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VOL. 6, NO. 10
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
School Board Approves Return to Classrooms BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
nights. They looked for pitched tents, counted the numbers of individuals living in county government-run or nonprofit shelters, looked for people sleeping in cars, or camped out behind stores. The national endeavor is intended to provide a single-day count of those within a county’s borders who are homeless. The
The School Board on Tuesday night approved a plan to relaunch hybrid in-person learning, bringing back elementary school students by Feb. 16 and expanding the program to middle and high school students by March 3. The action came after state and federal authorities in recent weeks promoted new strategies that focus on controlling on-campus transmission rather than the rate of community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. It also followed months of pleas from frustrated parents and students worried about failing academics and mental health caused by the long hours of screen time and lack of socialization. On Tuesday, the School Board heard more than three hours of comments from speakers—more than 200 had signed up—pleading for a return to class. Loudoun’s hybrid learning program, which provides at least two days of in-person learning per week, was suspended just before the winter break in December after increasing case levels hit adopted triggers. Under the new policy, hybrid classes will only be suspended only in targeted cases if outbreaks occur in a classroom, in a school or in a cluster of schools. In a survey last year, about half of the school division’s 81,000 students selecte the hybrid model. Elementary school
HIDDEN HOMELESS continues on page 34
BACK TO CLASS continues on page 35
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Good Shepherd Alliance Senior Program Manager Sandra McLean shows a bedroom in the organization’s Lucketts-area emergency shelter. The nonprofit is currently housing around 22 individuals across all its locations.
The Hidden Homeless
Completing the Count Doesn’t Complete the Picture BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
On a recent cold, Wednesday night in January, members of the Loudoun County Continuum in Care team bundled up for the annual Point in Time count. They scoured the county to search for those experiencing homelessness on the coldest of
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COVID Cases, Still High, Continue Slide; Free Twice-Weekly Testing Announced LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
While the rolling average of daily new COVID-19 cases in Loudoun remains higher than any point before Jan. 18— and more than five times as high as most of 2020—the numbers continue to slide downward from a rapid spike that began Jan. 13 and peaked at the end of the month. As of Feb. 2, the seven-day average of daily new cases in Loudoun was 208. The average number of daily new hospitalizations stood at six, and as of the latest numbers, the positivity rate for COVID-19 testing continued a monthlong slide from a high of 19.1% on Jan. 3 to 11.5% on Jan. 29. Meanwhile, Loudoun reported 32,055 vaccine doses administered by Tuesday, with 4,827 people having received both doses. Loudoun will get some help in that effort in the form of $1.02 million in fund-
ing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the county’s representatives in Congress announced Monday. The money will be used to support efforts to store, handle, transport, distribute and administer the vaccine against COVID-19, according to a press release from Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA). Loudoun is the second locality in Virginia to win that funding, after Arlington County. Under Gov. Ralph Northam’s Major Disaster Declaration, localities may apply for funding to support vaccine distribution from FEMA. Under executive orders recently signed by President Joe Biden, states and localities are eligible to receive funding to aid their COVID-19 response efforts in advance, rather than as reimbursements. “I’m so pleased that Loudoun County is receiving federal funding to get more shots into the arms of residents and bolster our community’s vaccination ef-
forts,” stated Rep. Jennifer T. Wexton (DVA-10). “Making vaccines more available and accessible to Americans is one of our most important tools to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal support is essential to distribute vaccines in the most efficient, equitable, and expedited way possible. I was proud to support a bipartisan deal at the end of last year to provide robust funding for vaccine administration efforts, and I’m working hard now to advance our next rescue package through Congress.” The most recent COVID-19 relief package negotiated by Warner and a bipartisan group of senators, and supported by both senators, included more than $19 billion for vaccines and therapeutics and an additional $8.75 billion to support vaccine distribution at the local and state level. Wexton also voted to pass that bill in December. COVID TESTING continues on page 35
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Daniel Dangerfield’s Flight to Freedom Hailed for Lasting Lessons BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
One of Loudoun’s newest additions to the telling of the county’s Black history can be found on a new marker at the Aldie Mill Historic Park. There, in the heart of an area once known as Mosby’s Confederacy, visitors can learn about Daniel Dangerfield’s storied escape from slavery to farm life in Canada. The new historical marker was dedicated Monday morning by NOVA Parks representatives and county leaders, as part of Black History Month events. The marker tells the story of Daniel Dangerfield, an enslaved teenager who worked in Aldie during the 1840s, possibly at the mill. In 1854, he fled north to Pennsylvania and began a new life in Harrisburg, working as a laborer, marrying and having two children. However, the family of his enslaver tracked him down and Dangerfield was arrested and taken to Philadelphia for a hearing before three federal Fugitive Slave Commissioners. In that hearing four white men from Loudoun County testified they’d known the accused fugitive for many years here
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
From left, U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10), NOVA Parks Chairwoman Cate Magennis Wyatt and County Chair Phyllis Randal (D-At Large) on Monday unveil a new history marker telling the story of Daniel Dangerfield and his flight to freedom.
in Virginia, requiring his return under to Virginia under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. Four men of color, however, testified that they had known him outside Virginia prior to 1854, meaning that law wouldn’t apply. The case was close-
ly watched with men and women, black and white packing the courtroom, and nearly a thousand more waiting outside. Spectators included many prominent abolitionists of the day. Commissioner J. Cooke Longstreth
released Dangerfield on the opinion that there was not enough proof of his identity—a celebrated victory for abolitionists and a decision that enraged many Southerners. Dangerfield quickly moved to safer ground in Canada where he and his family made a successful life as farmers near Niagara Falls. Speaking during Monday’s dedication ceremony, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said Dangerfield’s bravery and tenacity paved the way for her historic election. “Think about all that that young man went through. Think about every decision he made, every decision so many people made—people with names we know and with names we’ll never know—all those decisions, all those individual decisions where individual bricks laid down on a path that allowed me to walk on that path, to run for chair and to become the first chair of color in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Randall said. She said the work of those early freedom fighters cleared the way for a Black president and vice president to be elected as well. DANGERFIELD continues on page 35
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
AT&T Promises Better Service with Short Hill Tower Project
Loudoun
BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Drivers hit an afternoon backup on the Dulles Greenway near Leesburg.
Greenway Bill Passes House, Senate Committee BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
A bill intended to curb toll rate increases on the Dulles Greenway has unanimously passed the House of Delegates and cleared the Virginia Senate’s transportation committee, putting it only a few steps away from becoming law. House Bill 1832 passed in the full House of Delegates on Friday 99-0, with one delegate listed not voting. The House bill was introduced by Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87) with backing from Dels. Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10), David A. Reid (D-32), Dan I. Helmer (D40), Karrie K. Delaney (D-67), Kaye Kory (D-38), and Kathleen Murphy (D-34) and Sen. Barbara A. Favola (D-31). As of Feb. 1, the bill has arrived in the Senate and been sent to the Committee on Commerce and Labor. “We are thrilled that this passed unanimously and feel optimistic that it will be signed into law,” Subramanyam stated. “This bill is a critical step towards ensuring proper ovesight over future toll prices and will make it harder for the road’s operators to price gouge Loudoun commuters.” It is the companion bill to Senate Bill 1259, which was introduced by Sen. John J. Bell (D-13) with Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-31) as chief co-patron, and Dels. David A. Reid (D-32) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-87) the House patrons. Bell expressed confidence about the bill’s prospects. “We’ve got bipartisan support,” Bell said. “The biggest thing with the Greenway, frankly, is educating people who don’t live in our area what it is and what are the unique issues that we’re trying to resolve, because it’s really a one-of-a-kind road.”
