Loudoun Now for June 26, 2025

Old Waterford, A Test Case for Rural Road Preservation

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

As the Board of Supervisors prepares to take its annual vote on which of Loudoun’s gravel roads to pave next, community members are continuing to push for an alternative way to maintain the county’s rural roads – one that better preserves their character.

Gravel roads are often a controversial topic in Loudoun with some residents complaining of the potholes, dust and deterioration. However, other residents view Loudoun’s approximately 250 miles of unpaved roads are a unique and valuable characteristic of the county.

RURAL ROADS continues on page 19

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Arc of Loudoun will be leaving the Leesburg location it has used as a base for community services since 2008 after mediation efforts between the organization and the Paxton Trust to renew a lease agreement have failed.

ASKTHEEXPERTS GUIDEP.20

Paxton Trustees Envision Expanded Services as The Arc of Loudoun Searches for New Home

The Arc of Loudoun is a local chapter of The Arc of the United States, which promotes and protects the rights of people with disabilities.

The Trust, also a 501(c)3, was established in 1921 with the goal of serving needy children of Loudoun County. It owns the 16-acre campus in Leesburg where The Arc of Loudoun operates.

The existing lease for The Arc ended Aug. 31, 2024, and the two organizations have been in mediation since October. The Paxton Trust made the announcement that The Arc would need to leave the site by the beginning of the fall school year on Friday afternoon.

“The Arc elected not to renew the lease on terms suggested by Paxton and

has no right to continue to operate at the Paxton Campus,” according to the announcement.

The Trust said efforts to keep The Arc at the campus had not been successful.

“The Arc’s leadership has rejected all

THE ARC OF LOUDOUN continues on page 34

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Preservationist Jane Covington and Rural Roads Committee member Emily Houston stand on a portion of Old Waterford Road that was used as a test case for new technology to improve gravel roads without paving them.

King, Obama Statues Unveiled at Douglass Community Center

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The final touches were added to the community center playground at the Historic Douglass High School in Leesburg last week with the unveiling of statues of Martin Luther King Jr. and former President Barack Obama.

The playground opened in 2023 and has won several awards for its design, which puts a focus on African-American history on the grounds of the county’s Black high school during segregation.

“It has become one of our most visited playgrounds, and that learning through play happens each and every day, which is very, very important here at Douglass,” county Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Development Steve Torpy said during the June 17 unveiling ceremony. “At the ribbon cutting, we also talked about how the playground was designed so that we can continually add pieces and new components over time to keep that learning and that excitement about learning very fresh. That’s what we are here to do today.”

The statues were created by Loudoun sculptor Jeff Hall, the same artist who created the statue standing in front of the school, commemorating the efforts of Loudoun’s Black community to create educational opportunities for their children.

Hall said much of his research focused on watching videos of speeches by King

and Obama to learn their mannerisms and find the best pose for the pieces.

For King, Hall sought to convey his roles as both a Civil Rights leader and a reverend.

“This piece was inspired from his speech ‘I Have Been to the Mountain Top.’ So, on the base here, there’s a little relief of a

mountain range. He has been to the mountain top and he has seen the promised land,” Hall said. “His one hand is reaching out … he’s gesturing to the promised land, and his other hand—he’s carried a speech or notes a lot of times—so he’s kind of crushing that and shows the conviction and the powers of the words he’s expressing.”

‘Not your Grandmama’s Juneteenth’

Hall also received support from the King Foundation, which sent him King’s cufflinks and rings to incorporate. “They’re small details, but I think if his children ever saw it, they would be surprised. ‘Hey, those are dad’s cufflinks,’” Hall said.

With Obama, Hall highlighted his tendency to make points using his finger. “That’s what inspired this pose. His jacket is open because he was a casual man,” he said.

At the base is a ring of stars representing the presidential seal, but not the actual seal—”I didn’t think that that would be appropriate for him to be standing on it.”

Board of Supervisors’ Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said both men serve as legacy leaders who inspire others to follow them long after they have passed from the limelight.

“Dr. Martin Luther King and President Barack Obama inspire people worldwide every day with how they led and how they inspired others,” Turner said. “I consider myself to be blessed and profoundly fortunate to have lived when both of these great men were in their in their heyday, at the peak of their influence and their historic contribution to humanity.”

He said Hall’s statues meet the challenge of conveying the significance of their contributions.

“A truly great piece of art is one that the

STATUES UNVEILED continues on page 33

March Celebrates 160th Anniversary of Emancipation in Texas

BY WILLIAM TIMME AND PATRICK LEWIS wtimme@loudounnow.org

Community members gathered at the Charles Hamilton Houston Courthouse in Leesburg last week to commemorate the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth.

The event included a march to a memorial in Raflo Park, near the site of the 1889 lynching of 14-year-old Orion Anderson, where speakers delivered remarks centered around the history of Juneteenth, the ongoing fight for an accurate narrative of Black history, and recent federal policy changes concerning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Speakers included Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), former Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj, Loudoun NAACP Branch President Pastor Michelle Thomas, Executive Director of the Loudoun NAACP Branch Robin Reaves Burke, Del.

David Reid (D-28), NAACP Loudoun Second Vice President Christian Yohannes, and Loudoun County native and current Tuskegee University junior Payton Arnett.

The march was also accompanied by the Crush Funk Band and several historically Black fraternities and sororities.

Thomas gave the first speech at the courthouse steps.

“Today we will hear from us,” Thomas said. “Today, we’ll share in our celebrations and the work that is yet to be done.”

The event destination at Raflo Park was situated near a historical marker of the Orion Anderson Lynching. Anderson, a Black 14-year-old was hanged after being accused of assaulting a white girl. He was initially released from jail after the girl was unable to identify him but was

Patrick Lewis/ Loudoun Now

A participant in the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth holds the Juneteenth flag at the Charles Hamilton Houston Courthouse.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Statues of Martin Luther King Jr. and former President Barack Obama, created by Loudoun sculptor Jeff Hall, stand at the Douglass Community Center Park in Leesburg.

Loudoun Supervisors Adopt Comprehensive Arts Plan

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun County government will play a greater role in promoting public art and arts activities following the Board of Supervisors’ approval of a Comprehensive Arts Plan last week.

The plan was developed over the past year under the leadership of the Designing Local consultant group, which met with focus groups and conducted community surveys.

As described in a staff report, the plan was designed to establish Loudoun County as a regional arts and culture destination by expanding support, visibility, access and infrastructure for the arts. The 90-page document highlights the goals of developing diverse programming, supporting local artists, increasing public art installations, integrating art into community spaces, and improving arts education opportunities. The plan recommends creating dedicated spaces for performing and visual arts—the county board has already advanced that priority with a $500,000 study to create an eastern Loudoun arts

center—centralized communication through marketing, expanding access to programs, and developing subsidizing classes for underserved populations.

In unanimously approving the plan Tuesday night, supervisors praised the initiative and said the investment is overdue.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) asked to make the motion to approve the plan, saying she had heard about the need since taking office for her first term in 2016—from residents advocating more community art to organizations like the Loudoun Symphony seeking places to perform.

“I really want to give credit to, especially the symphony who first came to meet with me and all these people over so many, so many years who have been working on this,” Randall said.

She also gave credit to Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) who took a lead role locally and as a county representative the National Association of Counties.

Glass said better supporting Loudoun’s art community—“the wonderful things

that we have here”—will have a big impact.

“I’m really thankful that we are doing this, and that it will be something that we will be proud of and something that folks from Fairfax County and Alexandria will come to us for those events,” she said.

“I’m very pleased to support this. I think, as I said, the plan represents all different types of art, expression, literary, performing and visual arts,” Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) said. “I think it will keep our talented high school students here. I liked what one person said, that we lose our best and brightest; they go elsewhere. Hopefully our investment in the artistic community will keep them here.

“I think it is time to provide more support for the arts. Loudoun is making really an investment and bringing it as a priority with this arts plan,” she said.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) questioned one element of the plan, a proposal to create creative

ARTS PLAN continues on page 6

County Board Approves Invasive Species Program

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Eighteen months after Mike Littman first presented a vision for a partnership between the then-newly founded Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance and the county government, supervisors this week approved a $2 million program to remove invasive vegetation.

The Invasive Plant Species Management Program is designed to increase public awareness of invasive plants and their negative impacts, as well as to fund their removal and their replacement with native species.

Any Loudoun County landowner may apply for funding through the program with the exception of government-owned lands or projects that require the removal of invasive plants already subject to a permitting process.

The applicants must commit to monitoring and maintaining the project area for at least three years after revegetation is completed.

The $2 million allocation, drawn from the fiscal year 2024 surplus funds, will be

used for two temporary full-time equivalent positions and the cost of removing and replacing the invasive species.

Director of General Services Ernie Brown told supervisors he expects the program to gain momentum quickly.

ON THE agenda

Dorazio Named Loudoun’s DTCI Director

Loudoun County’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure has a new director.

Sherene Dorazio most recently served as the deputy executive director of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Construction and Facilities Management, which oversees construction and management of thousands of VA facilities across the U.S. She also held leadership roles as a civilian working for the U.S. Army for more than two decades, including serving as deputy director of facilities and logistics at the Army’s Installation Management Command Headquarters and deputy director of facilities engineering at the Army’s Medical Command Headquarters. Dorazio holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and is a licensed professional engineer.

She will begin her new position July 3, according to the announcement. As director of DTCI, Dorazio will oversee the planning, design and construction of capital projects for the county through the Capital Improvement Program as well as the county’s transportation system, which includes long-range transportation planning and traffic engineering. More information about DTCI is online at loudoun.gov/DTCI.

Shellhorn, Faulkner to be Renamed Broadlands Blvd

Rt. 640 currently has three names as it crosses through Ashburn: Shellhorn Road, Faulkner Parkway and Broadlands Boulevard. That will change this summer.

Loudoun County government will be changing the Shellhorn and Faulkner segments so that the entire stretch is named Broadlands Boulevard, with sign changes scheduled to go up Aug. 1. The change is intended to reduce confusion caused by the multiple names.

“My hope is this is so wildly successful, we’re back next year asking for more,” he said.

INVASIVE SPECIES continues on page 7

The renaming has been timed to coincide with the upcoming installation of a traffic circle at the

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 5

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Wetland Studies and Solutions Ecosystem Specialist Larissa Roelveld shows Loudoun community members how to properly kill a Tree of Heaven invasive plant during a June 22 workshop.

On the Agenda

continued from page 4

intersection of what is currently Faulkner Parkway and Waxpool Road. The choice to rename the sections to Broadlands Boulevard affects the fewest property owners, according to the county. It also requires the fewest number of street sign changes.

The Loudoun County Office of Mapping and Geographic Information is responsible for administering the naming of streets and roads and for assigning addresses in most areas of the county outside the incorporated towns. More information about the process and criteria for the naming and renaming of streets and roads is online at  loudoun.gov/RoadRenaming.

16 Qualify for County Tourism Grants

Sixteen organizations received a total $391,663 from the Loudoun County government this year to support local tourism.

Funding for the grant program, which was established in 2018 comes from occupancy tax revenue garnered through hotel stays.

Twenty-three organizations applied for funding available in fiscal year 2026. KPMG was contracted to score the applicants and made recommendations on the awards. Reviewers scored applications using a 13-question process.

Organizations receiving funding are: WEBS Training Center, $25,000; Purcellville News LLC, $25,000; Vineyard Voyages, $25,000; Vino Virginia, $25,000; Sweet Jazz Festival LLC, $25,000; Milltown Haunt LLC, $25,000; BENEFIT Live Limited, $25,000; The Loudoun County Bed and Breakfast Guild, $25,000; George C. Marshall International Center, $25,000; Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association, $25,000; Crave Locally LLC, $25,000; Town of Purcellville, $16,663; Stone Manor Boutique Inn, $25,000; Bow Tie Strategies, $25,000; Morven Park, $25,000; and the Town of Lovettsville $25,000.

An additional seven organizations were not approved for funding.

Hearing Set to Amend Landfill Plan

The Loudoun County Department of General Services will hold a Friday night public hearing on a proposed

amendment to the county’s Solid Waste Management Plan.

The change would in increase the permitted capacity of the county landfill to match that allowed under a 2020 permit modification that authorized an additional 6,140,000 cubic yards of disposal space for construction and demolition debris—a 46-year capacity. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality requires the county to make a “major amendment” to the countywide Solid Waste Management Plan to reflect this permitted increase in capacity.

The meeting will be held Friday, June 27, 5 to 7 p.m., in the first-floor conference room at 801 Sycolin Road in Leesburg.

Information summarizing the changes to the plan will be provided to solicit feedback from those in attendance at the public hearing. In addition to providing comments at the meeting, members of the public will be able to submit an online comment form, which will be available online following the meeting at  loudoun.gov/WasteManagement through July 11.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Planned Saturday

The next Loudoun County Household Hazardous Waste collection will be offered Saturday, June 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Freedom High School in South Riding.

Loudoun residents are welcome to bring HHW from their homes to the event, free of charge.

Typical HHW includes: fluorescent light bulbs, dry-cell batteries (alkaline, Ni-Cad, Lithium, rechargeable, etc., but no automobile batteries), oil-based paints and stains, varnish, paint thinner, mineral spirits, metal polish, rust remover, wood strippers and preservatives, furniture polish, waxes, sealants and solvents, bleach, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizer, pool chemicals, muriatic acid, sulfuric acid, ammonia, mercury, mercury thermometers and thermostats, gasoline, expired fuel, auto cleaners and flushes, brake and transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, fire extinguishers, moth balls, flea and tick products, photographic chemicals and other hobby chemicals.

