Loudoun Now for Jan. 7, 2016

LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

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TOO MANY? A committee on committees

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LOUDOUN’S ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR Here’s to you, Mr. Robinson

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CELEBRITY CHEF Teen earns cooking chops

LoudounNow

Vol. 1, No. 9

loudounnow.com

January 7, 2016

‘We Will See You’

New County Board Gets to Work

BY RENSS GREENE AND DANIELLE NADLER The 2016 Board of Supervisors was sworn in Saturday during a ceremony at Lansdowne Resort amid cheers, tears, and big ambitions.

In a formal address, County Chairwoman Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) pledged to set a cooperative, respectful tone on the new board.

“I understand that there will be times when we will disagree,” Randall said. “I understand that certain political issues are more important to one political party or the other; that’s just a political reality. But I also understand that people can disagree and not be disagreeable.”

Hundreds of people packed a ballroom in the Lansdowne Resort, including Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10), Attorney General Mark Herring, state delegates, and Loudoun county and town officials. Randall said the ceremony was the first time both Democrats and Republicans have taken the oath of office for the Loudoun Board of Supervisors at the same ceremony. She took time in her speech to make admiring remarks about each of her colleagues on the board, making note of the board’s mixed makeup.

“We have a diversity of skillsets, a diversity of ages, a diversity of beliefs, a diversity of backgrounds, a diversity of political leanings, and yes, for the first time, a diversity of race,”

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Loudoun County Chairman Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) was at times tearful as she listened to introductions and prepared to take the oath of office.

Randall said. She and Koran Saines (D-Sterling) are the first black supervisors to be elected in Loudoun’s 240-year history.

Randall promised to protect Loudoun’s rural west, and said she would be mindful of both the fortunate and the poor. She said she would focus on the county’s successful businesses, but also on “the struggling businessman who is just trying to meet his payroll and feed his family.”

Shared Optimism Business

and

community

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Purcellville’s Newest Flavor Chef Justin Garrison and Sous Chef Tad Winegar, both native Loudouners, relax in the brand new kitchen of the West End Wine Bar & Pub in Purcellville. The restaurant opened this week in the historic Purcellville Inn as the county’s newest culinary venture. See story, Page 22.

leaders have responded with cautious optimism to Randall’s message and the new board’s diversity.

“I, for one, think this election bodes well for Loudoun’s future,” Andrew Painter, president of the Loudoun chapter of the Northern Virginia Building Association, said in an email. “The County boasts an unenviable record of political pendulum swings every four years, which has resulted in political infight-

ing and a severe loss of institutional memory.”

None of the current board members has served more than one term.

Painter said Loudoun may be seeing the beginning of “political stability and maturity” and that at the local level, divided government works best. (The previous board had all Republican members.) He also hopes the board will rely on the wisdom of its staff and Planning

Commission.

“I think what people want to see, including NVBIA at least, is careful consideration of their applications,” Painter said in a phone call. “They want to see supervisors that are going to appoint good planning commissioners. They want to see supervisors that actually read their staff reports. And I think the other thing that we’d all like to NEW BOARD continued on page 4

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A Loudoun Moment

Price to Retire as Leesburg Police Chief

On Watch Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

A bald eagle perches in an old sycamore tree looking out at the views from the 73-acre Hague-Hough property in Waterford on Monday.

Loudoun Wineries Eye New Grape Source on Southside Virginia Farms

BY MARGARET MORTON An innovative relationship between Southside Virginia farmers and Loudoun wineries is taking shape—with help from some of the state’s traditional tobacco lands.

The Virginia Tobacco Commission is scheduled to vote next week on a new grant program that would provide cost-share financing to help farmers grow grapes that could then be used by Loudoun wineries.

The concept is enthusiastically endorsed by both Pittsylvania County Agribusiness Development Director Fred Wydner, who wrote the grant proposal, and his counterpart in Loudoun, Agricultural Development Officer Kellie Boles.

Both note that Virginia’s burgeoning wine industry now ranks fifth in the country for production, but continued growth could be hampered by a shortage of grapes. That is the situation in Loudoun where winemakers often are forced to look outside the county and the state for supplies.

But, as Wydner points out, the decline of the once all-prevalent tobacco industry in Southside Virginia has opened the door for the Tobacco Commission to expand its programs.

“We have wineries here, but considering the love affair for Virginia wines and the state’s growing industry, we don’t have enough fruit to produce a true Virginia wine,” Wydner said. Although his region has fewer wineries than Loudoun, it does have important assets including cheaper land and more farming equipment.

Weatherlea Farm & Vineyard

A view of the vineyard at Weatherlea Farm north of Lovettsville, where Malcolm and Pamela Baldwin grow grapes for North Gate Vineyard.

As a commission study panel continued to explore the concept of developing Southwest Virginia as a grape source, wine industry expert Tony Wolf at Virginia Cooperative Extension and Jim Benefiel, winery owner and Virginia Vineyards Association member, were consulted. They both reacted favorably to the notion, endorsing the idea of increasing production in Pittsylvania County.

Eventually, the thinking morphed into a multi-prong approach to cover the 20 counties served by the Tobacco Commission. The program expanded beyond a cost-sharing concept, to include outreach to new growers, and research and education aspects, Wydner said.

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The program contemplates planting one new vineyard for each of the 20 counties—100 acres of new vines.

“We would need significant acreage, a minimum of 30 acres, in Southside Virginia” Boles said.

As envisioned, the program grant would total $800,000, with $50,000 being set aside for education and another $50,000 for research. The remaining $700,000 would be for the cost-sharing component, resulting in grants of about $3,000 per acre up to a maximum of $15,000 for five acres. The cost SOUTHERN VA GRAPES continues on page 19

Leesburg Police Chief Joseph R. Price on Monday notified Town Manager Kaj Dentler of his plans to retire March 1, after 16 years leading the department.

“Chief Price’s retirement announcement is a bittersweet moment for the Town of Leesburg and myself,” Dentler said in a statement released Joseph R. Price Tuesday. “Chief Price has faithfully served and protected the Town in his role while being recognized both nationally and regionally. His leadership and guidance transitioned our police department to the professional organization that it is today with a philosophical focus on being a guardian of our community versus just a warrior mentality. His commitment to community policing and positive interactions with our residents and businesses reflect his dedication to serve everyone in our community, and will have an everlasting impact on the Town of Leesburg.”

Dentler added, “From a personal standpoint, I will miss his professional guidance and support, and I wish him the very best as he pursues his next chapter in life.”

Price, who turns 65 this year, was hired to lead the department on March 1, 2000, serving after 25 years with the Montgomery County [MD] Police Department.

Leesburg’s population doubled during his tenure and the police department staff grew from 58 sworn officers to 87.

“The Leesburg Police Department is staffed with some of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” Price said Tuesday.

“It has been a true honor to serve with them, and beside them, as their chief. I will always cherish my tenure as their chief and for being a member of this outstanding group of individuals.”

Dentler said he is reviewing various options to identify Price’s successor. Conducting a national search through the International Association of Chiefs of Police is one path under consideration.

“With today’s climate and current events in our society involving law enforcement, it is critically important for us to seek the best possible advice and guidance while providCHIEF PRICE RETIRES continues on page 19

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NEW BOARD

continued from page 1

see is to really start relying on the Planning Commission more to do the heavy lifting on the applications.”

Previously, Painter said, “you almost hit the reset button” when an application reaches the Board of Supervisors.

Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Howard agreed that board turnover has been a political hurdle in the past. Going forward, he said, Loudoun will have to

“Will they be a good thing? We honestly don’t know yet.”

– Jeanette Newton, CEO of the Dulles Area Association of Realtors adapt to meet the new demands of the business world, particularly in its devel- Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D-Leesburg) hugs her daughter before taking the oath of office. opment policies.

“Loudoun County grew up and evolved in the more traditional zoning stance, where districts were completely separated,” Howard said. “That’s what the market demanded at that time.”

Now, Howard said, workforce quality of life is the most important facet to attracting business, and workers today demand more walkable urban environments and mixed-used zoning.

“Building isolated office parks isn’t getting it done anymore, and that’s why there’s a reason many of them are empty, even along the Dulles corridor,” Howard said.

“I think Loudoun County, like a lot Renss Greene/Loudoun Now of this region, is really at a crossroads,” Supervisor Koran Saines (D-Sterling) takes the oath of office, one of the first two black Howard added. “The federal government supervisors in Loudoun. has clearly signaled that they’re not going to increase spending like they have Randall has shown. She said it was clear with the School Board as well,” she said. during Saturday’s ceremony that Randall “She’s setting a good tone early. I think been.”

Loudoun School Board member Jill had already spent time getting to know she’ll do a great job.”

“We think that this board is willing to Turgeon (Blue Ridge), a conservative each supervisor.

“I see a working relationship already listen,” said Jeanette Newton said of the who’s served as vice chairman of the School Board for the past four years, said being established, so hopefully that will new slate of elected officials. Newton is she’s already impressed by the leadership transfer to a good working relationship the CEO of the Dulles Area Association

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

“I, for one, think this election bodes well for Loudoun’s future.”

– Andrew Painter, president of Northern Virginia Building Association’s Loudoun chapter

of Realtors, the largest sponsor of the $50-per-ticket celebration gala that followed the ceremonial installation. “Will they be a good thing? We honestly don’t know yet, and all we want is for them to listen to us.”

“To Loudoun County: This is your board, and I am your chair,” Randall said.

“If you remember nothing else today, remember that if I chair this board, we will see you.” rgreene@loudounnow.com dnadler@loudounnow.com

Supervisor Ralph Buona (R-Ashburn), surrounded by his family, had to reach down a bit to put his hand on the Bible to take the oath of office.

Renss Greene/ Loudoun Now

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Supervisor Ron Meyer (R-Broad Run) prepares to take the oath of office, becoming the youngest person to ever serve on the Loudoun Board of Supervisors.

January 7, 2016 |

loudounnow.com

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January 7, 2016

loudounnow.com

Loudoun

New Board to Consider Code of Ethics

BY RENSS GREENE As the new Loudoun Board of Supervisors starts work, supervisors will consider whether to impose on themselves a new Code of Ethics, Standards of Conduct, and a few new rules of order.

“The ideal outcome is to make sure the public always knows that we are here to serve them, that we are servant leaders,” said newly-elected County Chairman Phyllis Randall (R-At Large), who championed the idea of a code of ethics throughout her successful campaign.

The draft Code of Ethics is 16 items long, including mandates such as making no private promises binding on official duties; avoiding even the appearance of conflict of interest; never using information gained confidentially for personal profit; paying taxes; and exposing corruption, misconduct, and neglect. The Standards of Conduct are 13 items, and include promoting a positive working environment, courtesy toward board members and citizens, concision in meetings, and a prohibition on paid speaking engagements.

The rules of order have, among their revisions, two new passages: “During the public comment period, Board Members shall give their full time, attention and due

Standards of Conduct Board of Supervisors Loudoun County Recognizing that persons holding a position of public trust are under constant observation by the media and interested Loudoun County residents, and recognizing that maintaining the integrity and dignity of the public office is essential for maintaining high levels of public confidence in our institutions of government, every member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors should adhere to the following Standards of Conduct.

Avoid, during either public or private meetings and during the performance of public duties, the use of abusive, threatening or intimidating language or gestures directed at colleagues, citizens, or personnel.

Pay all taxes due to the county, state or national government.

Attend all regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Supervisors and Committees to which he or she has been assigned, resigning whenever personal circumstances preclude regular attendance.

respect to the speaker,” and “During debate, Board Members should strive to remain in the room until the vote has been taken.”

The proposed rules were crafted cooperatively between Randall and Vice Chairman Ralph Buona (R-Ashburn) and in consultation with County Attorney Leo Rogers. Buona said he supports the idea, but not the current wording.

“I support these in concept, but we have to make sure we do things right,” Buona said. “For example: It says you’ll put loyLoudoun Now File Art alty to the county. Well, we all agree with Supervisor Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn), shown at a Dec. 9 meeting, said he supports the that, but it does say ahead of your district.” spirit of the new Code of Ethics but has concerns about some of the language.

