A Day on Capitol Hill with Rep. Suhas Subramanyam
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
With the focus on President Donald J. Trump’s deadline for Congress to complete work on his keystone “big, beautiful bill,” national attention has been focused on Capitol Hill. But legislators have much more on their daily dockets, as evidenced during a day last week spent shadowing the county’s congressman, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10).
The day started off with a 9 a.m. interview with C-SPAN, recorded in the Capitol building rotunda, where the anchors asked Subramanyam about recent U.S. attacks on Iran and President Donald J. Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
During that interview Subramanyam raised concerns that Congress had not yet received a full intelligence briefing about the attacks.
CONSTITUENT MEETINGS
Subramanyam spent much of the day meeting with constituents who were asking for support to pass various pieces of legislation.
The first of those meetings was with a
group of fallen firefighters’ families and advocates including representatives from Loudoun Career Firefighters Association IAFF Local 3756. The group was advocating the expansion of the Public Safety Officers Benefits program, which provides death and education benefits to survivors of fallen first responders. Currently, if a first responder dies from cancer, that does not automatically qualify the family to receive benefits from that program.
“We can die in a burning building and get covered by [PSOB] but we can die by cancer, which is the number one killer of firefighters, and not get covered,” IAFF Local 3756 PAC Chair Jeremy Mader said.
Mader said at the state level, cancer is often included as a qualifier for other benefits. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would help ensure that is the case for firefighters everywhere in the country.
Widows also shared stories of how their husbands were diagnosed with cancer after a career of firefighting and the impacts on their families.
“Even with extreme treatment, he went
SUBRAMANYAM continues on page 30
Bertaut Schedules Purcellville Council Strategic Retreat, Spurs Controversy
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Purcellville Mayor Christopher Bertaut has scheduled the Town Council’s long-awaited strategic retreat – but councilmembers told Loudoun Now that only members of Bertaut’s majority coalition will be attending.
Since taking office in January, all councilmembers have highlighted the importance of a retreat to develop a directional plan for the town over the coming years. Councilmember Erin Rayner had made multiple requests for a strategic work session prior to adopting the fiscal year 2026 budget. Efforts to establish a joint vision have been marred by the consistent 4-3 split in council votes on nearly every issue.
It appears that continues with the planning for the retreat itself.
Rayner said that Bertaut has scheduled the retreat for Saturday, July 19 despite knowing for months that she and Councilmember Kevin Wright would be out of town that weekend. The date also coincides with the town’s Wine and Food festival, scheduled from 2 to 8 p.m. Coun-
cilmember Caleb Stought said he had booked a table at the event prior to learning of the scheduling.
Stought said during a discussion last week with Bertaut that the mayor proposed Rayner attend the seven-hour meeting remotely and that the council should hold the strategic session as soon as possible. He said the strategic session should be a priority for the councilmembers.
Stought also said that having the meeting without two or three councilmembers would undermine the goals of a strategic planning session.
Bertaut said it was not ideal that Rayner and Wright would not be able to attend but that the council risked losing momentum if the session was delayed.
“There’s no point of me going if Erin and Kevin can’t make it. It’s just a farse,” Sought told Loudoun Now
In a June 27 email to Bertaut, Rayner noted that the session had already been moved to accommodate another councilmember’s scheduling conflicts.
“Yet the July 19 date is now moving forward even though three members are unavailable. The inconsistency is deeply concerning,” she wrote.
She said the goal of the session is to “engage in comprehensive, collaborative discussion about the future of our town” adding that all seven members should be present.
“Proceeding with the meeting despite known absences undermines that shared commitment and risks eroding the trust and cohesion necessary for effective governance,” she stated.
Rayner told Loudoun Now that Bertaut has known for years that she travels to Canada during July and called scheduling the meeting while she and Wright could not attend “unethical.”
“It just shows how he is not willing to be a team player and work with us,” she said.
In Tuesday email to Loudoun Now Bertaut said that the strategic session should be “a key commitment” of the councilmembers.
“Strategic Planning is a priority for this Town Council and take precedence over annual recreational events and vacations,” he stated, adding that remote participation will be available.
“Of the three Town Council members who ‘may not’ be present, one can
certainly attend remotely. A second Council Member needs to recognize that a Wine and Food festival whose hours overlap with the Strategic Planning Session by only a single hour does not represent a credible excuse for not participating as a productive member of the governing body of this town,” he stated.
Bertaut said the strategic session will continue the work began by the council when it adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget last month.
“Purcellville’s Town Council last met to go over the Strategic Plan in December, 2023,” he stated. “Review of the Plan on at least an annual basis is a key requirement for the town’s elected officials to follow through on their commitments to the town’s residents and businesses since the Plan articulates the basis for Town Council actions and helps guide those elected to public office with a view toward achieving their long-term goals and objectives. I anticipate additional Strategic Planning sessions during the remainder of this calendar year to build in additional details to our goals and objectives.” n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) stands in front of the U.S. Capitol building June 25.
Plans for Affordable Rental Unit Complex Near Dulles Advance
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Plans for an apartment complex with 100% of the units designated as affordable rental units are advancing as a county Planning Commission public hearing on the application garnered no public speakers last week.
The application would rezone 3.51 acres from Industrial Park to Planned Unit Development to the northeast of Dulles Airport and permit up to 325 multifamily attached units. No housing units are currently in that area, but it is adjacent to the already approved Waterside development and just north of the planned Rivana development.
The proposal includes a second scenario with the apartments available at market-rate prices, but Curata Land Use Planner Ben Wales said that the land is under contract with Fairfield Residential for affordable housing, but the market-rate option is a fallback if something unexpected were to occur, such as if Low-Income Housing Tax Credit funding were to be rolled back.
In the market rate scenario, 24 to 33 of the units would be provided as affordable housing units. The 100% affordable unit
Letourneau
continued from page 4
when he stepped into the position, was the opening of the Silver Line in 2022.
“There were a lot of relatively small but significant issues that existed,” he said.
Those included the fact that the rail was built by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority but needed to be transferred to Metro.
“I’d like to think, as the board member that was the most impacted by this, I played a role in bringing both parties to the table for productive sessions of how to resolve these issues,” Letourneau said. “… I was sort of facilitating between the local governments that were a partner in the project, like Loudoun County and Fairfax County, Metro and the airports authority, and so I did a lot of work behind the scenes to try to get that to fruition.”
During his time with the organization and as chair of Metro’s Finance and Capital Committee, the board also made changes to its fare structures and funding formulas, enhanced security and worked to reduce fare evasion, bringing those incidents down by over 80%.
Now Metro has seen 49 straight months of increased ridership and crime is at a seven-year low.
“We had a peak and an off peak [fare structure.] We don’t have that anymore.
scenario would provide the apartments for households at or below 60% of the area median income.
County planning staff members said they had several concerns with the application including that the primary access to the development would be from Dulles Plaza.
“The applicant proposed vehicle access on Dulles Plaza that will result in queues spilling onto public road networks blocking access to adjacent properties,” Project
There’s just one fare structure. We went to the flat fare on nights and weekends. We instituted the Lift program, which is a 50% discount for SNAP beneficiaries, and then we started really cracking down on fare evasion. We installed about $30 million worth of new fare gates, which sounds like a lot, but we’re actually seeing that much revenue coming back in because our rate of fare evasion is in the 10 to 15% range, as opposed to the 50-plus percent range where it was,” Letourneau said.
Letourneau said he’s proud of what he’s accomplished on the Metro board and since the board members typically rotate every two to four years, it’s time to move on. Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn will take his place.
“Truthfully, I’ve spent a lot of time on this over the last five years and it will be definitely a little bit of relief. There was a couple of things I wanted to get done before I left the board. One of them was I wanted to get Randy Clarke a contract extension, which we did, so he’s locked into place, and that team I think will be there. Then we wanted to get through this budget process and sort of institute the kind of the final pieces of some of these big changes that we were making which we did earlier this year. So it was kind of time,” Letourneau said.
“I just felt like I sort of did what I came to do, and hopefully the organization is better off now than it was,” he said. n
Manager Darby Metcalf said.
Staff from the Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure said wait times for motorists at the intersection could be up to seven minutes.
“The delay also creates a major safety concern from our perspective. … At that point [of seven minutes] you start to expect people to say, ‘OK, there may not be a gap in traffic that I would normally wait for, but this might be my only chance, let me cut out.’ And then you’re risking those
sideswipe type, or angle type collisions from somebody making a move when they really don’t have the space to enter traffic,” DTCI Program Manager Marie Pham said.
Wales said that concern would only be a reality if Shaw Road is extended to Innovation Drive and when development begins at Waterside. Once Shaw Road is extended, drivers will have a variety of other options to avoid the traffic, he said.
Commissioners asked about what the Comprehensive Plan envisions for that area of the county
“What do you think is happening here so we can frame our thinking on this?”
Commissioner Robin-Eve Jasper (Little River) said.
Metcalf said the site is designated as an urban transit center area.
“[That would be a] block grid [design], predominately residential with a blend of nonresidential as well, use mixes and favoring residential as it further extends beyond the Metro stop,” he said.
“We hope that this will set a standard and facilitate and encourage other development in this location,” Wales added.
Commissioners also expressed concern over the transportation issues, which will be addressed at work session with the applications and county staff in September. n
Loudoun County
An application known as The Residences at Dulles Plaza would permit up to 325 apartments near the Waterside and Rivana developments.
Leesburg Loudoun Cub Scouts Experience the Outdoors
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Cub Scouts from 15 Loudoun District packs gathered at Murray Hill near Leesburg last week for five days filled with summer camp of activities, crafts and sports.
Camp Director Shannon Klee said this year’s day camp saw 122 kids sign up. Parents and older scouts volunteer to keep the camp running year after year, she said.
Cubs moved between five stations with different activities at each one – crafts, scout activities, first aid, and range and target.
This year’s first aid station included CPR dummies borrowed from Park View High School to simulate real life experiences for the kids and the range and target stations included archery, BB guns and slingshots.
Some of the scout activities this week included hiking and fishing, as well as gaga ball, played in a homemade court by cubs a few years ago.
Loudoun District Day Camp runs two camps simultaneously Klee said with day camps from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and twilight camp from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. n
Town Council Approves Rooftop Uses for Hotel Burg
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
The Leesburg Town Council last week approved a special exception application granting Hotel Burg permission to expand the use of its rooftop patio, including a food prep area and bathrooms.
In November, the council approved a Zoning Ordinance change allowing developers to make special exception requests for additional uses in mechanical penthouse areas without the need for Planning Commission review. Hotel developer Kevin Ash asked for the change to bring handicap-accessible bathrooms to the roof.
He came before the council June 24 to do just that. The approval came with a list of conditions, including that the area would not have live amplified music at any time. Ash said he intends for the rooftop to have “background music.” The permit also limits the rooftop’s hours of operation to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“I do have 16 guests staying in the floor level down below, so noise is a consideration of operating the entire property,”
Ash said.
During the public comment section, Suzanne Larkins told the council the proj-
ect was becoming a “nuisance” and criticized town leaders for changing the rules to accommodate the developer.
“If the applicant cannot meet the parking requirements with the massive scale of the project, Town Council changed the law. If the applicant cannot meet the project’s buffer requirements due to overdevelopment of the lot, staff approved an exception,” she said. “One has to ask, is the town of Leesburg for sale?”
Councilmember Neil Steinberg said he was fully in support of the penthouse uses but took issue with what seemed like changes regarding the limitations on rooftop noise.
“It seems to me, there is a change that has come as a bit of a surprise,” Steinberg said. “It seems to me, we don’t have all of the details that would satisfy us and at least the residents and myself. … Without something more concrete regarding the noise, I have trouble supporting the overall project.”
The special exception was approved on a 5-1-1 vote with Steinberg opposed and Mayor Kelly Burk absent. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Cub Scouts try their hands at archery during the Loudoun District’s day camp program last week.
William Timme/Loudoun Now
The Hotel Burg, located at 208 S. King St. in Leesburg.
Celebrating Local Authors
More than two dozen local authors gathered at the Lansdowne Woods clubhouse Saturday afternoon to participate in the annual Literary Festival. The program allowed visitors to meet the authors and purchase their books and also featured breakout sessions for writers to share their experiences on topics ranging from memoirs to historical fiction to poetry—and how to get published.
It was the fourth year for the program, which is hosted by the LWVA Writers Workshop with the goal of bringing authors, writers, and readers together to celebrate books and Loudoun’s creative community. n
Councilmembers Consider New Event Fee Waiver Policy
BY PATRICK LEWIS
The Leesburg Town Council is developing new rules for granting fee waivers to organizations hosting events.
The policy deals with requests by community groups to forego paying the costs of town staff support for events at public venues. Those costs can include overtime pay for police officers and staff members with the departments of Parks and Recreation, and Public Works and Capital Projects.
The council considers fee waivers for non-political events put on by 501(c)3 nonprofits that obtain special event permits when those events bring economic or service benefits to the town.
During its May 13 meeting, after granting a fee waiver for the Loudoun County Pride Festival to be held at Ida Lee Park, the council asked the staff to present options for a town policy codifying when the fee waivers are granted. Currently, the council handles potential fee waivers on a case-by-case basis as required by the Townwide Event Fee Waiver Policy for Non-profit Organizations. The council normally waives the fees but is not required to do so. The policy was created in 2021 and was last updated in 2024.