Learn more at loudoun.gov/hhw. n

Supervisors Advance Study of Electrical Infrastructure

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Work to develop policies guiding electrical infrastructure in Loudoun are advancing as consultants presented six recommended General Plan changes to the Board of Supervisors.

Efforts to draft a Comprehensive Plan amendment began last December when the board directed the staff to begin work on mapping and policy changes surrounding high voltage transmission line corridors. Kimley-Horn Consulting was hired to prepare a draft policy document, which was completed last month.

Kimley-Horn Project Manager Paul Vernon told the board during a June 17 briefing that his team identified six recommendations in the draft policy: co-locate existing and approved transmission corridors for power line expansion when possible; minimize visual impacts of transmission infrastructure through appropriate siting and design techniques; prioritize placing transmission lines underground when near residential and urban communities and historically or visually important land; optimize the use of existing electrical infrastructure and local electrical generation and storage facilities; develop interconnected trail networks and enhance the natural habitat within transmission corridors; and conduct ongoing collaboration efforts with the community regarding future planning of transmission corridors.

Vernon said the amendments are not meant to be anti-development, but to strike a balance between meeting electrical needs and promoting economic growth without compromising community character.

“We’ve attempted to be very consid-

Arts Plan

continued from page 4

hubs for artists including elements of affordable housing. Citing the already documented need for affordable homes for teachers, firefighters and law enforcement personnel, she questioned that priority.

Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Development Myla Neal said that recommendation was based on the study of similar programs around the country. She said any effort to pursue such a program would require board approval in the future.

“It’s something we just want to consider. We know it takes discussion to further that initiative, so this isn’t tying us into committing to that, but to having the discussions,” she said.

erate of the different points of view, resident concerns, be they east, be they west, be they urban, be they suburban, be they rural, and tried to be thoughtful of the audiences who would collaborate with us in this work’s completion,” he said.

Board of Supervisors’ Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said he has concerns surrounding the tone of the report.

“The tone of the report is, we’ll work together and we’ll figure out how to provide more transmission lines in Loudoun County. I don’t want that. I want to say, ‘we do not want any more transmission lines in Loudoun County, but if we’re forced to have a new transmission line, we would like it to go in existing rights-of way,’” he said.

The policy document also focuses supporting efficiency and increasing capacity of existing infrastructure. That could include using alternative and lighter cable cores and reconductoring.

“The draft policy supports those actions prior to considering new transmission lines and new transmission corridors,” Vernon said.

The amendments also address the possibility of burying lines underground, rather than constructing them above ground.

“These lines are often used for short strategic distances where visual impacts are a concern, where historic resources are a concern, residential density is a concern and others,” he said.

The benefits of undergrounding include minimal visual impact and reduced failure rates compared to overhead lines, Vernon added.

However, this is done most often with 230 kilovolt lines for one to three miles, not 500 kV lines. Vernon said he only found one instance of a 500 kV line buried in the

Parks Director Steve Torpy said any elements of the plan that would require additional funding or staff positions would come back to supervisors for review and approval.

Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) said he shared concerns about the cost of the plan but was supportive of the concepts.

“I’m happy to support this at this point. I have some of the similar concerns that Supervisor Umstattd had mentioned in terms of how the funding gets spent,” he said. “I think one of our biggest responsibilities as a board is the responsibility with the taxpayer dollars. So obviously, when we decide to fund these, we’ll have a second look at this.”

Randall said supporting the arts community is a wise investment.

“I think that that this is a fantastic use of taxpayer dollars. If you just look at all

United States.

In addition, buried lines are four to 14 times more expensive than overhead lines and maintenance is more challenging.

“In strategic places and for the right reason, the policies support that it’s the right thing to do,” he said.

When possible, the draft policy supports co-locating new lines within existing rights-of-way. That minimizes the need for and the cost of acquiring new land, reduces visual and financial impacts on existing developments, limits disruption from construction and reduces conflicts for access and easement permitting, Vernon said.

He said the team also reviewed common community concerns surrounding transmission lines including their visual and environmental impacts.

The Comprehensive Plan amendments would also include an electrical infrastructure map that would identify all existing, approved and potential new high voltage transmission corridors designated by the county.

“The electrical infrastructure map in combination with the draft policies would provide clear direction to electrical providers and the State Corporation Commission to locations that the county would anticipate and support the collocation, expansion and development of new high voltage transmission lines,” Vernon said.

A significant factor to be considered is the regulatory framework for electrical infrastructure which, instead of being determined at a local level, is overseen by state, regional and federal bodies. Despite any county policies adopted, the final authority lies with those agencies.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said that was an important factor to emphasize in the policy since

the data on art in the community, and what it does, and how it’s a very good use of taxpayer dollars,” she said.

Randall said the board has heavily invested in life-saving programs over the years, but also should support life-enhancing programs as well.

“It’s OK to put money sometimes into

residents often think the board has more direct authority over the infrastructure than they do.

“Whatever authority we have can easily be subverted at higher levels,” she said. However, when making determinations on applications, the SCC does consider conformance with a locality’s Comprehensive Plan, Vernon said. That is the benefit of having these policies in the General Plan. Specifically, having identified corridors for new transmission lines are helpful. Those have not been identified in the work so far and will be done in phase two of this project, Vernon said.

“Does it force the SCC, or in the case of a National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor imposed by [the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission], do they have to invite us to the table for comment to talk about our proposed routing? Does it give us any sort of advantage in that process? Or does NIETC trump everything?”

Vernon said in the case of a NIETC, FERC supersedes the SCC. However, in Loudoun so far, the cases have been determined by the SCC.

“State code has a provision that says [the SCC] has to consider if a county has designated routes,” he said.

But Turner said he thought that nearly all of the existing rights-of way in Loudoun are already full and that any additions would require widening easements and impacting homes.

The next step in phase one of the CPAM process will be engaging the public for comments. The draft policies are expected to appear before the Planning Commission in September and be voted on by the board in December. n

what is also life-enhancing, and art, especially art that can be enjoyed by all is life-enhancing and very much needed in the community,” she said. “I think this is a very good use of money, and I think that art is something that we really have been missing in our county in many ways for, well, forever.” n

Comprehensive Arts Plan Goal Statement

To make Loudoun County a thriving arts and culture destination within Virginia, where public art investments; strategic artist support; and diverse, arts-focused programming and facilities enrich and contribute to the health and well-being of the community. Through its Arts and Culture Programming, Loudoun County will:

• Consistently create engaging public art

• Elevate and promote the value of arts and culture

• Foster an accessible and inclusive arts and culture community

• Invest in arts education for all ages that instills the importance of the arts in day-to-day life

• Support a range of affordable, quality facilities for both visual and performing artists to work on and share their craft

Invasive Species

continued from page 4

Standing up the IPSMP has been a collaborative effort between the county’s Department of General Services, Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District and LIRA. The program will use financial and technical resources and conservation techniques to help residents and landowners to identify, control, and eradicate invasive plants. By providing both education and direct assistance, it aims to restore and protect natural areas and green spaces throughout Loudoun County.

At the conclusion of an IPSMP project on their property, participating landowners should be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to confidently monitor and manage invasive plants on their properties.

The county will use a ranking with measurable criteria to evaluate applications. A maximum number of projects to be accepted during each application window based on the resource capacity of staff. If the number of applications exceeds this limit, projects will be selected based on their ranking scores.

Littman, who serves on the Ashburn Village Homeowners’ Association Board, said once the HOA decided to become involved in the fight against invasive species, passing a motion regarding the effort in April 2023, the alliance gained traction quickly.

“I brought it to our [HOA] board and really the ask was just, would the board support going to the county and asking for some form of partnership with the county to address this invasive plant issue that we’re all struggling with,” he said.

The board agreed and by the time LIRA representatives were presenting to the board in October 2023, over 30 HOAs had joined the alliance.

“It just started to snowball … people just started talking and wanting to join and become part of it. It’s a very bipartisan issue, and I think what’s really important is that sure, it’s an environmental issue, but, and this is really key for people to understand, and certainly just brings everybody on board, is that there’s meaningful health and safety issues,” Littman said.

A good example is the Japanese barberry plant, which draws mice in large numbers, he said. Mice carry the bacteria in Lyme disease, so when ticks bite the mice, they can then carry the bacteria to humans, ultimately infecting them, Littman said.

“It’s a perfect little breeding area for the

Lyme disease from the ticks,” he said.

He also noted that invasive grasses dry out into hay-like tinder in the fall, increasing wildfire risk.

“Fire, falling branches, ticks, I could go on, but those are just some of the kind of things that these invasive plants bring. Of course, they crowd out the natives and destroy the habitat for our local wildlife,” he said.

LIRA members soon learned, however, that they were way behind when it came to local awareness.

“We’re so far behind on awareness and the plants are spreading so quickly,” he said.

Supervisors approved six pilot projects last September, allocating $150,000 to develop and test out the framework for the program.

“We learned a lot of things about process, payment, what does seem like a reasonable amount to get rid of things. It’s just learning. It can be expensive to get rid of these things and, and how do you force change?” Littman said of the pilot projects.

While the program will support removal and replacement of invasive species, Littman and Board of Supervisors’ Vice Chair Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) say the real goal of the initiative is to advance public education about the issue. There is not enough funding to rid the county or the state of all of the invasive species, Littman added.

“You can’t spend your way out of it. What you can do is create a paradigm shift in consumer behavior, because many of these plants are still being sold in nurseries and big box stores today,” he said.

Turner said if the county can help stem the demand for invasive species, the supply will eventually go away, too.

Littman added that invasive species are often popular with developers because they grow quickly, are pretty and are cost effective.

“It wasn’t with any ill-intent. People just didn’t know, or don’t know, and now they’re starting to know,” he said.

Turner and supervisors praised Littman, county staff and the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District for their work developing the program.

“You’ve taken this program from just the basic notion and turned it into a widely almost unanimously accepted and endorsed program,” he said. “…I’m very proud of everybody involved in this project. I think it’s really going to become a national model pretty quickly.”

Learn more at loudouninvasives.com. n

The Town of Leesburg’s Incredible Free Outdoor Concert Series

Leesburg Cooking with Fire Badiee Shapes Downtown Dining Destination

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

With just a month before the opening of Hotel Burg, Chef Vincent Badiee is busy creating the tastes that will define the upscale downtown destination.

At the heart of the new 39-room boutique hotel is a culinary operation that includes The Huntōn restaurant, the Diana Lounge, and a members-only speakeasy-themed club called The Chase.

Project developer Kevin Ash and restaurant entrepreneur Jason Miller developed the concept for The Huntōn as a large openfire kitchen that would feature wild game and a seasonal, locally sourced menu.

Earlier this year, they tapped Badiee to lead the project.

The Virginia native and Middleburg-area resident most recently worked at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, a Lovettsville-area venue recognized as one of the region’s top farm-to-table dining experiences. While he will bring that fresh-and-local focus to Leesburg, he’ll also be tapping lessons learned working in Michelin star restaurants, first in Italy then in New York City.

While he set out to become a veterinarian, his work to support his education at a community college led him along a different path.

“I just really decided I didn’t like sitting behind a desk and studying. Cooking was a lot more fun for me,” he said.

He talked with his parents and moved to New York to train at the Italian Culinary Academy and then honed his skills working with top chefs in Italy.

“I stayed in Italy pretty much until my visa ran out. I was there for about a year and a half overseas, cooking, working in different kitchens, Michelin-star kitchens,” he said. “I got into my first Michelin star restaurant when I was 19 years old.”

There he not only gained experience with farm-to-table creations but also learned how to cure meats making prosciutto and Lonza—skills he plans to put to use at The Huntōn.

Back in the U.S., he landed a position at Maison Premiere, a heralded Brooklyn oyster and cocktail bar that won a James Beard Award for best cocktail bar in America. He next moved to Eleven Madison Park, which earned recognition as the top restaurant in the world during his tenure.

He returned to the DC area in 2018, working at Zaytinya, Fiola and Gravitas. Badiee worked with Chef Pepe Moncayo blend Spanish and Japanese cuisine with the opening of Cranes DC. He joined The Restaurant at Potowmack Farm, with a

AROUND town

Independence Day Celebration

The town will host its Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 4 beginning with the parade at 10 a.m.

The event will begin at Ida Lee Park, traveling down King Street, through the historic downtown, before concluding at Fairfax Street. It will feature the Annual Patriots Cup Competition, sponsored by Loudoun Now King Street will close to through traffic beginning at 9:30 a.m. in preparation for the parade. Downtown streets will re-open at approximately 12:30 p.m.

The event will continue at Ida Lee Park gates open at 6 p.m. prior to a live performance by the band Silver Bullets at 6:30 p.m. A firework display will light up the sky beginning at 9:30 p.m., choreographed to music.

For more information, visit www.idalee.org.

BURG Family Reunion Club Celebrates Juneteenth

hyper focus on seasonal, organic dishes.

Those experiences will all contribute to his work at Hotel Burg, where he has spent the past several weeks developing the opening menus and assembling the staff.

“This is a very different project. This is pretty much three venues all at once,” he said. “We got the Diana Lounge. We’ve got The Chase for club members, and then we also have The Huntōn in here. We’re splitting up into very different ambiances between all of them.”

“The Chase lounge is sexy and relaxed. Our Diana Lounge is going to be more of a casual setting with sandwiches, steak frites, maybe chicken and to-go salads—something that’s not too far off from what everybody expects at a hotel restaurant,” he said.

And the Huntōn is expected to elevate the dining experience in downtown Leesburg.

Badiee is deep into planning the small details.

