Loudoun Now for Jan. 17, 2019 by Loudoun Now

LoudounNow LOUDOUN COUNTY’S COMMUNITY-OWNED NEWS SOURCE

[ Vol. 4, No. 9 ]

[ loudounnow.com ]

Live like you mean it

[ January 17, 2019 ]

Local Gov’t, Nonprofits, Businesses Rally to Aid Federal Workers BY RENSS GREENE

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

The proposed Emerald Ribbons project would create a network of walking trails along stream beds throughout Loudoun County, including Goose Creek.

A Walk in the Woods Board Considers Countywide Trail Network

BY DANIELLE NADLER

s county leaders envision what they want Loudoun to look like 20 years from now, they’re considering creating a network of trails that give residents a taste of nature even amid the Metro stations, business parks, and data center alley of eastern Loudoun. A group of preservationists, nature and bike enthusiasts, and proponents of smart growth who make up the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition have been working for the past year on a project called Emerald Ribbons, which would designate a system of linear parks and unpaved trails along select roads and waterways for public use. The trails could be a space to walk

or hike, or possibly ride a bike or a horse, depending on the desire of the community that surrounds that section of trail. The coalition will be looking for the blessing of the county Board of Supervisors to put the Emerald Ribbon initiative into action. Supervisors are scheduled to take up the item at its meeting Jan. 17. If the board approves the action recommended by County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn), it would direct the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Board to develop a detailed plan to implement a network of public trails and linear parks. The idea behind Emerald Ribbons was sparked by the development along Broad Run and the future Metro stations, said Dennis R. Kruse, who sits on

the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition and is president of Bike Loudoun. Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) suggested the creation of a linear park that runs along the Broad Run, eastern Loudoun’s largest waterway which happens to be home to some of the most diverse bird species in the county. “We want to make sure areas like that are protected,” said Kruse. The first objective of the Emerald Ribbons project is to protect the wetlands and stream beds, and the second is to ensure the public knows about them and can access them, which might include the creation of pocket parks with signage at the entrance of some of the trails.

As the federal government shutdown stretched into its third week and federal employees saw a pay period come and go with no paycheck, government and business leaders are rallying to support the county’s federal employees and contractors last week. Friday marked the first missed paycheck of the shutdown for federal employees. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 federal workers live in Loudoun County. Supervisor Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) said he has neighbors out of work because of the shutdown—and one neighbor who has to go to work without pay. “Both of those neighbors have three little children, and mortgages, and car payments, and insurance, and have to put food on the table,” Buona said. “It’s tough without that paycheck, and they’re going to suffer.” Stephanie Berkowitz, president and CEO of Northern Virginia Family Services, said her organization has seen a 10 percent uptick in traffic at food banks further east even before Friday’s missed paycheck. The impact of the shutdown reverberated throughout the region, as federal workers, federal contractors, and the people who serve them all see their paychecks shrink or stop. Berkowitz said the visitors to those food banks include not only federal workers and contractors, but waiters, Uber and Lyft drivers, and other people who have seen their income go down because federal workers are staying home. Some of those people, she said,

TRAIL NETWORK >> 46

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3 January 17, 2019

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Del. David Reid questions Lorrie Sinclair during a Jan. 12 interview session for candidates seeking election to a vacant seat in the 20th Circuit.

Delegation Members Continue Push for Transparent Judicial Appointments BY NORMAN K. STYER Three days after conducting public interviews of two candidates for a vacant judgeship in the 20th Circuit Court, Democratic members of Loudoun’s General Assembly Delegation continued to press for a “fair and open” process to fill the seat. The group, along with Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, on Tuesday gathered for a press conference in Richmond where they called for a bi-partisan approach to filling the seat and others in the future. On Saturday, Sen. Jennifer Boyso (D-33), and delegates David Reid (D32), Wendy Gooditis (D-10), John Bell (D-87) and Karrie Delaney (D-67) held a public interview session for attorneys seeking the appointment. Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Sean Morgan and defense attorney Lorrie Sinclair each addressed the panel and answered questions during 25-minute

interview sessions. Both were vetted by the Loudoun Bar’s judicial qualifications committee, with Sinclair getting the most votes last week when the bar membership met to make its recommendations. A third candidate for the post—Fauquier County Commonwealth’s attorney Jim Fisher—did not seek Loudoun Bar review and said he was unable to attend Saturday’s delegation forum. Both Morgan and Sinclair have more than two decades of experience in Loudoun’s court system and said they wished to continue their community service on the bench. In his remarks, Morgan stressed his experience as a prosecutor and litigator, noting that he takes pride in helping to keep Loudoun safe and to hold individuals accountable for their crimes. Sinclair, who serves as a substitute judge and is a former prosecutor, said it was her dream since childhood to be

a defense attorney and ensure that individuals receive justice. Under questioning, she also said her experience as the daughter of Jamaican immigrants and growing up in New York where she was bussed from her neighborhood as part of school desegregation brings an important perspective in a community experiencing increasing diversity. After the interview session, the delegation members met privately in an “executive session” to decide their recommendation, stating an announcement would be made Sunday or Monday. During Tuesday’s press conference at the state capitol, they declined to publicly disclose which candidate they had decided to endorse for the post. Reid said “it’s still being discussed.” Attending the press conference were Reid, Boysko, Gooditis, Bell and Kathleen J. Murphy (D-34). They focused

New policy should limit student seclusion

Herndon dentist wins 86th District primary

JUDGESHIPS >> 29

New School Policy Targets ‘Student Shaming’ in the Lunch Line

BY DANIELLE NADLER School leaders want to protect students from being embarrassed in the lunch line when their meal accounts run low. New federal and state laws are requiring public school divisions to adopt a policy that informs parents that they are expected to pay any debt incurred for their children’s meals— and to communicate that information to the parent, not the student. “This is an effort to eliminate the student shaming,” said School Board Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles), who sits on the Finance and Facilities Committee that worked on the proposed policy. There was a time when students who did not have enough funds to pay for a

INDEX

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

SHAMING >> 29

Healing soldiers through song

Students at Ball’s Bluff Elementary School in Leesburg line up for breakfast.

Loudoun Gov........................... 6 Leesburg............................... 10 Public Safety......................... 12 Education.............................. 14 Politics................................. 18 Nonprofit............................... 20 Biz........................................ 22 Healthy Living........................ 25 Our Towns............................. 30 LoCo Living........................... 34 Obituaries............................. 38 Public and Legal Notices....... 39 Help Wanted.......................... 41 Resource Directory................ 42 Opinion................................. 44

Facebook block breached First Amendment

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Budget Office Hedges Bet on Data Center Tax Revenue

[ LOUDOUN GOV ]

January 17, 2019

BY RENSS GREENE

Large) said Loudoun’s program keeps county money out of it. Buona, who was an early skeptic of the program, said all his concerns had been allayed. “We do have some things to do along the way, but let me say again, we have done more in the environmental sus-

Loudoun County Director of Management and Budget Erin McLellan has recommended the county direct some of the tax revenues from data centers into county and school renovation projects, insulating the government from fluctuations in an industry that finance officers are trying to better understand. Property tax revenues from the computer equipment inside data centers form a major leg of the county budget, this year expected to put more than $200 million into local coffers. In the previous fiscal year, county budget officers conservatively estimated the industry would bring the county $154.9 million in business computer equipment tax. But while budget staff members typically anticipate bringing in slightly more revenue than budgeted, the county collected $195.2 million in that tax, more than $40 million more than projected. McLellan first warned supervisors in December that, while it’s a good problem to have, it means the county is not making the most of that revenue, and more importantly that the county does not have a good handle on the industry or what to expect from it. To that end, the county government has been working to better understand the industry and what to expect from it from a tax standpoint. “We wanted to understand that industry a little bit better before we got any more aggressive with our revenue projections,” McLellan told county supervisors Jan. 2. “We think we do have a little bit better understanding. We’ve really examined the trend lines and so we are being a little more aggressive with our revenue projections.” Also in December, she alerted supervisors that as the construction from the early years of the county government’s building boom ages, renovations on those facilities—now two or three decades old—will start to take up a larger chunk of the county’s capital budget. So this year, county budget staff has proposed earmarking some that data center revenue for renovations. McLellan said, “We don’t want to get too operationally dependent on that revenue source, which is from one single industry.” “The reason we are proposing not using that additional revenue in the operating budget, but rather putting in in the capital fund, is so that, should there be any changes in that revenue source— should we see a plateau or even a dip in that revenue—we have a great ability to adjust without affecting our operations,” McLellan said. “With a renovation, it could be delayed, projects could be stopped, phased out, ramped down, so we think we could adjust a lot easier using that revenue there.” If that proposal is to become policy, supervisors will need to adopt it as part of their next county budget.

CLEAN ENERGY >> 8

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

A federal appeals court has ruled Loudoun Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) violated the First Amendment by briefly blocking a Loudouner on Facebook.

Appeals Court Rules Randall Violated First Amendment on Facebook BY RENSS GREENE A federal appeals court on Jan. 7 upheld a decision that County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) violated a Loudouners’ constitutional rights by blocking him on Facebook, prompting a landmark lawsuit that began settling some of the murky rules of First Amendment law on social media. In February 2016, Davison posted on her “Chair Phyllis Randall” Facebook page with allegations of conflicts of interest by School Board members and their families, a complaint Davison had made in other public forums. Randall deleted the post and blocked him to

prevent him from making additional postings. She then unblocked him the next day. The appeals court affirmed the lower court’s ruling that Randall was acting “under color of state law” in running that Facebook page and in deleting Davison’s comment and banning Davison from it. Randall said she had “no idea” whether Davison’s allegations of corruption were true, but banned him anyway, viewing his allegations as “slanderous.” “Randall’s decision to ban Davison because of his allegation of governmental corruption constitutes black-letter viewpoint discrimination,” wrote Judge

James A. Wynn Jr. in the court’s ruling. “Put simply, Randall unconstitutionally sought to ‘suppress’ Davison’s opinion that there was corruption on the School Board.” Randall’s case has drawn attention in national media as a possible guide to the legal implications of President Donald J. Trump’s use of another social media platform, Twitter, where Trump has blocked his critics. It has also drawn filings from the American Civil Liberties Union, academic institutions Institute at Columbia University and Georgetown University, and other legal FIRST AMENDMENT >> 8

Loudoun Nears Approval of Commercial Clean Energy Loan Program, Awaits AG Opionion BY RENSS GREENE A program to help finance green energy for commercial buildings is nearing approval from the Board of Supervisors, pending an attorney general’s opinion expected next month. The Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program allows building owners to take out loans secured by a voluntary lien against their property to finance clean energy projects, such as installing solar panels on the roofs of buildings. The program is intended to provide more financing for clean energy projects, which often take longer to pay for themselves than the typical commercial real estate loan that owners might use. While commercial real estate loans may be paid off over five to 10 years, Loudoun’s PACE loans will have 30-year terms. Those loans are made by private lenders, administered by a third party, and backed by a special lien against the prop-

erty, which carries with the property if it is sold. Supervisors are waiting for an opinion from Attorney General Mark Herring on whether the county may legally delegate the billing, collection and enforcement of those loans to a third party before moving ahead. Vice Chairman Ralph M. Buona (R-Ashburn) said he expects the attorney general will rule it can, but that it’s prudent to wait and be sure. If Herring does not agree, the county would have to edit the ordinance before passing it. He pointed out amending an existing ordinance can take as long as writing a new one. “I think it’s prudent to wait one month and maybe save a year,” Buona said. “We’ve waited this long, one month will be OK for us.” As the county began writing its ordinance, some supervisors were concerned about putting taxpayer money on the line with the program. County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Solar arrays at New River Farm near Leesburg on a cloudy day in December.

Supervisor Authorize Eminent Domain for Courts Complex The Olive Branch Lodge, a Freemasons lodge, will no longer be permitted to use the adjacent Semones lot, so its members will have to park at the Pennington lot or garage and walk two blocks to their monthly meetings. The report says that despite that complication, negotiations are “progressing” and landowners are willing to reach agreements. To keep the project on schedule, the county will need to secure all easements this month and win site plan approval from the town. Then the county can begin soliciting contractors for the $72 million project, which is scheduled to move to construction by this fall. The county estimates every month the project is delayed will cost $282,000. Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure Director Joe Kroboth said by email although he is ‘confident we’ll be able to reach mutually agreeable terms with most property owners,’ working with lenders connected to the properties adds time to the process. “Even if the lender is amenable to the transaction, our experience has been the lenders do not see these transactions as a priority and they take several months to a year to process the approval,” Kroboth wrote. Nobody spoke at a Jan. 9 public hearing on the eminent domain proceedings. rgreene@loudounnow.com

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County supervisors have voted unanimously to begin eminent domain proceedings against 10 property owners with 11 parcels in Leesburg for the planned courts complex expansion, even though those negotiations have not yet stalled. Typically, a government would condemn land and take it for public use only after negotiations to take that land amicably fail. The county is seeking drainage and construction easements on properties along Church Street near North Street and Cornwall Street, and along Edwards Ferry Road next to the planned expansion. According to a staff report, the county has made agreements with three property owners already, ranging from donating the easement to $1,906. The report described the easements as “only a small portion of the highlighted properties ranging from 0.5 foot to 5 foot strips of property.” The remaining permanent easements the county is seeking range from 147 square feet to eight. Some properties will be impacted only by temporary construction easements, ranging from 773 square feet to 36 square feet. The project is also expected to take away nearby parking from some of those addresses. Two property owners will lose on-street parking in front of their homes, trading for reserved spaces in the county-owned Semones lot.

January 17, 2019

BY RENSS GREENE

January 17, 2019

First amendment << FROM 6 scholars. The ruling could mean elected officials with social media pages relating to their government roles need to rethink how they use those pages. County Attorney Leo Rogers said he is working to establish new guidelines for public officials on social media. He said public officials will need to determine whether a page is public page or truly a private page, looking at whether it references their official roles, contains their title, or other trappings of office. If they do allow comments on a public page, he said, there will have to be a social media policy and process of review including notifying the person who made the comment before deleting any. After the ruling, Randall briefly unpublished her Chair Phyllis Randall Facebook page, making it unavailable to the public until she published it again. “I will not take the chance that a pseudonym can say anything about anybody whether it’s true or not, whether it’s an accusation or not, and I have no way to police that,” Randall said. “I just won’t let that happen on my page.” Davison often posts his criticisms on Facebook and elsewhere under the pseudonym “VirginiaSGP,” referring to a previous lawsuit he filed against the Loudoun County School Board. In that

EE! ! E E RR

case, he unsuccessfully sued the school system to publicly release Student Growth Percentiles, a measure of students’ improvement compared to their peers, by school and teacher. Randall said comments will no longer be permitted on her Facebook page. “One of the results from the first court ruling was I noticed when I put a post up and people would come on and in the comments they would be doing things like advertising their business, so it had nothing to do with the post or anything,” Randall said. “My site was becoming a marketing tool for anyone who marketed their business, so I was like, where does it end?” Randall said she would still post on the page, and all of the comments posted to the page before she took it down would still be visible. “I’ll still communicate out and still use my site how I would have otherwise, but unfortunately if somebody wants to communicate in to me, they need to do it via email. Randall said she will not appeal the court’s decision. The only higher court of appeal remaining would have been the U.S. Supreme Court. Contact information for county supervisors and other information is listed at loudoun.gov/bos. Davison has not yet returned a request for comment.

Open Legal Questions Remain While the ruling may give other courts guidance in dealing with the First Amendment and social media—a still-unsettled field of law—the opinion also points to other complicated legal

questions. During the case, Randall’s attorneys argued that her Facebook page is private property, and should not be considered a public forum. Wynn wrote the argument contradicts established case law, and that “it makes no legal sense to establish a bright-line rule” that only government property can be a public forum. “Why, for example, should the First Amendment allow a municipality to engage in viewpoint discrimination in curating a public library branch in leased space but not allow the municipality to engage in such discrimination in a library branch on municipally owned property?” wrote Wynn. Although they did not rule on the topic, the judges also contemplated conflicts between the First Amendment restrictions on the government, and the content rules on privately-owned social media networks. Wynn wrote that there may be an argument that a public official could violate the First Amendment by using a website for a public forum if that website has more restrictive rules than are allowed to public officials. He gave the example of putting a public forum on a social media site that only allowed members of one political party to post and comment, which he wrote would seem to violate the First Amendment “even if the partisan restriction was imposed by the private company, not the governmental body.” “Such a restriction would be seem to be no different than a municipality choosing to hold a town hall meeting in a venue that refused admission to individuals associated with a disfavored political party or viewpoint,” Wynn

wrote. Judge Barbara Milano Keenan agreed with the other two judges on the court, but wrote a separate opinion to raise two other issues. She, too, wondered about the conflict between a private social media company’s rules and the First Amendment protections for people talking about public officials. For example, she wrote, companies like Facebook prohibit types of hate speech that are allowed in a public forum. “Thus, while a government official, who under color of law has opened a public forum on a social media platform like Facebook, could not ban a user’s comment containing hate speech, that official could report the hate speech to Facebook,” Keenan wrote. “And Facebook personnel could ban the user’s comment, arguably circumventing First Amendment protections.” Rogers said Loudoun has previously encountered difficulties with these rules, such as when Facebook automatically deleted one of Davison’s comments. In that case, he said, the county government contacted Facebook and had the company reverse that decision and stop automatically deleting posts on the county’s page. Keenan also wondered whether officials elected to legislative bodies—who do not have individual policymaking authority, but can only vote as a member as that body—should be subject to the same rules as public officials who can act unilaterally, such as a president or an attorney general. rgreene@loudounnow.com

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Council Members Get Their Appointments

January 17, 2019

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

Town of Leesburg

A rendering of a planned Chic-Fil-A restaurant, Leesburg’s second, which the Leesburg Town Council has unanimously approved.

Chick-fil-A’s Second Leesburg Location Unanimously Approved BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ Loudoun County cows rejoice— soon those local to Leesburg will have another reason to eat more chicken. Tuesday night, the Leesburg Town Council unanimously passed the concept plan, proffer amendment and special exception applications that pave the way for the town’s second Chickfil-A drive-through restaurant. The newest Chick-fil-A will be located off the intersection of Miller Drive and Battlefield Parkway, near the EIT headquarters, in the Oaklawn community. Tuesday night’s approvals also laid the ground work for a second 5,000-square-foot building, also with a drive-through, on that same site. The tenants of that building are unknown at this time and Christine Gleckner of Walsh Colucci, the land use planner

representing the applicant, noted that building could hold from one to three tenants. Several council members voiced their concerns over the proposed hours of operation for the drivethrough establishments on the site. Although Chick-fil-A’s hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closed Sundays, the applicant, Oaklawn Development Partners, had requested that the operating hours of the second drive-through establishment be from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Allowing that large window of operations would make the property more marketable, said Andy Shuckra, of Oaklawn Development Partners, said. A distinction was made between last summer’s Meadowbrook commercial development application, which, among other amenities, featured three drive-through establishments off Rt.

