from

one fund to the other on a one-time basis would likely be OK, he said, as long as there was a larger plan in place.

“Historically, you’ve had balanced budgets. You’ve also had ample fund balance reserves,” he said. “To the extent that you use those fund balance reserves as a, if you want to call it a replacement for recurring revenues, that’s not a best practice. Can you do that for a single year and be fine? Probably.”

Rose said it is unlikely that the credit rating agencies would immediately downgrade the town’s rating based on a one-time transfer like the meals tax.

“There are years you may have to use fund balance to balance the budget, but there’s a bigger plan, there’s a longer-term plan, so it’s not black and white. But again, what we don’t want to see is the idea that you rob Peter to pay Paul. That doesn’t get us anywhere,” Rose said.

The models presented by the consultants did not include changes made by the Town Council during Tuesday’s night meeting, which include authorizing a transfer of 100% of the meals tax revenue and reducing water and wastewater rates by 9% and 11% and increase town staff raises from a range of 1% to 3% to a range of 1% to 5%.

Models including those changes will be drafted by the consultants next. n

LIVE MUSIC

RICHARD WALTON

4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 17

Marie de la Fleur, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Leesburg. fleurdecuisine.com

JUSTIN SUEDE

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 17

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

JASON CHARLES MILLER

7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, April 17

Rai’s Rendezvous Kitchen + Bar, 44042 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn. raisrendezvous.com

SHANE HINES

4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 18

Three Creeks Winery, 18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton. 3creekswinery.com

JASON MASI

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 18

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

CARY WIMBISH

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 18

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

SHANE GAMBLE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 18

Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattroboombas.com

DAVE MININBERG

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 18

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

MICHELLE HANNAN

& ONE BLUE NIGHT

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 18

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

MARK CULLINANE

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 18

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

NATE CLENDENEN

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 18

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 37

After First Harvest, Medals Mount for Good Spirit Farm

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

One of Loudoun’s newest wineries celebrated a milestone last month with the bottling of its first vintage with own-grown fruit.

Those white wines mark the next step in the journey of Mike and Luanne Gutermuth, who turned their passion for wine into a new family business, Good Spirit Farm.

Starting in early 2021, they transformed a 42-acre cattle farm near Bluemont into a flower farm and then to an eight-acre vineyard where they cultivated three white and three red grape varieties, including the Argentinian flagship Malbec that is not yet common in Virginia.

Like many winery owners, the Gutermuths’ road to starting a wine business began in the tasting rooms of other vineyards.

“I think that love of Virginia wine and the experience of going to Virginia vineyards throughout the state developed our passion,” said Mike, who retired from the Department of the Navy. “Four or five years before we retired, we started looking for vineyards and wineries, and then we got more experience during that process with what it’s going to take for us to do it.”

When they couldn’t find a suitable turnkey operation to step into, they purchased the Bluemont farm and got to work building it themselves. They planted Pinot

Blanc, Petite Manseng, Albariño, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

Luanne said Loudoun’s collection of small farm wineries and its ecosystem of industry support were important reasons to settle here.

“Clearly the county, the Department of Economic Development and Visit Loudoun they really want to support and make sure that the wineries are successful, and building on that the winery community is really collaborative,” she said. “We’ve benefited quite a bit from being a part of that and learning from other winemakers and consultants who are based in Loudoun. It’s a great place to be.”

“I don’t think we could have done this on our own,” Mike said, also citing the support of resources and expertise from Virginia Tech’s extension service. “There’s a really large community of grape growers, and we get together several times a year and just really pour into the technical detail of growing grapes, climate, pests, sustainability. We really cover a lot, and those are extremely helpful, especially to new grape growers.”

The transition from managing shipbuilding contracts to grape farming has been challenging and rewarding, he said.

“I’ve had some successes and failures along the way. I learned very quickly about weather its influence on agriculture. I learned a lot about bugs and what kinds of things they can do. But there’s no better place for me, and I don’t care whether it’s 90 degrees out or 10 degrees, right out in the vineyard is a wonderful place to be,”

he said.

Although last fall was the first harvest for their home-grown grapes, they already had success with their wine-making.

Working with Nate Walsh and Kent Arendt at Walsh Family Wines, Good Spirit Farm already has medals to display. Their 2023 Albariño won a gold medal during this year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup competition and took the title of Best Albariño in last fall’s 2024 Loudoun Wine Awards, where they also brought home three silver medals.

In addition to creating good wine, the Gutermuths are enjoying their integration into the Bluemont community.

“What’s the most fun, at least for me, is just getting to know our customers, having regulars, and having people who live in this area, who we may not have met, come here and become friends. Then you start building a relationship. In a small way, it’s like building a community, which that’s been very, very rewarding,” Luanne said.

Surrounded by land preserved under conservation easement, the winery overlooks a broad valley and offers particularly noteworthy sunset views.

It is a view not only enjoyed by the winery’s visitors.

“When I can make myself sort of stop and go sit on the deck and look out there, I can say, ‘Yeah, this is good.’ There’s something very grounding about it,” Luanne said.

Good Spirit Farm is located at 35113 Snickersville Turnpike near Bluemont. Learn more a goodspiritfarmva.com. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Mike and Luanne Gutermuth are making award-winning wine and building community at Good Spirit Farm.