“So, I’m trying to focus back on those details that have helped my career grow so much—just paying attention to the little things and not overlooking them— like the menu paper, the actual size of the menu that we’re doing is different, and the plateware. If you can touch it, if you can see it, it’s important,” he said.

“Leesburg is such a historical city. I have to pay some homage toward history. It would be a mistake not to have the openflame cooking technique with the actual tools that are just really great.”

And with the hunt theme, the restaurant’s menu will include game meat, sport fish and other non-typical proteins.

“That’s going to expand and grow with the seasonality of everything,” Badiee said.

“I’m going to probably start out with some duck and some venison, but eventually moving into antelope. Maybe I’ll do antelope in the beginning, but I’m playing with that one at the moment.”

At least one game item is off the menu. “I’m not really into the bear. So, no bear.”

In building his staff, Badiee is looking for starting hungry, young people who want to learn the craft as he did.

“I’m trying to promote a learning ambiance to the kitchen and really changing the culture from what it typically is,” he said. “I don’t want to come in and do a nine to five. We’re going to come in and we’re going to change the menus every three months. I’m looking for input from the team as to developing the dishes that go into it, and they get to work with me to do that. … That’s what mentorship is and that doesn’t happen. So, we need to get back to doing that.”

Badiee and his new team will move from planning to execution quickly. Opening day for Hotel Burg is planned for Aug. 1.

“This is going to be very fun. It’s really exciting for me. It’s all going to be learning and having fun—nothing I’m scared of by any means. It’s all flame,” he said.

Hotel Burg is located at 208 S. King St. Learn more at hotelburg.com. n

The BURG Family Reunion Club on Saturday hosted its annual Juneteenth celebration at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg.

The club’s founder, Irvin Greene, gave opening remarks following a prayer by Pastor Tony Smith and a performance of Lift Every Voice by Victoria Norman. The event was capped off at 7 p.m. with closing remarks by Greene.

The event featured live music, food trucks and stands for local businesses.

Musical acts included Live to Love Family, Members Only Band, Junkyard Band, Neff NUFsed and the Quiet Fire Soul Show.

Independence Day Text Alerts

This year’s Independence Day Celebration will feature a text alert system with real-time updates for residents who text “Leesburg4th” to 888777.

Updates regard street closures, event activities, weather updates and more.

For more information visit www.idalee.org. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Chef Vincent Badiee stands in front of the new The Hunton restaurant at the Burg Hotel complex slated to open in August in downtown Leesburg.

BROWNING EQUIPMENT, INC.

Board Begins Review of Another S. King St. Redevelopment Project

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

The Board of Architectural Review last week received its initial briefing on plans for a mixed-use redevelopment project on South King Street near Georgetown Park.

The application by developer Kevin Ash would permit construction of an L-shaped building up to five stories tall at 211 S. King St., incorporating existing structures on the lot. The project includes two sections with the building fronting South King Street referred to as Building One, and a building on the lots at 4-6 South St. referred to as Building Two. Town planners expressed confusion whether the buildings would be attached, though Ash said they are “truly two separate properties.”

Progressively getting taller from the King Street front to South Street, Building One would be three stories tall, while Building Two steps up from four stories to five.

Proposed as a mixed-use development, Building One would include ground floor retail, offices above and five residential units per lot.

A staff analysis given to the BAR raised several issues, ranging from the mass and form of the buildings being “out of scale with the much smaller scaled residential construction nearby” to floodplain concerns.

Town Preservation Manager Lauren Murphy presented her concerns

to the board regarding the proposed project’s impact on adjacent properties, which are much smaller and residential in form. She said the building “relates more to new construction than historic.” She suggested the developer come back with a new design after discussing issues such as building code with the town’s engineering teams.

“The BAR review generally feels premature in this instance,” Murphy said.

Ash said the existing structures on the properties are non-conforming.

“We are utilizing the existing properties because of their non-conformity and expanding from those two existing structures,” he said.

Ash also said the project aims to “bring some balance to King Street” to address height concerns by staff.

“We understand that there’s a progression in height, and so we are trying to be respectful of that progression in height – being closer to smaller buildings and as buildings could step up, very similar to the Goosecup building in King Street Station to the east,” Ash said. “The four- and five-story buildings are much further away from King Street.”

The project was deferred to an Aug. 4 work session to discuss Building One on a 6-0-1 vote with BAR member Rick Brown recusing himself because of a potential conflict of interest. The board will discuss Building Two at a later meeting. n

Square 134 Architects

A rendering of the 211 South King Street Project from an aerial view.

Town Council Workshops Crosswalk Painting Policy

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

The Town Council last night debated a policy for community organizations to request custom painted crosswalks.

The town does not have a standard approval process for painting crosswalks, which proved a challenge for the council last year when Equality Loudoun requested a painted crosswalk on Harrison Street to commemorate Pride Month. The council initially denied the request, but revisited it in May of this year, approving it with the stipulation that the town codify a policy for groups wishing to paint on the road.

Deputy Town Manager Kate Trask presented to the council options regarding what type of crosswalk request to be considered. Limiting crosswalks to displays of awareness to promote consciousness of public issues, social causes and more was one option on the table. The other was allowing artistic paintings that could be subject to approval by the town’s Commission on Public Art. The council opted to include artistic paintings in the future policy.

Director of Public Works Renee La Follette said the staff recommended only allowing painted crosswalks on street with speed limits of 25 mph or lower.

Council members focused on safety concerns, noting that the artwork should not be distracting and that it be clearly identifiable as a pedestrian crosswalk.

“I would be nervous about allowing words. I would be nervous about allowing images. …A little bit of geometric design is great,” Councilmember Zach Cummings said.

The council asked staff how safe it would be to allow a crosswalk painting of an American flag.

“I would think as long as it’s not big blocks, if you painted it like a flag with the thinner straight lines we could probably get to the point where we’re comfortable with something along those lines,” La Follette said.

The council also discussed whether to limit the display of painted crosswalks to 30 days, or more than 30 days. Ultimately, the members supported the concept of allowing the painted crosswalks for up to 90 days and reevaluating the policy after one year.

“If it’s only for 30 days, I’m not sure anyone is going to want to do that,” Vice Mayor Todd Cimino-Johnson said. “But if it’s only a maintenance cost every year of $1,000, that’s much easier than putting out three grand for a crosswalk.”

Councilmember Kari Nacy, referencing the approval of Equality Loudoun’s crosswalk in May, said the council had “already set a precedent of 90 days” and should stick to it.

Cimino-Johnson also suggested making community input part of the approval process.

Staff members will use the council’s suggestions to develop a draft policy for future consideration. n

William Timme/Loudoun Now

A painted rainbow crosswalk near the W&OD Trail and Raflo park was approved in May.

Education

New School Drug Coverage, Retiree Medicare Contracts Approved

BY PATRICK LEWIS

The latest proposal to change health insurance coverage for future Loudoun County Public Schools employees and retirees was approved by the Loudoun County School Board at its June 24 meeting.

The School Board’s Finance and Operations Committee voted unanimously on June 17 to recommend approval of the proposal from the Procurement and Risk Management Services staff. Under the plan, division retirees will receive their Medicare advantage plan through United Healthcare beginning Jan. 1.

The Medicare contract is worth $3.9 million. Five firms submitted bids for the contract and United Healthcare’s bid provided the plan with the most accessible services and the least amount of disruption for members,” according to a staff report.

Retirees currently receive Medicare benefits through Cigna. However, Cigna will stop providing these services on Jan. 1. Administrators began exploring other options in a process some retirees and employees said was not transparent. The School Board ultimately voted against the first plan in late April and sent the issue back to committee.

The plan is for school division retirees over 65 and does not include pharmacy coverage, a separate plan for which was also approved by the board. That contract is through CVS Caremark and is estimated at $191 million for the next three years. According to the staff, this is 23% less than the current contract with Express Scripts. Five firms submitted bids for the pharmacy benefits contract and CVS was by far the most cost effective, according to the report. The CVS contract will also begin on Jan. 1 and covers all current employees, dependents, and retirees.

There will be no changes to coverage

under the new agreement with CVS, according to Jeanette Evans, director of employee benefits, who said, “We are not adding or deleting any benefit that is current available under pharmacy.”

Evans also said that overall “disruption” caused by the change in vendors was 4.7%. Much of this is attributable to some drugs changing tiers from the current plan to the new plan or a change in drug brands, which means a small number of medications covered under the current plan may not be covered under the new one as the same brand. However, a different brand name or another drug in the same “family” will still be available.

During Tuesday’s board meeting, several members of the Loudoun Education Association, the teachers’ union, expressed opposition to the contract, saying the process had been untransparent and should have been covered under collective bargaining.

During the Finance and Operations

Committee meeting, School Board Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) said she had received questions about whether the drug coverage plan was covered under collective bargaining agreements. Mansfield said the board’s legal team had advised her that it was not because the FY2026 budget, which the funding for the contract was included in, was approved before the Loudoun Education Association achieved certification as an exclusive representative on Dec. 24, 2024.

Mansfield also said that collective bargaining did not apply because this action “represents a change in vendor, not a change to the underlying structure of the prescription drug benefit.”

The School Board approved the pharmacy benefits contract on a 7-0 vote, with members Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) and Vice Chair Anne Donohue (At Large) absent. n

School Administrators Thank First Responders at Annual Event

BY PATRICK LEWIS AND HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Dozens of firefighters and law enforcement officers were thanked for their service to Loudoun County Public Schools during the annual first responders appreciation event at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School on Tuesday.

The event recognized first responders from across the county for their service to schools and to Loudoun. Many of those who attended are assigned as school resources officers.

“We are really grateful for what you do,” Superintendent Aaron Spence said. “When I talk about our work in education, I always talk about, our goal is, you know, improves lives, improve families, improve our communities, and, we live in a great community, and the partnership that we have is a big part of that.”

“It is an honor to be able to support the first responders in partner with LCPS,” Loudoun First Responders President and CEO Tina Johnson said. “They do an amazing job.”

Several first responders who are retiring or recently retired were also recognized for their service during the event, receiving an engraved American flag plaque.

“I think our families and all of our community have no idea how often you are in our schools and the work that you do to support us,” Spence said. He men-

tioned that administrators work alongside law enforcement every day to ensure safety in schools and with fire and EMS personnel to make sure students and staff are healthy.

“I think every parent, fundamentally, just basically wants two things. They want to know when they send their kid to school that they’re safe and cared for

and they want to know they’re gonna learn something really valuable every single day,” he said. “We’re taking care of a lot of the ‘learning something valuable every day,’ but we can’t make sure that parents trust us and know that their kids are safe and cared for without you.”

A diverse range of agencies were represented at the event, including the Sheriff ’s Office, Combined Fire and Rescue System, Leesburg Police Department, Purcellville Police Department, and Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority Police Department.

“Know that you have our deepest, deepest gratitude,” Spence said.

The event was put on with the help of volunteers from the Apple Federal Credit Union.

Community Engagement Officer Katie Knight said the Loudoun Education Foundation reached out about helping with the event and that it was a good fit for the organization.

“We’re just thrilled to be here and support and high five and thank first responders,” she said. n

Patrick Lewis/Loudoun Now Loudoun County Public Schools thanked first responders during a lunch program June 24.

Broad Run High School Senior Leads ‘Girls in Space’ Program

BY PATRICK LEWIS

Last summer, Anusha Agarwal, a rising senior at Broad Run High School and a student at Fairfax County’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, started a program to bring her passion for aerospace science to more women her age. Now, her efforts have resulted in a successful virtual program reaching approximately 150 students around the world and she’s planning in-person events this fall.

Agarwal founded Girls in Space late last summer. She took action after experiences in her school’s rocketry club, science classes, and other programs made her realize that there were far fewer girls than boys in those settings.

“It started from my own experience in the field,” she said. “It’s been very difficult as a young person to just find opportunities in the aerospace field.”

This spring, Girls in Space held its first Spring Cohort. The month-long event, which began in late February and finished in late March, featured several prominent speakers including NASA Deputy Director of Heliophysics Science Gina DiBraccio, commercial astronaut, MIT engineer, and TV host and author Emily “The Space Gal” Calandrelli, and Stanford Professor of Particle Physics and Astrophysics Caterina Vernieri. The speakers gave lectures and students were able to ask questions.

The roughly 150 students who attended the virtual workshop-type event included young women from the U.S., Canada, Germany, South Africa, and other countries. The program had two sections, one for middle schoolers and one for high schoolers, which came together for the keynote addresses. The first three weeks of the event saw challenges presented to groups of around ten students that the girls had to solve. Many of the groups “went above and beyond,” said Agarwal, explaining that some groups went ahead and solved other problems and invented other innovations not included in the assignments.

Projects for middle schoolers focused on challenges humans will face in the future when exploring the

planet Mars, including the “unique environmental and technical constraints of Mars, learning about life-support systems, radiation shielding, energy sources, and sustainable architecture for extreme environments.” High schoolers, meanwhile, explored artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications and uses in astronomy with the goal being “earn to design, train, and test a machine learning model on a space-related problem, from identifying exoplanets to predicting solar flares.”

For the final week of the program the students gave final presentations, showcasing their findings to the rest of the attendees and the mentors.

Agarwal said, thanks to her work and the sponsorship of the speakers and other partners including local schools, the program’s marketing reached between 800,000 and 1 million students worldwide. The students who attended the Spring Cohort “were really excited about the program,” she said. The girls were able to add the experience to their résumés, which has helped some subsequently apply for other programs, she added. Many parents have also reached out to Agarwal to express their appreciation for her efforts and to ask about future opportunities for their daughters to take advantage of, as have the Girl Scouts.