Under the current version of the policy, the council may grant “Annual Fee Waiver Event” status to a recurring event after it has been held for at least two years. In 2025, 11 of those events have been or will be held, compared with 10 in 2024 and nine in the three years before that. The council has approved five one-time waiver requests this year valued at a total of $43,650 and with $19,800 in actual costs to the town.
During a June 23 work session, the staff presented four options for the council’s consideration based on similar policies in
nearby jurisdictions.
Option one is to keep the policy as is with no changes.
Option two suggests the town create a “cost-sharing” model in which Leesburg would cap the amount waived, thereby paying for part of the event costs but leaving the remainder to be covered by the hosts. That is the model used in Arlington County, which caps waivers at $4,000.
Option three would end the availability of the Annual Fee Waiver Event status and place a limit on the number of years any event may seek a waiver. This would be similar to the policy used by the City of Alexandria, which caps waivers at three years.
Option four would change the policy to require event organizers to request the waiver far enough in advance to be included in the town’s annual budget, which would be either by Aug. 1 (before budget meetings) or by Dec. 31 (during budget work sessions). This would mirror the Town of Purcellville’s policy, which requires organizers to submit requests by Dec. 31.
Councilmember Neil Steinberg advocated for a blend of Options two and four, saying he suggests the council consider requiring waiver requests to be submitted by Dec. 31 and that a cap be added to the policy.
“I would suggest maybe we cap it at $5,000 or 50% of the fee, whichever is less,” he said, adding that the council could consider an exception for events held by schools. Vice Mayor Todd Cimino-Johnson agreed that the $5,000 or 50% cap may be worth exploring.
The council, after approving a waiver for the Loudoun Pride Festival at its May 13 meeting, decided a codified policy would be useful. Mayor Kelly Burk at that meeting, said she was worried that fee waivers might become an expectation.
The council will vote on a policy drafted by the staff at a future date. n
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
The Lansdowne Woods Literary Festival.
Spanberger Stumps in Downtown Leesburg Amid Bus Tour
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
Gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger visited shops in downtown Leesburg last week as part of her “Span Virginia Bus Tour.”
Starting at the Georgetown Bakery, the Democratic nominee was joined by former Rep. Jennifer Wexton and addressed a gathering of Young Democrats, Leesburg Town Council members, General Assembly representatives and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10).
Spanberger said she wants to focus on “the issues that matter.” She listed strengthening the public education system; bringing more businesses to Virginia; addressing affordability challenges related to housing, healthcare, and energy; prioritizing actions within the governor’s office to lower costs for families; and making Virginia a “place that welcomes all people.”
“We’re going to win because I want to govern and not just see the grandstanding out of DC,” Spanberger said.
At the beginning of her speech, Wexton praised Subramanyam’s performance on Congress, including his work on the Oversight Committee and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
“He’s introducing many bipartisan bills and carrying on parts of my legacy that I’m personally extremely grateful for,” she said.
Wexton also criticized President Donald J. Trump’s administration, Republican attempts to cut Medicaid, and Spanberger’s opponent Republican Lt. Gov Winsome Earl-Sears during her speech. She said there’s “too much at stake” with Trump “dismantling the federal workforce and demonizing our civil service.”
“Just as any other year, Loudoun County is going to be ground zero for our fight for the commonwealth,” Wexton said. “We have to flip the commonwealth blue this year.” n
William Timme/ Loudoun Now
A gathering including Leesburg Town Councilmembers, young Democrats, Virginia General Assembly representatives and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam supported Virginia Gubernatorial Candidate Abigail Spanberger’s walk through Leesburg today.
Education
Law Camp Gives High School Students Hands-on Legal Experience
BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org
The Thomas D. Horne Leadership in Law Camp last week gave county high school students a chance to learn about the legal system and try a case in front of a Circuit Court judge.
During the week, participants learned how to prepare a case for trial with the help of practicing attorneys as mentors. On Friday, they entered to the courthouse to try a case in front of Circuit Court judges, with community members serving as witnesses and jurors in their cases.
Camp students analyze the facts of a case and are divided into eight teams –four defense teams and four prosecution teams. This year’s cases focus on an alleged assault in which a football player threw a ball at another player. The students take the case through criminal and civil trials.
Loudoun County Bar Association Chair Amanda Stone Swart said the students, who are staying at the Foxcroft School campus near Middleburg, spend more than 24 hours with attorneys preparing their cases during the week.
While organizing the program is a months-long process for the Bar Association the attorneys find the experience as rewarding as the students.
“We as attorneys are grateful to be able to work with them,” said Bryan Turner, the Bar Association treasurer who is in charge of the camp’s outreach.
In addition to focusing on case preparations, the program featured other special activities.
On June 25, they took a trip to Capitol Hill where they met with Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10).
Subramanyam shared how his own experiences as an attorney had prepared him for his role in Washington, DC.
“We have a lot of conversations about the constitutionality of things, and having taken Constitutional Law in law school, and having learned about that, it’s nice to have that background,” he told the students. “…It’s also been really nice be able to actually read a bill, and know sort of regulatory schemes and know, “OK, this refers to a bill that was passed in 1965,’ and kind of know the basics of it. So, it’s been really helpful in the legislative process. It’s not to say that you need a legal background, but it’s incredibly helpful.”
On June 26, Virginia Court of Appeals Judge Dominique Callins gave the keynote
speech during a luncheon with the students at Lightfoot Restaurant in Leesburg. Callins surveyed the camp students’ interest in fields like engineering, medicine, IT and public relations and explained how experiences in all those careers could contribute to a law career in the future.
Callins’ journey into law has been anything but linear, she told the students. From studying theater in college to working as a middle school teacher, Callins built a foundation of life experiences before tackling law.
“Just do the darn thing,” she said.
Circuit Court Judge Thomas D. Horne started the Leadership in Law camp in 1999 to allow students to learn about the legal system in a hands-on way. n
School Board Sets 20272028 Calendar
BY PATRICK LEWIS
Just days after classes ended for the year, the Loudoun County School Board set its sights on the future, adopting the calendar for the 202728 school year.
The board last week reviewed four scheduling alternatives and selected Option 1 on a 5-2 vote, with Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) and Kari LaBell (Catoctin) opposed.
Under the adopted schedule, the first day of school will be Thursday, Aug. 19, 2027, and the last day of school will be Wednesday, June 14, 2028. Winter break will begin Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2027, and school will resume on Monday, Jan. 3, 2028. Spring break will be April 10-14.
There were three other calendar options presented to the board by staff. Option 2 would have seen the school year run from Aug. 12, 2027, to June 7, 2028, a week earlier than the one adopted.
Options 3 and 4 included a fixed spring break, something requested by Vice Chair Anne Donohue (At Large), who was not present at the June 24 meeting. Option 3 would have started and ended on the same dates as Option 1, but scheduled spring break the week of April 3-7, a week earlier than the approved plan. Option 4 would have started and ended the same dates as Option 2 and also placed spring break the week of April 3-7.
Currently, the school division schedules spring break around the Easter holiday. Donohue has expressed interest in fixed dates instead of moving them each year to coincide with Easter. The board may revisit the issue when planning for the 2028-29 school year. n
Finance Committee Reviews Updated Law Enforcement Agreement
BY PATRICK LEWIS
A Loudoun County School Board committee is reviewing an updated memorandum of understanding between the school division, the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, and the Leesburg Police Department. Chief of Schools Rae Mitchell said during a June 17 Finance and Operations Committee meeting that the review was mandated by the current MOU, which states that it must be reviewed or revised annually.
Under the terms of the revised MOU,
the three parties would establish a “mutually beneficial School-Law Enforcement Partnership.”
This revised memorandum removes a requirement that officers receive crisis intervention, bias awareness, and cultural competency training within 60 days of being assigned as SROs.
The agreement also requires the agencies to provide an SRO for each middle school and high school, something that was not previously required, and notes that schools housing multiple programs may have additional staffing needs.
A section of the agreement regarding interactions between SROs and special needs students has also been clarified to specify that school staff members should notify SROs when a student involved in an offense has disabilities or special needs. Body-worn cameras are also addressed in the revised MOU, which states that cameras should be used in accordance with LCSO and LPD departmental policies. The agreement also removes a requirement for school administrators to photograph evidence they seize during administrative investigations and turn it
over to LCSO as needed.
Finally, the MOU adds a section regarding overdose notification to parents and guardians to reflect Virginia law.
Vice Chair Anne Donohue (At Large) said she plans to make suggestions for edits in the near future. Because of security concerns, details of operations need to be discussed in a closed session, Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) said.
The document will continue to be reviewed by all three parties and advisory committees and will be brought to the full School Board for a vote in August. n
William Timme/ Loudoun Now Students in the Leadership in Law Camp stand outside the Loudoun County Courthouse.
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$32K Raise Approved
After completing its annual review of Loudoun County Public Schools’ Superintendent Aaron Spence, the School Board this week extended his contract by one year and provided him a $32,500 raise.
Spence’s contract now extends through June 20, 2029. It includes a stipulation that if he receives at least a proficient rating from the board for the preceding fiscal year, he will be entitled to an annual salary increase equal to the average annual cost-of-living adjustment and the average step increase given to all employees. As of July 1, Spence’s salary will be $425,334. The $32,500 raise will be applied if he is still employed June 30, 2026.
“The School Board is proud to have Dr. Spence leading Loudoun County Public Schools,” Board Chair Melinda Mansfield stated in the announcement. “His visionary and student-centered leadership is moving our division forward in bold and thoughtful ways. Dr. Spence brings a clear focus on belonging, educational goals, and meaningful opportunities for all students. From the launch of Think Big Corners, bring-
for Spence
ing hands-on STEM learning to our elementary schools, to the creation of future-focused programs like the ACCESS Academy with George Mason University and the proposed Global and Linguistic Studies Academy at Dominion High School, he is working with the Board, staff, families and community partners to expand opportunity and reimagine what’s possible for every learner. His leadership inspires confidence, creates momentum, and reflects the values of Loudoun County. We are honored to continue this important work together.”
“It has been a privilege to lead Loudoun County Public Schools over the past two years,” Spence stated. “I’m deeply grateful to the LCPS community—our families, staff, and partners— for their support and commitment to our shared mission. While we’ve accomplished a great deal together, there is still important work ahead. Working alongside the School Board and the entire LCPS community, I’m confident we will keep building a stronger future for every student.” n
School Board Approves New Generative AI Policy
BY PATRICK LEWIS
A new policy governing the use of generative artificial intelligence in Loudoun County Public Schools was adopted by the School Board last week.
The Department of Teaching and Learning presented draft Policy 5430 to the board following review by the Curriculum and Instruction Committee in May.
Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Neil Slevin said during the June 24 meeting that the staff recommends the policy be reviewed annually rather than every other year or even longer cycles because of the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Policy 5430, “Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence,” dictates how AI should be used by students, staff, and teachers. The policy states that, “Only approved Generative AI programs may be utilized in student instruction or in completing student work.”
The Department of Digital Innovation and Department of Teaching and Learning are tasked with “overseeing the approval and implementation of Generative AI programs,” according to the policy.
The policy says students should use AI to learn about it and how to use it ethically, to promote teamwork, and learn how to be transparent about using the technology, the use of which is considered cheating in many school contexts.
Teachers using AI should make sure its products are accurate and unbiased, be transparent about why they are using it, and protect personal information from being input into programs, according to the policy. School division staff members using generative AI should be transparent and mindful of biases and risks and should use it in ways that support innovation and assist in complex tasks.
The policy also outlines prohibited uses of generative AI, which include using programs not provided or approved by the school division; relying solely on AI to make grading, admission, eligibility, and other similar decisions; and sharing personally identifiable information with AI programs.
The board approved the policy on a 7-0 vote, with Vice Chair Anne Donohue (At Large) and Dean Griffiths (Ashburn) absent. n
Nonprofits 2 Families Move into Habitat for Humanity's Latest Homes in Leesburg
BY BILL CLIFFORD bclifford@loudounnow.org
For two young Loudoun families, the dream of calling a home their own came true on Saturday morning at a new Prince Street duplex in Leesburg.
The years-long journeys of the Naz and Butt families culminated in a double home dedication ceremony held by Loudoun Habitat for Humanity, an affiliate of a global nonprofit housing organization that operates in all 50 states and more than 70 countries.
The backyard celebration drew some 80 community members, including organizational partners and business representatives who made significant donations that helped make home ownership possible for the two families.
Farah Naz, a single mother of two children, began the application process with Loudoun Habitat in 2022. Juggling two jobs while looking after their education and her own — and contributing hundreds of hours of sweat equity in homebuyer boot camp— has paid off.
“All three of us are excited to call this our first home,” Naz said. “I can’t wait to see the joy on my kids’ faces when they finally have their own rooms.”
Loudoun Habitat CEO Judy Singer acknowledged the whole-of-community effort that is required to address the problem of affordable housing in Loudoun County. The duplex is Loudoun Habitat’s first modular project and marks the nonprofit’s 68th and 69th completed homes in the county.
Habitat’s team marshals the partnerships that yield financial support; this
project was funded in part by Virginia Housing, Northern Virginia Regional Commission and Virginia Statewide Community Land Trust.
According to Amanda Baulig, Habitat programs director, in-kind donations of architectural design, construction, equipment and fixtures, landscaping, cleaning services and more are valued “in the six figures, combined.” Neighborly support also comes from local churches for parking, volunteer lunches, and even youthmade planter boxes.
In addition, Habitat assesses the financial eligibility and need for affordable housing from applicants. It then guides
those who are approved through months of intensive “sweat equity,” including homeowner education classes, to build skills in financial management, embrace of responsibilities of paying a mortgage, and the pride of maintaining a home for long-term security.