Bell and Subramanyam, the House bill’s chief patron, have coordinated to keep both bills identical so far, avoiding any need for a conference committee to hammer out the differences between chambers and streamlining the bill’s passage. Current law forbids the State Corporation Commission, which oversees the tolls on the privately owned highway, from granting toll hikes that would discourage drivers from using the private highway— but with no definition in the law for discouraging use, tolls have continued to go up even as drivers head to other, public roads in droves. The bill creates a definition for “materially discourage use.” The bill also seeks to close a financing loophole by requiring the Greenway’ owners to petition the SCC before refinancing its debt, and require among other things that they demonstrate any refinancing is “necessary to operate, maintain, enlarge, or expand the roadway” and “that such refinancing will not increase toll rates.” Additionally, if the Greenway seeks to extend or transfer its authority to operate—which expires in 2056, when the road is scheduled to become publicly owned—it must submit financial disclosures and have at least a BBB- bond rating from a major credit ratings agency, the lowest investment-grade rating. Currently none of the three major bond ratings agencies rate the Greenway that highly, with Standard and Poor’s dropping its bond rating in December from BBB- to BB+ on worse-than-expected traffic recovery. And the bill would also restrict the Greenway from applying for toll increases one year at a time. The Dulles Greenway is currently before the State Corporation Commission asking for five more years of
annual toll increases. Those range from a 5% increase on off-peak traffic for 2022 to a 6.8% increase on peak-hour traffic in 2025. If approved, tolls would stand at $6.15 per one-way trip in off-peak hours, and $7.90 in peak hours by 2025. Arguments were completed in that case in November 2020; Loudoun and the Greenway are still waiting on a decision from the SCC. Although the SCC, which operates like a court, has not yet issued a decision, much of the language of this year’s Greenway bills in the General Assembly was based on findings in an SCC hearing examiner’s report in the case. But the SCC’s decision will still be based on the current law, not the new bills, which would go into effect July 1. Although they do not coordinate with legislators, Bell said the SCC is aware of the bills working their way through the state capitol, and pointed out the hearing examiner’s report recommended against some toll increases. “It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they just do a one-year decision, which would then mean next year would be under these rules,” Bell said. “But they have to follow the current law. This won’t go into effect until July 1 if it passes, but they’re clearly aware of the discussion that’s happening right now.” The Senate transportation committee voted 12-3 on Thursday, Jan. 28 to recommend passing the bill. Ayes included both Loudoun senators on the committee, Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-33) and Sen. Barbara A. Favola (D-31). Votes against came from Lynchburg, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. As of Feb. 1, the Senate has voted to dispense with reading the bill on the floor, clearing the way for a vote at any time this week. n
Representatives for telecom giant AT&T promised better cell service in northwestern Loudoun if the company is allowed to build a 125-foot tower on top of Short Hill Mountain. With that, the company’s representatives say, will come cell network coverage for AT&T subscribers, the FirstNet network dedicated to first responders, and space on the tower to lease to other mobile providers. The monopole proposal was first discussed publicly in 2018. After a well-attended open house in Lovettsville, the proposed tower was revised downward from 155 feet to 125 feet high with, the company’s representatives say, no lighting on top. Attorney Greg Rapisarda, from the firm Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP, said at a virtual community meeting Jan. 27 that the reduction in height was “mostly in response to community concerns and some feedback from the county.” “I do not think it’s going to draw anybody’s eye,” Rapisarda said. “We’ve got minimal visual impact, and that that’s also feedback we got from people that were on the ground that day at the balloon test—and that includes members of the community, too, not just our team.” People living in the area have viewed the company’s applications with suspicion; it is the same site where, in 2016, the company attempted to build what it called a utility substation, but which local experts said looked like a data center. Under intense pressure the company withdrew its application after it had already been approved by the Loudoun County Planning Commission. AT&T’s representatives took questions from the community during the meeting, including why there can’t instead be two towers downslope on either side of the ridgeline—pointing out Loudoun County’s comprehensive plan and zoning regulations discourage building on ridgelines—and why AT&T can’t use other towers on the mountain. TOWER continues on page 5
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
D.C. United Breaks Ground on Leesburg Training Center LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
D.C. United has begun construction on its new training facility and performance center at Philip A. Bolen Memorial Park near Leesburg. The new facility will also be home to Loudoun United FC, the club’s United Soccer League affiliate, and the D.C. United Academy. “The substantial investment in soccer infrastructure that we have made the last few years—building Audi Field, forming Loudoun United FC, increasing funding to our Academy, and now developing a new state-of-the-art training facility—demonstrates our commitment to contributing to the powerful growth of our sport in the DMV,” stated Jason Levien, CEO and Co-Chairman of D.C. United, in the Jan. 28 announcement. “We live in a hotbed for soccer talent, and this new performance center located in the heart of Loudoun County will allow us to harness the growth opportunity in the region and serve as a national center for best-in-class performance excellence.” The facility will include a 40,000-squarefoot training center in a 30-acre complex, including four full-size outdoor practice fields, and a training center equipped with a weight room and recovery facilities for the club’s performance and medical staff. The Audi Performance Center, located inside the training facility, will have educational resources and tutorial resources available for Academy players, as well as a video room the club can use to review film from training sessions and previous matches. The complex is near Segra Field, the 5,000-seat stadium which opened in August 2019 and is where Loudoun United FC, along with the Washington Spirit from the National Women’s Soccer League, and Old Glory Rugby DC, the area’s Major League Rugby club, play their home matches. The training facility will also become home to the Washington Spirit. “This marks another #LoudounPossible day in our community as we begin construction on the performance center and training facility for the D.C. United
Tower continued from page 4 Moving the towers downslope, company representatives pointed out, would have increased environmental impacts—the proposal is on land that has already been disturbed for AT&T’s existing facility on top of the mountain, and downslope would
organization,” stated Buddy Rizer, executive director of Economic Development in Loudoun County. “We are proud that one of the sport’s best franchises has made this long-term commitment to Loudoun and we are thrilled to add them to our thriving business environment.” The club projects more than 130,000 attendees will visit the site annually, from camps and clinics, to practices, leagues, and tournaments. The club estimates that the facility and performance center will be completed and ready for use by end of summer of this year. Segra Field and the related stadium and facilities were financed in a deal with the county government. The stadium is owned by the county government, which has already sunk $25 million in financing to build the stadium and bring the team, as well as headquarters and training facilities for major league men’s team D.C. United, to the county. County supervisors announced the deal in January 2018 and approved $15 million in debt financing for the project to build the stadium, fields and offices, adding another $10 million in December 2019 when the project ran over budget in exchange for bringing a women’s soccer team, Washington Spirit—which had already announced a move into the park—to Loudoun, as well as a new marketing agreement. On the other side of those agreements, the team agreed to pay back all of that cost over the next 30 years, paying rent to play in the county-owned stadium. After the cost is paid back, the county will still own the stadium, under the deal. The county has also seen cost overruns in its part of the project, including grading, building parking areas and walkways, and connecting utilities. Those overruns ratcheted an initial estimate of $7 million for that work up to $17 million. Supervisors in May 2020 voted amid the COVID-19 pandemic to defer the $621,233 the team was going to pay the county in rent last year, spreading that payment out over the next six years instead with at least 8% interest. n likely put the project and its access road on protected steep slopes. AT&T engineer Guarav Behl said two towers near each other would interfere with each other. The next nearest tower, they said, is too far away. AT&T spokesman David D’Onofrio said at one point 84 people were tuned into the meeting. n
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Leesburg
Town Council Supports New Round of Biz Grants, King Street Closures KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Leesburg businesses could get a third round of financial support before springtime hits. The Leesburg Town Council last week unanimously approved a modified version of a business relief plan initially proposed by Councilman Zach Cummings. Cummings had proposed using $1.1 million from the town’s Unassigned Fund Balance for a variety of initiatives related to the economic impacts of, and eventual recovery from, the COVID-19 pandemic. The council endorsed spending $25,000 to continue the outdoor dining program, in which the block of King Street between Loudoun and Market streets is closed to vehicular traffic to allow for expanded sidewalk dining. The allocation would allow for the block to be closed for 17 days, at a cost of $1,400 per day. The council also supported what will be the third round of grants to town-based small businesses, following more than $3 million in funding support using CARES funding in the fall. Businesses with annual gross receipts between $25,000 and $749,999 will be eligible for a $5,000 grant, while those with revenue between $750,000 and $2.5 million may receive a $10,000 grant. Among the eligibility requirements
to be considered for a grant, businesses must be able to demonstrate a 15% or greater decrease in gross receipts last year. Council members said they hoped the grants would be doled out to local businesses quickly. A total of $500,000 was allocated for this latest grant program. “This is emergency aid,” Councilman Ara Bagdasarian said. “We need to move expeditiously because we’re in the middle of winter and there are businesses in crisis now.” Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel said the town staff was working on putting together the new grant program now, and hopes to have the application open in the next couple of weeks. “We are working with the county [Economic Development Authority] now to get a new memorandum of agreement to allow them to distribute the grant funds (as required by state law). That will hopefully be approved in late February by the EDA, so the earliest grant funds could be available to businesses would be in early March,” Markel said. The approved resolution also allocated $50,000 for additional business marketing and outreach, and to spruce up the Economic Development Department website. The council did not move forward on some of Cummings’ other suggestions, including a $25,000 earmark for the Small
Business Development Center, and freezing the collection of business penalties or late fees. Prior to their vote Jan. 26, council members had several questions on how the $575,000 in approved funding would affect the upcoming Fiscal Year 2022 budget, expected to be presented to the council next week. “I wouldn’t want to do anything that would endanger the budget to the point where we have to raise taxes,” Councilwoman Suzanne Fox said. “Giving our businesses who have received help in the past but at the expense of the individual taxpayer … that would concern me. There’s not much that’s been done for the individual [taxpayer] through this whole thing.” Town Manager Kaj Dentler noted that he will not be proposing a tax rate increase for the upcoming fiscal year budget. The current General Fund deficit for the Fiscal Year 2021 deficit stands at $5.2 million, or 8% of the fund’s budget. That is down from a previously projected $7 million to $8 million deficit, Dentler said. “We’ll close the deficit, but you need to understand you’ve got a lot of operations that aren’t able to get done, so we’re not out of the woods,” he said. “At the end of the fiscal year one way or the other we will clearly close the deficit. The budget will be presented on a balanced basis.” n
Leesburg Outlets Receive Approval for Kiosks, New Uses BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The owner of the Leesburg Premium Outlets officially has the green light to operate retail kiosks on the property, and to also add new uses to the mix at the mall. By unanimous consent, the Town Council last week supported a request to permit eight retail kiosks to be spread throughout the outlet mall property. The council in December approved a series of zoning text amendments that permit retail kiosks in developments of at least 500,000 square feet. The owner of the outlet mall had previously indicated a desire to have up to 10 kiosks on the property, but the council last month decided the development’s current supply of eight kiosks was plenty.
Patrick Szabo/LoudounNow
The Leesburg Premium Outlets can now operate eight retail kiosks.
“We understand you felt eight was appropriate and we can work with that,” said John Dionis, vice president of development for Simon Premium Outlets, the outlet mall owner, in addressing the council last week. The kiosks first debuted at the outlet mall more than 15 years ago, but approval for them had never been sought until recently, a staff report noted. The outlet mall will also soon be able to house different uses on the property. The council approved a concept plan and proffer amendment that will allow second-hand stores, arts and crafts studios or stores, barber shops and beauty shops, dressmaker shops, photographer’s studios, and tailor shops to be added to the mix of allowable retail uses. OUTLETS continues on page 7
Convenience Store Could Join Gas Pumps In Compass Creek BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The Town Council last week voted to consider a Zoning Ordinance change that would allow a convenience store or kiosk to go along with gas pumps in the Compass Creek development. In September, the council initiated a Zoning Ordinance text amendment that, if approved, would allow gas pumps as a byright accessory use for commercial businesses in the Compass Creek development. The change would apply only to businesses in the PD-CC-SC district, which only includes Compass Creek. The area in question falls within the Joint Land Management Area and is one in which the town has set its sights for annexation through a boundary line adjustment process with the county. Several properties within the development have already come into the town through an approved BLA, but Walmart has not yet given its consent to be brought into Leesburg. In September, the town staff said a convenience store to accompany the gas pumps was not desired. Fast forward to December, and a staff report notes that an unnamed property owner, likely Walmart, indicated a desire to have gas pumps and a convenience store or kiosk accessory to the main store. Walmart had previously spoken to Loudoun County planning staff about pursuing a special exception for gas pumps at its Compass Creek store. Last week’s council action, which passed unanimously, amends September’s ordinance initiation to include the convenience store use as an accessory to the gas pumps. Public hearings at both the Planning Commission and Town Council will be scheduled, and the item will come back to the council for final action and possible approval. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Burk, Steinberg Schedule Saturday Budget Town Hall BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Just days before Town Manager Kaj Dentler presents Leesburg’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 budget, two members of the Town Council have scheduled a virtual budget town hall to hear from the public. Scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, the goal of the session is to engage the public in shaping the town’s budget priorities. Dentler recently indicated that he is not proposing a real estate tax rate increase above the current level of 18.4 cents, but has warned that the council needs to find ways to catch up with many services put
on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are also around 30 frozen or vacant staff positions in Town Hall. For the current fiscal year, 2021, Leesburg finds itself staring down a $5 million General Fund deficit, although the town staff has expressed confidence that the budget will be balanced when the fiscal year ends June 30. The Fiscal Year 2022 budget begins July 1. Those who wish to join the Town Hall are asked to email Burk at kellyburk2011@ gmail.com to receive a link to participate. The council is expected to hold public hearings on the budget and tax rate in March. Dentler will present his proposed budget Feb. 9. n
PAGE 7
‘Locally Leesburg’ Promotion to Highlight Businesses The Leesburg Department of Economic Development has introduced a new program—Locally Leesburg. The new promotion highlights the Town of Leesburg as a business location and a visitor and shopping destination. The initial phase of the program, Locally Leesburg Business Spotlight, will highlight a different business each week, while sharing the services they offer and why they chose to do business in Leesburg.