“I definitely have a lot in mind for this program,” she said when asked about the future of Girls in Space. Agarwal is already planning a speaker series for this fall as well as an in-person conference where girls will be able to present their own research, which will be held at a location to be determined in Northern Virginia.

One of the most important accomplishments of the Spring Cohort is the connections the attendees were able to make. Agarwal said many of the students remain connected through group chats and a Discord server.

Agarwal also envisions school chapters of Girls in Space, which would unite girls interested in aerospace at middle and high schools around the world. “It’d be amazing to have them start their own chapters of Girls in Space at their own school,” she said.

Learn more at girlsinspace.org. n

Nonprofits Lambert Retires from Claude Moore Foundation

J Hamilton Lambert has retired as executive director of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation after more than 34 years of service. He will remain a member of the foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Initially hired by Claude Moore as a consultant in 1987 to help plan the future use of the Sterling doctor’s estate, Lambert became executive director of the foundation in 1990.

Under his leadership, the foundation has awarded more than $110 million in grants to support nonprofits focused on workforce development, healthcare education, and critical human services in Loudoun County and across Virginia.

Lambert’s priority has been to ensure that Dr. Moore’s intention of helping people with a “leg up, not a handout” is at the foundation’s core and informs its giving. Through that, Loudoun County and the Commonwealth of Virginia have benefited greatly, specifically through the foundation’s creation of educational and workforce development opportunities that will continue to create benefits for communities for decades to come, according to Karen G. Schaufeld, chair of the Claude Moore Opportunities Board of Directors and member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

“J’s vision for the foundation’s Claude

Moore Scholars program has helped thousands of Virginians create a path to careers in healthcare, which is critical for the communities across the commonwealth,” she said. “The collaborative approach of partnership between business, government and residents is foundational to the success of the Scholars Program. This ‘three-legged stool’ approach has guided his vision of ensuring that all people – regardless of race, education or financial standing – have access to education and opportunities to pursue successful, meaningful careers.

“His work for Loudoun County and Virginia will reap benefits for decades to come, and his contributions to future generations cannot be overstated. We are incredibly grateful for his 34 years of service and vision,” Schaufeld said.

The foundation has funded Claude Moore Scholars in Loudoun County since 2005. It has expanded the program to more than 56 school systems across Virginia and has invested more than $20 million, supporting healthcare education programs for more than 21,000 Virginia students.

In his resignation letter, Lambert thanked the trustees and staff members for their collaboration on the important work to improve the lives of thousands

of people across the commonwealth.

“We have done this primarily through the Claude Moore Scholar’s Program, and in our giving to non-profits who do the challenging work of helping our neighbors in need,” Lambert wrote.

Lambert also expressed his pride in transforming Moorefield Station, a transit- and trail-oriented community with residential neighborhoods and commercial districts, in Ashburn, into the dynamic area it is today.

“Moorefield Station is taking a thoughtful approach to ensuring that it creates a community that offers everything from natural elements to access to public transportation and a mix of housing, all of which is necessary for a robust future for Loudoun County,” Lambert wrote. “Together, we have put Moorefield Station on a trajectory to become the best place to live, work and play in Loudoun County. Through patient and careful planning, Moorefield has also financed our charitable mission and improved the lives of untold thousands of people. I

believe Dr. Moore would be as proud to have his name attached to this community as he would be for the 35 buildings and spaces currently named in his honor.”

Prior to joining the foundation, Lambert served as county executive for the County of Fairfax. During his tenure, he stewarded Fairfax’s transformation from a sleepy suburb to an economic powerhouse. He was instrumental in arranging financing for the Dulles Toll Road, securing a regional sewer-treatment agreement that improved local water quality and helped preserve the Upper Occoquan watershed and maintained a nationally recognized AAA financial rating for the county. He ensured that human services were available to support the growth, and his approach continues to be a model for counties across the country.

After his retirement, Loudoun County leaders sought his leadership to help bring a fractured East vs. West county together and ensure that there was adequate infrastructure for all. His visionary leadership was needed in the fast-growing area. Rather than pursue the authority that he had gained in his Fairfax County position, Lambert chose to bring his collaborative approach to the foundation. n

iCan Bike Instills Confidence in Riders with Disabilities

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

The Arc of Loudoun is hosting the iCan Bike camp at Tuscarora High School throughout this week, providing an opportunity for people with disabilities to learn how to ride two-wheeled bikes.

Research shows that over 80% of people with autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never learn to ride a bicycle, according to iCan Shine’s website. iCan Bike, a branch of the iCan Shine nonprofit, is dedicated to teaching those with disabilities how to ride bikes independently.

“Most years we’ve had an over 85% success rate of riders learning how to ride,” Arc of Loudoun Administrative Director Eileen Shaffer said.

Riders progress through using six different roller attachments throughout the week before riding a two-wheel bike outside.

iCan Bike Floor Supervisor Althea Jones said the bikes are designed

specifically for riders with disabilities.

“They’re all pretty much low slung,” Jones said. “For my riders with cerebral palsy, we’re going to put them on a bike like we have here. Because these pedals are kind of pushed forward, rather than kind of being right below the seat. … It’s just

a better time pedaling for somebody who has [Cerebral Palsy.]”

This year, the five-day camp drew in 40 learners. There is no upper limit on the ages of attendees.

“We had somebody who was 71 one time who learned how to ride,” Shaffer said.

With two volunteers to every one biker, the program is also an opportunity for volunteers to learn, Shaffer said.

“I think that what the volunteers get out of this contribution. They develop empathy skills,” she said. “They learn about people who are different from them. They learn about different disabilities. I think they become more compassionate. It’s a really great way to provide opportunities for people to spend time together that might not ordinarily be interacting.”

iCan Bike and Arc of Loudoun have been partnering up to offer the program since 2017. Shaffer said Tuscarora High School’s gym this year has been good for the program.

“This is a perfect arrangement,” she said. “The location is great because it’s a

high school gym we can have the maximum number of riders.” She added that in the past, the group has worked in gyms that lacked air conditioning for the first three days.

Camp sponsors include Home 2 Suites at Hilton, Tuscarora High School, NOVEC HELPS, Jeff and Kathy Lubitz, and NOVA Roller Derby.

“I think like 50% of our motivation for doing this is that individuals really do learn a skill,” Shaffer said. “And they develop a lot of self-confidence, and the growth that you see from Monday to Friday and individuals mastering this skill and progress.”

Jones said the connections she’s been able to make with riders are the most rewarding things about the program.

“Seeing somebody come in and be fearful and not even want to get on a bike and then Friday they’re like, hey Tee, can you actually come with me on this bike? It’s a feeling of self-fulfillment,” Jones said. “To me the riders feel more confident when they’re leaving here. … It’s just such a bigger picture that I love that I’m a part of.” n

Lambert

William Timme/Loudoun Now

Riders at the ICan Bike camp on Tuesday hit the Tuscarora High School gym to develop new skills.

Woman Arrested After Fatal Stabbing at Sterling Hotel

BY PATRICK LEWIS

A woman is in custody after a homicide at a Sterling hotel.

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The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue responded to the Extended Stay America hotel on Waterview Plaza just after 7:30 a.m. on June 20 for a report of a stabbing. They found man with a stab wound and transported him to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Investigators identified the victim as 36-year-old Christopher Young.

Deputies took 45-year-old India Taylor into custody at the scene and charged her with second degree murder and

stabbing in the commission of a felony. She is being held without bond at the Adult Detention Center.

The stabbing is believed to be domestic in nature.

Taylor was scheduled to be arraigned in Loudoun General District Court on Monday afternoon, however, her case was transferred to Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. She was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday morning.

The Sheriff ’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstance of the homicide and asks anyone with information to call Detective Mitchell at 703-777-1021 or to call Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703777-1919 to remain anonymous. n

Jury Trial Set for Man Accused in Fatal Stabbing

BY PATRICK LEWIS

An Alexandria man will face an eightday jury trial beginning Oct. 20 for his alleged role in a fatal stabbing in Sterling.

Lathius Noel Martin, 40, was indicted on charges of malicious wounding and shooting or stabbing in commission of a felony by a grand jury earlier this month. The charges stem from the stabbing death of Wesley Richard Scott.

Scott was stabbed outside his Sterling home on the evening of March 1. Witnesses say they saw Martin and Scott in a physical altercation before Scott was stabbed. One witness testified at a preliminary hearing that he saw a knife in Martin’s hand.

Scott was transported to a hospital

where he died the next day. Responding deputies located Martin, covered in blood, in a vehicle near the scene and took him into custody.

No weapon was recovered and no witnesses have testified to seeing the actual stabbing occur. Defense attorneys have argued that Scott was the aggressor, which, they say, means Martin would have been acting in self-defense if he did indeed stab Scott. Prosecutors said that Martin made no effort to disengage from the fight and was being verbally aggressive before the fight broke out.

If convicted of the malicious wounding charge, Martin could face up to a life sentence. The shooting or stabbing in commission of a felony charge carries a maximum sentence of five years. n

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

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

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753. fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

Anderson Seeks to Halt Nett’s Lawsuit Pending State Police Investigation

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A motion by Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson requests that the lawsuit filed against him by Purcellville Vice Mayor Ben Nett be stayed pending the results of a Virginia State Police investigation into Nett’s conduct.

Nett, in May, filed a complaint for declaratory judgment seeking to nullify an advisory opinion Anderson issued stating that Nett should not participate in any Town Council discussions surrounding the Purcellville Police Department. Nett was fired as a town police officer April 4.

After questions emerged based on Nett’s participation with the contractor hired to conduct an independent review of the police department while he was still

employed with the department including an effort to be appointed police chief by the consultant, and a vote supporting efforts to dismantle the police department after he was fired, Anderson said it was his opinion that Nett had violated the State and Local Government Conflict of Interests Act.

Nett’s filing requests that the Circuit Court determine that Anderson’s opinion is “legally and factually erroneous” stating that it has “chilled” his participation in Town Council business and “disenfranchised the majority of the Town’s citizens.”

In April, Attorney General Jason Miyares authorized the Virginia State Police to open an investigation into Nett’s conduct.

In a response, filed by Senior Assistant County Attorney Nicholas Lawrence on

Anderson’s behalf, Anderson said Nett’s suit should be halted until the State Police investigation is completed.

Anderson also noted that a recall petition against Nett had been assigned to Stafford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Olsen to serve as a special prosecutor.

“The undersigned does not know the status of the criminal investigation being done by the Virginia State Police, and is not able to advise the Court on whether any criminal charges resulting from the investigation would be handled by the Attorney General or whether they would be handled Mr. Olsen pursuant to the Court’s May 9, 2025 order,” according to Anderson’s motion.

No hearings have been scheduled in the case. n

Lovettsville Council Considers Open Space Changes

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Lovettsville Town Council is considering changes to the town’s open space requirements for new residential developments.

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 open space must also be planned as “useable” open space designed to accommodate ballfields, multipurpose courts or other active recreation uses.

The changes, endorsed by the Planning Commission, would apply the 35% and 25% open space requirements to developments with more than five lots. However, the 50% active recreation requirement would be removed.

Planning Director John Merrithew said this is because the town’s Compre-

hensive Plan places a greater emphasis on natural open spaces, animal habitat and environmental protection.

“The change will not impact existing properties,” he said during the council’s June 12 meeting. “There are few, if any, lots in town that have the potential to be divided into six or more lots. However, it puts us in a stronger position in the future should properties be consolidated or rezone to allow development into larger subdivisions.”

Merrithew said the changes would still allow for active recreation amenities in developments if they could happen without environmental impacts but would not require them.

“This change allows the HOA to decide what to do with that property and how to manage it,” he said.

Merrithew said he was recommending one change to the draft amendments endorsed by the Planning Commission. Existing language allows land in a floodplain or on slopes greater than 15% to be counted toward open space requirements, but Merrithew said that contradicts open space requirements in

Round Hill Council Adopts $1.1M Budget

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Round Hill Town Council on June 18 adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget that holds the real estate tax rate at 6.6¢, imposes a meals tax starting in January, increases water rates by 11%, and keeps sewer rates unchanged.

The council has been reviewing the draft budget presented by Town Administrator Melissa Hynes at its twice monthly meetings since February.

The budget was approved unanimously.

The town’s General Fund increases by 3.2% to $1.11 million.

the residential zoning districts.

“So, staff is recommending that [language] be removed from the draft,” he said.

During the public hearing, the council received no comments from residents, but Mayor Christopher Hornbaker said he was concerned that by changing the 50% active recreation requirement the town would discourage valuable amenities in town.

“Are we losing the opportunity to actually have improvements, private improvements for these types of neighborhoods that come in?” he asked.

Merrithew said the language still allowed for active recreation, it just didn’t require it.

But, Hornbaker said active recreation improvements are typically expensive and suggested that the requirement stay in place for developments over 20 lots but not be required for smaller developments.

Merrithew said the council could do that and agreed to bring language back to the council for consideration. n

The town’s 6.6-cent property tax rate is the lowest among Loudoun towns. Fiscal year 2026 will mark the first time in nearly a decade that the council has not reduced the real estate tax rate to offset the impact of increasing property values. The rate was 18¢ in fiscal year 2018 and has been reduced every year since.

By holding the tax rate level, the town expects to see a 6.3% increase in real estate tax revenue. Personal property tax collections are expected to increase by 1%.

Although a meals tax has been on the books since 2020, the town had not previously set a collection rate. With the annexation of the Hill High commercial complex on the west end of town last year, the town has more restaurants. The budget projects collections of $23,700 for the final six months of the fiscal year, with revenues growing to nearly $50,000 next year.