Muhammad Butt said it has been about 1,000 days since he and his wife, Rida, were accepted into the program. They completed more than 300 hours of sweat equity, working with financial mentors, saving for closing costs and paying down substantial debt. Now, they are able to afford a home for their three children, all under the age of six.
“We are filled with gratitude and excitement,” Butt said in remarks to the gathered crowd, moments before the ribbon cutting on his family’s new porch. “This house is more than just walls and a roof. It’s a place where we will build memories, share laughter, and build a future together.”
Board of Supervisors’ Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) put the morning’s dedication ceremony in context, both for the families and the broader community.
Adding that all things are possible if you have a roof over your head and a secure home, Turner said, “Farah and Muhammad and Rida represent a positive force.”
In partnership with Loudoun Habitat, “they are part of society that binds us together. It’s the job of the Board of Supervisors to lift them up,” he said.
Turner acknowledged housing remains a daunting challenge, both nationally and in Loudoun, where supervisors have adopted a strategic plan to address the county’s unmet housing needs.
For Loudoun Habitat, that’s an opportunity to extend its nonprofit mission of providing people with a decent place to live and strengthening community. Its next major affordable housing initiative will be one of the largest in the organization’s history: building 12 three-bedroom townhomes at the Village at Clear Springs south of Leesburg for 12 local families.
The families whose dreams lie there will someday know the joy Rida shared with a reporter as two daughters ran from room to room in their new home: “We’ll soon see who gets to sleep where.” n
3 Loudoun Nonprofits Included in Inova Health Grants
Three Loudoun nonprofits are included in a list of 24 organizations receiving funding from Inova Health System to address the social drivers of health and well-being in Northern Virginia.
The Loudoun Education Foundation, Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers and Shelter House, the Loudoun Homeless Services Center, were selected from among more than one hundred applications.
“Inova’s Community Health Opportunities funding underscores our commitment to nonprofit community health partners,” Inova President and CEO Stephen Jones stated in the announcement. “Anchored in the northern Virginia community, each partner works with
Inova to connect with our neighbors to address health challenges of the most vulnerable among us. With these funds, we tangibly recognize and support each recipient’s commitment and service to the health of our communities.”
Inova awarded over $1 million to nonprofit healthcare organizations across the northern Virginia region.
Inova requests proposals for Community Health Opportunities funding annually, encouraging nonprofit organizations to expand services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of our communities. All recipients join Inova in the commitment to improving access to care and supporting the well-being of the Northern Virginia community.
For more information on Inova’s Community Health Opportunities and other Inova community programs, go to inova.org/inova-community. n
Inova Health System
Inova Health System awarded $1 million in grants to 24 organizations, including three in Loudoun, that are addressing social drivers in health and well being in northern Virginia.
Bill Clifford/Loudoun Now Loudoun Habitat CEO Judy Singer addresses the crowd gathered for the June 28, 2025, ribbon-cutting ceremony for the nonprofit's newest home a stacked duplex on Prince Street in Leesburg.
ECHO Awarded $1,500 Donation from the Sweeping Change Fund
After a round of public voting and nominations from across the region, You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia presented Loudoun-based Every Citizen Has Opportunities with a $1,500 donation from the Sweeping Change Fund.
ECHO emerged as the overwhelming favorite during voting.
The organization, which has served adults with disabilities in Loudoun and Fairfax counties for 50 years, will use the funds to help retrofit its main campus in Leesburg.
The upgrades will make room for the ECHO Barkery, a micro-business that produces over 34,000 units of dog treats annually and provides inclusive employment opportunities. Relocating the ECHO Barkery from a commercial kitchen in Ashburn to ECHO’s headquarters is expected to save the nonprofit more than $80,000 per year in rent, but it requires upfront investment in new equipment such as ovens and dehydrators.
“This donation comes at exactly the right time,” ECHO Director of Development Todd Goldian stated in the announcement. “We’ve had a long and meaningful partnership with Natasha and her team at You’ve Got Maids of
Northern Virginia, and we’re honored by their continued support.”
“ECHO represents everything we want the Sweeping Change Fund to stand for—resilience, impact, and a deep commitment to building a stronger community,” You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia President and CEO Natasha Magrath stated. “Their story is inspiring, and their work is transforming lives. It’s an honor to support them as they grow their social enterprises.”
The Sweeping Change Fund was launched earlier this year as a quarterly giving program to spotlight and support the incredible nonprofits serving Loudoun and Fairfax Counties.
Nominations for the Q3 round of the Sweeping Change Fund will open on July 1 with another $1,500 donation up for grabs. Eligible nonprofits must be based in Loudoun or Fairfax Counties, and anyone—from volunteers to staff and community members—can submit a nomination.
For more information about the Sweeping Change Fund and to nominate a nonprofit for the next round, visit sqr.co/SweepingChange or follow You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia on social media. n
Business
Rushlo Takes Over as Dulles Area Realtors CEO
Ann Rushlo is the new chief executive officer of the Dulles Area Association of Realtors.
“Being selected as the CEO of the Dulles Area Association of Realtors is rewarding both personally and professionally; it reflects the trust and confidence the Board of Directors has in my leadership and vision,” Rushlo stated. “I look forward to helping shape the future of the association, support our dedicated members, and make a lasting impact in a growing and dynamic region.”
She previously served as an association executive for the Central New York Realtor Association and has a background in the mortgage business. Rushlo graduated from SUNY Empire State College with a degree in business, management & economics, and achieved her Realtor Association Certified Executive designation through the National Association of Realtors.
“We are confident that Ann’s leadership, experience, and commitment to our mission will guide the association into an exciting new chapter,” DAAR President Peter LeonardMorgan stated.
Rushlo’s appointment comes on the heels of DAAR’s recent move
to its new downtown Leesburg headquarters.
Learn more at dullesarea.com.
Hatch Rejoins Lansdowne Resort
Jake Hatch is Lansdowne Resort’s new director of Sales and Marketing. It is a return home of sorts for the seasoned hospitality executive.
Hatch’s previous work at the resort started in 2017, when he joined the team as national sales manager. He was charged with attracting new corporate clients and elevating the resort’s presence in key markets as well as mentoring incoming sales managers.
Most recently, Hatch served as vice president of Sales and Marketing at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg. He also has held leadership roles at the Sanderling Resort, Skamania Lodge, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, and the Greenbrier.
“Jake is well qualified to lead our resort’s sales and marketing initiatives with renewed energy and insights gained from his breadth of hospitality experiences,” stated Managing Director Carol Smith. “He will play an essential role in strengthening the brand and supporting the broader mission of the resort’s ownership.”
For more information, go to
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You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia President and CEO Natasha Magrath presents ECHO Director of Development Todd Goldian with a $1,500 check.
Public Safety Treatment Continues for Man Accused of Public Defender Threats
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
A 22-year-old man charged with making threats in the Loudoun County Public Defender’s Office will continue receiving mental health treatment for the next 60 days.
In May, Riley Biro, 22, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to one count of attempted malicious wounding and one count of destroying personal property worth more than $1,000.
During a Tuesday morning Loudoun County Circuit Court hearing, Biro’s attorneys said that two mental health evaluations found that he should undergo inpatient treatment. They asked for a continuation of his current treatment under the custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health for another two months. They said his social worker found that he is improving although he still occasionally has “outbursts.”
Biro’s attorneys asked Judge William T. Newman to allow the doctors to supply a supplemental report if they found any changes in their evaluation of Biro over the next 60 days.
County prosecutor Frank Frio said 30 days would be a better time frame and that he would need time to review the supplemental reports if they were submitted prior to a hearing on whether Biro should be released from custody.
Newman agreed to a 60-day extension and ordered that if Biro’s evaluators change their opinion during that period they should provide their reports no later than two weeks prior to the next scheduled hearing. That will take place Sept. 10.
The charges against Biro stem from an Aug. 12, 2024, incident when he allegedly broke through a locked door at the Leesburg office looking for an employee and saying she would be going to heaven. Biro then entered the District Courthouse nearby on Church Street where he was detained by Sheriff ’s Office deputies. n
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Nichols Hardware Eyes Downtown Renovations
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
The county’s longest running retail business is planning some new improvements that the Nichols Hardware owners and Manager Richard Beard are hoping will help the business retain that title for years to come.
Nichols Hardware opened in 1914 and continues to be owned by the Nichols family. It supplies Purcellville and the surrounding area with electrical and plumbing supplies, paint, lawn and garden materials, tools, and other odds and ends needed by community members and local businesses.
Beard began managing the store four years ago and recently became involved in the Purcellville Main Street, a nonprofit organization started to help revitalize the downtown area.
With an eye toward that goal, Beard said the Nichols family is planning a renovation project for their 21st Street property that could include at least eight apartments, an event space fitting 50 to 75 people and some other retail and vendor spaces.
“They just kind of surprised me. One
day, I came in and they were down here talking to the architect, and I was like, ‘oh, this is kind of cool,’” Beard said.
The apartments would be divided between the Nichols’ three buildings – four over the hardware store, two over the café, and two in the back building currently
towns
MIDDLEBURG
Council Approves Utility Fund Loan
The Town Council last week approved the transfer of $1.1 million from its General Fund surplus to the Utility Fund.
The money, along with $300,000 from the Utility Fund reserves, will be used to pay off two utility loans that were coming due.
Typically, the town would cover the costs by taking out a new loan or rolling the debt into a new round of borrowing for the utility system. However, with the government’s healthy financial situation, the town’s Strategic Finance Committee recommended a self-loan instead.
Under the inter-fund loan agreement, the Utility Fund will pay interest to the General Fund, just as it would to a financial institution. The term of the loan is up to five years.
used for storage. There could be two more over the blue barn that once doubled as a horse livery stable and a blacksmith shop.
The existing storage building could
NICHOLS HARDWARE continues on page 16
After Town Council Pulls Support, Purcellville Main Street Moves Program Forward
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Members of Purcellville Main Street, a recently formed nonprofit designed to promote economic development downtown, held its kickoff luncheon Friday afternoon introducing board members, outlining its vision and describing the path forward, despite the Town Council voting to rescind its support of town’s involvement in Virginia Main Street Program just days earlier.
Virginia Main Street is a statewide program created to help towns facilitate economic growth and sustainability in their downtown areas by preserving their unique characteristics. The Town Council last year adopted a resolution supporting the town’s involvement in the program.
On Friday, PVMS President Amanda Dayton said the town’s decision to pull its support would not stop the momentum.
“While we’re disappointed with the turn of events, it’s not really going to impact our movement as an organization, other than that we will not be able to apply for
the VMS grants specifically,” she said. “We can, however, continue to utilize all of the other resources and the trainings that VMS provides, as those are all open to the public. We can also decide, as an organization to consider joining other main street organizations such as Main Street America.”
Dayton said the grassroots organization is “hyper local” and is run by the town’s residents, not the local government.
“Our goal is to be a people-driven organization focused on collaborating with businesses, residents, the town government and other civic organizations to support the town’s Comprehensive Plan and to make sure that the restoration of our downtown honors the master design guidelines. Our hope is to achieve this goal by both creating and acquiring grants for our small businesses and for the community to assist in beautification and revitalization downtown and to support community events happening downtown,” she said.
In addition to Dayton, the PVMS board members include business
owners Becky Gardener and Christina Buffington, Town Councilmember Erin Rayner, Marycel Tauzon, Stan Heidmann, Nichols Hardware Manager Richard Beard and John Heather, who worked as the town’s economic development advisor until Friday. Heather’s position was eliminated in the recently adopted fiscal year 2026 budget.
PVMS will stand up several committees with different focus areas including promotion, organization, economic vitality and design.
Several events are already in the works, including a July 4 refreshments stand, an end-of-summer family night and Christmas market at the Purcellville Train Station.
The organization is also working to support several downtown projects including the recently completed parklet beside White Palace building, where picnic tables and planters were
MAIN STREET continues on page 16
PURCELLVILLE
Council Looks to Contract Attorney Services
The Town Council last week voted to limit the request for proposals for a new town attorney to only contract out the position rather than receive proposals for an in-house hire.
Current Town Attorney John Cafferky announced last month that he would be resigning from the position due to time constraints. The town currently contracts Cafferky’s firm, Blankingship & Keith, on a parttime basis.
Councilmember Susan Khalil said she would rather contract out the position to a firm again rather than hiring a full-time in-house employee, which she said would give the town more access to areas of expertise.
“It’s important to me know that our attorney is arm’s length and not imbedded with staff,” she said.
Councilmember Caleb Stought said he would rather have the town “cast as wide a net as possible” and then interview all the contenders before deciding.
The motion to limit the RFP passed 4-3 with Stought and councilmembers Erin Rayner and Kevin Wright opposed. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Nichols Hardware is the longest running retail business in Loudoun County, first opening in 1914.
Lovettsville Council Adopts Revised Open Space Requirements
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
The Lovettsville Town Council last week adopted revised open space requirements for residential developments in town.
Currently, the town’s Zoning Ordinance requires that subdivisions with more than 20 lots provide open space in the neighborhood. In the R-1 District, a developer is required to leave 35% of the buildable area as open space. That requirement drops to 25% in the R-2 and R-3 districts. Currently, 50% of that designated open space must also be planned as “useable” open space that could accommodate ballfields, multipurpose courts or other active recreation uses.
