Fauquier Times 12/20/2023 by Fauquier Times (52 issues) & Prince William Times (52 issues)

SWIMMING: Caroline Agee leads Kettle Run; Cummins is new Falcon coach; Eagles look strong too. SPORTS, PAGES 13, 14, 19 December 20, 2023

Our 206th year | Vol. 206, No. 51 | www.Fauquier.com | $1.50 VIRGINIA PRESS ASSOCIATION: BEST SMALL NEWSPAPER IN VIRGINIA 2017-2022

Fauquier supervisors recognize ‘citizens of the year’ Front Porch owner, education farm director among Fauquier residents honored for 2023 By Hunter Savery

Fauquier Times Staff Writer

William Waybourn, a pioneering gay rights leader and local restauranteur who has been embroiled in a bitter and yearslong dispute with the family of a newly elected supervisor, was among a handful of residents recognized as “citizens of the year” by the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors. “It’s very, very heartwarming. I was surprised when Holder (Trumbo) called me, and I told him that there are other people more deserving than me,” Waybourn told the Fauquier Times.

TIMES STAFF PHOTO/HUNTER SAVERY

William Waybourn, owner of the Front Porch Market & Grill, right, is presented a “citizen of the year” award by Fauquier County Supervisor Holder Trumbo.

Waybourn, 76, is a fixture of The Plains as owner of The Front Porch Market & Grill. But he had a storied career in the gay rights movement long before he arrived in Fauquier County. Waybourn co-founded the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, a political action committee dedicated to increasing the representation of LGBTQ+ public officials in elected office, and served as managing director of LGBTQ+ media monitoring group GLAAD. During the Dec. 14 board of supervisors’ meeting, Scott District Supervisor Holder Trumbo (I) ran through some of the nice things Waybourn has done closer to home, such as buying tires for employees who couldn’t get to work, paying an employee’s insurance bill and keeping a sick employee on his payroll for more than a year while they couldn’t work. See CITIZENS, page 2

Prince William board OKs Digital Gateway 37-data center development to be among the largest in the world By Peter Cary

Piedmont Journalism Foundation

and Jill Palermo

Fauquier Times Staff Writer

The Prince William Board of County Supervisors approved last week a controversial plan to open more than 1,700 acres next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park to a massive new data center corridor. The decision came after a contentious, all-night meeting at which more than 200 residents spoke both for and against what supporters called a “transformational” project. Three rezonings tied to the Prince William Digital Gateway survived intense fire from opponents and skeptical supervisors on myriad issues during an all-night public hearing that stretched from 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, to about 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. Before the vote, both the county’s

PHOTO BY DOUG STROUD

Prince William County Supervisors Margaret Franklin, left, and Board Chair Ann Wheeler, right, were among four Democratic supervisors who voted in favor of the controversial Prince William Digital Gateway. professional planning staff and the planning commission recommended that supervisors deny the rezonings over a lack of information on several aspects of the projects. But the board ultimately voted 4-3-1 to approve all three applications, with the four Democratic supervisors — Board Chair Ann Wheeler (At Large), Victor Angry (Neabsco), Andrea Bailey (Potomac) and Margaret Franklin

Fauquier board OKs new policy aimed at curbing data centers

(Woodbridge) — voting in favor and the three Republicans —Supervisors Jeanine Lawson (Brentsville), Bob Weir (Gainesville) and Yesli Vega (Coles) — opposed. Supervisor Kenny Boddye, D-Occoquan, considered the swing vote on the rezonings, abstained in the final vote after first making a motion to deny the project, which failed in a tie 4-4 vote. Boddye then tried to split the project to exclude a land bay closest to the Manassas National Battlefield Park, but that was also unsuccessful. The vote was met with a subdued reaction from about three dozen supporters and opponents who remained in the board chambers until about 1:15 p.m. on Dec. 13 to watch the decision-making. Opponents said they would continue their fight in court. “My guess is there will be multiple lawsuits filed as soon as tomorrow because there will be multiple plaintiffs,” said Weir, whose

As neighboring Prince William County sets itself on a path to become the data center capital of the world, Fauquier County is taking steps toward controlling the spread of the facilities within its borders. The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors has adopted a set of guidelines for data center development designed to protect the county’s rural character, its citizens’ health and welfare, the value of its residential areas and farmland and the environment. While the new rules do not carry the force of law, the policy sets expectations for data center developers and may affect whether applications are approved. Prince William County is also working on measures to better guide data center applications,

See GATEWAY, page 6

See POLICY, page 18

By Peter Cary

Piedmont Journalism Foundation

For real-time updates in an emergency, sign up for Alert Fauquier, page 3

Local LENders. Local decisions. Oak View National Bank is committed to investing in small businesses. • • oakviewbank.com MEMBER FDIC

Competitive Rates Flexible Terms

CONNECT WITH ONE OF OUR LENDING SPECIALISTS TODAY. 540.359.7100

NEWS

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

TIMES STAFF PHOTOS/HUNTER SAVERY

Supervisor Rick Gerhardt, left, presents Jim Hankins, executive director of the Fauquier Education Farm, with a citizen of the year award.

Fauquier supervisors recognize ‘citizens of the year’ CITIZENS, from page 1 “Most recently though, I’m told, you started a GoFundMe in the community that raised over $60,000 that goes to people in the community who have challenges, who are disadvantaged, who need help,” Trumbo said. “He organized it all on his own. He didn’t ask for anybody to recognize him, and that’s the way he is. He provides catering to the little children at Grace Church free of charge, so the little kids can come in and eat a good meal.” “William, you are something else,” Trumbo continued. “You are the kind of citizen we need more of in our community. And I am very, very humbled to know you. I’m

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Butler, left, presents a citizen of the year award to the Remington Volunteer Fire Department.

proud and pleased and delighted to just be able to give you a little bit of the love back that you have shown to this community.” The honor came at the end of a challenging year for Waybourn and The Front Porch. A bitter feud between The Front Porch and ICS Financial, a neighboring business, has led to a protracted legal battle, national press coverage and blocked food, beverage and fuel deliveries. The dispute dates to at least 2019, and there have been flashpoints over parking, garbage removal, early morning deliveries and pandemic-era mask rules. Underlying the conflict is a cultural and political divide. ICS Financial owners Mike and Melissa Washer and their son, Regan Washer, are conservative Republicans. Regan Washer was elected in November to the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors to represent the Marshall District and will take office in January 2024.

Super Special Holiday Offer 1 year print & digital for

$54.72

Visit the Fauquier Times office in person to subscribe and receive a WORDS MATTER ceramic mug.

Hurry! Limited time offer. Expires 12/20/2023. * Offer valid for new subscribers or those who have not subscribed in the past 90 days. Must pay at office to receive mug. Office is located at 53 South Third Street, Suite 100, Warrenton, VA 20186. Complete the form below and return with your check or credit card information and we’ll start your subscription promptly.

Subscriber Name: Email: Mailing Address: Phone: Pay with a check (mail to office) Pay with a credit card.

Waybourn began the GoFundMe account after donations poured into his restaurant following a Washington Post story about his feud with the Washers. Like Trumbo, each of the other supervisors honored citizens from their magisterial districts as the citizens of the year for 2023. Other honorees ranged from local business leaders to volunteer firefighters to those helping to feed the most vulnerable in Fauquier County. The awards were presented at the final supervisors meeting of the year. “It’s always a supervisor’s favorite thing to do to claim our citizens of the year because they are always such special people in our community,” said Marshall District Supervisor Mary Leigh McDaniel (I). McDaniel honored Bobby Doane, a Marshall businessman and former president of “Moving Marshall Forward,” which organizes the local farmers market and other community events. “Somebody’s always willing to teach you, if you’re willing to learn and you’re willing to work hard. That’s really what Marshall is all about,” said Doane. Selflessness was the theme of the evening. Cedar Run Supervisor Rick Gerhardt (R) highlighted Jim Hankins, executive director of the nonprofit Fauquier Education Farm. Hankins and the education farm have taught thousands of children about sustainable farming while growing more than 100,000 pounds of fresh produce every year, which is donated to local food banks. The farm is located on just 10 acres off Meetze Road. “The kids are not only learning how much work goes into growing food and putting food on their

Expiration: Signature:

53 South Third Street, Suite 100, Warrenton, VA 20186 Questions? 540.347.4222 • nkeyser@fauquier.com

table, but they are also learning of the joys of giving of themselves to help someone that they have never even met,” Hankins said. Board of Supervisors Chairman Chris Butler, R-Lee, honored the Remington Volunteer Fire Department and emphasized the impact the department has with its fundraising efforts and the role the firehouse plays in bringing the community together. “I hope that every one of you that lives close to a volunteer fire department gets out there and supports them because they’re doing a service to everybody in the community and in the county,” Butler said. Center District Supervisor Kevin Carter (R) honored Warrenton businessman and philanthropist Jim Rankin, who opened his first True Value hardware store in 1966 and whose furniture store has been serving the community for more than 32 years. Rankin is also a veteran of the Korean War and a former county supervisor himself, having represented the Center District for nine years. Rankin was not able to attend the meeting. “Jim Rankin is a generous benefactor in our community for a multitude of organizations and is always willing to give a helping hand to those in need,” Carter said. “A humble man, he rarely speaks of his contributions. Nevertheless, he has made a difference in the lives of so many people in Fauquier County.” The citizen of the year awards marked a positive coda for the outgoing supervisors, allowing them to recognize those who embody the values they want to uplift in the county. New board members will take office in January 2024. Reach Hunter Savery at hsavery@fauquier.com.

ISSN 1050-7655, USPS 188280 Published every Wednesday by Piedmont Media LLC Piedmont Media LLC is owned by the nonprofit Piedmont Journalism Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering an informed and engaged citizenry in Fauquier and Prince William counties through local news. PUBLISHER Scott Elliott, 540-347-4222 selliott@fauquier.com REPORTERS Cher Muzyk, cmuzyk@fauquier.com Shannon Clark, sclark@fauquier.com Hunter Savery hsavery@fauquier.com

Card Number:

Supervisor Mary Leigh McDaniel, left, presents Bobby Doane, former president of Moving Marshall Forward, with a “citizen of the year” award.

SPORTS EDITOR Peter Brewington, pbrewington@fauquier.com SPORTS REPORTER Matthew Proctor, mproctor@fauquier.com

MANAGING EDITOR Jill Palermo 703-608-3739 jpalermo@fauquier.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Anthony Haugan, 540-878-2492 Cell: 703-909-0349 ahaugan@fauquier.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Nancy Keyser, 540-878-2413 nkeyser@fauquier.com CLASSIFIED SALES MANAGER Jeanne Cobert, 540-270-4931 jcobert@fauquier.com To place Obituaries, Classifieds and Legal/Employment ads: Call 540-270-4931 or email jcobert@fauquier.com

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS: 53 South 3rd St., Warrenton, Virginia 20186 PHONE: 540-347-4222 FAX: 540-349-8676 HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 24-hour answering service SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 540-347-4222 Need help with your subscription? Call 540-878-2413 or email vgrayson@fauquier.com Missed your paper? Call 540-347-4222, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday Subscription: $80 per year within the United States. Includes e-edition and access to fauquier.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Fauquier Times, 53 South 3rd Street, Suite 100, Warrenton, Virginia 20186 Periodicals postage paid at Warrenton, Va. and at additional mailing offices

NEWS

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

Alert Fauquier keeps residents ready for emergencies System texts, emails realtime information to users By Betsy Burke Parker

Special to the Fauquier Times

A high-speed police chase near Old Town Warrenton late last month offered evidence of the need for a targeted emergency alert system, according to its local managers, and a boost in registrations for Alert Fauquier is expected as a result. On Nov. 29, after alleged thieves crashed their vehicle near Meetze Road and U.S. 29, and the driver ran into the nearby woods, eluding police. The man was ultimately tracked down by a drone camera and apprehended by the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office. Those who live in the area and had signed up for Alert Fauquier were messaged instantly about the incident and told to stay inside and lock their doors. Once the incident was over, they were given an all-clear message. With increased “cord-cutting,” more people are ditching landline telephones and broadcast or cable television in favor of cellphones and online entertainment. As a result, it has become more difficult for law enforcement and local, regional and national emergency services to reach their target audiences, said Michael Guditus, Fauquier County’s emergency manager. And that means using different tools, such as cellphones, to connect with residents. Alert Fauquier does just that, but there’s a catch: Only those who sign up get the alerts. “If we can’t reach you, we can’t alert you,” Guditus said. “During a crisis, emergency or disaster, communication is priority.” Fauquier County has provided an emergency alert system to residents for more than a decade. The newest version went live this past summer and

Michael Guditus, Fauquier County’s emergency manager was rebranded Alert Fauquier. It’s provided through a private company called Rave Mobil Safety-Smart 911. Since the new system launched, about 1,960 new users have signed up, Guditus said. Guditus said emergency messages are tailored and pushed to residents based on geographic areas, selection groups and even on connections to county departments or buildings. In addition to notifying residents within the perimeter of a crime search area — the high-speed chase and fugitive situation in Warrenton, for instance — Guditus says Alert Fauquier sends notifications when suspects are apprehended or an area is deemed safe again. Subscribers receive severe weather alerts, shelter-in-place alerts, Amber and Silver alerts, crime and other safety alerts. Users can also choose to be notified of other events, such as road closures

and power outages. “The Sheriff’s Office used Alert Fauquier in September to warn neighbors to shelter in place while deputies searched” for a suspect, said Jeffrey Long, public information officer at the Fauquier Sheriff’s Office. “Alert Fauquier is the most effective means of quickly and effectively reaching our citizens.” Powered by Rave Mobile Security, Alert Fauquier sends emergency information directly to registered participants via email or text. “We put out burn notices” last month as drought conditions made burning leaves or trash a dangerous prospect, added Guditus. “We’ve alerted registered users to multiple weather events, and the Sheriff’s Office has put out several law-enforcement related alerts,” he said. “The alerts (we release) are ones that need action, such as in a shelter in place or helping citizens get a head start on preparedness.” Alert Fauquier is free. Sign-up is voluntary, and all information is kept confidential and used only to send emergency messages. Guditus said the new ways of dispatch are different from “how we used to do it” even as recently as the 1980s. Dispatchers are, quite literally, the first responders. The 911 system, created in 1968, was less than 20 years old when he started his career. “When I started at Fairfax County, we had a headset, a console and a paper address book,” he said. Reach Betsy Burke Parker at betsyburkeparker@gmail.com

Fauquier Alert: How it works

Sign up for Alert Fauquier through the smart911 system. Log onto the website and navigate an easy registration process. The system pushes tailored and targeted information to residents based on their addresses. Register at smart911.com.