15 adjacent to the Meadowbrook community. The proposed three drivethroughs specifically drew the ire of many nearby residents, as well as council members. This week’s application, Councilman Tom Dunn noted, instead was on a site with commercial uses and largescale employers already nearby. No one from the public spoke at Tuesday’s public hearing, and Gleckner reported that feedback from nearby residents in an HOA meeting regarding the application was overwhelmingly positive. Although Vice Mayor Marty Martinez initially suggested capping the hours of operation at 10 p.m., the council compromised on a closing time of midnight. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

New Faces on Leesburg Boards and Commissions BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ The new year brings plenty of new faces to the Town of Leesburg’s boards and commissions. The Town Council Tuesday night unanimously approved all the board and commission appointees as part of its consent agenda. Each council electoral victor from November—Mayor Kelly Burk, Vice Mayor Marty Martinez and council members Suzanne Fox and Neil Steinberg—was appointed or re-appointed members to each body for new terms that mirror the length of their own terms. Some vacancies that belonged to other council members were also filled. The two bodies responsible for recommendations to the council on planning and design in the town in particular have some new blood. Former Town Council candidate Kari Nacy is among those new faces on the Planning Commission. She was

appointed by Fox. Joining her are fellow new member Al Barney, appointed by Steinberg; and Doris Kidder and Ad Barnes, who were re-appointed by Martinez and Burk, respectively. Leaving the Planning Commission are former chair Sharon Babbin and Gigi Robinson. Rick Lanham, David Faliskie and JoAnn Walker have two years remaining on their terms. On the Board of Architectural Review, former Public Art Commissioner Tom O’Neil is the lone new face, appointed by Steinberg. He joins Julie Pastor (Burk), Teresa Minchew (Fox), and Paul Reimers (Martinez), who were all re-appointed. Exiting the BAR is Edward Kiley. Dale Goodson, Richard Koochagian and Stacy Skinner have two years remaining on their terms. The Airport Commission saw two new appointees — Lindsay Arrington (Burk) and Raymond de Haan (Stein-

berg). They join former Town Council member Hugh Forsythe (Fox) and Dennis Boykin (Martinez) who were both re-appointed. Leaving the commission are Tom Toth and Eliot Danner. Gary Rogerson and Vaughn Allex have two years remaining on their terms. A vacancy remains to be filled by Councilman Tom Dunn. Russell Woolard (Burk), Tom Jewell (Fox) and James Hershman, Jr. (Martinez) were all re-appointed to the Thomas Balch Library Commission. Patti Maslinoff (Steinberg) takes the place of outgoing commissioner Eileen Axeman. Donna Bohanon, Martha Schonberger and Mary Pellicano all have two years remaining on their terms. All four members of the Public Art Commission with expiring terms were re-appointed — Jeanette Ward (Burk),

The first set of Town Council meetings this year served not just as a time to make citizen appointments to the town advisory boards and commissions, but for council members to receive their own assignments. During the council’s organizational meeting earlier this week, Mayor Kelly Burk was appointed as the council representative to the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Advisory Committee, Virginia Municipal League’s Human Development and Education Committee, and as one of two council representatives, along with Vice Mayor Marty Martinez, on the joint town and county Annexation Area Development Policy Committee. Burk will also serve as the council representative on several town boards and commissions: the Environmental Advisory Commission, the Public Art Commission and the Standing Residential Traffic Committee. Martinez will be the council’s representative on VML’s General Laws Committee, the Board of Architectural Review, the Diversity Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Councilman Neil Steinberg was tapped as the council representative for the Airport Commission, the Technology and Communications Commission, the Tree Commission, and VML’s Environmental Quality Committee. Councilman Josh Thiel will represent the council on the town’s Economic Development Commission, and on VML’s Community and Economic Development and Transportation committees. Councilman Tom Dunn will serve as the council representative to the town Planning Commission. Councilman Ron Campbell will represent the council on the Thomas Balch Library Commission and VML’s Finance Committee. Finally, Councilwoman Suzanne Fox will continue to serve as the council representative on NVTA’s Planning Coordination Advisory Committee. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

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Council Considers Town IT Needs

IT NEEDS >> 13

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Just as the Leesburg Town Council kicks off its fiscal year 2020 budget process, it can add a laundry list of IT needs to the debate. The council recently was presented with an IT strategic plan, an effort spearheaded by its Technology and Communications Commission. Mary Siero, president of Innovative IT Solutions, made the presentation before the council at its Jan. 7 meeting. Several security vulnerabilities were discovered during the course of the assessment and information gathering for the plan. They were not specified in the report; however, because of confidentiality concerns. Town Council members were expected to be briefed individually by town staff on what those security vulnerabilities are. Five key technology initiatives of strategic importance were identified during the course of the review. They were the need to develop and implement formal IT governance to include processes, roles, tools and criteria; formulate a plan for the future provision of key technology infrastructure and architecture for the town; enhance IT staffing and support with business analysts to provide increased business applica-

tion support; focus on expanding and enhancing key software applications; and improve IT customer service through the implementation of an IT service catalog. Four of the five initiatives are categorized in the plan as “foundational must haves,” with the assessment noting that Leesburg lags behind other similarly sized communities in its IT resources. The adopted plan will serve as a guide for the Information Technology Department’s work plans over the next five years. It provides a five-year plan implementation for the town, and a two-year tactical roadmap on what measures need to be funded and achieved in the near-term if the strategic vision of leveraging technology and providing exceptional customer service into the future is going to be realized. All told, recommendations stemming from the adopted plan could cost $1 million, mainly for additional full-time staffing if the council moves forward with implementation during the two upcoming fiscal year budgets. In fiscal year 2020, the plan calls for a new systems administrator position responsible for managing IT infrastructure, mobile devices and wireless technology. The following

January 17, 2019

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

January 17, 2019

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McGowan Gets Fine, Suspended Sentence in Drug Charge Actress Rose McGowan on Monday entered a plea of no contest in Loudoun County Circuit Court to her highly publicized cocaine possession charge. She was fined $2,500 and had her driver’s license suspended for six months. A 12-month jail sentence was suspended. McGowan had been set to face a two-day trial on felony drug possession charges starting Tuesday. Last week, prosecutors and her attorney agreed to a deal that lead to the misdemeanor conviction. The action brings an end to a yearlong ordeal that began when McGowan left her wallet on a United Airlines plane after disembarking at Dulles Airport en route to the Women’s March in Washington, DC last February. Her wallet was found and turned into authorities, who also found a half gram of cocaine inside. According to court filings, when McGowan was notified that she could claim her wallet at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Police station, she requested only that her identification cards be returned, left for pick up at an airport claims station. She never appeared to retrieve her wallet. After authorities filed felony drug possession charges against her, McGowan’s attorney suggested the drugs could have been planted. She was the first woman to publicly claim she was sexually assaulted by Hollywood mo-

Leesburg Car Arson Suspect Charged After a third vehicle was set on fire in an apartment complex parking lot along Fort Evans Road in Leesburg, a suspect is in custody. At approximately 2:50 a.m. Jan. 8, fire Quijano and rescue crews from Leesburg were dispatched to 36 Fort Evans Road NE where a black Nissan Sentra sedan was engulfed in flames. The fire spread to two adjacent vehicles, resulting in approximately $30,000 in damages. The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office charged Luis Antonio Navarrete Quijano, 27, with one count of felony—for setting his own vehicle on fire. He was held in jail on $2,500 bond. The Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate two other intentionally-set car fires that occurred in the same apartment complex during the early morning hours of Jan. 3. Those cases appear to be unrelated to the Jan. 8 case, according to the office. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-7378600 and ask for a supervisor. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent via text using TIPSUBMIT. Simply text 274637 (CRIMES) and include the code LPDTIP at the beginning of your message.

Driver Found Not Guilty in Fatal Rt. 7 Crash After a two-day trial in Loudoun County Circuit Court, a seven-member jury last week acquitted a North Carolina man charged with reckless driving in a 2016 fatal crash on Rt. 7 west of Leesburg. Zebulon B. Downing, 26-year-old accounting firm associate, was nearing the end of a six-hour drive from Charlotte, NC to meet with a client in Leesburg on Nov. 1, 2016, when his Jeep Wrangler slammed into the rear of a Jeep Grand Cherokee pulled over on the side of Rt. 7 just west of town. The driver of the Cherokee, 44-yearold Steven Snead, who may have been standing in front of his vehicle, was thrown through the air and died at the scene from traumatic head injuries. Snead, a Pennsylvania resident, was found to have a 0.12 blood alcohol content, well over the legal limit for driving of 0.08. It was unclear why

Snead had pulled over. The case hinged on whether jurors believed that Downing was driving with a disregard for the human life at the time of the crash. During a trial last May, a jury deadlocked on the case, unable to agree on an answer to that question. County prosecutors immediately filed for a retrial. During last week’s trial, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jason Faw again laid out a case that Downing was distracted just before the crash by an alert from a GPS app on his phone notifying him of his upcoming exit. He said the evidence showed that Downing veered off the travel lane and was partially driving on the shoulder when he struck the stopped vehicle. A key piece of evidence was a photo record from the Sheriff ’s Office accident reconstruction team showRT. 7 CRASH >> 13

<< FROM 12 ing Downing’s tire track on the right side of the highway’s white line delineating the shoulder. In his testimony, Downing said he did not see the parked SUV until it was too late to avoid a crash. He also said he had “no doubt” that the vehicle was stopped partially in the roadway. After glancing at his phone sitting on his dashboard to check the alert, “the next thing I knew there was a vehicle in my lane,” Downing said, followed by the inflation of an airbag and sparks hitting his face as his overturned Jeep skidded across the asphalt. “It was so quick, there was not much I could do.” In that area of eastbound Rt. 7, between Clarke’s Gap and the West Market Street exit, Faw said there was line of sight in which a stopped vehicle should have been clearly visible—for as much as 16 seconds at a speed of 55 miles per hour. “He took his eyes off the road for longer than he wants to acknowledge,” Faw said. Defense attorney Lorrie Sinclair dismissed the prosecution’s version of events as “speculation and conjecture.” There were no eyewitnesses to the crash and no one reported seeing the Jeep parked on or along the road before the crash occurred. “This is nothing more than an unfortunate accident,” Sinclair told the jurors. “But is not criminal. He did nothing, nothing wrong on Nov. 1, 2016, in the manner in which he was operating his vehicle.”

<< FROM 10 Donna Torraca (Fox), Minu Beijan (Martinez) and Linda Kreingold (Steinberg). KD Kidder and Jeremiah Lorrig have two years remaining on their terms. A vacancy remains to be filled by Dunn. Cristiane Vila Verde, appointed by Steinberg, is the lone new addition to the Diversity Commission. She joins re-appointees Mary Randolph (Burk), Jean-Joseph Poisson (Fox) and Linda McCray (Martinez). Enrique Gonzalez, Pamela Butler and Oliver Peters have two years remaining on their terms. The Economic Development Commission has three new members— Brittany Youkers (Burk), Curtis Allred (Fox), and James Choi (Steinberg). They join Eric Byrd, who was re-appointed by Martinez, along with returning members Kevin Arbogast,

IT needs << FROM 11 fiscal year, 2021, a new telecommunications manager position is recommended for managing telecommunications, fiber network and wireless infrastructure. During the next two fiscal years, three more business an-

alyst positions are recommended to support Lucity asset management, the Land Management Information System and Laserfische workflow and document management system within the IT department, as well as other town departments. Siero noted that the business analyst positions could particularly come in handy, because many of the applica-

tions the town staff uses have capabilities that are not being used. Although IT looks to be a big part of the budget conversation in the coming months, the Town Council last week did vote to use $200,000 of its fiscal year 2018 Unassigned Fund Balance to support objectives laid out in the plan.

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New faces

Kolas. Flint Anderson (Burk) and John Groothius (Martinez) were re-appointed to the Tree Commission. They join Steinberg’s appointee Todd Cimino-Johnson and former mayor and Town Council member David Butler, appointed by Councilman Ron Campbell to fill a vacancy. Fox has not put forward an appointment for the commission yet. Jason Smart and Earl Hower have two years remaining on their terms. Sandy Grossman (Burk) and Jeff Phillips (Fox) were re-appointed to the Standing Residential Traffic Committee. Deepan Patel (Steinberg) is a new addition. Martinez has not yet put forward an appointee for the committee. John Burnham, Kimberly Pollock and Julie Sisson have two years remaining on their terms. Longtime SRTC member Liz Whiting and Brian Caney are leaving the committee.

January 17, 2019

Rt. 7 crash

Nick McCarter and Mary Harper. Bettina Guerre (Burk), Bobbi Elliot (Fox) and Scott Billigmeier (Martinez) were all re-appointed to the Environmental Advisory Commission. They join new member Gabriella Keleman (Steinberg) and returning members Maria Bergheim and Christopher LaFon. A vacancy remains to be filled by Dunn. Peggie Tyree (Burk) is the lone new face on the Parks and Recreation Commission. She joins David Drupa (Fox), Rob Fulcer (Martinez) and Laurie Burke (Steinberg), who were all re-appointed. Brody McCray, Kevin O’Dell and Clint Walker have two years remaining on their terms. Peter Hill (Burk) and John Binkley (Martinez) were re-appointed to the Technology and Communications Commission, and join new member Ahmad Cheema (Steinberg). Fox has not yet put forward an appointment. Returning members include Adam Bingaman, Shama Hussain and Mark

[ E D U C AT I O N ]

[ SCHOOL NOTES ]

January 17, 2019

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The stretch of Sycolin Road near the Academies of Loudoun is targeted for a speed limit reduction.

School Board Looks to Slow Sycolin Road Traffic

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Students arrive at Evergreen Mill Elementary School in Leesburg on a chilly morning.

School Board Adopts Policy on Seclusion, Restraint of Students

BY DANIELLE NADLER

n a unanimous vote last week, the Loudoun County School Board adopted a policy that sets guidelines on when and how students may be restrained or secluded. The new policy comes almost a year after parents raised concerns that discipline of special education students sometimes involved physically restraining them or forcing them to sit alone in a room for hours at a time. In the spring, the board created a 19-member Ad Hoc Committee on Special Education and tasked it with

scrutinizing the school system’s special education practices and recommend improvements. The policy that the board adopted Jan. 8 includes more specific language than the policy initially recommended by the ad hoc committee. The board voted 8-5, with Jill Turgeon (Blue Ridge) absent, to add a paragraph stating that seclusion should rarely be used for students younger than 9 years old, and that seclusion should not exceed 30 minutes. Superintendent of Pupil Services Asia Jones said she and the division’s legal team did not recommend adding that paragraph. “What happens when

there is an event that requires more… You’re essentially taking a tool away to intervene.” Chris Croll (Catoctin), who sat on the ad hoc committee prior to being appointed to the School Board, said parents are concerned that seclusion practices will be misused if the policy does not include parameters, such as age and a time limit. “Sitting in a room alone—you can imagine that would be pretty traumatic for a child under 9— for a 9-year-old or 10-year-old as well,” Croll said. “We really need to be cognizant of the damage this practice can RESTRAINT >> 16

School Board Set to Surplus Union Street School BY DANIELLE NADLER The Loudoun County School Board is poised to hand over the site of the former Douglass Elementary School on Union Street in Leesburg to the county. The School Board’s Finance and Facilities Committee recently gave the thumbs up to a plan to surplus the .84acre parcel to the county, and suggested that the county either give or rent the historic schoolhouse, also known as Union Street School, to the Loudoun Freedom Center. The building served the county’s black students from the early 1880s to 1958, first as the Leesburg Training School, then the Leesburg Colored School, and later as Douglass Elementary School. For the past 75 years, the school system has used it for storage. Leaders of the Loudoun Freedom Center have said they want to restore

the building and reopen it as a museum of sorts, displaying artifacts on black education in Loudoun and a “Hall of Fame” that tells the stories of the teachers who taught at the school and the students who attended. Kevin Lewis, assistant superintendent of Support Services, stressed that the School Board’s decision to surplus the property to the county would not be contingent on the county agreeing to give or lease the building to the Freedom Center. “That’s just our recommendation,” he said. The property also includes a second building that houses the Parent Resource Center and the school system’s Child Find, which provides free developmental screenings for preschool children. The School Board wants to lease that building from the county to continue using it until 2022, when those

programs can be moved to the renovated Douglass School on East Market Street. “I think this is a great solution,” School Board member Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) said. “And I appreciate those who have worked to make it happen.” Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) told Loudoun Now that the county will likely support the plan to either sell or lease the Union Street School to the Loudoun Freedom Center. “It is the only group that has shown interest in the building, she said. “This takes the School Board out of the middle of the mix and allows the Loudoun Freedom Center to work directly with the county, so this will probably be easier.” dnadler@loudounnow.com

Cars driving along Sycolin Road near the Academies of Loudoun will soon be asked to slow down. The vast majority of traffic—85 percent—travels down that road at 53 mph, 3 mph above the speed limit set for cars and 8 mph above the speed limit set for trucks. The Loudoun County School Board has applied to the Virginia Department of Transportation for a school zone speed limit on either side of the Academies of Loudoun entrance. School zone speed limits are typically set at 25 mph, but after VDOT conducted the traffic study, the department has recommended a 35 mph zone. “It is a drastic change to go to 25 and you’ll have folks that just won’t comply with that,” said Kevin Lewis, the school system’s assistant superintendent of Support Services. The school zone speed limit would only be in place when school is in session. Because the speed limit of 35 mph is different from the 25 mph speed limit for school zones outlined in the Virginia State Code, the School Board has to request the county’s Board of Supervisors to review and approve the change. The School Board is expected to vote unanimously at its Jan. 22 meeting to request that supervisors sign off on the 35 mph speed limit.

Lani Named Principal of Evergreen Mill Elementary Evergreen Mill Elementary School’s new principal is a familiar face. The School Board voted last week to promote Daniel Lani to Lani lead Evergreen Mill, who’s served as the school’s assistant principal since 2012. He replaces Michael Pellegrino, who was recently appointed the first principal of Waxpool Elementary. Lani describes Evergreen Mill as a school with a culture that makes everyone feel like family. He said he will work to preserve and nurture that culture. “We’re invested in every student in this building,” he said. “I want to make sure every student, staff member and stakeholder feels a sense of belonging, is engaged and connected to our school.” SCHOOL NOTES >> 16

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[ SCHOOL NOTES ] << FROM 14 He will continue working with a group of third- and fifth-graders once a week during lunch on projects that elevate learning. “My passion and love is teaching,” he said. “I will not forget my roots as a teacher.” He’ll also continue to support other student-led projects. Recent projects that Evergreen Mill students have undertaken include Leashes of Love, which donated leashes and collars to the Loudoun County Humane Society; Bags of Hope, in which fourth-graders filled 25 backpacks with winter items for the homeless; and a project by third-graders who are working with students from J. Lupton Simpson Middle School and Loudoun County High School to create a public service announcement on the dangers of vaping and E-cigarettes. Lani, who holds a master’s degree in reading and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration, began his teaching career in his native state of New York. He came to Loudoun County Public Schools as a reading specialist at Belmont Station, Lincoln and Lucketts Elementary Schools in 2005. In 2011, he transferred to Evergreen Mill to teach fifth grade.