The revisions will require developments with more than five lots to provide the open space at the same 35% and
25% ratios. Initially, a recommendation from the Planning Commission included removing the 50% active recreation space requirement, but Mayor Christopher Hornbaker raised concerns that that would result in the town receiving less “value-add” in developments.
The adopted ordinance will require that subdivisions of more than 20 lots to have at least 50% of the required open space “located, designed for, and capable of supporting” active recreation facilities such as sports fields, playgrounds, pools or trails.
Planning Director John Merrithew told the council that the change would not impact existing subdivisions but that it would put the town in stronger position in the future if properties were to be consolidated or rezoned.
The council adopted the revised ordinance on a 5-0 vote, with Councilmember Brandon Davis absent. n
208 Teams Compete in Youth Regional Soccer Championship
entries face off to see who will advance to the National Championships that will be held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL, in July.
In addition to Hal and Berni, games are being held at Potomack Lakes Sportsplex, Phillip Bolen Memorial Park and Loudoun Soccer Park.
Boys and girls are divided into seven age groups and hailed from 13 states and 15 districts. Loudoun last hosted the competition in 2023.
US Youth Soccer is the largest youth sport organization in the country, registering nearly 2.5 million players annually and serving 54-member state associations, 10,000 clubs and leagues and 1 million administrators, coaches, and volunteers. The competition is expected to draw more than 10,000 visitors to the county.
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
Soccer fields across Loudoun this weekend were filled with athletes from 13 states vying in the US Youth Soccer Regional Championships.
The six-day competition will culminate Thursday at Hal and Berni Regional Park when the top teams from among the 208
“These are some of the best players in their class and we are thrilled to welcome the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championship to Loudoun,” Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson stated. “This tournament and its impact not only speaks to the quality of Loudoun’s world-class facilities but also to the elevated experience for the players, families and coaches found here.”
Learn more at usyouthsoccer.org. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now The Den of Lions from Newark, NJ, face off against LGN Stony Brook from Long Island, NY, at Phillip Bolen Memorial Park on June 29 during the US Youth Soccer Regional Championships.
Nichols Hardware
continued from page 14
also house some retail or small restaurant spaces above the apartments, Beard said.
“Up top, instead of an apartment, maybe somebody could build it out and have it as like a speakeasy-type bar or restaurant,” he said.
Most of the construction will be internal with the facades not seeing a major change, Beard said.
“In the back part of the livery stable there are double barn doors. So, we kind of want to keep the barn doors back there, and [our architect] wants to put a stage and event space in back there. Which, if you think about it, Purcellville doesn’t really have,” Beard said.
The event space would have bathrooms and possibly some vendor spaces that could be used for the private events space, or for special events downtown like the Christmas market currently in the works by Purcellville Main Street.
During PVMS’ launch luncheon last
Main Street
continued from page 14
installed; Light Up Downtown, an initiative to encourage businesses to install string lights outside their buildings; a restoration project at Nichols Hardware; and other beautification projects around town such as murals along the building walls.
During a June 24 meeting, the council majority voted to withdraw support from Main Street Program.
The prior council last summer adopted the resolution.
The council had been debating the merits of that resolution with Mayor Christopher Bertaut and Councilmember Susan Khalil expressing concerns that it required financial commitments from the town. VMS representatives have said that government funding is encouraged but not required.
The council in May sent the issue to the Planning Commission for review. During a June 18 meeting, the panel adopted a resolution affirming support for the town’s involvement and laying out responsibilities for the nonprofit formed to be part of the initiative as well as other town committees that would support those efforts.
During the public comment period during the council meeting, community members voiced strong support for the program saying it will help revitalize the town and support businesses.
Dayton said the organization was looking forward to collaborating with the town. She pointed to work done last week to set up picnic tables and install
Friday, Beard announced the plans to the community.
Architect Gaver Nichols, hired by but no relation to the Nichols family, said he has been working on renderings for the plans and consulting with town Zoning Administrator and Director of Planning and Community Development Summer Wilkes.
Beard said the apartment plans would have been a by-right project under the town’s previous Zoning Ordinance, but changes adopted by the Town Council in April now require a variance for anything exceeding two apartments. The variance process includes review from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Gaver Nichols outlined plans to the community of a space that invited people to stay and shop and walk through downtown.
“We think it will help bring focus to the street again,” Beard said. “We’ve had customers come in the store that were like, ‘I’ve lived here in town 10 years and didn’t know you were here.’ So, I think it’ll bring focus back to the street and back to the Nichols.” n
planters on the Main Street sidewalk, calling it a parklet designed to help visitors to Gruto’s ice cream enjoy their purchases.
“I would hope that the Town Council really hears the will of the people in our community,” she said. “… This property is a perfect example of the beneficial partnership the town of PDMS will hopefully continue to enjoy.”
However, a surprise motion by Khalil to move the item from the discussion portion of the council’s meeting agenda to make it an action item signaled plans by the four-member majority to withdraw from the program. That move also drew criticism from residents.
“I came here to respectfully ask you to support Purcellville Main Street, but I don’t think I can do that. It’s obvious with the sneaky agenda move you’ve pulled— it’s not the first time—I know what you’re going to do,” Paul McCray said.
Residents also voiced appreciation for Economic Development Advisor John Heather who has supported the Main Street efforts and whose position was cut in the recently adopted fiscal year 2026 budget.
Economic and Development Advisory Committee Chair Tamara Dean said Heather had helped the committee operate well.
“His strategic thinking, professionalism and tireless dedication to our community will have a lasting impact. From this thoughtful approach in supporting local entrepreneurs and long-term planning, John contributed both heart and expertise to the role the absence of that kind of leadership and knowledge will be felt,” she said.
But Bertaut said the previous resolution committing support for the Main Street Program did not give residents control over the revitalization efforts. He said all members of council wanted that but disagreed on how to go about it.
“This is a vote for revitalization,” he said.
On Friday, Dayton said she felt it was important for organization to define revitalization.
“To our organization, revitalization means that we’re not just preserving the past, we’re actively working to make sure that our historic downtown is a place where people want to live, shop, eat, gather and invest. It’s about restoring the energy and purpose to our downtown by improving its appearance, supporting local businesses, encouraging foot traffic, and creating a sense of place and pride for our whole community,” Dayton said.
Bertaut said the Main Street Program could steer the town away from town’s adopted Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan by bringing in outside influences and special interests.
“I believe in the people of Purcellville, our residents, our business owners, our local leaders. They’ve already invested in this town. They’re already revitalizing it without the additional support and without losing sight of what makes this place special,” he said.
Councilmember Carol Luke agreed that the residents are capable without the Main Street Program.
“The role of our government in supporting local businesses varies depending on the nature and the needs of each business,” she said. “When someone chooses
to open a business, it’s your responsibility to understand the various legal requirements, zoning and economic landscape and to assess whether that location will support their goals. The town cannot and should not tailor its resources to meet the unique needs of every individual business, especially when those resources come from the taxpayers and are meant to serve the community as a whole.”
Councilmember Kevin Wright said the project did not threaten the town but uplifts it.
“I believe this is just retaliation,” he said. “It’s retaliation because it got passed by previous council. The mayor did not agree with it back then.”
The motion to rescind the town’s support for the program was also backed by Vice Mayor Ben Nett, who serves as a council liaison to the EDAC.
“I was the last person to come on board with this,” he said.
Councilmember Erin Rayner, who previously served as the council’s EDAC liaison, said the nonprofit would move forward, but that it was “sad” that it must do so without the town’s support.
“We’ve worked so hard, but it’s not going stop us. We’re still going through. We’re Incorporated. We’re getting our 501(c)3. We’re still going to apply for private money,” she said.
The motion to rescind the resolution passed 4-3 with Rayner, Wright and Caleb Stought opposed.
Learn more at purcellvillemainstreet.org. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Nichols Hardware Manager Richard Beard stands inside the store by the original wooden hardware drawers installed in 1914.
An Ode to Ida Lee Park
BY WAYNE L. HUGHES, AIA, EMERITUS
Ida Lee Park, a cherished place in the heart of Leesburg, serves as a bridge between the past and present. As dawn casts its gentle light upon the rolling hills, one cannot help but feel transported to a simpler time—a time when amber waves of wheat danced in the breeze, and life was rooted in the rhythms of the land. This agricultural heritage, spanning over four centuries, laid the foundation for the founding of the town of Leesburg in 1748, shaped by the industrious spirit of its residents, who lived in harmony with nature.
The park buzzes with activity in our modern era as the sun rises higher. Residents flock there—running, walking, biking, and driving—to participate in a variety of fitness, recreational, and social activities, as well as a full schedule of major special events. Here, amidst laughter and camaraderie, a palpable sense of community pride flows through the air.
Driven by a strong sense of community pride and a legacy tied to both the Lee and Rust families, William F. Rust Jr. (1914-1991) made a pivotal decision that would shape the future of the Town of Leesburg. In 1978, he acquired Greenwood Farm, a sprawling 141-acre property adjacent to Union Cemetery, extending north and west. Mr. Rust aimed to preserve the area’s natural beauty and thwart plans for a “beltway” around the town, which he believed would endanger its character. In 1986, he donated part of his purchase to the Union Cemetery, another portion to the Town of Leesburg for a new library, and the remaining 138 acres to create a public park in honor of his grandmother, Ida Lee Rust, naming the park after her. Ida Lee Rust (1840-1921) spent most of her 81 years at Rockland, a family estate located northeast of Leesburg near Whites Ferry. At Rockland, she raised and homeschooled 11 children and three stepchildren. Her grandson fondly remembered her as “very strong and sure of herself.” She was also wellknown as a leader in the social circles of Leesburg.
Mr. Rust’s vision for Ida Lee Park went beyond land preservation; he sought to create a public park promoting a “walking town” ethos. This ambition highlights the significance of fitness, recreation, and social interaction
within the community. “I’m trying to personalize Leesburg a little bit while strengthening the connection to the Lee family,” he said in an interview.
Mr. Rust was actively involved in the park’s design to ensure that it reflected the town’s agricultural heritage while serving contemporary needs. He especially valued the preservation of the great field along Rt. 15, viewing it as a treasure of natural beauty that serves as the threshold for the northern entrance to the town. The recreation center, carefully situated just beyond a gentle rise next to the original farmhouse and barns, was designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The design echoed the region’s agricultural past, featuring vernacular architecture that evokes a strong sense of place.
Among its design features is a striking wooden ceiling in the natatorium, which Mr. Rust passionately advocated to imbue the space with a distinct character. This focus shows his commitment to making the park and the recreation center a unique destination for everyone, infusing it with personal significance.
Further nurturing the connection to history, the Old Farmhouse, built in the 1790s, was preserved to house the headquarters for the town’s Parks and Recreation Department. The discovery and display of the hand-hewn timbers during renovations revealed its storied past, connecting visitors with the craftsmanship of earlier generations.
Today, Ida Lee Park continues to evolve, enriched by additions such as the Symington Water Park, Tennis Facilities, Demonstration Gardens, Ballfields, Playgrounds, Pavilions, and a beautiful Native Tree Walk —each enhancement made possible by the generosity of town residents who share Mr. Rust’s vision. The careful integration of these features within the context of the park’s original design reflects the dedication of the Town Council and the Parks and Recreation Department, ensuring the park’s character is sustained for future generations.
As our lives have evolved since the agrarian days of the past, the need for fitness and open spaces has become increasingly acute. Ida Lee Park stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community, now thriving with a full array of activities and special events that invite residents to explore, connect, and flourish.
In this ever-changing world, Ida Lee Park remains a sanctuary where history resonates, and the future promises a vibrant community life—a place where the past is honored and a bright tomorrow is nurtured.
Little-known Facts about the design of Ida Lee Park
The old farmhouse and the barns themselves inspired the design of the recreation center. If you observe closely, the skewed alignment of the gymnasium and the pool structure reflects the angular arrangement of the two original barns on the site. This was the first step in achieving a human scale for the massive recreation center.
The collection of radial, conical, and gabled roof forms was intended to reference the region’s vernacular architecture and further relate the recreation center to the scale of the Old House and barns.
At one point during the design process, Mr. Rust asked a question that belied his normally stoic character. He turned to the architect and asked what he could do to “make this a truly special place”. The architect suggested considering a wood ceiling in the natatorium to give the space a distinctive character and enhance its functional performance. Mr. Rust responded emphatically, “Do it!”
Ida Lee never lived in the Old Farmhouse, as is widely believed. However, she and her grandson are buried in Union Cemetery, adjacent to the park.
Another little-known fact lies within the Old Farmhouse itself. Built in the 1790s, the wood used to frame the old house was hand-hewn, not milled. This was discovered when the exterior cladding was removed, revealing the frame and exposing the dwelling place for
generations of snakes, bees, and other creatures. To illustrate this connection to history, some original hand-hewn framing members are visible today on the interior as you ascend the stairs to the second level. Take a look.
The brick patterns on the recreation center’s exterior and interior were designed to mimic details like corbeling, molding, and dentils, which add intricacy and depth. The natural color palette was chosen to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The windows, skylights, and clerestory windows were designed to capture the power of natural light, enliven the interior spaces, and reinforce our connection to nature and the park site itself.
Few people know about a special place at Ida Lee Park. The next time you visit, follow the walking path between the library and the tennis courts, heading west. Soon, you’ll arrive at the edge of a breathtaking open space framed by the lush Appalachian foothills to the north, the Native Tree Walk along the south and west, created by the Leesburg Garden Club in 2015. As you walk along the path, ascending and descending, you’ll be profoundly moved by the abundant landscape and the expansive vistas you encounter. It’s a haven of natural beauty and tranquility. This remarkable, untouched landscape embodies the gift and vision of Mr. William F. Rust Jr. and his loving gesture to his grandmother, Ida Lee (Rust). n
Wayne L. Hughes, AIA, Emeritus, was the architect of the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center and its expansion and supervised the restoration of the Old Farmhouse.