He cited the example of a supervisor votremoved from office except in very rare said she plans to make the Code of Ething against a motion that was unpopular circumstances. He said the proposed rules ics and Standards of Conduct available on in her district but popular with the counare “somewhat symbolic in nature.” the county website when and if they are ty at large: “Would she have violated the A majority of members on the previous adopted. greater good because she supported her board voted to not adopt local ethics rules, Buona agreed that for elected officials, constituents?”

The second item in the proposed Code in part because critics said such a policy enforcement happens at the ballot box. of Ethics reads “Put loyalty to the high- could not be enforced.

Buona said he expects the board, at its “You can only go so far with enforceest moral principles and to the people of first meeting Wednesday, to send the rules Loudoun County, as a whole, above loy- ability, so it starts to become more of a to a committee for review. Randall exalty to individuals, districts, or particular personal integrity issue,” Buona said.

“The people that enforce this code of pressed confidence that something in the groups.”

Buona also pointed out that there was ethics are the people of the county, be- spirit—if not the exact words—of these no enforcement written into the rules, and cause in four years, they will look back proposed rules would be adopted. that enforcement would be very limited— on the code and be able to see, did my state law precludes elected officials being supervisor live up to it,” Randall said. She rgreene@loudounnow.com

Avoid a private lifestyle that casts doubt upon the integrity and competence of the Loudoun County government.

Make a conscientious effort to be well prepared for each meeting.

Offer constructive criticism of Loudoun County employees only in private meetings with appropriate individuals or in executive session.

Respect the rights of colleagues to have different opinions. Enter into constructive and factual discussions when attempting to resolve issues or reach a consensus, refraining from disparaging remarks.

Work to create a positive environment in public and private meetings, so that the environment is conducive to a productive dialogue between all parties and citizens will feel comfortable as observers or participants.

Maintain an attitude of courtesy and consideration toward all citizens, colleagues and staff during all discussions and deliberations.

Be open minded and patient. Allow all citizens, employees, or colleagues, sufficient opportunity to present their views.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT continues on page 7

Code of Ethics Board of Supervisors Loudoun County Recognizing that persons who hold public office have been given a public trust and that the stewardship of such office demands the highest levels of ethical and moral conduct, any person serving on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors should adhere to the following Code of Ethics.

Uphold the Constitution, laws and regulations of the United States and of all governments therein and never knowingly be a party to their evasion.

Put loyalty to the highest moral principles and to the people of Loudoun County, as a whole, above loyalty to individuals, districts, or particular groups.

Give a full measure of effort and service to the positions of trust for which stewardship has been granted; giving earnest effort and best thought to the performance of duties.

Seek to find and use the most

equitable, efficient, effective and economical means for getting tasks accomplished.

Adopt policies and programs that are in accordance with the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, and that support the rights and recognize the needs of all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion, creed, country of origin or handicapping conditions.

Ensure the integrity of the actions of the Board of Supervisors by avoiding discrimination through the dispensing of special favors or unfair privileges to anyone, whether for remuneration or not. A member should never accept for himself or herself or for family members, favors or benefits under circumstances which might be construed by reasonable persons as influencing the performance of governmental duties.

Make no private promises of any kind binding upon the duties of any office, since a public servant has no private word which can be binding on public duty.

Avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. A member

CODE OF ETHICS continues on page 7

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loudounnow.com

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT continued from page 6

Be respectful and attentive. Avoid comments, body language or distracting activity that conveys a message of disrespect for the presentations from citizens, personnel or colleagues.

Be concise. Recognizing that lengthy

CODE OF ETHICS

continued from page 6 should recuse himself or herself from participating in deliberations or voting on issues which might be interpreted as questionable or borderline conflicts of interest, and which might be perceived as rendering direct personal gain for himself/herself or for family members.

If a Board member desires to vote on a questionable issue, he/she should seek the opinion of the County Attorney and make the opinion public before the vote in question.

Engage in no business with Loudoun County government or school system, which is inconsistent with the State and Local Government Conflict of Interest Act or the Public Procurement Act. Never use any information gained confidentially in the performance of governmental duties as a means of making private profit.

Expose through appropriate means and channels, corruption, misconduct, or neglect of duty when discovered.

statement are occasionally needed to convey the passion and gravity of a Board member’s opinion, Board members should refrain from the consistent practice of taking more time to address an issue before the body than is necessary and essential for an adequate consideration of those matters being discussed.

No money for speaking engagements.

No exceptions.

Adhere to the principle that the public’s business should be conducted in the public view by observing and following the letter and spirit of the Freedom of Information Act. Recognize that interaction with the media is a vital link in maintaining good communication with the public. Board member comments to the media should be in a courteous, statesmanlike manner and should maintain the propriety of the Board when speaking to public issues, or to opinions of colleagues and citizens.

Make sure, when responding to the media, that a clear distinction is made between personal opinion or belief and a decision made by the Board of Supervisors.

Review orally and in public session at the annual organizational meeting each of these principles.

Pledge to honor and uphold these principles, ever conscious that public office is a public trust.

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Leesburg

Under Construction in Leesburg

As Some Road Projects Wrap Up, Town Eyes Two Interchanges KARA CLARK RODRIGUEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Town of Leesburg continues to chip away at transportation chokepoints within town limits and several major road capital projects are coming to a close.

Capital Projects Manager Tom Brandon updated Loudoun Now on the progress of several major road projects within the town.

South King Street Widening Construction of the second phase of the road-widening project, between Masons Lane at the town’s southern corporate limits to Greenway Drive, is set to kick off this spring. This 0.9-mile stretch will complete the road-widening project, with the first phase from south of Greenway Drive to the Evergreen Mill Road/ Governor Drive intersection completed in 2013. In addition to a wider road to address the congestion on Rt. 15/South King Street, the project also will tie into improvements at Virts Corner and the Battlefield Parkway/Meade Drive intersection, as well as add connectivity to the bike/walking trail network.

Town of Leesburg

As part of the Loudoun County court system expansion, the county plans to build a parking garage to the left, across from several homes on North Street. If approved, an application before the Leesburg Planning Commission would allow a parking garage up to four stories tall.

Sycolin Road Widening

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Courthouse Parking Plans Up for Review KARA CLARK RODRIGUEZ CONTRIBUTING WRITER The expansion of the Loudoun County court system in downtown Leesburg has already encountered its share of scrutiny, with plans to demolish four buildings in the Old and Historic District. But a new battle could soon be brewing, and it revolves around an area that has long caused controversy in the downtown area—parking.

The Leesburg Planning Commission was expected to begin review this week of three applications related to the courthouse expansion project. The first, a Town Plan amendment, would change the land use designation of the 9.9-acre area including the Pennington parking lot, off North and Church streets, from Low-Density Residential to Downtown.

The two other applications include a concept plan and proffer amendment to increase the square footage of the proposed courthouse structure at 2 N. Church St. to 92,000 square feet, and to rezone the Pennington lot from R-6 (residential) to Government Center to allow the construction of a structured

parking facility.

This latter application is what’s expected to generate the most controversy among commissioners, Town Council members and neighbors, with many in the community already raising objections over the possibility of an up to four-story parking structure being built near their homes. According to town planner Irish Grandfield, the parking garage is not permitted to exceed a height of 45 feet, per height regulations currently in effect in downtown.

Loudoun County, which is heading the courthouse project, has requested town Planning Commission action on the applications by Jan. 21, although by state law the commission has up to 100 days to act. The county’s request for quicker action is aimed at meeting its building and development schedule, according to Grandfield.

Following the commission’s recommendation, the Town Council will have the final vote on the matter, with an initial public hearing before the council currently eyed for Feb. 9, Grandfield said.

North Street resident JD Norman is one local resident who has raised con-

cerns about several aspects of the project, including traffic impacts, the impact on property values and that the Board of Architectural Review is not being asked to sign off on the design of the garage.

Norman questioned the change to a four-level garage, up from the initially discussed three levels.

“Four stories of height looms over top every nearby structure,” he said. “Why should the residents of this neighborhood have such a mammoth structure forced upon them when the alternatives likely exist in more appropriate zoning districts? This reeks of a ‘give an inch, take a mile’ scheme from a county board that has little concern for the future of this neighborhood.”

Over the years, council members, residents and downtown businesses and property owners have all offered differing opinions on how to solve parking problems downtown, or whether there is a problem at all. While many downtown business owners have said that patrons want more on-street parking spaces to frequent local shops and restaurants, COURHOUSE PARKING PROJECT continues on page 9

The final phase of this four-phase project is under design, Brandon said, with the expectation of beginning construction in the fall of 2017 and wrapping in the winter of 2018. The fourth phase involves widening from south of Tolbert Lane to the town’s corporate limits. Previous phases of the project have involved widening in the Battlefield Parkway intersection and the Tolbert Lane intersection. Also, the extension of Hope Parkway in the area has improved traffic flow.

Battlefield Parkway – Rt. 15 to Dulles Greenway Set to begin construction this spring, the town has not yet come to agreement with all affected property owners in terms of right of way acquisition, Brandon said. Hopes are to have that resolved by next month, with the worst case scenario being that town staff would need to get the Town Council’s permission to acquire the land and easements through condemnation. The project includes construction of a 0.7-mile segment of Battlefield Parkway on a new alignment between South King Street and Evergreen Mill Road; and widening of the existing Battlefield Parkway to four lanes between Evergreen Mill Road and the Dulles Greenway. A future, as yet unfunded, project would widen Evergreen Mill Road from the town’s southern corporate limits to South King Street. A combination of VirUNDER CONSTRUCTION continues on page 9

January 7, 2016 |

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UNDER CONSTRUCTION

COURTHOUSE PARKING PROJECT

ginia Department of Transportation and Northern Virginia Transportation Authority funding has been requested from the county for that project. While design on that is expected to begin in the next six months, Brandon said it would be at least four years before that project begins construction.

While there has certainly been progress on the town’s road network, two interchange projects remain at the top of the town’s wish list for funding.

While these current and future projects hope to remove anxiety from those commuting in and around the town, Brandon said the town staff continues to hear the most complaints about the area of Rt. 15 North leading to Maryland.

Brandon said both the town and VDOT have done studies in that area that conclude that the backups are the result of congestion problems outside the town’s limits.

“Until those problems are addressed there’s not a lot the town can do,” he said.

many residents have said that county government and court workers have been parking in downtown neighborhoods instead of using public parking lots like the Pennington Lot or Liberty Street Lot, as well as the garages at Town Hall and the Loudoun County Government Center, during the weekday.

Recently, some members of the Town Council expressed hesitation about make sweeping changes to fees at the Town Hall parking garage or on-street parking meters in part because of uncertainty over how county’s plans for the Pennington lot garage will alter parking patterns. How many will use the new garage and whether parking fees will be imposed there is not known at this point.

One proposal that could find unified support, however, is a proffer put forward by the county to add sidewalk connectivity to better link the Pennington Lot to the court buildings.

Expect to hear plenty of feedback from local residents at the Jan. 7 Planning Commission meeting. Read coverage from that meeting at loudounnow. com.

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

continued from page 8

Leesburg Bypass/Edwards Ferry Road Interchange An interchange at this active intersection hopes to solve the problem of traffic back-ups in the popular retail area, as well as provide safer access for pedestrians attempting to cross the highway.

The project also will include the bypass’ intersection with Fort Evans Road near Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets.

Brandon said the $2 million the town recently received from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority will be enough to begin preliminary studies of the project. A kick-off meeting on the project was recently held. “We’re just at the early stages; we aren’t real sure how much [the interchange project] is going to cost at this point,” Brandon said. The project will be administered by VDOT, he said.

continued from page 8

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The final phase of the Sycolin Road widening project is under design, and is expected to wrap up in the winter of 2018. The fourth phase involves widening from south of Tolbert Lane to the town’s corporate limits.

Battlefield Parkway/Rt. 7 Interchange Brandon said the construction of an interchange at the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Rt. 7 has been identified by Loudoun County as an “extremely high priority” now that construction on interchanges at Rt. 7’s intersections with both Belmont Ridge Road and Ashburn Village Boulevard is underway. The contracts for that project would be administered by VDOT and Brandon said that project is at a very early stage, which no projected budget or potential start dates as of yet. How the project is funded also remains an important question.

