Loudoun Now for May 1, 2025

LCPS Bucks Federal Push to Certify DEI Scrub

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Loudoun County Public Schools

Superintendent Aaron Spence announced last week that the division would not comply with a federal requirement to file an additional certification affirming it does not employ certain diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

In an April 24 announcement, Spence wrote that the division complies with all state and federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination based on an individual’s race, color or national origin. However, he said, the required certification referenced “illegal DEI” or “certain DEI practices” that, he said, were not clearly defined.

Failing to file the additional certification puts the division at risk of losing federal funding, according to the request made by the U.S. Department of Education. In fiscal year 2026, the adopted school budget includes $48 million in federal funding, including $3 million for operations, $24.6 million in grants and $20.5 million for nutrition programs.

Spence’s April 24 announcement came on the same day as a Federal District Court judge in New York

DEI continues on page 42

Balancing the Future of Western Loudoun

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

As county leaders work to revise the zoning standards for western and rural Loudoun, a balancing challenge has emerged – one with a common goal to preserve western Loudoun – but with dif-

fering pathways to get there. Those differences were brought to the surface during the third stakeholder meeting hosted by the Board of Supervisors’ Transportation and Land Use Committee on the zoning amendment process last week.

The panel has held two prior meetings

tackling rules of stables, outdoor recreation, agricultural processing, tenant housing and farm-related lodging last November and in January. The April 22 meeting focused on agritourism, recre-

continues on page 39

WESTERN LOUDOUN

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Supervisor Caleb Kershner (R-Catoctin) stands in front of an old, Quaker-built home on a 17-acre parcel that he operates as an Airbnb near Hamilton.

Visit Loudoun Celebrates 30 Years, Honors Tourism Leaders

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Visit Loudoun hosted its Annual Meeting & Tourism Awards on Friday at Lansdowne Resort to not only celebrate and honor Loudoun’s tourism industry but also to mark the 30th anniversary of the tourism organization.

When Visit Loudoun was formed in 1995 as the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association, the county was known by tourists for its equestrian activities and had an emerging wine industry. Tourism had a local economic impact of a $9.6 million. Today, the county’s wine industry has global recognition, and it also is a destination for conferences, weddings and sports events supported not only by Dulles Airport, but also Metrorail access. The economic impact of tourism was projected at $4.5 billion in 2023, according to the presentation.

“The symbol of a 30th anniversary is the pearl, which is fitting as they start from a single grain of sand and are built layer upon layer,” Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson said. “Our layers are built by every person in this room through your commitment to our community. Loudoun is the number one generator of visitor spending in the Commonwealth and I have no doubt we will continue to shine for the next 30 years.”

Asked to reflect on the growth of tourism in Loudoun, Erickson said it in large part is reflected the changes in the county.

“I think that the growth of the visitor economy in Loudoun is not unlike the growth overall for the county. We have seen new businesses open. We’ve seen everything from hotels to our wine industry has grown. Our sports tourism has grown.

Wounded

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

When you look at the weddings market, you know where we are now,” she said.

But despite that growth, the county’s open countryside continues to be a major draw for visitors, she said, adding that protecting the rural areas has been a high priority for county leaders.

“I think that was very intentional from the county’s perspective. That was intentional from economic development’s perspective—that recognition of the importance of the rural economy is absolutely a big part of or a key driver of our product,” she said. “When we talk about Loudoun as DC’s Wine Country, it is that brand and the experiences that we offer that differentiates Loudoun from not only Northern Virginia, but from the rest of Virginia and in the mid-Atlantic. It really is a very

strong brand that conjures up visions of what wine country will be—everything from the rolling vine-covered hills to farms to table dining to great experiences. But in Loudon, we get to expand that to include equestrian and music and small towns and these are all attributes that other wine destinations do not have.”

But Loudoun’s visitor experience is still more diversified, she notes.

“The true economic engine of tourism happens in the east. That’s where Dulles International Airport is. That’s where hotels are located, but it’s that western component that is the draw. That makes Loudoun this really wonderfully diverse destination, where you’ve got incredible international dining in the east. You’ve got vibrant nightlife in the east. You’ve got

Warrior Melissa Stockwell: ‘Get Out

“There are metaphor roadside bombs all around us. … What you can do is know that tomorrow the sun; it’s going to happen. Whatever you are going through, there is some small silver lining. I promise you. You just have to find it.”

That was the message of American war hero and paralympic medalist Melissa Stockwell as she spoke Saturday morning during Toth Financial’s annual client appreciation day program at Lansdowne Resort.

Stockwell was the first female soldier to lose a limb in combat after a bomb struck her Humvee during a routine mission in

Bagdad Iraq on April 13, 2004.

“I woke up that day with both of my legs, and I went to sleep that night with just one,” she said. “If any of you have a to do list like I like to have, that you check off every day, I can tell you that that was not part of my to do list. That was not really something I wanted to check off. But that’s kind of the beauty of life is that you never know what it’s going to throw at you until it does.”

Stockwell said that she was born a patriot, drawn to wear the U.S. flag on her sleeve at a young age. As a sophomore at the University of Colorado she joined the Army’s ROTC program. As a senior, she watched the Sept. 11 attacks play out on TV.

Assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at

hotels in the east. In the west, you have that wine country, the bed and breakfast, Salamander Resort and towns like Middleburg—you have a very different feel. And how lucky are we for us to have this here in Loudoun?”

This year’s top award, the Judy Patterson Award, was presented to Waterford Foundation President Susan Manch, who helped form the Loudoun Transmission Line Alliance and led the community effort to oppose a new electric transmission line that was proposed to run through western Loudoun County and the boundaries of the Waterford Historic District.

The industry award winners, selected by the Visit Loudoun Awards Review Committee and Visit Loudoun’s Board and staff, were:

Tourism Manager of the Year: Drew Bishop, owner and manager of the Philomont General Store

Back-of-the House Hero: Joe Sotomayor, IT Generalist Vino Virginia

Front-of-the-House Hero: Kristin Arenius, Tuscarora Mill

Loudoun Certified Tourism Ambassador: Paul Bauman, Vino Virginia Diversity in Travel: You Belong Here: Hospitality Training for an Accessible Loudoun at the Arc of Loudoun Tourism Event of the Year: The Family Reunion, Salamander Middleburg Community Event of the Year: LoCo Kids Fest, Loudoun County Park, Recreation and Community Services

Tourism Marketing Promotion/PR Campaign: Loudoun County Out and Back, Lark Brewing Co.

New Tourism Business of the Year: Vineyard Voyages

There and Live’

Ft. Hood, TX, she was soon deployed to Iraq as a platoon commander and convoy commander.

On April 13, 2004, the routine drive to central Bagdad ended with a deafening blast as the convoy went under an overpass. Her Humvee was hit and crashed into a nearby house.

While others in the vehicle moved quickly to secure the area, when the medic applied the tourniquet to her leg she realized something bad had happened. She was flown to an American hospital in Bagdad for life-saving surgery that included the amputation of her left leg above her knee and then moved to Germany, and finally to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.

At Walter Reed, she began to realize how fortunate she had been.

“I saw soldiers that were missing two, three, four limbs. They had lost their eyesight. There were soldiers that had traumatic brain injuries,” Stockwell said. “I looked at myself, and I thought, holy cow, I am the lucky one. One leg, that was it. I had three good limbs. I had my mind, my heart, not to mention my life, because too many had given and continue to give that ultimate sacrifice.”

She also learned to celebrate what many soldiers call their Alive Day.

“Every year, on the day that they were

Steve Hines Partner of the Year: Ali MacIntyre, Town of Middleburg n WOUNDED WARRIOR continues on

Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson speaks during the organization’s Annual Meeting and Tourism Awards program April 25 at Lansdowne Resort.

Loudoun

Elections Office Hosts Open House

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Community members had a chance lastweek to get a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into an election through an open house hosted by the county’s Office of Elections.

The two-day event brought in residents, election officers, members of the Virginia Department of Elections and elected officials to the Leesburg office to ask questions and participate in mock scenarios to exemplify a real election.

Each tour group made four stops in the building, with the first providing participants with information on who is eligible to vote, how can someone register, the level of security surrounding the voter registration list, and how it is maintained.

“Our list maintenance programs are designed to maintain the accuracy of the voter list and to establish procedures for removing ineligible voters that are uniform and nondiscriminatory,” General Registrar Judy Brown said.

Different components of the list are maintained daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly and bimonthly to keep up with the ever-changing roster as residents move in and out of the office’s jurisdiction.

“If the voter confirms that they’ve moved out of state, we cancel them,” Brown said. “If they don’t do the confirmation within 30 days, the voter becomes inactive. Once they become inactive, that information stays on the voter record, so it is on the poll book on Election Day. So, when they appear to vote, they would have to confirm their address before they could be allowed to vote.”

On stop two, the group learned about the process for staffing all 107 of the county’s precincts on Election Day while ensuring a bi-partisan group is at each location.

“Election officers are the people that you see when you come into the polling site. They are the people who greet you. They’re the people who scan your ID and check you in. They are also the people that give you your ballot and your ‘I Voted’ sticker,” Election Coordinator Margie Grimes said.

Ninety days before an election Grimes contacts all the registered officers to begin the process of the assigning those available to the proper precincts. The Code of Vir-

Planners Support Rezoning at Dulles Golf Center

The Planning Commission last week recommended approval of an application to convert 16 acres within the Rt. 28 Tax District and along Jesse Court from Planned Development –Industrial Park to Industrial Park.

Currently the parcel houses Dulles Golf Center and Sports Park which includes a golf driving range, batting cages, miniature golf, beach volleyball and picnic areas. The change would permit the property owner to consolidate the properties and expand the neighboring Carter rental site. A redevelopment of the combined property would allow all Industrial Park uses including a data center. However, per recent changes made by the Board of Supervisors, a special exception would be required.

The plans for the property submitted by the applicant envision a new sales and service building up to 210,000 square feet where the existing golf tees are located.

Project Manager Rachael Iwanczuk said her team found no outstanding issues with the application and that it was consistent with the county’s General Plan.

ginia requires an equal number of Democrats and Republican officers with no more than 1/3 being non-affiliated with either party.

Each location must be staffed with a chief and assistant chief who must be opposite party affiliations, help desk worker who handles non routine issues and a technology specialist. Both the help desk worker and the technology specialist require special certifications to hold those roles.

Tour groups worked together to staff a mock election day with fictional characters as election officers. Each were designated as Republicans or Democrats, and often given special preferences that needed to be taken into account. Republicans Lighting McQueen and Blanche Devereaux, and Democrats Han Solo and Michael Mouse were just a few of the options.

Once the group experienced the technicalities of staffing precincts, noted by one attendee as “fascinating,” they moved on to the third stop where they had the chance to fill out a mock ballot.

‘Seats’ on the ballot included favorite national park, favorite ice cream flavor and favorite sport.

Attendees each voted and submitted their ballots for the counting machine

to tally. The machines results were then verified manually by a bi-partisan group of two attendees. The machine accurately counted each ballot and identified an overvote, where one voter casts two votes for a single race, and an undervote, where a voter leaves a race blank.

The groups learned about the security and redundancy protocols in place to ensure accuracy at every step of the voting process.

During the last stop of the day, the group learned about the processes that take place after the polls close including tallying, verification and storage.

“During the canvas, we have bipartisan election officers review all material and paperwork from the election,” Communications Manager Samantha Shepherd said. “It’s done under the supervision of our Electoral Board and they ensure that the results are accurate. They actually review what was published on our website and what was on the tapes. They ensure that all legally required signatures are there, and they have to make sure all of the documents that need to be completed are completed.”

Learn more at loudoun.gov/4148/Elections. n

The commission voted to recommend approval on an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Eric Combs (Ashburn) absent.

Personal Property Tax Deadline is May 5

The county’s personal property tax deadline is Monday, May 5.

Payments received or postmarked after May 5 will incur a 10% late payment penalty, plus an interest charge of 10% (per annum) on both the unpaid taxes and all late payment penalties. Any personal property taxes that remain unpaid for more than 60 calendar days after the original due date will be charged an additional 15% penalty plus interest at 10% annually. Taxpayers who may be experiencing financial hardship should contact the Office of the Treasurer’s Collections Team at 703-771-5656 for assistance.

Payments can be made using electronic check (eCheck), paper check or major credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

They can be made online at loudounportal.com/taxes, by phone at 1-800269-5971, by mail to P.O. Box 1000, Leesburg, VA 20177-1000 or in person at 1 Harrison St. SE in Leesburg and 46000 Center Oak Plaza in Sterling. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Elections and Voter Registration Voter Services Manager Nadia Booker speaks to audience members during the Office of Elections Open House April 23.

Rizer Talks Loudoun’s Economy at Dulles Town Hall

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

During a town hall hosted by Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) Monday night, Loudoun Executive Director of Economic Development Buddy Rizer said his office is continuing to monitor potential economic impacts from decisions made by the federal government.

Since President Donald J. Trump’s inauguration community members have raised concerns with cuts to federal employees and programs, funding, return-to-work orders and tariffs.

The county has an estimated 17,000 federal workers, 45,000 government contractors and is home to 6,000 federal jobs. Fortunately, the county’s economy is not as dependent on the federal government as others in area.

“Our GDP is less than 10% based on the federal government and government enterprises which is great,” Rizer said.

Based on the data, the impact on Loudoun has been minimal so far, Rizer said. However, he added that the “warning signs are flashing bright red,” he said.

Rizer said last Friday a Loudoun company received a WARN, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, notice that 217 federal contractors were going to be laid off. The number of federal contracts won by Loudoun contractors is also down significantly compared to last year.