Seminar to Address Internet Safety, Vaping Dangers Loudoun County Public Schools and the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office are teaming up to put on a parent seminar on internet safety and vaping. The class will be held 6:30-9:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Briar Woods High

School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road in Ashburn. Participants will learn about internet safety and advanced techniques to help keep children safe while online. Law enforcement and school leaders will also give participants advice on how to talk to their children about the dangers of vaping. The class is part of the school system’s Mental Health & Wellness Parent Seminar Series. Classes are for parents only, due to graphic content. Register by calling 571-252-6540 or online at lcps.org/parentresourceservices.

Youth Music Contest Next Month The Community Music School of the Piedmont and the Middleburg Lions Club will host the James Allen Bland Competition at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, at The Hill School. Residents are invited to attend the event to see vocal and instrumental performances by local elementary, middle and high school students. Students interested in participating have until this Friday, Jan. 18 to submit an application. Compositions must be eight minutes or less and memorized. The Bland Music Scholarship Program was established in 1948 to promote cultural and educational opportunities for Virginia’s musically talented youth. Winners will progress to the district and state competitions held in March and April. For more information, visit blandfoundation.org.

Restraint << FROM 14 have on children.” School Board member Joy Maloney (Broad Run), who worked with Croll on the amendment language, said the age and time limit is a common standard in other states. She also referred to the fact that the two representatives from the Special Education Advisory Council appointed to the Ad Hoc Committee on Special Education opposed the initial policy because it did not go far enough. “This takes that in mind and really adds some meat to the policy,” Maloney said. The other point of contention was whether to add a sentence stating that staff must notify the School Board if any “material changes” are made to how staff interprets or puts the policy into practice. Several board members called that line “an overreach,” noting that the board’s job is to set policy and trust staff in how it is carried out. “And if that’s not happening, then it comes back to us,” said Beth Huck (At Large), who chairs the ad hoc committee. Superintendent Eric Williams told that board that the good working relationship between senior staff members and the board means he will continue open communication if he or anyone on his team decides to change their practice. “Clearly this is of great interest to the community and the

School Board, so I’ll certainly let the board know about that.” Maloney agreed to remove the amendment. The board also added in a paragraph that directs a school administrator to contact the child’s parent or guardian either in person, by phone or email—if the parent has authorized that form of communication—to notify them of the restraint or seclusion and any related first aid on the day the incident occurred. “This is absolutely a must—this may impact their child’s behavior, their mood, all those things that parents will need to come along and work with their child on,” said School Board member Debbie Rose (Algonkian) said. “This is important on the mental health side, not just the physical side.” Several board members reiterated that the goal of the board and senior staff members is to eliminate the use of restraint and seclusion all together. Huck said she feels the first step is adopting a policy that outlines what is permitted and prohibited, and the second step will be to train employees in best practices. “We have worked this thing to death,” she said ahead of the vote. “So I think it’s time to bring it to life and vote on it and continue our work in the ad hoc committee and refine the things that still need to be refined. We have a good, solid policy to govern us in the meantime.” dnadler@loudounnow.com

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January 17, 2019

[ POLITICS ]

Samirah Wins 86th House District Democratic Primary BY DANIELLE NADLER In a firehouse primary Saturday, Democrats chose Imbraheem Samirah to run in the 86th District of the House of Delegates. Samirah, a dentist, won 733 votes out of 2,047 cast. He defeated attorney and former Herndon mayor Mike O’Reilly; Fairfax NAACP president, rental property business owner and veteran Kofi Annan; and public affairs consultant Chad Thompson. The special election will be held Feb. 19. The seat was vacated by Democrat Jennifer Boysko, who won a special election for the 33rd Senate District on Jan. 8, to finish the last 12 months of now-Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton’s term. In an emailed statement, Boysko congratulated Samirah for his victory. “I pledge my full support to Ibraheem for the coming campaign and look forward to working with him in the Virginia General Assembly. I know Ibraheem will continue the great work we have done in working to reduce gun violence,

supporting our schools and teachers, and building an economy that works for everyone.” Samirah’s family first garnered national attention when his father, Sabri Samirah, was declined reentry to the county after visiting family in Jordan in 2002. He was told he had been deemed a security risk. A U.S. Circuit Court threw out that accusation and ruled he should be allowed to the U.S. He was finally allowed to return to the U.S. in 2014. Samirah, who grew up in Chicago, went with his family oversees to reunite and work to gain reentry to the U.S. for his father. After returning to the U.S., he attended university and started a dental practice. He ran in the special election on a platform of making healthcare more affordable, expanding public transportation and transit, and funding public education including pre-kindergarten education. It’s too soon to say who Samirah will face in the special election. Republicans are hosting a Legislative District Mass Meeting on Saturday to choose their candidate. The mass meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Fairfax Christian School,

22870 Pacific Blvd. in Dulles. Although most of the 86th District is in Fairfax, a portion of it is in eastern Loudoun bordered by the W&OD Trail to the south, Sterling Boulevard to the west, and East Juniper Avenue, Oak Tree Lane and Sugarland Road to the north. dnadler@loudounnow.com

The race for the Blue Ridge District seat on the Loudoun County School Board is getting competitive. Ram Venkatachalam, a 10-year Brambleton resident and father of two, has announced plans to run for the seat, which is up for election in November. Ian Serotkin, who lives in Purcellville, is also in the running to represent the Blue Ridge District. Jill Turgeon, who has held the seat since 2012, said she is still weighing whether to run for re-election.

Contributed

Ram Venkatachalam, pictured with his wife and their two children, has launched his campaign for the Blue Ridge District seat on the Loudoun County School Board.

ty board of directors, which oversees Metrorail, as an alternate director. And in 2018, he served as chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments board of directors, the first Loudoun supervisor to do so since 1983. The press release announcing his run points out he won his last election by the largest margin of any contested race. He said while it will be a tough year if the race becomes about national issues. “But I think local government is a lot different,” Letourneau said. “This is the level of government that’s closest to

Venkatachalam, 38, said he sees real challenges that can be resolved to help current and future Loudoun parents, students and school staff. Among his priorities is to reduce attendance boundary changes for families, reduce class sizes and improve communication between administrators and families, which he said is too often reactive instead of proactive. “Communication can be improved at every level—from the central office to principals and teachers at the schools,” he said. He’d also like to improve school employees’ pay and benefits to help them afford to work and live in Loudoun County. To help recruit and retain teachers, he wants to explore an option that would provide them with a deduction on their county taxes. “The expectations on teachers these days is huge,” he said. “I want to review educators’ compensation packages and benefits to retain the hired talents to provide a sustainable living in the county.” Venkatachalam would also like to leverage his experience as an advisory consultant who works on finding business, technology and management efficiencies to find cost-savings within the school system. He wants to create more partnerships between businesses and the school system, improve the division’s procurement process and merge the county and the schools’ IT systems. He said he’d like to have a hand in providing a great education to students, just like his parents did for him. Venkatachalam grew up in southern India, where he was

LETOURNEAU >> 19

VENKATACHALAM >> 19

BY RENSS GREENE

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) at a Board of Supervisors meeting Jan. 2.

radical idea in 2011, and it’s not now,” Letourneau said. “It’s become the norm. …The average person out there doesn’t care who builds it, they just want it done.” On the Board of Supervisors, he chairs the Finance, Government Operation and Economic Development Committee. He has also been one of the most active supervisors in Loudoun’s presence regionally. This month, Letourneau was the first member of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to be elected chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. He also became first Loudoun supervisor to serve on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authori-

BY DANIELLE NADLER

Imbraheem Samirah

Letourneau to Seek Third Term on Loudoun Board Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) has announced he will seek a third term on the county Board of Supervisors. Letourneau is one of the four second-term supervisors on the board, and was talked about as a potential candidate for state senate in November. But Letourneau said he wants to keep doing the work of the county board, pointing particularly to transportation and infrastructure. “When I first ran in 2011, I set forward the whole platform of things I wanted to accomplish, and some of those things now are done,” Letourneau said. He pointed to the construction and expansion of the Dulles South Recreation Center and road projects like Northstar Boulevard and widening Rt. 606. And he looked ahead to Metro’s arrival in Loudoun, expected in 2020. “I think that we have some goals, but the devil is in the details,” Letourneau said. That includes how local transit will connect to the Metro stops in Loudoun, and how the county government will guide development around those stations. When he first joined the board in 2012, Loudoun, like most local Virginia governments, did not build roads, normally a responsibility of the state. That board decided to make major investments in transportation and economic development, a strategy he said has been consistent through the current board’s term. “The idea that local government would be building local roads was a

Brambleton Parent Eyes School Board Seat

Loudoun Now

Letourneau

12/13/18

7:25 AM

Br Bringing lear earning learning

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rgreene@loudounnow.com CY

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Venkatachalam << FROM 18 initially homeschooled and later attended a small school and, eventually, larger schools for high school and college. “My educational experience really reflects Loudoun County’s school offerings,” he said. “I understand the need for homeschool, small schools and the larger schools—they each meet a different need.” Venkatachalam would come into

the position with some experience on boards. He is the Blue Ridge District representative on the Loudoun County Transit Advisory Board and former vice president of the Brambleton Community Association HOA. He is also a graduate of the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office’s Citizens Police Academy and a volunteer election officer. He and his wife and two young children also volunteer often in local food pantries. Follow Venkatachalam’s campaign at facebook.com/vote4ramvenkatachalam. dnadler@loudounnow.com

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people. I think they have a pretty good sense of who’s representing them and the job that they’re doing.” Letourneau, at times, has angered some in his own party, including in December voting to study the county’s gun regulations. “I think the way that I’ve tried to approach the job is not on a partisan basis,” Letourneau said. “I think a lot of my constituents probably don’t even know what party I am. Certainly I have a certain philosophy, as does everybody, but I think that really, fortunately, at this point people know me. I have a record to run on.” In the press release, Letourneau said “there is so much more work to be done.”

January 17, 2019

<< FROM 18

“We have several major transportation projects in Dulles South that I want to ensure break ground, such as Arcola Boulevard and Northstar Boulevard. When Metro’s Silver Line trains begin running, we must be ready to take full advantage with adequate infrastructure, public transit, and economic development strategies. The Envision Loudoun process will drive important decisions about zoning and land use that must be implemented in the next Board’s term, and there are many other issues that I will discuss during the course of the campaign.” Letourneau will launch his 2019 campaign with a kick-off event at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Dulles South Senior Center in South Riding. The event is free and open to the public.

copy.pdf

[ NONPROFIT ]

[ NONPROFIT NOTES ]

January 17, 2019

Kara Rodriguez/Loudoun Now

Mayor Kelly Burk and Vice Mayor Suzanne Fox gave their time in early December to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign, volunteering to ring the bells and collect donations for the nonprofit’s largest effort of the year. Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Pastor Michelle Thomas speaks at a Loudoun County NAACP meeting in January 2018.

Thomas Installed as President of Loudoun NAACP Chapter

he Loudoun County chapter of the NAACP formally installed its new slate of leaders Saturday. With a ceremony held at First Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Leesburg, Michelle Thomas was installed as the organization’s president. Thomas, pastor of the Holy and Whole Life Ministries in Lansdowne, succeeds Phillip Thompson and will serve a two-year term. Thomas has spearheaded efforts to preserve and honor historically black cemeteries throughout Loudoun County, including the Belmont Slave

Cemetery near the Belmont Ridge Road/Rt. 7 interchange and a cemetery off Sycolin Creek Road near the Leesburg Airport. Also installed at Saturday’s ceremony were Harold Simmons, as first vice president; Amanda Tandy as second vice president; Amber Freeman, as secretary; Rochelle L. Sumner, as assistant secretary; Renee Weatherton, as treasurer; Alan Herlands, as assistant treasurer. Committee chairs include Sonia Ballinger, communications coordinator; Simmons, economic development chair; Susan Talbott, education chair;

Renee Weatherton, freedom fund chair; Buta Biberaj, legal redress chair; Rochelle L. Sumner, membership chair; Randy Ihara, political action chair; and Amira Bray, youth committee chair. Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (D) and County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), both longtime members of the local NAACP chapter, spoke at the event. Speakers also included Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D), U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10), Del. David Reid (D-32), Loudoun County Sheriff Michael Chapman, and Leesburg Police Chief Greg Brown.

Grant Funding Available for Leesburg Arts Groups The Leesburg Public Art Commission is looking for local arts organizations to support with grant dollars. The Town of Leesburg will apply for $4,500 in state funding from the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Creative Communities Partnership grant program, and match it with $5,000 of local funds. The total amount of $9,500 will be distributed to independent arts organizations to support arts activities within the town. In fiscal year 2019, grant recipients included the Friends of Leesburg Public Arts, Loudoun Chorale, Loudoun Ballet, and VSArts of Loudoun County. Interested arts organizations should submit an online application at leeGRANT FUNDING >> 21

Salvation Army Falls Shy of Holiday Donation Goal The Salvation Army of Loudoun County extended its appreciation to those who helped the nonprofit organization raise funds and help neighbors in need during the holiday season. The Loudoun County Corps’s Angel Tree and Toy Shop programs served almost 1,800 children in 2018. “This is our second year coordinating with Toys for Tots for the Toy Shop program. Five hundred more children are being served now,” stated Captain Pradeep Ramaji of the Loudoun County Corps of The Salvation Army. “Our Salvation Army mission is not just to satisfy needs, but also to give hope and to care for the spiritual needs of our community. We saw a wonderful outpouring of love from companies, organizations, families, and individuals. No shortage of gifts as the community provided for each angel on our trees.” Unfortunately, the Loudoun County Corps fell more than $11,000 short of its goal to raise $95,000 through the Red Kettle drive. “Our big problem,” said Ramaji, “not enough people to ring the Bells. We had many open shifts.” He noted that The Salvation Army helps local families year round, and people can support the effort by donating at give.salvationarmyusa.org.

Visit Loudoun Seeking Board Members

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

Sculptor Michael Clay works on the LOVE sculpture that is now displayed by the W&OD Trail in Leesburg. It is one of many recent art projects supported by the Leesburg Public Art Commission.

Visit Loudoun, the county’s convention and visitors association, is looking for individuals to serve three-year terms on its board of directors, from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022, with a transition period beginning this May. Resumes must be received by Jan. 31. The board’s new direcNONPROFIT NOTES >> 21

[ NONPROFIT NOTES ]

Grant funding

Eagles Gift $10k to Nonprofits The Blue Ridge Eagles presented a total of $10,000 in donations to four local charities at an event Monday. The nonprofit organization presented the funds to Tree of Life, which helps improve the lives of Loudoun’s poor and needy; The Ability Fitness Center, a gym for people with disabilities; The Good Shepherd Alliance, a nonprofit that serves Loudoun’s homeless; and Loudoun Therapeutic Center, which connects physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges to the healing power of horses.

Church Hosts Prom Night for People with Disabilities

local Night to Shine event at locolove. church.

Leesburg Church of the Nazarene is hosting a free prom night for special needs teens and young adults on Friday, Feb. 8. The church is one of nearly 500 churches around the world simultaneously hosting Night to Shine, a movement sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. People with special needs ages 14 and older are invited to attend. Every guest will get a red-carpet welcome to the prom. Once inside, guests will have access to hair and makeup stations, shoe shining areas, limousine rides, corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors, and a dance floor. Find more information about the

Red Cross: Blood Donors Urgently Needed

2019 New Year’s

Resolutions Bec ome a par t of my commu nit y

<< FROM 20 burgva.gov/artsgrantoutlining the amount requested, the arts activities that the funding will support, and the audience that will be served, along with a description of the arts organization. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 20. Funding requests should be for proposed art activities in Leesburg that will occur within fiscal year 2020, which runs from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. Applicants must be organizations whose primary purpose is the arts (production, presentation or support of dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theater, or visual or related arts), that are incorporated in Virginia, and have their headquarters and home seasons, or activities equivalent to a home season, in the state. Funding cannot be provided for payment to performers for specific performances. The Public Art Commission will review the funding requests at its March meeting and make a recommendation on the distribution of the funding to the Town Council. The Town Council will make the final determination, dependent on receipt of the matching state funds. The deadline for the town to apply for the Creative Communities Partnership Grant is April 2. Funding will be provided to selected arts organizations after July 1. For more information about the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Creative Communities Partnership grant program, go toa rts.virginia.gov/ grants_local.html.

The American Red Cross is asking people to help meet the urgent need for blood and platelets by donating blood in January— National Blood Donor Month. Donating blood or platelets is a way to make a lifesaving impact in the new year. The Red Cross will be collecting donations from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29, at the Ashburn Farm Association, 21400 Windmill Drive in Ashburn. Find other drives throughout the region at redcrossblood.org/give.html/ find-drive.

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tors will be elected by Visit Loudoun’s dues-paying members at the Visit Loudoun Annual Meeting and Tourism Awards Luncheon in May. Visit Loudoun, a not-for-profit organization, promotes Loudoun to stimulate the sustainability and enhancement of the county’s economy and quality of life by advocating for smart destination development and marketing an exceptional experience to travel consumers worldwide. The Visit Loudoun Board is comprised of up to 24 elected members who serve staggered terms. Interested candidates should submit a resume outlining their business and professional career, including any tourism-related experience, and three business references. The candidate should also write a response on no more than one page to the statement: “My service on the Visit Loudoun Board of Directors will help Visit Loudoun and tourism in Loudoun County because…” Electronic copies may be submitted to Greg Harp at harp@VisitLoudoun. org. All considered candidates will be scheduled for an interview with the

Executive Committee of the Board on Feb. 12. Find more information at visitloudoun.org/tourism-industry/ about-us.

January 17, 2019

<< FROM 20

[ BIZ ]

[ BIZ BRIEFS ] Ashburn Farm Market Center Sold

January 17, 2019

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Purcellville’s 35,000-square-foot Shop ‘n Save will change to an Aldi supermarket this year.

Phillips Edison Grocery Center REIT III is the new owner of the 92,000-square-foot Ashburn Farm Market Center. The shopping center is anchored by a 49,000-square-foot Giant grocery store and features a mix of national and regional tenants, including AT&T, Domino’s Pizza, Mathnasium, Starbucks, Subway, The Little Gym and The UPS Store. It was first acquisition made this year by PECO III, which owns six properties totalling approximately 563,000 square feet and plans significant growth through 2022. “Ashburn Farm exemplifies our strategy of investing in well-occupied grocery-anchored shopping centers located in thriving markets nationwide,” President and CEO Mark Addy stated. “The Washington, D.C., market represents one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, and we expect to see continued expansion in Northern Virginia specifically as the Silver Line Rail extension and launch of Amazon HQ2 contribute to additional population growth over the next few years.”

StoneSprings Hospital Awarded Accreditation from Joint Commission

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Bank of America will open its eighth Loudoun branch at the former Capital One Bank location in Purcellville this year.

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The Virginia ABC in will move from its current 3,000-square-foot location to the former 5,000-square-foot Blockbuster storefront this year.