The town’s utility funds increase by 3.4% to $3.36 million. Continuing the implementation of its previous rate study, the council is increasing water rates by 11% and holding sewer rates steady, for an average 5% increase in customers’ monthly bills. n

Bertaut Touts Purcellville Utility Rate Decreases in FY 2026 Budget

In a Monday message to Purcellville residents, Mayor Christopher Bertaut touted the Town Council’s work on the fiscal year 2026 budget, which will take effect July 1.

The $33.1 million budget reduces the tax rate from 20.5 cents to 19.2 cents per $100 of assessed value, lowers water rates by 9% and wastewater rates by 11%, cut capital projects, freezes staff positions, and provides town employees with raises ranging from 1% to 5%.

the tide.”

“Over the next three years, rate adjustments will be modest, measured, and predictable, replacing the previous plan that called for five straight years of double-digit increases. This is a true victory for the people of Purcellville,” he stated.

He praised the town’s economy, saying local businesses draw visitors and generate revenue.

“With steady hands and clear purpose, the overall proposed budget was reduced by $2.8 million, without touching the vital services that Purcellville’s families and businesses depend on. That’s what good governance looks like in my view: doing more with less, focusing on what matters, and respecting the hard-earned dollars of our citizens,” Bertaut stated in the announcement.

Specifically, Bertaut said reducing the utility rates is “one of the greatest accomplishments” this year.

“For years, these [utility rate] increases have strained household budgets and local businesses alike. But the majority of this Town Council didn’t sit by and let it continue. They acted. By dedicating a portion of our growing meals tax revenue, which has doubled over the past decade, I am for supporting our utility operations in a way that lightens the load on ratepayers. This smart move keeps our cash reserves strong while sparing families from steep future increases,” he stated.

Bertaut said the council is “turning

Going forward, Bertaut said he will refine the Capital Improvement Plan, look for new revenues sources that do not require more from taxpayers and find efficiencies. The budget includes $325,000 in revenue from a timbering project and a $300,000 reduction in a capital improvement project by bringing it in house, rather than contracting it out.

Bertaut said he looks forward to partnering with the county on the Western Loudoun Recreation Center and potentially providing it with water and sewer service. However, during a meeting on June 17, supervisors voted to move forward with plans that would have the center operating with on-site systems.

“I know that development pressures continue to test small towns like ours throughout the region. But let me assure you: in Purcellville, we will stand firm. We will champion smart planning, protect our small-town identity, and govern with a sense of duty to the people we serve,” Bertaut stated. n

Rural Roads

continued

“There’s this intangible quality that goes along with a gravel road in the community,” Preservationist Jane Covington said. “It’s a multimodal avenue. I walk my dogs on the gravel road. We have a lot of cyclists who come through. People ride their horses on the gravel roads. For us, in the west, it’s our public park.”

But the Virginia Department of Transportation is in charge of maintaining the county’s roads and Covington said it’s an uphill battle to change a long-held mindset that paving, rather than preserving, the roads is the best path forward.

“I think what we’re doing is we’re fighting this century old legacy of paving is progress,” she said. “That’s where we are, and all the laws are structured around getting your road paved.”

When surveys are sent to residents along rural roads about potential paving opportunities, they only include an option to vote for or against paving, Covington said.

“Part of the problem of why everyone screams for a paved road is because there’s no offering of ‘can we repair your gravel road?’” she said.

Instead, a group of community members have been hard at work to have VDOT

improve and repair the roads in a sustainable way that does not involve paving. VDOT completed just such an experiment along a portion of Old Waterford Road in 2022. And until, a grader came through just a few weeks ago, the test case has been holding up well, Loudoun Rural Roads Committee member Emily Houston said.

Prior to the work, this segment of Old Waterford Road, near Trotter Lane and Nestlewood Farm Lane, was especially bad, including broken and clogged culverts and steep ditches.

“There were a lot of people who wanted the road paved, but obviously, just paving it wasn’t going to solve the problem,” Houston said.

Simply paving it wouldn’t have addressed the other safety issues either, Covington added.

Instead, the community along Old Waterford Road pushed for intensive drainage repair work and the laying of gravel that would hold up under pressure better.

“The project involved filling these ditches; first they put a geotextile fabric in, and then they lined them with rip rap, the big stuff, and then they put, smaller stuff on top,” Houston said.

The project also included rebuilding the roadbed to a 4% crown, which Houston said is theproper grade.

“They re-graveled it. They mixed in

a stabilizing product, which I think was calcium chloride, in with the gravel, and compacted it. So basically, they rebuilt the road by the book, by what the Federal Highway Administration Manual says, ‘this is how you properly build a gravel road,’” Houston said.

Those changes alone have made a significant difference and held up well over the past three years, she added.

“Part of the reason this was a test was to see how long can we go without grading? How much money can we save on maintenance by doing it right in the first place? And that’s really the point of this,” Houston said, adding that until the recent grading of the road by VDOT, which flattens the crown and pushes the gravel off the sides of the road, the test segment of the road was in great condition.

Old Waterford Road can serve as an example of the positive impact improvements to rural roads can have – ones that are better options than paving, she said.

“When we talk about non-paving improvements, this is the type of thing we’re talking about. This is a very radical example of it. Most roads would not need this extensive ditching,” she said.

The improvements also did not include upgraded gravel material, which could also help address the common concerns about dust along unpaved roads, they said.

“Ordinary gravel is it’s a construction gravel, and it’s readily available, but it compacts, and that’s where all the dust comes from,” Covington said. “And so a better gravel, or a more appropriate ground, is something that would have more of a stable base, like a granite or something like that.”

Mixing in a stabilizing material also helps address the dust problem, Houston said.

Paving all of Loudoun’s gravel roads is also not a financially sustainable option, Covington and Houston said.

“There’s not enough money to pave all the roads anyway. Let’s look at what we can do with the money we have available,” Houston said.

Roads in Loudoun are paved with state funding through the Rural Rustic Roads Program. Historically, the funding has only been dedicated for paving. However, through work from the community and Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and Del. David Reid (D-28) the General Assembly last year passed a law that allows Rural Rustic Road funding to be used on maintenance projects.

However, a year later the county is still waiting on direction from VDOT leadership on the criteria.

The roads slated for a vote by the Board of Supervisors next month are Lenah, Gulick Mill and Hogback Mountain. The total cost to pave the 4.4 miles of rural roads is $4.5 million. n

HOW DO I? ASK A LOCAL EXPERT

These days, when you’re faced with a new project or want to tackle a long-procrastinated task, the tendency is to turn to your keyboard. It’s remarkable that we’ve grown to put so much faith in far-off, unsubstantiated resources.

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Providing the correct information in an ever-changing industry can be challenging. Being in the county for over 50 years, we feel a special obligation to provide the community with honest and reliable information.

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LIVE MUSIC

RICHARD WALTON

4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26

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

DAVE NEMETZ

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 26

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

TEJAS SINGH

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 26

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

RYAN SILL

4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

MATT DAVIS

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

NATHANIEL DAVIS

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

NO STOPLIGHT

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

ELIJAH GREELEY

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

LENNY’S GRUUV

5 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 27

Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. $40. fireflycellars.com

BLUEGRASS JAM

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

TRAVIS TUCKER

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 27

Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. villageatleesburg.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 23

Mt. Defiance Celebrates Absinthe with 100th Batch Release

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

When Mt. Defiance Distillery opened in Middleburg a decade ago, absinthe was a spirit unfamiliar to most visitors. This weekend, the staff is celebrating the release of their 100th batch of the anise-flavored spirit at their new location, co-located with Mt. Defiance Cider Barn on the east side of town.

For nearly a century starting in 1912, absinthe was banned in the United States because of concerns about the hallucinogenic effects of thujone, contained in wormwood, one of its herbal ingredients.

Modern studies debunked those fears, and ban was lifted three years before Mt. Defiance opened in 2010.

“Absinthe was one of our original spirits,” distiller Kimberly Nuckols said. The distillery produces a traditional, Frenchstyle verte absinthe created from a late 19th century recipe. Most of the botanical ingredients are grown on the property, including grand wormwood, Roman wormwood and hyssop, while Andalusian green aniseed is imported from Spain and fennel from France.

“We grow all of the herbs here on the property, which is great. It’s distilled and colored all with herbs. It’s a real, true absinthe,” she said.

“What’s amazing about our absinthe is that, first of all, it’s Loudoun grown, but it’s also seen around the world. You can find our absinthe in multiple countries, and it’s a piece of Loudoun that’s taken all over the world,” General Manager Tiffanie Gulledge said.

Nearly 20 years after legalization, absinthe is still unfamiliar to many visitors.

“Back when I first started, everybody thought it was illegal. I don’t think that that is the case anymore,” Nuckols said. “I think people have drunk it by maybe just taking a shot, and that’s not what it’s designed for. Taking a shot of 140 proof of anything is going to be fire, and you don’t get all of the flavors that it’s meant for.”

“I think every year, for sure, more people are aware of how it should be prepared and like different ways to use it in cocktails,” she said.

At the distillery, a popular cocktail is Death in the Afternoon, three parts Champagne and one part absinthe.

“It’s so easy, simple and so refreshing

and so flavorful,” Nuckols said. “You have to wrap your head around that you’re getting all of these different flavors. It’s not something that people are used to. Once you kind of understand and get your taste buds used to that, you can really appreciate it.”

Gulledge notes that Death in the Afternoon was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. “He said you should have three to five a day; here at Mt. Defiance we can give you three.”

Earlier this month Gulledge, Nuckols and the rest of the staff were settling into a new rhythm after combining the distillery and cidery operations.

Gulledge joined the team in January and helped spearhead the transition.

“It’s exciting because eight years ago we built the barn, and we’ve had the barn staff and distillery staff. Now we’re all together,” Gulledge said, adding that the cider staff is learning more about spirits and the distillery team is learning about cider. “It’s really a beautiful thing, because we’ve always been one company, but now we get to share in celebrating

each other’s crafts and friendship.”

More is in the works. They are rolling out a food menu for the first time and have plans for an upstairs speakeasy space. And there are always new flavors of cider, with honey lavender and mint cucumber coming this month.

“It has been a really fun and busy couple months, but it is amazing. I come from a winery background, but just to see the spirit side of things,” she said. “A lot of people don’t even know that spirits are in their backyard—there’s three or four distilleries in Loudoun County and to be part of one of them that’s been around the longest, it’s really cool. It’s been fun to learn all the things and all the cider and to create new flavors.”

The 100th Batch Celebration will be held Saturday, June 28 from noon to 8 p.m. In addition to handcrafted absinthe cocktails and giveaways, the program will feature a talk by Brian Robinson, the head of the Wormwood Society that educates consumers around the world about the history of absinthe. Learn more at mtdefiance.com. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Mt. Defiance General Manager Tiffanie Gulledge and distiller Kimberly Nuckols this month are celebrating a milestone release of its absinthe along with the move to the cider barn.

THE REAGAN YEARS

Friday, June 27, 7 p.m. (doors)

Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Relive the sounds of the 1980s with the top Pop, Rock, New Wave and Heavy Metal hits of the M-TV Era.

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 22

JOE DOWNER

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

SCOTT KURT

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

GARRETT MABE

6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

THE REAGAN YEARS

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 27

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $34. tallyhotheater.com

DANIEL ROBERTS

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 27

The Dell: Food & Brew Hall, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. atthedell.com

ZAC JONES

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

PASAPORTE58

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 27

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

NOT READY 4 MONDAY

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, June 27

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

WICKED OLDE

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

BEST BETS

POLO IN THE PARK

Saturday, June 28, 6 to 10 p.m.

Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg.

$40 to $250. polointhepark.org

Bring a picnic and enjoy two matches of polo on the terraced viewing area next to the arena. The first match begins at 7 p.m.

2 OF THE FOUR

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

TWO BALD GUYS

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

RYAN SILL

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

TRAILIN SMOKE

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

LENNY BURRIDGE

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28

868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro.

ZACH JONES

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com

DEAN KERN AND ERIC SHELBY

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

JASON TEACH

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

JOJO BAYLISS

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

GARRET MABE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

CHRIS BOWEN

7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. idalee.org

Loudoun County born and raised, Chris Bowen has been entertaining local audiences since the 1990s. Guitar, percussion, and soaring vocals combine for a show you won’t want to miss.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

THE HILLSBORO WAY

Sunday, June 29, 3 to 10 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School oldstoneschool.org

The Town of Hillsboro kicks off the county’s Independence Day celebration with a free festival and fireworks show. Performing will be Joey & The Waitress, Jumptown, and Karma Creek.