“So, that’s going to have an impact,” he said.

The number of employees applying for open jobs and participating in

programs offered by the Department of Economic Development such as the Work in Loudoun Program, are also increasing.

“All of those are kind of warning signs that the economy is changing,” Rizer said.

The DED launched the Loudoun Resilience Initiative designed to help both small businesses and the county’s workforce.

“When we start to think about what could be the workforce, we think that about a third of that universe is going to have skills that translate and will move pretty quickly. About a third are going to need some sort of upskilling, some sort of training… and then about a third of those people, we believe, don’t have skills that are transferable and will probably have to be completely retrained,” Rizer said.

An example of that could be employees who work in General Administration. About 16% of the federal workforce falls under that category, Rizer said. However, in Northern Virginia only 38 job openings would fit into that category.

“That’s a uniquely government job that probably those people are going to have a hard time finding a parallel path,” he said.

Rizer said his team is working to help get ahead of any potential impacts as much as they can. Referencing the company who recently received the WARN notice, Rizer said his team had already met with them to provide the department’s services.

“[We’re] just trying to be one step ahead and be as proactive as possible,” he said.

Learn more at biz.loudoun.gov. n

Leesburg Award-Winning Photographer Focuses on Humanity at Mobile Hope

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

Rick Guidotti, founder of the Positive Exposure nonprofit, on April 15 visited Mobile Hope’s Leesburg headquarters to take photos and videos that capture the stories of youths and alumni of the housing insecurity organization’s programs.

Guidotti said Positive Exposure works with individuals and communities at risk of stigma and exclusion, celebrating the beauty and richness of human diversity, and understanding and respecting and honoring that diversity through photography and film. Through Positive Exposure, he aims to promote a more inclusive world through photography, film, and educational programs.

His work at Mobile Hope reflects that practice. Through sharing the stories of youths and alumni of their youth empowerment program, Guidotti hopes to reframe the narrative around homelessness.

“There’s so many assumptions, so many biases, so many fears, certainly around homelessness, certainly around youth at risk,” Guidotti said. “Positive imagery and positive storytelling and powerful sto-

rytelling change that narrative. …These are kids with names and friends and lives

Council Approves Greenway Manor Rezoning

BY WILLIAM TIMME wtimme@loudounnow.org

The Leesburg Town Council last week voted to rezone the Greenway Manor campus to allow an expansion of the Destiny School of Arts, construction of a commercial inn and the revitalization of the historic barn to serve as a performing arts center.

That rezoning overrides previous entitlements approved in 2012 that envisioned various retail and restaurant uses throughout property located on South King Street near the Greenway Farms neighborhood. Senior Planning Project Manager Christopher Murphy said that staff had found the old zoning “unsympathetic to the historic manor and barn,” and that the rezoning application would result a reduction in daily trips made to the area “by a factor of 1,000.”

Concerns about noise, outdoor events, and parking spillover into adjacent neigh-

borhoods led Mayor Kelly Burk to negotiate additional proffers from the developer. One proffer stipulated that two events happening in the area at the same time would be prohibited if they exceed a certain number of attendees. Another barred the inn from hosting outdoor events.

During the April 22 meeting, council members agreed the new application would be an improvement over the plan.

“I believe between staff and applicant, this is so much better a project than it was,” Councilmember Neil Steinberg said. “Certainly better than what could be built tomorrow without our getting in the way whatsoever.”

He said residents would benefit from being able to walk to a performing arts center and take advantage of the small restaurant.

Councilmember Zach Cummings also expressed support for the application.

“It really comes back to that 2012 plan, and what potentially could be there tomorrow if a new owner took over,”

AROUND town

Free Little Art Gallery Celebrated

The town held a ribbon cutting on Monday for a new free little art gallery installed at Raflo Park.

The gallery, approved by the Town Council last fall, invites members of the community to share small works of art. It was conceived and donated by local Girl Scout Troop 2718. Scouts designed and painted it during their senior year at Loudoun County High School.

“The girls are all very artistic and they knew that this would be the last thing they were going to do as a troop,” Troop Leader Tara Holt said.

The gallery holds mini paintings, sculptures, crafts, poetry, and other pieces of shareable art.

“We are so thrilled to have it,” COPA Chair Jeanette Ward said. “We hope this is one of many and that we can place these all across Leesburg.

The gallery is located along the walking path at Raflo Park, 345 Harrison St.

Georgetown Park Sculpture Ribbon Cutting Set

The Commission on Public Art and Friends of Leesburg Public Arts will hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the installation of a new sculpture at Georgetown Park on Friday, May 2 at 3 p.m.

Cummings said. “I believe that a bank with a drive through restaurant with outdoor dining and other retail and office use is much more interruptive to the neighborhood.”

Several residents from Connery Terrace opposed plans for the inn. Maps show that the closest home lies just 200 feet away from the inn.

“Destiny School of Arts can look into my window as it is, and I can see them talking to their kids,” Julia Bay said. “This is a very close facility already. I cannot imagine having 40 people who can also look in my windows and see my children playing.”

The rezoning application passed 6-0-1, with councilmember Kary Naci abstaining.

“I have an immediate family member who works for Destiny School of the Arts, and I want to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, whether it is real or potential,” Naci said. n

The sculpture, titled “Love Will Always Grow Here,” was approved last June. Local Artist Alyssa Imes Welti referenced the nature and wildlife of Virginia in the sculpture, which features both the state Dogwood and Cardinal.

Installation was completed in March.

Tree Commission to Host Tree Giveaway

The Tree Commission will distribute free trees during its annual Treesburg Initiative giveaway on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Residents will have the opportunity to receive a free, potted tree, from the event parking lot at Ida Lee Park. Available varieties include Pawpaw, Magnolia, Weeping Willow, and White Oak.

Planting and care instructions will be provided along with information on how to share their tree planting efforts online. n

Rick Guidotti, Positive Exposure Mobile Hope alumni Nelson and his wife are photographed by Rick Guidotti.

MOBILE HOPE continues on page 7

Mobile Hope

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and dreams and hopes and talents, but all we see is homelessness, or all we see is an addiction, or all we see is a mental health challenge, we don’t see those hopes and dreams and I think we have to.”

Videos taken by Guidotti gave some of the participants a chance to talk about those dreams. Twenty-seven-year-old Nelson, a Mobile Hope alumni who joined the program at age 11, harbored the dream of becoming a professional soccer player, alongside another dream of becoming a Marine. Now a Marine with a son, Nelson said it seems like his son is going in the direction of becoming a soccer player.

Before becoming an inclusivity advocate, Guidotti was a fashion photographer, whose work had graced the covers of GQ, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. He found a spark for advocacy after meeting a girl with albinism who had been bullied in school for her appearance. He photographed her and has worked to spotlight those not traditionally represented in photography since.

“She looked in the mirror and she saw what I saw, and all the sudden her hands were on her hips and her head went in the air and she just exploded with a smile that literally lit up New York City,” Guidotti said.

Since its founding, Positive Exposure has produced a series of films called “Faces Redefining The Art Of Medical Education,” a docuseries on hunger and food insecurity, and more. Guidotti’s photography and other works produced by the nonprofit are also displayed at the Positive Exposure Gallery in New York City– described on the organization’s website as “a first-of-itskind community space dedicated to celebrating human diversity through arts and culture.”

Guidotti linked up with Mobile Hope through a relationship with Dr. Joseph Dutkowsky, a nationally recognized pediatric orthopedic surgeon and inclusion advocate, and former Major League Baseball pitcher Tom Carroll, who said he often plays ball with the kids at Mobile Hope.

Dutkowsky’s human-centered philosophy on medicine and patient treatment is a good angle from which to understand some of Positive Exposure’s work.

“I don’t know what you have, but before I can help you, I’ve got to make a connection with you,” Dutkowsky said. “Medicine works when you really have shared vulnerabilities. …It’s not cerebral palsy, it’s not a homeless person, it’s Tom, it’s Rick, it’s Joe. They’re in our communities and they’re all part of us.”

Positive Exposure’s use of photography in medical training means to capture patient humanity rather than portraying people as subjects.

“It’s really to create an alternative to the demoralizing, dehumanizing, grim images that are in medical textbooks,” Guidotti said.

He showed an example of a textbook displaying the common physical traits of patients with marfan’s syndrome: naked with black bars over their eyes and privates in a sterile medical room. For the purposes of medical education, Guidotti said he understood the need to display a connective tissue disorder, but thought “as an artist, there must be another way to give you that information you need in a photograph, but adding that key ingredient that’s missing.”

That ingredient, he said, was a boy with marfan’s syndrome named Billy.

The photograph he showed next was Billy, arms spread, jumping up and down in a pool that reflected the sunshine above.

Guidotti, Dutkowsky, and Carroll all emphasized that the sense of community built by Mobile Hope is part of what makes it so special. Through advocacy, they hope to make people recognize that people living on the margins exist as members of the general community, whether they’re in Leesburg or Cooperstown New York.

“Statistics are clear right now that the main issue of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, and that’s something we could do something about,” Dutkowsky said.

Mobile Hope provides support and emergency shelter to youth up to age 24 who are considered at-risk, precariously housed, or homeless.”

“Youth homelessness in Loudoun County increased a dramatic 335%,” according to Mobile Hope’s white paper on youth homelessness. Read the full report at mobile-hope.org. Mobile Hope also found that funding for transition-aged youth hasn’t kept pace with the growing number of referrals the organization receives.

Dutkowsky described a time Carroll brought in ten former major league baseball players who played baseball with several of those referred to the program.

“I told him, Ricky [Guidotti], get down here,” Dutkowsky said. “The thing about it is, I don’t know how many people in this community know this exists. This is incredible. This is a beacon. …We want to see this, not only because it’s your community. These are our kids. This is hope. This is a chance.”

Mobile Hope is located at 302 Parker Ct SE, in Leesburg. Learn more at mobile-hope.org. n

Education

Proposed Changes to Retiree Healthcare Plan Rejected

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

The Loudoun County School Board last week voted unanimously to reject the proposed changes to the retiree healthcare plan and create a select committee to create a new plan. This comes after months of backlash over the proposed changes, mostly around the lack of transparency surrounding the process.

The healthcare plan changes would have moved retirees who become Medicare eligible on or after Jan. 1, 2026, from the current Cigna True Choice Medicare Advantage Plan to a Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement. There would be no change to employee benefits or non-Medicare eligible retiree benefits.

The RHRA account would have received a $400 contribution from LCPS every month to cover all healthcare expenses. The funds would roll over, and retirees on the plan would also enroll in Medicare Parts A and B and any Medigap plans they foresee needing.

Changes were originally part of the

FY 2026 operating budget, but they were removed before adoption so School Board members could be provided more information.

“It’s a complex issue, right? Super complex. Lots of stuff going on. There’s a huge history going on,” Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) said. “I feel like a select committee would be better, because that would be focused on this.”

Because the company handling Medicare accounts for the school division, Cigna, no longer offering that service some alternate plan must still be provided for Medicare-eligible employees.

Under the failed plan, spouses would only be on the plan until they also become Medicare eligible at the age of 65, and then they would need to get their own Medicare plan and cover their own expenses. Dependents would be eligible until the year they turn 26. The current plan covers both spouses and dependents.

One big reason for the proposed changes was the depletion of the division’s health self-insurance fund. Under that program, the division handles all claims instead of relying on third party insurance.

By policy, the reserve fund is supposed to have enough to cover two months of claims. As reported in late March, the reserve is at 0.1 months, approximately three days. It first dipped below two months in fiscal year 2023, and a transfer from the school’s operating fund in 2024 brought it from 0.3 months to 0.9 months. In the second quarter, funds were projected to be negative, but the third quarter financial review showed a slightly better outcome.

According to Chief Financial Officer Sharon Willoughby, the fund’s projected ending balance is $511,000. This is well below the 10% county threshold and 17% school division goal. She said that they can transfer up to $26 million from the school’s operating fund to bring it to the county threshold.

Along with the low balance, Willoughby attributed the changes to Cigna, the company currently managing Medicare accounts, no longer offering those services. She said that they must have a new plan in place by the next budget session to avoid

SCHOOL HEALTHCARE continues on page 13

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now

Retiree and Loudoun Education Alliance member Steven Meyer speaks to the crowd about retirement health benefits on April 22.

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Lovettsville Elementary Celebrates Arbor Day with October Glory Planting

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

Lovettsville Elementary School Kindergarteners last week joined together with Mayor Christopher Hornbaker and members of the Town Council to celebrate Arbor Day by planting an October Glory Maple Tree by their playground.

The tree, only a sapling now, will grow up to 50 feet and spread its branches almost 40 feet over the playground, providing cool shade and beautiful views for years to come for the students.

The 153-year-old Arbor Day tradition was celebrated at the school April 24 with a planting ceremony which included comments from Hornbaker and a poem and song by the students, as well as a speech on the tree’s name by Principal Daniel Lani and an acknowledgement of Lovettsville’s 10 years designated as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation.

The poem was a group effort by all the classes of kindergartners, explaining all the benefits of planting trees, ranging from wood for building to air for breathing. The song detailed the process needed to plant the tree, from digging the hole to

watering it. A student, dressed as the Lorax, led the participation in speaking for the trees.

“Thank you all for inviting us back this year, the Lorax is always the centerpiece, did a great job, and we always enjoy hearing how to plant a tree,” Hornbaker said.

He and the Town Council also read a proclamation declaring April 25 as Ar-

bor Day in the Town of Lovettsville. It is meant to recognize the importance of trees and preservation efforts for future generations.

Lani told the kindergarteners why the tree is named October Glory. In late fall, peaking in October, the tree's leaves will turn a dark red orange color, and retain them longer than other maple trees in fall.