Aldi, Bank of America Eye 2019 Opening in Purcellville BY PATRICK SZABO The Town of Purcellville will welcome a few new businesses and see a bit of movement among existing ones this year. An Aldi supermarket will move into a little more than half of the space currently occupied by Shop ‘n Save in the Purcellville Shopping Center, according to Renaud Consulting Leasing Agent Mark Fontaine. As for the remaining space, Fontaine said that Renaud is discussing lease options with two national companies. He did not give details on the timeline, but said he expects Shop ‘n Save to move out and Aldi to move in by summer. Aldi Frederick Division Vice President Jeff Baehr would only say that the company had no information to share “about Aldi potentially coming to Purcellville.” Fontaine also confirmed that a Bank of America will move into the former Capital One Bank location in the Main Street Station shopping center near

Giant Food and that the Virginia ABC store would move from its current 3,000-square-foot location in Purcellville Plaza to the former 5,000-squarefoot Blockbuster location, also at Main Street Station. Fontaine said that those changes would also happen by summer. The Purcellville Aldie will be the supermarket’s third location in Loudoun, with one already in Sterling and in Ashburn. Fontaine said that Aldie is in the process of getting preliminary approvals from the town. Once that happens, it will apply for permits. “We don’t expect it to be a difficult process,” Fontaine said. “It seems like the town wants them there.” News of Shop ‘n Save’s departure from the town comes nearly three months after United Natural Foods, the largest distributor to Whole Foods Market, finalized its $2.9 billion acquisition of SuperValu, Shop ‘n Save’s parent company. Shop ‘n Save has operated as Purcellville Shopping Center’s anchor store

since Food Lion left the location in 2016 when Royal Ahold and Delhaize, the parent companies of Giant Food and Food Lion, united in a $29 billion merger and sold 86 of their stores. According to a Shop ‘n Save manager, workers are aware of the change and are not waiting to interview with Aldi. “Everybody is looking for something now,” she said. This will be the second time in the last five years that the town’s ABC store has relocated. In October 2014, it moved from its 2,180-square-foot location in the Purcellville Shopping Center, three doors down from Shop ‘n Save, to its current location less than 300 feet away. Fontaine said that chances of a Mexican restaurant moving into ABC’s existing storefront are 50-50 at best. This will also be Bank of America’s eighth location in Loudoun, with one already in Aldie and two in Ashburn, Sterling and Leesburg. pszabo@loudounnow.com

StoneSprings Hospital Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. “StoneSprings Hospital Center is pleased to receive accreditation from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality accrediting body in the nation,” stated Karen Harris, the hospital’s vice president of Quality. “This accreditation demonstrates our dedication to providing the highest quality care in a safe environment for our patients.” StoneSprings Hospital underwent an unannounced onsite survey October 17-19, 2018. During the review, a team of Joint Commission surveyors evaluated compliance with hospital standards related to several areas, including emergency management, environment of care, infection prevention and control, leadership, and medication management. Surveyors also conducted onsite observations and interviews. The Joint Commission’s hospital standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help hospitals measure, assess and improve performance. BIZ BRIEFS >> 24

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www.fairhousing.vipnet.org Submitted photo

Area residents will soon be able to get their bubble tea fix at the Village at Leesburg, as Bubbleology opens its new location Friday.

“Bobatella” Nutella Bubble Tea; Nojito, made with pure coconut water and lychee with mint; Pink Teddy; and the Blue Electric Yuzu. According to a press release, Bubbleology plans to eventually offer delivery of its products to homes and workplaces. Catering is also available. The new Bubbleology will be located at 1604 Village Market Blvd. Suite #121. The grand opening celebration from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, will include free bubble tea for customers.

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The culinary options at the Village at Leesburg neighborhood continue to expand, with Friday’s grand opening of Bubbleology. The European franchise is a purveyor of the popular bubble tea drink, which contains differing types of teas—with and without milk—as well as tapioca balls, or boba. Founded in 2011 in London, Bubbleology has expanded throughout Europe, the Middle East and the U.S. In addition to a variety of milk and fruit teas and create-your-own brews, Bubbleology serves coffee varieties, skinny drinks, blended options, and allows customers to mix flavors. Bubbleology bubble teas are freshly made to order with organic tea leaves, can be customized to the individual’s taste, and are 100 percent vegetarian. Bubbleology recently launched a refreshed “specials” product line including new flavors and textures. New additions include the Salted Cream Cheese Crown range in which cheese, dairy cream, organic milk and rock salt are blended to create a creamy topping which is then poured over the Bubbleology tea like a crown, which can be sipped or shaken and blended with the rest of the drink for a creamier taste. Other new specials include the

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

January 17, 2019

Bubbleology Opening in Village at Leesburg

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cer Vanessa Wagner stated. “The work they do is on display in everyday life in what we eat, in our homes, and in our community. This program helps put faces to that work.” The criteria for eligibility are that the nominee live and farm in Loudoun County. Alcohol-related businesses are not eligible because the trading cards will be distributed to minors.

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scheduled cleaning or procedure. of the year and receive a FREE WHITENING WHITENING Teeth Whitening Kit with every e Conveniently 210 located in8-1pm Conveniently located in Fri:Mon 8-1pm • Sat: (Once/month) scheduled cleaning or procedure. & Wed: 8-6pm 703-771-9034 Emergency Service VA 20175 at Leesburg SPECIAL Tues24hr & Thurs: 7-4pm Offer Expires January 1, 2016. SPECIAL e03-771-9034 Village facing Village at Fri: Leesburg facing Please present coupon to receive the offer. 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month)

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thorpe Farm Veterinary Services in Hillsboro, has been appointed by Gov. Ralph Northam to serve on the VirginUseyour your benefits before theoffer. endia Horse Industry Board. Use benefits before the end Not to be combined with any other Established in 1994, the 12-member 24hr Emergency Service theyear yearand andreceive receiveaaFREE FREEboard ofofthe is responsible for the promoTeeth Whitening Kit with every tion and economic development of the Teeth Whitening Kit with every Mon&&Wed: Wed:8-6pm 8-6pm Mon horse industry in Virginia and operscheduledcleaning cleaningor orprocedure. procedure. scheduled ates through the Virginia Department Tues&&Thurs: Thurs:7-4pm 7-4pm OfferExpires ExpiresJanuary January1,1,2016. 2016. Tues Offer of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Pleasepresent presentcoupon coupontotoreceive receivethe theoffer. offer. : 8-1pm• •Sat: Sat:8-1pm 8-1pm(Once/month) (Once/month) Please 8-1pm Foltman has been a practicing vetNottotobebecombined combinedwith withany anyother otheroffer. offer. Not 24hrEmergency EmergencyService Service erinarian for more than 20 years and 24hr moved to Loudoun County in 2011. In her practice at Dunthorpe Farm, she specializes in enhancing equine and small animal wellness and performance through a holistic approach using chiropractic, acupuncture and occasional herbal treatments. She also offers equine dentistry and nutritional consultation.

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Nominate a Farmer for Popular Trading Cards Loudoun Economic Development’s award-winning farmer trading card program is back for its fourth season, and this year the selection process is being opened up to nominations from Loudoun residents. Farmers who can serves as examples to kids of what a farmer is and does may be nominated by Jan. 25 at biz. Loudoun.gov/Farmer-Cards. “Finding the next generation of farmers is important to the future of Loudoun. If we want to raise a generation of educated kids who understand and appreciate where their food comes from, it’s important to help them engage, and our farmer trading cards help do that,” Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director Buddy Rizer stated. “We think that once kids are exposed to the many opportunities in agriculture, they’ll get excited about the industry.” The farmer trading cards are distributed to elementary school students each spring to coincide with the start of baseball season. Many of the farmers depicted on the trading cards make personal appearances at schools to autograph their cards. “Our farmers are superstars, so it’s only right that we treat them that way,” Acting Agricultural Development Offi-

Chriss Wood

Wood Promoted at SmithGroup Waterford resident Chris Wood has been promoted to vice president at the integrated design firm SmithGroup. Wood, who joined the company in 1999, will continue in his dual roles as the cultural practice director for the firm, as well as the cultural studio leader for the Washington, DC office. Wood guides the firm’s work across a wide range of projects to create custom designs for museums and cultural institutions. He served as the project manager for the Franklin Institute Science Center Master Plan and the principal-in-charge for the New York location of the Museum of Pop Culture. He also managed the design of the David and Fela Shapell Collections and Conservation and Research Center for the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Businesses Invited to Student Career Expo Leesburg’s seventh annual Career Expo-High School and College Edition will be held at Tuscarora High School on Sunday, March 10. Area businesses are invited to request participation via the town’s webpage at leesburgva.gov/ careerexpo before the Feb. 22 deadline. There is no cost to participate. Submission of a request is not a guarantee of acceptance. Priority for participation will be given to businesses located within town limits and business sectors that offer diverse employment opportunities. Notification of acceptance will be sent no later than Feb. 26. The expo offers businesses the opportunity to hire students and recent graduates to fill part-time, full-time, seasonal and intern positions. For more information, contact Melanie Scoggins, the town’s business development and retention manager, at mscoggins@leesburgva.gov or 703737-7019.

health. Industry experts and participants will be posting photos and videos on Facebook and other social media sites sharing healthy living activities. Hashtags like #lccchealthy and #lccclivewell will help organizers track their progress. There also will be monthly forums featuring local health and fitness experts. The first will be held Friday, Jan. 25. Entitled “Breaking the Stigma: Holistic Approaches to Mental Health,” the breakfast meeting at the Belmont Country Club will feature a discussion on how mental health awareness and stress management are essential to cultivating a culture of wellness in a company or an organization. The panel will include Dr. Martha Calihan, an integrative and functional medicine physician; Susan McCormick, a licensed marriage and family therapist; and Alison Sonak, a registered dietician; and will be moderated by Dr. Suzanne Nixon, of Northern Virginia Integrative Therapy Center, Inova Loudoun Hospital. “The committee’s goal is to get the right people to connect with the right thing for them,” said Anderson, a personal trainer at InForm Fitness. “There are so many wonderful resources avail-

A posting on the Loudoun Chamber’s Health and Wellness Committee’s Facebook page touts the benefits of drinking more water. It’s part of the year-long Loudoun Live, Be and Work Well campaign.

CHAMBER OUTREACH >> 26

HEALTHY LIVING

or the past six years, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce has worked to highlight examples of businesses that go the extra mile to make their workplaces and workers healthier. This year, members of the Health and Wellness Committee are changing things up, starting with a few glasses of water. The Loudoun Live, Be and Work Well Movement replaces the Healthy Business Challenge this year. Scorecards are out and social media connections are in. Laura Crump Anderson, who chairs the chamber committee, said the panel is working to create a more interactive and far-reaching program this year. The committee’s mission is to empower Loudoun businesses and employees to make positive lifestyle changes that improve the community’s health, happiness, and productivity. During the first quarter of 2019, the program will focus on living well, with fitness and nutrition tips. During January, the benefits of drinking more water have been touted and in February efforts will help to find ways to cut sugar intake. Each month, organizers will hammer home a special health message to improve residents’ physical and mental

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Climbing High: Indoor Ropes Course Opens in Sterling BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ From play places to trampoline parks to sports on the grass and court, Loudoun’s commercial recreational amenities have blossomed over the past decade. This week, they make room for what Summit Ropes’ owners are touting as the largest indoor ropes course in the country. Located along Old Ox Road in Sterling, Summit Ropes Indoor Adventure Park is the brainchild of Dan Kasabian and Amy Stuart. The 16,550-squarefoot space features an exhilarating ropes course and 120 vertical challenges made to delight children and adults alike.

“We have climbed some of the highest peaks in the United States and love to experience the outdoors—experience life. With the creation of Summit Ropes, we hope to encourage these type of adventures amongst our community and our children,” Stuart said. “We want to bring a unique experience to our town where people can have fun, socialize, be active, and feel a sense of community.” The dream began in 2016 as an “aspiring blueprint,” a press release noted. And construction has taken the better part of six months. First came demolition, where the interior of the building was stripped to make room for course framework. Installation of obstacle

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Summit Ropes Indoor Adventure Park fills a 16,550-square-foot space off Old Ox Road in Sterling, offering indoor climbing adventures.

elements followed, as well as the construction of the 86-foot rock wall and a 2,474-square-foot observation mezzanine. “Building an indoor adventure park has been phenomenal. As expected, managing a startup, working full-time and balancing family life hasn’t been a cakewalk. But without a doubt, this journey has been nothing short of extraordinary and we have gained an even deeper appreciation for entrepreneurship,” recounts Kasabian. Kasabian and Stuart said Summit Ropes is an ideal destination for adventurers young and small, and can ac-

commodate children from age 4 on up. From everyday fun to parties to date nights to corporate or teambuilding events, Summit Ropes can host them all. The public can get its first taste of the indoor ropes course when it opens its doors Friday, Jan. 18. Interested climbers are encouraged to purchase passes and schedule climb times online at summitropes.com or over the phone at 855-579-6648. Summit Ropes is located at 44810 Old Ox Road in Sterling. krodriguez@loudounnow.com

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Founders Dan Kasabian and Amy Stuart are excited to bring their love of adventure to Loudoun County with their brainchild Summit Ropes.

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<< FROM 25 able in this county. It is about connecting them.” This year’s campaign won’t just be about eating right and staying fit. The role of spas and mental health resources also will be featured. “It’s interesting because it is a stress reduction effort,” Anderson said. “This is not just about your fitness and nutrition.” Although the committee is targeting more connections with individuals in this year’s program, Anderson said creating more healthy workplaces remains an important focus, too. She points to the years-long involvement of companies like JK Moving Services that already invest in wellness programs. “JK Moving is a big partner because they have so many options for employ-

ees and they want to learn about more,” Anderson said. “They are so employee-based. They know if people aren’t happy, their customers aren’t going to be happy.” Losing an employee to sickness can be a big hit to productivity, especially in Loudoun, where so many companies are small businesses, she notes. “It’s a great investment you can make in your business.” The first quarter of the year will focus on fitness and nutrition, followed by stress management and mental health during the spring, return on investment and workplace policies in the fall, and wrapping up ways to stay healthy throughout the year. The best way to get involved is to like the campaign’s Facebook page, facebook.com/LoudounHealthWellness. That’s where tips will be shared and program participants can share stories of their progress. It’s also a good way to win prizes that are being offered during the campaign. “But the biggest prize is health itself,” Anderson said.

As a reminder, the CDC’s best practices to prevent the spread gems include: • avoid close contact with sick people; • while sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them; • stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities; • cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterward; • wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub; • avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and • clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend individuals get flu shots, even as the infection season hits its peak, as long as supplies are available.

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If you’ve been dealing with coughing co-workers or congested children, you already know this, but the flu has officially reached the “widespread” threshold, according to monitoring reported by the Virginia Department of Health. Northern Virginia is the hardest hit area in Virginia so far, with more than 5 percent of visits to emergency rooms and urgent care centers attributable to concerns about flu-like symptoms. By age group, children age newborn to 4 and 5 to 18 were responsible for most of the care visits. There have been no pediatric deaths so far this season. Nationwide, last year’s flu season resulted in the highest influenza death toll in 40 years, more than 80,000 people. The flu season in Virginia is running a little behind last year’s timeline. In Virginia last year, flu cases remained at a widespread level for 18 weeks, starting in November and stretching into March. This year, flu infections did not become widespread until the final week of December. Statewide there have been 205 confirmed lab results for influenza infections; the vast majority (96.6 percent) of the cases involved the influenza A, with A(H1) as the most common confirmed subtype. Only seven of the cases involved influenza B. Those results may be evidence that composition of the 2018 flu vaccine has been effective, as it was made to target the H3N2, H1N1 and B virus strains.

27 January 3, 2019

Flu Season Hits ‘Widespread’ Level

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Could Rituals Be the Key to a New You? BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ Developing a personal ritual could be the tool that sets you on the path to a new, healthier you. That’s the message behind Leesburg author Mark Powell’s new book, “Clutch: How Rituals Elevate Performance and Happiness.” The River Creek resident traces his fascination with rituals back to his college days, when work by renowned sociologist Emile Durkheim struck him. “Durkheim discovered that the higher the level of ritual in a person’s life, the higher the level of internal strength,” Powell recalls. “And I thought, well that’s kind of a big statement. What on earth does that mean?” He has spent the decades since focused on exactly that. Powell said he became enamored with studying the impact of rituals on corporate life, groups, and particularly families. On the latter point, his research and personal attention to family rituals underscored a point often recited—the importance of family dinners. But, Powell discovered, a family dinner ritual goes beyond just strengthening the ties of the family bond. Having a family dinner at least four nights a week has been shown to result in better grades for students and less chances of drug abuse. Powell’s research also focused on developing personal rituals. His own personal ritual the past three years has been turning all his research into his book, spending a couple of hours writ-

Contributed

Leesburg author Mark Powell’s new book reveals the positive impacts rituals can have on an individual, a family, or even in a group or corporate setting.

ing every morning. “Until I found the ritual the writing didn’t happen,” he said. And the ritual was not just the practice of setting time aside every morning before his “day job” at Morgan Stanley in Leesburg—it was everything from the time, the set-

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ting, and everything in between. Powell makes a strong distinction between rituals and things that are just part of one’s routine. “The real science to the word ritual has two big components: they have some kind of physical and some kind

of psychological component. Something you move and something that moves you,” he said. The book describes an algorithm for personal rituals of a routine plus a ceremony. “Every night if you open a bottle of wine, get out two glasses and pour the wine, that’s a routine. But if before drinking you raise up the glasses and clink them that’s a ceremony. The clinking is done for symbolic reasons, a moment of celebration. You put the ceremony together with the routine and then you have a ritual,” he said. “Rituals are like little gifts to ourselves in the midst of the busy world. They’re little moments who remind us who we are and what we are about,” he said. And these rituals have been shown to be tremendous stress relievers and can have a positive impact on overall health. The last third of Powell’s book focuses on exercise and eating as it relates to rituals. “There’s no such thing as eating habits,” he adds. “If you want to change your eating habit you need to create new rituals.” “Clutch” is available for purchase via e-book and paperback on Amazon, as well as through Powell’s personal website, drmarkpowell.com. Beginning in February, Powell will be prominently featured on the Psychology Today website, as its ritual expert and blogger.