NEWS

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

Lawsuit against data center advances

Judge says plaintiffs have ‘standing’ to sue Amazon, Town of Warrenton

By Cher Muzyk Fauquier Times Staff Writer A lawsuit seeking to invalidate Warrenton Town Council’s vote to approve a controversial Amazon data center can go forward — at least in part. That’s what Fauquier County Circuit Court Judge James P. Fisher ruled Wednesday, Dec. 13 regarding the suit that Citizens for Fauquier County and 10 other plaintiffs — all residents who live near the Amazon site at Blackwell Road — filed months ago in an effort to stop the data center from being built and make it more difficult for the town to approve more. After a near three-hour court hearing, Fisher ruled from the bench that the plaintiffs’ lawsuit could proceed on two of its eight counts and that the plaintiffs have legal “standing” to bring the lawsuit. The remaining six counts were dismissed but can be refiled by the plaintiffs, Fisher said. “We are relieved,” said Kevin Ramundo, president of the citizens group, in an interview on the courthouse steps after hearing the judge’s ruling. “We are more confident than ever in the strength of our case. ... Citizens for Fauquier County had to undertake this litigation knowing that it’s unpredictable, that it would

take a tremendous amount of time, a vibrant board and considerable expense,” Ramundo said. “It was important (to bring the lawsuit) because that data center is in exactly the wrong place, was decided upon — in our opinion — in the wrong way, and we are concerned about the citizens of Warrenton.” Data centers are large warehouses that house the computer servers and other equipment that allow for internet connectivity. Northern Virginia has the largest concentration of data centers in the world. Although they generate jobs and millions in tax revenue, data center opponents decry their enormous power demands and their unsightly appearance as reasons for opposing their proliferation. The two counts of the lawsuit Judge Fisher said could move forward are procedural in nature; they attack the validity of the town’s zoning text amendment that allows data centers to obtain a special use permit to build in industrial zones. The resolution initiating the zoning amendment, approved on April 13, 2021, was passed “without a stated public policy reason anywhere in the text,” plaintiffs argued in their amended complaint and at the hearing. The plaintiffs cite state law that says resolutions passed by governing bodies proposing a rezoning in Virginia “shall” state the public purposes they serve. The plaintiffs argued that, because

A rendering of the Amazon data center approved for Blackwell Road in Warrenton. COURTESY TOWN OF WARRENTON

the resolution adopting the amendment does not state its public purpose, it is void. As a result, the amended complaint argues, the special use permit the council approved for the Amazon data center on Feb. 14 is also invalid. The plaintiffs also argued in their amended complaint that, for the same reasons, town officials have no legal authority to issue permits allowing a data center on the property because the permits are drawn on no authority and “would be without legal effect.” In issuing his ruling, Fisher told the parties that he was “persuaded” by the plaintiffs’ arguments on these issues because they focused on “the how, not the why, of the town’s decision-making process.” The plaintiffs had “set out a challenge not to the wisdom of the town’s decision as a matter of policy but rather a challenge of mandatory legal procedure,” Fisher said. Near the end of his ruling, Fisher also said the plaintiffs “enjoy

standing” to bring the lawsuit. Standing is a legal term referring to whether a party has a legal right to sue. Standing was a hotly contested issue in the case. Amazon urged the court to dismiss the case based on standing. The judge disagreed. The 10 Warrenton residents who are plaintiffs in the lawsuit live in close proximity to the data center site on Blackwell Road or infrastructure that will serve it. They say their lives and property values would be adversely affected by the data center’s development and operations. They allege ill effects of the facility include noise from its cooling system and fumes from its diesel generators; construction traffic; and having their streets dug up for underground power lines. Citizens for Fauquier County is a 55-year-old nonprofit of 700 members that has been involved in many Fauquier development fights over the See LAWSUIT, page 11

Businesses

Holiday BINGO rules: Must be 18 years of age or older to participate. One stamp per item purchased. Must make a purchase to earn stamp. Each BINGO (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and 4-corners) on the card is an entry into the drawing for a gift card from a participating business on the BINGO card. If the winner can’t be reached in 3 days, a new winner will be drawn. BINGO cards must be submitted by December 21 at participating BINGO merchants, the Fauquier Times office, mailed to 53 S. Third St, Warrenton, VA, 20186, or a picture emailed to NKeyser@fauquier.com. ENTIRE BINGO CARD MUST BE SUBMITTED TO QUALIFY. Participants’ information WILL NOT be used for solicitation purposes. Winners will be announced online at fauquier.com on December 22 and in the Fauquier Times print edition on January 3.

Date:

Email:

Phone:

Name:

ENTIRE BINGO CARD MUST BE SUBMITTED TO QUALIFY FOR PRIZE DRAWINGS.

Do you have BINGO? Fill out the information below by and submit the entire page by December 21. Drop off at your local participating merchant, the Fauquier Times office, mail to the Fauquier Times at 53 S. Third St, Warrenton, VA 20186, or email a picture of your completed BINGO card to NKeyser@fauquier.com.

There is no limit to the number of cards you can play; the more BINGO cards you submit, the more chances you’ll have to win. Find all the cards at your local merchants or online at fauquier.com.

By completing Holiday BINGO cards, you will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a gift card from a participating local business. Stores will give one stamp for every item purchased. (If you buy more than one thing, bring another BINGO card to be stamped!)

Holiday BINGO is the Fauquier Times’ way of rewarding our readers for shopping in our local community.

What is it?

BINGO

L ocal d a i l y o H WIN

Gift Cards to

Village Flowers 81A Main St, Warrenton

Silver Branch Brewing Co. 56 E Lee St, Warrenton

Acclaim Cleaners 494 Broadview Ave, Warrenton

Acclaim Cleaners

Town Duck 100 Main St, Warrenton

Cast Iron Craft House 11 S 2nd St, Warrenton

Prizes include: $200 Rankin Furniture Gift Card• $25 Hobby Shoppe Gift Card $100 Fox Den Gift Card • Large Charcuterie Board from Village Flowers 4J Gift Card • And many MORE! See website for most recent list of prizes.

High Flyer Arms 10 S 5th St, Warrenton

Carter & Spence 41 Main St, Warrenton

Lee Highway Nursery 7185 Burke Ln, Warrenton

Studio Luxe 92 Main St, Warrenton

Quilting Essentials 10 S 5th St, Warrenton

Heart + Paw 657 Falmouth St, Warrenton

Walk by Faith 9 S 5th St, Warrenton

Four J's Farm & Brewery 7595 Keith Rd, Warrenton

The Open Book 104 Main St, Warrenton

Latitudes 78 Main St, Warrenton

O’Brien’s Irish Pub 380 Broadview Ave, Warrenton

Tippy’s Taco House 147 W Shirley Ave, Warrenton

Rankin’s Furniture 360 Waterloo St, Warrenton

Fox Den Antiques 355 W Shirley Ave, Warrenton

Collectibles

December 20, 2023

Pearmund Cellars 6190 Georgetown Rd, Broad Run Scan the QR code with your phone camera to learn more about the participating businesses and their holiday specials and print more BINGO cards or visit Fauquier.com/Site/HolidayBingo

This n' That Amish Outlet 5451 Old Alexandria Turnpike 52 Main Street, Warrenton, VA

Galaxy Strikes 251 W Lee Hwy, Warrenton

FREE SPACE

Warrenton Hobby Shoppe 46 Main St, Warrenton

2nd St. Hoarders 24 S 2nd St, Warrenton

Consignments and

Antiques

Fox Den

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

NEWS Key Data Center

GATEWAY, from page 1

QTS Realty Trust, Inc.

Compass Datacenters

har

p in

Pageland Ln

Dominion Powerline

Pageland Ln

Manassas Battlefield Park

Supervisors cite tax base

In comments before the vote, supervisors who voted in favor of the projects cited the need to grow the county’s commercial tax base as well as Pageland Lane residents’ desire to assemble their 102 properties in rural Prince William for a new data center development. “My decision is based on the greater good,” said Angry, adding that he believes the county’s current data center overlay district, which skirts some residential areas in Bristow and Haymarket, is more problematic than siting more than 30 data centers on the edge of the battlefield. Angry made the motion to approve all three applications in a single vote. “If I had to make a decision between data centers next to schools and data centers next to the battlefield, I choose the battlefield,” Angry said. In cooperation with some of the landowners, Angry first proposed replanning agricultural land near the battlefield for data centers in 2021. The supervisors voted in November 2022 to approve a comprehensive plan amendment that opened 2,133 acres of homes and farms along Pageland Lane and adjacent to the battlefield to data centers. The rezoning was the final step in allowing QTS and Compass to build their data center complex, which could include up to 37 data centers on 1,760 acres. Wheeler pushed for the public hearings and the vote to occur during the board’s “lame duck” session — and before Chair-elect Deshundra Jefferson (D), an opponent of the project, takes office Jan. 1, 2024. Jefferson unseated Wheeler in the June primary with help from data center opponents in western Prince William. Jefferson went on to defeat Lawson, a Republican, in November to win the chair’s seat. Still, Wheeler said before the vote that she was surprised by residents’ opposition to the PW Digital Gateway, given its economic benefits. “We’re at $40 billion in investment in this county, which really would be transformational. I guess most people can’t wrap their heads around that, but most people would kill for that

ley R

Electrical Infrastructure

Cat

Gainesville District includes the Digital Gateway. Among other issues, opponents are expected to challenge the validity of the public hearing due to an advertising snafu. The county ran three public notices for the hearing, but the final ad ran only three days before the Dec. 12 public hearing instead of the five prescribed by county ordinance. Shortly after the vote, the two data center developers involved in the PW Digital Gateway, Compass Datacenters and QTS, issued statements. “We are committed to being a good neighbor in Prince William County and continuing a dialogue with all of our stakeholders as this project moves forward,” the Compass statement said. QTS said it “will continue to work diligently with county staff, elected officials and residents as it carries out its environmental and responsible development commitments.”

S ud

land L

Prince William board OKs Digital Gateway

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

Pa g e

Conway Robinson State Forest

Le e

Hw y

2 U.S.

I - 66

kind of investment,” Wheeler said. The vote capped a record-breaking, nearly 28-hour meeting that included about 17 hours of public comment. With a few exceptions, nearly all supporters of the rezonings were landowners in the Pageland Lane corridor who are under contract to sell their homes and small farms to the two data center developers for between $300,000 and $900,000 an acre. A handful of other supporters identified themselves as members of regional labor unions, which generally support data centers because of the jobs they create. Opponents criticized the size and location of the development and its negative impacts on the battlefield and surrounding neighborhoods, including noise. Describing the development as “a concrete jungle,” they also complained about the environmental effects, including the likelihood that the data centers’ enormous power needs would require Dominion Energy to build more unsightly, high-powered transmission lines and purchase or produce more fossil-fuel-generated electricity. Kristopher Butcher, superintendent of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, reiterated National Park Service concerns that at least some of its buildings — which are estimated to be three football fields long and up to 90 feet tall — will spoil the view from the national park. The buildings closest to the battlefield will be limited to about

Prince William Digital Gateway

In what would be one of the largest new data center developments in the world, the Digital Gateway proposes to transform 1,700 acres of homes and farms next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park into a corridor of 37 data centers. (Locations of buildings and electrical infrastructure are approximate.) SOURCE: QTS, COMPASS DATACENTERS MASTER CORRIDOR PLAN; MAP BY VINCENT SALES; MAP DATA COURTESY OF OPENSTREETMAP

60 feet, due to viewshed concerns. “This proposed project will adversely affect the battlefield … and does not provide sufficient modifications to mitigate those impacts,” Butcher said. “The park service believes the full extent of the impacts are unclear and haven’t been determined fully.” Prince William County School Board membe Jen Wall (Gainesville) called it “a fiction” that the project would provide more funding for local schools, since the tax revenue is unknown and will take years to fully realize. The project is expected to build out over the next two decades. “No one is going to know if we will need more schools (when the data center tax revenue is collected) because people are going to leave Prince William County,” Wall said. “They already are.” Those speaking in favor of the Digital Gateway included Mike Grossman, a resident of Trappers Ridge, a small, upscale neighborhood off Pageland Lane where the entire neighborhood has agreed to sell their land for data centers. Like many of his neighbors, Grossman touted the tax revenue the data centers would generate as well as the developers’ cohesive plan for the industrial project. Voting to deny or defer the project, Grossman said, would kill the project and the benefits it would offer. “If this decision is postponed or denied today, I can tell you with absolute certainty that the Prince

How big is the Prince William Digital Gateway?