“When we come back in October, you’ll be first graders, and we’re gonna take a look at the tree and see how it has changed. Super excited, and super proud of each of you. Thank you for taking care of our community, thank you for taking care of our environment, and thank you for helping Lovettsville continue to be a Tree City USA town, which is amazing. We love our trees, and we love our town,” Lani said.

2025 also marks 10 years for Lovettsville’s Tree City USA designation. The Arbor Day Foundation started this initiative in 1972 to support cities in maintaining tree cover. There are over 3,500 Tree Cities nationwide. To qualify, governments of towns, cities or even villages of any size will designate tree boards that include professional arborists, create consistent public tree care ordinances, allocate at least $2 per capita to maintaining tree cover and celebrate Arbor Day.

Lovettsville’s Tree City USA sign received a sticker informing anyone who passes of the length of the designation.

After the songs, speeches and recognitions, the students got to spread mulch and water the tree themselves. n

Amber Lucas/Loudoun Now

Lovettsville Elementary School kindergarteners celebrate Arbor Day by planting an October Glory Maple Tree by their playground April 24.

SCHOOL notebook

‘Think Big’ Corners Open

Loudoun County Public Schools has partnered with the Loudoun Education Foundation, and Amazon to bring hands-on STEM enrichment to students in four elementary schools.

The community celebrated with a ribbon cutting of the new Think Big Corner at Potowmack Elementary School on April 29. Forest Grove, Frederick Douglass and Guilford are also receiving the corners. Amazon also launched its newest Think Big Mobile Van, which will be traveling all over Northern Virginia to engage students in STEM learning.

“Partnerships like this with Amazon and the Loudoun Education Foundation are powerful examples of what’s possible when industry and education come together with a shared vision for student success,” Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence stated in the announcement. “These Think Big Corners will spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to future careers in STEM fields for our younger learners. We are grateful for Amazon’s continued commitment to our students’ futures and the incredible support of our community partners.”

The corners are a smaller version of the Amazon Think Big Space that was launched at Simpson Middle School in Leesburg in 2022. That space continues to serve as a computer science training hub for teachers throughout the region, as well as a creative learning environment for LCPS students of all grade levels.

The mini-labs come equipped with special supplies and equipment, such as 3D printers, to foster hands-on

science, technology, engineering and math learning and creativity among LCPS students.

Poole, Joseph Honored for Educational Leadership

Kimberly Poole, a sixthgrade teacher at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School, and Dominion Trail Elementary School principal

Jeff Joseph are winners of this year’s top educational leader prizes for the region. It is the first time that Loudoun County selections for Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year were chosen for both top awards in the recognition sponsored by The Washington Post.

This award recognizes exemplary educators and principals who go above and beyond for their students in the Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland metropolitan area. Both winners will receive a $7,500 monetary award.

LCPS Supervisor of Employee Recognition Carrie Simms presented the award to the winners during the April 22 School Board meeting.

“Jeff, your leadership as a principal creates a nurturing and empowering environment where both students and staff can thrive. You embody the qualities of an exemplary principal, vision, empathy, and the ability to inspire a shared sense of purpose within your school community,” she said.

“Kimberly, your impact in the classroom is profound. You possess that special gift of igniting a love of learning in your students, fostering curiosity and providing the guidance they need to reach their full potential. You exemplify the heart of a master teacher, knowledge, patience, and the unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives,” Simms said. n

Poole

Joseph

School Healthcare

continued from page 8

disruptions to service.

Retirees, current employees and the Loudoun Education Alliance, which represents the county’s teachers, all opposed the proposed changes. Representative of the groups spoke out during meetings and the LEA held a rally outside of the school division Administration Building during the April 22 meeting to protest the changes.

Complaints over the changes were uniform across speakers: employees were promised good healthcare and planned their lives around it, and it was unfair to pull the rug out at the last minute. Transparency on the process and the initial lack of information were also big points of concern.

Twenty-five people spoke during public comment April 22 to highlight concerns over plans being changed, especially the decision not to include spouses.

“Either vote this down or send it back to committee. This is an issue that needs to be carefully researched, carefully planned, and you need to make this decision with open eyes. I urge the preservation of retiree benefits for our dedicated Loudoun Coun-

ty employees, these individuals devoted years of service to our community, and the retirement benefits are a promise we, all of us, honor,” said Todd Fielding, a teacher who serves as an LEA board member.

Retired and active teachers, students and LEA President Kris Countryman spoke at the rally. School Board member Kari LaBell (Catoctin) also spoke at the rally, apologizing for the actions taken to scale back retiree healthcare.

Countryman defended her stance from previous meetings that the self-insurance fund had been mismanaged, and someone was “asleep at the wheel.” She also promised to continue collective bargaining with the division to ensure that healthcare benefits do not suffer.

Both Willoughby and Superintendent Aaron Spence refuted that the fund balance was low because of mismanagement.

“I do want to make sure that that our board members are not voting on this because of concerns of the financial mismanagement. That’s a serious allegation, I stand ready with my team to defend against that allegation. It is not what has occurred,” Spence said.

Willoughby recounted history of the fund, starting in FY 2016 and before it was at a negative balance, indicating an unhealthy fund. However, the county govern-

ment provided some relief and they were able to bring it positive again. They then had a period of low claims and higher employee participation, bringing the fund to a peak $80 million.

However, instead of retaining the balance, they worked with the county on suggestions to provide “health premium holiday,” where participants don’t have to pay out of pocket costs for health insurance.

They had a goal of seven holidays, and shortly after that the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After that, there were fewer participants, more claims, and inflation that the school division could not control. This was the beginning of the current problems, according to Willoughby.

While most of the board members said they did not believe the division caused the low balance because of mismanagement, they were not happy with the current plan of benefits offered.

“I see the reasons for the staff recommendation to move forward tonight and the end for the predicament, but I need to put more weight on the insecurity that our retirees feel with what’s being proposed, the process and the impact to them,” Arben Istrefi (Sterling) said. “We need to exhaust all options and do an even deeper dive, but potentially jeopardizing the trust and faith of our retirees and our educators as a whole

isn’t really an option at this point. We know that they rely on this benefit. Each retiree or family has their own circumstances and affected different. … They relied on this promise when they made their career decision.”

Linda Deans (Broad Run), who said she is a retiree herself of a different district, asked if they could find another company with comparable benefits. She said that changes to retirement healthcare over time are unavoidable, but when hers changed she was able to keep the important benefits for her family.

LaBell and Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) expressed sentiments similar to the public speakers, that retirement health benefits are part of the compensation package and need to be retained. LaBell championed for more information.

Sumera Rashid (Little River) made the motion to reject the changes and send it back to committee, and Vice Chair Anne Donohue (At-Large) successfully amended the motion to direct a select committee specifically for the study of benefits be appointed.

Both of the motions passed unanimously. n

Simpson Auditorium Renamed After Beth Paquette

Teacher of the Year three times.

BY AMBER LUCAS alucas@loudounnow.org

The auditorium at J. Lupton Simpson Middle School was officially named for retired Music Teacher Beth Paquette last week. It will remain The Beth Paquette Fine Arts Center for a period of 10 years.

Simpson Principal Tripp Di Nicola originally submitted the request to name the auditorium. Paquette taught at Simpson Middle and Loudoun County High School from 1984 until 2024, when she retired.

Nicola made this request, supported by School Board Member Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) and Loudoun County Public Schools staff, due to Paquette’s long history of excellence at the school. There were also many letters of support from the community included in the original presentation of the proposed name to the board’s Finance and Operation Committee in March.

In accordance with naming policies at the school, there was a review of Paquette, including social media activity, that brought up nothing of concern. There is no significant fiscal impact to this proposal, only the small cost of a sign in the auditorium.

School Board Member Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) opposed naming the auditorium after Paquette, or any other person, due to the renamings of Mercer Middle and Frances Hazel Reid Elementary schools to Gum Spring and Mildred and Richard Loving.

She said that naming schools after people could cause the same problem years down the road, and recommended a plaque instead.

During her tenure, Paquette led the middle and high school bands to achieve superior ratings and first place prizes at many assessments and festivals, along with winning LCHS most valuable teacher twice and nominations for LCPS

“While I appreciate all the letters and Ms. Shernoff ’s support, we should not be making decisions on emotion or naming anything up after people. I am also always good with plaques and murals to appreciate great staff members. We also do staff recognitions and awards that are set aside for teachers and staff,” Griffiths said.

The motion to name the auditorium, made by Arben Istrefi (Sterling) passed 8-1, with Griffiths opposed. n

Public Safety

Second Mental Health Review Ordered for Man Charged in 2021 Murder

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A second mental health review will be conducted for Melvin Wasike, two years after being found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2021 murder of a Leesburg man.

Wasike is receiving in-patient treatment at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services’ Central State Hospital. During a review of his case last spring, continued treatment was ordered. He returned to Loudoun County Circuit Court on April 24 for a one-year review.

A March 25 report by a doctor with DBHDS recommended that Wasike continue to remain hospitalized to prevent his condition from worsening, according to Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Shara Krogh. The report remains sealed.

She said she would “vigorously object” to Wasike’s release.

Wasike’s attorney, Robert Whitestone, asked for another doctor to conduct another review, providing a second opinion on Wasike’s condition – a right granted in the state code. Whitestone also asked that the doctor be from an organization different than DBHDS, which he said may be biased.

Judge James P. Fisher granted the second evaluation, but said he would defer to the DBHDS on who would conduct it. He also said that currently release “wouldn’t be on the table.”

During a 2023 trial, it was undisputed that Wasike kicked in the door of Michael Fadely’s Barclay Woods home on Nov. 14, 2021, and stabbed Fadely and his fiancée in the hallway outside their bedroom before fleeing. The attack lasted less than three minutes. Fadely died at the scene.

Wasike was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and breaking and entering while armed with intent to commit murder.

He entered an insanity plea, supported by the review of three psychologists who found he suffered from schizophrenia and was delusional at the time of the attack.

He was ordered by Circuit Court Judge James E. Plowman to undergo hospitalization and psychological evaluation.

In March 2024, Wasike was granted authority for unsupervised community visits. However, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office raised concerns about the action and worked to have Wasike reevaluated and his community visits stopped. n

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Evans, Fabbioli Named 2025 Loudoun Laureates

The Loudoun Laurels Foundation has selected Gertrude Evans and Doug Fabbioli as its 2025 Loudoun Laureate, a recognition that seeks to highlight individuals who demonstrate selflessness, integrity, creativity, wisdom, and courage in their service to the community.

According to Executive Director Nikki Daruwala, this year’s selections were drawn from a diverse pool of candidates. During its deliberations, the Advisory Committee expressed its admiration for the large number of individuals in Loudoun County who contribute so much of their time, energy, and resources to make the county a better place. “In the end, they found Gertrude and Doug to be great examples of that generous spirit,” she said.

Evans, a native of Leesburg, played an important role in forging the inclusive community we have come to take for granted in Loudoun County today. Through activism and a dedication to using art and storytelling to convey her own human experience, she helped the county overcome the segregation policy that prevailed during the time of Virginia’s “Massive Resistance” to the 1954 Brown v Board of Education Supreme Court desegregation ruling. In one instance in 1963, as a 14-year-old, Gertrude and her brother, Gene Evans, demonstrated outside the Tally Ho Theater to desegregate it. The Tally Ho would desegregate, but a similar action aimed at the Leesburg volunteer firemen’s swimming pool proved less successful. It remained segregated, was eventually sold, and was ultimately filled in with rocks and cement so Black people could never use it—events that speak to a fraught past that Gertrude and her peers faced bravely through peaceful protest.

Evans’ professional career spans 25 years of service in Loudoun County’s government administration. Her volunteer activity includes work on committees related to the Historic Douglass High School, where she was a graduate, and extensive involvement with public school

students at all grade levels on local history, including Black History Month programs.

Gertrude’s nominator stated, “Her remarkable legacy of service and leadership has significantly shaped Loudoun County and she represents the very best of our community.”

Recently named “2024 Grower of the Year” by the Virginia Vineyards Association, Fabbioli has focused his career as much on educating the next generation of growers and entrepreneurs as on becoming recognized for the award-winning vintages produced at his own Fabbioli Cellars. To that end, he launched the New Ag School in 2008 to provide a venue for local agribusiness professionals to mentor students on farming practices, value-added processes, and hospitality—all in the interest of vitalizing Loudoun County’s agricultural economy and ensuring its continued robust growth.

Candid about the challenges facing his industry, Fabbioli acknowledges that young people today aren’t often exposed to gardening, farming, raising animals, and other traditions of an agriculture-based economy. In an increasingly urbanized world, where the lure of less physically demanding, higher paying careers in business and technology may divert many job-seekers who might otherwise consider working the land, it’s not always easy to make the case for farming. Yet the direct contact with Loudoun County’s most passionate and committed agribusiness professionals afforded by the New Ag School—and the hands-on experience it offers—have introduced a new generation to a uniquely fulfilling career in our region. Doug’s investment in providing a means to pass on this valuable knowledge has greatly benefited Loudoun County.

The 2025 Loudoun Laureates will be honored at the Celebration of Life and Leadership Gala to be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, at The National Conference Center.

For more information, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the gala, go to loudounlaurels.org. n

Evans Fabbioli

Loudoun’s Immigrant Giving Circle Issues First Grant Award

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Loudoun-based Immigrant Giving Circle last week celebrated its first grant award, contributing $5,000 to the Loudoun Free Clinic.

Founded by Nikki Daruwala and supported by the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, the program brings together immigrants to support each other and the community. The group operates under the tag line: Democratizing Giving, Prioritizing Immigrants.