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
The Old Farmhouse at Ida Lee Park.
LIVE MUSIC
KIRSTIE KRAUS
6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 3 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
SUMMER & ERIC
12 to 4 p.m. Friday, July 4 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
ZACH JONES
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 4
50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Aldie. 50westvineyards.com
LENNY BURRIDGE
1:30 to 4:40 p.m. Friday, July 4 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillvineyard.com
SCOTT KURT
2 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 4 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
ALLSK8
2 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 4
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com
LENNY BURRIDGE
3 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 4 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
ANTHONY GLL
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 4
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
SHANE HINES
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 4
Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoobas.com
SAMMY KRIMSTEIN
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 4
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
STATE STREETS BAND
5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4
Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. villageatleesburg.com
LIVE MUSIC continues on page 19
A Neighborhood Restaurant Loudoun Chefs Open French Bistro
BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
A new, semi-upscale French bistro is opening in Cascades this month, with long-time chefs Michael and Allyson Stebner launching their second Loudoun restaurant.
The Stebners opened Local Provisions, located in Cascades Marketplace in 2023, but they’ve been chefs for decades, meeting 20 years ago and opening their first restaurant. When they were ready to start a family, they sold the business, and Michael took a job working in the corporate culinary world while Allyson worked at home raising their two daughters.
The Stebners moved to Sterling in 2019 and began forming connections in the community. After COVID, and with their daughters older, they decided to open another restaurant with a key characteristic in mind – that it would be a neighborhood restaurant, a place where friends could gather for a meal, or a snack or sometimes just a drink.
It quickly caught the attention of critics at The Washington Post earning good reviews just months after opening.
“Like so many other mom-and-pop restaurants that that happens to, it really accelerated our business, so that timing was great,” Michael Stebner said.
Local Provisions is a Mediterranean farm-to-table restaurant serving up a wide range of dishes including shrimp risotto, lamb burgers and frittatas.
But while the dishes appear unassuming, they are anything but basic, Michael said.
Deeply rooted in the Stebner’s culinary philosophy is the idea that each dish must be crafted with excellent ingredients – a conviction stemming from a moment shared by the whole family during a trip to Paris years ago.
“Before we opened the restaurant, we spent a couple weeks in France and just fell in love with, obviously how good the food was, but also how focused on the product quality they were,” Stebner said. “We ate in some fancy restaurants, but the best meals we had were in casual bistros.”
On one memorable day, the Stebners spent the morning walking around Paris, from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower and back again. When they got back to where they were staying, Michael said that everyone was starving so they walked into the first corner bistro they saw.
“I ordered roast chicken and French fries because I just wanted something
simple and basic and it was a transformative moment for me, because it was so remarkably good,” Michael said. “It’s something that I’ve eaten a million times, I’ve cooked a million times, but it was so good, and it just kind of clicked for me that there’s room for that kind of food. You know? This sort of super-satisfying approach.”
That goal has been proven at Local Provisions and will be continued with the Stebner’s newest restaurant, Brasserie Royale.
Michael said when people hear “French restaurant” they often think of something fancy or ostentatious, but his family’s goal is to create “approachable,” delicious food.
“I’m proud to say we have a menu that’s approachable. People look at the menu, they say, ‘I understand rigatoni Bolognese. I understand this menu.’ It’s not confusing, it’s not contrived, but then they order the rigatoni Bolognese, which is our number one selling dish over at Local Provisions, they realize it’s the best version of that dish they’ve ever had. We make the pasta from scratch. The sauce cooks for four hours. We use the best possible ingredients.”
In many ways, opening Brasserie Royale is merely an extension of what the Stebners love about Local Provisions –quality, local ingredients transformed into simple yet excellent dishes in a location that feels like home.
In fact, the restaurants are located right next to each other. Michael said that
about a year and a half into owning Local Provisions, he and Allyson began thinking about opening a second Local Provisions and began touring possible locations in McLean and Vienna.
As they were driving back from one location in McLean, Michael said he was reminded of some advice his father, who owned several brake and muffler shops in Arizona, gave him when he was young.
“He was literally driving hundreds of miles every day, putting out fires in his businesses,” Michael said. “I remember him telling me when I was a kid, ‘having two locations is three times harder than having one location, because you spend so much of your time going between the two.’ And I was reminded of that as I was driving back, and I was like, ‘what are we thinking? Our restaurant is brand new.’”
So, Michael and Allyson pivoted from their original plan and decided to open a second restaurant with a different concept that would still be near their home, and in the community they love.
“We know the community is good. We live in it. We know we have a loyal following and for the most part, on busy nights, it’s hard to get into that restaurant. So, the business is there, the only rub is, we’ve got to come up with a different concept and that’s kind of what led us into this,” Michael said.
While the core of what ties Local Provisions and Brasserie Royale together is the
continues on page 20
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now
Chef Michael Stebner stands in his new French bistro, Brasserie Royale.
FRENCH BISTRO
GET OUT LIVE
MUSIC
continued from page 18
GOODTIME ALIBI
6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 4 Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery, 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont. bluemontstation.com
WAYNE SNOW
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
SOMETHINGS BREWING
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
MISSION ROAD BAND
9 p.m. to July 5, 1 a.m. Friday, July 4 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
MICHAEL KELLY
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com
DELTA SPUR DUO
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
JASON CYR
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro.
868estatevineyards.com
HALF PINT HARRY
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
KARMA CREAK BAND
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford. wheatlandspring.com
MOON MUSIC
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Three Creeks Winery, 18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton. 3creekswinery.com
LUKE ANDREWS
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com
DAN BARRY
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5
8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorthwinery.com
SPIKE BURTON
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5
50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Aldie. 50westvineyards.com
ADRIEL GENET
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com
CHRIS BOWEN
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
MATT BURRIDGE
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
PETTY THIEVES
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com
DENNIS WAYLAND
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com
JAMES STEVENS
2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwineryhartland.com
DAVID GOODRUM
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com
DAVID ELLIOTT
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, 18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont. twinoakstavernwinery.com
RYAN SILL
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com
ROBBIE LÍMON
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysaliswine.com
LOST CORNER VAGABONDS
3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 5 Barnhouse Brewery, 43271 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg. barnhousebrewery.com
STANLEY WHITAKER
4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 5
The Dell: Food & Brew Hall, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. atthedell.com
ROWDY ACE TRIO
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
I&I RIDDIM
5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. villageatleesburg.com
KIRSTIE KRAUS
5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 5, Lucky Ball Lounge House Concert, 36984 Glendale St., Purcellville. kirstiekraus.com
STIFLER’S MOM
6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. $20. tararaconcerts.com
KANIN WREN’S TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR
SWIFT
7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Loudoun Station, 43751 Central Station Drive,
Ashburn. loudounstation.com
RYAN SILL
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 5
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
BRYAN WILLIAMS DUO
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 5 The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com
SIDETRACKED BAND
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, July 5 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
SCOTT KURT
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
LINDA ANDERSON & FRIENDS
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 6 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com
KEVIN HENNESSEY
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
BAILEY HAYES
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
JASON MASI
1 p.m. to July 7, 4 a.m. Sunday, July 6 Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery, 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg. mtdefiance.com
JOSEPH R. MONASTERIAL
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhidaway.com
MATT BURRIDGE
1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6 50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Aldie. 50westvineyards.com
RYAN SILL
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com
GARY SMALLWOOD
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com
SPIKE BURTON
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 6 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com
SUMMER & ERIC
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
FREDDIE LONG
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
THE PETTY THIEVES
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road,
Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com
SIMILAR CREATURES
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com
LENNY STEVENS
2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwinery.com
ROBBIE LIMON
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com
THE COLD NORTH
3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
JOHN KRAMER
4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 6
The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com
JASON MASI
6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
The Lost Fox, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhidaway.com
TEJAS SINGH
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 10
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
HAPPENINGS
ORANGE COUNTY SC AT LOUDOUN UNITED FC
7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 3
Segra Field, 42095 Loudoun United Drive, Leesburg. loudoununitedfc.com
READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 4
St. James United Church-Christ, 10 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville. lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org
RED, WHITE & BREW COOKOUT
11 a.m. to July 6, 9 p.m. Friday, July 4 Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com
LEESBURG FARMERS MARKET
8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 5
Leesburg Farmers Market, 30 Catoctin Circle SE., Leesburg. loudounfarmersmarkets.org
LOUDOUN STATION’S MOVIE: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG
6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, July 6
Loudoun Station, 43751 Central Station Drive, Ashburn. loudounstation.com
LAST OUT: ELEGY OF A GREEN BERET
7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 8
7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 9
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $34.22. tallyhotheater.com
FARMER FOR A DAY
9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10
Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. novaparks.org
French Bistro
continued from page 18
same, Michael said customers will have a completely different experience at each of the restaurants.
“Our rule is, whatever we do, we have to have three or four things that differentiate us from other restaurants and at Local Provisions those differentiators are very simple – fresh pasta made from scratch, homemade bread baked every day, a wood burning oven and a wood burning grill and soft serve ice cream,” Michael said.
But what sets Brasserie Royale apart will be different.
“Our differentiators here are a hospitality experience that is unmatched in the area,” Michael said. “And that means our level of service comparative to Local Provisions is going to be a notch higher. … We’re basically doubling down on that here and really going after our hospitality being the differentiator. The second one is going to be the design of the space.”
Michael said while Local Provisions provides a cozier environment, the goal
for the bistro is to make the visitor feel like they are stepping into France.
“I want you to feel transported. I want you to feel like you’re eating in that bistro in the corner in Paris. I want walking in the door and looking at the space to really move people,” Michael said.
The third differentiator will be precision cooking.
“At Local Provisions, we’re cooking with fire. So sometimes the oven is 500 degrees and sometimes the oven is 475 degrees… The chef has to manage it, and I would say the food there speaks to that. It’s a little more rustic, whereas here [at Brasserie Royale] we have Rational iCombi ovens. Those ovens are Wi-Fi enabled, fully integrated and programmable to our recipes, to the exact humidity, temperature, time, fan speed,” Michael said, describing them as the “Porsche 911” of ovens.
“We have no open flames in our kitchen here, no open burners. Everything is either plancha style cooking or French top cooking or the Rationale. So, for a chef, that’s a big difference,” Michael said.
The menu at Brasserie Royale will also be updated seasonally with ingre-
dients that are in their prime.
“That’s what we’re good at honestly,” Michael said. “It’s what we talk about a lot. Our daughters will tell you that we talk about it too much and but it’s easy to get inspired by ingredients. That’s the way we’ve cooked for years.”
The Stebner’s approach is similar to how an Italian grandmother would plan a meal, he added.
“An Italian grandmother gets up in the morning, goes to the market and buys what’s great,” Michael said. “She does not go to the market with an idea of what she’s going to make for dinner. She goes in with an open mind. She sees what’s perfect, and she buys those things and then makes dinner. So, she lets the market decide the menu, rather than the chef saying, ‘oh, I need to go find fava beans because I want to make a fava bean ravioli and then going to the market, and the fava beans are four or five days old and gross. Why would you buy those? So, it’s much easier to start with the ingredient for us and to say, ‘OK, what can we do with watermelon in the summer?”
Michael is also putting together the wine list for the bistro himself, after recently receiving his level two wine
certification from Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
“We’re not trying to be Chez Francois,” he added. “… It’s a simple French wine list with wines that were picked to go specifically with this food.”
In addition to the precision and quality that goes into bistro dishes, Michael said it’s important to him and Allyson that the restaurant be a place where the neighborhood feels at home.
“We have people that come to Local Provisions two or three times a month, which is, for a restaurant like that, a lot. To get that sort of loyalty is like every restaurant owner’s dream,” Michael said. “They’ll come in Friday night dressed up, and they’ll come in Thursday for lunch in their sweatpants, and they may order the same exact thing both times, but they can have two different experiences. And I really want that to happen in this restaurant too. It’s at its core, a neighborhood restaurant.”
The restaurant planned to open July 2 located at 46290 Cranston St. in the Cascades Marketplace. Learn more at brasserieroyaleva.com. n
Uli Jon Roth Announces Leesburg Concert
Pioneering hard rock guitarist Uli Jon Roth is coming to Leesburg this fall for a concert at the Tally Ho Theater. Tickets went on sale this week.
Roth, who rose to fame playing with the Scorpions, is planning a North America tour with his Pictures of Destiny program. The three-hour show includes the premiere of compositions from his long-awaited “Requiem for an Angel.”
Roth also will showcase a collection of his original oil paintings in the Tally Ho lobby.
The fully seated show will be held Nov. 20.
For details, go to tallyhotheater.com n
Roth will be accompanied by a full band and a string quartet, supported by dynamic multimedia projections, while performing orchestral renditions of “Sails of Charon,” new compositions and material from his acclaimed Transcendental Sky Guitar albums and some early Scorpions tracks.
Why We Why I Love Loudoun: Todd Wright & Terri B!