• SIZE: Three miles north to south and 2 miles east to west or nearly triple the size of Arlington National Cemetery. It’s also about three times bigger than the National Mall, extending from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument. • BUILDINGS: Up to 37 buildings, each averaging about 150,000 square feet — the equivalent of one football field wide and three football fields long. The footprint of those 37 buildings — not counting adjacent areas paved for parking and generator pads — would be five times that of the Pentagon, the world’s largest office building. • POWER: At full build out, the new data center corridor is expected to require enough power to serve at least 500,000 homes, based on a gauge used by Dominion Energy. Prince William County had 162,200 households in 2022, according to U.S. Census figures. Each building would likely have 20 to 30 commercial-sized diesel generators, to keep the computers running during a power outage. That’s a total of 740 to 1,140 diesel generators. • REAL ESTATE DEAL: More than 100 homeowners and farmers are under contract to sell their properties for the Digital Gateway for between $300K and $900K an acre. Total price: about $1 billion. William Digital Gateway will be lost,” Grossman said.

Prince William on track to become data center capital of North America

If the Digital Gateway survives its possible court challenges, it will put Prince William County on track to surpass Loudoun County as the data center capital of North America and likely the world. As of 2022, the Digital Gateway was the largest data center development under way anywhere on the planet, according to data center trade publications. Prince William County currently has 42 operating data centers encompassing nearly 7 million square feet of data center space. Several more buildings, comprising an additional 3 to 4 million square feet, are in the pipeline, according to Christina Winn, Prince William County economic development director. At full buildout, the Digital Gateway will add another 22.3 million more square feet, bringing Prince William’s total to at least 32 million, not counting projects that are in the pipeline but not yet approved. Nearby Loudoun County is the current data center capital of the world. The county has 25 million square feet of operating data center space and 4 million more in development for an expected total of about 29 million, according to the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development. Reach the writers at news@fauquier.com

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

oakviewbank.com

Happy Holidays! From our family to yours! MEMBER FDIC

Thank You and here’s to a prosperous 2024!

THANK YOU

We here at LHN would like to for supporting our retail Garden Center the past 15 years! Your past patronage to our business does not go unnoticed. LHN is going to be restructuring our current business profile to focus only on our Landscaping/Hardscaping/Lawn Care/Grounds Maintenance services. LHN will still be servicing Fauquier and surrounding counties. Same company, just new location to better geographically service all our loyal clients going forward.

Lee Highway Nursery

Grounds Maintenance • Landscaping 540.347.5640 • leehighwaynursery.com • P.O. Box 40, Brightwood VA

OPINION

Comment at www.fauquier.com

Like us at facebook.com/fauquiertimes

Email at news@fauquier.com

WWW.FAUQUIER.COM

Fauquier Times | December 20, 2023

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for a fixed pothole — in verse If we’re going to scream bloody murder when someone in government drops the ball, we should probably be just as quick to dole out the compliments when they get it right. With that in mind, I hope you’ll allow me to share a short story. Come to think of it, I’ll do so in verse. Down fair Keith Road where tires will roam a pothole’s long waited to mar journeys home. Recently I, my frustration clear, emailed expectantly, hope tinged with fear. “What can I do to get this thing fixed? It must be solved; it must be nixed!” Yon Heather Sturdivant was swift to respond (her post with the county, her skills from beyond). “Take this to the state,” came her sage, sane advice with courtesy keen and directions precise. To the proper office a call was soon placed, to a fine and sweet staffer with efficiency graced. This driver, resigned to a six-month-long wait, was shocked to discover a far quicker fate. Not six days had passed, and new asphalt there gleamed — smooth, black and fresh, as if just sweet-dreamed. Zipping down Keith, now joy takes ahold. Passenger-side wheels glide with no clunk — oh, behold! A picture I’ve snapped, the proof here to share of civic duty borne out beyond past compare. From Warrenton’s heart and in Fauquier’s grace ‘mid Virginia’s charm this tale takes its place. A hundred reasons we find cause to be glad for workers who fix that which once made us mad. We salute regal road crews, both far and near, for byways made smooth, for pathways now clear. Gratitude swells ‘neath our cooled summer sun for those who deliver, their tasks ever well done. GRANT RAMPY Warrenton

A pall upon tidings of comfort and joy In this holiday season, I yearn for an outpouring of care, tolerance and communal love among our fellow Americans be they guided by the teachings of Jesus or their own moral code. Sadly, it seems not to be. A week ago, in checking my mailbox along Leeds Manor Road, I found a small plastic baggie on the ground by the box. Inside was a message that said: “Happy Birthday, Jesus, the Messiah! (Luke 2:4–7 KJV) / We are a Christian organization concerned with preserving the footprint of the White Race! THE LOYAL WHITE KNIGHTS / 100% Americanism. Pray for White Americans.” Not only do the quoted authorities not say or support what the author thinks they do, but the writer neglects to mention that Jesus was not white, that he was a Jew, and that nowhere in the Sermon on the Mount did Jesus ask all non-whites and Jews to stand up and leave the Mount before the distribution of the fishes and barley loaves. A second message a neighbor received attacked Israel accusing them of war crimes allegedly committed in 1967 during the Six Days War. It, too, asks recipients to pray for White America. All of the messages contain a telephone number in North Carolina identifying itself as “White Power” — ostensibly, the Ku Klux Klan. A close neighbor, who is biracial, received a similar message.

The writers neglect to relay that this country is not just a white America; it was initially settled by Native Americans — brown people — not whites. We just took their land. Over the years, an armada of people have journeyed to this country — brown and black people (the latter initially not by choice), yellow people, white and mixed. With the exception of those brought to these shores in chains, people came to America seeking refuge, a better life for themselves and their children, economic opportunities, freedom, a life without fear or just a new chance in a new world. If any prayers are offered, they should be for all, not for a single race, class, religion or culture. Yes, immigration is a problem today but then so is climate change, COVID, national drug addiction, the widening disparity in wealth, global warming and elsewhere in the world, war and famine. Our only hope in America is for people of all faiths and colors to put aside racism, hate and bigotry, to shun and reject the message givers who work in the dark seeking to divide us, who seek to sow fear and try to tap into historic racial and cultural divisions. Instead, we need to embrace the joy we have living in America, extend a hand to those less fortunate and experience tolerance and love. ARTHUR VON KELLER Hume

Warrenton VFW honors 2 teachers, 6 students with citizenship awards Staff Reports Warrenton VFW Post 9835 recently recognized three local middle school students, three local high school students and two local teachers as winners in its annual citizenship education and patriotic essay contests. The local VFW post solicited teacher nominations from all elementary, middle and high schools in Fauquier County and awarded Lisa St. Ledger, a Marshall Middle School social studies teacher, and Dr. Catherine Croft, a Fauquier High School science teacher, with their annual awards for Citizen Education Teachers of the year, according to Jeff Dombroff, adjutant for VFW Post 9835. St. Ledger and Croft were chosen based on their efforts both in and out of school to “encourage and/or model good citizenship and community involvement and stimulate students with new things,” Dombroff wrote in a news release. Both teachers advanced to the district level competition, where they were evaluated along with winning teachers from Fredericksburg, Haymarket, Manassas, Morrisville and Culpeper and King George counties. St. Ledger was selected as the district’s top middle school teacher and will advance to the state-level competition later this month, Dombroff said The VFW’s “Patriot’s Pen” essay competition for middle schoolers dates back to 1947 and is open to all students, including home-schooled students, in the sixth through eighth grades. This year’s topic was “How am I inspired by America?”

COURTESY WARRENTON VFW POST 9835

Left: Ava Price, an 11th grader at the Wakefield School, and Nathan Torres, an eighth-grader at the Wakefield School, won first-place awards in the Warrenton VFW Post 9835 patriotic essay contest. Right:: Lisa St. Ledger, a Marshall Middle School social studies teacher, was awarded a Citizen Education Teacher award by both Warrenton VFW Post 9835 and VFW’s Virginia District 8. The winning Fauquier County students who received certificates, medals and prizes ranging from $100 to $225 were: • 1st place: Nathan Torres, an eighth-grade student at the Wakefield School • 2nd place: Matthew C. King, an eighth-grade student at Wakefield School • 3rd place: Avery Q. Waddell, a sixth-grade student at Auburn Middle School. The VFW’s “Voice of Democracy” essay competition is open to students in the ninth through 12th grades and requires a recorded essay on a selected topic. This year’s topic was: “What are

the greatest attributes of our democracy?” The winning Fauquier County students who received certificates, medals and prizes ranging from $150 to $300 were: • 1st place: Ava E. Price, an 11th grade student at Wakefield School • 2nd place: Grace Faulk, a 10th grade student at Fauquier High School. • 3rd place: Elizabeth Berman, a 10th grade student at Fauquier High School Grace Faulk was also selected as a runner up in the district competition, Dombroff said. Reach news@fauquier.com

LIFESTYLE WWW.FAUQUIER.COM

Fauquier Times | December 20, 2023

Weekend happenings: Gift-wrapping help, holiday lights By Sondra Anzalone

Special to the Fauquier Times

There’s still time to haul out the holly and deck the halls for the holiday — just grab yourself a live Christmas tree from the Warrenton Boy Scouts and festive arrangements from Fauquier High School. Bonus: You’ll feel jolly knowing that the proceeds from your purchase will benefit the school’s agricultural department. Struggling to get those gifts wrapped? Fauquier High School can help with that, too! The track and field team will graciously adorn your treasures for a donation in support of their school. If you’re looking for free ways to celebrate the season, take a nighttime stroll on the Neabsco Regional Park’s walk of lights or don your ugliest sweater for the party at Ornery Beer Taproom. Come to the community brunch at Emmanuel Parish House in Middleburg on Christmas morning. Little ones can get in on the holiday action, too, at McKay’s Used Books in Manassas, where they can enjoy Polar Express story time in their jammies and get a gift. (Registration required.) With all this Christmas action, it’s sure to be a December to remember. See you in January! Warrenton Boy Scouts Christmas Tree Sales: now through Dec. 24. Costello’s Ace Hardware, 251 W. Lee Highway, Warrenton. Help support the Boy Scouts of America by purchasing a Christmas tree. Cash or check only Fauquier High School Holiday Arrangements Sale: 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20.

COURTESY MANASSAS BALLET THEATRE

Manassas Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker,” runs from Dec. 14 through Dec. 23 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

Fauquier High School Horticultural Building, 705 Waterloo Road, Warrenton. Get your wreaths, sprays, poinsettias and floral arrangements for the holidays made by the Fauquier High School’s floral design students. Order ahead online or stop by to pick one out; donations support the school’s agricultural programs. Visit https://www.fauquierHShort.com to order or come in person. Fauquier High School Holiday Gift Wrapping: 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22. Warrenton Presbyterian Church, 91 Main St., Warrenton. Let

the Fauquier High School track and field team do your gift wrapping. Paper, bows, boxes and other wrapping accessories will be provided. All donations benefit Fauquier High School. 2nd annual Holiday Walk of Lights: 5:30 to 9 p.m. from Wednesday, Dec. 20 through Saturday, Dec. 23. Neabsco Regional Park, 15337 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge. Free. For more information, call 703-382-6716. Ugly Sweater Day: Noon to 10 p.m. Ornery Beer Taproom, 8120 Flannery Court, Manassas. Wear your ugliest sweater to win a prize; food truck on site. Community Christmas Brunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25. Emmanuel Parish House, 105 E. Washington St., Middleburg. Free. All are welcome. Polar Express Storytime: 10 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec 22. For children. McKay Used Books, 8345 Sudley Road, Manassas. Receive a Polar Express themed gift and a prize for the coziest jammies. Free. Registration required; go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/polar-express-storytime-tickets-764023233057. 2nd annual A December to Remember: 6 to 9 p.m. Tribute at The Glen, 4151 Old Bridge Road, Woodbridge. In honor and memory of those with dementia and loved ones lost from the disease. Holiday light competition, an ice-skating rink, a luminary ceremony, winter carnival games, live performances and more. Registration is required; call 703-489-4724.

ASSISTED LIVING ~ MEMORY SUPPORT

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR PERSONAL TOUR!