Every Thursday, a new episode will air on Facebook at 11 a.m. All episodes will also be available on the town’s YouTube channel and the Economic Development website. According to Russell Seymour, Leesburg’s director of Economic Development, Locally Leesburg is designed to introduce both visitors and residents to the town and all it has to offer. Business owners who would like to be featured can contact Business Development and Retention Manager Melanie Scoggins at mscoggins@leesburgva.gov. n
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Outlets continued from page 6 Dionis said offering secondhand options “is becoming really an integral part to the retail landscape.” He said there are
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Education
Board Eyes July Start for Next Superintendent BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
The Loudoun School Board last week received its first public briefing on the details of the nationwide search for the division’s next superintendent. Under the plan, the next school leader is expected to be in place by July 1. The board hired Hazard, Young Attea & Associates to lead the recruitment effort. The three-member search team will be led by Brad Draeger. The former high school band leader served as chief academic officer, deputy superintendent and even a stint as interim superintendent with Fairfax County Public Schools, and retired in 2012 after serving as superintendent for Livingston (NJ) Public Schools. Perhaps more importantly, he told the
school board during the Jan. 28 session that he is a Leesburg resident with two grandchildren attending public schools in Loudoun. “That’s my main interest in making sure we get a good superintendent for Loudoun County,” he said. Since joining HYA, Draeger said he has been involved with 70 recruitment efforts for superintendents and top-level administrators. He was a member of the team that conducted the search that resulted in the hiring of Eric Williams for Loudoun’s top job six years ago. Williams resigned in January to take a position leading a Houston, TX-area school division. Under the proposal, anyone in Loudoun who wants a say in the process—or even to suggest a candidate— will have the opportunity to do so. The team plans a series of focus groups targeting a wide range of community and interest groups. As early as next week,
all members of the public will be able to share their views in an online survey. Initially, the outreach will focus on three key questions: What makes Loudoun great? What are the challenges schools will face over the next 3 to 5 years? And what are the characteristics needed for the superintendent? By the end of February, the consultants plan to present the board with a leadership profile that will be used to measure candidate qualifications. After the search team reviews the pool of applicants, the first round of interviews is expected to begin early in May. Before the end of that month, the finalist should be selected. Draeger predicted the board may face a tough choice at the end. “My feeling is that Loudoun is going to attract the highest quality of candidates possible,” he said. n
Superintendent Urges Patience, Grace as Parents Plead for Return to School BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
For months, every Loudoun County School Board meeting has featured a delegation of parents and students pleading to reopen classrooms for in-person learning. The speakers—whose comments often are limited to a minute or less because of the long line waiting a turn at the podium—are frequently tearful, angry, exasperated and bewildered. They beg for less screen time, more socialization and a better approach to helping special needs students. They point to studies and examples around the world providing evidence that schools can be safely open during the pandemic. Typically, they return to the next meeting two weeks later to continue their pleas. Last week, one of those speeches exploded as a viral video, capturing national attention. After his wife and young children once again made their protests, Jordan Michon lashed out, starting with criticism of teachers who are fearful or returning to the classroom. The garbage workers who picking up the trash from his home are in more danger, he said.
LCPS Webcast
Jordan Michon gained national attention after a video of his latest plea for the School Board to resume in-person classes went virial.
“You are a bunch of cowards hiding behind our children to keep our schools closed,” he said. The shouting continued after his time expired and Chairman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) asked the on-standby Sheriff ’s Office deputy to escort him from the room.
Other than the attention derived by the fast-circulating video clip, there wasn’t anything unusual about the exchange or even the cautionary use of the deputy. The confrontations have become standard elements of each meeting in the pandemic era. However, the exchange—or rather the “increased media attention paid to Loudoun County, specifically regarding the reopening of schools”—did prompt a special statement, issued by Interim Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler. He urged parents “to consider Patience, Flexibility, Comfort with the Not-YetKnown, and Grace as we interact with one another and map a strategy through unprecedented circumstances to a common goal” of returning students to the classroom. “I want you to know that LCPS staff— from the Loudoun County School Board, myself, to the teachers, to all of the support personnel—and the community we serve have a common goal: to return students to school safely as soon as possible. We may disagree on the methods and timetable to return students to in-person learning, but I would like us to agree that we all have our students’ best interests at heart,” Ziegler wrote. n
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
SCHOOL notebook Google Awards $30K Training Grant Google has awarded a $30,000 grant to support virtual learning strategies for Loudoun County Public Schools educators. The Commonwealth Learning Partnership, a network of over 25 nonprofit education organizations, schools of higher education and individuals, will oversee management of the grant funds and guide a professional development program aimed at increasing the skill sets and competencies of educators within virtual learning environments. The Loudoun Education Foundation, which works to support innovative programs that foster academic success and the well-being of students and teachers, will assist in housing and administering the grant funds. The goal of the program is to increase classroom support for educators and stimulate deeper learning experiences for students on virtual learning platforms. Participants will attend skill-building workshops focused on how to keep students engaged in their virtual classrooms and will feature instruction from a Virginia-based Google for Education training partner. The workshops will provide in-depth coaching and advice for creating a deeper learning environment online for students. Program participants will also receive mini grants to apply material learned in the workshops. The program culminates with a virtual public symposium, where participants will share the lessons they learned to other educators across the commonwealth. The program is set to begin in the spring.
McSorley, Breinig Among Inaugural Briar Woods Hall of Fame Members Briar Woods High School has named the inaugural class to its Athletic Hall of Fame. Members of this first class are athletes, coaches and contributors associated with the school between 2005 and 2015. The inaugural class includes: Athletes: Trace McSorley and Alex SCHOOL NOTEBOOK continues on page 9
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
PAGE 9
SCHOOL notebook continued from page 8 Carter, football; Brandon Polk, track; Michael Hulcher, wrestling; Holly Johnson, cheer; Macy Jones, softball; Collin Verfurth, boys’ soccer; Lauren Twitty, volleyball; McKensey Ziegler, girls’ soccer. Coaches: Kristen Develli, cheer (four state championships); Charlie Price, football (three state championships) Contributors: Ed Starzenski, first Briar Woods principal; Joe Breinig Sr., first Briar Woods athletic director. A formal induction ceremony is planned when public health conditions will allow it.
from Ferrum College and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction integrating technologies in schools from George Mason University. She earned her endorsement in educaTimothy tional leadership and administration from The George Washington University. She has served her entire 22 years in education in Loudoun County Public Schools as an elementary classroom teacher at Hillside Elementary and as a dean and assistant principal at Steuart Weller Elementary.
competition. The Virginia State Science & Engineering Fair and the ISEF also will be virtual events for 2021. Students are selected to participate in the RSEF by their high schools and may enter in one of 21 different categories, from Animal Sciences to Translational Medicine. The event will take place from March 18 through March 25 and will be hosted on the LCPS Regional Science & Engineering website. Students will submit electronic posters, video presentations
and other artifacts from their research. Category and special awards, which are given by individuals, corporations and local, state, and national organizations, will be presented to students in recognition of their achievements. Category winners also participate in the process that leads to naming LCPS finalists, who then compete at the international level in the Regeneron ISEF. The virtual science fair will be open to the public beginning on March 26.
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Erin Timothy has been appointed as the new principal of Belmont Station Elementary School. She succeeds Lori Mercer, who has been appointed as the inaugural principal of Hovatter Elementary, which will open in August. Timothy holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and elementary education
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Loudoun Pups to Play in Sunday’s Puppy Bowl BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
Loudouners have a couple hometown favorites to cheer for in this year’s Puppy Bowl. Loudoun dogs Tank and Chunky Monkey will play in Puppy Bowl XVII on Sunday, which will air on Animal Planet at 2 p.m., hours before the Buccaneers take on the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. Tank is a seven-month-old part Rottweiler and part Labrador from Purcellville playing on Team Ruff. Chunky Monkey is a sevenmonth-old Chow Chow mix from Leesburg playing on Team Fluff. In all, there are 69 competitors in this year’s Puppy Bowl, which first aired in 2005 and features all adopted dogs. Tank, owned by Christine and Ed Ronan, was born in Mississippi on July 4 to a purebred Rottweiler, who served as a seizure service dog, and a purebred Labrador who was a part of the Ducks Unlimited organization. The only surviving pup in his litter, Tank moved to Lancaster, PA at seven weeks old. Just weeks after Ronan adopted him, Animal Planet reached out with news that Tank would be featured in the Puppy Bowl. It’s the first time a dog from Charlie’s Crusaders Pet Rescue has been featured in the game. Tank is also up against a dog named Marshall for this year’s Pupularity Playoffs contest. Early this week, Ronan said Tank sat at 47% of the vote. Vote for Tank at discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/puppybowl-xvii/vote. Chunky Monkey, owned by Rod and Cassandra Asekhauno, was born in Orange
Contributed
Above, Purcellville’s Tank, and Chunky Monkey of Leesburg (inset) will be featured in Sunday’s Puppy Bowl XVII on Animal Planet.
Contributed
Above, left, Cassandra and Rod Asekhauno, and their boys Cameron and Baylor, pose with Chunky Monkey (far left), their seven-month-old Puppy Bowl star. Right, Christine and Ed Ronan, and their boys Gunnar and Brody, pose with seven-month-old Tank.