BEST BETS

MAMMA MANIA

Friday, April 18, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Enjoy the classic hits of one of pop music's most iconic groups with a tribute captures the essence of ABBA’s unforgettable sound.

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 36

Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

BRUNO SOUND DUO

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 18

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com

TEJAS SINGH

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 18

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com

MAMMA MANIA!

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 18

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25. tallyhotheater.com

DAVE NEMETZ

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 18 Dynasty Brewing, 21140 Ashburn Crossing Dr., Ashburn. dynastybrewing.com

ROBERT MABE BAND

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 18

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

41 NORTH

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, April 18

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankypub.com

DENNIS WAYLAND

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Cana Vineyards, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. canavineyards.com

DISCRETION ADVISED

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

GARY SMALLWOOD

Saturday, April 19, 5:30-8 p.m. Bear Chase Brewery bearchasebrew.com

Spend the evening atop the Blue Ridge with one of Loudoun’s favorites.

LUKE ANDREWS

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com

WEEKEND @ BERNIE’S

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

TODD BROOKS

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Williams Gap Vineyard, 35521 Sexton Farm Lane, Round Hill. williamsgapvineyard.com

DAN GALLAGHER

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19

8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

ZACH JONES

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19

50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com

STEVE AND FRIENDS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

JUSTIN SUEDE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

WAYNE SNOW

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro. notaviva.com

MATT BURRIDGE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

RICHARD WALTON

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwineryhartland.com

DAVID MININBERG

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

CALLER N’ DOC

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

BRYAN WILLIAMS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

SHANE GAMBLE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

PETTY THIEVES

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com

JOHN BENJAMIN

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. twotwistedposts.com

ROOK RICHARDS

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Bluemont Station, 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont. facebook.com/BluemontStationBreweryandWinery

JASON MASI

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

JOEY AND THE WAITRESS BAND

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Barnhouse Brewery, 43271 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg. barnhousebrewery.com

NATE CLENDENEN

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

NATHANIEL DAVIS

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

TEJAS SINGH

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19

The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com

BAD PANDA

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

GARY SMALLWOOD

5:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

JASON TEACH

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

BRITTON JAMES

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com

THE BRUNO SOUND

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com

KELLY BELL BAND

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com

SKRIBE

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 38

continued from page 37

HOMEY DON’T PLAY DAT

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, April 19

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

MATT BURRIDGE

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 20

Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 20

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

DAVID SPARROW

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 20

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

BRITTON JAMES

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 20

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

LINDSAY AUSTIN

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 20

8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

CHRIS HANKS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 20

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

JOSH SOWDER

2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 20

Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie.

oldfarmwineryhartland.com

JUSTIN SUEDE

3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 20

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

WORLD OF CHAOS

7 to 11 p.m. Monday, April 21

Emilio’s Brick Oven Pizza, 22207 Shaw Road, Sterling. emiliosbrickovengourmet.com

LOUDOUN SYMPHONIC WINDS

7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22

Lansdowne Woods Clubhouse, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Lansdowne. lwva.org

JASON MASI

6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 23

The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com

JUST DOUG

5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 24

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

JOEY AND THE WAITRESS BAND

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 24

Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen Leesburg, 1 N. King St., Leesburg. eatatrebellion.com

CHRISTIAN LOPEZ

7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, April 24, Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $30. tallhotheater.com

HAPPENINGS

STORYTIME ON THE FARM

2 to 2:45 p.m. Thursday, April 17

2 to 2:45 p.m. Thursday, April 24

Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. novaparks.org

BRUNCH WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. $25. larkbrewingco.com

COMMUNITY CARES

EASTER EGG HUNT

10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19

South Riding Town Green, 43098 Center St., Chantilly. Free. cbc4me.org

COMMEMORATION OF THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON & CONCORD

11 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 19 Champe Ford Road, Middleburg. virginiasar.org

EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Sterling. $50. shopdullestowncenter.com

ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane,

Hillsboro. $75. breauxvineyards.com

GARDEN & GROUNDS TOUR

1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19

George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor, 312 E. Market St., Leesburg. $10. georgecmarshall.org

PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS SC AT LOUDOUN UNITED FC

4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19

Segra Field, 42095 Loudoun United Drive, Leesburg. loudoununitedfc.com

ENVIRONMENTAL FILM NIGHTWINGS OVER WATER

5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22

Academies of Loudoun, 42075 Loudoun Academy Drive, Leesburg. Free. goosecreek.org

COMPLIMENTARY LINE

DANCING LESSONS

6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 23

Solace Brewing, 42615 Trade West Drive, Sterling. solacebrewing.com

TIL DEATH DO US PARTA NIGHT OF MYSTERY

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 24

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway,

Obituaries

Jill Beach

Jill Beach died on March 22 at home in Waterford, Virginia. She was surrounded in her last weeks by spring flowers and her loving family and friends. Jill was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan to Charles and Marion Predmore. She attended Liggett School and University of Michigan, where she built lifelong friendships among her sorority sisters in Kappa Kappa Gamma. In 1968 she moved to Waterford and married Mark Beach. After his death in 1979, she lived there for another 46 years, where she and her house became a Waterford institution, home to countless good times and lifelong, multi-generational friendships.