WARRENTON, VIRGINIA • 540.216.7557 • SpringArborLiving.com

10 CALENDAR

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

UPCOMING FAUQUIER EVENTS DEC. 20 TO 26 ONGOING EVENTS Fauquier County Public Libraries All Story Times will be on break from Monday, Dec. 18, through Friday, Jan. 5 Holiday refuse collection What: Christmas Holiday Refuse Schedule When: Monday, Dec. 25, HOLIDAY-NO REFUSE COLLECTION; Tuesday, Dec. 26, double refuse collection both Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday, Dec. 27, regular recycling collection; Thursday, Dec. 28, regular refuse collection; Friday, Dec. 29, regular refuse collection Where: Town of Warrenton Christmas trees What: Warrenton Boy Scouts Christmas Tree Sales - until Dec. 24 When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. weeknights Where: Costello’s Ace Hardware, 251 W. Lee Highway, Warrenton Cost: Cash or check only Info: Support the Boy Scouts of America Recovery What: Stepping Into Recovery Al-Anon Family Group When: Every Monday at 7 p.m. Where: Warrenton United Methodist Church, 2nd Floor-C25, 341 Church St., Warrenton Info: Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics; https://www.alanon.org or 1-888-425-2666 Support What: Parkinsons Piedmont Support Group When: 12:15 to 2 p.m., fourth Wednesday of each month Where: Cornerstone Community Church,

HOLIDAY EVENTS Holiday fundraiser What: Fauquier High School Holiday Arrangements Sale When: 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20 Where: Fauquier High School Hort Building, 705 Waterloo Road, Warrenton Cost: Prices will vary for arrangements; https://www.fauquierHShort.com Info: Wreaths, sprays, poinsettias and floral arrangements for Christmas made by the FHS Floral design students; order ahead online or stop by to pick one out; donations support the school’s AG programs Ballet What: The Nutcracker When: 7:30 Wednesday, Dec. 20; 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21; 3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22; and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Circle, Manassas

Cost: Tickets $75, $65, $55, $45, $35 Reservations: 703-993-7550 Info: Presented by the Manassas Ballet Theatre Carriage rides What: Christmas in Middleburg-Horse Drawn Carriage Rides When: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, and Sunday, Dec. 24 Where: The Middleburg Museum, 8 N. Madison St., Middleburg Cost: $40 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ christmas-in-middleburg-horse-drawncarriage-rides-tickets-753400219337 Community What: Community Christmas Brunch; all are welcome When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 25 Where: Emmanuel Parish House, 105 E. Washington St., Middleburg

40 Rockpoint Lane, Warrenton (directly behind Blaser Physical Therapy Bldg.) Info: Kendal Blaser, 540-222-6000 or Blaserx4@aol.com Recovery What: 12-Step Recovery Programs, i.e., Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, Narcotics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, etc. When: Meeting days and times vary Where: There are various types of 12Step recovery programs that meet at The Warrenton Meeting Place that can offer a solution; www.TWMP.org Food assistance What: Peas and Grace for those in need When: 8:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays, and 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturdays

Where: Grace Episcopal Church, 6507 Main St., The Plains Spiritual Care Support Ministries What: Support groups/counseling and special events for those experiencing the death of a loved one, divorce and chronic illness When: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; closed on Sunday Where: Spiritual Care Support Ministries, 7179 New Hope Lane, Warrenton Info: 540-349-5814 or www.scsm.tv The S.E.E. Recovery Center What: Recovery-oriented groups, meetings and the opportunity to speak with someone about mental health or substance use recovery

When: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday; and 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday Where: The S.E.E. Recovery Center, 710 U.S. Ave., Culpeper Info: 540-825-3366 or SEERecovery@ rrcsb.org

Wednesday, Dec. 20 Book club What: Open Book-Book Club When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Where: The Open Book, 104 Main St., Warrenton Info: Book discussion every third Wednesday; this month’s pick is “Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days,” by Jeanette Winterson; receive 10% off book club books when purchased at The Open Book Nature What: The Naturalist Is In When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Bealeton Branch Library, 10877 Willow Drive North, Bealeton Info: A Master Naturalist will be site to answer questions about nature and the environment ESL class What: English-as-a-second-language class presented by Piedmont Regional Adult and Career Education programs When: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Where: Warrenton Central Library, 11 Winchester St., Warrenton Info: 540-718-8243

Thursday, Dec. 21 Art What: Art Cart for preschool and elementary children

See CALENDAR, page 11

We’ll Keep Your Life On.

No Matter the Weather.

703.880.9850

THE STANDBY POWER PEOPLE ®

We Have Generators In Stock!

Scan to Learn More! Generac Home Standby Generators automatically provide you backup power during a utility power outage – whether you’re home or away. Whether it’s for a few hours or several days, your family and home are protected. Generator Supercenter is the #1 Generac dealer in North America. We have the experience and expertise you need. From design, local permitting, installation and long-term maintenance support, we are there for you. That’s why they call us The Standby Power People . ®

Pick Your Deal!

SAVE $500 or a FREE 10-Year Warranty*A $1035 on the purchase and installation of a Generac Home Standby Generator from Generator Supercenter of Virginia.*Terms and conditions apply, call for details.

Value!

Schedule Your Free Estimate Today!

Generator Supercenter of Virginia www.GeneratorSupercenterNOVA.com

Visit our showroom at 21005 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Suites 125-130, Ashburn, VA

CALENDAR 11

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

CALENDAR, from page 10 When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Bealeton Branch Library, 10877 Willow Drive, Bealeton Info: Express creativity with the library’s art supplies Book club What: Mystery Book Club When: Noon to 1 p.m. Where: Warrenton Central Library, 11 Winchester St., Warrenton Info: Annual year in review and book chat Join meetings: pamela.lovera@ fauquiercounty.gov or 540-422-8500, ext. 2 ESL class What: English-as-a-second-language class presented by Piedmont Regional Adult and Career Education programs When: 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Bealeton Branch Library, 10877 Willow Drive North, Bealeton Info: 540-718-8243 Senior supper What: Senior Supper for 55-plus When: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Where: Bistro on the Hill, 500 Hospital Drive, Warrenton Cost: $7.50 Coffee and conversation What: Fellowship, encouragement, hope through conversation with others When: 10 a.m. to noon Where: Spiritual Care Support Ministries, 7179 New Hope Lane, Warrenton Info: 540-349-5814 Prayer What: Open Prayer Gathering When: Noon to 12:30 p.m. Where: Spiritual Care Support Ministries, 7179 New Hope Lane, Warrenton Info: Personal prayer or for others; requests made 540-349-5814 or https:// www.scsm.tv/contactus Exercise What: Tomba When: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Also on Saturday, Dec. 23 Where: Middleburg Community Center, 300 W. Washington St., Middleburg Info: Tom Sweitzer’s version of Zumba; 540-687-6373

Friday, Dec. 22 Town Offices will close at noon in observance of the Christmas holiday Blood drive What: American Red Cross Drive

LAWSUIT, from page 4 years. Seven of the 10 plaintiffs are members of the organization. While the plaintiffs’ litigation can proceed on the first two counts of their amended complaint, Fisher dismissed the last six counts without explanation. Fisher said the plaintiffs could update and refile any or all of the counts within 21 days. Those counts included allegations about deficiencies in the Amazon special use permit submissions and insufficient findings by the town council in that permit process. After the hearing, Ramundo said the plaintiffs would work closely with their attorney to determine next steps in the litigation, including whether any of the dismissed counts would be retooled and refiled. “We are still working on what’s the best way forward for our case,” he said. The case has moved slowly so far, and discovery battles loom large in the litigation. In the meantime, Amazon is in the site development

When: 10 a.m. Where: Sycamore Room, Fauquier Health, 500 Hospital Drive, Warrenton Registration: www.redcross.org or 1-800-733-2767 Book Cellar What: Books, movies and music for all ages; sponsored by the Friends of Fauquier Library When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also on Saturday, Dec. 23 Where: John Barton Payne Building Basement, 2 Courthouse Square, Warrenton Volunteer: 540-341-3447 Holiday fundraiser What: Fauquier High School Holiday Gift Wrapping When: 4 to 8 p.m. Where: Warrenton Presbyterian Church, 91 Main St., Warrenton Cost: All donations are accepted Info: Let the FHS Track and Field team do your gift wrapping; the paper, bows, boxes and other wrapping accessories will be. provided

Saturday, Dec. 23 Farming What: Farm Experience Interactive Tour When: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Where: Silver Key Ranch, 11311 Barnes Road, Catlett Cost: $20 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ farm-experience-interactive-tourtickets-524680542627 Info: Meet the chickens, goats, cows and the guardian livestock; bottle feed a baby goat; hold a chicken; collect eggs; and sample farm products

Sunday, Dec. 24 Fauquier County Public Libraries What: All Fauquier libraries will be closed in observance of Christmas When: All day Sunday, Dec. 24, and Monday, Dec. 25 Where: Warrenton Library, Bealeton Branch Library, John Marshall Branch Library

Fauquier SPCA The Fauquier SPCA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing a temporary refuge for stray, homeless and abandoned animals, and to placing such animals in a caring, appropriate home whenever possible. 540-788-9000 • fspca@fauquierspca.com • fauquierspca.com 9350 Rogues Road, Casanova, VA Our Shelter Hours have changed. Now: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12 – 4. Wednesday closed. Sunday 12 – 4.

Grumpy

Murphy

Bolo

is a male, puppy, Labrador/Hound mix.

is a male, adult, Australian Cattle Dog mix.

is a male, young adult Great Pyrenees/Pit-bull/ Terrior mix.

Simone

Kingsly

Snow White

is a female, adult, Shepard mix.

is a male, adult, Pit-bull/Terrier mix.

is a female, young adult Labrador/ Retriever mix.

Looking for Loving Homes

Tuesday, Dec. 26 Art What: Art Cart for preschool and elementary children When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Warrenton Central Library, 11 Winchester Drive, Warrenton Info: Express creativity with the library’s art supplies

phase with town officials. Ramundo said CFFC is doing all it can to raise enough money to continue its legal fight. “We are doing our best to protect Fauquier from a similar fate experience in our neighboring counties,” Ramundo said. “Contributions have never been more important, and the outpouring of support from existing donors who have been more generous than ever, and new donors has allowed us to pursue this litigation.” Dale Mullen and Michael Brady, of the Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP law firm, based in Richmond, represented the plaintiffs at the hearing. John H. Foote and Matthew Westover, of The Land Lawyers, represented Amazon. John McGavin of McGavin, Boyce, Bardot, Thorsen, & Katz PC represented the Town of Warrenton. The cost of the lawsuit to the town is not immediately known. The next hearing in the case has yet to be scheduled. Reach Cher Muzyk at cmuzyk@ fauquier.com

Krampus

Essie is a female, adult, DSH mix.

Mama

is a male, adult, DSH mix.

is a female, adult, DSH mix.

Rika

Tofu

Winky

is a female, adult, DSH mix.

While the holidays can be a happy time, they can also pose some dangers for our pets. Know what foods, plants and decorations to avoid.

Proudly Sponsored by

Animal Medical Center of Warrenton John Rethman, DVM Steven Bartlett, DVM

79 Garrett Street, Warrenton, VA Open later on Monday and Thursday until 6:00 p.m.

540.428.0025 amcwarrenton.net Check us out on Facebook

Please call for an appointment:

540-428-0025

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

Legal Notice NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY D/B/A DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA FOR REVISION OF RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE: RIDER OSW, COASTAL VIRGINIA OFFSHORE WIND COMMERCIAL PROJECT, FOR THE RATE YEAR COMMENCING SEPTEMBER 1, 2024 CASE NO. PUR-2023-00195 · Virginia Electric and Power Company d/b/a Dominion Energy Virginia (“Dominion”) has applied for approval to revise its rate adjustment clause, Rider Offshore Wind (“Rider OSW”). · In this case, Dominion has asked the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) to approve Rider OSW for the rate year beginning September 1, 2024, and ending August 31, 2025 (“Rate Year”). · For the Rate Year, Dominion requests a revenue requirement of $485,933,455, which would increase the monthly bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month by $3.89. · A Hearing Examiner appointed by the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing in this case on May 8, 2024, at 10 a.m., for the receipt of public witness testimony. · An evidentiary hearing will also be held on May 8, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive the testimony and evidence of Dominion, any respondents, and Commission Staff. · Further information about this case is available on the SCC website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On November 1, 2023, pursuant to Code § 56-585.1 A 6, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an annual update with respect to the Company’s Rider OSW for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project (“Application”). Through its Application, the Company seeks to inform the Commission of the status of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Commercial Project (“Project”) and to provide the proposed cost allocation, rate design, and accounting treatment for service rendered during the proposed rate year commencing September 1, 2024, and extending through August 31, 2025 (“Rate Year”). According to the Application, the Project is proceeding on time and on budget, with certain minor modifications to the permitting schedule, though Dominion states those modifications are not expected to impact the planned in-service date of late 2026. The Company represents that the total Project cost forecast remains $9.8 billion (excluding financing costs), including approximately $1.4 billion of combined transmission costs. The Company requests that the Commission approve the updated expenditures for the Project, subject to subsequent true-ups, and find that such expenditures are reasonable and prudent in order to fulfill the Company’s service obligations as a public electric utility. In this proceeding, the Company is requesting a total revenue requirement of $485,933,455 for recovery in Rider OSW for the Rate Year. If the proposed Rider OSW revenue requirement for the Rate Year is approved, the impact on customer bills would depend on the customer’s rate schedule and usage. According to Dominion, implementation of its proposed Rider OSW on September 1, 2024, would increase the bill of a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month by approximately $3.89. The Company indicates it has calculated the proposed Rider OSW rates in accordance with the same methodology as used for rates approved by the Commission in the previous Rider OSW proceeding, Case No. PUR-2022-00187. Interested persons are encouraged to review Dominion’s Application and supporting documents in full for details about these and other proposals. TAKE NOTICE that the Commission may apportion revenues among customer classes and/or design rates in a manner differing from that shown in the Application and supporting documents and thus may adopt rates that differ from those appearing in the Company’s Application and supporting documents. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Application. A hearing for the receipt of testimony from public witnesses on the Company’s Application shall be convened telephonically at 10 a.m. on May 8, 2024. On or before May 1, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting. Beginning at 10 a.m. on May 8, 2024, the Hearing Examiner will telephone sequentially each person who has signed up to testify as provided above. On May 8, 2024, at 10 a.m., or at the conclusion of the public witness portion of the hearing, whichever is later, in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission Staff. To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and required electronic service on parties to this proceeding. Electronic copies of the public version of the Application may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Vishwa B. Link, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or vlink@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the public version of the Application and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. On or before May 1, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00195. On or before February 2, 2024, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00195. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing. On or before March 29, 2024, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2023-00195. Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice. The public version of the Company’s Application, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents filed in the case may be viewed at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

HALEY BALGAVY STARS FOR LYCOMING (PA.) VOLLEYBALL SQUAD 2023 Kettle Run High grad Haley Balgavy helped the Lycoming (Pa.) College volleyball team go 14-10. As a freshman she led the Warriors in aces and was second in assists while notching 94 digs.