County, VA and was rescued by Troy-based Green Dogs Unleashed. A month after adopting Chunky Monkey, the Asekhaunos gave Animal Planet permission to include their new puppy in the game. They said Green Dogs Unleashed had worked with animal Planet on multiple occasions, which is why Chunky Monkey was selected for the nationally televised event. Although Chunky Monkey didn’t make it
past the second round of the Pupularity Playoffs, she’s still one of the most popular dogs in the nation. The Asekhaunos said they were recently contacted by a mother in New Hampshire who told them Chunky Monkey helped her three boys cheer up after struggling to find excitement amid a life of distance learning. So, the Asekhaunos sent the family photos and messages of Chunky Monkey,
which they’ll use to cheer her on during Sunday’s game. “Underneath all that fluff she’s really not that big,” Cassandra Asekhauno said about Chunky Monkey, adding that she expects the dog to grow to 40 pounds. “[Tank has] got a huge personality,” Ronan said of her dog, adding that she expects Tank to keep growing. “He’s going to be a big boy. I call him my gentle giant.” n
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 11
SAFETY briefs Woman Withdraws Appeal in Cyclist’s Death; Found Guilty Rachel Nicole Frye Owens Jan. 28 withdrew her appeal to the reckless driving conviction she was handed for the June 2020 car crash that killed Damion Savon Robinson. She pleaded guilty, was fined $2,500 and was sentenced to 12 months in jail, with all of that time suspended. Just before 11 p.m. on June 7, 2020, Owens struck Robinson, who was riding a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, with her Dodge Challenger as she turned left onto Rock Creek Terrace from Bles Park Drive. Owens was charged with misdemeanor reckless driving. During a Nov. 4 hearing in General District Court, Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj argued that Owens was distracted, turned too soon, was unfamiliar with her new car and should have known the area better. Biberaj also emphasized that Bles Park Drive is a road without visual impairments. After General District Court Judge Mary Costello Daniel found Owens guilty of reckless driving, Owens appealed the decision in Circuit Court. The case of Robinson’s death sparked an initiative from his long-term girlfriend, Selena Drincic, who lobbied state legislators to introduce a bill in this year’s Virginia General Assembly session to amend the reckless driving law by mandating that anyone who kills another and is convicted of reckless driving be found guilty of a Class 6 felony, rather than a Class 1 misdemeanor. While no state legislators agreed to introduce such a bill, Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-33) co-sponsored a separate bill that Drincic advocated. Senate Bill 1263 proposed to require drivers to change lanes when overtaking bicyclists or “certain other vehicles” when the lane of travel is not wide enough. The Virginia Senate voted the bill down 16-22 on Jan. 27.
Leesburg Man Pleads Guilty to PPP Fraud A Leesburg man pleaded guilty last week to fraudulently obtaining two Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $2.5 million. According to court documents, Didier K. Kindambu, 49, fraudulently obtained two PPP loans, which are intended to help businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic continue to pay salary or wages to their employees. Kindambu created fraudulent payroll documentation for two business he owns and then submitting that documenta-
tion in support of the PPP loan applications. The fraudulent documentation claimed that Kindambu’s businesses had dozens of employees with millions of dollars in payroll expenses, when in fact they had few, if any, employees. According to prosecutors, he spent the loan proceeds on items unrelated to any legitimate PPP-related expense, including Cessna aircraft and a Lexus; his personal taxes, the down-payment on a home in Leesburg, and his day-to-day living expenses; and various purchases of jewelry, clothing, accessories, and shoes. “At a time when countless families and business owners nationwide are struggling to make ends meet during the ongoing pandemic, Didier Kindambu committed a multimillion-dollar bank fraud by misappropriating COVID-19 taxpayer relief funds to pay for his lavish lifestyle,” said Raj Parekh, the acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Together with our law enforcement partners, this Office will continue to prosecute and bring to justice those who seek to exploit essential pandemic recovery programs and profit from the misfortunes of others for personal gain.” Kindambu pleaded guilty to bank fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 4. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison.
burn Village Boulevard. Smith struggled with the deputy and struck the deputy multiple times. The suspect then closed his car door, catching the deputy’s hand, and fled in his vehicle. A pursuit was initiated. The pursuit continued on Russell Branch Parkway, onto Loudoun County Parkway, Rt. 7 westbound, Rt. 7 eastbound, and finally Rt. 28 southbound where the pursuit ended. Deputies deployed stop sticks in the area of Rt. 7 near Rt. 28 causing damage to the tires of the suspect’s vehicle. Smith later lost control of his vehicle near the Dulles
Toll Road and attempted to flee on foot. As the suspect was taken into custody, he continued to not follow commands and struggle with the deputies, the agency reported. Both Smith and the deputy were treated and released from an area hospital for injuries received during the incident. Smith is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. A District Court hearing is scheduled for March 17.
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Ashburn Man Charged with Assaulting Deputy An Ashburn man is in custody after he fled in his vehicle from a Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office deputy Friday evening. The driver, Ronald B. Smith, 47, was taken into custody Jan. Smith 29 after a pursuit that began in the Ashburn area and ended on Rt. 28 near the Dulles Toll Road. Smith is charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, felony eluding, reckless driving, obstruction of justice and driving without a license. He also is wanted in Fairfax County for reckless driving and felony eluding. According to the report, the incident began after the Sheriff ’s Office received a call shortly after 4 p.m. Friday for a report of a suspected intoxicated driver in the Ashburn Village area. The caller reported the driver nearly struck him and another vehicle. A deputy located the vehicle at a gas station in the area of Gloucester Parkway and Ash-
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Nonprofit
HOPE on Display at Marshall Home BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
A part of artist Diane Canney’s effort to shine a light on the victims and heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic is on display at Dodona Manor in Leesburg. All this month, visitors can see Canney’s latest HOPE display on the lawn of George C. Marshall’s home at 217 Edwards Ferry Road. Canney launched the project last summer at the urging of her 95-year-old mother, Phyllis Liedtke, who asked her to do something about the pandemic. The goal of the project is to recognize the heroism of medical workers fighting COVID-19 and to honor the memory of those who have died from the virus. Canney has been collecting quilt panel contributions from around the country to create artistic expressions of grief and hope during the pandemic. She displays the panels by mounting them to eight-foot letters that spell out “HOPE” in various public locations, including the Lincoln Memorial and National Mall in Washington, DC. Many local organizations have contributed, and scenes created by the students at Riverside High School in Lansdowne and St. Thresa Catholic School in Ashburn feature prominently
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
George C. Marshall International Center Executive Director Valérie Beaudoin, left, and artist Diane Canney stand before the latest display of HOPE quilt panels, on exhibit this month at Dodona Manor in Leesburg.
on the new Leesburg display. After the display period, Canney plans to sew the panels together into quilts to donate to the Smithsonian Institution. Members of the community are invited to contribute their own quilt tiles or to suggest a COVID victim or hero to be painted by Canney or other project vol-
unteers. Nominations are requested for EMTs, firefighters, police officers, sanitation workers, social workers, teachers, grocery workers, hospitality workers, and eldercare workers. Share your nomination at hopequilt.org/portraits. Learn more about the project at hopequilt.org. n
Cate Magennis Wyatt Elected NOVA Parks Chairwoman A longtime Loudoun civic and business leader has been elected to lead the 12-member NOVA Parks board. Cate Magennis Wyatt, of Waterford, is the new board chairwoman. The former Secretary of Commerce and Trade, business executive, and conservation leader follows Michael Nardolilli, who held the post for the past two years. Sean Kumar, business consultant and former Army JAG Officer of Alexandria, was elected vice chairman. Brian Knapp, a former NOVA Parks chairman from the City of Fairfax, was elected Treasurer. Jeff Tarbert, former mayor of Falls Church, was elected as the at-large member of the Executive Committee. “I am so excited to have Cate Magennis Wyatt assuming the role of chair. She is a leader of regional, state, and national significance. As the founder and president emerita of Journey Through Hallowed
Ground, former chair of the Great Meadow Foundation, and a former cabinet secretary in Virginia, Cate is often called on to help with significant conservation and historical projects, most recently, the Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library. Her knowledge of our region, commitment to public lands, and leadership skills bode very well for the future of NOVA Parks,” stated NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert. “I am honored to serve and have rarely seen a finer, more entrepreneurial, mission-driven team of professionals than the team at NOVA Parks,” said Magennis Wyatt. “The citizens of Northern Virginia, including the 3 million who enjoy the parks, rarely if ever know that we, the taxpayers, only contribute 13% towards NOVA Parks total operating budget. The remaining 87% of the funds are earned through the enterprising, often pioneering, and always
nimble efforts of the NOVA team.” She said those talents particularly have been on display with their “herculean response to the COVID pandemic.” “They had to shutter our waterparks and event venues, which typically generate 50% of our revenue, while simultaneously expanding visitor services to meet the demand within the parks, which remained open,” she said. “Even with these challenges, NOVA Parks is poised for growth. We all owe them a debt of gratitude for service above and beyond. If COVID has taught us anything, we’ve learned that the well-being of every citizen can be directly tied to our access to public parks.” Founded 1959 as the Northern Virginia Parks Authority, NOVA Parks operates 34 regional parks totaling 12,240 acres and 100 miles of trails within the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun and cities of Alexandria, Fairfax Falls Church. n
Alexander Joins Arc of Loudoun Laci Ollison Alexander has joined The Arc of Loudoun as its new director of Marketing and Communications. “I am excited to become a part of the already amazing work that The Arc of Loudoun is doing,” Alexander stated. “I have a love for storytellAlexander ing, and I believe that The Arc is the perfect place to utilize that passion. From the time that I have spent getting to know the staff, students, and clients so far, I have already learned so much about the positive impact that The Arc has in the lives of so many.” Alexander has worked with a variety of companies and organizations as a digital marketing strategist and consultant. She is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University. “We’re overjoyed to have Laci on the team,” said The Arc of Loudoun CEO Lisa Kimball. “She has already proven to be an integral part of The Arc’ family and there’s no doubt that Laci’s contributions will have an enduring impact on The Arc.” Alexander will manage all aspects of marketing, communications, and events for The Arc, including The Arc’s Volunteer and Ambassador programs. Founded in 1967, Leesburg-based The Arc of Loudoun advocates for, educates, serves, and supports people with disabilities and their families, serving more than 6,000 people each year including people with disabilities, their families, caregivers, educators, advocates, Arc volunteers, and members of the law enforcement, first responder and judicial system communities. Through its five primary programs—Ability Fitness Center, A Life Like Yours Advocacy Center, Aurora Behavior Clinic, The Aurora School, and Open Door Learning Center preschool—The Arc of Loudoun strives to bring about a just, equitable world for people with disabilities. Learn more at thearcofloudoun. org. n
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
#LoveLoudounFood
PLAY
Game On! Loudoun Now and Get Out Loudoun are adding to the community effort to support the county’s restaurants with an added incentive to give the industry some extra love. Under the Sweepstakes program, everyone who stops at a restaurant, posts a picture of their meal, uses #LoveLoudounFood, and tags and follows the eatery is automatically entered for a chance to win a dinner for 6 for Super Bowl Sunday, a dinner for 2 for Valentine’s Day and a dinner for 6 for St. Patrick’s Day. Want a chance to win even more prizes? Try targeting your visits to the Bingo card on this page. Once you fill a line across or down (fill the card anyone?) let us know by emailing a picture of your postings to bingo@loudounnow.com. When the campaign ends on March 17, we’ll select the winners and contact them by email. Bon appétit!