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<< FROM 3

Judgeships << FROM 3 their remarks on the need to establish a bi-partisan and public review process for judicial candidates. Under state law, the appointments are made by the General Assembly. Traditionally, the candidates are interviewed and moved to floor vote through the Courts of Justice Committees in the House and Senate. In cases where there is a partisan divide in the recommended candidates, the majority party has a leg up. The Loudoun representatives fear that scenario is in play with the 20th Circuit appointment after one candidate, Fisher, was invited by the Republican leadership to address a joint meeting of the courts committees last month. As part of the Democrats’ support for a bi-partisan and more open appointment process, Bell said it was important that candidates putting themselves up for consideration have confidence that their qualifications will be fully considered. At a minimum, the delegation members said Morgan and Sinclair also should be presented to the Courts of Justice committees for consideration. The three Republican members of Loudoun’s assembly delegation—Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (R-27) and Sen. Richard H. Black (R-18), both attorneys, and Del. David LaRock (R-33)—

Danielle Nadler/Loudoun Now

Kindergartners eat breakfast at Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Leesburg.

children’s meals. It typically peaks at $20,000 each year, but it’s already at $66,000 this school year. That may be because word has spread that community donations—drummed up by a Loudoun Education Foundation campaign—have paid off the debt for the past two years. “It may be that…we’re not sure what’s causing it,” Lewis said. “From a collections standpoint, we’ve been successful in cleaning up that debt from donations and other sources, so we’ll work on that again this year.” Part of the new state law prohibits school systems from using money from the school nutrition services fund— funded through purchased meals and reimbursement for families qualifying for the federal free and reduced-price meals program—to pay down students’ meal debt. School Board member Eric Hornberger (Ashburn) said the board may want to approach their legislators about providing state money to help cover that annual debt. The fact the school divisions can no longer cover that debt with its school nutrition fund sounds did not participate in Saturday’s interviews or Tuesday’s press conference. LaRock issued a statement criticizing the public interview session. “Loudoun County is long overdue to receive another 20th Judicial Circuit judge. I am grateful that we will soon receive one. Unfortunately, certain individuals and organizations are seeking to politicize this issue, demanding that the long-standing process of nominating and electing judges be altered,” he wrote in a statement. “I would not object to candidates for a judgeship making their own resumes public if they choose to, however, if we establish a process that invites and publicizes all that goes into evaluating candidates, it is likely to discourage some very qualified individuals from offering to serve. That could be a huge loss and a mistake we would eventually regret.” Boysko said that the public interview process has been used in Fairfax County to fill judicial vacancies for many years. Reid said he was attempting to establish a review process not only to fill this vacancy, but to be used as new judges are selected for Loudoun’s bench in the future. While the delegation members declined on Tuesday to say which candidate they endorsed, Loudoun County NAACP President Pastor Michelle Thomas was invited to participate in the press conference. Thomas, who has called for Sinclair to be appointed to the seat, called on the General Assembly to “close the back door” in its

Ashburn Woman Wins $100K, SUV in Lottery Drawing Carrie Walls stopped by Koons Sterling Ford in Sterling on Friday to pick up her new Expedition and a check for $100,000. On Dec. 4, her lottery ticket, out of more than 554,000, was drawn as a top prize winner in Virginia Lottery’s Ford Expedition Plus $100K Promotion. “I cried. I couldn’t believe it,” the U.S. Air Force veteran told Lottery representatives about the moment she discovered she’d won the drawing. She also said the cash prize was especially timely because her husband had been furloughed as part of the federal government shutdown. Walls, who entered her non-winning tickets in to the second chance-drawing portion of the promotion, was the third top prize winner. Two others won with scratch-off tickets. One final top prize remains unclaimed. like an unfunded mandate, he added. “If the state passes a mandate, then they should fund it,” he said. “I’m glad we haven’t had a problem in the past, and I hope we don’t going forward. We just need to stay on top of it and make sure the state is aware of the impact of the law.”

Morse added, “I imagine they’re going to hear widespread pushback from throughout the state because it’s going to impact every school division.” The board is expected to adopt the policy at its Jan. 22 meeting. dnadler@loudounnow.com

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Sean Morgan, left, and Lorrie Sinclair answer questions during the public interview of candidates for the vacant 20th Circuit Court judgeship on Jan. 12.

selection process. Fairfax also appeared to give his support to Sinclair, saying “It gets to back to the lack of diversity on the bench in Loudoun County.” LaRock in his statement raised concerns about putting a priority on the race of judges. “…Some have suggested publicly that the legislature should choose a judge based on considerations other than the ability and credentials of the candidate. That also would be a disservice to the public and will not guide my vote in any way,” LaRock wrote in his

statement. The vacancy was created on Jan. 1, 2017, when Judge Burke F. McCahill retired. After McCahill stepped down, the General Assembly cut funding for the bench seat, leaving it vacant for the past two years. Funding was restored during last year’s Assembly session, effective July 1, 2019 The list of proposed judicial appointments is expected to be presented by the courts committees later this month. nstyer@loudounnow.com

meal were given wristbands or stamps on their hands, Morse said. “This is an effort to move this to the parents, the responsible parties, and take that whole issue away from the actual student.” The School Board was presented the proposed policy at its meeting Jan. 8. Becky Domokos‐Bays, school nutrition services supervisor, told the board that starting this school year, cafeteria workers can no longer tell a student they are short money. “All communication about any balance has to be to the parents, so it will no longer be taking place in the lunch line,” she said. The proposed policy states that students who have insufficient funds will receive the advertised school menu meal of their choice. They will not be allowed to incur debt for a la carte items, such as chips and ice cream. “It’s focused on getting kids a good, healthy meal,” Assistant Superintendent of Support Services Kevin Lewis said. The recommended policy also says students cannot be required to do work or chores to pay down the debt. It also would require families who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals to pay for student meals. Several School Board members said a policy that avoids shaming students over their family’s financial situation and ensures they get a hot meal is long overdue. Lewis also addressed the growing debt that the School Nutrition Services Department incurs each year from families who do not pay for their

[ OUR TOWNS ]

[ TOWN NOTES ] HILLSBORO

January 17, 2019

Children’s Author to Visit Winery 868 Estate Vineyards will host an appearance by local children’s author Millie Gallahan from 2-4 p.m. this Saturday, Jan. 19, with chocolate truffle tasting and wine pairings throughout the day. Gallahan will sign copies of her book, “Our Princess Daisy,” which follows the story of a goat who always wears a sparkling tiara as she roams her farm. Guests are also invited to help the winery select its truffle lineup for 2019 by providing input on truffle flavors. For more information, go to 868estatevineyards.com or call 540-668-7008.

LOVETTSVILLE Town Plans Business Development Workshop Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Loudoun Against Rockwool co-founder Keri Fornino holds up an anti-Rockwool sign at Tuesday’s Purcellville Town Council meeting.

Purcellville Becomes Sixth Loudoun Town to Oppose Rockwool

BY PATRICK SZABO very Loudoun town except for one has now passed a resolution expressing their opposition to the construction of the Rockwool plant in Ranson, WV. The Purcellville Town Council Tuesday night voted unanimously to pass a resolution requesting Gov. Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark Herring, U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton

(D-VA-10), Sen. Dick Black (R-27), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Del. Wendy Gooditis (D-10), Del. David LaRock (R-33), County Chairwoman Phyllis Randall (D-At large) and Supervisor Tony Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) to “take any and all action, to include legal action, to bring an immediate halt to the construction of the Rockwool facility until a more comprehensive study of the impact on Virginia has been completed.” Purcellville is now the sixth Loudoun

town to pass a resolution in opposition to the 460,000-square-foot plant, where the Danish company will melt rock to spin into mineral wool insulation. It will be Rockwool’s fourth plant in North America, with two already in Canada and one in Mississippi, and will be located about 20 miles away from the town and only six miles from the Loudoun border. ROCKWOOL >> 32

Ritter Proposes No Tax Increases for This Year BY PATRICK SZABO Lovettsville Town Manager Rob Ritter is proposing a fiscal year 2020 budget that aims to hold tax rates level for residents and businesses. Ritter on Thursday night presented the Town Council with his proposed $4.7 million operating budget, suggesting no increases to utility rates, business license fees or real estate taxes. Ritter said town finances are doing well enough to allow stabilized rates. “It looks like we can have a good balanced budget without having any increased rates and fees,” he said. Currently, residents pay $8.96 per 1,000 gallons of water and $14.23 per 1,000 gallons of wastewater. Although the Town Council in 2015 approved a plan to increase utility rates by 1.5 percent in fiscal year 2020, Ritter said that an increase in utility rates was unnecessary next year and that the town would take another look at them for fiscal year 2021. “We can manage this

upcoming year,” he said. Compared with other western Loudoun towns, Lovettsville’s water rates are 66 cents more than Round Hill’s, $2.49 more than Purcellville’s and $3.36 more than Hamilton’s. They’re also $2.26 lower than Hillsboro’s and $7.68 lower than Middleburg’s. Lovettsville’s sewer rates are $4.62 higher than Round Hill’s and $6.98 higher than Hamilton’s. They’re also $1.26 lower than Purcellville’s and $2.91 lower than Middleburg’s. Ritter expects that the town will collect $425,000 from water fees and $628,668 from sewer fees next fiscal year, which is $7,418 more than what the town expects to generate in the current fiscal year from water fees and the same amount it expects to generate in sewer fees. Ritter also proposed that the town’s real estate tax remain at 19.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, expecting the town to collect $555,226 from the tax

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Lovettsville Town Manager Rob Ritter presents his $4.7 million fiscal year 2020 budget to the Town Council.

residentially—nearly $1,000 less than what was budgeted for in fiscal year 2019. LOVETTSVILLE BUDGET >> 32

Those who want to learn about what it takes to start their own business have a chance to do so this weekend. George Mason University’s Mason Enterprise Center will offer a business development workshop for residents to learn the ins and outs of starting their own small business from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Lovettsville Library. Sponsored by the Town Council, the town’s Business Development Committee and Lovettsville Business Round Table, the event will be held in two sessions that will teach attendees about legal structures for small businesses and state and federal tax policy. Only 25 people will be allowed into the event. Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, email Councilman Mike Dunlap at mdunlap@lovettsvilleva.gov and include the name of your business.

Council Renews Town Attorney Contract Attorney Liz Whiting will continue serving as the Town of Lovettsville’s attorney. The Town Council voted unanimously last Thursday to approve a town attorney contract with Whiting for an indefinite term at the will of the council. Town Manager Rob Ritter will sign a contract with Whiting once the Virginia Municipal League reviews it. Whiting will be paid $200 per hour on a project-to-project basis. Although Whiting has represented the town since 1999, she is not under contract. She also represents the Town of Hillsboro and previously represented the towns of Middleburg and Leesburg. She holds a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, has practiced law in Virginia since 1975, and has represented local governments since 1978. TOWN NOTES >> 31

[ TOWN NOTES ] MIDDLEBURG Elderly Caregiving Seminar Planned at Middleburg UMC

PURCELLVILLE Cell Coverage Problems Being Worked Out Purcellville town staff is working to remedy cellular coverage concerns that have been plaguing residents for the last seven months. Director of Public Works Buster Nicholson last week gave the Town Council an update on the $507,000 water tower repair project, which in June required four cellular antennas to be moved to a lower tower, causing some residents to lose cell coverage. That project is expected to wrap up this spring. Nicholson said that town staff held talks with each carrier—T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon and AT&T—on Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 and each indicated a desire to pay for modifications to their equipment on a pro rated basis. Staff members will hold another round of calls with the carriers this month and advise them that if they can’t agree on modifications, they’ll be forced to return to their original locations atop the tower with no equipment changes. The town will also proceed with an evaluation of the tower’s foundation. Nicholson said that the town isn’t expecting any concerns to emerge.

Council Honors Doctor for 36 Years of Service The Purcellville Town Council last week honored Dr. Larry P. Belote for his 36 years serving the town through his medical practice. Having recently retired, Belote accepted the honor on behalf of the physicians that came before him. “I never expected anything like this would ever happen in my career,” he said. “This really makes a statement about the town—the Town of Purcellville cares about their medical community.” Belote graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in physics and, after

ROUND HILL Round Hill Accepting Applications for Town Planner Post The Town of Round Hill is looking for its next town planner to manage town projects and programs. The town this month posted a job recruitment for the position, which Town Administrator Melissa Hynes has held since July 2014. Candidates must hold

a bachelor’s degree in planning, public administration, political science, urban affairs, public policy or community development and have at least two years of related work experience. TThe entry-level position will pay $45,000 to $55,000, depending on candidate qualifications. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Applications must include a letter of interest, a résumé, contact information from at least three work- or education-related references, two recommendation letters and two applicable writing samples. They should be sent to Hynes at mhynes@roundhillva.org or hand-delivered to the town office. For more information, go to roundhillva.org or call 540-338-7878.

Water Loop Project Begins Soon The Town of Round Hill has hired the Fuog/Interbuild construction company to start work on the Yatton Road Water Loop project in the coming weeks. The project will connect two water mains that run under Rt. 7 to serve the town’s Southern Water Service Zone. According to a town statement, linking the lines will allow the town to feed water in either direction and address situations like line breaks and fire demands. The town will also install a raw water line from well 12 to connect it with the Westlake Water Treatment Plant and provide the town with more treatment options. The town expects minimal interruption to residents during the project, which should take about six months to complete.

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The Middleburg United Methodist Church will offer a free seminar on elderly caregiving from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 19. The information session will provide attendees with the tools they need to plan caregiving, research community resources and documents, communicate individual preferences and discuss medical, legal and financial arrangements and personal goals. Attendees will also learn about the differences between skilled nursing and assisted living facilities and between palliative care, hospice and home health care options. Reserve a guidebook by sending a check for $7 to the Middleburg United Methodist Women Attn: Sheila Burke, P.O. Box 284, Middleburg, VA 20118 and note “Care Options Session” in the memo line. Purchasing a guidebook is not necessary to attend the seminar. For more information, call Jan Coxwell at 540-553-4033.

serving as an officer in the U.S. Navy for three years, graduated from the Medical College of Virginia. Belote set up his medical practice in Purcellville in 1983 and previously worked at Graydon Manor near Leesburg for 13 years and as the team physician for Loudoun Valley High School for two decades.

January 17, 2019

<< FROM 30

January 17, 2019

Lovettsville budget << FROM 30 Lovettsville’s rate is 2.5 cents more than Hillsboro’s, 2.6 cents more than Round Hill’s and 4.2 cents more than Middleburg’s. It’s also 2.5 cents less than Purcellville’s and 8.5 cents less than Hamilton’s. Ritter also proposed no increase to the town’s Business, Professional and Occupational License fees. Those are set at $30 for gross receipts up to $20,000 and 17 cents per $100 for gross receipts in excess of $20,000. Ritter also proposed a $448,500

transfer from the general and utility funds to help pay for 16 projects in the 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Plan. Of those projects, nine are new and seven will be carried over from the current fiscal year. New general fund projects include $10,000 for a new downtown parking lot, $3,000 for a “love” sign on the Town Square, $5,000 for wayfinding signs, a $5,000 pedestrian crossing, $85,000 for a Transportation Master Plan, and $150,000 for a town office expansion. New Utility Fund projects include $8,000 for Broad Way water line replacements, $25,000 for water treatment plant access road improvements; and $25,000 for wastewater treatment plant improvements.

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The seven projects being carried over from fiscal year 2019 include two Broad Way improvements that total $353,000, $103,000 for Church Street and Pennsylvania Avenue improvements, $15,000 for water treatment plant improvements; $6,000 to cap oﬄine town wells, $37,000 for meter replacements; and a $10,000 well restoration project. The Town Council will hold a bud-

Rockwool << FROM 30 According to Purcellville’s iteration of the resolution, the 392 annual tons of hazardous air pollution that the State of West Virginia has allowed the plant to emit through its rock melting and mineral wool insulation spinning process could be carried by the wind into Loudoun and Purcellville, which could “harm its citizens’ health, degrade its agricultural products, inhibit and discharge tourism and devalue its citizens’ quality of life and property values.” “Prevailing winds are going to bring it right into our backyard,” said Councilman Ted Greenly, the council liaison for the town’s Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee. The town is now calling for local and state legislators to take action to stop the plant’s construction until a study of its impact on Loudoun’s air quality, drinking water and ground water sources has been completed. Purcellville’s resolution differs from

get work session to discuss the general fund on Jan. 17, to discuss the Utility Fund on Jan. 24 and to discuss the Capital Improvement Plan on Jan. 31. Additional work sessions will be held on Feb. 1 and March 7 if needed. A public hearing will be held Thursday, Feb. 28. before the budget is adopted Thursday, March 14. pszabo@loudounnow.com

that of most other Loudoun towns in that it does not explicitly call for legislators to take “any and all legal action” to halt the plant’s construction. Councilman Tip Stinnette said that the Board of Supervisors is “quite limited” in its ability to take legal action against the plant’s construction and has done all it can up to this point. Hillsboro was the first Loudoun town to pass a similar resolution on Oct. 29, followed by Hamilton on Dec. 10, Leesburg on Dec. 11 and Middleburg on Dec. 13. While Round Hill passed its own on Jan. 3, the Town Council opted to omit any language calling for legal action to halt the plant’s construction. It instead calls for legislators to push for local, state and federal enforcement of environmental regulations. Loudoun Against Rockwool co-founder Keri Fornino said that her group plans to give the Town of Lovettsville a presentation at its Jan. 24 meeting so that it can pass a similar resolution in February. pszabo@loudounnow.com

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Dryden Retires, Maple Becomes Purcellville’s New Fire Chief BY PATRICK SZABO

equipped to handle the job, he’ll inevitably need some help along the way. He urged Maple to keep three pieces of advice in mind: to not try to do everything himself, to rely on the people around him, and to ask questions. “Can he do this? Sure he can,” Dryden said. Maple said that while he’s ready to take on the responsibilities of fire chief, he understands that he’s filling a spot left by someone who worked for more than a decade to gain the respect of his peers. “I’ve looked up to [Dryden] ever since I’ve been here—I consider us friends,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever fill his shoes, [but] I’m going to do my best.” pszabo@loudounnow.com

ble experiences at Company 2 have been interacting with the community and getting the chance to teach others about firefighting. “What I enjoy the most is…teaching training,” he said. “That’s what I get out of the fire service.” For his time with the company, Maple was honored by the county’s combined fire-rescue system with the 2018 Officer of the Year Award. Moving into 2019 as the town’s new fire chief, Maple said that he’s especially focused on growing the company’s membership, which has been a low in recent years. He’ll work with his crew on a transition process that will see four career firefighters from the county come in daily from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Jan. 10 to supplement the volunteers’ work. Dryden said that while Maple is

January 17, 2019

For the first time in more than a decade, a new fire chief will lead the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company. Fire Chief Bob Dryden stepped down last month after 13 years in the role and 28 years with Company 2. Filling his shoes is former assistant fire chief Scott Maple, who brings with him 13 years of experience working as a firefighter with the company. Dryden said that he decided to not put his name in for re-election as fire chief because he wants to focus on his health and because he might have a career opportunity with the town in the next fiscal year. Dryden’s history as a firefighter began in 1989, when he enlisted as a volunteer with the Blue Ridge Fire Company in Clarke County. It was two years later that he moved to Purcellville and 12 after that when he was elected as the company’s assistant fire chief. Dryden was elected as fire chief in 2005 and has been in the role ever since, aside from a brief period when he stepped away for one year. Firefighting for Dryden is more than a job—it’s a family affair. Growing up in New Mexico, his father served as an assistant fire chief. His wife, Robin, also currently works as a volunteer firefighter in Purcellville. Robin actually has been in the field much longer than her husband—starting out as a volunteer with the Blue Ridge Fire Company, which her father founded, when she was 16 years old. “It’s engrained in me,” she said. “It’s just part of our family.” Company 2 President Brad Quin said that during Dryden’s 27 years with the company, he’s secured high-quality equipment, donated equipment to volunteer companies-in-need, helped the company grow to more than 100 members, helped secure county funding and been a vocal member of the County Fire Operations Committee, which provides operational policy and process development for the county’s combined fire-rescue system. “He has managed to meet the challenges that have come from every quarter of the operation,” Quin said. “The leadership in this organization is far superior than I have seen in other organizations.” Dryden has also mastered rural water supply techniques to the point that other jurisdictions have looked to him for instruction. That means he’s been more adept than others at pulling water from ponds and streams when fighting rural fires. He’s even helped the county install 12 dry hydrants—a system that pulls water from nearby ponds for firefighters to connect their hoses to when combating fires. “In the rural parts of this county, you have to go find that water,” he said. “If there’s something that you enjoy, you’re going to go seek out the training.” Dryden said the most monumental experience he’s had during his time as fire chief wasn’t any single event, but that a group of people can come together to make the operation work. “The ultimate goal is to provide service to the citizens,” he said. For his contributions to the company, the Loudoun County Combined

Fire-Rescue System honored him with the Leadership Award in 2012, the Hall of Fame Award in 2017 and the John C. Carr, Jr. Memorial Award in 2018. Maple now steps in to lead the company for at least the next two years. His background in firefighting dates back to 1984, when he first volunteered with the Harrison City Volunteer Fire Company in Pennsylvania. From 2002-2006, Maple worked as a technician with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company before becoming a Purcellville volunteer in April 2006 as a lieutenant. He was promoted to captain in January 2013 and was elected assistant fire chief in January 2017, a position he held for the next 23 months until he was elected fire chief in December. Maple said that his most memora-

[ LOCO LIVING ]

[ THINGS TO DO ] LOCO CULTURE

January 17, 2019

Lift Every Voice Choir Festival Sunday, Jan. 20, 4 p.m. Leesburg Community Church, 835 Lee Ave. SW, Leesburg Details: loudounchorale.org The Loudoun Chorale presents its fifth annual festival featuring a diverse group of performers from all over Loudoun presenting musical numbers honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Admission is free. Donations will be collected for Loudoun Hunger Relief and Mobile Hope of Loudoun. A reception will follow the program.