Rt. 15 North

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January 7, 2016

loudounnow.com

Crime Sterling Woman Killed in Crash The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that happened Monday night in Sterling.

Investigators said Ornella Yasuhara, a 69-year-old Sterling woman, was entering East Maple Avenue from Providence Village Drive just after 8:30 p.m. Jan. 4 when her 2002 Mazda Protégé was struck by a 2005 Honda CRV. Both drivers were transported to Reston Hospital, where Yasuhara died.

The CRV driver, Yeni A. Flores-Rios, 21, of Sterling, was charged with reckless driving. Speed was identified as a factor in the crash.

Crash Victim Struck by Suspected DUI Driver

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Two Maryland men face felony charges after striking a driver at a New Year’s Day crash scene on Rt. 7.

According to the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, two vehicles were involved in a crash at 7 a.m. Jan. 1 at the Ashburn Village Boulevard intersection. One of the drivers got out of his vehicle and was assessing the damage when he was struck by a westbound pickup.

The pickup driver left the scene.

The pedestrian sustained serious injuries and was taken to Inova Fairfax Hospi-

Crimelog TUESDAY, DEC. 29

SUSPICIOUS EVENT Community Plaza at Thomas Jefferson Drive, Sterling A female walking in the area at 11 p.m. was approached by a silver SUV. The driver, described as a Hispanic man, 5-feet 5 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds and wearing a white hat with a red brim, asked where she was going. She ignored him. He parked and got out of the vehicle. She ran as he was yelling at her from behind. The area was searched but the suspect was not found.

LARCENY/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY 21000 block of Whitfield Place, Cascades Someone broke a car window and took credit cards, gift cards, cash and food from inside.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON 22800 block of Brambleton Plaza, Ashburn A man claiming to be from a utility company entered a business and demanded payment of a pastdue account with pre-paid debit cards. The owner refused to pay and the suspect left.

BURGLARY 700 block of South Sterling Boulevard, Sterling Someone entered a room and removed cash and jewelry.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30 SUSPICIOUS EVENT 23100 block of Rock Hill Road, Sterling A skimming device was discovered on a ATM inside a convenience store. The investigation continues.

THURSDAY, JAN. 31 AUTO THEFT 22000 block of AOL Way, Dulles

tal for treatment.

Later, a resident called the Sheriff ’s Office and reported seeing the vehicle involved in the hit and run in the parking lot of the Lansdowne Town Center.

The driver of the pickup, Federico Melgar-Martinez, 43, of Greenbelt, MD, was charged with felony hit and run and DUI. His passenger, Manuel E. Rivas-Contreras, 37, of Leesburg, was charged with felony hit and run (failure to report by passenger) and drunk in public.

Melgar-Martinez was held without bond. Rivas-Contreras was held on a $2,500 bond.

Quakers, Town Team Up to Provide Gun Locks The Goose Creek Friends Meeting in Lincoln is working with the Town of Purcellville to distribute 60 trigger locks in an effort to reduce gun deaths and injuries.

The free locks may be picked up at Town Hall or the Purcellville Police Department.

In announcing the program, the meeting noted that the Quaker community is known for its efforts to foster peace. By providing gun locks the congregation hopes to save some families from experiencing the devastating impacts of gun violence, including accidental or intentional actions.

Town Hall is located at 221 S. Nursery Avenue. The police department is at 125 E. Hirst Road, Unit 7A. For more information, call 703-7986631.

A black 1996 Honda Civic parked in the area was reported stolen.

FRIDAY, JAN. 1 EXPOSURE 43200 block of Clearnight Terrace, Ashburn A woman walking in the area passed a man who exposed himself to her before running away. The suspect was described as a dark-skinned male wearing blue jeans and a jacket with a hood pulled over his head. The area was searched but the suspect was not found.

BURGLARY 20500 block of Ashburn Village Boulevard, Ashburn Someone broke in to a HOA storage shed by damaging the lock.

SATURDAY, JAN. 2 BURGLARY/LARCENY 140 block of South Fox Road, Sterling Someone removed a flat screen television from a home.

DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY 21800 block of Engleside Place, Ashburn All four tires on a vehicle were slashed.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 17000 block of Berlin Turnpike, Purcellville A John Deere utility vehicle was found along the W&OD Trail. It was determined to have been taken from a nearby business.

SUNDAY, JAN. 3 LARCENY 43600 block of John Mosby Highway, Chantilly A resident reported that his wallet was stolen and a credit card was used to purchase merchandise in Chantilly.

January 7, 2016 |

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January 7, 2016

loudounnow.com

Supervisors to Consider Combining Development, Finance Committees

BY RENSS GREENE The new Loudoun Board of Supervisors will have one less standing committee if supervisors decide to roll the Economic Development Committee into the Finance/Government Services and Operations Committee. This would bring the number of standing board committees down to three.

The change was recommended by Supervisor Matt Letourneau (R-Dulles), who chairs both committees, and Vice Chair Ralph Buona (R-Ashburn), who chaired the finance committee until the resignation of Supervisor Shawn Williams (R-Broad Run). When Williams resigned, Buona assumed the role of vice chairman and Letourneau, then a member of the finance committee, was promoted to committee chairman.

During the past four years, Letourneau said, the Economic Development Committee has overhauled the county’s economic development department and strategy. Now, Letourneau said, the department has been beefed up and is working well.

“We made all these structural changes, and there became fewer and fewer things to talk about in the committee,” Letourneau said. “At this point it’s really more about executing than changing your strategy, and you really don’t want

Matt Letourneau

to keep changing your strategy.”

“We felt that in the end, economic development drives revenues to the county, and revenue becomes a finance and budget issue,” Buona said. “We discussed the fact that they were so intertwined that it would make sense to roll those committees together.”

Buona said the combination would simplify things for county staff, and the “heaviest lifting” is in the finance committee. “In the end, the economic development agenda is lighter than the finance agenda, and we thought rolling them together would create some efficiencies.”

“If we ever have a need, we can always branch back off,” Letourneau said. “It’s important not to meddle too much, and let your strategy work.”

The proposed change to the board’s standing committees would meld the Economic Development Committee’s two stated responsibilities—“economic development policy” and “business development and retention”—into the responsibilities of the Finance/Government Services and Operations Committee.

The changes are on the agenda for the board’s first meeting on Wednesday.

Under the proposed committee membership, County Chairman Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) will be a member of all three committees.

Finance/Government Services & Operations Committee: Letourneau, Chairman; Randall, Buona; Tony Buffington (R-Blue Ridge); Koran Saines (D-Sterling) Transportation & Land Use Committee: Suzanne Volpe (R-Algonkian), Chairman; Randall; Geary Higgins (R-Catoctin); Ron Meyer (R-Broad Run); Kristen Umstattd (D-Leesburg).

Joint Board & School Board Committee: Higgins, co-chairman; Randall; Buona. rgreene@loudounnow.com

New This Year: A Committee on Committees

BY RENSS GREENE How many citizen advisory committees does Loudoun County government have? Well, supervisors might need a committee on committees.

The first meeting agenda of the new Board of Supervisors includes a recommendation to form an Ad Hoc Committee on Advisory Boards, Commissions, and Committees to “study the structure and effectiveness of current Board advisory bodies.”

Loudoun currently has 54 board-appointed advisory boards, commissions, and committees to advise supervisors.

These panels are made up of residents appointed by the board as well as staff liaisons to advise and keep minutes. The committee on committees would study these bodies.

“That’s not even taking into account the regional bodies and commissions that board members—and sometimes staff—have to serve on as well,” said Vice Chairman Ralph Buona (R-Ashburn). Buona said the committee on committees is about efficiency.

“Can some of these be combined?”

Buona said. “Would it make sense?

Should some of these be eliminated?

That’s a valid question to ask. There’s 54

of these darn things, and it takes a tremendous amount of staff time.”

Some committees, Buona said, seldom bring action items to the board, and some are outdated.

“Some were put into place for very specific reasons quite some time ago, and those reasons are overtaken by events,” Buona said. “They [the reasons] are long gone.”

The Board of Supervisors is expected to vote on the creating the committee on committees and appointing its members at its meeting January 6. The staff report recommends five Board of Supervisors members.

Residents Alerted To Gilbert’s Corner Controlled Burning The Piedmont Environmental Council is planning a controlled burn of about 20 acres it owns at Gilbert’s Corner sometime this month.

The burn will occur within the triangular area bounded by Rt. 50, Rt. 15 and Howser’s Branch Drive.

“For more than a decade, this area has been left fallow and is now unusable for agricultural production due to invasion by red cedar and non-native invasive species such as Japanese honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and autumn olive,” stated Celia Vuocolo, PEC’s wildlife habitat and stewardship specialist.

The goal of the prescribed burn is to control invasive species without the use of herbicides, put nutrients back into the soil, avoid soil compaction that occurs when land is mechanically cleared, and facilitate management of the area for agricultural production.

The Virginia Department of Forestry will perform the burn, with the precise schedule in January depending on weather conditions. A management plan for the burn includes creating a fire break around the perimeter and, among other safeguards, waiting until weather conditions—notably wind speed and direc-

tion—are favorable.

Following the burn, the area will be cleared of debris and will be planted with a cover crop to inhibit soil erosion. Then the field will be available to be leased for agricultural use in 2017.

PEC acquired the 141-acre property in 2013 with the goal of protecting the area’s historic and scenic landscape, restoring the property’s degraded streams, enhancing wildlife habitat, and reinvigorating the agricultural use of the property.

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Blue Ridge Hospice Adds Medical Director Blue Ridge Hospice has announced the appointment of Brendan Flynn as the nonprofit’s medical director.

The organization serves an eight-county area, including Loudoun. It has offices in Purcellville, Middleburg and Leesburg and thrift stores in Leesburg and Purcellville.

Flynn previously served as staff physician with Good Shepherd and Lifepath hospices in Lakeland, FL. In that capacity he provided home hospice care, conducted daily inpatient hospice rounds and palliative care consultations.

“Dr. Flynn’s medical experience in hospice care, and his passion for the work of hospice, bring enhanced value to the health care services Blue Ridge Hospice provides our patients,” Blue Ridge CEO Ernie Carnevale stated.

In his new position, Flynn will conduct home visits to Hospice patients, as well as seeing patients in the healthcare facilities the nonprofit serves.

Flynn is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship and family practice residency there. Also, he completed an externship with the National Health Service Corps, providing care on a Native American reservation.

Flynn is board certified in family medicine by the American Academy of Osteopathic Medicine, in hospice and palliative medicine by the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine and by the American Academy of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

For more information on Blue Ridge Hospice and its services, go to blueridgehospice.org or call 540313-9200.

January 7, 2016 |

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January 7, 2016

loudounnow.com

Education

‘Douglass School Is Simply Dr. Robinson’ Longtime Alternative School Principal to Retire

BY DANIELLE NADLER On the final day of Shirley Biagetti’s 28 years at Douglass School, the attendance secretary was bombarded with symbols of the students’ and her colleagues’ appreciation. Greeting cards and baked goods flooded her desk and a sea of purple balloons—her favorite color—bobbed above her head toward the ceiling of the school’s front office.

“You have so many presents, we can hardly see you,” Principal John “Jack” Robinson said as he made his way through the office.

Douglass School, which houses Loudoun’s alternative education programs, is losing two longtime staff members this year. Biagetti retired Dec. 18, and Robinson will retire Jan. 29.

Robinson, who’s led the school for 16 years, said on his last day he hopes to go out quietly. No balloons. No pomp or circumstance.

“That’s not me,” he said. “Just tell me you liked my work and I made a difference. I get uncomfortable with much more.”

Robinson, a soft-spoken 70-year-old, has helped transform how the county educates its at-risk teens. His efforts to change Douglass School from a program meant to punish disruptive students to a place hundreds of young people request to attend each year are being recognized this month as he ends his 49th year in education. His work made headlines in 2005 when he received the Washington Post’s Distinguished Educational Leadership Award.