Jill lived a life of joy, generosity, and service, spreading light, love and fun to all whose path she crossed, sharing her passion for the arts, nature, music and beauty everywhere. She was a Montessori Teacher, Volunteer Art Teacher, and a literacy tutor. She was a supporter and volunteer for the Waterford Foundation, founding the Waterford Photography Show and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as serving on the Oatlands Board of Directors.

She was an avid reader, gardener and flower arranger, a member of the Waterford and Leesburg Garden Clubs, and Waterford and End of the Road Book Clubs. She was a docent at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, an appreciator and collector of local artists, and helped start the Loudoun School of Light and Loudoun County Fine Arts Council. An avid music enthusiast, she supported the Waterford Concert Series since its founding.

She loved parties, dancing, and travel, and was always looking forward to the next bit of fun and adventure, whether on the back porch, down a dirt road, or across the globe. Most of all she found joy every day, in spring bluebells, the color of the sky, a delicious meal, or spending time with all of us who were lucky to be in her light. She loved with exuberance an brought a room- lifting enthusiasm to everyone in her orbit, from the teller at the bank to her childhood friend, sorority sisters, and lifelong friends in Waterford.

An only child herself, she was endlessly proud of and found great joy in the large family she created, including her beloved children, Dana Storm, Charlie Beach, and Carrie Beach, and their spouses Kevin, Marlena, and Robert; her eight grandchildren, Jordan, Rylee, Henley, Aiden, Siena, Lily, Marian, and Eleanor, three grandsons-in-law Dylan, Jeff, and Tyler, and great granddaughter Conner, as well as five stepchildren, nine step grandchildren and great grandchildren; and Elizabeth, the loving caregiver who became family in her last five years. May her love of the world, her generous spirit, and the joy she found in all things continue to inspire us all. A service is planned in May. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to PBS, NPR, the Waterford Concert Series, or the Waterford Foundation.

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING ROOM, on the first floor of the Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

BOZA-2025-0001

(Hurley – Variance from Ridge Feature Protection Area for a Non-Habitable Accessory Structure)

Patrick Hurley, as Trustee of the Patrick Hurley and Kaitlynn Marie Hurley Living Trust dated December 4, 2024, has submitted an application for a variance for a property approximately 3.23 acres in size and located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Stumptown Road (Route 662), and Waterford Woods Court (Route 1346) in the Catoctin Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as: 14676 Waterford Woods Court, Leesburg, Virginia, PIN: 222-28-1312-000, and Tax Map # /19//23////12/. The applicant seeks a variance from Section 7.01.04.B.4 of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the construction of a shed (a non-habitable accessory structure) within the Ridge Feature Protection area, Section 5.04C, on the Subject Property.

Copies of the application and related documents listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. County staff reports will be made available Wednesday April 23, 2025. Documents may also be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding these matters. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign up in advance. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 no later than 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments may be sent to the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177, or by e-mail to stephanie. capps@loudoun.gov. Members of the public may also submit comments electronically at loudoun. gov/landapplications. If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance in order to participate in the public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning & Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) or, TTY-711. Three business days advance notice is requested.

Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chair Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals

4/17 & 4/24/25

TOWN OF LEESBURG

DEPARTMENT OF UTILITIES NOTICE OF WATER MAIN FLUSHING

The Town of Leesburg will conduct controlled flushing of water mains throughout the Town beginning April 21st through June 2nd , 2025. This preventative maintenance program is essential for maintaining the Town’s high standards of water quality.

Water mains are flushed by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. The flushing cleans out sediment, removes air which may accumulate in the water mains and restores chlorine levels in areas of limited water use.

Water is safe to drink and safe to use during flushing. However, flushing may result in temporary discoloration and sediment in the water. If discoloration or sediment is evident, the Town recommends residents avoid doing laundry until the discoloration subsides. Flushing may also introduce air into the water, which may temporarily cause erratic flow or a milky look. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed.

Some residents and businesses may experience lower than normal pressure during the flushing in their neighborhood. The Town regrets any inconvenience the flushing operation may cause.

Please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075 for further information. For after-hour emergencies, call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500.

Loudoun County Public Schools

Legal Notices

Dulles South Secondary School Attendance Zone Change Process Spring 2025

The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings to facilitate the review of Dulles South area secondary school attendance zones. The current boundaries for Freedom High School/J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, John Champe High School/Mercer Middle School, and Lightridge High School/Willard Middle School will be reviewed in the attendance zone process.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025* 4:30 pm/6:30 pm School Board Attendance Zone Overview

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 6:30 pm School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing & Work Session

Monday, May 5, 2025 6:30 pm

Tuesday, May 20, 2025* 4:30 pm/6:30 pm

Monday, June 2, 2025 6:30 pm

Tuesday, June 10, 2025* 4:30 pm/6:30 pm

*Regular School Board Business Meeting

School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing & Work Session

School Board Review of Secondary School Attendance Zone Recommendations (Information)

School Board Attendance Zone Briefing & Public Hearing

School Board Adoption of Secondary School Attendance Zone Changes (Action Item)

The meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and broadcast live on Comcast channel 18 or 1070 (HD) and Verizon Fios channel 43, as well as viewable via the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.LCPS.org/webcast).