“We’re here to celebrate generosity, community, and above all, the power of immigrants coming together to uplift and invest in one another,” Daruwala said during the April 23 program. “This inaugural grant is more than just funding. It is a symbol of belief. It’s a statement that says: We see you, we believe in you, and we are with you.”

The Loudoun Free Clinic provides free, high-quality healthcare to low-income, uninsured adult residents of Loudoun County.

“We like to say at the Loudoun Free

Clinic that we care for all the people who care of us in Loudoun County. Because when you take a look at our patient population, we really are taking care of everybody who works in the county— in the service industry, food, beverage, construction, landscaping, caretakers, elder and nannies … the list goes on and on,”

Executive Director Ashley Hunnicutt said.

“It really is important that we contin-

ue to do this work because these people deserve the same medical care that all of us might take for granted here in this this very affluent, fortunate area that we live in,” she said. “We can’t go on doing this kind of work without donors and foundations.”

Daruwala said there are ways for individuals to join forces to make big impacts in the community.

“Giving circles are powerful. They remind us that we don’t need to wait for someone else to lead the way—we are the leaders we›ve been waiting for. Each contribution, no matter the size, combines to create something transformative. It’s a beautiful reminder that community is both our strategy and our strength,” Daruwala said. “And when immigrants lead that giving, the impact ripples even farther.”

And the giving circle is intended to help change the perception of the immigrant community.

“For far too long, the dominant narrative around immigrants has focused on what we take—never on what we give. But let’s be clear: immigrants are not only the backbone of this country’s economy, they’re also the heartbeat of its generosity. We are business owners, professionals, artists, caretakers, educators, neighbors, volunteers --and yes, philanthropists,” she said.

Learn more at: immigrantgivingcircle.org.

For information on how to establish your own giving circle, contact the Community Foundation. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

The Loudoun-based Immigrant Giving Circle on April 23, 2025, celebrated its first grant award, contributing $5,000 to the Loudoun Free Clinic.

Partnerships Highlighted During Inova Blood Services Celebration

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Inova Health System’s Blood Donation Center in Loudoun has been operating for 20 years. Hospital and county leaders gathered at the Dulles location last week to celebrate the milestone and highlight the important partnerships that make the center successful.

The 23,000-square-foot facility receives approximately 11,000 donations a year and processes 75,000 blood products from a variety of locations annually.

“This facility is the hub of our operations and it’s where it’s where all of our blood products are tested and everything is processed and everything is shipped out from this very facility,” Inova Blood Donor Services Director Nicholas Lilly said during the April 23 event.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and Inova Vice President of Professional Services Sean McCleary touted the importance of partnerships in the center’s operation.

“I had no idea of the impact that an organization like Inova and blood donor services can have for a community,” McCleary said. “I always just thought it was the American Red Cross. But in order to make these successful partnerships and these successful operations, they can’t happen without amazing partnerships with our community partners, whether that’s our governmental agencies, wheth-

er it’s our church communities, our nonprofit communities. Without people being willing to roll up their sleeves, we could not do the work that we do at blood donor services. And being the largest hospital-based blood center in the country, takes those strong partnerships and relationships to make it happen.”

“It’s really important to have these relationships,” Randall said, adding that a perfect example of that is the county’s fire and rescue FACT*R program, which allows first responders to carry blood provided by Inova for in-the-field administration. That was started after a 2017 crash where crews worked for hours to extricate a family from a damaged car. In the meantime, blood from Inova was administered to patients.

“That first time that happened and that that program came to be was in Loudoun County, and that is because in Loudoun County, we do hard things, and we do them well, and we do them often,” Randall said.

That program was started under Keith Johnson who retired this month as the county’s fire and rescue chief. His work was also honored during the celebration.

“We really want to recognize Chief Johnson for his ongoing and unwavering support, not only with whole blood, as Chair Randall had mentioned – that

BLOOD DONATIONS continues on page 20

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Inova Health System and county leaders celebrate the 20 year milestone of the system’s Loudoun Blood Donor Services with an apple juice toast April 23.

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Blood Donations

continued from page 19

was a very forward-thinking project at the time. … We now have over, 25 relationships with other EMS agencies that make that happen, but they wouldn’t be successful without the work we did initially with Loudoun County,” McCleary said.

The center is supported and run by critical team members, many of whom were honored during the celebration for decades of service. Those include Yared, who has worked for Inova for 35 years, Carolyn for 29, Norman, Daniel and Rebecca for 24, Kavita and AJ for 21 and Ting for 20.

Two longtime donors were also honored for their years of donating regularly at the center.

Loudoun County resident Robert Martin has donated at the Dulles site for 20 years, making nearly 400 donations during his lifetime. Richard Farland just marked 400 platelet donations since the center’s opening in 2005.

Johnson said the donors are what

makes the rest of the work possible.

“It’s not just about going to a house fire or doing whatever. Saving life takes all forms, right?” he said.

The Dulles site serves as the storage for all blood donation related supplies and is the base from which all blood drives are launched. It’s also home to innovative testing platforms such as nucleic acid testing and pathogen reduction which helps ensure the safest possible blood products are being used.

On the day to day, a team of experts works behind the scenes to test each donation for diseases and compatibility, often arriving at the center as early as 3 a.m. to prepare yesterday’s donations for today’s patients due to a blood product’s shelf life.

Because of the teamwork at the center, a blood donation can be ready to be transfused as early as noon the day after it was given.

The center is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd in Sterling. To learn more about donating go to inovablood.org. n

Towns Purcellville Residents Submit Recall Petitions

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Purcellville residents on Monday submitted recall petitions for the town’s mayor, vice mayor and two councilmembers just five weeks after starting the grassroots effort.

The move to unseat Mayor Christopher Bertaut, Vice Mayor Ben Nett and councilmembers Susan Khalil and Carol Luke came after residents repeatedly expressed concerns during council meetings that the council majority was having discussions between the four of them without informing the public or the remaining three members of council.

“This petition drive that we held, which is our recall campaign, is about more than just removing four elected officials,” Morgan said during a Monday afternoon press conference. “It’s about restoring trust, transparency and accountability to our town government.”

Morgan said he had submitted nearly 1,200 signatures for each of the four councilmembers – more than double what is

keep the change. seriously. we mean it.

required by state code.

“When they fired [former Town Manager] Rick Bremseth, that was really kind of the turning point for a lot of us,” he said. “That was when I decided we’ve got to get involved.”

After firing Bremseth on Jan. 8, the council appointed former mayor Kwasi Fraser to the interim position. Fraser had campaigned for Nett, Bertaut and Khalil during last fall’s election season.

Morgan also echoed resident concerns surrounding Nett’s involvement with the Purcellville Police Department and the Town Council. Nett was an officer with the department until April 4, when he was fired. On April 8 the council voted to begin the process of dismantling the Police Department through a town ordinance that would eliminate the chapter of the town’s code that lays out the agency’s roles and responsibilities.

Prior to April 4, Nett was placed on Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Ander-

RECALL PETITIONS continues on page 23

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Purcellville resident Brian Morgan has organized a grassroots effort to recall Mayor Christopher Bertaut, Vice Mayor Ben Nett and councilmembers Carol Luke and Susan Khalil.

Buffington Proposes Possible Loudoun Water Collaboration with Purcellville

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

In the middle of last week’s packed Purcellville Town Council meeting, resident and former county supervisor, Tony Buffington proposed what he says is a possible solution to the town’s utility problems – a collaboration with Loudoun Water.

The town has been grappling with high debt payments from its utility funds and the need for continued critical infrastructure projects. As a result, the council proposed eliminating the Police Department, which Mayor Christopher Bertaut said would save the town $3.2 million a year.

Residents spoke out in support of the department April 22 and ultimately, the council voted to continue funding for the agency in fiscal year 2026. However, councilmembers said they would need to cut funding elsewhere and were challenged by Councilmember Susan Khalil to find another way to balance the budget.

In response, Buffington, who is a member on Loudoun Water’s board of directors, proposed some kind of collaboration with the utility authority that serves much of eastern Loudoun and operates smaller community systems. He added that he was not speaking on behalf of the board

or Loudoun Water.

“I think you should begin talks with Loudoun Water about a feasibility study of what it would look like for them to potentially take over, maybe at varying levels, but potentially take over water and sewer for our town,” Buffington said. “Maybe they just run it. Maybe we give them everything and full authority to decide rates and all of that. Maybe the rates could be the same as the people in eastern Loudoun if we did that. I don’t know.”

Buffington told Loudoun Now that he doesn’t know what that collaboration would look like exactly or even if it is something the town, the utility company and the Board of Supervisors would be interested in. He also added Loudoun Water is not initiating the feasibility study – a request would have to come from the town or the Board of Supervisors.

“I can envision how this could help any town or all of them, if they were interested again, it would be voluntary, but I think now would be a good time to start discussions with the Board of Supervisors and Loudoun Water, and potentially initiate a Loudoun Water led study of what it would look like and the options and answering any frequently asked questions, so that everybody would have a really clear idea, be-

fore anything would ever be implemented, of what it would look like for Loudoun Water to take over a town’s water system at their request,” he said.

Buffington also said he was not suggesting that water and sewer lines be built from eastern Loudoun to western Loudoun.

The next steps would be to get together with town, county and Loudoun Water leaders to talk about concerns and answer questions. But that would need support from each of the parties, Buffington said.

Purcellville leaders have largely been silent on the issue so far. Loudoun Now contacted each of the councilmembers and Town Manager Kwasi Fraser for comment.

Councilmember Susan Khalil said in an email that if the council were to pursue the partnership it would still not be in time to effect this year’s budget process.

“I see the Loudoun Water possibility a bit way off in the distance as there will need to be a feasibility study that will take at least 18 months.  Therefore, it does not affect the 2026 budget and most likely, not the 2027 budget.  So much remains to be seen,” she stated.

Councilmember Caleb Stought said he was interested in learning more about the

proposal but that he has several concerns. Included among those are concerns sent to the council from Public Works Director Jason Didawick who oversees the town’s utility systems.

“It was mostly about the idea how having something in-house means you have employees who are doing it because they love the town,” Stought said, referencing Didawick’s concerns.

Like arguments made in support of the town’s Police Department, having workers invested in your town leads to a better community experience, Stought said.

“That’s not really going to be to our benefit from an organizational perspective even if it is to our benefit from a financial perspective,” he said.

In addition to the impact on town employees, Stought said he’s unsure why Loudoun Water would “subsidize Purcellville at Ashburn’s expense” by taking on the system’s costs and distributing them to its other customers.

“I’m concerned at the outset. I’m certainly not opposed to discussions at all, but I need to have someone explain to me how it makes sense financially and I need to make sure that we’re not foregoing a level of control that is something that we would rather retain,” Stought said. n

Purcellville Police Host Kickball with a Cop

Community members gathered at the Loudoun Valley Community Center on Friday afternoon to play kickball with members of the Purcellville Police Department as part of the department’s community policing initiatives.

This year’s event is the second annual Kickball with a Cop, which included free hot dogs and drinks provided by BetterALife. Children of ages kicked, caught and pitched during round after round with their local law enforcement officers. n

Recall Petitions

continued from page 21

son’s Brady List which is reserved for officers whose testimony may not be relied upon by prosecutors. Anderson cited instances of Nett misusing department sick leave to perform council duties, in his letter to Interim Chief of Police Sara Lombraña. Nett also attempted to have Lombraña replaced by other officers in the department and told a third-party assessor in a memo that he expected to be appointed as chief of police.

“Those 1200 signatures show that the citizens of Purcellville are united in our demand for leadership that serves the people, not a narrow agenda that’s been pushed on us by deception, incompetence and misuse of office, plus a lot of grossly unethical behavior,” Morgan said.

Morgan said the move to disband the Purcellville Police Department, which was walked back during an April 22 meeting during which over 300 community members attended in support of the department, seemed like an act of retaliation following Nett’s firing. The council majority has consistently cited efforts to cut the budget, saving the town over $3 million annually, as the reason for the motion.

“At the last town council meeting, councilmember Khalil stated on the record that they never, ever, ever discussed disbanding our police department, ‘until Ben Nett suffered.’ So that flies in the face of their argument, their stated intent to use the police department budget as a necessary budget action,” Morgan said.

He said making decisions without in-

put from residents or the remaining three councilmembers is “at minimum grossly unethical.”

“It’s definitely against the town’s policies for how these things are supposed to be done, and as far as being illegal in a larger manner. We don’t know. We just want them to start being transparent with us,” he said.

The petitions were submitted to Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens Monday morning. Loudoun County General Registrar Judy Brown has 10 days to certify the signatures and then the case advances to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

Morgan said he is hoping a judge will order that Bertaut, Nett, Luke and Khalil be suspended from the council during the process which could take anywhere from six weeks to six months, he said.

“As far as long term, we really just want to get things to where there’s balance put back into the Town Council,” he said. “Where they are forced to work together and come up with solutions that work for the whole town, because right now they’re not. It’s a very narrow agenda that they’re pursuing.”

Virginia State Code lists several grounds for removal of an elected official including neglect of a clear, ministerial duty of the office, misuse of the office, or incompetence in the performance of the duties of the office when that neglect of duty, misuse of office, or incompetence in the performance of duties has a material adverse effect upon the conduct of the office. n

TOWN OF ROUND HILL NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE

The Town of Round Hill proposes to increase real property tax levies.

1. Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 5.42 percent.

2. Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year, when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above, would be $ 0.063 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”

3. Effective Rate Increase: The Town of Round Hill proposes to adopt a tax rate of $ 0.066 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the proposed rate would be $0.003 per $100, or 4.76 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.