Curtis Hose, who has served as Douglass School’s dean since 2000, said it takes a special kind of person to work with the teenagers who, in many cases, other county schools have rejected.

“A lot of these students are kids who fell through the cracks, but they find a community here who cares about them and the help they need to succeed,” Hose said.

“That is attributable to him.”

He says, “Douglass School is simply Dr. Robinson.”

An Accidental Career It was a bit of a fluke that landed Robinson in a classroom 49 years ago.

As a 22-year-old on his final trimester

at Columbia Union College, he was set to attend law school at the College of William and Mary. But he was then notified that he would be drafted to fight in the Vietnam War if he didn’t take one of Virginia’s many vacant teaching positions.

“I thought, well, I guess I’ll teach,’” he said with a laugh. “I’d picked up a teaching degree as a secondary degree, so that worked out.”

Teachers were so needed that two days after he accepted his diploma Robinson was in front of a classroom of students at Middleburg Elementary School.

After the draft was lifted, he was again accepted into the law program at William and Mary. “I really liked what I was doing, so I turned down the offer again,” he said.

“I’ve never regretted that decision.”

Robinson became one of the county’s youngest principals when he was hired in 1969 to lead Aldie Elementary School. He was 23. “I had only taught a year and a half at that point,” he said.

That year, Superintendent Clarence Bussinger hired four principals under the age of 30, including Robinson, Gordon “Buddy” Fletcher, Roger Bixler and Pete Whitmore. “It was a wave of young blood,” Robinson said. “He saw something in us.”

In his first few years as principal, he started the school division’s first breakfast program at Aldie Elementary, which Robinson said became his “claim to fame.”

He began it after he noticed that dozens of the school’s 150-plus students came from poor farming families and qualified for federally subsidized lunches.

He crunched the numbers—figured in federal subsidies plus full-priced meals that students from higher-income families would buy—and thought the school might be able to serve a hot breakfast each morning and break even by the end of the year. “I made the menus, bought the food and ran the cafeteria,” he said. “It was a lot of work, but I did it because I knew some of these kids needed it.”

Now, every one of the county’s public schools serve breakfast every school day.

Throughout his career, Robinson has been drawn to those students who need extra support and encouragement. “I’ve always liked serving with diverse, and different, populations. That’s who I’ve spent my life working with,” he said.

After Robinson taught in Loudoun County Public Schools for five years, he transferred to the school system in Montgomery County, MD, where he worked

Danielle Nadler/Leesburg Today

John “Jack” Robinson, principal of Douglass School, will retire Jan. 29 after 49 years in education.

for 29 years. He served as a special education resource teacher, assistant director of the secondary learning centers, principal at McKenny Hills Learning Center, an elementary special education school, and finally as principal of Mark Twain School, a middle high school for at-risk students.

Leading Douglass In 2000, a friend told him about the open principal position at Douglass School. “I wasn’t looking for another job,” he said. “But I knew about Douglass, and I was intrigued.”

Robinson, who grew up in Loudoun, took the job and said he only planned to stay for about five years before retiring. “It turned out to be 16,” he said with a grin.

Douglass School started as a facility to house disruptive teens that other schools did not want or did not have the resources to deal with. Now, most of the school’s students, between 160 and 200, attend its voluntary Alternative Education Program.

“Douglass changed from students who’d been acting out to more of a dropout prevention program for under-performing students,” Robinson said. “Those kids who aren’t going to function well in a typical school, but find they can succeed in a smaller and more alterative environment.”

The school boasts one of the highest graduation rates in the county, with 9698 percent of its seniors graduating on time. That usually equates to one or two students not meeting graduation requirements in a senior class of about 60.

Hose said Robinson has a calm demeanor that students whose lives outside of the classroom are less than stable re-

spond to. He never loses his temper. He accepts students for who they are, sets high expectations and helps them reach them, Hose added. “You won’t find too many students who would have anything bad to say about him.”

Robinson said he’s looking forward to spending time with his two grandkids, and skipping the hour-plus commute he has from Gaithersburg, MD. But a big part of him wishes he could stay.

He started to set in motion the retirement process last year, but said he just didn’t feel ready. “And, quite frankly, I was very hesitant to turn my paperwork in this time, too.”

But in a recent interview, Robinson said he feels like it is time to say farewell to Douglass and let someone new lead it into its next chapter.

“Douglass was here before I came and it will be here after I’m gone. I just wanted to be a good steward of it while I was here,” he said.

“I’ve loved working with kids,” he added. “I like feeling like I have something to contribute, that concept of I can make a difference. That’s been my goal the whole time.”

Douglass School is expected to undergo a major expansion in the coming years, and the man or woman who will lead it through that transition has yet to be named. The alternative school is slated to move to the current C.S. Monroe Technology Center building on Children’s Center Road in Leesburg. That program will relocate to the new Academies of Loudoun in 2018. dnadler@loudounnow.com

January 7, 2016 |

loudounnow.com

15

Schoolnotes Middleburg Charter Opens Enrollment for Third Year Registration for Middleburg Community Charter School opened Jan. 1 for the 2016-2017 academic year that starts in August.

The elementary school will accept student applications until midnight March 11. Interested families can apply online at middleburgcharterschool.org/admissions.

Middleburg Community Charter School has maintained a wait list since it opened in 2014 as the first public charter school in Northern Virginia. The school is open to all Loudoun County residents.

Siblings of current students, children of MCCS teachers and staff, and Town of Middleburg residents have priority enrollment.

Once currently enrolled students have notified the school of their intent to return next year, a lottery will be held March 15 for the remaining openings.

Families selected for the openings will be notified no later than March 18. From there, students’ names will be placed on a wait list in the order their applications were received.

In addition to offering an extended

school year schedule, the charter school has a project-based, cross-disciplinary curriculum that includes science, technology, engineering, arts, math, social sciences, Spanish, music, strings for fourth- and fifth-graders, and daily physical education classes. It offers fullday kindergarten, as well as enrichment classes to all students during fall and spring intersession breaks. Transportation is provided for students at four hub locations throughout Loudoun County.

To schedule a tour of the school, located at 101 N. Madison St. in Middleburg, call 540-687-5048.

Parent Group to Talk School Lunch LEAP, the Loudoun Education Alliance of Parents, will hold its monthly meeting Wednesday, Jan. 13.

The meeting’s theme, “To Your Health,” will explore what exactly is in the meals served in school cafeterias and what the school division is doing to make lunches healthier. It will also include a discussion from school staff members on what the division is doing to increase students’ inschool physical activity.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the county school administration building, 21000 Education Court in Ashburn.

LEAP meetings are open to the public and are geared toward parents of Loudoun public school students. Follow LEAP at facebook.com/LEAP4edu or email the group’s leaders at leap.news@ gmail.com.

Schools Recognized for Environmental Stewardship Nine Loudoun County public schools have been designated as Virginia Naturally Schools.

Virginia Naturally Schools is the commonwealth’s official environmental education school recognition program, administered by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries with support from the Department of Education, Department of Environmental Quality and other resource agencies. The program recognizes the efforts of schools to increase the environmental awareness and stewardship of our youngest citizens.

Schools earning the designation demonstrate leadership in the areas of administrative support for environmental education and conservation; staff development and curriculum integration related to environmental education; programs designed to conserve resources used by the school; and meaningful field

experiences, such as community-based projects or investigations on the school grounds.

The honored Loudoun schools, and the number of years they have been cited, are: Blue Ridge Middle School (nine years), Cedar Lane Elementary School (three years), Dominion High School (11years), Frederick Douglass Elementary School (one year), Guilford Elementary School (four years), J. Michael Lunsford Middle School (four years), Mill Run Elementary School (one year), Park View High School (five years), and Smart’s Mill Middle School (two years).

Host Families Sought The Euro-American Student Alliance is looking for area families to host members of a group of 22 French teenagers who will be visiting the area March 5-15.

The students, who come from a provincial town near the Swiss border, will learn about American culture through excursions, visits to Woodgrove High School, and spending time with host families.

Those interested in hosting a student should contact Program Coordinator Francesca Contento at 240-575-4898 or francesca@euro-american.net.

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January 7, 2016

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Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Loudoun County School Board member Brenda Sheridan, surrounded by her husband and two children, is sworn in for her second term by Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens Monday. She was elected as vice chairwoman of the board later that evening.

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Loudoun County School Board Chairman Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) takes the oath of office Monday. He will lead the board for a fifth year.

Hornberger, Sheridan Elected to Lead School Board

BY DANIELLE NADLER Brenda Sheridan will get to move her nameplate from the far end of the Loudoun County School Board dais closer to the center after a unanimous vote this week to make her board vice chairwoman.

The nine-member board elected its leaders for the year during an annual reorganization meeting Monday following a swearing-in ceremony at the county school administration building.

After the retirement of longtime board members Thomas Reed and Jennifer Bergel last month, Sheridan is now the senior member of the board. She was appointed to the board in 2011 to fill the seat of the late J. Warren Guerin. She is starting her second full term representing the Sterling District.

Sheridan was nominated as vice chairwoman by Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge), who’s served in the position for the past four years. Following the meeting, Turgeon said she recognizes the importance

of allowing other board members to have leadership opportunities.

“I’m very comfortable with a change— change is good,” she said. “I think this new board is politically different, and it is good to reflect that in the leadership.”

The School Board also voted unanimously to keep a familiar face at the helm. Eric Hornberger (Ashburn), now in his second term, was unanimously re-elected to serve as the body’s chairman for a fifth year.

“Thank you for your confidence,” he

said from the dais. “I look forward to serving with each and every one of you, with transparency and mutual respect for the betterment of the school system.”

Sheridan said following the meeting that she has had community members approach her about taking a larger role on the board, and she was happy her colleagues supported the idea.

“I’m excited. I think I have a lot to offer NEW SCHOOL BOARD continues on page 17

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Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens finalizes Monday’s swearing-in ceremony of the Loudoun County School Board.

NEW SCHOOL BOARD continued from page 16

to the board,” she said. “I look forward to working with the new board members and being a support system for them.”

Sheridan said she thinks she will have a good partner on the Board of Supervisors in Koran Saines, who unseated longtime Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio in November’s election to represent the Sterling District. Saines was the only county supervisor who attended Monday’s swearing-in ceremony.

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by Loudoun’s Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens, each board member took an oath of office, promising to “faithfully discharge all of the duties of the Loudoun County School Board.”

The board includes three new members: Beth Huck (At Large), Eric DeKenipp (Catoctin) and Joy Maloney (Broad Run); five incumbents: Debbie Rose (Algonkian), Hornberger, Turgeon, Jeff Morse (Dulles) and Sheridan; and one returning member, Tom Marshall (Leesburg).

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January 7, 2016

loudounnow.com

Developer Proposes Compromise for Sterling’s Davis Church

BY RENSS GREENE Close to 30 people crowded into the homey, antique rooms of Mona’s Lebanese Café in Sterling’s Guilford neighborhood last week to talk options in the last-minute effort to save Davis Church.

As the air inside grew warm and close, Joe Wetzel, senior vice president of the Young Group, offered a compromise during the Dec. 30 community meeting.

His company, which is purchasing the property and had planned to take down the church and build a self-storage facility, had gone back to the drawing board and come up with a way to save the church’s façade.

“We think we can move the front, basically the first half of the building—we can’t get the whole thing—we get the first half of the building, still on site, and move it down towards the corner of Davis and the entrance,” Wetzel said.

The Young Group’s new plan would allow the developer to both build the self-storage facility and move the face of the church, creating a space for a small event venue or picnic area. The developer and the county would need to sort out those details, but Planning Commissioner Helena Syska (Sterling) said this would mean allowing the event area to the county to maintain.

“It would preserve the most interesting elements of the structure: the bell tower, the front, the entrances,” Wetzel said.

Before the congregation moved, parts of the church were modernized and aluminum siding had been installed. When they left, Wetzel said, the congregation, some of whom were in attendance, took “anything of interest.”