SPORTS WWW.FAUQUIER.COM

Fauquier Times | December 20, 2023

KETTLE RUN SWIMMING PREVIEW

The golden ‘Agee’ of Cougars’ swimming

PHOTOS BY COY FERRELL

Left: Sophomore Emma Cigna set a Kettle Run record of 58.58 seconds in the 100-yard backstroke at the Class 4 state swim meet last season. Right: Junior Caroline Agee received her state championship ring at halftime of a Cougars’ football game for winning the 100-yard breaststroke last year.

Potent girls squad may be the best in school history, boys strong too By Matthew Proctor

Fauquier Times Staff Writer

Caroline Agee is only a junior but is already staking her claim as the greatest swimmer in Kettle Run history. As a sophomore, Agee took first in the 100-yard breaststroke at the Class 4 state meet with a time of 1:03.60 to become the first individual state champion in Kettle Run history. She also took third in the 200-yard individual medley and was a vital part of the third place 200 medley relay team, all of which helped propel the girls to fourth place overall, the highest the Cougars have ever finished.

In taking the gold in the breaststroke, Agee set a new school record, one of the many she’d end the season with. She also holds the record in the 100-yard butterfly (56.65 seconds), the 200 individual medley (2:04.08) and the 200 medley relay (1:49.27). Now as a junior, Agee has only gotten faster and spearheads a deep and experienced girls team that looks to build off their successful 2022-23 campaign. “(Agee’s) definitely leading the pack,” third-year coach Alex Ciopyk said. “The program is in a very good spot, and it’s definitely at a point where now we’ve hit sustained

success, so it’s looking at how we can continue that way and just keep pushing,” Ciopyk added, citing an “intense” practice regimen as a means of working towards taking that next step. Kettle Run practices four days a week, swimming in the mornings in Vint Hill most days. “We go for an hour. It’s an intense hour, trying to get anywhere between 2,500 to 3,000 yards of practice in, which is a lot to fit in that time frame but the swimmers are up for the task and they go at it,” said Ciopyk. See KETTLE RUN, page 19

FAUQUIER SWIMMING PREVIEW

Former swimmer Cummins takes over as Falcons’ new coach By Jack Parry

Special to the Fauquier Times

It’s still the beginning of the swim season, but first year coach Thomas Cummins has seen some great signs from his Fauquier High squad. “I think we have a lot of potential as a team, we just need to find a way to put it together,” said Cummins In his debut season, Cummins is getting his feet wet, so to speak, but he knows the ropes: He is a former FHS swimmer who graduated in 2018 and has come back as a firstyear teacher. He is FHS’ orchestra director and also teaches guitar ensemble and music theory. He said Andrew Homenik and Marcus Pollack have stood out for the boys, with senior Lana Barkovic, sophomore Brooke Shifflett and junior Nina Woodside shining for the Falcon girls. Barkovic has had the most points on the team with 423.69. “I think on the girls’ side we have a really good shot at making some championship meets… it’s just a matter of staying healthy,” he said. Cummins, who swam for Fauquier and ran track and cross country,

PHOTO BY COY FERRELL

Andrew Homenik competes in the 200-yard individual medley at a recent meet at the Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility. earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Virginia Tech in December 2022, then earned a master’s in education in 2023. “I have always wanted to come back to teach and coach in my hometown. When the orchestra teacher

opening came through, I applied right away. Then, a couple of months later, when I was situated at FHS, I was offered the job of head swim coach. I knew I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to coach my old team,” said Cummins.

Cummins swam for Fauquier Swim Club from 2008-2018 and has a long history with the sport. “I’m extremely blessed for the opportunity I’ve been given,” he said. See FAUQUIER, page 19

14 SPORTS

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

LIBERTY SWIMMING PREVIEW

Growing Eagles’ program poised for breakout season By Matthew Proctor

Fauquier Times Staff Writer

Last year, Liberty High sent just one swimmer to the Class 4 state meet, but with an increasingly large roster, the Eagles have as much depth and potential as they’ve had in a long time. “We have more depth than last year. And some of our swimmers have joined year round teams in the meantime and are getting faster and faster, so we are definitely stronger and faster than last year,” fifth year coach Stacy Laine said. With 47 swimmers listed on the roster, the Eagles have their foundation in seniors Natalie Cady, Bryar Laine, Reed Dodson, junior Marshall Howard and sophomore Chase Laine as well as a bevy of building blocks. Said Laine, “The girls are still getting stronger. The boys are starting to build. They’re doing great. “We have grown so much. We’ve over doubled in numbers in the five years that I’ve been the coach,” Laine said. “They literally run around the school recruiting… They love it and they want other people to love it. They’re convincing all these kids to be at the pool at 5:30 in the morning. That’s pretty amazing. “As we go forward, I think swimming is going to keep growing as kids find it. I think we’re providing an opportunity for them to literally get their feet wet,” the coach added. Laine and Cady lead a girls team that features 30 swimmers, creating one of the largest squads Liberty has ever assembled. Laine swam the 200- and the 500-yard freestyle at states last year while Cady was the only other girl to swim at regionals. Next year, Cady will swim

PHOTO BY COY FERRELL

Senior Reed Dodson and the Liberty swim team look primed for a breakout season with a massive roster that features 47 swimmers. at the Maine Maritime Academy (Castine, Maine) while Laine is deciding between four schools, including Brandeis University (Waltham, Mass.) and the University of Mary Washington. Along with their speed in the water, they provide a veteran experience that is necessary in building a team the size of Liberty’s. “Not only are they leading the pack in the water, but they also were voted by the team to be captains, so they’re leading out of the water, too,” coach Laine said. Outside of Laine and Cady, coach Laine sees promise in freshmen Addison Cobert and Madelyn Patterson and senior foreign exchange students Katinka Adringa (The Netherlands) and Kelly Tikaphanya (Thailand). She’s also seen great improvement in juniors Grace Lasher, Joyeloni Bill-

ings and sophomore Mae Frederick. Laine is the Eagles’ top sprint and distance freestyler and is the fastest in the breaststroke while Cady is quick in the sprint and the butterfly. Cobert is the best in the backstroke and Billings is improving on distance freestyle. As for the boys, Dodson, Howard and Laine all swam at regionals last year and return as Liberty’s top three, with junior Jason Cannon, sophomore Grant Hoffman and freshman James Ramirez looking strong as well. “On the boys side, we have that really strong group of three, and then we have a really deep layer right underneath them. I feel like the boys are going to do really well,” coach Laine said. Dodson, Howard and Laine are all quick in the sprint freestyle.

Laine excels in the backstroke, setting a school record of 57.99 seconds last year, Dodson is best in the breaststroke and they are both quick in the butterfly. Howard also swims the backstroke and is Liberty’s top distance freestyler. “Those three boys are really pushing it, and then we have a whole group of boys right behind them that are fighting for that fourth relay spot. They come up to me and say, ‘What can I do better? How can I get better? How can I fight? I want that spot.’ But it’s a friendly competition,” Laine said. Cannon, Hoffman and Ramirez are all challengers for the final relay spots, along with sophomores Cooper Dodson, Matthew Perrin, Zachary Stott and brothers Lincoln and Preston Taylor. With Fauquier and Kettle Run dropping down to Class 3, there will not be a Northwestern District meet in the postseason, so Liberty will go straight to regionals. The Eagles will still see the Falcons and Cougars throughout the regular season, including their traditional senior night meet on Jan. 26 at the Warrenton Aquatic and Recreation Facility (WARF). The region meet is Feb. 6 in Christiansburg and the state meet is Feb. 16. in Richmond. “We are shooting for as many seconds dropped as possible as a group… we want everybody to drop time and try new events,” said coach Laine, knowing if they drop enough time, they’ll take far more than just one swimmer to states. “We want to get as many people into the state meet as we can. We had one last year, so we would like more than one this year.”

VOLLEYBALL POSTSEASON HONORS (Fauquier, Kettle Run, Liberty players only)

CLASS 3 ALL-STATE TEAM - First team: Caroline Towle, Fauquier, Sr. CLASS 3 REGION B TEAM - First team: Caroline Towle, Fauquier, Sr.; Gracie Chumley, Kettle Run, Jr.; Audrey Hall, Fauquier, Sr.; Marcela Lawhorn, Fauquier, Sr.; Tori Chamberlain, Kettle Run, Sr. (libero). Second team: Mia Jones, Kettle Run, Sr.; Ashley Wise, Kettle Run, Sr.; Jacqueline Janecek, Fauquier, Sr. Coach of the year: Kiki Scott, Fauquier. CLASS 4 NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT TEAM - Second team: Cassie Acors, Liberty, Sr.

Kettle Run junior Gracie Chumley (right) was first team all-region as the Cougars made the state quarterfinals. PHOTOS BY COY FERRELL

Caroline Towle (right) was a first team all-Class 3 selection as Fauquier made the state semis. Teammate Marcela Lawhorn (left) was first team all-region.

15 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR BETSY BURKE PARKER, BETSYBURKEPARKER@GMAIL.COM

HORSE & FIELD SPORTS WWW.FAUQUIER.COM

Fauquier Times | December 20, 2023

HORSE BRIEFS

PHOTO BY BETSY BURKE PARKER

The Great Meadow International horse trials have been canceled for 2024. Officials are uncertain if it will return to The Plains.

PHOTO BY BETSY BURKE PARKER

Longtime Virginia racing professional Frank Petramalo retires from the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association at the end of the year.

GREAT MEADOW INTERNATIONAL CANCELED FOR ‘24 The Great Meadow International horse trials will not be held in 2024. The three-phase event had been held in The Plains since 2014, but organizers David O’Connor and Darrin Mollet reported on GMI social media that they “were unable to come to an agreement with the Great Meadow Foundation over maintenance of the cross-country footing” in time to plan the event that was scheduled for next August. Great Meadow hosts the Virginia Gold Cup steeplechase in May and the International Gold Cup races in October, and while the PETRAMALO RETIRES FROM HORSEMAN’S GROUP Frank Petramalo, longtime director of the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, announced he will be retiring at the end of the year. Glen Berman, Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s director and general counsel from 2009 to 2016 and, most recently, head of the Florida HBPA, will take over. Founded in 1940, the national Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and its affiliates operate on behalf of thoroughbred racehorse owners, trainers and backstretch personnel throughout the U.S. and Canada.

VOLUNTEER FOAL WATCH OPPORTUNITIES AT DUPONT CENTER The Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg is seeking volunteer foal watch staff starting in January 2024. Two training sessions are scheduled for Jan. 10 and 16. Volunteers have the unique opportunity to observe and learn from staff and veterinarians in a real-time, clinical setting. There are opportunities for mare watch, foal care and barn care. Juniors are encouraged to apply, and prior foaling experience is not required. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to request an application, e-mail emcvolunteer@vt.edu.

racecourse is irrigated, the longer cross-country track — it loops the adjacent Fleming Farm property and circles the infield — was too remote to fully irrigate. Persistent drought this year drove more than half of the 4-star level entries at Great Meadow International Aug. 24 to 27 to withdraw before the jumping test. Mollet said in a release that they may seek another venue for the event. Two other horse trials are held at Great Meadow — one in June organized by the Middleburg Orange County Pony Club, and the Old Tavern Horse Trials organized by Mollett and O’Connor scheduled for September. Petramalo helped usher through purse increases at Colonial Downs, upped the number of off-tracks betting parlors operated by the track’s owners, helped form the Virginia Equine Alliance and was part of the group that worked out legislation for Historical Horse Racing terminals at the track and off-track parlors. This year, more than $4 billion has been wagered at 2,790 HHR terminals in play at seven Rosie’s Gaming Emporium locations across Virginia

and at Colonial Downs. “Virginia … racing’s future looks pretty good as far as increasing days and purses,” Petramalo said in a release. “Glen should be a perfect fit here. “When I came to Virginia you couldn’t shop on Sundays, but things change, of course. The state put its foot in the water with HHR followed by sports gambling, fantasy games and casinos.” More is at vabred.org.

Grace MONTESSORI

Old Dominion Hounds huntsman Josh Bentley practices his jumping form alongside one of the pack’s hounds at Saturday’s junior meet from Copperfield in Hume. More than 70 mounted participants were at the annual event, nearly half under age 15.

NOW ENROLLING! 18 months through 6 years

We offer a faith based Montessori program centered around development of the whole child, and work to meet each student’s unique learning needs and interests!

Please visit our website www.GraceThePlains.org or email jillian@gmstheplains.org for more information or a school tour!

PHOTO BY SCOTT CANARD

This red fox easily outpaced the Piedmont Foxhounds pack last week near Upperville. PHOTO BY DOUGLAS LEES

Grace Montessori School 6507 Main Street, The Plains VA 20198 540-253-5177

16 PUZZLE PAGE

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

UNIVERSAL CROSSWORD

12/20

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

CLUES

SOLUTIONS

1 host of the 1896 Olympics (6) ___________ 2 host of the 1928 Olympics (9) ___________ 3 host of the 1952 Olympics (8) ___________ 4 host of the 1976 Olympics (8) ___________ 5 host of the 1992 Olympics (9) ___________ 6 host of the 2000 Olympics (6) ___________ 7 host of the 2012 Olympics (6) ___________

TER

NEY

DAM

ENS

AMS

SYD

ONA

LON

CEL

DON

ATH

BAR

KENKEN SOLUTIONS

12/17

Today’s Answers: 1. ATHENS 2. AMSTERDAM 3. HELSINKI 4. MONTREAL 5. BARCELONA 6. SYDNEY 7. LONDON

SUDOKU CROSSWORD SOLUTION

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Flooring Specialists & More...

EARLY’S

We can keep your image clean! Home & Office Serving the Community from One Location for 50 years!

Flooring Specialists & more...