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Business
BUSINESS Announcements
Loudoun Chamber Recognizes Community Leaders BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Meeting and Community Leadership Awards on Jan. 27, honoring some of the people and businesses who are making a difference. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual meeting—usually a large, dressy affair in a ballroom at the National Conference Center—was held virtually this year. “While this virus may keep us apart, it cannot keep us from celebrating, and it won’t keep us from honoring the true heroes of this Chamber and our community,” said Loudoun Chamber President and CEO Tony Howard. And also in light of the pandemic, this year the Chamber announced a new award: the #StrongerTogether award, which marked five outstanding community initiatives to alleviate the human and economic suffering in Loudoun the pandemic has caused. Those awards went to the Ampersand Pantry Project, the Community Founda-
tion for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, the Loudoun Business Interruption Fund, Loudoun Hunger Relief, and Women Giving Back. This year also brought a change for the annual Ambassador of the Year award. Where normally one person would be recognized, this year the Loudoun Chamber recognized its entire Chamber Ambassadors committee. But many of the annual awards were awarded as usual, as businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs have worked on through the pandemic. The winner in the executive leadership category was Inova Loudoun Hospital President Deborah Addo. “2020 really has revealed a secret to so many people that I’ve known for a long time, and that is that I get to work with heroes every single day,” Addo said. “Our mission is to provide world-class healthcare every time, every touch, to each person in every community that we have the privilege to serve, and if you ask me about last year, I would say we nailed it. This team nailed it, so your recognition of me really is a recognition of all of them.”
Other category finalists included Dario Campolatarro, Hilb Group Mid-Atlantic; Allison Shannon, 37 Media & Marketing Group; and Brigitta Toruño, UNO Translations and Communications.” The winner in the Young Professionals category was Mahsa Riar, founder of Limitless Limb LLC. Mahsa, an eighth-grader, is the youngest-ever nominee at the Chamber’s Community Leadership awards at 14 years old. Two years ago, she founded the company to design 3D-printed prosthetic limbs and assistive devices for children. “I’ve always felt embraced by our local community, and winning this award would not have been possible without the support and collaboration I received from the Loudoun Chamber, the Loudoun Commission on Women and Girls and other local organizations, and of course last, but not least, my parents, who have always supported me,” Riar said. She said she started the company to “contribute meaningfully to my community.” “I feel privileged to be able to give back COMMUNITY LEADERS continues on page 15
‘Work In Loudoun’ to Connect Jobseekers, Jobs The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development last week announced its new “Work In Loudoun” initiative, aiming to connect jobs and hirers with the people looking for them. The program is aimed at regional employees and jobseekers, current Loudoun businesses, and businesses or site selectors that are considering investing in Loudoun County alike. It provides a suite of professional services to connect the region’s workforce with open positions at businesses in Loudoun. “Skilled workers are the lifeblood of any organization, and businesses locate in Loudoun because of our region’s robust talent pipeline. That starts with nationally ranked public-school systems, elite higher education institutions, and a top-notch quality of life for our work-
force,” stated Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer. “‘Work In Loudoun’ is a proactive approach to attracting, developing and retaining that talent, organizing a coalition of #LoudounPossible part-
ners, and matching jobseekers with available positions.” According to the department, there are more than 130,000 jobs open in high tech businesses across Northern Virginia. Despite the pandemic’s negative impact for “touch” industries, many tech businesses have seen growth. For people looking for a job—or a new one—the site offers several resources. The Loudoun Jobs Portal, unveiled in April, is a searchable dashboard which is designed to show every available job in Loudoun County. Sourcing data from more than 10,000 public job boards and filtered by ZIP code, the Loudoun Jobs Portal helped fuel thousands of job searches in the aftermath of JOBSEEKERS continues on page 15
Herberger
Marathons TS Promotes 2 New VPs Marathon TS CEO Pam Siek has announced the appointment of two new vice presidents at the Sterling-based IT firm. Brett Herberger is the company’s new vice president of recruiting. He will oversee the recruitment of candidates for government contracts from start to finish. “I work with account managers to help them qualify new job requirements from their clients,” Herberger stated. “Then I help the recruiters identify qualified candidates for the open positions.” Herberger also oversees operations associated with the company’s recruitment efforts and employee training. Ted Marshall is the new vice president of business development. He will build a team that will grow the company’s footprint on the federal marketplace. “When I joined Marathon, the company had aspirations to go beyond just staffing contracts and leverage our expertise in agile software development, but they needed someone to lead the charge, and I took on that mission,” Marshall stated. With an average growth rate of more than 99% over the past three years, Marathon TS has made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies for the seventh year in a row.
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Community leaders continued from page 14 to my community, that has given me so much,” Riar said. “I hope my place as the youngest recipient of this award will be what inspires other youth to follow their passion and do what they love. I’m sure I will not be the last.” Other finalists included Solitaire Carroll, One Sparrow; Kindra Dionne Harvey, Purpose WorX, LLC; and Erin Lombardi, EL Strategic. The winner in the nonprofit executive category was Donna Fortier of Mobile Hope. “I really did not anticipate to be the winner, because the women in this category are phenomenal,” Fortier said. “But it’s because of these folks [other Mobile Hope staff] that we have… pivoted like the rest of us, and grew to meet a need that the community had when COVID hit. So thank you all very much.” Other finalists included Nikki Daruwala, Loudoun Literacy Council; Dr. Judith Hanley, Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter; and Valerie Pisierra, Loudoun Cares. The winner in the large business category was Wells Fargo. “I have so many colleagues who really are responsible for this recognition,” said Scott Loftis. “They’ve each made the personal choice to help Loudoun be a better place to live, work, play, volunteer and raise their children.” Other finalists included The National Conference Center, Northwest Federal
Jobseekers continued from page 14 COVID-19, according to the department. There is also employment assistance, for people looking for a niche job that doesn’t normally appear on job boards, or looking to increase their skillset. And the department features talent spotlights, using its @loudounbiz Instagram account to tell the stories of people living, working or seeking to work in Loudoun. For businesses in Loudoun, the site offers ombudsman assistance from Workforce Development Manager Nancy Evanko. Evanko can help businesses work though the growing pains of hiring or training talent, or connect businesses with any of dozens of regional and community partners. For businesses, too, Loudoun Economic Development offers marketing services to help build the pipeline of talent. Businesses can add their open positions on the
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Credit Union and Stryker Spine. And the winner in the small business category was Bear Chase Brewing Company. “We are honored and very privileged to be able to take the 2021 small business award. Our staff and our ownership is very thrilled to be part of this phenomenal community, and we’re excited to take this home and we’re looking forward to what 2021 has to offer. Thank you very much. Cheers everyone,” said general manager Chris Suarez, offering a toast to the web camera and the virtual audience. Other finalists included Toth Financial Advisory Corporation, Visit Loudoun and 37 Media & Marketing Group. “The entire Loudoun Chamber community applauds all of our finalists and winners for this year’s Loudoun Community Leadership Awards,” Howard said. “They are perfect examples of the generosity and commitment to service that is so pervasive here in Loudoun, and those qualities have never been more evident than in the countless number of examples of Loudouners responded with remarkable generosity and sacrifice throughout the current pandemic.” The winners of the 2020 Community Leadership Awards have the opportunity to select one nonprofit organization that will be the beneficiary of a $1,000 grant, courtesy of the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. See the full program online at Facebook.com/LoudounChamber. n Loudoun Jobs Portal, and the @WorkInLoudoun Twitter account showcases the existing job openings in Loudoun. And Loudoun Economic Development has partnered with Northern Virginia Community College’s Labor Market Research team to provide the latest information and trends on population, employment rates, degrees and certifications, average wages, cost of living, income, commute time and more. The site’s offerings will be added to over time, an added to the non-cash incentives for businesses locating in Loudoun. “These services will better prepare Loudoun’s economy, our talent and our businesses to compete in the future,” Rizer stated. “‘Work In Loudoun’ is a distinctly coordinated effort to provide the talent that fuels Loudoun’s vibrant economy,” Evanko stated. “We’re ready to help businesses of any size tap into the region’s robust talent pipeline.” Learn more at WorkInLoudoun.com. n
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ROBEY FOUNDATION Annual Report of Disbursements January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 Loudoun Robey Scholarships ........................................................................................................... $32,000.00 Purceliville Library Advisory Board, Inc. ................................................................................................. 4,000.00 Purcellville Safety Center ..................................................................................................................... 4,500.00 Blue Ridge Middle School .................................................................................................................... 1,500.00 Kenneth W. Culbert Elem. School.......................................................................................................... 1,500.00 Emerick Elem. School .......................................................................................................................... 1,500.00 Mountain View Elem. School ................................................................................................................ 1,500.00 Harmony Middle School ....................................................................................................................... 1,500.00 Loudoun Valley High School ................................................................................................................. 1,500.00 Woodgrove High School....................................................................................................................... 1,500.00 Agape United Methodist Church ........................................................................................................... 1,500.00 St. Andrews Presbyterian Church ......................................................................................................... 1,500.00 Purceliville: Baptist Church .................................................................................................................. 1,500.00 Bethany United Methodist Church ........................................................................................................ 1,500.00 St. Peters Episcopal Church ................................................................................................................. 1,500.00 Purceliville Church of Christ ................................................................................................................. 1,500.00 Ketoctin Baptist Church & Cemetery..................................................................................................... 1,500,00 St. Francis deSales Catholic Church ..................................................................................................... 1,500.00 Franklin Park Arts Center ..................................................................................................................... 2,000.00 Tree of Life Ministries .......................................................................................................................... 3,500.00 Woodgrove High School Adaptive Elective ............................................................................................. 1,500.00 Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum ............................................................................................................ 915.00 Loudoun Lyric Opera ........................................................................................................................... 1,000.00 TOTAL $ 71,915.00 W. L. “Pete” Whitmore
Terri McConnell
Brian Mcdonald
A.M. “Mike” Peery
Margaret Vaughan
Allen Colby
Doris Whitman
ROBEY FOUNDATION PUBLIC INFORMATION The Annual Return of the Robey Foundation Is available for Inspection within 180 days after the date of the publication During regular business hours at the principal office, 19360 Magnolia Grove Sq. Unit 117, Leesburg, VA. 20176 the residence of the Principal manager, W. L “Pete” Whitmore, telephone;703-727-3142 or the BB&T Wealth Fiduciary and Investment Relationship Management 223 West Nash Street, Wilson, NC 27894 Telephone 800-611-4102 • Attn: Jennifer Pcholinsky
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
TOWN notes
Our Towns
HILLSBORO Community Collects Donations for Nonprofit The Hillsboro Town Council’s MLK Day food drive resulted in the collection of three carloads of nonperishable food, personal items, toys and clothing donations. The collection was made possible through the help of the Western Loudoun Community Church, the Hillsboro United Methodist Church, Boy Scout Troop 916, the Good Shepherd School and the Greater Hillsboro Business Alliance. The donations were delivered to Mobile Hope on Jan. 18. “We continue to see the enormous kindness of neighbors and are grateful to be surrounded by such generosity that continues to support our partnership with Mobile Hope”, said Vice Mayor Amy Marasco. Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10), led by Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance, took a tour of the work on the town’s $14.3 million Rt. 9 road project last Wednesday.