Syska, Supervisor Koran Saines (D-Sterling), and Saines’s chief of staff, Matt Leslie, all applauded the developer’s efforts to meet them halfway, and reminded attendants that the developers would be within their rights to simply bulldoze the church. Earlier the Planning Commission was told that state officials found the church building to be ineligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places “It’s not often that I have found applicants that will work with us,” Syska said.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Sterling residents crowd into an overflowing room of Mona’s Lebanese Café in Sterling as part of an 11-hour effort to save Davis Church.

Planning Commissioner Helena Syska (Sterling) and Supervisor Koran Saines (D-Sterling) talk options for saving the church.

Still, Sterling residents were alarmed to see the development, and many would like to see the church preserved and restored—although where money to pay for that project would come from remains an open question. Wetzel placed the price for the property at “well over $1

Joe Wetzel, senior vice president of The Young Group, describes his company’s compromise plan.

million.”

“It’s too bad,” said Susie Geurin, a fourth-grade teacher and wife of the late School Board member Warren Geurin.

“We’re sitting here in this Guilford District, this little area, so full of history, and we had a presidential house here and we let it burn to the ground. … It makes me

Humane Society Marks 50 Years of Helping Loudoun Strays

BY MARGARET MORTON Winston S. Churchill’s tribute to the pilots of the Battle of Britain in World War II that “never has so much been owed by so many to so few” could be applied to the mistreated cats and dogs cared for by the volunteers of the Humane Society of Loudoun County throughout the past 50 years.

In 1966, three individuals formed the society to seek out and tend to lost and abused cats and, later, dogs, of Loudoun and to find loving homes for them. On July 29, 1966, Ross L. Wagar of Ham-

ilton, W. Scott Mahoney of Waterford and Rebbie DeButts of Leesburg formally filed Articles of Incorporation with the state, ushering in a half century of selfless animal care that continues to astound.

Former president Cindy Mellott recalled her time with the society. She started volunteering about 25 years ago, became a board member in 1994-1995 and served as president in 2000-2001.

“I loved every minute of it,” Mellott said in a recent interview, calling the society a “much needed organization.”

She said she was proud of how the

nonprofit has increased its efforts in recent years.

“We tried some of those things, but the community wasn’t ready. You have to wait and bide one’s time,” she said.

Kathy Brice has been president three times, between 2003 through 2010 and a volunteer since 1999. “I wanted to do something for the community and I’ve always loved animals,” she said.

She noted the organization has expanded efforts to include more dogs to foster and adopt and there are more events and more fundraising. It’s always been somewhat up and down for the

sad to see that something else of value could go down the drain.”

“We don’t have iconic architecture that you can find in places like Dallas,” Syska said. “We’re not saving all the buildings that we could. … We’re going to regret it someday.”

Saines agreed that he would ask the developers to save the church and convert the building to something else—attendees pitched ideas for a skating rink or a tavern hall—but after a conference call with developers the next morning reported that the Young Group would continue with the compromise plan presented at the meeting.

“The biggest thing that we need to do is take the energy, and the now understanding of everybody in this room of what’s going on, to do something moving forward to keep something like this from happening again,” Leslie said. nonprofit, which at most times numbers between 20 and 25 volunteers and maybe five board members.

Brice recalled that for many years the revenue from Virginia’s animal license plates always went to the animal shelter. “But we made a plea and called the county on that, back in about 200809,” she said. “So they put it out to bid and we were able to use that money for about five years.” The money needed to be used by somebody, Brice said. “It was about $35,000 and it was just sitting there—we pushed to make it happen.”

Juanita Easton has been with the HUMANE SOCIETY MARKS 50 continues on page 31

January 7, 2016 |

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SOUTHERN VA GRAPES continued from page 3

of trellising, irrigation, deer fencing and planting vines is estimated at about $20,000 per acre.

For Boles, the venture could be a big help to the county’s shortage of grapes, as she noted the number of vineyards that grow grapes for Loudoun wineries.

Boles says a rough estimate of Loudoun’s shortage of grapes is 130 acres, even though the county has 535 acres in wine grape production. The new Pittsylvania grapes also will take time to come to full production. Wydner estimates the vines should be at about half capacity in year three, rising to three-quarter capacity in year four and reaching full capacity by year five.

Both ag officers stressed the need for strong and early cooperation between wineries and growers. “The wineries need to be in on the ground floor, working collaboratively with growers to learn which varieties would be useful,” Wydner said.

Boles agreed. “From the very start we need to develop relationships between the wineries and the new growers in Southside Virginia.” Southside growers need to learn what grapes Loudoun wineries need, she said, noting that certain varieties grow well in Loudoun’s soils, while others do not.

“We need the connection and a longterm commitment to selecting the grapes

“It’s not going to be easy, but it can be done with some work.”

– Doug Fabbioli, owner of Fabbioli Cellars we need here, maintaining the vineyards and working with our wineries who have on-the-ground experience of what they need,” she said.

Several winery owners consulted for this article, while agreeing on the need for more grapes, gave opinions ranging from cautious approval to strongly enthusiastic.

Veteran Loudoun winery owner Lew Parker, who owns Willowcroft Farm Vineyards in Mt. Gilead, said the project could help. But he cautioned two issues need to be addressed first. “Land formerly in tobacco production can sometimes contain a tobacco virus.” Secondly, under the Virginia Farm Wineries Act, Class A license holders—including most Loudoun wineries—have to grow half or more of their own fruit. Starting a big new program with imported grapes could be a problem, he said.

Doug Fabbioli, owner of Fabbioli Cellars near Lucketts, said “It’s not going to

be easy, but it can be done with some work.” However, he cautioned that tobacco is “a whole different crop.” If the Southside grapes had a varietal base, that would be perfect for his classic cabernet franc red—but not for some other wines that depend on the local soil for their flavors. “You can’t substitute that,” Fabbioli said.

But Ben Renshaw, owner of 8 Chains North Winery near Wheatland, gave the idea an enthusiastic thumbs up. “I’d support almost anything that would plant more vineyards in the state—they’re so badly needed,” he said, adding because the state marketing arm has got ahead of the agricultural sector’s ability to support the wineries, planting more vineyards is the only answer.

The Loudoun Wineries Association and the Loudoun Wine Growers Association will hold their annual joint meeting Feb. 10. Boles has connected Wydner with North Gate Vineyard owner Mark Fedor, president of the LWA, in hopes that as soon as the grant program is approved it would help Loudoun wineries in starting to build relationships. Wydner plans to attend the meeting.

“We want to go ahead and move to set up on a long-term basis as soon as possible,” he said.

The Virginia Tobacco Commission vote is scheduled for Jan. 12. mmorton@loudounnow.com

19

PRICE RETIRES

continued from page 3

ing a transparent and inclusive selection process,” he wrote in an email. “It is my intention to finalize the recruitment process next week. After that decision is made, I will work closely with Chief Price on a transition plan regarding an interim chief to ensure continuity of operations.”

Under Price, the Leesburg Police Department was accredited by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services for the first time in 2006, and achieved reaccreditation in 2010 and 2014. Most recently, the police department received the 2015 Webber-Seavey Award for Quality in Law Enforcement from the International Association of Chiefs of Police and Motorola. It was recognized for its Organized Retail Crime Initiative, which focused on curbing theft at the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets. In addition, the department received Community Policing Awards from the International Association of Chiefs of Police in 2014 and 2006.

Price also has been a regional law enforcement leader. He is the chairman of the Northern Virginia Chiefs and Sheriffs Group, former chairman of the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, and a member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

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Leesburg Teenager Cooks for National Audience

BY RENSS GREENE Thirteen-year-old James Hooper is used to cooking for other people.

“I have really been immersed in food since I was born,” James said. “My mom had the business at the farmer’s market, and when she actually opened the bakery, I started baking some, and after that I just sort of started cooking.”

His mother is Lorraine Hooper, and the bakery is Lola’s Cookies. James grew up helping his mother at a farmer’s market and the bakery.

But James cooked for a bigger audience than ever before when he put his food in front of celebrity chefs Aaron Sanchez and Art Smith and former professional boxer Laila Ali on the Food Network program “Chopped Junior,” which aired Dec. 29.

The invitation to cook on air came as a surprise. James applied to appear on “Kids Baking Championship,” before “Chopped Junior” debuted. He was not selected for “Kids Baking Championship,” but the network held onto his application and called him up about applying to be on “Chopped Junior.” After a series of demo videos and interviews, James made the cut.

“It was a real surprise, and actually James Hooper, a Leesburg 13-year-old, tested his cooking chops on the Food Network program “Chopped Junior.” at that point we really didn’t have that much notice at all,” Lorraine said. “He “The whole experience was pretty was at camp at the time that he got that intense,” Lorraine wrote in an email. “I call, and I think he had about three think even the adults must find it very weeks to prepare.” difficult, but the kids who do it are inThat began a hectic—but very wellcredible troopers.” fed—time for the Hooper family.

Contestants cook under a tight dead“We were doing like two meals a day line, lots of pressure, and with four or for a while, where he’d cook a full lunch five cameras pointed at them the whole and then we’d clean it all up—there was time. James had never cooked with tofu a lot of cleanup—and then we’d do it before. Sadly, he choked on the tofu again for dinner,” Lorraine said. “We ate (metaphorically) and the judges sent really well.” ing that, and that was kind of a big leap him home after the first round.

“Chopped Junior” is an elimination of faith for me. But we did it together, When the news was handed down, program that requires contestants to we got the hang of it, and it was fun.”

James took it with the barest flash come up with dishes on the fly in a half Then, the big day. Filming days are of a grimace, a small nod, and a stoic hour from unconventional ingredients. very long and start first thing in the straight face. He shook hands with each James and Lorraine put themselves morning. James’ interview segment, of the judges and walked out. through a crash-course in cooking to which amounts to only a few minutes “Anyways, he still enjoys cooking, get ready for every eventuality. of airtime, took three hours. James baking, and eating,” Lorraine wrote. “In “I learned as many techniques as I wore a black-and-white bandanna un- some way or another, I bet we’ll be sharcould—different ways to cook meats der his brown mop of hair and told the ing this passion for food for a long time. in enough time, different ways to cook interviewers he was hoping to win the All of that made it a good outcome as vegetables, different ways to prepare $10,000 prize to help reopen his moth- far as I’m concerned.” food—so that whatever came up, I er’s bakery.

And even without the $10,000 prize Finally, the big reveal: The four young money, Lorraine, aka “Lola,” is selling would have, hopefully, a way to make contestants would cook with vegetable her baked goods again at Very Virginia it,” James said.

They ran through ideas for meal fried rice, oven-roasted tomatoes, tofu, Shop, 16 S. King St. in Leesburg. courses and practiced everything from and gingerbread cookie men.

James said he loves cooking and exAfter all the preparation, the ginger- pects to keep doing it, even considering starches to sauces so James would be bread did not catch James off guard. The it as a possible career down the road. Eiready for any surprises.

“My background is more in baking, tofu did. ther way, he hasn’t slowed down cook“Mom and I practiced for every- ing at all, and Lorraine and her family which is all about following recipes and being precise,” Lorraine said. “With thing!” James moaned on television. enjoy the benefit of this particularly talcooking, you have much more leeway, “Except tofu!” ented teenager.

Nonetheless, he whipped up a stir fry and you can afford to just throw a little “I know he’s planning to make dinner something in. ... So I really follow reci- that drew admiring comments from for us tomorrow night,” Lorraine said. pes, I read them and I follow them ex- the judges, both for his cooking and his

rgreene@loudounnow.com actly. But we had to get used to not do- composure under pressure.

Courtesy Lorraine Hooper

“Mom and I practiced for everything! except tofu!”

– James Hooper

January 7, 2016 |

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OurTowns Purcellville Public Input Sought for Comp Plan Review Purcellville residents are invited to attend public meetings on the town’s upcoming comprehensive plan revisions.

The sessions will be held Saturday, Jan 23, at the Carver Center at 200 Willie Palmer Way, beginning at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Both meetings will cover the same topics.

The meetings will be steered by town staff members and are expected to last about two hours each. Residents’ input is welcomed as the Planning Commission focuses on opportunities and constraints the town may face over the next two decades.

The comprehensive plan serves as the articulation of the town and community’s vision for the future and as a guide for development. The current plan was adopted by the Town Council in December 2006.