Attendance zone information and data, as it becomes available (including potential attendance zone plans being considered or reviewed by the School Board), will be posted on www.LCPS.org/2025DSBoundary.

Details on how to sign up to speak at an attendance zone public hearing will be provided at www.LCPS.org/citizenparticipation.

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

Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Division of Planning & GIS Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1050 Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 & 6/5/25

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

PLAT-2025-0008

Cascades Marketplace Towns

Mr. Avery Cooper, of Gordon, of Chantilly, VA is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately thirteen (12.762) acres into forty-two (42) lots, and associated easements. The property is located west of Whitfield Place (Route 1796) south of Palisade Parkway (Route 1795), and east of Cascades Parkway (Route 1794). The property is zoned TC (Town Center) under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 019-28-2708-000 in the Algonkian Election District.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http:// www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0008. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Suzanna Brady at Suzanna.Brady@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by April 23, 2025. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO). 3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10 & 4/17/25

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: CL25-1497

Circuit Court of Loudoun County Deborah Vince, Movant/Proponent of Will v.

Unknown Heirs of Mary Ann Morey, et al, Respondents

THE OBJECT of this suit is to probate a copy of the June 6, 2013 Last Will of Mary Ann Morey and qualify an Administrator c.t.a. of the Estate; and

IT APPEARING TO THE COURT by an affidavit filed in accordance with law that the Proponent has made diligent effort to ascertain the identity and whereabouts of unknown parties, and that there are UNKNOWN HEIRS of MARY ANN MOREY, whether residents of Virginia or not; it is therefore

ORDERED, that each of said parties appear on or before 9:00 a.m on May 23, 2025, and do whatever is necessary to protect their interests, including responding to the Order to Show Cause Against Probate entered simultaneously with this Order of Publication.

4/10, 4/17, 4/24 & 5/1/25

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Probate File No.: 19394

Circuit Court of Loudoun County in re: Estate of Jean Smith Brown

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AGAINST DISTRIBUTION

It appearing that a report of the account of Sara Holmes Brown, Executor of the Estate of Jean Smith Brown (the “Estate”), deceased, and a report of the debts and demands against the Estate have been filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Loudoun County, and that more than 6 months have elapsed since the qualification of the Executor before this Court, and further that the Estate is insolvent,

It is ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the Estate of Jean Smith Brown, deceased, do show cause, if any they can, on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., before this Court at its courtroom in Leesburg, Virginia, against payment and delivery of said Estate to the Estate’s creditors, after payment of remaining administrative expenses, in accordance with Va. Code § 64.2-528.

4/10, 4/17/25

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

PLAT-2025-0009

Cascades Marketplace Multi-family Residential

Mr. Avery Cooper, of Gordon, of Chantilly, VA is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately thirteen (12.762) acres into forty-four (44) lots, and associated easements. The property is located west of Whitfield Place (Route 1796) south of Palisade Parkway (Route 1795), and east of Cascades Parkway (Route 1794). The property is zoned TC (Town Center) under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 019-28-2708-000 in the Algonkian Election District.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www. loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0009. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Samantha Swift at Samantha.Swift@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by April 23, 2025. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).

3/20, 3/27, 4/3, 4/10 & 4/17/25

Legal Notices

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLE

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.

YEAR MAKE MODEL VIN STORAGE PHONE NUMBER

UNKN MARINE VENTURE N/A GY10047XD888 AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047165-04-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ivory Green

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a second permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Ivory Green.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

4/3, 4/10, 4/17 & 4/24/25

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ049287

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Anne Monserrat Pena Munoz

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Luis Caballero, Putative Father and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Anne Monserrat Pena Munoz; and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1278.2 and 16.1-281 for Anne Monserrat Pena Munoz.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Luis Caballero, Putative Father and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. (Adjudication) and May 29, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (Disposition).

4/17, 4/24, 5/1 & 5/8/25

4/10 & 4/17/25

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047581

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Haseena Ali

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Mahmood Ali, Putative Father

The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing in child in need of services matter pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-228 and 16.1241 for Haseena Ali

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Mahmood Ali, Putative Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.

3/27, 4/3, 4/10 & 4/17/25

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING QUALIFICATION APPLICATIONS FOR:

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE COURTS COMPLEX PHASE IVCONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT AT RISK SERVICES, RFQu No. 673863 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, May 13, 2025.

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

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

4/17/25

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

PLAT-2025-0062

Fleetwood North – Phase 1

Ms. Angela Rassas, of Toll Mid-Atlantic LP Company of Leesburg, VA is requesting preliminary/ record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately fifty-six (56.15078) acres into fifty (50) lots, associated easements, and right-of-way dedication. The property is located west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), south of the intersection of Evergreen Mills Road and Hartland Drive (Route 616). The property is zoned R-4 (Single Family Residential), under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as MCPI # 244-40-0641-000, 243-10-7419-000, 244-40-6257-000, and 244-30-4062-000 in the Little River Election District.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http:// www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0062. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Eric Blankenship at Eric.Blankenship@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by May 07, 2025. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).