File photo

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration Monday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m. Photo by Jodi Martinez

Loudoun County Courthouse

The collaboration between veteran Josh Geartz, left, and songwriter Mary Gauthier not only changed Geartz’s life, it also led to a Grammy nomination.

Details: facebook.com/ mlkmarchleesburg

Songwriting with Soldiers

The annual march begins with a prayer at 10:15 at Loudoun County Courthouse and moves down Market Street to Douglass Community Center for refreshments at 11 a.m., a keynote speech from Mark Wiggins at noon and musical performances. Bring a non-perishable food item for Loudoun Hunger Relief. The morning also features an intergenerational community dialog at Douglass Community Center at 9 a.m. followed by activities for participants unable to march.

Boulder Crest Helps Vets Heal Through Music

BY JAN MERCKER

n 2015, Iraq War veteran Josh Geartz had survived two suicide attempts and was planning a third. Just two weeks before the date he’d chosen to take his life, Geartz found out about an innovative nonprofit, Songwriting with Soldiers. The organization gives veterans a way to tell their stories and create connections by pairing them with professional songwriters at Loudoun’s Boulder Crest Retreat and other locations around the country. “I said ‘all right, I’ll give this one more shot,’” Geartz said. “I owe it to [my family] to give this one more shot.” Geartz, who was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2004, attended his first Songwriting with Soldiers retreat in upstate New York that year, working with noted singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier. “Something just happened and I was like ‘I’m just going to let everything out. I’m going to tell her stuff that I had never told anybody,’” Geartz said. “I started unloading on her and waiting for the typical reaction that I get—people breaking down in tears and having to leave the room. She just kind of looked over at me and smiled and grabbed a log to throw on the fireplace and said, ‘Man, I’m just really glad you’re still here.’ Something about that changed my perspective on things.” A few weeks later, Geartz was onstage playing harmonica with Gauthier at the Grand Ole Opry’s 90th anniversary celebration. His song “Still on the

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From left, Songwriting with Soldiers co-founder Mary Judd, veteran and volunteer Jamie Trent, and songwriter Mary Gauthier.

Ride” is included on Gauthier’s new album “Rifles & Rosary Beads,” which is nominated for best folk album at next month’s Grammy Awards. Geartz has since become a regular volunteer for Songwriting with Soldiers. Now walking independently after seven years in a wheelchair, Geartz is training to walk from New York City to Buffalo this year to raise funds for the organization. As a Songwriting with Soldiers partner, Boulder Crest Retreat in Bluemont has hosted a dozen songwriting retreats, with more in the works. The latest Boulder Crest album, featuring five veterans and their spouses from November, is available at the Songwriting with Soldiers Bandcamp page. The Nashville-based Songwriting

with Soldiers was launched in 2012 by songwriter Darden Smith and program director Mary Judd, whose background is in communications, education and psychology. Darden and Judd have recruited top songwriters like Gauthier and Nashville-based Jay Clementi, whose repertoire includes Luke Bryan’s hit “Move,” to work with veterans, soldiers and military family members. “The overall goal is to use the collaborative songwriting experience to build creativity, connections and strengths,” Judd said. “Many of our veterans and military families deal with a lot of challenging situations and we know that by SONGWRITERS >> 37

Celebrate the opening of Loudoun’s new culinary incubator and food hall with a member showcase and samples from 1 to 5 p.m. followed by live music from various artists 5 to 8 p.m. and a performance by DJ Romin until 1 a.m.

Paints and Pints at Delirium Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7-9 p.m. Delirium Cafe, 101 S. King St., Leesburg Details: deliriumcafe.us Join resident Delirium Café artist Eric Burns for a night of beer and painting. $35 ticket price covers materials and a beer for the event. Additional food and beer are available for purchase. Advance purchase is recommended.

NIGHTLIFE Beatlemania Now Beatles Tribute Friday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com

MORE THINGS TO DO >> 35

[ THINGS TO DO ] Live Music: Old Town Flood

Capture the excitement and intensity of the ’60s with this multimedia stage show featuring the best of the Beatles. Tickets are $20 in advance for this fully seated show.

B Chord Brewing Company, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Bluemont

Saturday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m.

Details: bchordbrewing.com This collaboration of powerhouse bluegrass musicians delivers footstomping country music. No cover. Saturday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m. Monk’s BBQ, Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com The Plate Scrapers serve up original folk and bluegrass music from Hagerstown, MD.

Contributed

Live Music: The Derailleurs

Live Music: Hard Swimmin’ Fish Friday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m.

Live Music: Jazz Infusion

Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville

B Chord Brewing Company, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Bluemont

Friday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m.

Details: monksq.com

Atlantis, 45449 Severn Way, Dulles

High-energy, down home roots music including jazz, blues and funk from a regional favorite. No cover.

Details: atlantisva.info

Details: bchordbrewing.com Celebrate Django Reinhardt’s birthday with local favorite Dwayne Brooke and his new project The Derailleurs. The Derailleurs specialize in breakneck guitar with an old timey groove, playing the music of Europe and the Americas of the 1920s and ‘30s. Tickets are $7 in advance, $10 at the door.

Atlantis continues its Friday evening jazz series with six seasoned musicians who grew up on jazz, fusion, R&B, soul and East Coast rock. They cross boundaries with tunes from Steely Dan to Alicia Keys to jazz standards. Tickets are $15 or $30 with a catered dinner.

Hawaiian Shirt Party Saturday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.-midnight MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macdowellsbrewkitchen.com Put on your favorite island shirt or dress and get into the Polynesian spirit. The evening includes island food and drink specials and live music from Just South of 7.

Prohibition Party

Tarbender’s Lounge, 10 S. King St., Leesburg

Wanted DOA Bon Jovi Tribute

Details: tarbenderslounge.com

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

Last Ham Standing

Details: tallyhotheater.com

Friday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m.

With vocals that capture the essence of Jon Bon Jovi and a live show that brings back the electricity of an ’80s rock show, Wanted DOA offers an authentic and energizing experience. Tickets are $20 in advance.

Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville

It’s 2019, but you can party like it’s like it’s 1920 at Tarbenders. Dress up ’20s-style and bring a donation of dog or cat food or blankets for the Loudoun County Animal Shelter.

Saturday, Jan. 19, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m.

ON STAGE

MORE THINGS TO DO >> 38

The Loudoun Chorale

Installed in as little as one day!

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 8:30 p.m.

Contributed

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supported by a grant from the Leesburg Commission on Public Art,

The Loudoun Chorale and hosted by the Leesburg Community Church supported by a grant from the Leesburg Commission on Public Art,

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Honoring the goals of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. featuring a large number of musical participants from all over Loudoun County, performing a wide variety of diverse musical styles.

Live Music: The Plate Scrapers

January 17, 2019

<< FROM 34

featuring a large number of musical participants from all over Loudoun County, performing a wide variety of diverse musical styles.

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Sunday,4:00PM January 20, 2019 4:00PM

Leesburg Community Church 835 Lee Avenue SW Leesburg, Virginia

Leesburg Community Church

FREE ADMISSION. Donation proceeds to benefit Loudoun Hunger 835 Lee Avenue SW Relief and Mobile Hope of Loudoun.

Leesburg, Virginia

FREE ADMISSION. Donation proceeds to benefit Loudoun Hunger

January 17, 2019

BEATLEMANIA NOW: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES! 01/18/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

Wanted DoA:

A tribute to bon joVi 1/19/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

Contributed

Music Maker’s Gospel Revue comes to Franklin Park Arts Center, showcasing how gospel music formed the roots of rock ’n’ roll.

2U: THE WORLD’S 2ND GREATEST U2 SHOW! 01/25/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

A Tribute to rush: SUN DOGS 01/26/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

SKIP CASTRO 02/01/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

CROWDED STREETS: THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND EXPERIENCE 02/02/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

LITZ 02/08/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

Eaglemania!

Gospel Revue Explores the Roots of American Music at Franklin Park

ast weekend’s winter storm prompted the postponement of the Music Maker’s Gospel Revue at the Franklin Park Arts Center, but the show will go on Sunday, Jan. 27. In the program, the Glorifying Vines Sisters and Thomas Rhyant will take the audience on an exploration of how American gospel music in black churches formed the roots of rock ’n’ roll music. Music Maker’s Gospel Revue unites two poles of the gospel music spectrum. The music of the Glorifying Vines Sisters arises out of the tradition of African-American spirituals, while Thomas Rhyant’s style originates from the doo-wop and soul tradition of the ’50s and ’60s. The Glorifying Vines Sisters are a family performance troupe from the eastern farmlands of North Carolina, raised in a sharecropping family in the coastal plain. The sisters have

sung together for more than 50 years. They have released five albums since the mid-1970s, and toured the gospel circuit alongside renowned traditional quartet gospel groups including the Mighty Clouds of Joy and the Violinaires. Recently, the Vines ramped up their musical careers with the purchase of their own church, the Believe in God Ministries, and a partnership with the Music Maker Relief Foundation, a nonprofit created to preserve the musical traditions of the South by directly supporting the musicians who make it. Rhyant travels the country as an itinerant minister of song. His father was an aspiring singer who assembled his sons as a family gospel quartet known as The Rhyant Brothers. Early on, Rhyant followed his father’s musical vision, but hearing Sam Cooke and the Soul Stirrers started him on a new musical direction. He became part of The Violinaires, the legendary

group that included Wilson Pickett before he became an R&B superstar. Through the Violinaires, Rhyant met many of his musical heroes, and spent hours listening, soaking up the history of their lives and music. He continues to use music to tell the stories of those who came before him and to help listeners understand, and emotionally connect with, that history. Tickets to the show are $20 and can be purchased at franklinparkartscenter.org. In addition to the concert, the arts center is featuring the “We are the Music Makers” exhibit through Friday, Feb. 8—open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The exhibit offers an exploration of the past 20 years of Southern traditional music history through photo and audio documentations captured by Tim Duffy. Learn more at franklinparkartscenter.org/ exhibitions or by calling 540-3387973.

Hot Picks

02/09/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

NIRVANNA 02/15/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

MARSHA AMBROSIUS 02/16/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

Trial by fire: tribute to journey 02/22/19 DOORS: 7:00PM

Hard Swimmin’ Fish

Wanted DOA

The Price Sisters

Friday, Jan. 18, 8 p.m. Monk’s BBQ monksq.com

Saturday, Jan.19, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Saturday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center luckettsbluegrass.org

<< FROM 34

Loudoun news on the go ...

Headlines from our newsroom delivered to your ears, five days a week. Sponsored by:

CommunityFoundationLF.org

loudounnow.com/listen ... or find us where you download your favorite podcasts.

Photo by Tyler McQueen

Songwriters Jay Clementi, right, and Darden Smith, center, work with teens at a Boulder Crest family retreat.

Both organizers and veterans stress that musical ability is not required to take part in the program. Judd says that 90 to 95 percent of the veterans and spouses have no musical experience, and that the songwriters supply all of the musical skill required. Jamie Trent, of Lynchburg, is one of the handful of participants who came into the program with a songwriting background, but his involvement with the nonprofit has helped hone his creativity and give back to other veterans. Trent, who served in communications on an aircraft carrier during the Persian Gulf War, has been involved with the nonprofit since attending his first retreat in 2013. “From that point forward, my life changed in every way that you can imagine. It helped me professionally. It helped me in my marriage,” Trent said. “Just the ability to process information and not store it back in some box in the back of my mind and then like a lot of

us do and then have this big blowout for no apparent reason. It’s been life changing for me.” Like many of the veteran-written works, Trent’s songs often focus on the aftermath of war and ongoing struggles on the home front. Trent, who now works as a sales manager in the automotive industry, survived two heart attacks a decade ago while still in his early 30s, and learned about his best friend’s suicide while still in the hospital. That experience led to his powerful song, “The List,” written in collaboration with professional songwriter Gary Nicholson. Trent regularly volunteers at Boulder Crest, in addition to writing songs, both through Songwriting with Soldiers and on his own. Like Geartz, connecting with other struggling veterans has become as much part of his healing as the songwriting. “I’d be hard pressed to find another organization where you can sit down and write something that you can take with you and keep playing it back year after year,” Trent said. “The emotions are always different but it helps you move forward and helps you grieve and communicate the value that it has to someone else who may be struggling.” Learn more about Songwriting with Soldiers and listen to works by Josh and Lisa Geartz and Jamie Trent at songwritingwithsoldiers.org. Find more information about Boulder Crest Retreat at bouldercrestretreat.org.

building creativity, we build a view of what’s possible.” A typical Songwriting with Soldiers retreat at Boulder Crest features three or four songwriters and eight to ten participants, Judd said. The event usually kicks off with a Friday evening concert and time for participants to get to know each other. Saturday brings an intense day of songwriting and creativity workshops and ends with a moving performance of the veterans’ work. “It’s a powerful experience,” Judd said. The Songwriting with Soldiers team carefully selects participating songwriters for their ability to listen and be supportive while helping participants express themselves, Judd said. Clementi has been involved with the program since the first retreat in 2012 and has written with more than 60 veterans, soldiers and family members. “As a songwriter I love it because I’m able to be that vessel and help them tell their story,” Clementi said. “It’s an incredibly rewarding, wonderful feeling.” By starting a dialog with participants, Clementi helps them hone in on slivers of experience that will make for a meaningful song. “What they are bringing to the table is their story,” Clementi said. “It takes a different kind of bravery to talk about

your feelings and talk about what has happened and what you’re going through...There’s this amazing electricity of honesty that comes out...We say all you have to do is tell us the truth. Tell us the story.” Both Judd and Clementi underscore that the Songwriting with Soldiers songwriters and staff are not trained therapists. But for Geartz, that was exactly what he needed. His work with Gauthier, starting in 2015, gave him something doctors and therapists could not. “Mary doesn’t have a code of conduct or a way of doing things. She can just be a person, and I think that’s really all I needed is just that connection with somebody,” Geartz said. “I didn’t trust people. I didn’t allow myself to connect with anyone. That’s how I survived—by not having emotion.” Geartz, who lives near Buffalo, NY, has since attended Boulder Crest’s intensive Warrior PATHH program and said that Boulder Crest and Songwriting with Soldiers are the two nonprofits that have had the biggest impact on saving his life. “They have thought of everything. Every single thing that they do, there’s a purpose and a reason behind it,” Geartz said. Geartz’s wife of 15 years, Lisa, is also a veteran and has recorded several songs through organizatino, including the moving “Army of One” recorded with songwriter Terry Radigan in 2016.

January 17, 2019

Songwriters

January 17, 2019

[ OBITUARIES ]

[ THINGS TO DO ] << FROM 35

Leon H. Nickens Leon H. Nickens, age 86, of Gainesville, VA, departed this life on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 at Brookside Rehab and Nursing Center in Warrenton, VA.

Details: franklinparkartscenter.org This show is full of laughs for the whole family as performers take suggestions from the audience to create wacky scenes and improv games. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children.

He leaves to celebrate his life, devoted wife, Emma Nickens; daughter, Ella Davis (Cliff ) of Alexandria, VA; sister in law, Edith Wilkerson of Herndon, VA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends.

StageCoach Bandits Improv Friday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn

Contributed

Details: stagecoachtc.com Enjoy an evening of laughs and audience suggestions from StageCoach Theatre Company’s resident improv troupe. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

Little Mermaid Jr. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Journey under the sea with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., a camp production presented by youth actors. Tickets are $8 person. Advance purchase is recommended.

Lucketts Bluegrass: The Price Sisters Saturday, Jan. 19, 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Leesburg Details: luckettsbluegrass.org The traditional music community is buzzing about twin sisters Lauren and Leanna Price who offer a fresh sound while

capturing the essence of favorites like Bill Monroe, Hazel and Alice and the Carter Family. Tickets are $17 at the door.

COMING UP Cabin Fever Film Fest Friday, Jan. 25, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org The second annual Cabin Fever Film Festival presents a slate of films that highlight local tales and talent. The focus is on short films, student productions and vintage home movies all shot by Purcellville area residents. Tickets for the Friday evening reception and film screening are $8 per person or $35 per family. Tickets for Saturday’s screening are $5 per person.

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Rev. Dr. Ronald Winters Rev. Dr. Ronald Winters, age 86, of Reston, VA, departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019 at The Adler Center For Caring in Aldie, VA. He was accompanied by his loving wife and best friend of 54 years, Dr. Janice Lewis Winters. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Janice Lewis Winters; children, Ronald Winters, Jr. of Baltimore, MD, and Christy Winters Scott of Reston, VA. Reverend and Dr. Winters have four grandchildren: Sierra Raquel Winters (daughter of their son, Ronald, and his wife Betsy), Jerome Andrew Scott, Jr., Brianna Elizabeth Scott, and Jordan Alexander Scott (children of their daughter, Christy, and her husband, Jerome Andrew Scott, Sr.). He is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. Ruth Shepherd of Chicago, Illinois, Jacqueline Winters of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Cynthia Winters of Indianapolis, Indiana; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held on Friday Jan. 18, 2019. Visitation will take place from 8:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m. at the Heritage Fellowship Church, 2501 Fox Mill Road, Reston, VA 20191. Interment at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA.

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Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m., at The Northern Virginia Baptist Center, 14019 Glenkirk Road, Gainesville, VA 20155. Interment will be at The Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery, 15008 Lee Highway Gainesville, VA. Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800388-1913.