The public input meetings will serve as the kick-off for the revision process, which is expected to take anywhere from 18 months to more than two years.

“It is vital that the final plan accurately represents the community’s vision for the future,” Senior Planner Daniel Galindo stated, urging residents to be actively involved in updating the plan from the beginning. Galindo said he hoped that by holding two meetings, busy residents would be able to find the time to attend at least one.

The initial sessions will be followed by a series of community engagement meetings to be held throughout this year. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 17. For more information, call Galindo at 540-338-7431.

Don’t worry, Loudoun We’ve got you covered.

LoudounNow

Loudoun Equine Alliance Plans Expo March 31 Equestrians and others connected with the horse industry may want to mark their calendars for the upcoming Equine Expo, to be held on Thursday, March 31 at Otium Cellars in Purcellville.

The expo will coincide with Loudoun Equine Alliance’s annual meeting.

The expo is designed to showcase equestrian businesses and organizations.

The free event gives an opportunity to get to know the vast network of Loudoun’s equestrian economy, according to the LEA.

Lovettsville Christmas Tree Collection The town’s waste and recycling contractor will pick up Christmas trees for recycling on Wednesdays through January. Trees must be cleared of all decorations and tree stands before being placed at the curb. Trees free of all decorations also may be taken to the Protective Game Club Association on South Berlin Turnpike through Jan. 20. The trees will be

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Smoke Detector Credited with Limiting Fire Damage to Philomont Home Loudoun County fire authorities said that the alert from a smoke detector helped limit damage last week when a fire started in the basement of a Mountville Road home.

According to the Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service, crews from Philomont, Middleburg, Aldie, Round Hill and Purcellville were dispatched to the fire at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29. An unoccupied two-story, Cape Cod-style guest house had smoke showing from the basement and first floor. Firefighters entered though a basement door and quickly extinguished the visible fire. They then discovered the fire had extended into the floor joists and spread across the floors and up the walls, requiring the removal of flooring and drywall to

made into mulch at the county landfill.

For more information, go to 703-7715514.

Vehicle Decal Fees Due The town reminds residents that late

fully extinguish the fire.

The Fire Marshal’s Office concluded the fire was caused by a malfunctioning furnace. Damage was estimated at $50,000.

The department stressed that the presence of functional smoke alarms allowed for early detection of the fire and helped to prevent more severe damage.

Through its “Put A Finger On It,” the department offers free home inspections and free smoke alarms to all county residents. Smoke alarms are recommended on each level of the home and in every bedroom. To schedule an inspection or get more information about the program go to loudoun.gov/smokealarms or call Public Education Manager Lisa Braun at 571-258-3222.

vehicle decal renewals, which were due Nov. 15, will cost an extra $1 monthly after the 15th of each month. Decals for cars, trucks and SUVs cost $27 each and $18 for motorcycles, plus the monthly late fees.

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January 7, 2016

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Biz

“Once you build people’s trust they’re going to come back, and they may be willing to try something that they normally won’t.”

– Chef Justin Garrison

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The Purcellville Inn, which dates to about 1915, has housed several restaurants over the decades. It is now home to West End Wine Bar & Pub, which opened this week as the newest fine dining restaurant in western Loudoun. Learn more at westendwinebarpub.com.

It’s Full Circle for West End Wine Bar’s Justin Garrison

BY JAN MERCKER Two decades ago, Justin Garrison was a teen working in local kitchens to pay his car insurance. Now he’s one of the area’s farm-to-fork gurus with a brand new venture that has folks buzzing in Purcellville and beyond.

The self-taught Loudoun native opened West End Wine Bar & Pub in Purcellville this week after establishing his locavore chops as executive chef at the Wine Kitchen and its sister eatery WK Hearth.

“Our philosophy here is to continue the movement of eating fresh, eating local, keeping things approachable,” Garrison said. “We want to support local agriculture.”

West End owners Larry Johnson and Brenda Daeschner brought Garrison on board this summer to help them get things rolling in the historic yellow building on Purcellville’s western boundary, where a number of restaurants have operated over the years.

And the excitement among locals has been building over the past six months.

“The ‘coming soon’ sign has been up for too long,” Johnson said with a laugh.

“There’s this built up curiosity, anticipation.”

The dual-concept West End features a wine bar and restaurant upstairs and an “innovative gastropub” below, Garrison said. Both levels offer a range of creative starters and shared plates, with higher-end seasonal entrees upstairs and con-

Chef Justin Garrison helped lead the culinary direction of the Wine Kitchen and WK Hearth as their executive chef. He says he’s eager to chart new waters as chef at West End Wine Bar & Pub in Purcellville.

temporary pub fare below. Examples of the fare include a sloppy joe made from smoked brisket with homemade sauce and bun and a “southern croque monsieur” featuring fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese.

Garrison says he’s looking to appeal both to foodies (from Loudoun and beyond) looking for something a little different and regulars looking for classic

comfort food with a fresh twist.

“We’re taking things that people know but just modernizing them a little bit,” Garrison said. “We really wanted to make the program here approachable and trustworthy. … Once you build people’s trust they’re going to come back, and they may be willing to try something that they normally won’t.”

The building, which dates to around 1915, has housed a string of restaurants over the decades—from the Purcellville Inn to Stonewall Tavern to the popular Italian eatery Candelora’s—before being converted to office space in 2005. And in an interesting twist, Garrison’s first chef de cuisine post was at Candelora’s, which opened at the same location in 1999.

“It’s kind of strange, the full circle,” he said.

After his stint at Candelora’s, Garrison and wife, Julie, headed to Charleston, SC, where he worked with acclaimed Southern chef Fred Neuville before launching his own restaurant on Isle of Palms, Barefoot Bistro, specializing in low country cuisine. The Charleston experience honed his love for all things local.

“Trucks would pull up with local produce. You’d take what you wanted and you’d put it on the menu that week,” Garrison said. “While that was occurring, a lot of that was beginning up here. I’ve been able to continue that movement supporting local farms as much as possible.”

The couple began contemplating a move back to Virginia seven years ago

when their daughter Autumn was born.

Garrison got the Wine Kitchen gig, eventually running the kitchens at both the Leesburg and Purcellville locations.

He spent a productive six years at the successful eateries—developing creative menus and building relationships with area farmers.

“It’s in my blood now—seasonal ingredients and doing less with them is better than doing more,” he said.

As Garrison considered moving on from the Wine Kitchen, he was thinking of something closer to DC to allow for the kind of culinary experimentation he craved. But his meeting with Daeschner and Johnson—business partners and old friends—convinced him that Loudoun is ready for what he has to offer. “[Justin’s] background was perfect,” said Johnson, who bought the building in 2014 and began renovations. The restaurant offers 40 seats downstairs, 70 seats upstairs, and a 40-seat patio when weather permits. “He’s ambitious, he’s creative. He has a passion for doing things right and doing them well.”

The West End team includes sommelier Ellie Bufkin, who returned to her native Purcellville after training under culinary giants like Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck to run the restaurant’s wine and beer programs. These include 14 wines by the glass and a dozen craft beers on tap. And Garrison has found a kindred spirit in his young executive sous chef Tad Winegar, another Loudoun native who, like Garrison, sowed his culinary oats in exotic locales before returning home.

“Essentially that’s what chefs do. They get a wealth of information and they apply it to themselves and they put their spin on it,” Garrison said. “The key is to take that original and to make it delicious.” jmercker@loudounnow.com

January 7, 2016 |

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BizBriefs Medics USA Welcomes New Family Nurse Practitioner

Northern Virginia businesses are calling on state lawmakers to expand Medicaid and adopt policies that bolster the commonwealth’s future workforce.

The Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership, a collaboration among the Dulles Regional, Greater Reston and Loudoun County chambers of commerce, released its 2016 legislative priorities this week. It asks the General Assembly to ensure Virginia sustains a competitive K-12 education system to meet the workforce needs of the future.

Also, with an eye on workforce development, it urges lawmakers to invest in conventional four-year degree programs, as well as specialized programs to allow people to earn highly technical credentials in science, technology, engineering, math and health fields.

The list of priorities also includes a call for the General Assembly to expand Medicaid in a way that is “efficient, effective and expeditious.” Last year’s General Assembly session featured a standoff over expanding the program in accordance with the federal Affordable Care Act. Democrats have called it a win-win because the federal government has said it would cover 100 percent of the funding for Medicaid expansion through 2016. Most Republicans have rejected the idea because of concerns that the federal dollars will run out and Virginia will be left to pick up the payments.

The Northern Virginia Chamber Partnership’s legislative agenda also includes: a request for efficient spending of transportation dollars to relieve congestion throughout Northern Virginia; reform of Virginia’s tax and revenue system to more closely align the source of tax revenues with the spending priorities of state and local government; and increased investment in research and development.

See the chambers’ full list of legislative priorities at loudounchamber.org/Public-Policy.

Medics USA’s care center in Purcellville added Carissa Dear to its team. The center, located at 17336 Pickwick Drive Suite 110, provides primary care and walk-in urgent care.

Dear is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Georgetown University. She worked for more than 10 years as a registered nurse before working as a nurse practitioner in Northern Virginia hospital emergency rooms and family practice facilities.

Dear said, “I am committed to building relationships with patients and their families to ensure holistic, compassionate, and individualized care.”

Medics USA was founded in Purcellville in 1998 as the first urgent care clinic in the area. Since that time, the practice has added complete primary care and family practice services, as well as occupational and travel medicine departments. Medics USA has six clinics, four in Northern Virginia and two in Washington, DC. Medics USA offices are accepting new primary care patients and offer same-day appointments.

Contact the Purcellville office at 540338-3360 or medicsusa.com.

O Ac P ce 2 E N Re pti 0 1 I N se ng 7 G rv P at rio io r ns ity

NoVa Chambers Call for Workforce Development, Medicaid Expansion

Greason Named Chairman of House Appropriations Subcommittee Del. Tag Greason (R-32), who represents the Ashburn area in the General Assembly, has been named chairman of the House Appropriations General Government and Capital Outlay Subcommittee.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Del. Chris Jones (R-76) announced the appointment Tuesday.

“As an Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, I will strive to re-enforce the belief that elected officials can, and should be good stewards of our taxpayer’s dollars,” Greason stated in a press release. “We will need to continue to invest in critical areas such as education and transportation, but must always remember our constitutional requirement to balance the Commonwealth’s budget.”

Greason also serves on the House Education and General Laws committees, and he is chairman of the Subcommittee on Education Reform.

He is starting his fourth term.

The General Assembly’s 2016 session begins Jan. 13.

N E W

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B E S T

Del. Tag Greason

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Brunch & Learn Wednesday, January 27, 2016

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Obituaries lowed in African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery, Lovettsville, VA. Please share condolences with the family at LoudounFuneralChapel.com

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Loudoun Now CROSSWORD ANSWERS See this week’s Crossword puzzle on page 29

Darren Lapread Bell Darren Lapread Bell was born to Wonza Bell and Walter Bell at Elmendorf Air Force Base Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska on May 2, 1977.

He and his family lived in Alaska for several years before Growing up, Darren had a love for many different sports, football being the sport he was most passionate about. Darren’s bright smile, that would light up a room and ability to keep people laughing, has left each person with many memories that will last a lifetime. He touched the lives of a lot of people with his genuine personality, whether he was making you smile or being the occasional “kill joy”. Darren loved gogo music and was always the life of the parties.

Darren loved his two sons, Trevon Gaskins and Dashaun Bell, beyond belief. He worked hard to provide for his boys and maintain a loving home, setting the example of what a man should be. Darren is preceded in death by his late maternal grandfather, William Brown Sr., paternal grandparents Jeanette and Walter Bell Sr., an uncle Tony Bell and a cousin, Erica H. Smith.

Darren is survived by: his mother Wonza Bell; father Walter Bell; maternal grandmother Constance Brown, siblings; Derrick Bell, Wonza Bell, and Brock Bell, Omari Ricks, Cori Langin, Kevin Norman, Shaneka Owens, and Jason Davis, Aunt Pamela Smith, uncles; William Brown Jr and Charles L. Brown, cousins; Jazzmine Dade and William D. Smith, his niece Octavia Bell, who Darren referred to as the “daughter he never had”, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rhieannon Lincoln for her time and dedication to caring for Darren throughout his battle with cancer. The family would also like to thank everyone for the love and support during this time of grieving.