LO VE
BY VISIT LOUDOUN
In 2024, acclaimed Loudoun music producer Todd Wright invited several renowned singers, songwriters and musicians to record five original songs in four unique Loudoun venues: a winery, a distillery, a church and a horse barn. We asked Wright and Terri B!, performer on “Buy Me A Drink,” which was recorded at Walsh Family Wine, about the project and what they love about Loudoun. Songs of Loudoun is available on all major streaming services.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE SOUNDS OF LOUDOUN PROJECT?
Todd: It was an idea that started within Visit Loudoun’s music industry committee to build a songwriter’s festival in Loudoun, focusing on Loudoun artists.
Terri B! Todd and I wrote some pretty amazing songs together, including with the late Avicii’s management – a song called Blind Heart, which streamed 70 million times. We always met in Loudoun to write music.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE EACH VENUE?
Todd: My production partner Ethan Mentzer and I toured several venues last summer. We tried to keep it diverse, knowing we would be recording in the venues on the day.
WHAT MAKES LOUDOUN SUCH A CREATIVE PLACE FOR THIS KIND OF PROJECT?
Todd: The scenery, the wineries, the breweries ... You can make a living playing music if playing covers is your thing. Also, there are a lot of great writers and players here and the local government is so supportive of the arts.
“BUY ME A DRINK” IS PERFORMED BY “LOUDOUN AIR FEAT. TERRI B!” - WHAT IS LOUDOUN AIR?
Todd: Loudoun Artist in Residency. That’s the name of the Sounds of Loudoun project.
YOU WROTE PART OF THE SONG WITH YOUR DAUGHTER?
Todd: Yes, my daughter Ryan. I helped co-write.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR IT – WE HEARD IT WAS FROM WALSH’S “WHAT WILL THE WOMEN DRINK” RED WINE?
Todd: Yes. It was inspired by that wine. There is also a poster of the label at the winery that reads “What Will the Women Drink?” The song is about a tough girl who doesn’t want to be small talked to or hit on. Basically “you can buy me a drink but that’s it. Be quiet. Leave me be.” We manage to get a “what will the women drink?” line in the second verse.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO RECORD?
Terri B! We were so quick! We all just met up at the venue and I screamed out this idea about fun and party with buying a drink and the team jumped in and made it a real song.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN LOUDOUN?
Todd: We love Casa Tequila Bar & Grill in Purcellville. I get the fajitas. Smokin’ Willies is great. I get the turkey platter. Señor Ramon Taqueria is amazing as are the oysters at King Street Oyster Bar.
WHAT’S A MUST-SEE PLACE FOR AN OUT-OF-TOWN VISITOR?
Terri B! John Wesley Church in Waterford. The farms around there are also breathtaking. Todd: The W&OD cycling trail and historic downtown Leesburg.
FAVORITE EVENT IN LOUDOUN TO GO TO?
Todd: The Christmas Jingle Jam at Tally Ho. For selfish reasons! (Wright is a member of the Jingle Jam Band.)
WHAT’S A FUN FACT TO SHARE ABOUT LOUDOUN?
Todd: Patton Oswalt went to Broad Run High School.
Terri B! I went around the globe to end up meeting Todd Wright, a citizen and resident of Loudoun!
WHAT IS YOUR ALL-TIME FAVORITE SONG?
Todd: “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys
Terri B! “You’ve Got a Friend,” by James Taylor n
Terri B!
Todd Wright
Independence Celebrations Around Loudoun
While several communities have a jump start on celebrating the nation’s 149th birthday, there is a full roster of parades and fireworks still to come.
The Town of Lovettsville is up next with its traditional July 3 activities, starting with a parade down Broad Way at 5:30 p.m. That will be followed by carnival games, a DJ, food and face painting at the Lovettsville Community Park and the town’s pool bash at the community center. Fireworks start around 9:30 p.m. at the park.
On Friday morning, runners will line up at Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park at 8 a.m. for the Red, White & Run 5K race. Family festivities at Claude Moore Park in Sterling run from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Town of Leesburg kicks off a full day of July 4th activities beginning with the parade down King Street starting at 10 a.m. The parade features the annual Patriots Cup Competition, sponsored by Loudoun Now King Street will close to traffic beginning at 9:30 a.m. in preparation for the parade and reopen at approximately 12:30 p.m.
The celebration continues at Ida Lee Park, with gates open at 6 p.m. A live performance by the band Silver Bullets will begin at 6:30 p.m., and a
firework display choreographed to music will light up the sky beginning at 9:30 p.m. The town has set up a text alert system with real-time updates for residents who text “Leesburg4th” to 888777.
The county’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services offers an evening of family activities at Franklin Park near Purcellville from 5 to 10 p.m. There will be a DJ, amusements, food trucks, face painting, and photo booth. The Loudoun Symphonic Winds will perform beginning at 8:45 p.m. and during the fireworks display.
In Middleburg, festivities begin with a 6 p.m. kids’ parade from the community center to the Middleburg Community Charter School, where there will be live music, food, family activities and fireworks.
The night will be lit up in other areas of the county as well with numerous approved fireworks displays, some private.
On July 3, fireworks are planned at the Loudoun United match at Segra Field near Leesburg, in Waterford, and at Trump National Golf Club.
On July 4, displays are planned at Creighton Farms, a home on Nixon Road near Hillsboro, Lansdowne Resort, and Ashburn Village. n
‘Last Out’: Veterans Bring Healing Message to the Stage
Actors taking the stage at the Tally Ho Theater next week will offer audiences a deeper understanding of the challenges military veterans face following our nation’s longest war.
Ret. Lt. Col Scott Mann, a 23-year U.S. Army veteran who served 18 years as a Green Beret, spent two years writing “Last Out,” a one-act play based on stories of modern warfare that is intended to help civilians better understand the costs paid by veterans and their families, and to help veterans heal from their war experiences.
Mann also is the author of several nonfiction books, including best-seller, “Operation Pineapple Express,” detailing the stories of the veterans, volunteers, and Afghan allies during the United States’ abandonment of Afghanistan in 2021.
“Last Out” is performed by a cast of four, all veterans or family members
of veterans, with Marine Corps vet Michael Broderick in the lead role as Danny Patton.
It is coming to the Leesburg stage through the support of area veterans who want to share the play’s powerful message with those struggling after their military service.
The play chronicles Patton’s civilian life and the traumatic experiences he went through as a Green Beret in scenes from a fire base in Afghanistan to a family’s living room at home to help audiences better understand the impacts of war and to heal from its impacts.
“Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret” will be performed Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9 at the Tally Ho Theater. Tickets are $25 plus fees. They will be fully seated, general admission shows. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Learn more at tfpineapple.org. n
Legal Notices
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
The PURCELLVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers of Town Hall located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF TOWN PROPERTY
Conveyance of Easements on Suzanne Kane Nature Preserve to Virgina Electric and Power Company d.b.a. Dominion Energy Virginia
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Town Council shall consider conveying to Virginia Electric and Power Company d.b.a. Dominion Energy Virginia, utility easements on the Town owned property known as Suzanne Kane Nature Preserve, for the purpose of installing street lights and appurtenances along N. 21st Street. The property on which the easements will be located is more particularly described as: PIN: 487-16-0812-000 and Tax Map # /35/I/1/////C/.
Copies of the draft deed of easement and plat showing the locations of the above-listed conveyance are available for review and may be examined at the Purcellville Town Hall, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (540) 338-7421. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: https://www.purcellvilleva.gov/913/TC-and-PC-Agendas-Videos-etc
At this public hearing, all persons affected, or otherwise desiring to present their views concerning this matter, will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk, at kbandy@purcellvilleva.gov, three days in advance of the meeting.
7/3 & 7/10/2025
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 July 16, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
6/12, 6/19, 6/26 & 7/3/25
Legal Notices
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
S. 32ND STREET SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS UPC 121759
The Town of Purcellville is in the process of designing a sidewalk and associated improvements along S. 32nd Street from W. J Street to S. Nursery Avenue. The Town will be holding a Design Public Hearing to gain additional input on design elements from the community at the following date and time:
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
*Alternate Date July 22, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Town Hall Council Chambers 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, VA 20132
Project Description: Improvements will include installing a sidewalk, improved storm sewer system, and minor roadway improvements to address vehicular safety. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks will provide safe pedestrian access along the corridor and provide a connection between existing pedestrian facilities at J Street and Nursery Avenue. The Town of Purcellville was allocated $2,387,686 in Virginia Department of Transportation Revenue Sharing Funds for this project.
At the Public Hearing, project plans, information about property impacts, right of way policies, the tentative construction schedule, and environmental documents may be reviewed. This information will also be available 30 days prior to the public hearing at Purcellville Town Hall, 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, VA 20132. Community input is requested on the design details. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, comments can be sent to Jessica Keller, Project Manager, via phone 540-751-2330 or email at jkeller@purcellvilleva.gov. All comments must be submitted to Jessica Keller by July 18, 2025. *In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances and the July 8, 2025 Public Hearing is cancelled, the Public Hearing will be held on July 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. If the Public Hearing is held on July 22, 2025, comments must be submitted by August 1, 2025.
Consistent with the Memorandum of Agreement pursuant to Code of Virginia § 10.1-1188-B., VDOT has determined the project will not have significant impacts to the environment and is exempt from the State Environmental Review Process. In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning the potential effects of the proposed project on properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is also available.
The Town of Purcellville ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. All Town government offices can be contacted by dialing 540-338-7421. If you require an accommodation or special assistance for any type of disability or need language assistance, please contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk, at kbandy@purcellvilleva.gov.
6/5/25, 7/3/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0149
Arcola Farms Phase II
Ms. Angela Rassas of Toll Mid-Atlantic, LP Company, Inc. of Reston, VA is requesting preliminary plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately Eighty (80.25) acres into two-hundred and fiftyeight (258) residential lots, ten (10) open space lots and associated easements. The property is located east of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), west of Beaverdam Drive (Route 2475) and south of Ryan Road (Route 772). 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 242-29-6894, 24229-9973, 242-20-3664, 242-29-8917, 242-20-3804, 242-10-0179, 242-10-2937 (partial), 199-15-7187 (partial), 199-15-5059 (partial) and 242-10-8536 (partial) in the Little River and Ashburn Election Districts.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http:// www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0149. 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 July 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). 6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/1725
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ048304
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Gustavo Adolfo Constante Anaya Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.
Jose Ricardo Portillo Mejia, putative father, and Unknown Father
The object of this suit is to hold a third permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-282.1 and §16.1-281 for Gustavo Adolfo Constante Anaya
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Jose Ricardo Portillo Mejia, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before July 22, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
6/19, 6/26, 7/3, 7/10/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.: JJ049567
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Daniel Merlo Arita Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father
The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-282 and §16.1281 for Daniel Merlo Arita.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before July 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
6/12, 6/19, 6/26 & 7/3/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Case No.: CL25-3682
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Anita Fuentes v. Elmer Leonidas Fuentes Suarez
The object of this suit is to grant a Divorce to the Plaintiff; and
IT APPEARING by affidavit filed according to law that the Defendant, Elmer Leonidas Fuentes Suarez in the above-titled cause cannot be found, and diligence has been used with effect to ascertain his location; it is therefore ORDERED that the said ELMER LEONIDAS FUENTES SUAREZ, appear in the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia, located at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia on or before the 26th day of September, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and do what is necessary to protect his interests.
6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ048434
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lili Vasquez Martinez
Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Lili Vasquez Martinez
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 Lili Vasquez Martinez.
It is ORDERED that Lili Vasquez Martinez appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before July 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Case No.: CA-25-28
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in the matter of the adoption of a child known as JEREMY BAKER RADFAR (Birth Certificate File Number 14508-042734 Registered in the Commonwealth of Virginia) by Leila Baker and Wesley Baker
THE OBJECT of the above-styled suit is to grant an Adoption Petition for the minor child Jeremy Baker Radfar filed by Wesley Baker and Leila Baker; and
IT APPEARING by affidavit filed according to law that the Respondent, Jerry Kabundi Saidi, in the above-titled cause cannot be found, and diligence has been used with effect to ascertain his location; it is therefore
ORDERED that the said JERRY KABUNDI SAIDI, appear in the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia, located at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia on or before the 26th day of September, 2025 at 2:00 pm and do what is necessary to protect his interests.
7/3 7/10, 7/17, & 7/24/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Case No.: CL25-825
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Christian Lauren Bee v. Brandon James Pashby
The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce pursuant to VA code § 20-91(A)(9).
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Brandon James Pashby appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before August 15, 2025, 10:00 am.
6/26, 7/3, 7/10, 7/17/25
Legal Notices
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
N. 21ST STREET SHARED USE PATH PHASE 2
The Town of Purcellville is planning to apply for grant funding for a proposed shared used path along N. 21st Street from the Suzanne Kane Nature Preserve to the W&OD Trail. This proposed path would be Phase 2 of a two-phased project to make a safe bicycle/pedestrian connection from Hirst Road to the W&OD Trail. The Town will be holding a Public Hearing to notify the public about the proposed project and to ensure there is adequate public support for the project at the following date and time:
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
*Alternate Date July 22, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Town Hall Council Chambers 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, VA 20132
Project Description: Proposed improvements include a ten-foot-wide, asphalt shared use path along the north (east) side of N. 21st Street from the terminus of the shared use path to be constructed in Phase 1 (estimated completion late 2026) to the W&OD Trail. The shared use path would provide safe bicycle and pedestrian access along the corridor. The Town of Purcellville will apply for VDOT Transportation Alternatives funding if there is adequate public support for the project.