4. Proposed Total General Fund Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total General Fund Budget of the Town of Round Hill will exceed last year’s General Fund Budget by 30 percent.

The Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the real property tax on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7:30PM at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia. Any person interested may attend the public hearing in person or electronically and present his or her views. If this real estate property tax public hearing is postponed, it will be rescheduled for May 28, 2025 at 7:30PM.

Participation via a Zoom link can be accessed on the Town’s website, www.roundhillva.org. Written comments can be submitted to townclerk@roundhillva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting and will be presented during the public hearing.

Copies of the detailed budget and related documents are available on the Town’s website (www.roundhillva.gov) or at the Town Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00AM – 4:00PM.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Stepping Back into History Waterford Welcomes Visitors for Open House Tour

LIVE MUSIC

TEJAS SINGH

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 1

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

L.A. GUNS

7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, May 1

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $30. tallyhotheater.com

RYAN SILL

4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2

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

WILLIE WHITE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 2

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

ROOK RICHARDS

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 2

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

JASON MASI

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 2 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

UNCLE DREW AND THE SCOUNDRELS

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2 Leesburg United Methodist Church, 107 W. Market St., Leesburg. leesburgumc.org

WILL SHEPARD

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2

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

ELIJAH GREELEY

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2

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

THE DAVE CHAPPEL BAND

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. $25. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

JET CAPRIEST

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 25

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Waterford Foundation is kicking off National Historic Preservation Month with a special open house tour of the historic landmark village.

The program from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday will allow families to explore several of the historic buildings in the 1733 village and learn the role they played in agriculture, industry, women’s history, African American history and more.

The open house is a new program for the village, which most often draws visitors during the Waterford Fair that draws thousands each October or the Second Street School program that brings in students for living history lessons.

Abigail Zurfluh, the foundation’s historic preservation director, said the May 4 program will offer a different type of experience.

“We were trying to think of how to bring a lot of new people in. I’ve had this idea of doing a family day for a while. I was thinking we’ll just open the buildings and everyone can come through. It’ll be fun,” she said.

She envisions a low-key experience with a walking tour of the village that allows visitors to see things a bit differently than when touring with the larger crowds on fair days.

Open during the day will be the Waterford Old School, which served the village’s white students; the Second Street School, which served the Black students; the John Wesley Church, built in 1889 to serve a Black congregation; and the Waterford Mill that traces its roots back to the earliest days of the village.

Zurfluh said she still encounters residents who tell her stories of attending classes at the Old School, which operated from 1910 to 1965, including which teachers they liked and didn’t like. “It’s pretty funny to still hear so many years later that they still connect that with the building as a school,” she said.

Visitors should start at the Waterford Old School, at 40222 Fairfax St., where parking, maps and other visitor information will be available.

On Sunday, the school will have exhibits, including a quilt display and offer families the opportunity to create paper quilt squares. The village’s tie to agriculture will be highlighted with the opportunity for children to make small planters.

While Zurfluh grew up in Loudoun, she wasn’t among the county’s elementary school students who learned about the lives of the Black community at the Second Street School.

“A lot of my friends went through the Second Street program. When I mention Waterford, that’s usually their first connection. They’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, we

made butter there, or I remember those little chairs,” said Zurfluh, who now helps lead that program.

The foundation has completed a years-long stabilization and rehabilitation of the historic mill. It offers a view into Waterford’s original role as a key industrial hub in the county.

The foundation is now focused on the final stage of the effort to stabilize and restore the church. The lot, which formerly housed a livery stable, was purchased by local trustees of the African American Methodist-Episcopal Church in 1888 to build a permanent church for the Black congregation. It continued to be a focus of the community until it closed in 1968 when the declining congregation merged with another.

Visitors may take self-guided tours throughout the day, with docents on site at each of the featured buildings. Also, guided tours are planned at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. with $20 per person tickets required.

Children will also have the opportunity to participate in Sally the Sheep’s puzzle hunt with a prize for each kid who completes it.

For more details, go to waterfordfoundation.org/event/waterford-open-house.

The program is presented in conjunction with the Loudoun VA250 Commission to Commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

The historic Waterford Mill will be among the buildings open for tours as part of the Waterford Foundation’s May 4 open house program.

CLUE: ON STAGE

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. goosecreekplayers.com

Goose Creek Players presents a stage adaptation of the movie “Clue,” an upbeat comedy, where six characters and the butler and maid try to find out who killed Mr. Body. Check the website for show times and tickets. $25.

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

DAVE GOODRUM

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 2

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

DISCIPLE OF THE GARDEN

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 2

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

THE BRUNO SOUND DUO

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 2 Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhouseva.com

SONNY WILDE

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 2 Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com

FREDDIE LONG

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro.

breauxvineyards.com

DIXIE MITCHELL

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

TOMMY GANN

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

BEST BETS

MASTER SINGERS: THE ESSENCE OF SOUND 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3

St. James' Episcopal Church, Leesburg. 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4

St. David's Episcopal Church, Ashburn. msva.org

The Master Singers of Virginia close out their 2024-2025 season with two performances. The first half features the works by John Rutter, Claude Debussy, and Kim Andre Arnesen. The second program features works by Bob Chilcott, Eric Whitacre, Alexander L'Estrange, Pacis Eusebe, and Moses Hogan. $15.

LAURA CASHMAN

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

WEEKEND @ BERNIE’S

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

ANDY BRANIGAN

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

SOMETHING’S BREWING

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Lost Rhino Brewing Company, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

DAVID THONG

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

GRAYSON MOON

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

DENNIS WAYLAND

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

LENNY BURRIDGE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

ROWDY ACE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3

THE WAILERS Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. tallyhotheater.com

The Wailers led by frontman Mitchell Brunings and featuring Aston Barrett Jr. perform their timeless, iconic classics and incredible cuts from Bob Marley’s vast repertoire.

JESSICA PAULIN

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

RAGWEEDS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

RYAN SILL

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

LUKE ANDREWS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysalisvineyards.com

DREW STEVYNS

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

MIKE KELLY

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

MASTER SINGERS:

THE ESSENCE OF SOUND (1 OF 2)

4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3

St. James’ Episcopal Church, 14 Cornwall St., NW., Leesburg. Free to $60. msva.org

BAD PANDA

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

MIKE JONES BAND

6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Honor Brewing Company, 14004 Willard Road, Chantilly. honorbrewing.com

continued from page 24 LIVE MUSIC

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

LAURA CASHMAN

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road,

ERIC CAMPBELL

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

GOLD DUST WOMAN

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20. tallyhotheater.com

BRIAN JOHNSON

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

ANNIE STOKES

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

COLO, MEAN JESUS, TORMENT

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 3

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

SURFABILLY

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling. crookedrunfermintation.com

MARANATHA YOUTH MUSIC

ACADEMY: SPRINGS OF JOY CONCERT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool

continues on page 26

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 25

Road, Broadlands. maranathayma.org

SPENCER LAJOYE

7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling, 22135 Davis Dr., Sterling. uusterling.org

TUNNELS

8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday, May 2

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

THE NEW DOMINION BAND

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, May 3

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

NATHANIEL DAVIS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

JASON MASI

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

Mt. Defiance Cider Barn, 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg. mtdefiance.com

ROWDY SOLO

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

SHANE GAMBLE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

LOCAL BOY TIMMY

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

MEISHA HERRON

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

JOHN GENTHNER

AND THE SUNDOWNERS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

LEVI STEPHENS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

JIM STEELE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

ROBBIE LIMON

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

BILL & CHRIS

3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

FREDDIE LONG

4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

MASTER SINGERS: THE ESSENCE OF SOUND (2 OF 2)

4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 4

St. David’s Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. Free to $60. msva.org

VERY LAST RESORT

5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

MELISSA QUINN FOX

6 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 4

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

BULLETBOYS

7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, May 4

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $30. tallyhotheater.com

THE WAILERS

7 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 7

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

ERIC SELBY

4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 8

Harmony Garden at Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg. lansdowneresort.com

HUME & FRYE

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 8

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

HAPPENINGS

WRITING IN NATURE

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 1 Morven Park Grounds, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

STORYTIME ON THE FARM

2 to 2:45 p.m. Thursday, May 1

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

MAMMA MIA!

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 7 p.m. -9 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3

Lightridge High School, 41025 Collaboration Drive, Aldie. $15. lightridgetheatre.org

DULLES SOUTH FOOD PANTRY CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 2 South Riding Golf Club, 43237 Golf View Drive, Chantilly. $150. dsfp.org

FIRST FRIDAY BOOK SIGNING

5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 2 Embark Center, 103 Loudoun St. SW., Leesburg. embarkcenter.org

CLUE: ON STAGE

7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Friday, May 2

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3

7:30 to 9:15 p.m. Saturday, May 3

2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4 Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville. $25. goosecreekplayers.com

ASHBURN VILLAGE

FIESTA 5K/10K/FUN RUN

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3 Fincastle Park, 44065 Fincastle Drive, Ashburn. $15 to $45.

potomac.enmotive.com

JK BLACK OAK WORKDAY

9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 3 JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, 14570 Newvalley Church Road, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

40 YEARS UNDER VINE SPRING FESTIVAL

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

SPRING LOCAL AUTHOR SHOWCASE

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Walsh Family Wine, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville. walshfamilywine.com

VILLAGE AT LEESBURG PET FESTIVAL

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 3 Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. villageatleesburg.com

SPRINGS OF JOY CONCERTMARANATHA YOUTH MUSIC ACADEMY, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 3, Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church, 43115 Waxpool Road, Broadlands.

RUN THE GREENWAY

8 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 4 Loudoun Station, 43751 Central Station Drive, Ashburn. $25 to $65. dullesgreenway.com

WATERFORD FOUNDATION OPEN HOUSE

12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 4

Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford. waterfordfoundation.org

PUPS ON THE PATIO - MK9S

3 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 5 Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseva.com

WHERE WE LIVE: THE GERMAN SETTLEMENT

6:15 to 9 p.m. Monday, May 5 Lovettsville Town Office, 6 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Lovettsville. $50. lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org

BIRDING GOODSTONE INN

8 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 6, Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, 36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg. loudounwildlife.org

ALGONKIAN OWL PROWL

8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 Algonkian Regional Park, 47001 Fairway Drive, Sterling. novapark.org.

BIRDING JK BLACK OAK WILDLIFE

SANCTUARY

7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 7

JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, 14570 Newvalley Church Road, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG

7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 8

9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, May 8, Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. tallyhotheater.com

STORY TIME AT WATERMARK WOODS 10:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 8 Watermark Woods, 16764 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. loudounwildlife.org

Why We

Why I Love Loudoun: Doug & Bonnie Kittrell

BY VISIT LOUDOUN

Doug and Bonnie Kittrell started Double 8 Ranch in Hillsboro in 2005. A favorite stop on the Loudoun Spring and Fall Farm Tours, the property is home to 50 alpacas, 15 llamas and a miniature horse. It is open for tours year-round.

FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN LOUDOUN?

We’re big fans of the Panang Curry at both Daughter Thai in Lovettsville and The Thai Pan in Leesburg.  Bonnie loves the gluten-free pizza at FireWorks, but her real favorite is the crème brûlée at Lighfoot in Leesburg.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A CRAFT BEVERAGE?

Catoctin Creek Distillery for whiskeys and Harvest Gap Brewery for the beer, vibe and entertainment.  Bonnie is a member at Doukénie Winery and likes the Vinter’s Reserv BEST HIDDEN GEM IN LOUDOUN?

Doukénie is off the beaten track for wineries and our favorite place to relax with a glass of wine in the Adirondacks around the pond.

WHAT’S A MUST-SEE PLACE FOR AN OUT-OF-TOWN VISITOR?

We like to be outside, so a hike at Double 8 with some of the llamas. Rafting down the Potomac River or hiking Sweet Run State Park are also great experiences.

FAVORITE EVENT IN LOUDOUN TO GO TO?

We have always been fans of the Lovettsville Oktoberfest, but I also like Tally Ho in Leesburg for music.  And, of course, the spring and fall farm tours.

THE 2025 LOUDOUN COUNTY SPRING FARM TOUR IS MAY 17-18. WHAT CAN PEOPLE DO AND SEE AT DOUBLE 8 THAT WEEKEND?

DOUBLE 8 RANCH continues on page 28

Contributed

Bonnie Kittrell poses with two llamas at her and her husband Doug's farm, Double 8 Ranch near Hillsboro.

Double 8 Ranch

continued from page 27

Visitors get to meet the alpacas and llamas and take selfies with them. The giant llamas are especially friendly.  We will also have demonstrations of how we turn our fiber into a variety of goods, accessories and clothing.

ASIDE FROM DOUBLE 8 RANCH, WHAT IS ANOTHER EXCITING/INTERESTING FARM EXPERIENCE IN LOUDOUN THAT WEEKEND?

We are always too busy on the property, but I hear good things about the goat and donkey farms.

HOW MANY FARMS ARE ON THE TOUR?

More than 30 farms plus all the great winery and brewery stops.

WHAT DOES A LLAMA HIKE ENTAIL?

It’s a 30- to 40-minute hike and farm tour.  We do the hike on our portion of Short Hill Mountain.  We are looking to expand to Sweet Run Park this summer, which will include the option of a lunch packed on and carried by the llamas.

WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR ALPACAS AND LLAMAS FROM?

The first alpacas came from farms in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Arizona.  Since then, we’ve purchased from and sold to farms all around the country.  The majority of our llamas are from Idaho Falls and northern Colorado, but most of our animals are now bred right on the ranch. If you are looking to buy an

alpaca or a llama, give us a call!