Services were held Friday, Jan. 1, 2016, at First Mount Olive Baptist Church, Leesburg, VA. Interment fol-

Julia Marie Byrne Julia Marie Byrne, 93, of Berryville, Virginia, died Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, in a local nursing home.

Mrs. Byrne was born January 30, 1922 in Ashburn, Virginia, the daughter of the late C. Lester Solomon and Daisy Marie Blundell Solomon.

She was a retired librarian with the Loudoun County Public Schools.

She was a lifelong Methodist. She was a very active member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church where she had served as a past president of the United Methodist Women, worked with Blankets from the Heart and was a member of the choir.

She married Richard Beverly Byrne on June 25, 1942, in Frederick, Maryland.

Surviving with her husband are two sons, Jimmy Byrne and his wife, Mary, of Inwood, WV and Melvin Byrne and his wife, Rebecca, of Hamilton, VA; a daughter, Beverly Goode and her husband, Phil, of Leesburg, VA; a sister, Mae Peacock, of Ashburn, VA; 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

A great-grandson, James Justin Byrne, and a brother, Emory Mason Solomon, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, Berryville with Rev. Jeff Butcher officiating. Burial followed in Union Cemetery, Leesburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 210 E. Main St., Berryville, VA 22611.

Enders & Shirley Funeral Home

ACROSS 2) TUBMAN 3) REVERE 6) EUBANKS 7) NICKLAUS 9) ROCKEFELLER 13) SINATRA 14) BART 16) GIBSON

18) FORMAN 20) HARDY 22) PAINE 24) HAWKING 26) SELLECK 27) MILLER 28) CROCE 29) TIMBERLAKE

DOWN 1) PRESLEY 2) TOLKIEN 4) STILLS 5) NEWTON 8) ZANEGREY 9) ROBINSON 10) LIMBAUGH 11) RALEIGH

12) FRAZIER 15) BIXBY 17) BENNYHILL 18) FILMORE 19) REEVES 21) DEGNERES 23) HANCOCK 25) BALE

January 7, 2016 |

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25

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LoCoLiving

Made in Purcellville, Played on the World Stage Artisan Crafts Bows for Classical Musicians

BY JOHN MCNEILLY CONTRIBUTING WRITER When Joshua Henry was a child he took apart everything he could.

He disassembled clock radios, old telephones, anything that roused his curiosity. Once he understood how they worked, he’d put them back together.

“I’ve always been drawn to using my hands,” the Purcellville resident said.

So it’s no surprise that as an 11-year old, while awaiting music lessons in a violin repair shop in his hometown of Boise, ID, he

was mesmerized by the room’s diverse tools, the various pieces of mysterious wood lying about, the dust and smells of lacquers and varnishes.

It all intrigued him. More so than the violin lessons, he says.

Henry was soon asking his teacher, whose husband ran the shop, if he could have a job. He was persistent until, at the age of 15, they hired him to sweep floors and empty garbage. His responsibilities increased over time, and he began handling violins. Henry cleaned them, learned how to fix their various parts, and re-strung bows.

“Whatever came through the door I got to deal with,” he said.

“The shop owners taught me how to treat each instrument with care and respect.”

By the time he finished high

school, he was an able violin repairman, also capable of re-stringing bows, practically in his sleep. Little then did he know how these skills would ultimately lead him to his life’s true passion and profession.

Henry headed off to college at Boise State, and eventually graduated from school, set on becoming a geologist specializing in volcanic hazards. He continued to work for the violin shop back home on breaks and obtained violin side work at school through connections made playing weekend gigs (he still plays violin and mandolin). It helped supplement his meager graduate student stipend at Washington State University.

“That’s when I knew I loved working on violins. I realized I had a gift for it,” Henry said.

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Joshua Henry, a Purcellville resident, is one of a few in the country who makes and restores bows. His work includes custom and vintage bows for violin, cello and bass.

After graduate school, when Henry realized his geology job prospects were slim, “There aren’t many jobs for volcano specialists,” he laughs. He returned to Idaho to take a position with the violin shop that gave him his start. But, after a couple of years, the store side’s sales and management responsibilities didn’t take.

Although he valued his experiences at the shop and considered the owners as family, Henry was antsy, ready to dirty his hands again.

He applied for and was accepted to a violin bow-making program in Salt Lake City, UT, only one of three in the United States. For two years he studied with the renowned French bow maker Benoit Rolland, toiling to learn every aspect of the history and art of making, restoring and repairing violin bows.

“There were only two of us in

the program, so it was like having one-on-one instruction directly from the master,” Henry said.

In 1999, he made his first violin bow and was officially a craftsman.

He stayed a few years in Salt Lake City, teaching in their well-paying public school music program. A corporate job in the violin business lured him to the Maryland suburbs in 2003. But, once again, the urge to engage his hands in violin work called out, and he resigned the position.

Like the graceful arc of a violin bow, Henry’s passion for craftsmanship kept rearing up during key moments of his life. So, with the encouragement of his wife, he decided to embrace his calling as an artisan.

He gave himself six months to HENRY’S BOWS continues on page 29

January 7, 2016 |

loudounnow.com

This Week

27

Quality New Construction Additions • Renovations • Restorations • Barns • Outbuildings • • Sheds • Repairs •

No Job Too Small! No Job Too Large!

540-882-9655 (Office) 703-727-5500 (Mobile)

Courtesy of Leesburg Civic Ballet Festival

ON STAGE

classes is $95, including materials.

ELVIS: FROM MEMPHIS TO VEGAS

VSA CERAMICS WORKSHOP: CUP AND PLATE

Friday, Jan. 8, 8 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Clay Arthur’s musical tribute to Elvis begins with his early days at Sun Records and traces his path to musical immortality. Tickets are $15.

LEESBURG CIVIC BALLET FESTIVAL Sunday, Jan. 10, 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville.

Details: franklinparkartscenter.org

Saturday, Jan. 9, 1:30-2:45 p.m.; Round Hill Arts Center, Round Hill. Details: roundhillartscenter.org Form and decorate a cup and plate from clay slabs in this three-part class and enjoy using them at home. Classes are adaptive for people with disabilities and run through Jan. 23. Cost is $60 for three classes. For questions regarding accessibility, contact lzimmerchu@vsaloudoun.org.

Contemporary and classical pieces by professional and pre-professional companies will grace the stage. Tickets are $10.

AMY’S AMAZING ART LAB

BLUE SKY PUPPETS: THE ELEVENTH FINGER

Artist Amy Manson leads this dynamic class for children ages 7 to 13. Participants will learn about drawing, painting, sculpting and design and create new projects each session. $120 fee includes four classes (through Jan. 30) and materials.

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville. Details: franklinparkartscenter.org In this production, an apprentice wood-carver sets off on a journey to discover the secret of the 11th finger.

Tickets are $5 per person.

GET CRAFTY BEGINNING KNITTING WITH KATHY REED Saturday, Jan. 9, 1-3 p.m.; Round Hill Arts Center, Round Hill. Details: roundhillartscenter.org This class is designed for beginners— tweens, teens and adults—and runs Saturdays through Jan. 30. Cost for four

Saturday, Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m.-noon; Round Hill Arts Center, Round Hill. Details: roundhillartscenter.org

THE ART STATION PAINT NIGHT Saturday, Jan. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.; The Art Station, Village at Leesburg. Details: theartstation.com Join the Art Station for an evening of creativity and and paint your very own version of Gustav Klimt’s famous painting “The Kiss.” This class is designed for all skill levels. Ages 5 and older are welcome. Cost is $33 per person.

CONTRACTING IN THE HUNT COUNTRY SINCE 1972

VINO MARKET LOUDOUN’S BEST KEPT SECRET!

The area’s BEST selection of beers, ciders & gluten free beers!

Rated by Northern Virginia Magazine to have one of the Top 10 Pulled Pork Sandwiches! Also featuring our Brie, Apple, Honey Sandwich!

LIVE MUSIC ON FRIDAY & SATURDAYS! Visit our wine and beer bar in the cellar, the Blind Pig @ Vino, often thought of as an old fashion speak-easy by our customers Conveniently located on Route 9 (near Route 7) in Paeonian Springs, VA 40602 Charles Town Pike Paeonian Springs, VA

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Mon-Thur 10am-8pm • Friday 10am-1am Saturday 10am-1am • Sunday 10am-8pm

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January 7, 2016

loudounnow.com

More to do

LIVE MUSIC: ANDRE FOX BAND

musicians in downtown Leesburg. No cover.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.; Spanky’s Pub, Leesburg. Details: spankyspub.com Old school R&B with echoes of Al Green and Bill Withers. Cover is $5.

continued from page 27

LEARN SOMETHING

NIGHTLIFE

BIRDING BANSHEE

Friday, Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, Village at Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com The 19th Street Band serves up an eclectic mix of both modern and classic tunes—an acoustic mix of popular rock, country, Celtic, and bluegrass. No cover.

KING’S TAVERN OPEN MIC Friday, Jan. 8, 9 p.m.; King’s Tavern and Wine Bar, Leesburg. Details: kingstavernandwinebar.com

LIVE MUSIC: CODY PURVIS Saturday, Jan. 9, 8 p.m.; Smokehouse Live, Village at Leesburg. Details: smokehouse-live.com Purvis’s powerful vocals showcase his deep country roots and have earned him opening slots for Lee Greenwood, Rodney Atkins, Corey Smith, Colt Ford, Peter Frampton, Darius Rucker, Trace Adkins and other big names. No cover.

Enjoy a fun evening jamming with fellow

Thursday, Jan. 14, 6:30- 7:30 p.m.; Lovettsville Library, Lovettsville. Details: library.loudoun.gov Professional organizer Sally Coiner helps individuals meet their resolution to get organized in 2016. Free.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 8 a.m.; Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg. Contact: 540-554-2542

LIVE MUSIC: THE 19TH ST. BAND

HOME ORGANIZING WITH SALLY COINER

Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks for a monthly walk at this birding hot spot.

Bring binoculars.

A DAY IN THE COSMOS

LUNCH IN THE GALLERY Monday, Jan. 11, 12:15-1:30 p.m.; Franklin Park Arts Center, Purcellville.

Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Enjoy a casual lunch in the Franklin Park Arts Center gallery. Area artists will demonstrate their process and give a guided tour of the gallery art exhibit. $12 fee includes a box lunch.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.; Rust Library, Leesburg. Details: library.loudoun.gov

LIBATIONS

Cosmic Adventures presents a brief tour of the universe and solar system for all ages. Tickets are required for each show.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 10:30 a.m.; Old Ox Brewery, Ashburn. Details: oldoxbrewery. com

TROTTIN’ OXEN RUN

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loudounnow.com

Crossword

HENRY’S BOWS

continued from page 26

achieve his dream.

On a whim in 2006, Henry walked into the Potter Violin Company in Bethesda, MD, to ask about subcontracting opportunities to repair and re-string violin bows. After interviewing him on the spot and recognizing the depth of his experience, they immediately hired him.

“Josh was always focused on constantly learning and being the best craftsman he could be,” said Jim Kelly, partner and vice president of the Potter Violin Company.

“He generated a strong following with our customers. We always knew he wanted his own career, and when he moved to Virginia, we knew he’d do well.”

Kelly’s admiration for Henry’s artistry is personal, too. As a professional violist, he entrusts Henry with his treasured antique bows. He also enthusiastically promotes Henry’s hand-made violin bows which he says sell quickly in the Potter Violin store.

“I totally believe in Josh’s talents,” he said.

Things weren’t initially easy for Henry. As most artists experience, there were times of feast and famine. It takes time to build a reputation and devoted clientele–not only those who return, but who will also recommend your work to others.

Henry said there were also the normal pangs of self-doubt and stress related to starting a family.

When Henry met his future father-inlaw and explained what he did, he re-

More to do

continued from page 28 This new running club welcomes runners and walkers of all ability levels with a focus on health, fitness, camaraderie and quenching one’s thirst with a cold beverage—all in an atmosphere of fun.