Gladys Leech Fishel Gladys Leech Fishel (Esquire) age 87 of Arlington, VA, departed this life on Jun. 22, 2018 at the Lovettsville Home Assisted Living Center, Lovettsville, VA. She is survived by her daughter, Katie Horan, son in law Richard Horan of McLean, VA, son, Reverdy Horan of Arlington, VA, and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services, including full military honors, will be held on Friday Jan. 18, 2019, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Drive, Fort Myer, VA 22211. Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/DC. 800388-1913.

Joseph Nathaniel Peterson, Jr. Joseph Nathaniel Peterson, Jr., age 96, of Upper Marlboro, MD, departed this life peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018, at Veterans Medical Center in Washington, DC. He was born in Norfolk, VA on May. 15, 1922. He leaves to cherish his loving memory his devoted wife, Yvonne Moody; daughters, Juan P. Peterson and Jaye P. Miller; daughter-in-law, Cecilia J. Peterson; and grandchildren, Kristian P. Miller, Kimberly P. Rhodes, Jessica P. Turner, Desmond Futrell, Joseph Miller and Jasmine P. Shelton. Funeral Services were held on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018, at the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 14111 Oak Grove Road Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Interment followed at Hampton

Legals

ORDINANCE TO ADD, AMEND AND REORDAIN CHAPTER 34 (UTILITIES), ARTICLES II (WATER SYSTEM) AND III (SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL) AND APPENDIX B – FEE SCHEDULE Pursuant to Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, Sections 15.2-107, 15.2-1427, 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119, 15.2-2122, 15.2-2143, and 9VAC25-780-120, in Council Chambers at Town Hall located at 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 The following Town Code amendments are proposed: Sec. 34-23. Water supply, prohibited use, etc. Amendment to clarify water supply conditions including system emergencies and NEW fines as set forth below in Appendix B – Fee Schedule. Sec. 34-28. Connection fee. Amendment to clarify and correct Town Code sections related to connection fee. Sec 34-29. Availability charges for water service. Amendment to allow the Town Manager to hear and decide appeals. Sec. 34-35. Ownership, inspection, etc., of meters. Amendment to clarify additional infrastructure for water meters. Sec. 34-36. Renewal or repair of meter at expense of property owner or occupant. Amendment to clarify additional infrastructure for water meters. Sec. 34-61. Fixed and account charge per quarter. Amendment to clarify minimum quarterly charge and prorate fixed and account charge per quarter. Sec. 34-63. Lower charge for certain elderly or totally and permanently disabled homeowners. Amendment to add housing choice voucher program and clarify name on utility account. Sec. 34-126. Fee for sewer connection. Amendment to clarify and correct Town Code sections related to connection fee. Sec. 34-127. Availability Charge for sewer service. Amendment to allow the Town Manager to hear and decide appeals. Sec. 34-135. Prohibition against discharge into sewer. Amendment to add a subsection to address violations for illegal connections to sewer system and NEW fines as set forth below in Appendix B – Fee Schedule. Sec. 34-136. Sewer use regulations. Amendment to clarify illegal wastewater discharge and NEW fines as set forth below in Appendix B – Fee Schedule. Sec. 34-156. Fixed charge per quarter. Amendment to clarify minimum quarterly charge and prorate fixed and account charge per quarter. Sec. 34-157. Charge when connection made to sewer system only – Generally. Amendments to clarify commercial connections and prorate fixed and account charge per quarter. Sec. 34-158. Lower charge for certain elderly homeowners or totally and permanently disabled homeowners. Amendment to add housing choice voucher program and clarify name on utility account. Sec. 34-159. When commercial user has connection only to sewer system with metered private water supply. Amendments to clarify charges when a commercial user is connected to sewer system only and NEW fees as set forth below in Fee Schedule. Sec. 34-164. Purpose and applicability. Amendment for implementation of a time frame in which an establishment must comply with the fats, oil and grease (FOG) program. Sec. 34-165. Definition. Amendment to definitions of the FOG program to conform to current practice. Sec. 34-166. Grease control devices. Amendment to grease control device requirements of the FOG program to conform to current practice. Sec. 34-167. Discharge Limits. Amendment to remove the limitation on establishments for FOG program. The following amendments are proposed to Appendix B – Fee Schedule: Sec. 34-23. Water supply, prohibited use, etc. New fine section to charge for non compliance of the drought assessment and emergency water supply response plan that includes a written warning for the first offense, a fee not to exceed $100 for a second offense, and a fee not to exceed $250 for third and subsequent offenses. Sec. 34-60. Water use rates: Water Use Rates: Class Residential Individually Metered (Single Family) Current Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07/01/2023 Inside Town – Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons Tier 1: 0 - 6,000 $4.71 $4.92 $5.14 $5.37 $5.61 $5.86 Tier 2: 6,001 - 15,000 $5.89 $6.16 $6.44 $6.73 $7.03 $7.35 Tier 3: 15,001 - 30,000 $7.07 $7.39 $7.72 $8.07 $8.43 $8.81 Tier 4: > 30,001 $9.21 $9.62 $10.05 $10.50 $10.97 $11.46 Outside Town – Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons Tier 1: 0 - 6,000 $6.65 $6.95 $7.26 $7.58 $7.92 $8.27 Tier 2: 6,001- 15,000 $8.31 $8.69 $9.09 $9.50 $9.92 $ 10.37 Tier 3: 15,001 - 30,000 $9.97 $10.42 $10.89 $11.38 $11.89 $12.42 Tier 4: > 30,001 $12.99 $13.57 $14.17 $14.81 $15.47 $16.16 Water Use Rates: Class Residential Master Metered (Apartments) & Nonresidential Current Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07-01-2023 Inside Town – Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons Tier 1: All Use $6.35 $6.64 $6.94 $7.25 $7.58 $7.92 Outside Town – Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons Tier 1: All Use $8.95 $9.36 $9.78 $10.22 $10.68 $11.16 Water Use Rates: Class Irrigation and Cooling Tower Current Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07/01/2023 Inside Town – Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons Tier 1: 0 - 240,000 $7.07 $7.39 $7.72 $8.07 $8.43 $8.81 Tier 2: > 240,001 $9.21 $9.62 $10.05 $10.50 $10.97 $11.46 Outside Town – Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons Tier 1: 0 - 240,000 $9.97 $10.42 $10.89 $11.38 $11.89 $12.42 Tier 2: > 240,001 $12.99 $13.57 $14.17 $14.81 $15.47 $ 16.16 Sec. 34-61. Fixed water and account charge per quarter: Fixed and Account Charge per Quarter: Class Residential Individually Metered (Single Family) Current Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07/01/2023 Account Charge $8.09 $8.45 $8.83 $9.23 $9.65 $10.08 Water Meter Size 5/8” to ¾”

$24.73

$25.84

$27.00

$28.22

$29.49

$30.82

Full ¾”

$24.85

$25.97

$27.14

$28.36

$29.49

$30.97

1” 1½” 2”

$26.87 $38.48 $40.01

$28.08 $40.21 $41.81

$29.34 $42.02 $43.69

$30.66 $43.91 $45.66

$32.04 $43.89 $47.71

$33.48 $47.96 $49.86

Effective 07/01/2023 $10.08 $30.82 $44.07 $72.77 $152.67 $233.14 $444.73 $683.79 $1,340.89 $2,169.79 Effective 07/01/2023 $10.08 $30.82 $44.07 $72.77 $152.67 $233.14 $444.73 $683.79 $1,340.89 $2,169.79

Sec. 34-71. Miscellaneous fees and charges: Amendments to sewage and Tuscarora Landscaper’s Choice fees and billing terms. Sec 34-126. Sewer connection fee: Amendment to clarify terms and conform to current practice. Sec. 34-135. Prohibition against discharge into sewer system. Addition of a civil penalty for illegal sewer connections of $100 for initial summons and $150 for each additional summons, and not more than a total amount of $3,000 for a series of specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts. Sec. 34-136. Sewer use regulations. Addition of a civil penalty for violation of disposal into the Town’s sewer system of $100 for the initial summons and $150 for each additional summons, and not more than a total amount of $3,000 for a series of specified violations arising from the same operative set of facts. Sec. 34-155. Sewer use charge where connection made to both water and sewer system: Sewer Use Rates: Class Residential Individually Metered (Single Family) Current Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07/01/2023 Inside Town – Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons 0 - (30,000-42,000) $6.29 $6.57 $6.87 $7.18 $7.50 $7.84 > (30,000-42,000) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Outside Town – Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons 0 - (30,001-42,001) $9.56 $9.99 $10.44 $10.91 $11.40 $11.92 > (30,001-42,001) $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Sewer Use Rates: Class Residential Master Metered (Apartments) & Nonresidential Current Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07/01/2023 Inside Town – Consumption $6.29 $6.57 $6.87 $7.18 $7.50 $7.84 Charge per 1,000 gallons Outside Town – Consumption $9.56 $9.99 $10.44 $10.91 $11.40 $11.92 Charge per 1,000 gallons Sec. 34-156. Fixed sewer charge per quarter where connection made to both water and sewer system: Fixed Charge per Quarter for Sewer Use: Class Residential Individually Metered (Single Family) Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective Water Meter Size 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 5/8” to ¾” $24.58 $25.69 $26.85 $28.06 $29.32 Full ¾” $24.58 $25.69 $26.85 $28.06 $29.32 1” $24.58 $25.69 $26.85 $28.06 $29.32 1½” $24.58 $25.69 $26.85 $28.06 $29.32 2” $24.58 $25.69 $26.85 $28.06 $29.32 Fixed Charge per Quarter for Sewer Use: Class Residential Master Metered (Apartments), Nonresidential and Cooling Tower Current Effective Effective Effective Effective Water Meter Size 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 5/8” to ¾” $24.58 $25.69 $26.85 $28.06 $29.32 Full ¾” $36.87 $38.54 $40.28 $42.09 $43.98 1” $61.45 $64.23 $67.13 $70.15 $73.30 1½” $122.90 $128.45 $134.25 $140.30 $146.60 2” $196.64 $205.52 $214.80 $224.48 $234.56 3” $393.28 $411.04 $429.60 $448.96 $469.12 4” $614.50 $642.25 $671.25 $701.50 $733.00 6” $1,229.00 $1,284.50 $1,342.50 $1,403.00 $1,466.00 8” $1,966.40 $2,055.20 $2,148.00 $2,244.80 $2,345.60

Effective 07/01/2023 $30.64 $30.64 $30.64 $30.64 $30.64

Effective 07/01/2023 $30.64 $45.96 $76.60 $153.20 $245.12 $490.24 $766.00 $1,532.00 $2,451.20

Sec. 34-157. Flat sewer charge, account charge and fixed sewer charge per quarter where residential or approved rainwater connection made to sewer system only: Current Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 Inside Town – Flat and Account Charge Inside Town – Sewer Only Fixed Charge Outside Town – Flat and Account Charge Outside Town – Sewer Only Fixed Charge

Effective 07-01-2023

$94.35

$98.60

$103.03

$107.67

$112.51

$117.58

$32.67

$34.14

$35.68

$37.28

$38.96

$40.71

$143.40

$149.85

$156.60

$163.64

$171.01

$178.70

$32.67

$34.14

$35.68

$37.28

$38.96

$40.71

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Continues on following page

THE LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at 7:00 p.m

Fixed and Account Charge per Quarter: Class Residential Master Metered (Apartments) & Nonresidential Current Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 Account Charge $8.09 $8.45 $8.83 $9.23 $9.65 Water Meter Size 5/8” to ¾” $24.73 $25.84 $27.00 $28.22 $29.49 Full ¾” $35.36 $36.95 $38.61 $40.35 $42.17 1” $58.39 $61.02 $63.77 $66.64 $69.64 1½” $122.52 $128.03 $133.79 $139.81 $146.10 2” $187.08 $195.50 $204.30 $213.49 $223.10 3” $356.87 $372.93 $389.71 $407.25 $425.58 4” $548.71 $573.40 $599.20 $626.16 $654.34 6” $1,075.99 $1,124.41 $1,175.01 $1,227.89 $1,283.15 8” $1,741.15 $1,819.50 $1,901.38 $1,986.94 $2,076.35 Fixed and Account Charge per Quarter for Water Use: Class Irrigation and Cooling Tower Current Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2018 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 Account Charge $8.09 $8.45 $8.83 $9.23 $9.65 Water Meter Size 5/8” to ¾” $24.73 $25.84 $27.00 $28.22 $29.49 Full ¾” $35.36 $36.95 $38.61 $40.35 $42.17 1” $14.69 $61.02 $63.77 $66.64 $69.64 1½” $35.26 $128.03 $133.79 $139.81 $146.10 2” $47.26 $195.50 $204.30 $213.49 $223.10 3” $356.87 $372.93 $389.71 $407.25 $425.58 4” $548.71 $573.40 $599.20 $626.16 $654.34 6” $1,075.99 $1,124.41 $1,175.01 $1,227.89 $1,283.15 8” $1,741.15 $1,819.50 $1,901.38 $1,986.94 $2,076.35

January 17, 2019

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENTS

January 17, 2019

Legals TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Continued from previous page

At the January 24, 2019, School Board meeting, the members of the Loudoun School Board will seek public comment about Loudoun County Public Schools’ Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2020.

Sec. 34-159.NEW FEE SECTION Commercial fixed and account charges and sewer use charge per quarter where connection only to sewer system with metered private water supply: Sewer Use Rates for Commercial sewer only with private water supply Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07-01-2023 Inside Town - Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons Inside Town $6.57 $6.87 $7.18 $7.50 $7.84 Outside Town - Consumption Charge per 1,000 gallons Outside Town $9.99 $10.44 $10.91 $11.40 $11.92 Fixed and Account Charge per Quarter for Sewer Only Use when metered private water supply: Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07-01-2023 Account Charge (Per Bill) $8.45 $8.83 $9.23 $9.65 $10.08 Private Water Supply Water Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective Meter Size 07-01-2019 07-01-2020 07-01-2021 07-01-2022 07-01-2023 (Per Meter) 5/8 “ to ¾” $25.69 $26.85 $28.06 $29.32 $30.64 Full ¾” $38.54 $40.28 $42.09 $43.98 $45.96 1” $64.23 $67.13 $70.15 $73.30 $76.60 1½” $128.45 $134.25 $140.30 $146.60 $153.20 2” $205.52 $214.80 $224.48 $234.56 $245.12 3” $411.04 $429.60 $448.96 $469.12 $490.24 4” $642.25 $671.25 $701.50 $733.00 $766.00 6” $1,284.50 $1,342.50 $1,403.00 $1,466.00 $1,532.00 8” $2,055.20 $2,148.00 $2,244.80 $2,345.60 $2,451.20 The advertised rates are the highest rates within the range of rates that may be adopted. The final rates as adopted may be lower. A copy of the proposed ordinance amendments are available from the Town Clerk, located in Town Hall. Additional information regarding these proposed amendments is available in the Department of Utilities, located at 1385 Russell Branch Parkway, SE, Leesburg, Virginia, 20175, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling Amy Wyks, Director of Utilities at 703-737-7119.

PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) The Town of Leesburg will accept sealed bids in the Procurement Office, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176, until 3:00 p.m. on February 12, 2019 for the following: IFB NO. 500630-FY19-32 WATER FILTRATION PLANT FINISHED WATER VFD REPLACEMENT The Town is soliciting sealed bids from qualified contractors to furnish and install two finished water pump variable frequency drives. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 25, 2019 at the Kenneth Rollins Water Filtration Plant located at 43234 Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg, VA 20176. For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 01/17/19

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 1/10/2019 & 1/17/2019

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AMENDMENTS: SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (SLDR) DIVISION 2 (SUBDIVISION); DIVISION 3 (DEVELOPMENT); DIVISION 10 (GLOSSARY); REVIEW AND INSPECTION FEE SCHEDULE Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2240 and 62.1-44.15:27 through 62.1-44.15:35 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, to consider the following amendments, in addition to the correction of inconsistencies and grammatical errors: Sec. 2.08(b): Updating references to the Town Code. Sec. 2.15: Removing Lot Grading Plans and Revisions to Lot Grading Plans from this plan type, and clarifying items that are not associated with final house sitings. Sec. 2.19-2.24: Creating new sections to define purpose and applicability of Lot Grading Plans, along with filing requirements, eligibility, review and approval procedures, expiration and required content. Sec. 3.08(b): Removing the requirement for Over Lot Grading Plans for lots of record associated with an active approved subdivision plan; defining when a Mini Site Plan is required for lots of record where frontage improvements do not exist; increasing allowable bond amount from $50,000 to $100,000. Sec. 3.09(f): Updating reference to Town Code. Sec. 3.17: Removing Lot Grading Plans and Revisions to Lot Grading Plans from this plan type. Division 10 (Glossary): Clarifying the following definitions: “Dwelling, Single-Family Detached”, “Dwelling, Single-Family Attached” and “Dwelling, Two Family”; adding new definition for “Dwelling, Single-Family Attached (Stacked Townhouse / Two over Two Units)”. Fee Schedule: Adding new fees categories for Lot Grading Plans (First Submission $500 per lot or unit); subsequent submissions after second submission ($250 per lot or unit); revisions to Lot Grading Plans ($150 per lot or unit); new fee category for bond release for projects not constructed ($150 per application). Copies of these proposed amendments to the SLDR are available at the Department of Plan Review, 2nd floor, Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling Sharon Kilpatrick at 703-771-2740. The amendments may also be examined on the Town’s web page at https://www.leesburgva.gov/ government/departments/plan-review/codes-ordinances-publications/tloa-2018-0001-proposedamendments-to-the-sldr. This Subdivision and Land Development ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2019-0001. At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of the Council, Eileen Boeing (703)771-2733, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 1/10/2019 & 1/17/2019

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. 1/10/19 & 1/17/19

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104

ABC LICENSE Capers LLC, trading as The Dinner Belles Kitchen Cupboard, 24 E Broad Way, Lovettsville, Virginia 20180-8605

Case No.:

CL104231

Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176 Tiffany Davis /v. Damon Davis

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) for a Wine and Beer Off Premise license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

file for divorce. It is ORDERED that DAMON DAVIS appear at the above-named Court and protect his/her interests on or before March 1, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Jill Evans-Kavaldjian, Partner

01/10/19, 01/17/19, 01/24/19 & 01/31/19

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. 01/10/19 & 01/17/19

LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL SEEKS PUBLIC INTEREST IN SYCOLIN COMMUNITY CEMETERY SITE The Leesburg Town Council is seeking any interested party(ies) regarding the care and maintenance of the area known as the Sycolin Community Cemetery located on Town-owned property adjacent to the Leesburg Executive Airport, 1001 Sycolin Road SE, Leesburg, VA. Council will be discussing this topic at its February 11, 2019 Work Session. Any and all interested parties are encouraged to submit their interest in the property via email to Council@ leesburgva.gov or mailed to 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176, in advance of the meeting no later than 5:00 p.m., February 11, 2019. Questions regarding the cemetery property may be directed to Public Information Officer, Betsy Arnett, at PIO@leesburgva.gov. 1/17/19, 1/24/19, 1/31/19, 2/7/19.

The object of this suit is to:

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Employment

41 January 17, 2019

Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA.

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Flexible Part-Time Position

To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.