VIRGINIA RUM RUNNERS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

LENNY BURRIDGE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

larkbrewingco.com

JULIANNA MACDOWELL

AND MIKE AULT

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

DANIEL GALLAGHER

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, 18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont. twinoakstavernwinery.com

DAVE MININBERG

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

MATT BURRIDGE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Doukénie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

ANTHONY SEMIAO

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysaliswine.com

MORRIS-MORRIS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

THE COLD NORTH

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

MIKE MALLICK

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

RICHARD WALTON

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

THE REAGAN YEARS

5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, 22831 Hanson Park Drive, Aldie. brambletonhoa.com

SELA CAMPBELL

6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

JAKE PHILLIPS

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

JESSICA PAULIN

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

ERIC CAMPBELL

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Barnhouse Brewery, 43271 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg. barnhousebrewery.com

MAMA’S BLACK SHEEP

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

PATTY REESE

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 28

The Dell: Food & Brew Hall, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. atthedell.com

16TH & T

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

FREDDIE LONG BAND

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center

MUSIC continues on page 24

continued from page 23

Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

SIDETRACKED

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

SCOTT KURT & THE MEMPHIS 59

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Honor Brewing Company, 42604 Trade West Drive, Sterling. honorbrewing.com

LAURIE BLUE

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Route 7 Brewing, 20051 Riverside Commons Plaza, Ashburn. route7brewing.com

THE LEGWARMERS

6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Tarara Vineyards, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. $20. tararaconcerts.com

RETROPOP

7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28

One Loudoun, 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn. downtownoneloudoun.com

CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605 W. Market St., Leesburg. holytrinityleesburg.org

CHRIS BOWEN

7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. idalee.org

TEJAS SINGH

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

CHUCK DARDEN

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

FRANKLIN MUSIC

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28

The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com

JIM STEELE

12 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

SCOTT KURT

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

CORY COTTER

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

DAVE GOODRUM

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

JOSH SOWDER

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

LUKE ANDREWS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

STANLEY WHITAKER

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

GRAYSON MOON

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

ELI LEV

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

ALGORHYTHMS BLUEGRASS UNIT

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Eleven Eleven Brewing Company, 725 E. Main St., Purcellville. elevenelevenbrewing.com

CHESAPEAKE SONS

1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com

CHRIS COMPTON

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

ANDREW O’DAY

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

RICHARD WALTON

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

DAVID ELLIOTT

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, 18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont. twinoakstavernwinery.com

HUME-FRYE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Casanel Vineyards & Winery, 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg. casanelvineyards.com

EMMA BAILEY

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

ALEX ABDOULAEV

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Doukénie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

SHANE CLICK

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

MISSION ROAD

2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

TED GARBER

4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 29

The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com

CAZHMIERE

6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

BADFISH - SUBLIME TRIBUTE

7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, June 29

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

KIRSTIE KRAUS

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 3

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

HAPPENINGS

FARMER FOR A DAY

9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 26

9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 27

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

FUN AT THE FOUNTAIN: THE GUITAR PLAYING MAN

10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26

Lansdowne Town Center, Belmont Ridge Road, Leesburg. shoplansdowne.com

FISHING FOR BEGINNERS

4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26

Willowsford Boat House, 41025 Willowsford Lane, Aldie. $10. willowsfordconservancy.org

COMMUNITY YARD SALE

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Village Green Drive, Lucketts. LEESBURG FARMERS MARKET

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 28 Virginia Village, 30 Catoctin Circle SE., Leesburg. loudounfarmersmarkets.org

WORLD WAR II WARBIRD RIDES

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Leesburg Executive Airport, 1001 Sycolin Road, Leesburg. $50. capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/warbird-rides LITERARY BOOK FAIR

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Lansdowne Woods Clubhouse, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Lansdowne. lwva.org

READ BETWEEN THE VINES BOOK CLUB

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. $15. breuxvineyards.com

LOUDOUN CRIME COMMISSION

FUNDRAISER

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

AUTHOR KATHLEEN GOGGIN BOOK SIGNING

1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Barnes & Noble, 20626 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn. stores.barnesandnoble.com

Sister Hazel, Andy Summers to Headline Crossroads Music Festival

BENEFIT’s 2025 Crossroads Music Festival will feature Sister Hazel and legendary guitarist Andy Summers as the headlining performances.

The festival will take place at multiple venues in downtown Leesburg on Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20.

BENEFIT is a coalition of musicians and community leaders uniting people with music to raise funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations providing services to children in Loudoun County.

The 2025 Crossroads Music Festival will kick off with Sister Hazel headlining Friday, Sept. 19, at Tally Ho Theater.

Andy Summers, The Police guitarist, Grammy Award-winning artist and 2003 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will headline the Saturday, Sept. 20, portion of BENEFIT’s 2025 Crossroads Music Festival with an intimate solo performance at Tally Ho Theater. As the featured “Songs and Stories from the Crossroads” artist, Summers will share his musical journey through a unique blend of storytelling, live performance, and an on-stage interview.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, in addition to Summers’ headlining performance at Tally Ho Theater, a variety of musicians and bands will take part in the festival’s Saturday Music Showcases. The music showcases will take place at multiple venues in downtown Leesburg. The lineup for the music showcases to be announced soon.

Originating from Gainesville, FL, South-

GET OUT HAPPENINGS

continued from page 24

AMATEUR RADIO

FIELD DAY & OPEN HOUSE

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Sheriff’s Office Western Loudoun Substation, 47 W. Loudoun St., Round Hill. k4lrg.org

WHAT A BLAST!

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, 22831 Hanson Park Dr, Aldie. brambletonhoa.com

A PENGUIN’S HEART:

A NEW FAMILY MUSICAL

6 p.m. Friday, June 28

2 p.m. Saturday, June 29

A Place to Be, 1600 Village Market Blvd. SE., Leesburg. Free. aplacetobeva.org

POLO IN THE PARK

6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 28

Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg. $40 to $250. polointhepark.org

AMATEUR RADIO

FIELD DAY & OPEN HOUSE

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Sheriff’s Office - Eastern Loudoun Station, 46620 E.

ern rock band Sister Hazel scored a hit with “All for You” in 1997, driving their album to platinum status. Since then, the band has established itself across rock, alternative, and country genres, with multiple entries on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart.

Best known as the guitarist for The Police, Summers’ music spans decades and is a unique and personal spin on influences from jazz, classical, world music, rock ‘n’ roll, and pop. His status as a guitar legend is built upon a foundation of experimentation in both cerebral and visceral sounds.

Event proceeds will support nine nonprofits that provide services to children in Loudoun County. BENEFIT’s 2025 grant recipients, which were selected through a grant application process, include: A Place to Be; The Arc of Loudoun; Dulles South Food Pantry; Dulles South Soup Kitchen; Food for Neighbors; A Hand Up - NOVA, Inc., which operates the Northern Virginia Diaper Bank; Loudoun Youth, Inc.; Ryan Bartel Foundation; and Salvation Army of Loudoun. Tickets for Sister Hazel’s Friday performance and Summers’ Saturday performance at Tally Ho Theater are limited. Go to CrossroadsMusicFest. org for information on how to purchase event tickets.

No tickets are required for the Saturday Music Showcase performances taking place at other venues throughout downtown Leesburg. n

Frederick Drive, Sterling. k4lrg.org

JUNE SUNDAY SKETCH

2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 29

National Sporting Library & Museum, 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg. nationalsporting.org

INDEPENDENCE DAY

THE HILLSBORO WAY

3 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. Free. oldstoneschool.org

TAYLORSTOWN ANNUAL BARN DANCE

4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 29

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

LOUDOUN UNITED FC VS. CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE

6 p.m. Saturday, June 28, Segra Field, Leesburg. loudoununitedfc.com

COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG

7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28

9:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 28

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

ORANGE COUNTY SC

AT LOUDOUN UNITED FC

7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, July 3 Segra Field, 42095 Loudoun United Drive, Leesburg. loudoununitedfc.com

Obituaries

Constance Welke

Constance Caylor Welke, better known as Connie, passed away suddenly and peacefully in her sleep at her home in Sterling, Virginia on June 20, 2025. Born February 9, 1947 to Tommy and Puddin Caylor, Connie grew up in what is now known as old Ashburn with her brother, Ralph. Connie graduated from Loudoun County High School in 1965 and then continued her education at Newberry College in South Carolina, where she received a bachelor’s degree while studying music and education. After graduating, Connie returned home to Loudoun County Public Schools as a classroom teacher. She taught for 41 years in Sterling Park; starting at Sully Elementary and the majority of her career at Sterling Middle. She was a favorite and beloved teacher, yearbook sponsor, and active member of her school community. Connie was a member of Ashburn Presbyterian Church, and was for many years the choir director, church pianist, and organist. She was also active in preserving the old sanctuary and was one of the authors of the church’s history. She is survived by her daughter Cheryl Welke, her older brother Ralph Caylor, her grandchildren Makenzie and Jameson, and multitudes of family and friends. Connie left a lasting impact on generations and she will be loved and missed dearly. The family will receive guests for visitation on Thursday June 26, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Cir. SE, Leesburg, VA, 20175. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday June 27, 2025 at 11:00 am at Loudoun Funeral Chapel. Guests are welcome to arrive at 10:00am. Interment will follow the service at Leesburg Union Cemetery, 323 N King St, Leesburg, VA 20176. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Ashburn Fire and Rescue Department or Sterling Fire and Rescue Department.

Good morning, Loudoun!

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TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION

ENTERPRISE CAR RENTAL

Legal Notices

TLSPEX2024-0017

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Special Exception application TLSPEX2024-0017, Enterprise Car Rental.

The subject of the application is a property located at 17 Fort Evans Road SE. The property is zoned CDC, Crescent District – Commercial and is further described by Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 189-46-2568 and totals 2.395 acres.

Special Exception Application TLSPEX2024-0017 is a request by Enterprise Mobility to allow redevelopment of the site for use as a vehicle sales and/or rental facility pursuant to Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance Section 7.10.9.D.1 Use Regulations. The Applicant proposes the adaptive reuse of two existing structures, a 3,290 square foot rental office and 2,350 clean car area. Two other existing accessory structures on site are proposed for demolition.

The Subject Property is located in what the Town Plan describes as an “Area to Transform or Evolve” on the Area Based Land Use Initiatives Map (Legacy Leesburg pg. 72). The property is further designated within the Town Plan as “Retail Center” on the Character Areas for Preservation and Change Map (Legacy Leesburg pg. 76)

The application includes five requested modifications of the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance regulations, including two landscaping and buffer yard modifications, two modifications for building architecture, and a modification for loading space requirements.

Additional information and copies of this application are available at the Department of Community Development located at 222 Catoctin Circle SE, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Debi Parry, Planner – Land Use, by telephone at 703-737-7023, or by email at dparry@leesburgva.gov

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning this matter will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 7712733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

6/19 & 6/26/25

NOTICE OF INTENT TO SELL REAL PROPERTY FOR DELINQUENT TAXES

On or after thirty days from the publication of this Notice, judicial proceedings will be commenced pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3965, et seq. to sell the following real estate located in Loudoun County, Virginia for payment of delinquent taxes:

OWNER DESCRIPTION

41873 Bald Hill Road LLC Vacant land .61 acres, more or less NO SITUS ADDRESS Catoctin District PIN 221-29-8355-000 Tax Map No. /19////////56/

DEED/INSTRUMENT NO.

Instrument No. 202003230019756 1101-1271 BLA, 783-295, 115-538 WB

The owner of any property listed may redeem it at any time before the date of the sale by paying all accumulated taxes, penalties, reasonable attorney’s fees, interest and costs thereon, including the pro rata cost of publication hereunder. Partial payment of delinquent taxes, penalties, reasonable attorney fees, interest or costs shall not be sufficient to redeem the property, and shall not operate to suspend, invalidate or make moot any action for judicial sale.

Henry C. Eickelberg, Treasurer, County of Loudoun, Virginia 1 Harrison Street, S.E., First Floor P.O. Box 347 Leesburg, Virginia 20178 (703) 771-5656

6/12, 6/19 & 6/26/25

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION TLSPEX2024-0013 MCDONALDS DRIVE THROUGH EXPANSION

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Special Exception application TLSPEX2024-0013, McDonald’s Drive Through Expansion.

The subject of the application is an existing, eating establishment with drive through facility at 335 East Market Street. The property is zoned CD-C, Crescent District – Commercial, and is further described by Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 231-20-3436 and totals .74 acres.

Special Exception Application TLSPEX2024-0013 is a request by Franchise Realty Interstate Corp to amend a previously approved special exception for an eating establishment with drive-in facility pursuant to Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance Section 7.10.9.D.1 Use Regulations. The Applicant proposes adding a second drive through lane to facilitate drive through operations for the restaurant.

The Subject Property is located in what the Town Plan describes as an “Area to Transform or Evolve” on the Area Based Land Use Initiatives Map (Legacy Leesburg pg. 72). The property is further designated within the Town Plan as “Crescent Area” on the Character Areas for Preservation and Change Map (Legacy Leesburg pg. 76)

The application includes two requested modifications of the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance regulations, including a modification to reduce the number of parking spaces provided and a modification for loading space requirements.

Additional information and copies of this application are available at the Department of Community Development located at 222 Catoctin Circle SE, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Debi Parry, Planner – Land Use, by telephone at 703-737-7023, or by email at dparry@leesburgva.gov

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning this matter will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 7712733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

6/19 & 6/26/25

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION TLSPEX2024-0016 SHENANDOAH SQUARE DRIVE-THROUGH

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Special Exception application TLSPEX2024-0016, Shenandoah Square Drive-Through.

The subject property is located at 950 Edwards Ferry Road and contains 11.67 acres and is further identified as Loudoun County Property Identification Number (PIN) 188-49-2132. The subject property is zoned B-3, Community Retail/Commercial District.

Special Exception Application TLSPEX2024-0016 is a request by MITCO Shenandoah II, LLC to allow an establishment (fast food) with a drive-through window as part of a multi-tenant retail building pursuant to the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance.

Additional information and copies of this application are available at the Department of Community Development located at 222 Catoctin Circle SE, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Brian Boucher, Deputy Director, by telephone at 703-771-2774, or by email at bboucher@leesburgva.gov.