CABERNET VERTICAL TASTING Saturday, Jan. 9, noon and 4 p.m.; Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville. Details: breauxvineyards.com Sample six cabernet sauvignon wines in an educational and interactive environment. Wines are paired with a threecourse meal with two seatings available.

Cost is $70, $60 for wine club members. Advance reservations are required.

OLD BUST HEAD BEER DINNER Saturday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m.; Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg. Details: Enjoy craft brews from Warrenton’s Old Bust Head, paired with a special menu courtesy of chef de cuisine Chris Edwards. Tickets are $75 per person.

WHOLE FOODS TRIVIA NIGHT Tuesday, Jan. 12, 6-8 p.m.; Whole Foods Market, Ashburn. Details: wholefoods-

29

BORN IN JANUARY sponded, “You can make a living doing that?”

In fact, one can.

Henry is only one of 75 craftsmen in the U.S. making personally crafted violin bows. His custom bows are played in symphonies all over the world. He even spotted one on the David Letterman show, played by the former fiddler for the country music band, Rascal Flatts.

“By 2007, I no longer had to advertise,” Henry says. His repeat business and referrals from teachers, musicians, and violin shops keep him plenty busy.

Top classical musicians also send him their vintage bows for repairs and re-stringing. These bows can be extremely costly. While Henry’s custom bows start at $4,000, it’s not unusual for professional classical musicians to own vintage bows worth $10,000 or more. And there’s no telling what those bows might be worth some day. Henry said a bow made in the 1800s by the esteemed French master Francois Tourte sold at an auction a few years ago for more than $200,000.

“Pretty impressive for a stick with some hair on it, right?” he laughed.

ACROSS 2) Underground Railroad’s Moses 3) Colonial silversmith 6) Newlywed game host 7) Golf’s golden bear 9) Oli magnate 13) Ol’ Blue Eyes 14) Green Bay’s Starr 16) Mad Max actor 18) Boxing’s Big George 20) Laurel’s foil 22) Common Sense author 24) Cosmologist 26) Hawaii’s Magnum 27) King of the Road 28) Life and imes singer 29) NSYNC lead DOWN 1) Rock’s king 2) Hobbit author 4) With Crosby and Nash 5) Scientific lawmaker

8) Westerns writer 9) Baseball’s 42 10) Radio voice 11) New World explorer 12) Foe of 18 across 15) TV’s The Hulk 17) British funny man 18) Whig president 19) TV Superman 21) TV’s Ellen

23) A signature founding father 25) A big screen Batman

ANSWERS ON PAGE 24

market.com Head upstairs to the bar for food, drink and trivia hosted by Pour House Trivia.

Winning team gets a prize.

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS BETWEEN THE HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BREAKFAST Saturday, Jan. 9, 8-10:30 a.m., Between the Hills Community Center, 11762 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. Contact: 540- 668 -6504 Enjoy a breakfast of fresh donuts, sausage gravy, biscuits, eggs, coffee cake, pancakes, sausage, fried potatoes and fruit. Breakfast is free for those joining BTHCA (membership is $20 per family).

Free will offering for all others.

LTD HUNTER HORSE SHOW Saturday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m.; Morven Park Equestrian Center, Leesburg. Details: morvenpark.org Young equestrians show off their stuff with a focus on style points. Event is free and open to the public.

LTD JUMPER HORSE SHOW Sunday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m.; Morven Park Equestrian Center, Leesburg. Details: morvenpark.org More young equestrians—this time with a more athletic/technical bent. Event is free and open to the public.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING At the January 20, 2016, and January 28, 2016, School Board meetings, the members of the Loudoun School Board will seek public comment about Loudoun County Public Schools’ Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2017.

Comments will be welcome at School Board meetings throughout the budget process. Those who want to speak at the School Board meeting(s) may sign up to do so at the meeting(s) or have their names placed on the speakers list in advance by calling (571) 252-1020. A schedule of School Board meetings is also available at this number and on the Loudoun County Public Schools calendar at www.lcps.org.

Meetings are held at

21000 Education Court Ashburn, VA 20148.

Persons, who, due to a disability, need assistance to participate meaningfully in School Board meetings, should call (571) 252-1020 at least five days prior to the meeting.

30 |

January 7, 2016

loudounnow.com

Opinion A Model Force The retirement of Leesburg Police Chief Joseph R. Price later this spring will close an important era in the department’s history.

His 16-year tenure was marked by significant growth of both the town’s population and the police force, as well as an increasing complexity in the nature of crime in the community. Price and his team largely met the challenges and earned plenty of state and national accolades along the way. He leaves a strong foundation upon which his successor can build.

Town Manager Kaj Dentler holds the responsibility to choose Price’s replacement—with, under the terms of the town charter, the “advice and consent” of the Town Council. It will be the most important hire of Dentler’s time in the top job.

This is one post for which the town would be well advised to cast a wide net. A national search is the right way to go.

Before that begins, however, town leaders—with input from a broad range of community interests— should develop a clear vision for their police force over the next decade and clearly define the qualities they want to see in its leader. This is an ideal time for a discussion of what the department does well now and what it can do better in the future.

The expectations should be set high for applicants.

In an era when relations between residents and law enforcement grab headlines for the wrong reasons, Leesburg has the opportunity to build a model force.

Advertise With Us Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to 30,000 homes and businesses in Leesburg and western Loudoun and is distributed for pick up county-wide. For rates and other information, email sales@loudounnow.com.

Support Loudoun Businesses If you like this week’s paper, let our advertisers know you appreciate their support.

Share Your Views Loudoun Now welcomes letters to the editor.

Letters should include the name, address and phone number of the writer and should be a maximum of 500 words. Letters may be sent by email to letters@loudounnow.com or by mail to PO Box 207, Leesburg, VA 20178.

LoudounNow is published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723

Letters Bad Idea

Editor: The current Loudoun County Revised General Plan states that “the rural land outside of the Towns and their JLMAs [Joint Land Management Areas] could accommodate over 58,000 dwelling units that would add billions of dollars in public costs.”

Under “Rural Residential,” the Revised Plan, in attempting to keep open space available for new agricultural uses, provided two rural residential areas, each with cluster options. This turns out to have been a bad idea for the Northern Tier Area, and the cluster concept—along with the Rural Hamlets concept—must be removed in the 2016 General Plan.

In fact, the Northern Tier should be returned to the one dwelling unit per 25-acre lot size that was in the original 1991 General Plan.

Henry Plaster, Chairman Snickersville Turnpike Association

Look Outside Editor: When the Leesburg Town Council reconvenes Jan. 11-12 to decide on an “interim mayor,” they Norman K. Styer Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com Danielle Nadler Managing Editor dnadler@loudounnow.com Margaret Morton Senior Writer mmorton@loudounnow.com

should be looking to the outside, not the inside, to fill the open seat. But while Virginia law on succession is complicated, it provides no standards on how to fill a vacant seat. Essentially, it is legal if four of the six sitting councilmembers coalesce around an interim mayor candidate and name that person Jan. 12 to serve until the November 2016 town elections.

So, I agree with Vice Mayor Burk’s statement in Loudoun Now (Dec. 28) that picking a sitting councilmember “is not in the town’s best interest” and would necessitate “yet another temporary appointment for the council member’s slot that might be followed by a special election.”

However, Ms. Burk also says it should be a “fair process.” Therefore, on Jan. 12, the council should initiate the same process that was used to find replacements for Ms. Burk and me in 2007 and 2011, respectively, when we left the council for the Board of Supervisors—specifically, allow town residents to apply and then pick a candidate for interim mayor at a subsequent council meeting. The Board of Supervisors used a process like this to fill the Broad Run District seat in September and it worked very well.

In addition, Virginia law allows the vice mayor to be acting mayor for up to 90 days while the council decides the interim slot, and if they cannot agree, the courts can appoint one. I firmly believe Ms. Burk can run one or two meetings until the council

Renss Greene, Reporter rgreene@loudounnow.com Douglas Graham, Photographer dgraham@loudounnow.com Contributors Kara Clark Rodriguez Jan Mercker John McNeilly

Advertising Director Susan Styer sstyer@loudounnow.com Production Electronic Ink 9 Royal St. SE Leesburg, VA 20175

January 7, 2016 |

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HUMANE SOCIETY MARKS 50

rectly with animals, board volunteers are also needed to plan, organize and direct continued from page 18 the operation, Easton said.

The organization is totally funded by nonprofit since 2001. Since then she donations.

“We do a lot of fundraisers, served in a number of board and volunas well as direct mail solicitation,” Easton teer positions, before stepping up to the said, adding “people are presidency in March. very generous.” VeteriShe is proud of the narians also help out with organization’s indecare costs, particularly for pendent stance and its those who cannot afford no-kill philosophy. The to pay much. society takes in animals Leesburg resident and from a high-kill shelter former president Miin southern Virginia chelle Zebrowski has voland finds foster and unteered with the society then permanent homes for about eight years. She for them. helps out with donor reDogs do not stay long lations and increasing the in foster homes. donor base through di“People in Loudoun rect mail campaigns and are dog hungry,” Easton grants. Her biggest focus is said, laughing. And, at Humane Society of Loudoun County on the low-cost spay-neua recent adoption event Lulu is one of the rescued pups ter program. at the Loudoun County now available for adoption at “It’s always been my Animal Shelter, “every- the Humane Society of Loudoun view that the Humane Soone of the nine cats were County. ciety should focus on filladopted.” ing that gap. Tons of peo“We are and have always been an all-volunteer, no-kill, ple are doing rescue, but my aim is to go foster-based organization funded only to the source so unwanted animals aren’t through donations and grants,” she stated. being born,” she said.

Last year, volunteers found homes Another big program is trapping, spayfor more than 100 kittens, cats, dogs ing and neutering wild cats before finding and puppies; provided its Trap-Neuter them new homes. “They breed twice a and Release program for more than 200 year—you can get 150 cats in three years,” cats and kittens; helped provide more Easton said. “We and others are working than 10,000 pounds of pet food for the hard to limit those numbers.”

Longtime volunteer Laura Lieberman Loudoun Pet Pantry; and conducted lowrecalled helping to feed a feral cat colony cost spay/neuter programs for more than that used to live outside at the east Lees- 400 Loudoun pets.

Easton said a Feb. 22 kick-off party is burg shopping center and would came out at night for feeding. “We also fed a colo- planned at Ristorante Palio in Leesburg to ny behind the Leesburg Outlet Mall in its announce a year-long roster of birthday early days,” Lieberman said, who also has bash events. helped address Lovettsville’s large feral cat population.

For more information, go to While many people want to work dihelpanimals@humaneloudoun.org.

Letters continued from page 30

chooses among the applicants.

Unfortunately, I sense considerable backroom discussions on who will be interim mayor. I am concerned there are some sitting council members who want it either to give themselves an advantage in running for mayor or council in November, or just to add the “honor” to their résumés. Some may be promising to take the interim slot and not run for the regular mayoral seat in the fall, but no law binds a person from not running for mayor or council. They merely have to submit 125 signatures on petitions by mid-June to be on the November ballot.

These are all bad reasons and, as such, I firmly believe it would be best for the council to pick a non-council member to take this position, particularly a former member of council or a town board or commission, who works in or near Leesburg, has experience running meetings and has some knowledge of town issues.

For the record, I am not seeking the interim mayor position, but many residents have asked me to run for it in the fall.

But the last thing the council should be doing is acting behind the scenes, or deciding on an inside candidate to give that person leverage in the elections or something to put on their résumé. It is advisable for the council to review applications and decide soon so it can refocus on the issues that matter—including keeping the government center and courts in Leesburg; improving our business climate; seeking county assistance to fund Leesburg programs, such as the sheriff to help with our growing crime problem and ensuring that needed transportation improvements move forward, including a new commuter bus lot for the Rt. 7 area.

Too much jockeying by council members on “who will be the next mayor” is not what’s in the public interest.

Ken Reid, Leesburg [The writer is a former Town Council member and the immediate past Leesburg District supervisor.]

31

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