At the Public Hearing, conceptual planning documents may be reviewed. This information will also be available 30 days prior to the public hearing at Purcellville Town Hall, 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, VA 20132. Community input is requested on the proposed project. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, comments can be sent to Jessica Keller, Project Manager, via phone 540-751-2330 or email at jkeller@purcellvilleva.gov. All comments must be submitted to Jessica Keller by July 18, 2025. *In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances and the July 8, 2025 Public Hearing is cancelled, the Public Hearing will be held on July 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Hall Council Chambers. If the Public Hearing is held on July 22, 2025, comments must be submitted by August 1, 2025.
The Town of Purcellville ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. All Town government offices can be contacted by dialing 540-338-7421. If you require an accommodation or special assistance for any type of disability or need language assistance, please contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk, at kbandy@purcellvilleva.gov.
6/5/25, 7/3/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Civil Action No.: CL-25-2894
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, VIRGINIA vs. HEIRS and SUCCESSORS -ININTEREST OF DAVID JANIGA, ET AL
IT APPEARING to the Court that the object of the above-styled suit is to achieve the judicial sale of real estate located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for the purpose of collecting delinquent real estate taxes assessed against the subject real property.
IT APPEARING to the Court that the subject real estate is a residential condominium which contains 0.0 acres, more or less, with improvements, located at 312 E. Furman Drive, Sterling, Virginia 20164 and identified by Loudoun County PIN 022-27-4797-183 and Tax Map Number /81FCMPB/183 (the “Property”).
Mr. Janiga took title to the Property by deed dated May 14, 1982, recorded among the Land Records of the County (“Land Records”) in Deed Book 0811, Page 0699. Upon information and belieef, Mr. Janiga is deceased, but no will or list of heirs has been admitted of record with this Court.
IT APPEARING to the Court, by affidavit, that the record owners of the Property are the heirs-
at-law and successors in interest of David Janiga.
IT FURTHER APPEARING to the Court, by affidavit, that James Hardcastle, a resident, may be one of the heirs and/or successors-in-interest of David Janiga.
IT FURTHER APPEARING to the Court, by affidavit, that James Hardcastle may also be an heir and/or successor-in-interest of David Janiga, whose last known address is 2203 Burgee Ct., Reston, VA 20191-22032; that the County cannot determine with certainty whether such address is still accurate; that the County will attempt personal service, but if unsuccessful, James Hardcastle will be served by this Order of Publication.
IT FURTHER APPEARING to the Court, by affidavit, that there are or may be other individuals, heirs and/or successors-in-interest of David Janiga, whose location and whereabouts are unknown and have been made defendants in this case by the general description “PARTIES UNKNOWN.”
ORDERED, that pursuant to Virginia Code §§8.01-316, 8.01-321, and 58.1-3967, James Hardcastle and Parties Unknown, appear before this Court on August 15, 2025 at 10:00 am, and do what is necessary to protect their interests herein.
7/3 7/10, 7/17 & 7/24/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Civil Action No.: CL-25-2893
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, VIRGINIA vs. JOHN P. LUDWIG 37038 Pinehill Lane Hillsboro, VA 20132
IT APPEARING to the Court that the object of the above-styled suit is to achieve the judicial sale of real estate located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for the purpose of collecting delinquent real estate taxes assessed against the subject real property.
IT APPEARING to the Court that the subject real estate is a residential dwelling which contains 2.12 acres, more or less, with improvements, located at 37038 Pinehill Lane, Hillsboro, Virginia 20132 and identified by Loudoun County PIN 473-15-4423-000 and Tax Map Number //1////////41/ (the “Property”).
IT APPEARING to the Court, by affidavit, that there are or may be individuals, heirs and/or successors-in-interest of John P. Ludwig, whose location and whereabouts are unknown and have been made defendants in this case by the general description of “PARTIES UNKNOWN.”
ORDERED, that pursuant to Virginia Code §§8.01-316, 8.01-321, the Parties Unknown, appear before this Court on August 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and do what is necessary to protect their interests herein.
7/3 7/10, 7/17 & 7/24/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)
SANITARY SEWER LINING AND REHABILITATION (VARIOUS TOWN STREETS)
The Town of Leesburg will accept sealed bids electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, for the following:
IFB NO. 20506-FY26-04
SANITARY SEWER LINING AND REHABILITATION (VARIOUS TOWN STREETS)
Work includes installation of Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP), sewer lateral reinstatement with lined connection, flow bypass, maintenance of traffic, and all incidentals related thereto.
For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 7/3/25
Texmex Tacos, LLC, trading as El Jefe Tacos, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Suite 130, Chantilly, VA 20152. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail Restaurant or Caterer Application Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Cecilia Santos Recalde Galindo, owner.
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.
Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
7/3 & 7/10/25
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No.: CL25-3971
Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Luis Fernando Yanes Benitez v. Veronica Marie Yanes
The object of this suit is for LUIS FERNANDO YANES BENITEZ to secure a divorce by VERONICA MARIE YANES, and it appearing that the location of the Defendant, VERONICA MARIE YANES, is not known, and dilgence has been used by or on behalf of the Plaintiff to ascertain in what county or city the Defendant is without effect.
It is therefore ORDERED that the Defendant appear before this Court on or before August 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm and protect her interests therein.
7/3 7/10, 7/17, & 7/24/25
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR:
IMPLEMENTATION OF A PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY STUDY, RFP No. 683891 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, July 23, 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
7/3/25
PUBLIC NOTICE
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.
PLAT-2025-0072
Tillett’s View
Mr. Christopher Spahr, of Pulte Home Company LLC, of Fairfax, VA is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately eighteen (18.60) acres into forty-four (44) lots, two (2) open space parcel, and associated easements. The property is located north of Waxpool Road (Route 900), west of Claiborne Parkway (Route 901), south of Black Angus Drive, and east of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659). The property is zoned R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential), under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as MCPI #156-26-4485-000 and MCPI #156-36-3643-000 in the Broad Run Election District.
Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http://www. loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0072. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Vaughn Bynoe at Vaughn.Bynoe@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by July 9, 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).
6/5, 6/12, 6/19, 6/26, 7/3/25
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
2005 GMC SAFARI UNKNOWN AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888
7/3 & 7/10/25
ABC LICENSE
WBMS Inc., trading as Roosters Men’s Grooming Center, 545 E Market Street, Suite C, Leesburg, VA. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for an Other Marketplace, Beer and Wine, on Premises application.
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.
Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
6/26, 7/3/25
365 Xpress Mart LLC, trading as 365 Xpress Mart LLC, 45665 W. Church Rd., Unit 101, Sterling, VA 20164. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Convenience Grocery Store, Wine, Beer, Off Premises application.
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.
Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
7/3 & 7/10/25
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
The PURCELLVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers of Town Hall located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF TOWN PROPERTIES
Conveyance of Easements near Fields Farm Water Storage Tank to Virginia Electric and Power Company d.b.a. Dominion Energy Virginia and Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Town Council shall consider conveying to Virginia Electric and Power Company d.b.a. Dominion Energy Virginia and Comcast Cable Communication Management, LLC, utility easements across Town owned properties near the Fields Farm Water Storage Tank, for the purpose of installing electrical and communication lines and appurtenances. The properties on which the easements will be located are more particularly described as: 300 Centerfield Farm Drive, Purcellville, Virginia, PIN: 522-30-6374-000, Tax Map # /35/Q/1/////A; and PIN: 487-354431-000, Tax Map #/35/Q/1/////B/.
Copies of the draft deeds of easement and plats showing the locations of the above-listed conveyance are available for review and may be examined at the Purcellville Town Hall, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (540) 3387421. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: https://www.purcellvilleva.gov/913/TC-and-PC-Agendas-Videos-etc
At this public hearing, all persons affected, or otherwise desiring to present their views concerning this matter, will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk, at kbandy@purcellvilleva.gov, three days in advance of the meeting.
7/3 & 7/10/2025
ONLINE. ALWAYS. LOUDOUNOW.COM
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE
The PURCELLVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers of Town Hall located at 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on, considering, and possibly voting on the following item:
APPROVAL OF PUBLIC USE, NECESSITY AND ACQUISITION OF RIGHT OF WAY AND EASEMENTS FOR PUBLIC USE (32ND AND MAIN STREET INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PHASE II UPC #122887) FROM PROPERTY LOCATED AT 610 W. MAIN STREET BY CONDEMNATION OR OTHER MEANS The Town of Purcellville was awarded VDOT Revenue Sharing Funds for the 32nd and Main Street Intersection Improvements, a project to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety by installing sidewalks, crosswalks, curb and gutter, storm drainage, and pavement markings. While most of these public improvements are to be installed in the Town’s right of way, right of way and easements from properties surrounding the intersection are needed and have already been obtained. The Town has not been able to acquire the necessary right of way, sight distance easement, and temporary construction easements on Parcel 488-35-1030-000 at 610 W. Main Street. In order to not further delay the project’s schedule, the Town must begin the condemnation process to acquire the necessary and required right of way and easements for this public use. The proposed action by Council is the approval of the 32nd and Main Street Intersection Improvements Phase II as a public use and authorization of acquisition of the right of way and easements by condemnation or other means.
Information related to this project is available for review at the Purcellville Town Hall, 221 South Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia by appointment, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.
At this public hearing, all persons affected, or otherwise desiring to present their views concerning this matter, will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact Kimberly Bandy, Town Clerk, at kbandy@purcellvilleva.gov, three days in advance of the meeting.
7/3/ & 7/10/2025
Loco Service Providers
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Town of Leesburg - Employment Opportunities
Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA.
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
Regular Full-Time Positions
Position Department Salary Range Closing Date
Communications Technician (Police Dispatch) Police
Engineering Technician, Engineer I, or Senior Engineer Community Development
Fleet Maintenance Technician I Public Works & Capital Projects
Pavement and Bridge Manager Public Works & Capital Projects
Police Officer (Entry Level) Police
Police Officer (Virginia Lateral) Police
Project Manager - Utilities Public Works & Capital Projects
Senior EngineerCapital Projects Public Works & Capital Projects
$53,000$105,463 DOQ Open until filled
$58,823$160,975 DOQ Open until filled
$52,520$110,130 DOQ Open until filled
$81,012$164,924 DOQ Open until filled
$65,000$112,820 DOQ Open until filled
$75,246$130,601 DOQ Open until filled
$81,012$164,924 DOQ Open until filled
$74,596$151,863 DOQ Open until filled
Microsoft Corporation currently has the following openings in Leesburg, VA (opportunities available at all levels, e.g., Principal, Senior and Lead levels). To access job posting, visit website address listed.
Mechanical Engineering: Design, dvlp, modify, or evaluate electronic parts, components, integrated circuitry, or systems related to MSFT tech. Telecommuting permitted <50%/wk.
https://jobs-microsoft.icims.com/jobs/41584/go/job
Multiple positions available. Some positions req travel and/or permit telecommuting. For details (if applicable), including job descriptions & min reqs, salary range & benefits info, and how to apply, access job posting using website address listed. EOE.
Overview: The Invasive Plant Species Management Program Specialist position administers the Loudoun County Invasive Plant Species Management Program (IPSMP). The position implements the Board of Supervisor’s program plan to increase public awareness about invasive plant species and their negative impacts on local ecosystems and fund projects to remove and replace invasive plant species on impacted properties while using those projects to facilitate community action to prevent the future planting of invasive species. This position will serve as the subject matter expert for invasive plant species management and coordinate the acceptance, ranking and awarding of grant applications as governed by the IPSMP guide as well as promoting the program through educational and outreach efforts. Maintains contacts, provides updates, and organizes meetings for the Invasive Plant SpeciesTechnical Review Committee (IPS-TRC). Educates Loudoun landowners/ homeowners of the challenges that come with invasive species, the benefits of participating in the management program, and their obligations for participating in the IPSMP.
This position is being offered as a Temp, two-year term position, with extension of duties based on the availability of funding to continue the position. Salary range is $55,000-$70,000. Benefits included.
To apply for this opportunity, applicants must submit a (1) cover letter indicating relevant education and experience, (2) resume, as well as a completed (3) LSWCD application at www.loudounsoilandwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/LSWCD-JobApplication.pdf. A resume in lieu of a completed application will not be accepted. Applications can be submitted electronically to suzie.brown@lswcd.org or mail to: Loudoun SWCD; Attn: Suzanne Brown, District Operations Manager; 30 Catoctin Circle, SE., Suite 218; Leesburg, VA 20175.
The position will remain open until 7/07/25, with review of applications beginning immediately. Loudoun SWCD job opportunities are available to all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or political affiliation. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Published by Loudoun Community Media
RENSS GREENE
Executive Director rgreene@loudounnow.org
BILL CLIFFORD
Chief Development Of cer bclifford@loudounnow.org
NORMAN K. STYER
Executive Editor nstyer@loudounnow.org
EDITORIAL
HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.org
WILLIAM TIMME Reporter wtimme@loudounnow.org
ADVERTISING
SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.org
TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.org
VICKY MASHAW Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.org
Opinion
Trickle Down
State and local governments are bracing for a bout of trickle-down economics.
What is playing out in the tax-and-spending bill being pushed through the federal legislature has little resemblance to the Reagan-era job-building strategy. However, it should be familiar to our state legislators who have a long-established reputation for passing service costs—and tax-raising responsibilities—to the local governments below them. It appears they are about to get a dose of that medicine themselves, although that, too, is
likely to be passed down to county and city leaders.
The impacts of the policies included in the 940-page bill won’t be known for some time; the partisan talking points surely only skim the surface. It is unclear how spending $80 million to $100 million to move the Space Shuttle Discovery to Texas will enhance border security or adding trillions more dollars to the national debt will bring critically needed fiscal discipline to bear.