4/3, 4/10., 4/17, 4/24 & 5/1/25

TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE VACANCIES – TOWN COMMITTEES

The Purcellville Town Council will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews for an appointment to fill a vacancy on the

PLANNING COMMISSION

Citizens interested in serving on the Planning Commission or any other committee, commission or board should complete and submit an application along with a letter of interest and resume outlining your qualifications. An online application can be found on the Town’s website at http://purcellvilleva. gov/forms.aspx?FID=78 . You may also pick up an application at Town Hall 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville during normal business hours Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

Information on all the Purcellville committees can be found on the Town’s website. https://www. purcellvilleva.gov/544/Committees-Commissions-Boards

Applications are due by 4:00 PM on Friday, May 2, 2025.

If you have any questions concerning the vacant positions on any committee, commission or board or the appointment process, please do not hesitate to contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk at (540) 751-2333.

4/17 & 4/24/25

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

PLAT-2025-0071

Fleetwood North – Phase II

Ms. Angela Rassas, of Toll Mid-Atlantic LP Company of Leesburg, VA is requesting preliminary plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately fifty-seven (57.2318) acres into one hundred ninety-six (196) lots, associated easements, and right-of-way dedication. The property is located west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), south of the intersection of Evergreen Mills Road and Hartland Drive (Route 616). The property is zoned R-4 (Single Family Residential), under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as MCPI # 24310-7274-000, 243-10-7419-000, 201-45-1579-000, 244-40-6257-000, 244-30-4062-000, and 244-400641-000 in the Little River Election District.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www. loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0071. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Eric Blankenship at Eric.Blankenship@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by May 21, 2025. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO). 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, & 5/1525

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Opinion

Unprecedented Approaches

The Purcellville Town Council’s four-member majority bloc certainly is taking an unprecedented approach to its budget work this year.

During last week’s session, council majority initiated the closure of the police department, shifted all the anticipated meals tax revenue out of the General Fund, and lowered utility rates amid longstanding recommendations to raise them significantly.

In the context of Purcellville’s current political environment, those actions of fiscal folly are not shocking. But the route taken by the majority to arrive at them should be a concern for all residents.

Each of the decisions represents a major policy shift.

The town’s municipal law enforcement service dates back more than a century. Transferring the meals tax money out of the General Fund increases the town’s dependence on real estate taxes to pay for its operations. Lowering utility rates, even if possible for a single year, will only exacerbate the longterm funding shortfall that has been well documented.

The most troubling part of these decisions was that opinions and recommendations of public, administrators, professional advisors, and the councilmembers outside the majority bloc were excluded entirely.

None of the three proposals was unveiled until after

Worth It

Editor:

Eliminating the Purcellville Police Department makes no logical or financial sense for the people of Purcellville. The department costs $3.2 million annually and serves around 9,000 residents. That means that the Purcellville Police Department costs each resident less than $400 per year. I’m confident that the vast majority of Purcellville residents would happily pay $400 a year to retain our police department.

Even worse, eliminating the police department won’t even save Purcellville residents that $400 a year. The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office will simply request increased funding in order to hire more officers to cover their increased responsibilities in Purcellville. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will almost certainly approve that reasonable request in the interest of public safety. But there’s no guarantee the Sheriff ’s Office will actually dedicate all of these new resources to stationing sheriffs in Purcellville.

In theory, the Purcellville Town Council’s decision to eliminate the police department would save each town resident less than $400 a year. In reality, Purcellville residents likely won’t save

the council held its legally required public hearing on the proposed budget. Just moments after that hearing closed, the council majority in effect rolled out an entirely new budget without providing residents an opportunity to weigh in. And it wasn’t until the next night that the town’s financial advisors were invited to present their recommendations, and even then, the impact of rate reductions amid the utility system’s growing needs was not fully known.

Since taking office in January, Purcellville’s council majority has been consistently criticized for enacting policies hatched outside of public view and for excluding minority members from deliberations.

While they have dismissed such criticism as sour grapes from those on the losing side of the town election, an unprecedented approach by another group of municipal leaders paints a different picture.

Action by the mayors serving together as the Coalition of Loudoun Towns to formally censure Purcellville’s representative is intended to send a clear signal that such conduct should not be tolerated in any jurisdiction. That rebuke is coming from a group of municipal leaders formed to help build better governments through collaboration and shared best practices.

Purcellville in on an entirely different course from that.

LETTERS to the Editor

any money at all. All or most of the $400 saved in town taxes will instead be paid in county taxes to hire more deputies who can be stationed anywhere in the county. I believe that it is a much better idea to pay that $400 a year in taxes to support the Purcellville Police Department and hire officers whose sole focus will be on serving and protecting the Town of Purcellville.

— Patrick Hickey, Purcellville

Do Right

Editor:

I am writing in support of renaming Frances Hazel Reid Elementary School and Mercer Middle School.

Naming a school after someone is a way of honoring them, and we should stop honoring individuals who have actively worked to harm Black, indigenous, and people of color people in Loudoun. Although most people would be horrified if a school was named John Wilkes Boothe High School, too many people are willing to look the other way about schools being named after people who supported slavery/segregation.

Loudoun was one of the last public school districts in the country to desegregate. Erecting monuments to confederate leaders and naming places after slavers and segregationists was meant

to send a very intentional message. In more recent times, some of the naming may have been done out of ignorance, but the underlying impact is still there Francis Hazel Reid was a co-founder of the local chapter of Daughters of the Confederacy, an organization devoted to promoting the myth that the confederacy was just and heroic, and to downplay the fact that the civil war was fought over slavery.