1966

57th

2023

EARLY’S CARPET, INC. “Your Hometown Store” The largest in-stock Inventory of Carpet, Area Rugs, Orientals,Vinyl, Hardwood, Laminate, Ceramic & Remnants!

rts Expe ! e h t k l As Do It A l We

24 Hrs • 7 Days!

EMERGENCY WATER EXTRACTION

Flooded basements • Busted pipes • Sink & Commode Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Overflows • Structural drying • Floor Refinishing Sat 9am-2pm Cleaning & Sanitizing • Restoration • Class A Contractor

• Water Extraction • Structural Drying • Carpet/Oriental Rug Cleaning • Accept All Major Insurance Companies • Latest & Fastest Drying Technology!

HOME & OFFICE CLEAN Carpet • Vinyl • Ceramic Hardwood 540-937-5500 Upholstery • Air Ducts

50th

Carp 10%

Oct. O

ring Specialists Pick-up & Delivery of AreaFlooRugs EARLY’S CARP & More...

CALL FOR FREE QUOTE

We can keep your image clean! Home & Office Serving the Community from One Location for 50 years! • Water Extraction • Structural Drying • Carpet/Oriental Rug Cleaning • Accept All Major Insurance Companies • Latest & Fastest Drying Technology!

50th Anniversa

Carpet Clean

ONLY 1 LOCATION - HWY 211 W, AMISSVILLE VA Rooms G We Accept All Major Insurance Companies 10% Off VCT - Viny 540-937-5500

540-937-5500 • Only 13 miles West of Warrenton • Highway 211 W. Amissville, VA • www.earlyscarpet.com

ONLY 1 LOCATION - HWY 211 W, AMISSVILLE VA

Minimu

Oct. Only!

Upholst

PIEDMONT HOME CONNECTION WWW.FAUQUIER.COM

Fauquier Times | December 20, 2023

When it comes to getting into houses without chimneys, Santa has many tricks up his long, red velvet sleeves. COURTESY

No chimney, no problem!

Magic keys, cloaks, teleportation help Santa deliver on Christmas Eve By Christy Shultzaberger Century 21 New Millennium

I received a letter from a little girl worried about how Santa Claus would enter her home because her home did not have a chimney. She wants to know how Santa will get into her house and others. The first report of Santa coming down the chimney to deliver gifts was in an early 1800s book by Washington Irving. Irving wrote, “St. Nicholas is seen riding jollily among the treetops or over the roofs of houses, now and then drawing forth magnificent presents from his breeches pockets and dropping them down the chimneys of his favorites.” And sometimes, Santa himself “rattles down the chimneys” to deliver the gifts. In a poem by Clement Clarke Moore, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” St. Nicholas (Santa) comes down the chimney with a bound and magically rises up the chimney to leave.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think Santa could possibly keep all the presents in his pockets, and he definitely has a sleigh and reindeer. But as for going down the chimney — that is an excellent question! I thought about Santa delivering gifts to good little girls and boys over the years and how much houses have changed. In places where the weather gets cold in the winter, the houses have chimneys. But modern homes and those in places where the weather is warmer no longer need them. So how does Santa get into the house? This question has led to many stories over the years. Some parents say they have a magical key they leave for Santa to use to get in the front door. I have heard stories from managers of apartment buildings who have a special key they leave for Santa when he arrives so he can enter all the apartments to leave presents for all the good girls

and boys. I understand these keys are only magical on Christmas Eve and will only open the door for Santa — they won’t work for anyone else! Another story I’ve heard is that Santa can use a transporter device, or teleportation (think of Star Trek). He magically teleports inside homes with his large bag of gifts. That would be an interesting sight to see Santa appearing out of thin air! Another idea is he has an invisibility cloak, much like Harry Potter, and can follow someone inside and wait until the coast is clear to leave the presents. I doubt this one is likely; it may take a long time for the room to clear, and we know Santa has too many houses to visit to be held up at one house, waiting for everyone to go to bed! One little boy was told Santa came through the bathroom fan vent. I am not sure how that would work, but it would certainly be entertaining to see! Many other children believe Santa

uses his magic to create a chimney for their house just for Christmas Eve, and as soon as Santa is done, the chimney vanishes! How does Santa enter a house without a chimney? We may never know. Santa keeps most of his magic to himself; even his elves don’t know. You could ask the reindeer, but if you don’t speak their language, it won’t do you any good. What I do know is that Santa loves his work. He loves spreading joy and love throughout the world. He hopes all girls and boys are as kind to others as he is to them. Have a Merry Christmas! Christy Shultzaberger Christy@askchristy.realtor 540-272-7022 Century 21 New Millennium 8074 Crescent Park Drive Gainesville, VA

Ralph Monaco, Jr. llc. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, age, familial status, or national origin. All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Virginia and federal fair housing laws, which make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, or elderliness, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint, call the Virginia Fair Housing office at 804-367-8530 or toll-free at 888-551-3247. For the hearing impaired, call 804-367-9753. EMAIL: fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov WEBSITE: dpor.virginia.gov/fairhousing

540-341-7687

7373 Comfort Inn Drive Warrenton VA 20187 RE/MAX Gateway Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia

My business philosophy is simple • Know what you sell • Maintain a long-term investment in the community you work in (37 years and counting!) • Continue education to ensure skills remain most current • Commit to service and client satisfaction

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! www.RalphSellsHomes.com

18 NEWS/PIEDMONT HOME CONNECTION

Fauquier board OKs new policy aimed at curbing data centers POLICY, from page 1 but they are designed to be codified as an ordinance. With a much more complicated process, approval is not expected until 2025. The spread of data centers — large concrete buildings that contain the computer servers and other equipment necessary for internet connectivity — presents a unique challenge for local planners. A huge demand for data storage and processing space is driving their proliferation and has made Northern Virginia the industry capital of North America. Critics cite their huge power demand as well as their negative impacts on the environment and neighboring properties. The Fauquier policy is the result of work by the county’s planning staff and a committee that met twice this fall. That group consisted of three county officials, three real estate developers and six representatives from citizen organizations concerned about the potential spread of data centers into their largely rural county. The group’s mix guaranteed a compromise policy, one that does not delight anyone but one which most parties said they can live with. “Not everybody’s happy with this. There are groups on both sides of it who aren’t pleased. That’s what makes it good,” said Supervisor Rick Gerhardt,

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

R-Cedar Run, during the supervisors’ meeting on Dec. 14 where the policy was unanimously approved. “On balance, we believe the policy statement is a very helpful document,” Protect Fauquier’s executive board wrote in an email to supervisors. “There are multiple data center proposals before the county, so there is a need to strengthen policy expectations now.” The group had adamantly opposed the Warrenton Town Council’s decision to approve an Amazon data center earlier this year. Two days before the supervisors’ vote, three other data center-wary organizations — Citizens For Fauquier County, the Piedmont Environmental Council and Protect Catlett — asked for a Fauquier County Planning Commission review and a public hearing on the proposed policy before the supervisors’ vote. But upon its approval, Kevin Kask, the Piedmont Environmental Council’s Fauquier land use representative, said: “We all agreed that it could have used a little more time. Still, PEC is happy with it.” Kask called it a good first step and noted, as did others, that it could be amended in the future. The eight-page policy addresses building siting, design, utilities and public involvement. Some of its strongest language limits data centers to areas zoned as business parks or industrial districts and discourages data center applicants from trying to rezone land or change the county’s comprehensive plan to accommodate them.

Anne Talks

Real Eѕtate

It asks that data center lots not be contiguous with residential areas, parks, schools or medical buildings. It calls for 100-foot buffers to separate data centers from their non-industrial neighbors. It suggests that buildings be limited to 45 feet in height unless the applicant can show no impact from increased heights. It asks that applicants conduct at least one public outreach meeting prior to filing their applications and another prior to any public hearing. While most of the guidelines use the verb “should” to indicate encouragement, in several cases the guidelines use the verb “shall” or “must,” reflecting existing zoning law. “All new electric lines (both transmission and distribution) must be underground, with the cost of undergrounding borne by the applicant,” the policy states. It also says the applicants shall “commit to meeting” the county’s requirement that data centers not tap the county’s potable water supply and use only recycled water. In the course of consideration, however, the supervisors stripped out three provisions that required compliance with the state’s Freedom of Information Act and that discouraged the use of redactions in data center applications — something Amazon has done with in site plans for its planned data center in Warrenton. However, it does stipulate: “Applicants must provide maximum public disclosure of information relating to data centers.” As a document stating guidance and not law, Fauquier’s data center policy is weaker than a set of data center design and construction standards that is being developed in

Anne C. Hall

Associate Broker, CRS, GRI, SRES

Long & Foѕter, Realtors

Prince William County. A task force of county officials and citizens is meeting twice monthly to work on that project. However, because it will involve changing the county’s codes, it is likely more than a year away. That effort began in the summer of 2022 when a group of residents of the Great Oak subdivision near Manassas teamed with Prince William County officials to press Amazon to reduce the noise from four nearby data centers. As Amazon worked on the problem, the supervisors, in February, revised the county’s sound ordinance to tighten restrictions on air conditioning noise at night. They also accepted then-planning director Rebecca Horner’s suggestion to set up a working group to rewrite the entire noise ordinance to deal with data centers and to revise the zoning code as it pertains to data centers as well.. Meanwhile, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors has, in the past month, approved 46 data center buildings, including up to 37 at the Prince William Digital Gateway at the edge of the Manassas National Battlefield Park and up to nine more for “Devlin Technology Park,” located in Bristow near Devlin and Linton Hall roads Dale Browne, president of the Great Oaks HOA and a member of the group trying to devise rules for data center development, took note of that fact: “They’ll all be built. Therein lies the problem,” he said. Reach Peter Cary at news@fauquier.com

492 Blackwell Rd. Warrenton, VA 20168

540-341-3538

These property transfers, filed December 4-10, 2023 were provided by Clerk of the Court of Fauquier County. (Please note that to conserve space, only the first person named as the grantor or grantee is listed. The kind of instrument is a deed unless stated otherwise.) Top dollar sale: $3,800,000 in Center District Cedar Run District

Janey E. Thompson Successor Trustee to Horsefeathers LLC, 121.44 acres off Green Road. $1,300,000 10116 Meetze LLC to Kahlon Enterprise LLC, 2.4214 acres at 10116 Meetze Road near the intersection with Catlett Road. $1,800,000 Mark Gregory Buchko Tr. to Maronda Homes of Virginia LLC, 44.98 acres near Auburn. $1,560,000 Joseph T. Coppage to Julia Carolina Young, 2.1533 acres at 3097 Faiths Way, Goldvein. $480,000

at 11695 Morgansburg Road, Bealeton. $758,320 ALB Solutions LLC to Emily Keplar, 3 acres at 13489 Union Church Road, Sumerduck. $575,000

Center District

Midatlantic Postal Properties Inc. to APIF-Virginia LLC, 1.7902 acres at 7349 Comfort Inn Drive, Warrenton. $3,800,000 RFI CM LC to NVR Inc., 53,314 sq. ft. on Forestdale Drive & Academy Hill Road, Warrenton. $272,ooo

Lacey Anne Carwile to David Daniel Nelson, 1.63 acres at 7763 Rogues Road, Nokesville. $475,000

Eddie C. Sours to Halbert Corey Harlow Tr., 8,564 sq. ft. at 179 Waterloo Street, Warrenton. $259,000

Janet Faye Steelman to Selvin Evello Guerra Machoro, 0.500 acre at9642 Bristersburg Road. $80,000

Michelle L. Ball to Nicholas Griffin, 0.3539 acre at 139 High Street, Warrenton. $600,000

Lee District

Joan V. Farragher Tr. to Brandy E. Alexander, 122 North View Circle, Warrenton. $669,000

GoalLC to Essence Woodworks LLC, 0.364 acre at 101 West Marshall Street, Remington. $314,000

Duane Stephen Hart as Successor Tr. to Joyce M. Ferrara, Unit 66 at 6744 Stream View Lane near Warrenton. $490,000

Bernard M. Jay to Salvador Enrique Morales II, 2 acres at 7279 Covington’s Corner Road, Bealeton. $555,000

John M. McPhail to Gerald A. Urbanek Jr., 4494 Corral Road near Warrenton. $825,000

Heather Lynn Ramser to William Patrick Baudry, 7549 Pilcher Street near Warrenton. $455,000

Harriet Ann Barrett to Jack W. Bidlack, 1.4297 acres at 6802 Palmer Court near Warrenton. $750,000

Rockwood Homes Inc. to Raymond Emery III, 8.9794 acres

Timothy Ojeda to Lyndsi McClinton, Deed and Assumption

John D. Kirkpatrick to Christopher Robert Ely, 5.8610 acres at 9732 Routt’s Hill Road, Warrenton. $860,000

Scott District

of Deed of Trust, 0.8638 acre at 9941 Thoroughbred Road, Warrenton. $842,500 Martha Lee Browning to Jeffrey D. Jenkins, 10.5194 acres & access to Valley Green Drive. $300,000

Marshall District

ZAND 78 LLC to Prestige23 LLC, 50.0008 acres off Apple Manor Road near Markham. $350,000 Nicholas R. Griffin to Chad Scheatzle, 2.4920 acres at 8501 Country Club Lane near Warrenton. $1,195,000 Kenneth T. Brown to Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 8.0661 acres on Wilson Road near Warrenton. $235,000 Old Salem Community Development LLC to Phornsawon Locke, 5096 Carter’s Crossing Avenue, Marshall. $747,490 Constance Marie Hackley to Jefferson Holdings LLC, 1.97627 acres at 3826 Lea Road near Delaplane. $223,500 Sara Martin to Sean Martin, interest in 28.67 acres at 10398 John S. Mosby Hwy., Upperville. $837,500

To see more property sales, scan the QR code or visit fauquier.com/ news/land_transfer/