Those were the priorities, right?
LETTERS to the Editor
Extraordinary Legacy
Editor:
As members of Loudoun County’s nonprofit and civic community, we write to honor and express our deep appreciation for J Hamilton Lambert in his retirement from a lifetime of dedicated public service and philanthropic leadership.
Throughout his decades-long career— as executive director of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, and in many other roles—Mr. Lambert has exemplified integrity, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
Mr. Lambert’s leadership has made a lasting impact on our region. Under his guidance, the foundation has granted over $100 million to nonprofits, enabling organizations to serve those most in need. Since 2020 alone, more than $15 million has been given in Loudoun. From expanding educational opportunities and improving access to healthcare and food, to strengthening workforce development and supporting youth programs, the foundation's reach—guided by Mr. Lambert’s vision—has been transformative for Loudoun County. However, his legacy goes beyond funding. Mr. Lambert brought wisdom, compassion, humor, and a deep sense of civic responsibility to every interaction. He believed in the strength of community
partnerships and always took time to listen, advise, and support those on the front lines of service. The gratitude we feel comes not only from the nonprofits that received support but also from the thousands of individuals and families whose lives have been improved because of it. His work has contributed to building a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Loudoun County.
On behalf of the many organizations and residents whose futures are brighter thanks to his dedication, we offer our heartfelt thanks to J. Hamilton Lambert. We wish him a joyful and welldeserved retirement, and we honor the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind
With sincere appreciation,
Jennifer Montgomery
President & CEO, Loudoun Hunger Relief
Rory Q. Miott
Board President, African American Community Alliance
Kim Tapper
Co-Founder & Executive Director, A Place To Be
Nicole Acosta
President & CEO, Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties
Paul Donohue, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer, ECHO (Every Citizen Has Opportunities)
Kim R. Ford
CEO, Girl Scouts Nation's Capital
Tonya M. Adkins
CEO, HealthWorks for Northern Virginia
Dr. Arik King
Executive Director, Future Kings, Inc.
Samantha Clarke
CEO, LAWS
Ashley Hunnicutt
Executive Director, Loudoun Free Clinic
Danielle Nadler
Executive Director, Loudoun Education Foundation
Beatriz McNelly
Executive Director, Loudoun Literacy Council
Blanca Ramirez
Executive Director, Loudoun Youth, Inc.
Laurie Young
Executive Director, Legacy Farms
Adam Bell
Board Committee Member, Legacy Farms
Stephanie Berkowitz
President & CEO, Northern Virginia Family Service
Thomas Wilson
Executive Director, Northern Virginia Dental Clinic
Val Walters
Executive Director, Ryan Bartel Foundation
Karen Huff
Professor of Education, Shenandoah University/
Claude Moore Center for Literacy
Mario A. Pérez
CEO, Scouting America National Capital Area
Council
Melissa Hinton
Founder, Serenity House
Lisa Max
CEO, The Arc of Loudoun
Nicole Morris
CEO, Women Giving Back
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.
READERS’
Letters
continued from page 28
Respect for All
Editor:
Our Loudoun community needs to be concerned about the growing fear among our large immigrant community. I live in Sterling and know many wonderful Latinos who are loving parents and responsible contributors to our local economy.
When I talk with Latino neighbors and acquaintances, their fear of our county sheriffs and ICE agents is palpable. They are restricting their activities, going less often to church, less often seeking medical care, working less, and shopping less. Parents have developed plans for others to take care of their children if they were to be apprehended by county deputies or ICE.
For me, this is a moral issue. When I was a child, I learned the Jewish and Christian commandment, “Love your neighbor as you would love yourself.” I know other faith traditions have similar calls that emphasize the importance of treating others with the same level of care and consideration that one naturally gives to oneself. It would be great if our faith leaders (and indeed all our Loudoun community members) would stand up in helping to protect
our immigrant community members from fear and unacceptable harm from those exercising power. We can try to influence Sheriff Michael Chapman to change policies that are hurting members of our community. He is an elected official; he should listen to voices from the community.
So, what is the call to action?
Ask Sheriff Chapman to stop the discriminatory practice of targeting immigrants during routine traffic stops. I’ve learned that Latino residents are eight times more likely to be searched during traffic stops than other groups. And, 55% of all searches target Latinos although they make up only 14% of the population. It is well-established that these pretextual traffic stops are used to search the vehicle to try to find a more serious crime. This practice has been criticized for disproportionately impacting minority communities and eroding public trust in law enforcement.
Ask Sheriff Chapman to end the 287(g) Warrant Service Officer Agreement, which allows the Sheriff Office to notify ICE when a non-citizen is in the Adult Detention Center.
And, even if Sheriff Chapman is not responsive, let’s ask all deputies to live up to the American ideal of liberty and justice for all. We depend on these deputies to show dignity and respect to all. It will make our community safer.
— Gregory Pirio,
Sterling
Another View of Purcellville’s Budget
BY PURCELLVILLE COUNCILMEMBERS ERIN RAYNER, CALEB STOUGHT, AND KEVIN WRIGHT
Mayor Bertaut’s recent press release paints an overly rosy and misleading picture of the town’s newly adopted budget. While it touts cost savings and a promising financial future, it deliberately omits inconvenient facts and fails to address the very real risks now facing Purcellville.
This press release is the latest in a pattern of misrepresentation from the mayor and the majority on Town Council. Critical information is left out, and no meaningful plan is offered to address the growing backlog of essential infrastructure repairs and capital improvements that continue to be kicked down the road.
The “majority” boasts about temporarily lowering utility rates, yet they ignore the long-term consequences. Our independent utility consultants have made it clear: due to these short-sighted reductions, rates will need to be raised even higher than previously projected within just three years. While the council majority today touts the 9% and 11% rate cuts for water and sewer, they conveniently omit the fact that 25%, 30%, or even 35% rate hikes will be necessary as a result within a few short years. Experienced professionals across the state agree, responsibly managing a small utility requires modest, consistent rate increases to keep up with compounding operational costs. Slashing rates for political points today only ensures fiscal pain tomorrow.
The budget process itself was, frankly, a mockery of good governance. From the beginning, the mayor and his allies on council showed no interest in collaboration, transparency, or sound financial planning. They disregarded expert advice, dismissed professional staff input, and pushed through reckless budget amendments with little explanation
or justification. The motion to write an ordinance disbanding the Police Department on April 8 is the most egregious example of their willingness to sneak agenda items through at the last minute with little or no public comment. Their actions were not only fiscally irresponsible but deeply disrespectful to staff, council colleagues, and the residents we were elected to serve.
The freezing and defunding of 10.6 essential staff positions, along with deep cuts to departmental development budgets, the elimination of contingency funding, and the removal of planned enhancements, are not genuine operational savings, they are a shell game that obscures the true cost to our town. In addition, almost $1M of “savings” isn’t savings at all, they’ve simply deferred critical infrastructure upgrades, in this case wastewater filter screens, until next year, when due to inflation they will be even more expensive.
Relying on a $1.4 million drawdown from reserves to balance the budget is not a responsible financial strategy; it is a shortterm fix that places Purcellville on a precarious path towards insolvency.
Furthermore, the defunding of the Economic Development Manager position and the elimination of the Town’s participation in the Virginia Main Street Program demonstrate a clear lack of commitment to supporting Purcellville’s business community. These actions undermine long-term efforts to build a resilient commercial tax base and contradict any claims of promoting sustainable economic growth.
Purcellville deserves better than vague press releases and political spin. Our residents deserve honest leadership, transparent decision-making, and a budget that reflects long- term responsibility—not short-term optics. It’s time for a serious course correction—before the damage becomes irreversible. n
Subramanyam
continued from page 3
through chemo, radiation and immunotherapy, and nothing seemed to help. It spread very rapidly, and he died a little over a year after he was diagnosed,” Michell Gallina said of her husband Matt, who died last year.
Subramanyam said he would be happy to sign onto the bill and help raise support for it.
“I was a volunteer for three years, EMT/fire in Ashburn ... So, I know how hard it is, and I appreciate everything that you all are doing, and the families, how hard it is on them, too.” Subramanyam said.
He also met with constituents looking to raise support for a bill that would provide Medicare Part D recipients the option to choose non-opioid pain management drugs following a procedure.
Members of the Voices for Non-Opioid Choices shared stories of how their families had been impacted by opioid addiction.
Loudoun anesthesiologist Joe Smith, who works for the Inova Health System, said since learning of the problem he has looked for alternative methods of helping patients to manage their pain.
“When we did surgeries, even as an intern I was always trained, ‘hey, let’s give them 60 Percocets, or whatever. That’s how we were trained,” Smith said.
But over the past 30 years, Smith said he was often called in to the emergency room to intubate young patients who had overdosed.
“I was like, who the heck is responsible for this?” he said, adding that 1020% of patients who go home with narcotics prescribed will become addicted to them.
The Alternatives to Pain Act would allow doctors to work with their patients to have non-opioid treatment options that would still be covered by Medicare Part D.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS AND AGENCIES
Subramanyam also carved out time in his day to meet with former federal employees who were either fired or quit since Trump took office Jan. 20. They raised concerns with the legality of their firings, recalling the chaos within their agencies in the first weeks of the new administration.
Many Loudoun residents have raised concerns over the past five months as the county’s Department of Economic Development has said there are approximately 17,000 federal employees
living in Loudoun and another 43,000 federal contractors.
Subramanyam said the initial work done by his office and other members of Congress rolled back some firings.
“We’ve seen situations where our tactics were not successful. We protested and it didn’t work. We did other things that didn’t work. It’s not to say we shouldn’t protest, but what’s worked is making these stories famous, making the American people understand that the work of civil servants is important to their own lives and saves people money and keeps them safer and healthier and happier,” he said. “So, if we tell the story to the American people of how the federal workers in Loudoun are doing great work for them, and that firing them is going to hurt them at a very personal level, I’ve found that this administration does retreat and sometimes even tries to rehire people.”
With Elon Musk’s time leading the Department of Governmental Efficiency ending earlier this month, I asked Subramanyam what that means for Loudouners’ federal jobs going forward.
“We’re still seeing a lot of reports of people getting fired. We just had a meeting where someone said State Department officials will be fired this week, and we have to tell the story of why those State Department officials are essential and important,” he said.
Subramanyam said if there are employees who are non-essential or unimportant getting fired, that’s not the “fight I’m going to pick” but that so far, federal workers have been fired over ideological issues.
“In a lot of these cases people are
fired because of ideology or because there’s a perceived lack of loyalty to the president or his agenda. … The people hired to replace these folks are Trump loyalists, not people who have any expertise in government or who have any plans to root out waste, fraud and abuse,” Subramanyam said.
In addition to that, there have been talks about moving federal agencies out of the DC area to other states, which could lead to more jobs lost or to residents moving out of Loudoun County.
“It’s going to be a disaster for our economy, even if there’s not an agency in our district, many people in our district work at these federal agencies or they’re contractors who are here because they work with a certain agency, and so I think that’s going to be a top priority,” he said.
Subramanyam said he has been supporting remote work for federal employees as a way to offset some of the impacts of those potential changes.
“We do telework all the time in the private sector, and there’s been zero evidence that people who telework are less productive. In fact, many of them have rigorous metrics they have to meet at some of these agencies,” he said.
The return-to-work mandates that went into effect earlier this year are putting a strain on the transportation infrastructure, he said.
READER’S QUESTIONS
During my own interview with Subramanyam, I had a chance to ask a question posed by one of our readers through our Instagram account.
Q: Why did he vote to table the impeachment resolution [against Trump]?
A: “It had no chance of passing. First of all, no impeachment is going to pass this Congress, but it’s still worth debating. But this bill was not going to start a debate on whether the president’s actions were impeachable or appropriate even, and it doesn’t really give us much oversight into the president. And so, I just felt like bad tactics, which is what it would come down to. We’ve impeached the president twice and look where it got us. It got us the president getting reelected. But we plan to hold this president accountable, and I’m on the Oversight Committee, and we’re doing it every day, 24 hours a day, as much as we can. So, I understand, ‘why wouldn’t you want to impeach this president and get rid of him?’ But we have to pick our battles right, and we have to find the right opportunity where he does something that even Republicans feel is impeachable, and I think that’s where we can make progress. At the very least, even if an impeachment vote doesn’t pass, we can put Republicans in a tough position, and he’s done lots of other things that could be grounds for impeachment.”
WRAPPING UP
The evening wrapped up with a teletown hall where hundreds of constituents called in to ask their questions about a variety of topics including the budget bill, which could cut Medicaid for some individuals, the attacks on Iran, tariffs and their impacts on local businesses, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions.
While the congressman has held a number of in-person town halls since taking office in January, this was his first one over the phone. The hour-long call was held in his office with several staffers staying late to ensure everything was run smoothly, as Subramanyam, spoke to constituents from his desk.
“To be honest there’s days where I feel frustrated and stonewalled and even a little helpless, but then I remember that not only do I have the power to speak up and change things, but so do you,” he said. “In fact, you have just as much power and let me be someone who can help you navigate that power that you have, but we can’t be discouraged when we see bad things happen. And the more we speak up, the better the results.”
Unlike most of the other congressman, Subramanyam doesn’t stay in the city during session. So after a final wrap up discussion with staff, he began the 45-minute drive home to Loudoun. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) makes calls to constituents who have contacted his office in between meetings June 25.