Charles Fenton Mercer, a Loudoun County congressman, was a plantation and slave owner.

Numerous Black people in Loudoun have come forward to say that they do not feel that their children should have to attend schools named after people that enslaved their ancestors. The fact that it does not bother some people, does not mean that their concerns are not valid.

Some people are claiming that renaming the schools “erases” history. Honestly, I can’t help but roll my eyes a bit at this claim. Fortunately, few people learn about history solely through the name of a school.

The cost to rename schools is often cited by opponents. First, we can avoid this cost in the future by not naming

Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun and Ashburn, and distributed for pickup throughout the county. Online, Loudoun Now provides daily community news coverage to an audience of more than 100,000 unique monthly visitors.

— By Chip Beck, beckchip@aol.com

34.9% No, it is good policy

31.8% Yes, it is bad policy

27.2% Yes, they will raise costs to my family

4.9% I'm not sure

your views at loudounnow.com/polls Are you worried about the impact of the new federal tariff policies?

LETTERS to the Editor

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schools after people. Nobody is asking to rename Cardinal Ridge ES. Second, the total cost per person is not that much. The estimated cost presented to rename all 10 schools in question comes out to under $5 per person in Loudoun.

Some have said that the money could be spent on better things. There is a legitimate argument that this change is performative and that money would be better spent in ways that address systemic inequalities in our school. When this argument comes from people that are genuinely interested in addressing racial inequalities, it is worth considering. However, too often this argument is brought up as a false dichotomy by people who have no interest in actually addressing these inequalities.

The truth is, if we choose to, we can change the names of the schools AND make changes that address systemic inequalities. If we are willing to commit the resources for both, we don’t have to make that choice.

Dr. Martin Luther King wrote, “the time is always ripe to do right.” Loudoun has a chance right now to do the right thing and I very much hope that we will. — Amanda Bean, South Riding

1.2% No, it won't affect my family

My First 100 Days

BY REP. SUHAS SUBRAMANYAM

It has been more than 100 days since I was sworn in to represent us in Congress. These have been some of the most challenging days our community has faced in recent history.

Tens of thousands of federal workers, contractors, and veterans have been fired despite doing critical work for our country and maintaining exemplary work records.

Others have been hurt by cuts to the Social Security Administration and other essential programs, and economic policies like tariffs and potential Medicaid cuts are raising costs and damaging our economy even further.

Many constituents reached out to my office with their stories. Our team has answered more than 5,000 calls, responded to 18,000 letters and emails, and held several in-person town halls across the community. We also opened regional offices and held dozens of office hours to listen to people and help them resolve their issues with federal agencies.

We found that when people spoke up and shared their stories publicly and in the halls of Congress, we saw results.

One person who attended my town hall in Leesburg stepped down from her job in nuclear safety after being told

that many of the nuclear safety inspectors — who keep our country’s nuclear arsenal safe — were going to be fired. Once we put pressure on the administration about the dire threats these firings caused to our national security, many of those inspectors were rehired.

Our team has used every means possible to share these stories and advocate for us in Washington. I frequently spoke on the House floor about how policies proposed and voted on in Washington were impacting our community. I even received the John Lewis Award, which is given to the representatives who deliver the most floor speeches.

I championed more than 80 bills (nearly half of which are bipartisan), signed on to 67 letters to the administration, and launched more than 150 inquiries in my role on the Oversight and Accountability Committee and as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs.

My constituents have been involved all along the way. Many of my initiatives are the result of feedback and suggestions I received from the community. During one hearing on the Signal scandal, a constituent with a national security background sent me critical questions to ask the witnesses. In another hearing on the DOGE initiative, I read out emails from federal workers who were fired despite having exemplary performance records of saving taxpayers’ money.

It has been a busy first 100 days, and there is so much more to do. We need to lower costs, protect small businesses, stop the blanket firings of federal workers and contractors, and protect benefits and programs that help seniors, veterans, working families, and kids.

Regardless of your background or personal politics, I will continue to listen to your stories in our community and demand accountability from our leaders in Washington.

We need an America where we come together to solve problems. Where we innovate technologies to cure diseases and explore new frontiers. Where we lower prices for working families on essential needs, from childcare to housing to education. A country where we ensure seniors’ retirement benefits are protected and that the costs of prescription drugs are affordable.

The most powerful role in any democracy is the role of citizens to stand up for what matters to them. The most powerful voice in government is yours. Thank you to everyone who has worked with my office, and I am looking forward to serving you for the next 100 days and beyond. n

Rep. Suhas Subramanyam represents Virginia’s 10th Congressional District and was elected to the seat on Nov. 5, 2024. He lives in Ashburn with his wife and two daughters.

Purcellville Police

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department until he was recently fired, said eliminating the department would save the town more than $3 million a year.

In a letter released to town residents Thursday, Bertaut said the council had cast a “thoughtful and forward-looking vote.”

“In transitioning policing responsibilities to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Department, we are taking a step grounded in common sense, fiscal responsibility, and a deep commitment to preserving what makes Purcellville special. We are not sacrificing safety—we are strengthening it. We are not turning away from our values—we are affirming them,” according to the letter.

He said that residents are paying twice for law enforcement – once for the town’s department and once for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.