SPORTS 19

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

Ryman scores career-high 27 to lead LHS boys Senior Andew Ryman scored a career-high 27 points, making 10-of-17 shots from the field and all four free throws as the Liberty boys basketball team (3-3) overwhelmed Dominion 67-42 on Dec. 11. C.W. Burke had 12 points, four assists and four steals and Dylan Richards had 12 points, four rebounds and three assists. Toby James was also a standout with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists. The Eagles rolled to a 24-12 first quarter lead

and led 40-21 at the break. Liberty fell to Sherando 70-41 on Dec. 12. After a tight first quarter, the Warriors (5-3) spurted to a 37-14 halftime lead and never let up. Burke nailed four 3-pointers and scored 14 with Ryman contributing 11 points and four assists. The Eagles were dominated inside by the Warriors, who outscored them 46-14 in the paint Elsewhere, the Fauquier boys improved to 5-4 after winning three of their last four. The Falcons

beat Manassas Park 45-16 on Dec. 12 then Culpeper County 63-32 on Dec. 13. They fell to Meridian 76-47 on Dec. 15 before picking up a 69-45 win over Brentsville on Monday. Kettle Run (4-5) has split their last four games, beating Warren County 54-43 on Dec. 13 and Manassas Park 66-36 on Monday and losing to James Wood 45-43 on Dec. 12 and Skyline 83-59 on Dec. 15. -PETER BREWINGTON AND MATTHEW PROCTOR

FIELD HOCKEY POSTSEASON HONORS (Fauquier, Liberty, Kettle Run players only)

CLASS 3 ALL-STATE TEAM – Second team: Fanny Bodart, Fauquier, forward, Sr.; Kirsten Settle, Fauquier, midfield, Soph.; Brooklyn Maldonado, Fauquier, defender, Sr. CLASS 3 REGION B TEAM – First team: Fanny Bodart, Fauquier, forward, Sr.; Kirsten Settle, Fauquier, midfield, Soph.; Brooklyn Maldonado, Fauquier, defender, Sr. Second team: McKenna Locke, Fauquier, forward, Jr.; Addie Gorg, Fauquier, forward, Jr.; Georgia Grady, Fauquier, defender, Jr.; Jane Crosland, Kettle Run, defender, Sr. CLASS 4 REGION C TEAM - First team: Carleigh Cameron, Liberty, forward, Jr.; Mary Rodman, Liberty, midfield, Sr. CLASS 4 NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT TEAM - First team: Mary Rodman, Liberty, midfield, Sr.; Caitlyn Chaney, Liberty, defense/midfield, Sr.; Madelyn Lopez, Liberty, defense/midfield, Jr.; Sophia Sanders, Liberty, defense, Jr.; Rohan Mincks, Liberty, goalie, Jr.; Carleigh Cameron, Jr.

Tishler leads KRHS boys KETTLE RUN, from page 13 Along with Agee, the Cougars return seniors Allegra Craft, Lily Von Herbulis, junior Meghan Pauley and sophomores Ashlyn Augustine and Emma Cigna from the state meet to headline a Cougars’ team that expects to make another big splash this year. “All those individuals are looking good. The two seniors, they’re no stranger to the postseason. They’ve been going to states every single year that they were here. And I anticipate the same to occur with swimmers like Pauley, Cigna and Augustine,” Ciopyk said. Von Herbulis is the Cougars’ top sprinter, taking fifth in the 50 freestyle and sixth in the 100 free at states last year, while Pauley is the top distance swimmer, finishing sixth in the 500 free last year. Cigna holds the school record for the backstroke at 58.58 and is one of the Cougars’ top options in the butterfly, while Agee dominates the breaststroke. “That’s (Agee’s) bread and butter. That’s what she’s phenomenal at and is going to continue to be phenomenal at,” said Ciopyk. Ciopyk is also enticed by promising freshmen Izzy Cramer, Averie Davis, Amelia Glass and Eliza Moore and believes junior Mairin Doyle and sophomore Katie Brown have what it takes to challenge for a spot at states. Junior Jackson Tishler leads the Cougars’ boys

PHOTO BY COY FERRELL

Senior Andrew Brown is one of three returning state swimmers for the Cougars, along with juniors Tres Black and Jackson Tishler. squad and is one of three returning state swimmers alongside senior Andrew Brown and junior Tres Black. “The three of them have performed absolutely amazing in every event that they go out and swim,” Ciopyk said. Tishler took third and set new school records in the 100 butterfly (49.62) and the 100 backstroke (50.48) last year and has started strong this season. Through three meets, Tishler has broken school records in the 200 individual medley (1:51.43) and the 500 free (4:44.54). Black is strongest in the backstroke and Brown is best at distance freestyle. Junior Jack Lake and sophomore Max DuFault are battling for the top spot in the breaststroke with junior Luke Allen in the mix as well.

Cummins back at his alma mater FAUQUIER, from page 13 With the girls’ team being pretty banged up and with the flu going around, Cummins is worried about fitness before a busy stretch to start the new year. “If they’re not in shape right now, they’re gonna be hurting after they come back from break,” Cummins said. As a new coach, Cummins is relying on his seniors to help create

COURTESY PHOTO

Former FHS student Thomas Cummins, 23, is the school’s new orchestra director and swim coach.

Liberty senior Caitlyn Chaney was a first team Class 4 Northwestern District selection. PHOTO BY COY FERRELL

“The big fight, big rivalry on our team is probably between Jack and Max on who can take that top breaststroke spot,” Ciopyk said. Other up-and-commers include freshman Timothy Furness in the sprints, sophomore Brady Powell and freshman Sean Ward in the butterfly and sophomore Logan Ertz in the backstroke. Freshman Harper Tishler is the younger brother of Jackson and is strong in multiple events. Ciopyk likes the Cougars’ mix of experience and youth. “Having some good depth and top end swimmers is vital in any situation,” he said. “They’re only going to continue to get better as the season goes on.” Coming off the best season in Kettle Run history, Ciopyk believes moving down to Class 3 will provide the Cougars with an opportunity for even more success. “There’s still some tough schools out there in our region… but we should hopefully have better success this year,” Ciopyk said, noting Western Albemarle and regional foe Maggie Walker as strong opponents. While Kettle Run has set a high bar with their performance in recent years, Ciopyk is confident the Cougars can eclipse it. “Obviously expectations are definitely high, but we have a lot of swimmers who are trying to see if they can make those regional cuts that we have in order to go to that next level and be able to compete in the postseason. And I do think that a lot of them are going to be able to meet that requirement or that cut time,” Ciopyk said.

a culture. So far, he’s been really proud of the commitment from the older swimmers. “I’m really fortunate to have so many seniors that really care deeply about the team,” he said. He’s also been listening to the advice of Jon Kraut, the former Fauquier swim coach, who is Cummins’ assistant. Cummins is trying to develop some less experienced swimmers, noting there have been disqualifications for illegal form. “Getting people to swim legally at all four strokes is super important,” he said, “I think that’s a real

team goal right now.” They’ve also had problems when it comes to getting swimmers to have the energy for longer races, which he thinks will have to be improved at practice. “Training them to get past that and to be able to swim past the pain is really important,” he said. Cummins would like to get some of his relays to states but says building a team is more important. “My biggest goal is to have a team that is super disciplined, and a team that works their butts off every day and the improvement shows in the pool,” he said.

20 OBITUARIES

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

OBITUARIE S Obituaries

Obituaries

David William Mailler

Mary Lou Vance Mary Lou Vance, age 83, of Bealeton passed away on December 11, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was born June 17, 1940 to the late Walter and Nora McCloud Rose. She is survived by her children Kathy Dodson (Kevin), Cindy Vance and Debbie Burgess (John), in addition to ten grandchildren and fourteen greatgrandchildren also 3 surviving sisters, Peggy Meadows, Sue Sherlock and Kathleen Richardson. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Thurman Vance; her siblings Henry Rose, Dooney Rose, Bobby Rose, Wayne Rose, Paul Rose, Jean Honaker and Ruth Reynolds. The family will receive friends at Moser Funeral Home, 233 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton, VA, 20186 from 6 to 8pm on Thursday, December 21,

May 13, 1935 – November 12, 2023 David William Mailler, 88, of Warrenton, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 12th in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by his family. Born in New York City and raised in Denville, NJ by parents John Preston and Margaret McGregor Mailler, David graduated from Boonton High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In 1958, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and served until 1979, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for his service in Vietnam. Husband,father,grandfather,and friend to many,David was universally loved. His active commitment to service to country and community was evident through his involvement with numerous local organizations. He served on the vestries at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Catlett, VA, and later at Christ Anglican Church of Warrenton. He volunteered with local environmental and preservation organizations Citizens for Fauquier County and Piedmont Environmental Council as well as humanitarian service organizations Fauquier Hospital, Warrenton Lions, and Fauquier Habitat for Humanity. There was nothing Dave liked more than community service, his end-of-day walks with his dog, building a roaring fire during the fall and winter months to read by, and of course dancing. He always loved the end-of-summer days in Maine, making it his mission to swim in the cold bays where he and Peg vacationed for over 25 years. David is survived by Margaret, his loving wife of 61 years, and their children: son Lee (Lesley Young) and daughter Townley (Wade Knudson), and his cherished grandchildren, West and Kaylee Mailler. A funeral service will be held in Warrenton, VA in January 2024 with interment at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico at a later date in 2024. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in David’s memory to Spanish Oaks Hospice (Savannah, GA), Citizens for Fauquier County, or the Piedmont Environmental Council.

540.351.1163 Religious Directory

St. John The Baptist Anglican Church

Religious Directory

Grace Episcopal Church HOLY EUCHARIST SUNDAY SCHOOL Sundays 9 a.m.

Children & Adults 10 a.m.

5096 Grace Church Lane, Casanova (1 mile off Meetze Road) The Rev. Michael B. Guy, Priest (540) 788-4419 www.gracechurchcasanova.org

Anglo Catholic in worship and order Mass Schedule: Sunday 8AM & 10:30 AM Wednesday 10 AM Holy Days 6PM

Hono o

mory ved o

Father Jonathan Ostman, Rector

540-364-2554 Facebook: stjohnsmarshall “At the Stop Light in Marshall”

Let us help you place your memorial. 540.351.1163 | classifieds@fauquier.com

2023. A Funeral will take place on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Moser at 11am. Interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd, Triangle, VA, 22172. Online condolences may be expressed at www.moserfuneralhome.com

Thoughtful & Strategic Planning

WHAT IS A PREPLANNED FUNERAL?

ATTORNEY AT LAW

If you want to have control over your funeral arrangements, reduce stress for family members, and cover the financial burden yourself, consider preplanning your own funeral. Funeral preplanning allows you to arrange your burial, service, and other end-of-life ceremonies while you’re still in good health. And you can start your funeral plan at any life stage, regardless of your age. Starting now means you can amend your funeral plan at any time, according to your wishes and needs. Recording your wishes helps prevent conflicts among family members who may remember your preferences differently when the time comes. There are also options for paying for your funeral expenses in advance. During our lives we plan for education, a family, vacations, weddings and retirement. We purchase insurance to help us in situations that may happen, such as accidents, earthquakes, fire, and theft. We should also consider the pre-planning of our funeral service as it not only lets our survivors know what our wishes are, but it can also avoid financial hardship. To learn more, please call MOSER FUNERAL HOME at (540) 347-3431. We invite you to tour our facility at 233 Broadview Ave., Warrenton. Ask us about our BRIGHT VIEW CEMETERY, just outside of Warrenton.

Business & Corporate Law Estate Planning & Administration Elder Law • Real Estate Law & Disputes

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again. Maya Angelou

It’s never too late to share your loved one’s story. Place a memoriam today. classifieds@fauquier.com 540.351.1163

110 Main Street Warrenton, VA 20186 Telephone: (540) 349-4633 Facsimile: (540) 349-4163 staff@NikkiMarshallLaw.com

Prayers, Poems, &

Remembrances. Let us help you place a memorial or obituary. Call 540.351.1163

Fauquier.com PrinceWilliamTimes.com

OBITUARIES 21

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

OBITUARIE S Obituaries

Obituaries

Richard L. Heflin, Sr.

Alonzo (Lonnie) Scott

Richard Louis Heflin, Sr., 85 of Warrenton, VA passed away on Dec. 18, 2023 at The Culpeper. He was born on June 26, 1938 in Remington, VA a son of the late James Maynard Heflin and Lena Heflin. Richard served in the US Air Force in Korea and Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA and retired from the Warrenton Training Center. He is survived by his wife, Judith P. Heflin; three sons, Rick (Denise) Heflin, Chris Heflin, and Todd (Stacey) Heflin; two brothers, Jesse F. Heflin and Roy Heflin; eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Dec. 22 at 4:00 PM at Moser Funeral Home, Warrenton. Memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Association or to Remington Vol. Fire and Rescue Company. Online condolences may be made at www.moserfuneralhome.com.

Alonzo (Lonnie) Scott, 89, of Midland passed away on December 14, 2023.He was born in Fairfax, Va. He graduated from Herndon High School in 1952. He immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force serving four years, as an aircraft mechanic. After his time of service, he went to work for Capital Airlines for five years as an aircraft mechanic. When Capital was bought out, he was offered a job in California, but he didn't want to leave his home in Virginia, so he applied for a job as a mechanic for the Department of the Army at Fort Belvoir, maintaining the helicopters. After 30 years at Fort Belvoir, he retired and moved to Midland, Va. He is survived by Faith, his beloved wife of 65 years. Three children, Son, Rodney Scott, (Tanya), of Summerville, SC. Daughter, Nancy (Mark) Foose of Manassas. Paul Scott of Warrenton, VA. His son Roger A. Scott passed away on May 12, 2023. He leaves behind eight Grandsons, Riley, Reese, Rutger, Ridge, Ralston, Dominic, Kaleb Scott and Ian Foose. Four Granddaughters, Taylor (Kyle) Johnson, Keely Scott, Dori Scott, and Erin Foose. Also, two young Great-grand daughters, Windsor and Landrie Johnson. He was loved very much and will always be remembered. A celebration of life will be held by the family in the near future.