Wexton Tours Hillsboro’s Rt. 9 Project
Town Celebrates Resident’s 98th Birthday Lovettsville resident Wilma Deener celebrated her 98th birthday on Sunday, with recognition from the town government. Mayor Nate Fontaine wrote in his Jan. 22 email newsletter that Deener is one of the town’s “distinguished citizens.” The shout-out came four months after town leaders had planned to recognize Deener during the 2020 Oktoberfest celebration, which the town canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) last week walked the half-mile stretch of Rt. 9 through Hillsboro to survey the work that’s been done on the town’s longplanned traffic calming project. Mayor Roger Vance and Vice Mayor Amy Marasco, the project manager and deputy manager respectively, took Wexton on a tour of the project from the Old Stone School to the western edge of town. Vance said the road project, which began March 4, 2020, is about 75% complete, meaning the road should re-open to through traffic in April. Archer Western Corp. is handling the traffic calming and pedestrian safety project under a $14.3 million contract. Crews in the last 11 months have added in a roundabout on each end of town, installed sidewalks, parking bays and retaining walls, and have buried utility lines under the road. Vance said that when Rt. 9 through town was closed entirely to through traffic from May 4 to Aug. 15, “an army” of Archer Western crews showed up to propel the project forward, more so than they could have done had the highway through
LOVETTSVILLE
MIDDLEBURG
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
The eastern roundabout in Hillsboro along Rt. 9 is nearly complete.
town been kept partially open to traffic. “Crews were working everywhere,” he told Wexton, who said “I’m really glad it’s working out so well.” Work on the road project also allowed the town to pay Shirley Contracting to modernize the water system. Marasco said it’s because of the new water system that the town can flourish
more than ever. “Truly we can make the town sustainable,” she said. The town is tentatively planning a grand re-opening of Rt. 9 in June, two months after the highway is expected to open to through traffic. “I look forward to coming back this summer,” Wexton said. n
Town Anticipates 4% Drop in Real Estate Tax Revenue The average Middleburg resident should expect to pay a bit more on their real estate taxes in 2021. According to numbers provided by the county Commissioner of the Revenue, the assessment for residential homes in town increased by 9.15% this year while commercial assessments dropped by 13.79%. At the TOWN NOTES continues on page 18
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
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Policing Group Discusses New Traffic Stop Law, Sovereign Immunity BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
The Purcellville Community Policing Advisory Committee met for the second time Monday night, in another virtual setting on Zoom, to discuss a new law that changes the ways police conduct traffic stops and a piece of legislation that died in the House of Delegates. Under the new traffic stop law, which takes effect March 1, law enforcement officers are prohibited from stopping, searching and seizing people, places or things “solely on the basis of the odor of marijuana.” Committee Chairman Christopher Baltimore said many people are confused by the new law, and the general decriminalization of marijuana in the commonwealth. McAlister clarified the law simply stipulates that officers can’t take action if they smell marijuana coming from the car of a driver they pull over. She emphasized that officers don’t seek out drivers who may be under the influence of marijuana when conducting traffic stops. Instead, they look for erratic driving behavior, such as speeding, driving too slow and swerving. “That’s our first suspicion to pull someone over,” she said. That same law also prohibits police from pulling a driver over for driving without a license plate light, brake lights or a loud exhaust system. It also excludes officers from pulling drivers over for having excessively tinted windows. McAlister said those new rules may
create unsafe situations for other drivers on the road, and for law enforcement officers conducting traffic stops. More accidents are likely if vehicles don’t have working brake lights and having officers approach vehicles with heavily tinted, or entirely blacked-out, windows in traffic stops also presents a danger, she said. McAlister said the state legislature may have moved too quickly to create that law. She said many legislators probably were under the impression that larger legal disputes—perhaps even those involving claims of systemic racism—were escalating from situations in which police officers were pulling drivers over for trivial reasons. “They were so quick to make these laws, to make that police reform,” she said. “But I think we have to think of the safety of everybody on the roadway.” The committee also discussed a bill that would have prohibited law enforcement officers from claiming sovereign immunity and qualified immunity defenses in lawsuits against them. It also would have assigned law enforcement agencies with additional liability when hiring, supervising, training and retaining officers. A House of Delegates Courts of Justice subcommittee tabled the bill Jan. 29. Deputy Police Chief Dave Dailey noted that police officers are not immune from lawsuits. “Nothing’s further from the truth,” he said, adding that sovereign immunity and qualified immunity defenses prevent “nuisance lawsuits.” n
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TOWN notes continued from page 16
current tax rate, the town staff is expecting to generate 4.06% less in real estate revenue in Fiscal Year 2022, which begins July 1, 2021. Town Manager Danny Davis is expected to present his proposed FY22 budget to the Town Council Feb. 11.
PURCELLVILLE Town to Spend $15K to Fully Integrate e-Citation System The Purcellville town staff will spend $15,500 to pay for the full integration of the Police Department’s e-citation software. The Town Council in June 2019 voted to implement the system to reduce the time spent on traffic stops, eliminate data entry errors and provide easier data retrieval, according to a Jan. 26 staff report. Tyler Technologies has already installed two systems at $2,320 a piece. But officers last year learned that to take full advantage of the technology, the department would need to pay Motorola Solutions to build an interface linking the software to the company’s records management system. Motorists who are issued tickets by Purcellville Police Officers are charged an additional $5 on top of their fines. That money goes back to the Police Department to help pay for the e-citation system.
Police to Purchase New Cruiser, Rent Another The Purcellville Town Council last week voted to allow the town staff to
purchase one new police cruiser and lease another. The town Police Department has 11 cruisers but 14 sworn officers. According to Deputy Police Chief Dave Dailey, one new cruiser could cost $34,683, and will require an additional $8,000 for the installation of an in-car camera, $7,628 for the radio system, $14,000 for the police lights, $2,600 for a radar unit, and a bit more for exterior graphics, the cage in the back seat and other features. The money to purchase and lease the vehicles will be pulled from the line item within the FY 2021 budget that accounts for police officers’ salaries.
Arts Council Honors Bracey with Leadership Award The Purcellville Town Council last week recognized Franklin Park Visual and Performing Arts Center Managing Director Elizabeth Bracey, whom the town’s Arts Council selected as the recipient of the third annual Jim “Doc” Wiley Leadership in the Arts Award. Bracey organized the late 2019 Bob Ross exhibit, which the first exhibit of original Bob Ross paintings on the East Coast. During the monthlong exhibition, more than 15,000 people visited the arts center. Those visitors provided the center with $70,000 in merchandise revenue. “Elizabeth is dedicated to bringing visual and performing arts to people who live in and visit Purcellville,” said Mayor Kwasi Fraser. “… When faced with the challenges of 2020, she continued to give local artists opportunities to be featured and bring joy to those looking for a cultural experience through Facebook live features and in-person events that follow all of the safety protocols.” Bracey said the past year living in the
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
pandemic has shown how essential the performing and visual arts are. “Despite quarantines, isolations, social distancing and shutdowns, the arts continue to keep us connected to one another. The shared experiences, even through computer screens, have brought joy and laughter when we needed it the most,” she said. The Purcellville Arts Council created the Jim “Doc” Wiley Leadership in the Arts award in 2018 to recognize outstanding, sustained contributions by individuals and organizations to the Purcellville culture and arts. It is named for James Wiley, former Town Council member and longtime town dentist and supporter of art and artists. The Arts Council will soon be soliciting nominations for this year’s award.
Community Center.
County Installs Wi-Fi Hotspot at Community Center
Fraser to Represent Town on Drone Integration Forum
Staff from the Loudoun County Department of Information Technology have installed a Wi-Fi hotspot at the Loudoun Valley Community Center, at 320 W. School St. The network is named “ParksRec-Public” and no password is required to access the service, which is available 24/7. The county paid for the installation with a portion of its $72.2 million CARES Act allocation. Residents seeking to access the internet are asked to remain in their vehicles in the community center parking lot, or stay situated six feet apart from each other in-person, to maintain social distancing. Last year, the county amplified the Wi-Fi signal at the Lovettsville, Middleburg and Purcellville libraries to make the service available in the parking lots. The county has announced that a similar project is underway at the Lovettsville
Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser will represent the town on the National League of Cities’ newly formed Unmanned Air Mobility Integration Advisory Forum, which will advise the federal government on efforts to integrate unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as drones, into U.S. airspace. The forum, which first met Jan. 29, is comprised of about 25 cities and towns with roles in managing airports of different sizes, transportation planning and strategic technology deployments. The communities will provide directional insight to key government partners on drone identification rulemaking, operations concepts, elements of unmanned traffic management systems and essential principles of operations shared amongst industry stakeholders and partners in aviation, according to a town statement.
Lions Club Awards $1.5K Grants to Siblings In-Need The Purcellville Lions Club and the Virginia Lions Eye Institute Foundation recently presented siblings Victoria and Carter Forsyth with $1,500 grants each to help them become more independent in their everyday lives. The siblings are qualified visually handicapped students According to the Lions Club, the siblings will use the money to achieve more independent lives through the use of assistive devices and educational and training tools. To learn more about the Purcellville Lions Club, contact Lion Mike Peery at 571528-1482 or ampeery@mac.com.
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
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Politics Siker Announces Bid for 33rd District House Seat LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Waterford area resident Paul Siker on Jan. 25 announced plans to campaign for the 33rd District in the House of Delegates, a seat held by four-term Republican Dave LaRock. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Siker is a 33-year Loudoun County resident. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for the Nov. 2 election. “I’m a seasoned entrepreneur, small business owner, engaged community volunteer and nonprofit board member. I’m running for the House of Delegates because Siker residents in western Loudoun, Clarke, and Frederick Counties deserve significantly better representation in the General Assembly,” Siker stated in his announcement. Siker operates his company, Advanced Recruiting Trends, from his home and serves clients in the technology, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors across North America. He said that experience would be valuable in Richmond. “For three decades, name brand companies have engaged me to address complex employment and performance optimization projects,” Siker stated. “The formula for my success is simple: I listen, collaborate, build consensus, and get things done. If elected, I’ll bring this skill mix and a spirit of servant leadership to the role of delegate.”