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning this matter will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 7712733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

6/19 & 6/26/2025

Legal Notices

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLE

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

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

2008 NISSAN SENTRA 3N1AB61E08L727393 BLAIRS TOWING 703-661-8200

2015 KIA SOUL KNDJP3A51F7115752 DOUBLE D 703-777-7300

2021 FORD F-150 1FTEW1EP2MFB12365 DOUBLE D 703-777-7300

2026 QLTY PRDCTS TRAILER 41XTE1015HW000087 BATTLEFIELD 703-378-0059

2005 HONDA CIVIC 1HGEM219X5L021450 AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888

2007 HONDA CIVIC 1HGFA16837L035474 AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888

6/19 & 6/26/25

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

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING ZONE ON FOXRIDGE DR SW BETWEEN CATOCTIN CIR SW AND DEERPATH AVE SW

The LEESBURG TOWN MANAGER will hold a public hearing in Lower-Level Conference Room 1 at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. on a proposed Residential Permit Parking Zone designation on Foxridge Dr SW between Catoctin Cir SW and Deerpath Ave SW. This Public Hearing is in accordance with Section 32-240(b) of the Town Code.

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES

Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. DESCRIPTION

BLUE HUFFY – ROCKIT BIKE (BMX) SERIAL #SNHTJ23H36158

SO250010215 6/10/2025 20101 ACADEMIC WAY / ASHBURN VA 20147 571-367-8400

6/19 & 6/26/25

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 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

Additional information concerning this proposed Residential Permit Parking Zones is available by contacting Niraja R. Chandrapu, Transportation Engineer at 703-771-2791 or email at nchandrapu@leesburgva.gov.

At this hearing, all people desiring to express their views regarding these matters will be heard. People requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-7712733 or eboeing@leesburgva.gov, three days in advance (TTD 703-771-4560).

6/19 & 6/26/25

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

The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2025, in order to consider:

PROPOSED RESOLUTION CONCURRING IN A DECLARATION AND FINDING TO DISSOLVE THE DULLES TOWN CENTER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-5109, the Board of Supervisors shall consider a resolution concurring in a declaration and finding by the Dulles Town Center Community Development Authority (CDA) that the CDA should be dissolved. On April 7, 2025, the CDA Board certified a resolution declaring that all outstanding bonds issued by the CDA have been redeemed in full, with final payment made on March 3, 2025, as confirmed by U.S. Bank National Association (Trustee); all obligations to third parties have been paid, or cash has been deposited with the Trustee to cover all remaining liabilities; and remaining funds held by the CDA will be distributed to landowners within the district on a prorata basis consistent with the percentage of payments made within the CDA Assessment District. These actions satisfy the legal requirements for dissolution under Virginia Code § 15.2-5109.

A copy of the full text of the proposed resolution is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call 703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments

PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY

Conveyance of Easements near Mountain View Elementary School and Woodgrove High School 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 Board of Supervisors shall consider conveying to Virginia Electric and Power Company d.b.a. Dominion Energy Virginia and Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, utility easements across County owned property near Mountain View Elementary School and Woodgrove High School in the Catoctin Election District, for the purpose of installing electrical and communication lines. The property on which the easements will be located is more particularly described as: 36803 Allder School Road, Purcellville, Virginia; PIN: 522-29-5928002; and Tax Map # /35//////21-2/.

Copies of the draft deed of easements and plat showing the location of the above-listed conveyance, and associated documents, are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun. gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”)

PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY

Conveyance of Easements within County Owned Property Located at 24328 Marrwood Drive, Aldie to Maverick Virginia Infrastructure, LLC

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider conveying to Maverick Virginia Infrastructure, LLC, a utility easement across County owned property in the Dulles Election District, for the purpose of installing underground conduit. The property on which the easements will be located is more particularly described as: 24328 Marrwood Drive, Aldie, Virginia; PIN: 246-19-7273-000; and Tax Map # 100////////57A.

Copies of the draft deed of easement and plats showing the location of the above-listed conveyances, and associated documents, are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/ bosdocuments.

ORDINANCE IMPOSING A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AND LEVYING A SPECIAL TAX ON THE REAL PROPERTY WITHIN THE RIVANA AT INNOVATION STATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY DISTRICT AND APPROVING A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-5152 et seq., the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors shall consider an ordinance to impose a special assessment and levy a special tax on real property within the Rivana at Innovation Station Community Development Authority district. The ordinance also includes the approval of a special assessment agreement, with an attached methodology for apportioning the special assessment against taxable real property within the district.

The revenues generated from the special assessment and special tax will be used to secure all or a portion of the bonds issued by the Rivana at Innovation Station Community Development Authority. These bonds will finance certain public infrastructure improvements deemed necessary or desirable for the development or redevelopment within the district. Additionally, the funds may be allocated to address increased demands placed upon the County as a result of such development or redevelopment.

A copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance (including the proposed form of the Special Assessment Agreement and related exhibits) is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call 703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.

LEGI-2023-0060, LUCK STONE COCHRAN MILL: ZMAP-2023-0001 & ZMOD-2023-0001 (Zoning Map Amendment & Zoning Modifications)

Luck Stone Corporation has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment and zoning modification for approximately 97.8 acres of land located east of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653), north of Gant Lane (Route 652), and west of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) in the Leesburg Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as 41789 Cochran Mill Road, Leesburg, Virginia; PIN # 151-36-0620-000; and Tax Map # /61/////////6C. For ZMAP-2023-0001, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property from the MR-HI (Mineral Resource – Heavy Industry), JLMA-20 (Joint Land Management Area – 20), and GI (General Industry) Zoning Districts to the PD-GI (Planned Development – General Industry) Zoning District under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance) in order to develop up to 989,000 square feet (SF) of data center and utility substation uses. For ZMOD-2023-0001, the applicant seeks a zoning modification to increase the permitted building height from 45 feet to 70 feet without additional setbacks from adjacent roads or lot lines. These applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2024-0035, STONEWALL CREEK BUSINESS PARK SUBSTATION: ZCPA-2024-0002, CMPT-2024-0007, SPEX-2024-0052, SPEX-2024-0053 (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Commission Permit, Special Exception, & Minor Special Exception)

NOVEC has submitted applications for the following: a zoning concept plan amendment, commission permit, special exception, and minor special exception for portions of approximately 97.27 acres of land located north of Dulles Greenway (Route 267), south of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653), and east of Sycolin Road (Route 625) in the Leesburg Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

193-18-6982-000 42049 Nova Park Drive, Leesburg, Virginia /60/I/1/////6/ 194-38-1577-000 N/A /60/I/1/////8/

For ZCPA-2024-0002, the applicant seeks to amend the locations of the existing proffered Tree Conservation Areas. For CMPT-2024-0007 and SPEX-2024-0053, the applicant seeks a commission permit and special exception to permit a utility substation in the IP (Industrial Park) and GI (General Industry) Zoning Districts under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance). For SPEX-2024-0052, the applicant seeks minor special exception to modify the landscape buffer requirements along the entire boundary of the Subject Property under Section 4.07.09D of the Zoning Ordinance.

LEGI-2024-0027, JESSE COURT: ZMAP-2024-0007 & SPEX-2024-0044 (Zoning Map Amendment & Special Exception)

Mount Sinai Properties-Jesse Court, LLC, formerly known as Repulse Bay II, LLC, and Andrew J. Parker have submitted applications for the following: a zoning map amendment and a special exception for approximately 16.26 acres of land located south of East Severn Way (Route 847), east of Sully Road (Route 28), and northwest and west of Atlantic Boulevard (Route 1902) in the Sterling Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as PIN #: 043-40-7465-000, and Tax Map # /80//16/////2/.

For ZMAP-2024-0007, the applicants seek to rezone the Subject Property from the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district administered under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the IP (Industrial Park) zoning district under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. For SPEX-2024-0044, the applicants seeks a special exception to allow Machinery and Equipment Sales and Services use in the IP zoning district.

DOAM-2025-0001, LOUDOUN COUNTY FACILITIES STANDARDS MANUAL AMENDMENTS

ROADWAYS OVER DAMS AND PLAT NOTES REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF EMERGENCY ACCESSWAYS AND FIRE LANE IDENTIFICATION (Development Ordinance Amendment)

(continued on next page)

Legal Notices

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-2204 and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on April 15, 2025, notice is hereby given of proposed amendments to the Loudoun County Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) These amendments will propose revisions to Chapters 4 and 8 of the FSM, and such other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the FSM as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typos within, update internal cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned Chapters of the FSM. The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes listed in Section 15.2-2200 of the Code of Virginia and to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development and the public necessity, convenience, and general welfare.

Proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 4, Transportation, include without limitation the following:

• Amend FSM Section 4.310, General Design Requirements, to establish new standards for all portions of a development to have at least one point of road access that does not cross a “roadway dam” or “roadway causeway”, as defined by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

• Amend FSM Section 4.810, Fire Apparatus Access Road Requirements (FAAR), to establish new standards for developments to have at least one publicly maintained FAAR that does not cross a “roadway dam” or “roadway causeway” and to prohibit privately maintained FAARs from crossing a “roadway dam”, “roadway causeway”, or bridge, except for open bottom arches and culverts.

Proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 8, Administrative Procedures, include without limitation the following:

• Establish new FSM Subsection 8.101.A.23, Fire Apparatus Access Road Note, to require plat and/or plan notes regarding private maintenance of FAARs designated as accessways for emergency vehicles only and Fire Lane Identification along private and public roads

• Add “Fire Apparatus Access Road Note. (See 8.101)” as a new standard for the following:

o 8.103 Plats for Subdivision and Other Miscellaneous Plats,

o 8.103.6 Easement Plats – Creation and Vacation,

o 8.103.7 Dedication/Vacation Plats (DEDI), and

o 8.103.8 AR-1 and AR-2 Division Plats (SBBD).

LEGI-2024-0043, TUSCARORA LANDBAY 3 SUBSTATION: SPEX-2024-0059 & SPEX-2024-0060

(Special Exception and Minor Special Exception)

Tuscarora Landbay 3 LLC has submitted applications under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance) for: 1) a special exception (SPEX-2024-0059), to establish a Substation use in the IP (Industrial Park) Zoning District, and 2) a minor special exception (SPEX-2024-0060), to eliminate the Type C and Type B buffer yards required under Zoning Ordinance Section 4.07.09.D and Table 7.04.031 along the west side of the subject property. The subject property is approximately 37.61 acres in size and is located south of Crosstrail Boulevard (Route 896) and west of the Washington and Old Dominion Trail, in the Leesburg Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN #: 150-15-1774-000 and Tax Map # /61/G/1//SCOM/.

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

APPL-2025-0002 – LEGI-2024-0043, TUSCARORA LANDBAY 3 SUBSTATION: CMPT-2024-0009

(Appeal of Denial Commission Permit)

Pursuant to Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Section 10.14, Tuscarora Landbay 3 LLC has filed a Notice of Appeal of the Planning Commission’s (Commission) denial of commission permit CMPT2024-0009 at Commission Public Hearing held on May 27, 2025.

The applicant seeks a commission permit for approximately 37.61 acres of land located south of Crosstrail Boulevard (Route 896) and west of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) in the Leesburg Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as PIN # 150-15-1774-000; 19560 Crosstrail Boulevard, Leesburg, Virginia; and Tax Map # /61/G/1//SCOM/. For CMPT-2024-0009, the applicant seeks approval to establish a utility substation in the IP (Industrial Park) Zoning District under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each land use application listed above are on file and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications for public hearings may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. In addition, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: loudoun.gov/bosdocuments

Board of Supervisors public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Meetings are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. Meetings also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings.

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-ups will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on June 27, 2025, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on July 9, 2025. Members of the public may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.

BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS J. RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

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

6/19, 6/2625

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

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.

Officer (Virginia Lateral)

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.

Loudoun Soil & Water Conservation District

Hiring: Invasive Plant Species Management Program Specialist (Temp, 2-yr. position) | Starting

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

One Element

Opinion

It was 2022 when the Dominion Energy first surprised Data Center Alley developers with the warning that providing power to new projects could be delayed by years.

That challenge has only grown.

The power generation shortage is prompting a rollback of plans to phase out inefficient plants that are most harmful to the climate. Planning for new transmission corridors is spurring community outrage and lawsuits. Promising technologies for on-site power generation remain years or decades from practical application. Regulatory leadership at the federal and state levels has been lacking.

That is the context in which our Board of Supervisors is launching a planning effort focused on the county’s electrical infrastructure. The Comprehensive Plan amendment that will evolve over the next year is focused on one element of the challenge: where to place the lines that will carry the flow of free electrons from far-off power sources to the computer chips needed to stream our

Enough

Editor:

We’ve lived in bucolic Loudoun nearly 25 years. Forty-seven years prior, it was Falls Church and Fairfax. As the county grew, we embraced new ideas while protecting our values that made our county so welcoming and successful.

However, there came a time where we grew too fast for our infrastructure. Some folks didn’t see the need for farmland and pushed our dairy production down or out of business.

The data centers came in which brought more tax revenue than our county has ever seen and more newcomers who didn’t understand our heritage plus others on a mission of destruction.

They form organized pockets spewing hate speech and worse against our neighbors. I’ve lived through this before but at different levels and times: bullies against my Black classmates, against mentally and physically different children and adults, and now incredulously against a religious group because of their views or genetic makeup. Oh, except they don’t stop there.

It’s death to America. I might not

TikTok clips and power artificial intelligence platforms. That planning exercise is needed. Just as with the design of roads and the placement of schools, local leaders must have confidence that the infrastructure will be in place to serve the developments they approve.

But that must be part of a larger deliberation that includes those providing the power and the data center developers generating the massive increase in demand. Amid the continuing land rush to secure approvals for future data centers, county leaders should, somehow, have a solid understanding of what is actually feasible to build and operate.