Obituaries

Howard Keith Gianopulos

It’s not the length of life but the depth of life

Howard Keith Gianopulos, age 61 a resident of Warrenton, VA passed away on December 10, 2023. He was an Electrical Engineer for Boeing for many years. A dedicated member of Centreville Baptist Church, Centreville, VA. Predeceased by his mother, Naomi Gianopulos; his brother, Timothy Gianopulos; survived by three children, Benjamin, Sarah and Samuel Gianopulos; his father, William Gianopulos (Connie); his brother, William Gianopulos (Jenn Lunz); his sister, Lauren Gianopulos (Andrew Tse) and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service was held on Monday, December 18, 2023, 11am at Moser Funeral Home. Burial at Little Georgetown Cemetery, Broad Run, VA. Arrangements by Moser Funeral Home. Online Condolences can be made at: moserfuneralhome.com

Let us help you honor your loved one

To place an obituary call 540.351.1163 or email classifieds@fauquier.com

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

SHARE YOUR LOVED ONE’S STORY 540.351.1163 Fauquier.com | PrinceWilliamTimes.com

Let us help you honor your loved one To place an obituary call 540.351.1163 or email classifieds@fauquier.com

Fauquier.com PrinceWilliamTimes.com

Fauquier.com

PrinceWilliamTimes.com

22 CLASSIFIEDS

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

FAUQUIER

CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISING DEADLINES: Business Directory: Thursday at noon. All other classified ads: Monday at 3 p.m. TO PLACE YOUR AD: Call 540.351.1163 or email classifieds@fauquier.com Rentals

n Merchandise

Cedars of Warrenton, renovated, 1,400 sf, 2BR, 2BA, condo. W/D, parking, $1,800/ mo, + utilities 1mo sec dep, 1yr lease. Email: colette@businessgpsllc.com Rentals

Commercial unit 304 sq. ft. for rent in Olde Towne Warrenton. All utilities included. Avail 01/02/2024 Text: E. Russell @ 540.878.3197. Farm Equipment

3 point farm equip: flat bed hay wagon $500 ea; 2 bottom 14" plow $300; Post hole digger $300; sickle bar mower 6' $500; 8' York rake $100; PTO driven lime fert spreader $50; Lg anvil $400; 40 gal copper kettle $500; 1935 Ford vanning gear wagon $300; 16' wood ladders $25 ea; old car parts, & more. 540-364-1089 Firewood

Miscellaneous Sale

Firewood & Fire Pit Wood, seasoned, hdwd, $280/cord + del over 15 mls from Nokesville. 703-577-1979

Baseball Shadow boxes. Various sizes, glass enclosed, excel cond. 571-344-4300

SEASONED FIREWOOD! $185/cord plus delivery. 540-987-8796 Miscellaneous Sale 45 RPM record collection original 50' s/60's, app 2500 various prices; Tony the Tiger key chains 571-344-4300. Ansel Adams pictures M. Monroe picture all framed Many others, pez dispensers, Disney mdse 571-344-4300 BASEBALL CARDS: many complete sets, not old but excellent condition 1980's 571-344-4300

Announcements

SEEKING 1965 graduates of Fauquier County High School for potential get together/social.. PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL: 267-251-1162 or brookviewfarm1@comcast.net

Miscellaneous Sale Joe Gibbs 1991 autographed football card as super bowl coach. racing book autographed 571-344-4300

Full Time Employment

Immediate openings

OLD COLLECTOR BOOKS - Wizard of Oz, Longfellow, Tennyson, Irving, Eliot, Hugo, Chambers, Others, many sets 571-344-4300

CARPENTERS & LABORERS

Must have own transportation, valid driver's license, own tools, show up for work consistently and on time 5 days per week. Proven experience needed for the CARPENTER position. No experience needed for LABORER, but must be willing to work and perform tasks as directed by foreman. Apply in person: 65 Culpeper Street, Suite 101, Warrenton to complete Employment Application. Call 540-428-7062 with questions. We do not need project managers, field workers only. Medical, vision, dental, paid time off, retirement plan offered. Salary discussed during interview only.

Ringling Bros. Programs 1991-2005, Oympic Magazines/Programs, Olympic Mdse. (1980), 571-344-4300

memorabilia - Mantle, Jeter, Dimaggio, Ruth/Gehrig, yearbooks (1970's-80' s) figurines, plates, books, magazines, cards, etc.

Yankee

Full Time Employment

COMICS APP. 1000, 1970'S-80' S,SUPERMAN, BATMAN, SPIDERMAN, ARCHIE, DISNEY, DC, MARVEL Excellent. 571-344-4300 COMICS- app 1000, 1970's- 1980's- SUPERMAN, BATMAN, SPIDERMAN, ARCHIE, DC, MARVEL, DISNEY, Excellent 571-344-4300 Elvis memorabilia, Yankee memorabilia, Celtics merch. Hot wheels/ Matchb o x c a r s 571-344-4300

GoWell Urgent Care dmvWarrenton, VA; 540-351-0662 Check us out on Google and FB!

Pet Sales/Service

LOST & FOUND ADOPTIONS TOO! FAUQUIER SPCA 540-788-9000 www. fauquierspca.com e-mail fspca@ fauquierspca.com

VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF FAUQUIER COUNTY IN RE: MIA JULISSA CABRERA ESLAVA, DOB: 02/20/2007 MARCO ANTONIO CABRERA ESLAVA, DOB: 05/07/2014 MARIANA ESLAVA GAMBOA, Petitioner, vs. MARCO ANTONIO CABRERA CARMONA, Respondent. SERVE: Marco Antonio Cabrera Carmona, Address Unknown ORDER OF PUBLICATION The object of the above styled matter is a Step-Parent Adoption. It appearing from an Affidavit of Plaintiff, that the Respondent's whereabouts are unknown and that diligence has been used by or on behalf of the Petitioner to ascertain in what county or city the Respondent appear before this Court on or before January 26, 2024 at 8:30 AM to protect his interest herein. It is further ORDERED that the foregoing portion of this Order be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in Fauquier Times, a newspaper having general circulation in Fauquier County, Virginia. ENTERED the 16th day of November, 2023. James E. Plowman, Clerk/Judge I ask for this: William D. Ashwell, Esq. VSB: 83131 Ashwell & Ashwell, PLLC; 21 Culpeper Street, Warrenton, VA 20186 Phone: 540-991-9100; Facsimile 571-762-1310; wda@ashwell.law Counsel for Petitioner

Pay for your home over 30 YEARS. Find it in about 30 MINUTES

$5,000 SIGNING BONUS! RADIOLOGIC TECHNICIAN

571-344-4300 BROOKLYN DODGERS 1955 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS POSTER, 24x30, wooden frame, excellent. 571-344-4300

190

Full Time Employment

LOST & FOUND ADOPTIONS TOO! FAUQUIER SPCA 540-788-9000 www. fauquierspca.com e-mail fspca@ fauquierspca.com

LEAD TEACHERS & ASSISTANT TEACHERS Full or Part Time Walnut Grove Child Care 540-347-0116 or 540-349-9656

IF YOUR AD ISN’T HERE

YOU GIVE YOUR BUSINESS TO SOMEONE ELSE 540.351.1163

Grow your business

540.351.1163 Times Classified 540.351.1163

If your ad isn’t here, you are giving your business to someone else.

...Not that kind of

CLASSIFIED We’re in the business of distributing information, not hiding it.

GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT.

Fauquier High School Track & Field GIFT WRAPPING

Buy, sell, hire, and announce, all in the classfied section

Let FHS Track & Field team take the stress out of your holidays and let us wrap your gifts.

Call and place your ad today.

Friday December 22 - 4 pm to 8 pm

540.351.1163

Warrenton Presbyterian Church (5th & Main St, Old Town Warrenton)

fauquier.com princewilliamtimes.com

ALL DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED AND WELCOMED

Call 540.351.1163 fauquier.com | princewilliamtimes.com

BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY 23

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY Additional Services

Additional Services

Construction

Excavation

THE WARRENTON LIONS CLUB PROUDLY PRESENTS

7KH 2̇FLDO :KLWH +RXVH &KULVWPDV 2UQDPHQW

Specializing in Basements

EMPLOYERS! GoWell Urgent Care in Warrenton offers pre-employment and DOT physicals, PFTs, drug and breath alcohol screens, and workman’s comp cases!

New Extended Hours! 8AM – 8PM Daily

Please call Janan today at 540-351-0662. Builder

$23.00 each

Available at Rankin’s Furniture and Costello’s Ace hardware 3UR¿WV VXSSRUW ORFDO KLJKHU HGXFDWLRQ VFKRODUVKLSV Additional Services

Fairfax’s #1 Web Designers

540-522-1056 • 703-862-5958

We Turn Ideas into Reality • New Home Builds • Decks • Basements • Roofing • Kitchen and Bath Remodeling • Siding

Free Estimates • References Licensed & Insured hagansremodeling@yahoo.com

Driveways

bgshomesinc.com • 540-270-9310 Free Estimates and Consultation

IT’S PRETTY DUSTY... Clean up by advertising your dust collectors here.

Fauquier.com

JBS Excavating & Clearing LLC

No job too big or too small

(703) 582-0439

GET NOTICED

Webizyte.com

1WT EQORCP[ ƂTON[ DGNKGXGU VJCV GXGT[ RTQLGEV KU WPKSWG CPF TGSWKTGU C VCKNQTGF CRRTQCEJ CPF UQNWVKQP Our Services: • Total Site Development • Grading • Driveways • Riding Arenas • Culverts • Land Clearing • Ponds

Handyman

FREE ESTIMATES Tree Removal,Excavation, Clearing, Demo, Horse Arenas, Fencing, Driveways and Landscaping *Class A license and insured

Small Business web services. No hidden fees. Boost your exposure Increase sales Build brand awareness Target more clients Get more out of marketing

• Interior/Exterior Painting & Drywall • Media Rooms/Wet Bars • Kitchens & Baths • Basements • Additions • Trim Carpentry AWARD WINNER • Flooring Tile/Vinyl • Seamless Gutters • Siding/Windows r 4QQƂPI 5JKPINGU /GVCN 5NCVG • Decks • Concrete Finishing • Power Washing/Sealing

AFFORDABLE ROOFING WITH TERRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICES, LLC

Call 540.351.1163

PrinceWilliamTimes.com

Licensed & Insured Residential & Commercial Senior Discounts

for classified advertising

Call: 540. 351. 1163

Don’t be Classified! Place an ad. 540-351-1163

There’s always room for one more furry friend! Adopt an ad and CALL: place it here! 540-351-1163

24 BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY

Fauquier Times | www.fauquier.com | December 20, 2023

BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY Hauling

Painting/Drywall

CALL DAVID WASSENAAR BULK HOUSEHOLD TRASH REMOVAL Basements540-717-7258 Furniture a division of DAVE THE MOVER

Sheds PROFESSIONAL REMOVAL OF CONTENTS: Attics Heating & Air Conditioning

For all your

Heating and Cooling needs, call on

RC’S A/C SERVICE & REPAIR (540) 349-7832 or (540) 428-9151

Home Repair

Appliances & More

Landscaping

Gormans Tree & Landscaping Service

Snow Removal • Topping • Pruning Feeding • Take Downs • Stump Grinding • Firewood • Excavating Mulching • Landscaping Lawn Care/Mowing Bush Hogging •Pressure Washing

Seasonal Clean Up

James Gorman 540-825-1000 or 540-222-4107

DAVE THE MOVER LLC HONEST & CAPABLE WE PUT OUR HEART INTO EVERY MOVE!

GET NOTICED

• Creative • Professional • First Class Painting Services • Home painting & carpentry repairs • 30 years of hands on experience • Small company with personal service Free Consultations & Estimates 703-447-5976 & 703-444-7255

Sell it in the Classiﬁeds and jog all the way to the bank. We’ll help you place your ad

540.351.1163

Free Estimates • Licensed • Insured

Moving/Storage

Brian Watts - Warrenton Phone: (540) 729-1649 Email: RescueRoof@aol.com 4`9LZJ\L9VVÄUN JVT

If you want a classy job call...

Tread Mill getting dusty?

www.DaveTheMover.com 540.229.9999/Mobile 540.439.4000 2ưFH Local

Out-of-Town

IT’S PRETTY DUSTY... Put your ad here.

540-351-1163

Tree Services/Firewood

Brian’s Tree Service

• Tree removal • Tree Trimming

• Deadwooding • Stump removal

• Lot clearing

A 5-Star Rated Company

Senior Citizen Discount - 20% OFF Licensed • Fully Insured • Free Estimate 540.222.5606 • 540.937.4742 Tree Services/Firewood

If your ad isn’t here, you are giving your business to someone else. Call 540.351.1163 fauquier.com | princewilliamtimes.com

YOUR REAL ESTATE COULD BE HERE! Call 540.351.1163 or email classifieds@fauquier.com to place your ad.

Don’t let your business be

Put your ad here to

Classified advertising works

Call 540.351.1163 Classified advertising

GET THE RESULTS YOU WANT. Call and place your ad today. 540-351-1163

fauquier.com

PrinceWilliamTimes.com

fauquier.com princewilliamtimes.com

Check the classifieds at Fauquier.com