“This redundancy is not sustainable, especially when the landscape of law enforcement is rapidly changing and increasingly competitive. For every officer we hire, another departs for larger agencies like Leesburg or the Counties of Loudoun and Fairfax. This revolving door has made it nearly impossible to maintain the fully staffed, robust department that our residents deserve,” Bertaut stated.

He praised Sheriff Mike Chapman’s office and said as a result of eliminating the Police Department the council would be able to lower water and wastewater rates by 9% and 11% and adopt an equalized real estate tax rate.

“We will continue to be one of the safest towns in Virginia—not in spite of this change, but because of it,” he stated.

Lombraña said she had not known of the council’s decision beforehand and released a statement Wednesday expressing her “disappointment and disbelief” of the action.

“Our officers are committed to providing the best service to members of the Purcellville community. We are here to answer the call for help when you dial 911, and we are here to help you in your time of need. We appreciate your continued support, and we pledge to do our very best despite these challenging times,” she stated.

During the April 8 council meeting Bertaut said the Town Manager Kwasi Fraser had been in discussion with Chapman and said following a budget meeting Wednesday night that the town was looking to reposition its officers with the Sheriff’s Office.

“In the coming weeks, we will work closely with Sheriff Chapman and his team

to ensure a smooth and seamless transition,” he wrote in the Thursday letter.

But Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tom Julia said the Sheriff’s Office could not guarantee job transfers for the town’s officers, adding that they could not “simply transition” from one department to another without going through the proper process. He said Bertaut’s statement was “premature.”

“We don't have a position for or against it. What we want to know is that there is community support for this...There is a whole range of issues that have to be discussed and vetted frankly, in the media and in the public. We're ways from that.”

— Tom Julia (Sheriff's Office Spokesperson)

“You can short circuit it, but you can’t just change uniforms,” Julia said. “…If we chose to supplement deputies and be compensated somehow, through the budget or through the town, we would still need to run thorough the normal process.”

Julia said there are also a range of issues that have not begun to be addressed yet including whether the residents of Purcellville support the department’s abolishment.

“We don’t have a position for or against it,” Julia said. “What we want to know is that there is community support for this. … There is a whole range of issues that have to be discussed and vetted frankly, in the media and in the public. We’re a ways from that.”

Julia said that Chapman believed the process could take one to two years to complete and added that there has been no public hearing on whether to move forward with eliminating the department or public conversations on what the proper procedure legally is.

He said that they had had no discussions on what the expectation from the town and the residents on the kind of services the Sheriff’s Office would provide. Sheriff’s deputies provide law enforcement to the entire county but do not typically pro-

vide many of the services that Purcellville residents are used to receiving from their department, Julia said. Those include initiatives like the homework club at BetterALife, Kickball with a Cop and bike safety day. The Purcellville Police Department also provides service during the town’s 4th of July and Christmas parades.

“They are going to lose some services. Are they OK with that?” Julia said.

If the Sheriff’s Office is expected to provide those services, it would need to be compensated in some way, he added.

“Is the expectation that we’re going to do what we do for everyone else in the county? Or is there expectation that we will do more, and if so, who will pay for that?” he said.

Councilmembers Erin Rayner, Caleb Stought and Kevin Wright also released a joint statement Thursday night condemning the action and saying that key stakeholders should have been consulted.

“The Mayor’s assertion that our safety will not be impacted by the loss of our town-funded police department is, at best, fictional and, at worst, an outright lie,” according to the statement. “Numerous studies demonstrate the positive impact a small-town police department has on its community. Even Vice Mayor Nett, who supports this action, stated during his campaign that the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) cannot provide the same level of coverage as the Purcellville Police Department.”

Residents have also been working for the past two weeks on petitions to have Bertaut, Nett, Khalil and Councilmember Carol Luke recalled. Initiative leader Brian Morgan told Loudoun Now in an email that they had seen a spike in support following Tuesday’s meeting.

“We continue to hear when gathering petition signatures that residents are not happy with the uncompromising method the Council majority is using to accomplish their agenda,” he stated in an April 8 email. “All are upset with the conflicts of interest and publicly reported behavior of CM Ben Nett, and many tell us they feel the community has been lied to during the campaign season and it has continued since the Mayor and his majority have been in power.”

Following the April 8 action, the Coalition of Loudoun Towns, a coordinating council comprised of the mayors of Loudoun’s seven towns, on April 10 took the unprecedented action of suspending Bertaut from participation in its activities, citing ethical concerns over his conduct since taking office Jan. 1.

“Accountability, integrity, transparency,

and compliance with the law are cornerstones of public service. Mayor Bertaut’s conduct in recent months has not lived up to these legal and ethical standards,” according to an announcement from the coalition.

The organization cited breaches of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, conflict of interest statutes, open meeting laws, public meetings and voting requirements as the reason for the suspension.

“COLT believes strongly in the oath we all take to uphold the rule of law and ethical leadership across all Loudoun County municipalities, and to act without favor or retribution. It is important to note that this action is not being taken based on the substance of policy decisions of the Town of Purcellville, but on the process and manner by which Mayor Bertaut and others are pursuing those policies,” according to the April 10 announcement.

In a same-day email response, Bertaut said he believes in COLT’s mission to bring together mayors who are committed to transparent leadership.