DO YOU HAVE OTHER ANIMALS OR DO YOU GROW CROPS?

We have 12 chickens and an ancient miniature horse.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ALPACA AND A LLAMA?

They are related. The camelid family consists of camels, llamas, their wild cousins the guanaco, alpacas and their wild cousins the vicuna. Llamas are for packing and alpacas are for fiber. Llamas are the mules of South America and the alpacas are the sheep.

DO YOU SHEAR BOTH THE ALPACAS AND THE LLAMAS FOR WOOL?

We do, but the alpaca fiber goes into our clothing and the llama fiber typically goes into felted material, although some

of the younger llamas have fiber comparable to alpaca.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU MAKE FROM THE WOOL?

Hats, gloves, scarves and our biggest seller – socks – all available to purchase in our farm store. We also make dryer balls, felted art and a variety of other products and accessories. Alpaca wool is great for summer and winter wear.

ANY ADVICE TO PEOPLE THINKING ABOUT DOING THE SPRING FARM TOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME?

Come early before it gets really busy.  But don’t worry if you are late: the alpacas and llamas will still want to see you, especially with the treats we have on hand to help entice them. n

After Lexington & Concord: How News of the Revolution Reached Leesburg

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

A small group of history buffs gathered in downtown Leesburg on Monday night to reflect on the impact that the “shot heard around the world” fired on the green in Lexington, MA, on April 19, 1775, would have had on local residents.

Historian Rich Gillespie led the program, spurred by the calculation that word of the first armed clash of the Revolution would have reached in Leesburg nine days later, on April 28. The report most likely was delivered by an express rider on horseback bringing the news from the port in Alexandria to the Leesburg’s biggest tavern, McCabe’s Ordinary on Loudoun Street—a two-day trip.

The group met at the Donaldson Cabin near the Loudoun Museum—a silversmith shop in 1775—and walked by lanternlight to the former tavern at 4 Loudoun St.

“Anybody who’s driven from here to Boston, that’s 525, miles. In 1775, we don’t have cars. We have horses. We have express riders. We have a Post Road, roughly what most of these riders are following. We have ferries,” Gillespie said. “That’s still pretty darn fast to get it down here, especially when you think about the fact that they did it in a week’s time flat, from Boston to

Alexandria and then another two days.”

He said Loudouners, unlike the landed gentry in other parts of Virginia, would likely have welcomed the news.

“It’s very clear that in little old Leesburg, population 500, the new county seat of a county of about 14,000 maybe slightly more than that, that this is kind of a

happening place,” he said. “And it’s kind of a place where the Revolution takes off.

When the Tea Party occurred in Boston, we here were amazingly sympathetic, probably because of the actions of letting each of the colonies know what had happened up there and why.”

Just four months before the battles

Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival Draws 35K

Leesburg’s Flower and Garden festival traditionally bring large crowds to the historic downtown area and this year was no different, drawing 35,000 visitors despite the bleak weather Saturday morning.

By noon the skies were mostly clear and community members turned out to browse through native trees, locally grown flowers, landscaping companies, vegetable plants, flowering plants, food vendors, locally made goods and more.

Live music was played on the courthouse lawn and adults enjoyed craft beverages on the rooftop beer garden on the top floor of the Town Hall parking garage. n

at Lexington and Concord, Loudouners had formed their own militia. It was an illegal act.

“Part of that was because no militia legislation had been passed since the House of Burgess had been dismissed in May of ’74. So to protect ourselves, we set up the independent Loudoun Company and they began drilling. And they will drill twice a week, and you’ll see them over there on the courthouse. So it becomes a fairly open thing. Fairfax had done the same thing. Prince William had done the same thing,” Gillespie said.

In the weeks following the battles in Massachusetts, local support for the revolution likely strengthened as widely circulated testimony of witnesses attributed the first shots to members of the British Army.

“I would tell you that the old line that was very popular around the time of the Bicentennial was that maybe a third [of the population] didn’t quite make up their minds, and the third were for and a third opposed. Here I don’t think so. Way more were for [revolution],” Gillespie said.

The program was an adjunct to the work of the Loudoun VA250 Committee, which is offering a continuing series of historical programs to tell the stories of local residents and the local impact of the American Revolution. Learn more at visitloudoun.org/loudoun250. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

A lantern tour reflecting on the local impacts of the April 19, 1775, battles in Lexington and Concord included a stop at the former McCabe’s Ordinary, once a colonial tavern on Loudoun Street in Leesburg.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Legal Notices

OFFICIAL VOTING INFORMATION

The Constitution of Virginia requires that you be registered in the precinct in which you live to be qualified to vote. For the convenience of the citizens of Loudoun County, the Voter Registration Office at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite 150, Leesburg, is open each week, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The voter registration deadline for Democratic Party Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, is Tuesday May 27, 2025.

Additional information regarding voter registration, registration status, absentee voting, what is on the ballot can be found by visiting www.elections.virginia.gov.

EARLY VOTING

Office of Elections - 750 Miller Drive SE, Suite 150, Leesburg, 20175

Early voting starts - Friday, May 2, 2025. Early voting hours - Monday to Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

The Office of Elections will be closed Monday, May 26, 2025.

Extended hours-

- Tuesday- June 10 – office remains open until 7:00 p.m.

- Thursday- June 12 – office remains open until 7:00 p.m.

- Saturday- June 7 and June 14 –office will be open 9:00 a.m.-5:00 pm.

Additional Early Voting Locations and Times and Mail Ballot Drop Box Locations:

Carver Senior Center - 200 E Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, 20132

Claude Moore Recreation Center and Dulles South Recreation Center46105 Loudoun Park Lane, Sterling, 20164 Dulles South Recreation Center - 24950 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly, 20152

Early voting starts - June 7, 2025

- Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

- Tuesday, June 10, 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.

- Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

- Thursday, June 12, 12:00 – 7:00 p.m.

- Saturday, June 14, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Voters choosing to vote by mail are encouraged to apply immediately. Completed applications can be submitted by mail, fax, e-mail or online – www.elections.virginia.gov. The official deadline to request a ballot be mailed to you is Friday, June 6, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Voters are encouraged to mark and return their ballots early to ensure they arrive in time to be counted. Voters can deliver their absentee ballots to any of the additional early voting sites when they are open, to our office or to a polling location on Election Day. Voters can hand deliver their ballot by 7 p.m. on Election Day. Ballots arriving by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day AND be received no later than noon on the Friday following the election (June 20) to be counted.

Please feel free to give us a call at 703 777-0380 if you have any questions about absentee voting.

Judith A. Brown, General Registrar 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite 150 Leesburg, VA 20175-8916 703 777-0380 703 777-0622 FAX

Email: vote@loudoun.gov

Web: www.loudoun.gov/vote

FIND

5/1/25

The annual meeting of Temple B’nai Shalom, Inc., a Virginia Nonstock Corporation, will be held on June 8, 2025, at 10 a.m. ET, at 7612 Old Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Virginia. One of the purposes of that meeting is to consider a proposed amendment to the ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT OF TEMPLE B’NAI SHALOM, INC The board of directors recommends that the members approve the amendment.

The text of the amendment is: Articles VII and VIII of the ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION that were admitted to record at the State Corporation Commission on July 24, 2017, and which had not been subsequently amended, are amended and replaced to read, in their entirety, to wit:

Article VII. The board of directors shall have three classes of directors:

a. Class A Directors. The number of Class A Directors shall be variable. The minimum number shall be three (3), and the maximum number shall be specified in the bylaws and approved by members possessing voting privileges. The term of office for Class A directors shall be two (2) years. Class A directors shall have staggered terms of office.

b. Class B Directors. The number of Class B Directors shall be variable. The minimum number shall be zero (0), and the maximum number shall be specified in the bylaws and approved by members possessing voting privileges. The term of office for Class B directors shall be one (1) year.

c. Class C Directors. The number of Class C Directors shall be variable. The minimum number shall be zero (0), and the maximum number shall be specified in the bylaws and approved by members possessing voting privileges. The term of office for Class C directors shall be one (1) year.

Article VIII. Class A Directors and Class B Directors shall be elected by members possessing voting privileges. Class C Directors shall be elected by those members of the Board of Directors, acting as a single voting group, holding the positions of Class A Directors and Class B Directors.

5/1 & 5/8/25

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.

VIVI E-BIKE BLACK/BLUE COLOR S/N TL21ALT08064989 SO250006012 4/7/2025 EDGEWATER ST/ SARAZEN DR 571-367-8400

BLUE ROADMASTER

MOUNTAIN BIKE (SERIAL #SNESD07673221) SO250006384 4/13/2025

BLUE TREK BIKE S/N: WTU007XC1576V SO250006350 4/12/2025 WOD/IVANDALE RD 571-367-8400

ORANGE TREK BIKE S/N: WTU06606557K SO250006350 4/12/2025 WOD/IVANDALE RD 571-367-8400

4/24 & 5/1/25

TOWN OF HAMILTON PUBLIC HEARING WATER/SEWER RATES AND LAND USE FEES

The Town of Hamilton will hold a public hearing on Monday May 12, 2025, at 7:00 pm at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, VA for the purpose of receiving comment on the FY2026 budget, water/sewer and land use fees.

Flat rates

per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons

$14.30 surcharge every 2 months

$113.61 every 2 months

$14.30 surcharge every 2 months

PROPOSED CHANGES TO LAND DEVELOPMENT FEE SCHEDULE - FY26

exIstINg

Use/Conditional Use Permit

Subdivision Application

Preliminary Plat - Minor (3 lots or less)

Preliminary Plat - Major (4 + lots)

Preliminary Plat Revision

or $50/ lot (larger of)

or $10/ lot (larger of)

$300 + $15/lot $1,000 + $50/lot Same

Subdivision - Final Plat $300 or $20/ lot (larger of) $750+$50./lot*

Final Plat/Construction Plan Revision None $400*+$50/lot

Subdivision Major (3 lots or more)

$500 Delete

Subdivision - Final Plat Review $500 or $50/ lot (greater) Delete-redundant

Other Plats

None $500*

As-Built submissions None $250*

Bond approval, reduction or release None $750*

Bond extension None $250*

Waiver requests None $300*

Trailer Permit $300 $100*

B&B Permit None Same-Delete

Variance Application $350 $350*

Zoning Determination-Administrative None $250

Zoning Permit - New Construction Residential

Commercial or Industrial

Accessory Structures: decks, additions, etc.

Interior Alterations: roof, replacement, siding, etc.

Ordinance Amendment

$150 $200 $75

No charge (but permit req.) Same Same Delete additions, add demolition $75

None $150*

* Plus actual cost (ads, attorney fees, etc.) | ** State Code Maximum.

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG DEPARTMENT OF UTILITIES

NOTICE OF WATER MAIN FLUSHING

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

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

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

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

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

4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29/25

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

NOTICE is hereby given that the Loudoun County Board of Equalization of Real Estate Assessments (BOE) will hear appeals for 2025 Real Estate Assessments at Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, between 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. beginning on August 1, 2025 and continuing through December 31, 2025, with the exception of September 1, October 13, November 4, November 11, November 26, November 27, November 28, December 24, December 25, and December 26, 2025. The BOE scheduled hearings will be posted on the County calendar at www.loudoun.gov . Hearing dates are subject to change. Please also refer to the County calendar for cancellations.

The BOE will sit and hear all appeals timely presented for consideration. Following the hearing, the BOE shall equalize the taxpayer’s assessment by increasing, decreasing, or affirming such assessment.

The BOE will continue to hear appeals until the last day needed to complete all necessary action regarding such appeals, or December 31, 2024, whichever comes first.

If you require accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Board of Equalization at 703-777-0289. At least one business day advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice.

Kevin Kuesters, Chairman Board of Equalization

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Interim Appointment to Round Hill Town

Council

The Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing on May 7, 2025 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia to announce the names of all persons being proposed for the interim appointment of a vacancy on the Town Council, as well as making resumes or other information available.

This will be an interim appointment with a term ending on December 31, 2025. This seat will be on the ballot for the November 4, 2025 General Election for a four-year term (January 2026-December 2029).

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have been a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia for at least one year, must have lived within the Town’s corporate limits for a minimum of six months, and must be registered to vote. Information about the roles and responsibilities of Council Members can be found on the Town’s website, www.roundhillva.gov

To apply, please complete the Volunteer Application for Board Positions (www.roundhillva.gov) and send it with a letter of interest and resume to Town Administrator Melissa Hynes (mhynes@roundhillva.gov) by 4:30 PM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Submissions can also be dropped off at the Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The Council will conduct interviews with qualified applicants on the evening of May 7, 2025 before making an appointment on May 21, 2025.

The regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will begin after the public hearing. 4/24 & 5/1/25

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No.: CL25-2309

Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Toni Valentin-Slaughter v. Matthew Valentin-Slaughter

The object of this suit is to divorce

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Matthew Valentin-Slaughter appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before June 6, 2025.

4/24, 5/1, 5/8, & 5/15/25

Viet Lucky, LLC, trading as Pho Bar, 19385 Promenade Dr., Leesburg, VA 20176-6501. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages On and Off Premises application.

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

4/24 & 5/1/25

5/1 & 5/8/25

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No.: CL25-2347

Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lovepreet Singh Athwal v. Atinder Kaur

The object of this suit is to grant a judgment of divorce; and allow service by publication

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Atinder Kaur appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before June 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM.

5/1, 5/8, 5/15, & 5/22/25

Add your voice to the conversation.