It is true that the county’s already overflowing tax coffers benefit from this rampant land speculation, but there are costs as well, not the least of which is the loss of affordable land available for other businesses and housing. Proper planning of power lines is important and overdue, but it is just one element in the effort to maintain our community balance.

LETTERS to the Editor

be Jewish but I’m American. Don’t you think we should view this language as threatening as opposed to freedom of speech?

Thank you Gary L. Katz for raising your voice in the June 6 letter, Enough is Enough. It’s time we all say enough is enough. This hate and vitriol is not coming from Loudoun County-born and raised individuals expressing unique thoughts. It’s a cancer in our midst rising from ill-intentioned sources.

We have many productive ways to effect change with and without legislation and always without resorting to hate speech and violence. End the bully pulpit now. No longer can we tolerate Loudoun County Board of Supervisors encouragement or support of any form of antisemitic hate speech and activism. In fact, it’s time they call for an end to it and support the culture of Loudoun County’s celebrated history.

We must all pay attention to who is leading our county. They work for us regardless of whether you voted for that person or not. Our home, our county, is only as happy as we make it.

— Nancy Sander, Leesburg

Revitalization?

Editor:

Those who use political buzz words and those who are listening may have widely different interpretations of what the words actually mean.

Take the word “revitalization."

As one of many who hopes Purcellville will maintain its charming small-town character, I was taken aback when the mayor objected to the proposed goal statement for the town’s Planning Commission to promote “historic preservation, pedestrian accessibility, and design standards that support downtown revitalization.”

On the surface, this sounds like something he and other preservationists would enthusiastically endorse. Why would he take issue with it?

My guess is that the objection reflects a fear that the word “revitalization” might be exploited by development interests to justify large-scale residential or commercial developments that could fundamentally change the town’s character

LETTERS continues on page 33

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’ poll

Should our locally governing bodies place additional limits on public comments at meetings?

50.1% Yes, limit to agenda topics

33.5% No. This is the public's time

11.8% Yes, limit to local topics

4.0% Yes, limit the comment period

0.5% Stop allowing comments at meetings

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

How are you keeping cool during this week’s heat wave?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

LETTERS to the Editor

and appeal.

This fear doesn’t seem entirely hypothetical.

During the public input portion of the May 27 Town Council meeting, the President of the Purcellville Business Association, Jason Sengpiehl, criticized the Town Council for “missed opportunities to revitalize our business community through well planned annexation efforts, infill development and infrastructure improvements.”

To tease out what the different parties mean by “revitalization,” we need to look more closely at the context. There are obviously significant differences.

In the case of the commission’s goal statement, revitalization is achieved with attention to “historic preservation, pedestrian accessibility, and design standards.” It suggests that residents’ quality of life should be taken into account.

Mr. Sengpiehl’s version focuses on the interests of the business community and, even more narrowly, on specific types of business that would benefit from infill development and annexations. It isn’t clear if the end product would consider historic preservation, pedestrian accessibility,

CHIPshots

— By Chip Beck, beckchip@aol.com

continued from page 33

related design standards and citizens’ quality of life. We have to guess if it would be satisfied with data centers, box stores, parking lots, strip malls or other outof-character projects on the west end of town.

Despite the apparent differences, the positions are not necessarily mutually exclusive. It would be a great community service if the town’s polarized and apparently hostile camps could get together amicably and professionally to try to find some common ground.

The “Yard at O Street,” between 21st Street and Hatcher Avenue, might be a good place to start. The town’s Comprehensive Plan has long called for some kind of revitalization there. The goal is to replace empty or blighted lots with an attractive mixed-use neighborhood that would include affordable, small unit residences and small-scale commercial establishments designed to complement and blend in with the surrounding historic buildings. The neighborhood would have ample green spaces and common areas and would be easily accessible for pedestrians.

Incidentally, adding more water and sewer system users would also reduce at

least some of the pressure on residents’ and businesses’ utility bills.

Unfortunately, traffic congestion is a major obstacle to any potential infill development in Purcellville. Additional housing and commercial traffic in the middle of the town would only exacerbate the existing problem. When I’ve raised this issue with business leaders, the response has been a casual shrug, as if the problem would take care of itself. It won’t.

Having identified this obstacle, however, I don’t have an easy solution to offer. Improved public transportation that helps residents reduce their dependence on their cars is an obvious suggestion. But that is unpopular with many people — including, I’m afraid, many of my preservationist friends. I would love to hear other ideas.

In any case, to have a constructive debate over Purcellville’s “revitalization,” we need a clear, shared vocabulary. And we need practical proposals that address the interests of both citizens and businesses.

Let’s start that conversation.

— John Ellis, Hillsboro

Statues Unveiled

continued from page 3

instant you see it, it evokes the deepest, most powerful emotions. It may be recollections of times past, historic times past. It may be incidents in your life that inspired you, that lifted you up. But when you look at it, you are almost immediately lifted and elevated in stature and in pride and in all kinds of different emotions, just by what the artist has managed to communicate,” Turner said.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said the new artwork was a further celebration of the work done by community leaders to document the stories of Loudoun’s Black communities and their committed push for equality.

“One of the things I love about this being in this place is that it’s right next to the historic Douglass High School, which all of you who went there know the value of,” Umstattd said. “It’s something that we can easily overlook the importance of the people in the life of a community. The people who put together Douglass High School, the people who keep the dream going with the Martin Luther King march every year, and the people … who put on numerous Juneteenth celebrations that is the everlasting legacy of the of the heroism represented by the two figures that are in front of you.” n

The Arc of Loudoun

continued from page 1

of the Trust’s offers to extend the lease and integrate the Arc’s services into its new Mosaic Campus. The Arc has advised the Trust that they will be leaving the Campus but has provided no timetable for doing so. Without a lease in place, the Arc has been asked to vacate the Paxton Campus at the end of the current school year this summer,” according to the announcement.

However, The Arc of Loudoun CEO Lisa Max told Loudoun Now that she was surprised to hear that the Trust had withdrawn from the mediation efforts and that her organization had been participating in the mediation in good faith.

“While we refute the gentle framing of an eviction from the campus we’ve called home for 16 years, we remain steadfastly committed to serving our students, clients, families and community,” she stated. “Our primary concern is the continuity of our programs, including the Aurora School, which the Paxton Trust has repeatedly said is welcome to stay on campus. We will be pursuing all legal options to ensure the continuity of our programs.”

Paxton Trustee Mary Lou Leipheimer said they’ve been working with The Arc ever since they completed a master plan for the campus, which envisions expanding the services offered there.

“[We] decided that we wanted to serve more children by creating an opportunity for what I would love to call an all-service kind of situation,” Leipheimer said.

The plan creates four quadrants on the property providing a variety of services.

“We envision two anchor tenants, and we envision a third quadrant being placed for what we would call incubator nonprofits, people that are really trying to have a cause, but they’re needing to get a start. And we would, as a Trust, probably construct a building for that. The fourth quadrant, we would probably use as a buffer and a green space for the neighbors to have a park,” Leipheimer said.

Leipheimer said the initial plans included The Arc staying on campus.

“We had thought that we would open by having The Arc as an anchor tenant and worked almost five years negotiating trying to get there. They are not interested,” she said.

In the June 20 announcement, the Trust said The Arc has until the beginning of the new school year to vacate the campus.

Leipheimer said that is not the decision the Trust wanted to make but work to expand services on the campus had been delayed for too long.

“That doesn’t mean that we don’t praise

and really care about the work that The Arc has done. I mean, we’ve given them rentfree property for 16 years, we’ve invested almost $9 million. We really admire and want everyone to understand that we admire their work, but want to expand it, and they are at their capacity,” Leipheimer said.

She said a recent needs assessment done for the Loudoun County government showed that there is an overwhelming need for daycare services for children with disabilities and for families with financial constraints.

“I wish I could tell you that we are original thinkers, but there are models for this,” Leipheimer said. “In Massachusetts, they have a group called the Lighthouse, and it’s like a full-service opportunity where families can be served. But there are some other gains in creating a place where multiple agencies work on specific causes. You could have the collaboration, perhaps the cost savings in purchasing, perhaps the shared administrative things, so that there can be cost savings there. It has limitless possibilities.”

The Arc of Loudoun representatives said they were “shocked” to learn about the eviction and the Trust’s decision to “unilaterally” end the mediation.

In a June 23 announcement, The Arc said it was particularly concerned about the future of the Aurora School, which provides year-round education to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“While the trustees’ requirements for The Arc to continue to operate all of its programs

on campus had been ever-changing and largely untenable throughout the mediation process, the trustees consistently maintained that the Aurora School would remain on campus,” according to the announcement.

The Arc’s preschool and clinic will close Aug. 8 and the organization said it will work “feverishly” to support everyone affected by the closures. A new, off-campus location has already been identified for the Ability Fitness Center.

“On June 14th our attorney shared the most recent status of our efforts to significantly reduce The Arc’s footprint on campus to comply with the trustees’ requirement. We had not received any response from the Trust on that update, then were blindsided by their public release just five days later,” Max stated.

The Arc said relocating its fully accredited school and therapy clinic is not simple.

“The process requires site inspections, state approvals, medical insurance authorizations, and physical modifications that take months to complete. Because of this, The Arc’s preschool and clinic must discontinue services to meet the trustees’ deadline to contract programs on campus. These closures have devastating consequences for the families we serve and our staff,” according to the announcement.

“Even if a suitable site were identified for the Aurora School today, we could not reasonably expect to gain the required regulatory approvals to begin the new school year in August,” The Arc Board President

Malcolm Cooke stated. “The trustees are well aware of these limitations because the situation has been discussed in great detail with them for the past several years, which makes their Friday announcement all the more difficult to understand. It unnecessarily jeopardizes these essential services and goes against the missions of both organizations, putting vulnerable children and their families at risk.”

The Arc representatives said they are asking community supporters to ask The Trust to allow the Aurora School to remain on campus for the 2025-2026 school year and asked support from real estate partners who understand the needs of special education programs.

“We also need funding partners to support the capital investments and relocation costs associated with moves of this scale, in addition to the substantial legal fees borne from by the Trust’s drawn-out process and unreasonable demands,” Max stated.

In a response Tuesday afternoon, Leipheimer reiterated that the lease expired four years ago and said the two organizations have been negotiating for four years.

“The allegation that The Arc was blindsided by the Paxton Trust decision is not true and disingenuous,” she stated. “When The Arc voluntarily amended its lease nearly four years ago it knew the lease expired on August 31, 2024. It knew at that time a new lease would have to be agreed to, or it would have to relocate.” n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Carlheim manor is the centerpiece of the 16-acre Paxton campus in Leesburg where The Arc of Loudoun has operated since 2008.

A Loudoun Moment

Juneteenth

continued from page 3

rearrested on circumstantial evidence and then seized by his killers.

“These types of injustices are not long gone, they can still happen today,” Thomas said, drawing comparisons to recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations.

“Although they have some paperwork that says they have the right to be here, they’re being drug off and detained, and nobody knows what’s going to happen. But we all have a weapon, and that is our voice and our vote,” she said.

Yohannes said today’s generation is not “necessarily cut from the same cloth” as those who marched in the ’60s, but said they’re just as equipped to rise to the occasion.

“We have the means, the savviness, the social networks, but I need to see that

desire,” Yohannes said.

The keynote speech was given by Kaine, who began his address by saying that when he visited Leesburg’s Juneteenth celebration two years ago, the mood was “celebratory.” This year, Kaine described his mood as “troubled.”

Kaine remarked on the Trump Administration’s desire to restore the names of several military bases in Virginia to Confederate officers’ names. Under the Biden Administration, Forts Pickett, A.P. Hill, and Fort Lee were renamed Fort Barfoot, Fort Walker, and Fort Gregg-Adams, respectively. President Trump’s defense secretary, Peter Hegseth, plans to revert the forts to their old names.

“As far as I know, it’s the only time in history that a president has vetoed the defense bill, and he vetoed it because he likes confederate names,” Kaine said. “Why is Confederate history more important than General Gregg, more important than Mary Walker, more important than

Charity Adams more important than Van Barfoot?”

“I came to get inspiration,” Kaine said, adding that today’s political climate has caused many young people to “feel like adults have totally screwed up the world.” However, Kaine encouraged the youth in the crowd to persevere and pointed to the young NAACP members who spoke earlier.

Kaine ended his speech with a message for the youth: “Link arms and lift up the young.”

Thomas emphasized the importance of education, referencing banned books, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s recent veto of a bill to count African American history courses toward high school graduation.

“Somebody asked, Pastor what are we marching for?” Thomas said. “Because freedom ain’t free. … Sometimes our students pay for it when they go to schools that don’t recognize them. … When they go to schools that really are not trying to

allow them to be celebrated but simply tolerated.”

At Raflo Park, “FreedomOpoly,” was on display. A passion project of Thomas’, she worked for more than three years on the monopoly-style board game to tell African American history in Loudoun in an accurate way.

The game was created with the help of Freedom High School students as part of a capstone project in an African American history class. Thomas said the pieces of history told through the game emphasize obscureness—Adding that the less they’ve been heard, the more important they are.

“This is an effort of blood sweat and tears,” she said. “There’s no excuse to teach Black history incorrectly.”

She also stressed rising to meet the modern moment.

“This is not your grandmama’s Juneteenth celebration,” Thomas said. “We have to meet today’s problems with today’s people.” n

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The Lua Project performs during the 31st Mountville Folk Festival. Held last weekend near Aldie, the event draws a devoted crowd to the base of the Bull Run Mountain for two days of folk and roots music.

Photo by Douglas Graham