WANTED Construction Superintendent: Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to provide on-site coordination for all phases of construction projects, including coordinating subcontractors, material and equipment, ensuring that specifications are being strictly followed, and that work is proceeding on schedule and within budget. The Project Superintendent shall be responsible for scheduling, inspections, quality control, and job site safety. Part-time or full-time positions offered depending on availability.

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[ OPINION ]

January 17, 2019

Planning Connections Isn’t Building Them During the early efforts to collect public comments on priorities for Loudoun’s new comprehensive plan, the desire for new bike and pedestrian connections was certainly at the top of the list. It remained a frequent topic as a diverse group of industry and community leaders set out to write the first draft of the plan. Two years later, the proposed plan under review by the Planning Commission includes several policy statements supporting new trails and better connections, but the concept is not explored in any detail. A new coalition of connection advocates has done the work that could change that. The citizen-led Emerald Ribbons initiative puts some meat on the bones of the plan policies and lays out a clearer way forward if the county were to embrace the goals. The Board of Supervisors could vote as early as this week to put its support behind the proposal and then try to formally weave it into the final version of the comprehensive plan when it takes up that work later this year. That’s the easy part. The hard work is investing resources needed to implement the plan. Loudoun was at this point decades ago, in 2003 when a countywide pedestrian and bicycle plan was adopted to meet similar public demands. That was so long ago that future attorney general Mark Herring was a tenderfoot county supervisor. While some new trails and bike lanes can trace their roots to that effort, the plan never became a cornerstone of the county’s community development efforts. Turns out it is not as easy as saying developers will build them. It takes taxpayer investment, if not for individual projects, then to cover the increase in per-foot cost road construction when walking paths and bike lanes are added in. And, not just in rural areas, private landowners will be asked to allow paths through their land. And the need to make some of Loudoun’s most popular cycling routes safer could compete with efforts to preserve the character of the county’s most scenic roadways. And sometimes residents will find their support for new trail projects wanes when it means the public might be walking closer to their backyard. The 2003 plan had safeguards in place—a special committee to drive its implementation and a requirement for biennial updates among them—but that grand plan remained largely on the shelf. County supervisors may embrace this “new” concept, but it will only be different this time around with a strong community commitment and investment.

LoudounNow Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 • Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 • Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723 Norman K. Styer Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com Danielle Nadler Managing Editor dnadler@loudounnow.com Margaret Morton Senior Writer mmorton@loudounnow.com Renss Greene, Reporter rgreene@loudounnow.com

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[ LETTERS ] Say No to Another Toll Editor: I’ve been a resident of Loudoun County my entire life. I recall when the tolls on the Dulles Greenway and Dulles Toll Road were half of what they are now, and I’m sure even the newer residents recall being able to drive on I-66 for free into Arlington and DC each morning. Throughout the past decade, the Commonwealth of Virginia has consistently “nickeled-and-dimed” travelers by either increasing toll fares (i.e. the Dulles Toll Road) or adding tolled-lanes to existing non-tolled roads (i.e. I-495, I-95). To the surprise of Virginians, these roads weren’t just charging a few nickels or dimes, but rather tolls that sometimes skyrocketed upwards of $3 per mile, for example, on I-66. I am currently a student at Virginia Tech, so I drive Interstate 81 several times each year going to and from school. I agree that I-81 could use road improvements; however, I firmly believe that a toll road is not the solution to gather funding given our government’s track record of charging high tolls. Dating back to early America when toll roads started appearing, people disliked the feeling of paying a toll. As a result, lots of travelers choose to shunpike. Today, everything is still the same, and according to a 2004 study titled “The Impact of Tolls on Freight Movement for I-81 in Virginia” produced for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, tolls above 20 cents per mile along I-81 cause a significant impact to local highways, as 35 percent of trucks will seek alternate routes. Not only will this cause more traffic cutting through small towns along US-11, but also more wear and tear on these local roads. Even with a much lower 5-cent per mile toll, the report says that nearly one-fifth of trucks will seek alternate routes. The report also explains how local travelers will likely avoid I-81 altogether. With inflation and increased traffic along the corridor, these impli-

cations have only increased since the study was conducted. These small towns are filled with history and culture, and I’m sure they don’t want their main streets to become lined with 53-foot trailers for as far as the eye can see. I hope that our legislators in Richmond will do their jobs. They are elected to serve the people, and regardless of political affiliation, I think most Virginians, especially here in Loudoun County, don’t want to be held captive to another expensive toll road. — Daniel T. Eisert, Ashburn

Keep Fighting Editor: Bipartisanship is rare these days, and it was refreshing to see Loudoun’s Board of Supervisors vote 8-1 last week to oppose efforts by the owners of the Greenway to lock in guaranteed toll rate increases for the next 36 years. Six Republicans and two of the three Democrats said no to proposed state legislation that might be taken up by the Virginia General Assembly this month. It should’ve been an easy nay vote for Chair Phyllis Randall, too, but in the end she didn’t go along with the motion to look for a better alternative and oppose what was offered. Instead, Chair Randall said this might be the best deal Loudoun can get. Why give up so quickly? It was the first deal offered by the Greenway and a bad one for Loudoun in every respect. That the Greenway’s representatives even threatened to go to the State Corporation Commission and ask for even higher rates if the board didn’t embrace the deal they offered is even more reason to oppose it. Like it or not, the Greenway is a key part of Loudoun’s transportation future and we should expect every one of our elected officials to be fighting to give Loudoun’s citizens a voice in that future. And a say in how much we pay. — Creal French, Leesburg

PARENTING WITH PURPOSE

ne question I hear quite a bit from parents of teens is: How do I get them to keep their room clean? It seems a reasonable question, especially given the fact that many teens spend quite a bit of time in their room. Plus, it’s a good life lesson, right? Learning how to keep your living area tidy is a good life skill. Future roommates will always appreciate tidiness. So why does this issue become such a problem in many families? Some kids, just like some adults, are either more cluttered or more tidy. We have learned quite a bit about the biological basis of clutter vs. tidiness. Some people have a much lower level of tolerance for visual clutter. For these people, a tidy room actually produces a sense of calm and relaxation, whereas a cluttered area produces anxiety and a need to tidy up. More clutter produces more agitation and a higher need to create order. Cluttered people have a much higher tolerance for disorder. Seeing a cluttered room does not produce any anxiety. They might not actually enjoy living in clutter, but it doesn’t produce enough anxiety to start tidying up. Even if they do get an urge to clean their room, it usually won’t stay that way. Placing an empty water bottle on the bedside table doesn’t even register in their mind. For a very tidy person, it is worth the effort to get up and throw it away, so they don’t have to keep thinking about it. A cluttered person won’t remember the bottle after setting it down. So, if your teen is a typically cluttered person, you might be fighting against their natural tendencies toward clutter. You might also be dealing with your natural tendencies as a parent. My biggest suggestion for dealing with a teen’s messy room: Just close the door. If it bothers you every time you see the clutter, don’t give your eyes the chance to see it. Making comments while walking by will do nothing to change how it looks, and definitely won’t motivate your teen to do anything about it.

In fact, making comments on the state of the room is probably a factor in why teens tend to be so surly when parents come into their room. I have had teens tell me that when their parent “visits” them in their room, the teen is prepared for some negative comment, whether it’s about the room, homework, spending too much time on their phones, etc. But what about when it becomes a health hazard? Most teens see right through this argument. For most teens, it’s a pretty wobbly argument. Yes, a cluttered room harbors more dust, but clutter doesn’t produce more dust. If your teen is allergic to dust it is much more important to focus on weekly laundering of bedding. Another suggestion to consider is to plan a monthly cleaning of the room with parent and teen participating. That way, on a monthly basis the room is decluttered and dusted. The room will

slowly go back to its cluttered state, but at least it might last for a few days. If you decide to do this together, promise yourself that you will not make any snide comments or hold your nose when you have found a particularly ripe item! The teen’s room, like many other aspects of raising a teen, requires more tolerance and calmness than any other stage of a child’s life. Sometimes, it is much better to just close the door (literally and metaphorically) than it is to make a fuss. Neil McNerney is a licensed professional counselor and author of Homework – A Parent’s Guide To Helping Out Without Freaking Out! and The Don’t Freak Out Guide for Parenting Kids with Asperger’s. Reach him at neil@neilmcnerney.com

Music, Art, Storytelling, Languages and Yoga Build Emotional Intelligence BY CHRIS CROLL

maturity.

Emotional intelligence is critically important for success in life. Research shows having a high “EQ” (emotional quotient) has a greater impact on a person’s happiness than does their IQ (intellectual quotient). EQ includes many factors such as emotional self-awareness which is defined as, “recognizing, naming, and understanding the cause of one’s feelings.” EQ also relates to handling emotions appropriately and demonstrating productive options for managing stress. EQ also encompasses self-motivation, solving problems, impulse control, frustration tolerance and acceptance of delayed gratification to reach goals. Social intelligence, a component of EQ, includes empathy, the ability to recognize and understand emotions in others, as well as basic social skills related to handling emotions in relationships. If EQ is so important, how can we raise the EQ of people who inherently struggle to manage their emotions? Science indicates certain hobbies are better than others at helping children and adults increase their emotional

Music Research shows a specific link between the ability to identify, understand, reason and manage emotions and being sensitive to emotions in music. Those with experience listening to and creating music on a regular basis demonstrate enhanced perception of emotions.

Art Attending art museums and creating works of art can help manage stress but also teach empathy. Asking yourself, “What was the artist feeling when they created this work?” can help you develop the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Creating art is a way for non-artists to experiment and ‘safely fail’ which allows them to tap into new emotions. Painting, sculpting and other fine arts have been shown to release stress hormones.

Storytelling The act of telling stories encourages

emotional range. Storytellers can modulate their level of intensity and pacing by “reading” the room of listeners. Listening to stories told by others develops trust between the storyteller and the listener and trust is a key component to successful social relationships. Written storytelling and journaling encourage the writer to get in touch with their feelings.

Foreign Languages The idea of learning a new language is about expressing yourself in a new way. Learning a foreign language also leads to greater cultural sensitivity. Listening to a foreign language encourages the gathering of non-explicit information and social cues to understand what someone is communicating. Learning a new language also encourages a “tolerance of ambiguity” which can help reduce social anxiety in general.

Yoga Yoga opens the nervous system which allows the practitioner to access deeper parts of themselves, including

emotional blockages. When yoga was introduced to 7,000 public school children through YES! Youth Empowerment Seminar, 76 percent of students reported significant improvements in mood, focus and increased frustration tolerance. It’s never too late to improve your EQ. In addition to music, art, storytelling, languages and yoga, other hobbies like team sports also encourage empathy, social skills development, planning and emotional regulation. Children, too, can greatly benefit from exposure to these EQ-raising activities since a big part of childhood is developing and refining emotional skills.

Chris Croll is a parenting consultant specializing in educating and raising gifted and twice-exceptional children. She leads the National Center for Gifted Services and the nonprofit Loudoun County Parents of Gifted Students and is a member of the Loudoun County School Board.

BY NEIL MCNERNEY

January 17, 2019

Dealing with a Teenager’s Room

January 17, 2019

Shutdown << FROM 1 were last in the food banks a decade ago during the recession. “These folks that knew about us 10 years ago and are now coming back for the first time, and are bringing groups of their friends with them who are also struggling and in need and have no idea how to access resources, because they’ve never been in a situation where they needed to,” Berkowitz said. Buona is senior vice president at Telos Corporation, a major federal contractor, and said his company has people who work directly in federal agencies that are currently shuttered. With those agencies shut down, companies cannot bill them, and their employees are out of work—leaving the private companies to decide whether to pick up the federal government’s slack. “If the company has the resources to continue to pay the employee, they’re doing that out of their bottom line, but not all companies have the resources to continue to pay the employee plus their benefits,” Buona said. “And I personally know of cases of companies that have already terminated—not furloughed, but terminated—employees as a result of this shutdown. My own company has not.” He said while federal employees are likely to get back-pay once the government returns to normal operations, federal contractors are almost certain not to. “Think of all the restaurants that are near government agencies, the stores, the retail establishments, hotels—the ripple effect is quite large,” Buona said. “It’s not limited to just those employees, and if I have a restaurant next to a government agency, I’ve probably lost 90 percent of my business right now.” At a press conference Friday, County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) pointed out that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program—SNAP, formerly known as food stamps—is expected to last through the end of the month. If the federal government does not reopen, after this month, about 4,134 households in Loudoun and about 8,396 Loudouners won’t receive SNAP benefits. “In other words, this will only get worse and worse and worse as time goes on,” Randall said. And Buona said “the longer it goes on, the more we up here are going to have to get more creative to try to help our citizens.”

Businesses, Nonprofits Step Up Already local businesses are stepping up. Easterns Automotive Group Director of Marketing Joel Bassam said his company is committing to donate $10,000 a week to the food banks each week the shutdown continues. Bassam said immediately after meeting with county officials about the shutdown, his father suggested the donation. “There’s really not a lot of thought to it,” Bassam said. “As a company, we think that giving back’s kind of a part of our DNA.” The National Conference Center in

Lansdowne also announced this week that it would provide furloughed federal workers and their families free breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They may show their employee ID at the front desk and they’ll be served a meal in the conference center’s dining room. Bassam announced the donation during a gathering of government, utility, business and nonprofit leaders Friday morning in the Loudoun County government center to talk about what they are doing to help people impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. The press conference brought together Bassam, Randall, Buona, School Board Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) and representatives from Loudoun Water, Dominion Energy, Loudoun Hunger Relief and Dulles South Food Pantry to talk about what they can do for people affected by the shutdown. Local food banks like Loudoun Hunger Relief and the Dulles South Food Pantry stand ready. Loudoun Hunger Relief, the county’s largest food pantry, increased the food it distributes to four days worth of food at each visit. Dulles South Food Pantry, which normally only distributes food on Wednesdays, announced it would open two more days each week. And representatives from Loudoun Water and Dominion Energy pointed out their existing programs to set up payment plans and other considerations for people having trouble paying the bills. “We are keenly aware of the plight of our customers that are caught up in this government shutdown, and we’re going to make sure that we have all of the resources that we have in play to help them,” said Dominion Energy Media Relations Manager Chuck Penn. Morse said the school system “takes very seriously the responsibility to ensure that our students are prepared for school each day, and that includes insuring they have sufficient food.” “While the furlough may impact the food supplies in our neighbors’ homes, families can rest assured that the children will be fed a hot meal at school whether or not they have sufficient funds in their account,” Morse said. The school system released a statement Friday stressing that no student would be denied a meal because of a lack of funds. Families who do not qualify for the federal free and reduced-price meal program are expected to pay off their children’s meal debt by the end of the school year. Families experiencing hardship during the federal government shutdown may complete the confidential online application for that program at lcps.heartlandapps.com.

Supervisors Step In Earlier in the week, at Randall’s suggestion, supervisors voted unanimously to send up to $25,000 to Loudoun’s food pantries and waive bus fees for furloughed federal workers as the federal government shutdown stretches into its third week; $7,500 is for Dulles South Food Pantry, and $15,000 will be for Loudoun Hunger Relief, which also distributes to other food pantries. County Administrator Tim Hemstreet

said the county government would remain in direct communication with the food pantries, disbursing the money as needed. Additionally, the county on Monday started waiving transit and commuter bus fees for federal government employees headed to work without pay. “It would be my intention that whoever needs to take the bus to get to work because they’re essential employees can get to work, and if one or two people slip in there who are not shut down, I can’t police that,” Randall said. “It’s more important to me that people who want to get to work who are not getting paid, get to work.” And while federal employees are likely to get back-pay, Randall said back-pay doesn’t help people living paycheck-to-paycheck. “I have lived paycheck-to-paycheck and sometimes the ends don’t meet,” Randall said. “Sometimes on those last two days you’re eating S.O.S. on toast because that’s all you got left. Sometimes you’re eating beans for days. The ends don’t always meet. And yes, we’re high median income, but that doesn’t mean everyone has it.” Supervisor Suzanne M. Volpe (R-Algonkian) also asked county staff members to look ahead to how the county might fund support for people who could lose their SNAP and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants and Children or WIC benefits if the shutdown stretches on and that money runs out. “Those are low-income families and we need to be prepared for that that,” Volpe said. “… I would rather us be proactive in case this goes on an extended period of time.”

‘No Reason to Feel Ashamed’ Berkowitz said “there’s no reason to feel ashamed” when reaching out for help. “This is out of their control and no one should ever feel ashamed,” Berkowitz said. “The resources are here to help, and we really hope that people do come.” Randall agreed. “Please don’t feel that way,” Randall said. “…If you need the services, please reach out, you will be treated with respect, you will be treated with dignity, and we know that’s what they’re here for. Everyone needs someone in times of need. I know that I have.” However, there is one group of people that local officials said should be ashamed: Congress and President Donald J. Trump. Buona called on Loudoun’s businesses and citizens to also step up and help out, especially with food banks. He also condemned the lack of action by Congress and the president. He said the parties “need to quit running to their corners, and they need to run to the middle to find solutions.” Supervisor Ron A. Meyer Jr. (R-Broad Run) added, “I think that we all are hopefully in agreement that government shutdowns are absolutely idiotic.” rgreene@loudounnow.com

Trail network << FROM 1 The Emerald Ribbons network will likely include parts of the Appalachian Trail and the W&OD, and connect to trails along Goose Creek and the Potomac Heritage Trail, which runs along the Virginia side of the Potomac River. The vision is to invite homeowners associations, nonprofits, the county government and other groups to work together to define the routes and any facilities, such as picnic tables or benches. Most of these trails would run through the properties of private developers. Landowners would need to proffer, or donate, a sliver of their property for a public-use trail. But Kruse expects most developers would give the green light because the areas eyed as Emerald Ribbons are in floodplains that cannot be developed. “Why not take these no-build zones and have developers donate the land they can’t build on anyway and make it park land,” he said. The idea has early support from several supervisors, including Randall, Buona and Supervisor Tony Buffington (R-Broad Run). A report from Randall’s and Buona’s offices noted that the first public input session for Envision Loudoun—the county’s comprehensive plan for the next 20 years—almost 1,000 people called for more trails, bike paths and parks. “Our residents want to bike, hike, watch nature, dog walk, run, jog, train, share the environment with their children, and otherwise just get out in the outdoors and destress from their daily lives,” they wrote. Buffington commended the coalition for spearheading the Emerald Ribbons effort. “Such a system of interconnected parks and trails would be enormously beneficial for Loudoun. I strongly support the idea and look forward to working with my colleagues and the public to make it happen.” The goal of the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition is to create a public-private partnership, where the county government would task a county employee with overseeing the project and the coalition, along with other nonprofit organizations, would work on securing grant dollars to fund the project. And the time to carry this idea to fruition is now, Kruse stressed. As supervisors work on the Envision Loudoun comprehensive plan—with the final adoption of that plan expected later this year—they are grappling with how to balance new business, transportation and housing development with the desire for some open space. “The timing is vital,” Kruse said. “If we can get this in the comp plan (Envision Loudoun), then we can plan for it. And we can ensure these dense urban areas have natural refuge places, where someone can take their dog for a walk and get rid of some of that stress in their life.” Learn more about the project at EmeraldRibbons.org. dnadler@loudounnow.com

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