Send your coments to editor@loudounnow.com

ABC LICENSE

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, May 14, 2025, in order to consider:

PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY

Conveyance of Easement within Trailside Park to Dominion Energy

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider conveying to Dominion Energy a fifteen-foot-wide easement across County owned property known as Trailside Park located off of Claibourne Parkway (Route 901) in the Ashburn Election District. The easement is for the purpose of installing, laying, constructing, operating, repairing, altering, and maintaining underground conduit and cable lines to power and operate the telecommunication monopole approved as part of commission permit application CMPT-2023-0009 and special exception applications SPEX-2023-0020 and SPEX-2024-0036. The property on which the easement will be located is more particularly described as: 20375 Claibourne Parkway, Ashburn, Virginia, PIN: 115-17-1969-000, and Tax Map # /79/J11////PK/.

Copies of the draft deed of easement 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 Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park to Loudoun County Sanitation Authority d.b.a. Loudoun Water

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider conveying to Loudoun County Sanitation Authority d.b.a. Loudoun Water, a thirty-foot-wide waterline easement, a twenty-foot-wide waterline easement, and a twenty-foot-wide sanitary sewer easement (the easements), all to be located across County owned property known as Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park in the Leesburg Election District. The purpose of the easements is for installing, laying, constructing, operating, repairing, altering, and maintaining water and sewer lines, to service Tuscarora Crossing. The property on which the easements will be located is more particularly described as: 42405 Claudia Drive, Leesburg, Virginia, PIN: 191-16-9866-000, and Tax Map # /60////////12/.

Copies of the draft deed of easements 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 (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”)

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 209 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Voting Precincts and Polling Places

Addition of a Satellite Early Voting Location

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1427, 24.2-306 and 24.2-307, et seq., the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an amendment to Chapter 209, Voting Precincts and Polling Places, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendment would establish an additional satellite early voting location at the Ashburn Recreation and Community Center located at 21105 Coopers Hawk Drive, Ashburn, Virginia 20148.

A complete copy of the proposed amendment is on file 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 by calling (703) 777-0200 to request hard copies or electronic copies. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments. In addition, this information is available for inspection on the Loudoun County’s Office of Elections website at www.loudoun.gov/vote.

ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY New Chapter 694 Containment of Running Bamboo

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1427, 15.2-901 and 15.2-901.1, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an ordinance to establish a new chapter of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, Chapter 694, Containment of Running Bamboo. The proposed ordinance would require property owners to control and/or contain running bamboo on their property and prevent it from spreading to adjacent parcels and rights-of-way. The ordinance also imposes civil and criminal penalties for its violation. The ordinance would be effective upon passage.

A complete copy of the full text, of the above-referenced proposed ordinance 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 also may 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”).

LEGI-2023-0071, ARCOLA GROVE REZONING: ZMAP-2023-0005, SPEX-2023-0015, & ZMOD-2023-0031 (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception, and Zoning Modification)

Powerhouse Arcola, LLC. has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment, special exception, and zoning modification for approximately 30.4884 acres of land located east of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 2625), west of Arcola Boulevard (Route 842), south of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621), and north of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) in the Dulles Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

162-25-4031-000 N/A 101/B/1////16/

162-25-4501-000 N/A 101/B/1////17/

162-15-4753-000 N/A 101/B/1////18/

162-15-1929-000 N/A

203-10-9057-000 N/A

101/B/1////19/

101/B/1////20/

203-10-7367-000 N/A 101/B/1////21/

For ZMAP-2023-0005, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property from the RC (Rural Commercial) zoning district to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Ordinance to develop data center uses up to a 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). For SPEX-2023-0015, the applicant seeks a special exception for the development of a utility substation, transmission. For ZMOD-2023-0031, the applicant seeks a zoning modification affecting the Subject Property to allow an increase maximum building height from 60 to 100 feet without additional setbacks from streets or lot lines. The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Grandfathering Resolution, dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0093, MILESTONE BELMONT INTERCHANGE: CMPT-2023-0011 & SPEX-2023-0028 (Commission Permit and Special Exception)

Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV has submitted an application for a commission permit and special exception for approximately 0.2017 acres of land within the Virginia Department of Transportation public right-of-way located between the travel lanes of eastbound Leesburg Pike (Route 7), the on-ramp to eastbound Leesburg Pike (Route 7) from northbound Claiborne Parkway (Route 901), and the cloverleaf exit-ramp from eastbound Leesburg Pike (Route 7) to northbound Lansdowne Blvd (Route 2400) in Ashburn, Virginia in the Broad Run Election District (the Subject Property). For CMPT-2023-0011, the applicant seeks a commission permit to allow a telecommunications facility with a 150-foot-tall monopole mounted with a two-foot-tall lightning rod. For SPEX-2023-0028, the applicant seeks to permit a telecommunications facility in the OP (Office Park) Zoning District under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each land use application listed above 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 703-7770246 (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 (continued on next page)

Legal Notices

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 May 2, 2025, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 14, 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/TTY-711. 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

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: CL25-1497

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

Unknown Heirs of Mary Ann Morey, et al, Respondents

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

4/24 & 5/1/25

Loudoun County Public Schools

Dulles South Secondary School Attendance Zone Change Process

Spring 2025

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

Tuesday, April 22,

April 30, 2025

Monday, May 5, 2025 6:30 pm

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

Monday, June 2, 2025 6:30 pm

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

*Regular School Board Business Meeting

School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing & Work Session

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

School Board Attendance Zone Briefing & Public Hearing

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

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

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

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

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

Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools

Division of Planning & GIS Services

21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148

Telephone: 571-252-1050

Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG

4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29 & 6/5/25

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

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

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

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ050056-02-00, 03-00, 04-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Nora Bella O’Brien Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Unknown Father pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Nora Bella O’Brien. Unknown Father is hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Nora Bella O’Brien. Unknown Father is hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Nora Bella O’Brien; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Nora Bella O’Brien; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Nora Bella O’Brien. Further, Unknown Father will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Nora Bella O’Brien, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Nora Bella O’Brien for adoption and consent to the adoption of Nora Bella O’Brien.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

5/1/25

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

Case No.: JJ049287

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Anne Monserrat Pena Munoz

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

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

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

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

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ050219

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Melanie Mavros

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Rodney Wise (putative father); Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold an Preliminary Child Protective Order hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-253(A) for Melanie Mavros; and hold a Nonemergency Preliminary Child Protective Order hearing for pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-253 for Melanie Mavros.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Rodney Wise, putative father; Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 2, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. (Adjudication) and May 28, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (Disposition).

4/24, 5/1, 5/8, & 5/15/25

Legal Notices

ROUND HILL TOWN COUNCIL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Tax Rates, Fees and Charges (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026)

Pursuant to Code of Virginia §§15.2-2506, -2111, -2119, -2143, -2122, -2241, -2286, -2015, §46.2-752 and §§ 58.1-3007, -3703 and -3840, the Round Hill, Virginia Town Council will hold a public hearing on May 21, 2025 at 7:30PM at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia, to receive comments and adopt the proposed tax rates, fees and charges for Fiscal Year 2026. Participation via a Zoom Link can be accessed on the Town’s website, www.roundhillva.gov. Any person interested in the FY2026 Tax Rates, Fees and Charges may attend the public hearing in person or electronically and present his or her views. Written comments can be submitted to townclerk@roundhillva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting and will be presented during the public hearing. Copies of the detailed budget, rates, fees, charges and related documents are available for inspection and copying on the Town’s website (www.roundhillva.gov) or at the Town Office, Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

(July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026)

(authorized by Virginia Code §58.1-3200, 15.2-2503)

Business License

(authorized by Virginia Code

Cigarette Tax

(authorized by Virginia Code §58.1-3840, 15.2-2503)

(authorized by Virginia Code

Personal Property

(authorized by Virginia Code §58.1-3500,

(authorized by Virginia Code §46.2-752, 15.2-2503)

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLE

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

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

YEAR MAKE MODEL VIN STORAGE PHONE NUMBER

UNKN UNKN BLACK TRAILER UNKN AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888

2000 AUDI A4 WAUDC28D8YA183744 ROAD RUNNER 703-450-7555

2006 BMW 330XI WBAVD335X6KL51477 AL’S TOWING 703-435-8888

2008 VOLVO XC90 YV4CZ982281428944 DOUBLE D TOWING 703-777-7300

2014 TOYOTA COROLLA 5YFBURHE9EP014994 BATTLEFIELD TOWING 703-378-0059

2015 HONDA MC MLHNC5153F5100686 BATTLEFIELD TOWING 703-378-0059 4/24 & 5/1/25

TOWN

OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION 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 PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, May 15, 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 Department of Community Development at (703) 771-2765 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

5/1 & 5/8/2025

TOWN OF HAMILTON Proposed Budget Fiscal Year 2026

Pursuant to VA Code Sec. 15.2-2506, notice is hereby given that the Hamilton Town Council will hold a Public Hearing, for the purpose of receiving comments on the following proposed budget, on Monday May 12, 2025, at 7:00 pm in the Town Office, 53 E Colonial Highway, Hamilton, VA. Public can attend via Virtual Meeting by going to https://www.hamiltonva.gov. The regular Town Council Meeting will follow immediately after at the same location. Copies of the detailed budget may be obtained at the Town Office during

office hours (or

email), Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, holidays excepted.

Legal Notices

LOUDOUN COUNTY PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE

May 5, 2025

Loudoun County Treasurer Henry C. Eickelberg reminds residents that Monday, May 5, 2025, is the deadline for payment of Personal Property Taxes.

Please note: Payments received or postmarked after May 5, 2025, will get a 10% late payment penalty, PLUS an interest charge of 10% (per annum) on both the unpaid taxes and all late payment penalties. Any Personal Property taxes that remain unpaid for more than 60 calendar days (after the original due date) will be charged an additional 15% penalty plus interest at 10% annually.

Taxpayers who may be experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to contact the county’s Collections Team at 703-771-5656 for assistance.

CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS

• Online: www.loudounportal.com/taxes

• Telephone: 1-800-269-5971 may be called 24 hours a day.

• By Mail: County of Loudoun, P.O. Box 1000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000

• In Person: Treasurer’s Office Locations

Government Center Sterling Office

1 Harrison Street, S.E. 46000 Center Oak Plaza 1st Floor 1st Floor Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Sterling, Virginia 20166

Additional Locations: Open Monday, May 5 only: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m

Dulles South Recreation & Community Center 24950 Riding Center Drive South Riding, Virginia 20152

CHECK or CARD – Cash not accepted

Lovettsville Town Hall 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue

Lovettsville, Virginia 20180 CHECK or CARD – Cash not accepted

• Drop Box: A secure 24-hour drop box is available outside both the Leesburg and Sterling office locations.

Payments can be made using electronic check (eCheck), paper check, or major credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Please note: A convenience fee applies to credit card transactions, but there is no fee for payments made by eCheck or paper check.

Regular Business Hours:

The Treasurer’s Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Extended Hours:

To better serve taxpayers during deadline, the Treasurer’s Office will open early on:

• Friday, May 2, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.. (Sterling and Leesburg)

• Monday, May 5, 2025 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Sterling and Leesburg)

Please contact the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office at 703-777-0280 or email taxes@loudoun.gov if you have not received your bill or if there are any questions.

Stay up to date on tax information by subscribing to the Tax Notices category of Alert Loudoun at www.loudoun.gov/alert. You can also text the word “TAXES” to 888777 to receive text messages about tax-related information, including upcoming deadlines. Please note: Additional message and data rates may apply.

For information regarding Real Property or Personal Property Tax Exemptions or Deferrals, please contact the Exemptions Divisions of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at taxrelief@loudoun. gov, by phone at 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief

4/24 & 5/1/25

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

PLAT-2025-0062

Fleetwood North – Phase 1

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

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

PLAT-2025-0071

Fleetwood North – Phase II

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project. PLAT-2025-0077

Stone Ridge-Section 40

Mr. Derek DiDonato, Van Metre Homes at Stone Ridge VII, LLC, of Fairfax, Virginia is requesting preliminary record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately four (4.389) acres into twenty-four (24) lots and associated easements. The property is located north of Greenstone Drive (Route 2628), south of Pebblebush Place (Route 2630), and east of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 2625). The property is zoned PD-H4 (Administered as R-8) under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 205-46-9303-000 in the Dulles Election District.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http:// www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2025-0077. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Suzanna Brady at Suzanna.Brady@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by May 28, 2025. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).

4/24, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22/25

Loco Service Providers

Western Loudoun

continued from page 1

ational lodging, setbacks and possible definitions for farm.

While consensus was gained on some of the night’s issues, participants disagreed on how to approach preserving Loudoun’s open spaces, protect property rights, allow for monetization of private property, and limit impacts to neighbors.

“We’re looking down at the weeds and trying to come up with the answer,” Planning Commissioner Robin-Eve Jasper (Little River) said. “I think we need to zoom out and start to look at what the issues are and how we balance those interests universally.”

“What is the problem we’re trying to solve?” Casey Chapman asked the group. “One of the problems is lodging in western Loudoun County. We’re losing market share. We don’t have a market share. We’re looking for solutions. We’re trying to be creative. We’re trying to give flexibility to business owners to come in and open operations while at the same time being respectful to our neighbors.”

Jasper and Chapman were referencing discussions on what the appropriate setbacks, hours of operation limits, number of events limits and further regulations for recreational lodging facilities like Airbnbs should be.

Hope Flower Farm and Winery owner Holly Heider Chapple said she needs more flexibility to be able to profitably run her business.

“When I worked with rural and economic development to find out how I could have 50 people on my property so I could teach them floral design, I had to become a bed and breakfast,” she said. “… I have a wayside stand. I can only sell flowers from my farm. Well, I’m an author, I have a patented product line, I make my own candles, my own soap, but I can’t sell those because I didn’t grow them. So, now I have to become a winery so that I can have a gift shop. I am a widow with a 25acre farm that just wanted to grow flowers and zoning made me turn into this.”