“It is precisely because I hold that mission in such high regard that I must address your decision to suspend my membership, and the allegations behind it, with clarity and conviction,” according to the email. “The accusations made—violations of FOIA, lack of transparency, retribution, and exclusion—are serious. But I must respectfully ask: where is the evidence? Not speculation. Not social media posts. Not narratives shaped by those unwilling to accept the results of a lawful election. If there are facts—credible, documented facts— then present them. I welcome that conversation. But in the absence of such evidence, this decision feels more like a judgment shaped by political undercurrents than by truth.”

He said COLT members should “trust but verify” the accusations made and ask for facts before repeating them.

He said the challenge facing the town is fiscal sustainability and that the council, under his leadership, has acted decisively and laid out a “bold and actionable” strategy to stabilize the town’s finances. He said that the Town Council minority has not offered any sustainable alternatives to what the majority has proposed aside from raising utility rates.

“That is not a strategy; that is a retreat from responsibility. Leadership requires more than rhetoric—it demands vision, courage, and accountability. We are doing the hard work. We are making the tough calls. And we are doing it with integrity,” he stated. n

A Loudoun Moment

White's Ferry

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Holdings, offered to donate the ferry operation to Montgomery County in hopes of advancing plans to restart the service.

In a statement, the company said it was surprised to learn in Elrich’s April 11 announcement that the donation was not being accepted.

“JKLH was very surprised and disappointed to learn that Montgomery County has decided against accepting its long-standing offer to donate the White’s Ferry business operation and equipment,” according to the statement. “The donation had been accepted verbally, and plans were moving forward—to the point that ferry staff were given generous severance packages and introduced to the county for potential re-employment. The whole goal in offering to donate the operation to Montgomery County last April was to get it open in the most expeditious manner possible.”

The company said it never requested payment or held an expectation of receiving taxpayer funds for the project.

“At this point, JKLH is reviewing the proposal, and speaking again with Montgomery County and Loudoun County officials and Rockland Farm. Despite this

major setback, JKLH remains committed to finding a resolution that will get the crossing open as soon as possible, but the hurdles are now much higher as zoning regulations on the Virginia side have recently changed,” the company stated.

Devlin said her family is continuing to work with Montgomery County leaders to re-start the ferry.

“There have been many variations of different scenarios that myself and others have come up with to get a ferry service restarted. At one time, I even found two different operators ready to step in and operate the ferry and pay both sides a fair percar fee. However, because of one thing or another, none of these scenarios have come to fruition,” Devlin said.

She said an agreement reached in 2023 included a plan to resume ferry operations in 2024. “For various reasons Montgomery County was not able to conclude that arrangement,” she said.

Devlin said Maryland’s financial incentive may help in reaching a new deal.

“Rockland Farm is grateful to the town of Poolesville and the State of Maryland for coming forth with this incentive to restart ferry services. We also thank Montgomery County for facilitating this arrangement and for their offer of continued assistance to resolve the matter. Given this new incentive, I am hopeful that we will come up

with a fair arrangement which gets a ferry running as soon as possible,” she said.

Even with the significant cash offer, Elrich said significant hurdles remain. In his letter, he highlighted concerns that new Loudoun County zoning regulations that will make improvement along the river more difficult to implement and about the continued private ownership of the Maryland landing.

“Along the way, each of you has engaged with us to work toward a resolution; however, none of the potential deals we proposed were sufficient to restart the ferry,” Elrich wrote. “With Rockland Farm, LLC, a framework to publicly compensate Rockland for the use of the ferry landing was advanced, but we now understand that Virginia’s land use/zoning regulations will likely prevent this from moving forward without significant and lengthy efforts to modify them. Potomac Crossing, LLC offered to donate the ferry equipment but not the land needed for access and operations. Additional public compensation was sought for the land, pushing the cost of restoring the ferry even higher to a point that was not feasible for our taxpayers to shoulder.

“Given our limited resources and lack of authority to act beyond our boundaries, nothing more is to be gained by Montgomery County pursuing a resolution with

each of you independently. I am proposing a financial incentive for the two of you to work together to get the ferry running again as a final measure to resolve this matter,” he wrote.

Opened in January 1782 as Conrad’s Ferry, the ferry connected Loudoun with Montgomery County via a 300-yard cable stretched across the river. It was originally used by Virginia farmers to travel to markets in Maryland and Washington, DC. Following the Civil War, Confederate Colonel Elijah V. White purchased the ferry and renamed the service after his family and the ferry boat after Confederate General Jubal Anderson Early.

In 1946, R. Edwin Brown and a few other investors acquired the ferry. Brown died in 2020, and his family sold the operation to Kuhn in 2021 after the legal dispute prompted its closure.

The ferry carried up to 24 cars at a time. When last it ran, ferry tickets were $5 one way and $8 roundtrip for cars, $3 one way for motorcycles, $2 for bikes and $1 for pedestrians. It was the only Potomac River crossing between the American Legion Bridge and Point of Rocks and carried nearly 800 people a day across the river.

Today, travellers making the same journey travel north and cross the Potomac River at the Point of Rocks bridge—a 50mile detour. n

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

A cyclist rides into the sunset along Morrisville Road in western Loudoun County.

Photo by Douglas Graham