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) said that zoning needs to take everyone into consideration and that her office receives a lot of complaints from residents in western Loudoun.

“We probably wouldn’t be sitting here if we didn’t get complaints,” Randall said. “… Everything from the noise to there’s a cow in my yard.”

Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Cato-

ctin) said balancing those two challenges is the key to preserving western Loudoun and that currently Loudoun does a good job of it. This Zoning Ordinance amendment process should be “tweaking” the policy, not making sweeping changes, he said.

“The danger in doing that is, will we come down more on the side of regulation and therefore result in discouraging businesses to continue to keep their land in ag use, or agritourism use? Or will they continue to be encouraged to do it?” he said.

Despite Loudoun’s history as primarily farmland, now it’s nearly impossible to for small-farm owners to make a living without adding in some other form of income, he said. Kershner said he’s a prime example of that, positioned on a nine-acre rural property where he raises pigs and sheep. He also owns the neighboring 17acre parcel, which is under an easement and operates the old Quaker-built home, as an Airbnb.

But the property still operates at a deficit, he said.

“I have a little sheep business that I’m getting in to but I’m not making any money. I’m losing money. It will take a while

before you actually become profitable, if indeed you do, and even if you do, your margins are very small,” Kershner said.

Unless zoning regulations allow property owners to monetize their land in a way that competes with the monetary benefits of housing, ultimately most of Loudoun will be developed, he said.

“If we truly want to hold on to farmland and agriculture, we have to make it worth the labor that you put into it. And so part of doing that, of course, is allowing people to monetize their property,” he said. “…I think when we look at our regulations and how we want to do the zoning rewrite, we have to make sure that it is with the business owner in mind first and foremost, otherwise it will go to housing. I think that’s just the bottom line.”

But zoning regulations aren’t a longterm plan because they can be changed on a recurring basis, he said.

“There is no plan to permanently preserve western Loudoun,” Kershner said.

Conservation easements and a Purchase of Development Rights program are two paths Kershner said would preserve the county’s rural spaces, but the PDR program has not been supported by oth-

er stakeholders who have raised concerns about the idea.

In lieu of that, Kershner reiterated that making the land profitable through something other than farming is the only other option.

“That’s where your wineries and your breweries, who are growing things come in, because they are monetizing their land. And so we want to continue to encourage those sorts of things,” Kershner said.

During the April 22 meeting, the group found consensus on combining agritourism and agritainment into a single use while matching the State Code definition, making sawmills a minor special exception, allowing an exemption to replace agricultural structures if destroyed and to not allow conservation easements to provide additional housing density on parcels that are not part of the easement.

A future meeting will be scheduled to discuss regulations surrounding Airbnbs and other recreational lodging. The group will also revisit whether to define farm and other definitions at its next meeting in June. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Supervisor Caleb Kershner (R-Catoctin) feeds his sheep at the small farm he operates at his home.

Published by Loudoun Community Media

15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176

703-770-9723

NORMAN K. STYER

Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.org

BILL CLIFFORD Chief Development Of cer bclifford@loudounnow.org

EDITORIAL

AMBER LUCAS Reporter alucas@loudounnow.org

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

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.

The Balance

Opinion

Thirty years ago, Loudoun County had population of just over 100,000 and wasn’t on anyone’s radar as a tourism destination. But some could see the potential.

In 1995, the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association was established with the goal of building up a new business sector to help offset the growing government’s reliance on homeowner tax revenue.

That same year, the Town of Leesburg closed its downtown streets to welcome in flower and garden vendors for the first time.

Today, Visit Loudoun, the LCVA’s updated brand, supports the commonwealth’s largest tourism economy. Last weekend, Leesburg’s Flower and Garden Festival attracted an estimated 35,000 visitors over two days.

Our destination status is well established.

While that achievement may be attributable to the general growth of the county, and of Dulles Airport operations, the foundation is provided by Loudoun’s success, so far, in protecting its scenic open spaces.

Not Transparent

Editor:

I am writing in response to the email that was sent out to the LCPS community regarding the decision by Loudoun County Public Schools to not sign the certification requested by the VDOE and USDOE that Loudoun County Public Schools is compliant with federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination based on an individual’s race, color, or national origin, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI).

A failure to sign the document in question will result in a loss of federal funds to the Loudoun County Public Schools. As a taxpayer in Loudoun County, I certainly consider myself part of the LCPS community as my taxes help to fund the school system.

The first issue that I have with the email by Superintendent Aaron Spence is that there is a “do not reply” notice at the top of the email, indicating that he and the school system are not entertaining comments on this issue. I also note that the email is dated April 24 the date that the certification was due at VDOE. Both of these facts surely indicate that LCPS and Dr. Spence have made a final decision about this matter and that the public is not to comment on that decision and, even if they did so, the comments would

Three years after Visit Loudoun’s founding, the Board of Supervisors adopted a rural economic development strategy, “The 200,000 Acre Solution,” that laid out priorities to provide rural landowners with economically viable options that could compete with developer offers to plant houses across their fields.

That success—with the countryside dotted with wineries and breweries, wedding venues, rural lodgings and actual farms—has come with new challenges. Once again, county leaders are circling up to determine how best to balance the growth of rural enterprises with the concerns of residents living next door or down the street.

It is important to remember that rural zoning is defined by how many homes can be built on the farm or forest. Providing landowners reasons not to make that conversion must continue to be a priority.

If we’re successful, we’ll still have something special to show the tourists for another 30 years.

LETTERS to the Editor

be disregarded. Congratulations, that’s a marvelous way to prove to parents and taxpayers that the school system is anxious and willing to work alongside them.

I question the statement that “LCPS fully complies with all state and federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Title VI.” Well, if this is accurate, then what would inhibit your signing the document? If the school system is compliant, then there should be no hesitation for LCPS to assert its compliance.

Although the email states numerous reasons for not signing this document, it fails to provide a copy of it, so that individuals in the community can evaluate it in light of the objections. Are we to just take his objections at face value without the ability to make our own decisions? It would certainly seem that this is the case.

Further, he states that the “…requested USDOE certification—as written—is vague, overly broad, and committing public school divisions to terms/ conditions beyond what is required under applicable law.” Again, without seeing the document the public is required to take his evaluation and interpretation without further analysis.

And finally he states “…that the requested certification lacks clarity.” Once again, I ask where is the document in

question so that we, the LCPS community, can make our own determination?

Dr. Spence states that he wants to be transparent with the community, but how can that transparency be accomplished when the very document discussed and rejected by LCPS is not provided? Instead of qualifying his email as an attempt at transparency, I would suggest that his email is more on the order of obscurity, secrecy, and smacks of authoritarianism.

— Ann D. Mulhall, Ashburn

Negotiate?

Editor:

Imperial Russia once claimed the Pacific Northwest from Alaska all the way down to Fort Ross and the Russian River just north of the Spanish outpost of San Francisco.

If Putin decided he wanted “that part of Russia” back again, launched an invasion across the Bering Sea, and reached Anchorage before the operation stalled would Trump, Rubio, and Hegseth mount a counterattack to drive the Russians back to Siberia? Or would they negotiate with Moscow to avoid war and let Putin keep the territory his troops had occupied?

Ukrainians would be interested in the answer. Can some journalist please ask DJT what he would do at the next press meeting?

— Chip Beck, Hillsboro

Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun

READERS’

is the greatest challenge facing Loudoun youth today?

Wounded Warrior

continued from page 3

injured, instead of mourning what you’ve lost, you celebrate what you still have. It’s a pretty great idea,” she said. “When’s the last time any of you took a moment to just kind of sit back and think about your life, and not the negative things that we are so ingrained to think about, but the good parts of it? A lot of times it is the things we take for granted: a roof over our head, a warm bed at night, food on the table. We are all so lucky to live the lives that we do.”

Stockwell’s celebration is a birthday party for her stump, Little Leg, that she said has become more meaningful than her own birthday. This year was Little Leg’s 21st anniversary.

While recovering in her hospital bed, Stockwell began thinking about her life ahead. “I would lay in my hospital bed wondering, could I still be an athlete? Could I still feel the thrill of a finish line, the sweat on my face?”

That was answered soon after her release, when she completed the New York City Marathon on an arm-powered bike. Later, she would return to run the 26mile course. She also returned to the Colorado ski slopes and, after a wobbly learning curve, soon was flying down the mountains.

While at Walter Reed she sat in on a presentation about the US Paralympics and competed in swimming during the 2008 games in Beijing, China. While not

winning a medal, her teammates selected her to carry the flag during the closing ceremonies.

Next was her first triathlon.

“I felt the challenge of it, and turns out, I was pretty good at it,” she said of the swimming, cycling and running competitions.

“For the next many years, able to travel around the nation, around the world, competing in many races and carrying that flag

“I have done more in my life with one leg than I ever would have done with two.”

— Melissa Stockwell

overhead at that finish line never gets old.”

And she’s also taken on the grueling day-long ironman competition.

“It’s been a wild ride, and I can honestly tell you that I have done more in my life with one leg than I ever would have done with two,” she said.

During her second Paralympics in Brazil in 2016, her triathlon was held on Sept. 11 and resulted in a podium sweep by the American team, with Stockwell winning the bronze medal.

She also competed in the 2020 COVID-impacted games in Tokyo and Paris in 2024, where she raced despite breaking her back in a cycling crash just before the games.

“I swam in the Seine River and I lived to tell about it. I biked up and down the cobblestone streets in the city. I finished on the Alexander Bridge with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. My kids there screaming, ‘go, mommy, go!’ And as I came down the finish line, I realized that I wasn’t going be on the podium. I was going to be in fifth

place, but I was a four-time Paralympian,” she said.

She also has written a book about her experiences, The Power of Choice, and with her husband, Brian, opened a prosthetics company.

Included in Stockwell’s presentation is a photo of her in a hospital bed hours after explosion. There a “T” was written on her forehead with a marker.

“This picture is of my lowest of lows hours after I lost my leg in that Bagdad emergency room. The “T” on my forehead is for tourniquet,” she said. “When I see this picture now that T is his turning point. This was the turning point in my life. This was a day I realized that you can’t stop the things that come at you. You can’t stop these obstacles that come your way in your life that you never expect.

“What you can do is have that heart to persevere through them and to get out there and to live. And I’m really proud to continue to do that.”

Stockwell’s keynote speech was part of the annual client program for Leesburg-based Toth Financial.

President and CEO Ken Bowen said the company last year crossed the threshold of having more than $1 billion of assets under management. At the same time, Bowen said, under the guidance of founder Tom Toth, the organization has given more than $1 million to support the local community through a variety of charitable efforts. [Among those, Toth Financial is a donor to Loudoun Community Media the nonprofit publisher of Loudoun Now.] n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Melissa Stockwell speaks during an April 26 presentation on her experience as a wounded combat veteran and a four-time Paralympian.

A Loudoun Moment

DEI

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ruled that the certification requirement lacked an adequately detailed definition of diversity, equity and inclusion and threatened to restrict free speech in the classroom. Judge Landya B. McCafferty also raised concerns the executive branch was exceeding its authority over local schools.

The school division had an April 24 deadline to respond to the federal request that was made to the Virginia Department of Education on April 4.

“Let me first be clear: LCPS fully complies with all state and federal civil rights laws and regulations, including Title VI. Further, LCPS does not treat individuals differently based on their race, color, and national origin, so as to give an advantage to one race, color, and national origin over another. We remain steadfast in our

commitment to ensuring that every student has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality education, and that no one is treated unfairly because of who they are,”

Spence wrote.

He stated the school division did not sign the certification because it already holds certifications that it complies with the federal laws. He also cited ongoing legal challenging alleging the requested new certification was “vague, overly broad, and committing public school divisions to terms/conditions beyond what is required under applicable law.”

“Most importantly, the requested certification lacks clarity. It references ‘illegal DEI’ or ‘certain DEI practices’ without explaining what those terms mean or how they differ from the diversity, equity and inclusion programs and initiatives we currently have in place–programs that help students feel valued, included, and supported,” Spence wrote. “LCPS is unaware

of any federal or state laws prohibiting the mere existence of diversity, equity, or inclusion programs and initiatives, so clarity around what USDOE perceives to be illegal and why it is necessary for LCPS to submit additional assurances beyond those already attested to by LCPS would be essential before LCPS could consider signing the requested certification. We cannot–and should not be asked to–certify we are not engaged in behaviors that have not been clearly defined. Doing so would not be prudent.”

In a letter to the Virginia DOE, Spence stipulated that the division complies with federal Civil Rights laws and does not treat individuals differently based on their race, color, and national origin, so as to give an advantage to one race, color, and national origin over another.

Despite the polarizing national debate, Spence said DEI is fundamental to the school division’s mission.

“We want to be transparent with our community: our decision is neither political nor ideological, nor is it about stepping away from compliance; to the contrary, it’s about protecting our ability to continue offering programs that are both lawful and vital to our students’ success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are a part of who we are and how we live out our mission in LCPS, where we seek to empower every student to thrive academically and socially, regardless of their background,” he wrote.

“We also recognize that strong schools are built on trust. We want you to know that our values haven’t changed. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported. Our educators work hard every day to create learning environments where that is true. And, as your Superintendent, I remain committed to doing what is right, legal, and just for all our students,” Spence wrote. n

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now Kids are gobsmacked at Mr. Pickle during PickleFest - Brined & Brewed at Bluemont Station in Bluemont, Virginia.

Photo by Douglas Graham