Siker describes himself as fiscal conservative and social moderate. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wittenberg University. “At my core, I am a pragmatist who has profound respect for our democratic institutions and freedoms. Fifteen years ago, I briefly belonged to the Loudoun County Republican Committee. Today, I am proudly running as a Democrat. I believe in principled, transparent, and character-based leadership. I believe all people should be treated with respect and dignity. I believe that we must talk to one another, not at one another. We all want the same basic things—safety, and financial security for our families, social equity, and related freedoms inherent to the greatest republic ever conceived,” he said. Siker’s priorities include expanding the district’s rural economy; incenting preservation initiatives; addressing key transportation issues (such as the Dulles Greenway, and Rt. 15 corridor); sustaining top-tier public schools; investing in rural broadband infrastructure, and appropriately pursuing green energy and environmental solutions. Siker serves on the boards of the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter and the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties and is an elder at Catoctin Presbyterian Church. He and his wife Joni, a former Loudoun County Public Schools counselor, have two grown sons who reside in Northern Virginia. Siker’s campaign website is at paulsiker.com. n
Oath Keeper Leader Arrested in Capitol Riot was LaRock Donor The Clarke County man arrested by federal authorities Jan. 19 on charges of leading members of the Oath Keepers paramilitary organization into the Capitol building during the Jan. 6 riot had contributed to the reelection campaign of Del. Dave LaRock (R-32). LaRock—who attended the rally supporting President Donald Trump, actively encouraged his constituents to join in the event and advocated the overturning of the 2020 presidential election results—is under fire from a number of local political and community leaders to step down from his post because of those actions. The Democratic leadership in the House of Delegates stripped LaRock of his transportation committee assignment, and the Leesburg Town Council adopted a resolution seeking his resignation. On Tuesday, leaders from the Loudoun and Winchester Area chapters of the NAACP joined that call and the Loudoun Board of Supervisors adopted its own resolution calling for the four-term delegate to step down. The $700 campaign contribution from Tom Caldwell provides critics another way to link LaRock to the extremist groups that led the deadly attack on the Congress that left a Capitol Police officer and four rioters dead. According to the Virginia Public Access Project database, Caldwell made the contribution just days after the election, on Nov. 8. Caldwell was LaRock’s fifth largest donor in 2020, according to the database. n
Catholic Ministry Prays at Courthouse to Stop Abortion an executive order reversing a decades-old policy that propszabo@loudounnow.com hibited nongovernmental organizations from using federClose to 200 members of al funds to pay for abortions. Saint John the Apostle CathIn 1984, President Ronald olic Church’s Culture of Life Reagan expanded upon that Ministry walked to the counpolicy by prohibiting nonty courthouse Jan. 29 to pray governmental organizations for an end to abortion. from also using federal funds The ministry members, to provide advice, counseling including School Board or information on abortion, member John Beatty, trekked and from lobbying a foreign the half-mile to pray the rogovernment to legalize aborsary in the heart of Leesburg’s Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now tion or make those services downtown in conjunction Saint John Catholic Church more readily available. with the 48th annual nation- Parochial Vicar Father President Bill Clinal March for Life, which was Thomas Cavanaugh leads a ton rescinded that policy held virtually this year. Ever rosary to end abortion last in 1993, President George since pro-life leaders created Friday morning in front of the county courthouse. W. Bush reinstated it in the march in 1974, advocates 2001, President Barrack have marched in DC to lobObama rescinded it in 2009, and Presby for the overturn of Roe v. Wade. The marchers convened in Leesburg ident Donald Trump expanded it in one day after President Joe Biden signed 2017. n BY PATRICK SZABO
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
A group of about 200 parishioners from Saint John the Apostle Catholic Church in Leesburg marched to the courthouse last Friday morning to pray the rosary for an end to abortion.
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
THINGS to do
Loco Living
LOCO LIVE Eaglemania
Friday, Feb. 5, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 6, 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The Tally Ho presents three shows, including a matinee, from this top-notch Eagles cover band. Tickets are $29.50-$39.50 for this seated show.
Live Music: Britton James
Saturday, Feb. 5, 6-9 p.m. Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com With a repertoire of high-energy covers and originals, James is a favorite around the region.
Live Music: Jason Masi
Saturday, Feb. 6, noon-4 p.m. Bluemont Vineyard, 18755 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: bluemontvineyard.com Enjoy several wine and cupcake pairings and great acoustic soul tunes from Jason Masi for a pre-Valentine’s Day afternoon. Tickets are $29 per person.
Live Music: Rowdy Ace Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Kathy Kupka and her dog Sandra pose in the photography studio at their home in Leesburg.
It’s ‘Ruff’ Out There
Photographer, Pups Explore the Online Dating Scene BY JAN MERCKER jmarker@loudounnow.com
When Leesburg-based photographer Kathy Kupka jumped into the online dating scene as a 69-year-old widow, it was an eye-opening experience. Kupka documents the ups and downs of the online dating scene using her favorite subject matter: dogs. Her new photo book “Online Dating is Ruff ” is a tongue-incheek look at the vocabulary and pitfalls of online dating—with plenty of cute pups. “It’s not for the faint of heart,” Kupka said of her 10-month foray into the world of online dating. But her experiences have given her plenty of fodder for a charming and hilarious guide. When Kupka lost her beloved husband Rich (her “Mr. Wonderful”) to cancer in 2012, she waited seven years before putting herself out there again. “I always said I didn’t need to date again. I have a huge family, I have a lot of friends. I do not need to take a chance,” Kupka said. But the young widow realized she missed companionship and someone to share her favorite activities like dinners out and dancing. With encouragement from her sister and brother-in-law, she decided
to give online dating a shot. But she realized she had no clue how to get rolling. With help from a friend who became her online dating mentor, she set up her profile. “I had no idea, and she knew the ropes,” Kupka said. Kupka tried seven different dating sites within 10 months and found a steep learning curve. She had some great conversations but also plenty of not-so-great dates. “After my first two bad experiences, my friend said, ‘We’re doing a book,’” Kupka said. That friend, Jeanette Burkle, is the book’s designer and editor. Kupka said she quickly learned to meet for coffee on the first date, giving her the option to keep things short if needed. “If you go for dinner or for lunch, you’re stuck for an hour or two hours,” she said. At the end of the day, Kupka found plenty of fodder for her book, which cleverly matches the expressions and poses of her canine subjects with the topic at hand. “Online Dating Is Ruff ” offers a primer on dating lingo, including catfishing (creating a fake identity for scamming) and dogfishing (using someone else’s dog in your profile pic—yes it’s a thing). There’s also ghosting (cutting off communication without an
explanation) and zombies who make a surprise return from the dead after ghosting. Kupka cleverly tackles the topics of profile pics and the exaggerations and outright lies that often make their way into daters’ profiles. To create the book, Kupka used some shots she had in her portfolio and others she shot especially for this project, carefully pairing the pups with the theme, including some hilariously downcast pugs. Dog parents signed model releases of course. Kupka launched her photography career in 1998 after a long career as an administrative assistant in the corporate world. She said her late husband, Rich, encouraged her to follow her passion, and she enrolled in photography classes at Northern Virginia Community College. She started with shoots of families and children but shifted to dogs in the early 2000s after getting her beloved cockapoo Buddy. Shortly after launching a thriving photo business, Kupka was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. After beating cancer, she started doing what-to-expect presentations for cancer patients. To add some humor to her talks, she added dog photos to her discussion of side effects from treatment. 'RUFF' continues on page 21
Saturday, Feb. 6, 1-5 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Rowdy Ace returns to Vanish with country, rock, blues, Americana and pop for a fun brewery afternoon.
Live Music: Don Chapman
Saturday, Feb. 6, 1 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Chapman returns to Breaux with favorite covers from the Beatles to the Gin Blossoms.
Live Music: Chris Bone
Saturday, Feb. 6, 1:30 p.m. Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville Details: sunsethillsvineyard.com Kick back with great tunes from Western Loudoun singer/songwriter and one-man band Chris Bone of the Bone Show.
Live Music: Dave Mininberg
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2-5 p.m. Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Well known for his work with the band 7th Son of WV, Mininberg brings a blend of originals, classic rock, blues and country.
Live Music: Bruno Acoustic
Saturday, Feb. 6, 6 p.m. Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com Loudoun’s Bruno Campos puts a fun acoustic twist on rock favorites.
Live Music: Hilary Veltri
Saturday, Feb. 6, 6-9 p.m. Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com
THINGS TO DO continues on page 22
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
‘Ruff’ continued from page 20 “Everybody laughed,” she said. And that was the origin of her first book, “Cancer Is Ruff,” which has since sold 1,400 copies. Kupka, who lives in Leesburg with her Catahoula mix Sandra, said she approached dating in her 60s with a different attitude than her dating years as a younger woman. “I have more confidence now and if somebody doesn’t like me—fine,” she said.
Kupka adds that the guys she met online weren’t always nightmares or scammers. Sometimes there just wasn’t a connection— and that’s OK. “I met some nice people for coffee, but sometimes either he knew or I knew there was no connection,” she said. And after 10 months, just as she was getting ready to throw in the towel, she found romance and companionship with her partner of the past year. “He’s a good cook and he’s willing to dance,” she said. “We have a lot of fun and
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we laugh a lot.” Kupka has a few pieces of advice for online daters of any age. “I’ve learned if somebody is nice, you should give them a chance,” she said. As a professional photographer, Kupka added that putting a little effort into your profile pics is always worthwhile. And at the end of the day, giving dating a shot is 100 percent worth it. “Definitely try it. I don’t look back and think, ‘Oh I never should have done that.’ You definitely get to meet interesting peo-
ple,” she said. “It was an adventure.” Kathy Kupka’s “Online Dating Is Ruff ” and original greeting cards are available at local retailers including Vintage Magnolia in Purcellville and Leesburg, Etc! Round Hill and the Gateway Gallery in Round Hill. The book is also available at Amazon. com. For more information on Kupka and her books, go to kathykupkaphotography.com. n
Obituaries Anna W. Most
Age 101, of Leesburg, Virginia Anna W. Most, 101, passed away peacefully in Leesburg, Virginia on January 24, 2021. Born April 13, 1919, the fifth of ten children, she was educated in a oneroom schoolhouse in
rural Maryland. She worked in a sewing factory and then at Westinghouse in Baltimore in the early 1950’s, where she met Richard Sands, her first husband. In Dundalk, Maryland, they raised a daughter, Suzanne, and two sons, Kenneth and Kevin. As a homemaker, Anna was known for her do-it-yourself endeavors. She sewed nearly all of the clothing for herself and her children. She made jam and pies from homegrown fruit, especially crabapples and sour cherries. She used everyday materials to create all sorts of objects. Anna created mosaic artwork using colorful crushed eggshells. She transformed soda cans into doll-size chairs. She crocheted numerous lap blankets to donate to the elderly. With her sons, she delivered the Baltimore News American newspaper to many neighbors. As a member of Graceland United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Anna taught Sunday School and baked countless lemon meringue pies for church events. She was very active in the Golden Agers club. After she was widowed, she married church member Frederick Most in 1971. After his passing, Frank Wielgosz became her companion and she survived him as well. Anna enjoyed competing on duckpin bowling teams for many years and avidly rooted for the Baltimore Orioles ever since the team was formed in the 1950’s.
LoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email: sstyer@loudounnow.com
In 2007, Anna came to live with her daughter’s family in Purcellville, Virginia. At the Carver Center, she participated in laugh yoga and seated exercise. From 2014 to 2020, she enjoyed a wide range of activities at the Mac Brownell Adult Day Center, reaching a pinnacle with her 100th birthday celebration. In August, 2020, she transitioned to Heritage Hall in Leesburg. Anna exhibited an iron will in overcoming unusual health challenges, including a head injury, brain aneurysm and surgery in 1970, and West Nile virus with meningococcal meningitis in 2004. Unfortunately, she was unable to recover from Covid-19 in 2021. Over the course of her life, she lost her eyesight due to injury and macular degeneration but her love of music sustained her. Those around her marveled at her extensive memory bank of songs, and the way she could lift spirits with her singing. Anna is survived by daughter Suzanne Sands and son-in-law Nicholas Duchon of Purcellville, Virginia, sons Kenneth Sands of Crofton, Maryland and Kevin Sands of Baltimore, Maryland, four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and one sibling, Wilbur Wright. Anna was preceded in death by siblings Eva, Helen, Mary, Edwin, Mabel, James, Fuller, and Nellie. A graveside service was held at Gardens of Faith Memorial Gardens in Baltimore on January 28. A memorial remembrance will be held in Purcellville at a later date. Contributions can be made in Anna’s memory to Graceland UMC, 6714 Youngstown Ave., Baltimore, MD 21222, or to Mac Brownell Adult Day Center, 200 Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, VA 20132.
Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must, not where we want them to.
Sarah Brooks Lloyd Age 90, of Leesburg, Virginia
Sarah went to be with her Lord on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Loudoun Hospital after a long illness. She was born on December 11, 1930 in Clarke County, Virginia. She was the third of ten children. Sarah is survived by her husband of 68 years, Asbury Lloyd Jr.; her three daughters, Deborah Lloyd Morton (David) of Manassas, Virginia, Regina Lloyd Banks (Kelly) of Leesburg, Virginia and Amanda Lloyd Ellis of Leesburg, Virginia; special beloved nephew, William Lloyd (Paula); fourteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren and her sole surviving sibling, Ida Brooks Hatcher of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and a host of nieces and nephews. Sarah was preceded in death by her daughter, Wanda Lloyd Hill.
Sarah spent her lifetime helping, caring and giving to others. She sacrificed her goals and aspirations in order to assist her loved ones in reaching theirs. Her family meant the world to her. We will always carry her memory in our hearts. Due to COVID restrictions, private visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, Feb. 05, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service 11:30 a.m. at Lyles Funeral Chapel, 630 South 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Interment will be private. Cards may be sent to Regina Banks, 503 Davis Ave, SW, Leesburg, VA 20175. Flowers may be sent to Lyles Funeral Home, 630 South 20th Street, Purcellville, VA 20132. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia & surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA, MD, DC 1800-3881913
Evelyn Louise Schechter A beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend, Evelyn Louise Schechter left this world unexpectedly, at 23, on Jan. 25, 2021. Born in Washington D.C. on Sept. 19, 1997 to Brian and Catherine (Haraburda) Schechter, Evelyn grew up in Leesburg where she attended Sycolin Creek Elementary, J. L. Simpson Middle and Loudoun County High School. Evelyn earned a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2019 and began her career at Stryker. Evelyn was a lover of piano, learning new languages, spinning flags, tossing rifles, Winnie the Pooh, and was always ready for an adventure. She was funny, creative and vivacious, but she was also introverted and introspective. True to her name, Evelyn shared her radiance with the world through a passion for helping others. Whether she
was providing medical aid in Honduras or fundraising for the Make-a-wish foundation, Evelyn embodied selfless volunteerism. We will always remember her infectious smile, piercing blue eyes and caring personality. Her presence in our lives will be sorely missed. When you think of Evelyn, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. Evelyn leaves behind her parents, sisters; Ashley and Emily, brothers; Devin and Gregory; grandparents, Lou and Janet Schechter; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A Celebration of Life was held on February 3, 2021 at Loudoun Funeral chapel. In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that a donation be made in Evelyn’s name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
#LoveLoudounFood, Support LoCo Restaurants and Win
3 BIG SHOWS OF EAGLEMANIA! COWBOY MOUTH
FEB 1
THE WAILERS
UFO FAREWELL TOUR
FEB 13
FEB 21
EAGLEMANIA:
SOUL ASYLUM WITH LOCAL H
UNCLE
CARBON LEAF
KRACKER THE WORLD’S FEB 28GREATEST FEB 29 EAGLES TRIBUTE BAND
BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR
FEB 22
19 W Market St., Leesburg, VA
02/05/21 02/06/21 For a full schedule please visit
DOORS: 7PM DOORS: 2:30 www.TallyHoTheater.com SHOW: 8PM
SHOW: 3PM
Last summer, at the height of lockdown, Loudoun restaurateur Nils Schnibbe opened a BBQ restaurant in downtown Leesburg. Named Schmidt’s (after his German great grandmother’s maiden name), the restaurant served tangy Texas and Carolina-style smoked meats, and was particularly noticeable for its lively outside scene, with seating at picnic tables under a tented canopy strung with fairy lights. “It was a tough time and we had to innovate,” recalls Schnibbe, who is also the owner of Sidebar on nearby King Street and Mo Better, the restaurant and beer garden in Round Hill. “Our original business at the Schmidt’s location was the pop-up bar 14 Loudoun, but with all the indoor restrictions it was neither feasible nor safe. We had to come up with a food scene and outside space.” Walk past Schmidt’s on any given night, smell the smoky richness of the ribs and brisket, and see the fun (socially distanced) outdoor scene, and it’s clear 14 Loudoun’s loss has been the BBQ lover’s gain. Shifting gears—turning lemons into
lemonade—has become second nature to many of Loudoun’s restaurateurs this past year. Fortunately, they are not doing it alone. Last month, in an effort to support the local restaurant industry, Visit Loudoun, the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and Loudoun Economic Development unveiled the #LoveLoudounFood Restaurant Sweepstakes, an entertaining new social media campaign aimed at driving customers to local eateries through the winter. Running through mid-March, the campaign encourages people to dine in or order out from their favorite Loudoun restaurant, post a picture of their meal on Instagram using #LoveLoudounFood and tag and follow the restaurant they order from. Do that and have a chance of winning one of three dining experiences from a local restaurant. The nature of those dining experiences? A Super Bowl family meal for six; Valentine’s Day dinner for two or a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner for six at three select Loudoun restaurants chosen by campaign organizers. “I love the campaign and it’s already getting great buzz,” Schnibbe said. “I picked up the campaign material—posters, postcards—right away, and we were immediate-
ly adding it to our social media stories.” Visitors to Schmidt’s, Sidebar and Mo Better will find campaign material in the restaurants and in takeout bags, and Schnibbe said he noticed more diners than usual taking photographs of their food. As for the three winners, they will be chosen randomly and DMed on Instagram when they have won. Diners can post entries from any Loudoun restaurant they dine at or carry out from. Need inspiration? The campaign site connects visitors to a list of restaurants that have signed the Loudoun Is Ready pledge to meet the latest safety guidelines outlined by the Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The website also features a Restaurant Randomizer that will suggest a place to dine. For more information, go to biz.loudoun.gov/loudoun-is-ready-restaurant. n
THINGS to do
Barrel room reservations are required and are $20 per table for two to six people. Reservations include wings and a flatbread to share.
jitters afoot as the couple prepares for the rehearsal dinner and a murder occurs. $60 ticket price includes a catered dinner. Advance reservations are required. Performances also run Feb. 13, 14 and 20.
BY VISIT LOUDOUN
TICKETS ON (703) 777-1665 SALE NOW! wwww.TallyHoTheater.com
ND 2/7 COBS BA CHRIS JA 2/8 RE FI TRIAL BY 5 ts 2/14-1 Two Nigh IA AN 6 EAGLEM YEARS 3/ AN AG RE THE
02/07/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
2 NIGHTS OF ZOSO!
ZOSO:
THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE 02/12 & 02/13/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
2 NIGHTS OF AMISH OUTLAWS!
AMISH OUTLAWS 02/19 & 02/20/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
THE ELO TRIBUTE SHOW! 02/26/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
DC IMPROV
PRESENTS COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG 02/27/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
2 NIGHTS OF CROWDED STREETS! THE DAVE MATTHEWS BAND EXPERIENCE:
CROWDED STREETS 03/05 & 03/06/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
JOHN KADLECIK SOLO ACOUSTI’LECTRIC 03/12/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
continued from page 20
Join Veltri for an evening of acoustic covers and originals spanning generations and genres from Bob Dylan to Beyonce.
Live Music: Ben Reichard
Sunday, Feb. 7, 1-5 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville Details: creeksedgewinery.com Creek’s Edge’s Acoustic Sunday series continues with Loudoun-based teen singer/songwriter Ben Reichard.
Live Music: Chris Ellinghaus with John Ronis
Sunday, Feb. 7, 1-5 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Just South of 7’s Chris Ellinghaus serves up acoustic favorites from the ’60s through today for a fun winery afternoon.
LIBATIONS Dirt Farm Oyster Festival
Saturday, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m-5 p.m. Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com Dirt Farm’s annual winter oyster festival features raw and charbroiled oysters from Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch. Outdoor seating only, so bundle up and enjoy.
Big Bowl at Crooked Run
Sunday, Feb. 7, 6 p.m. Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Check out the brewery’s new barrel room and watch the game with social distancing measures in place.
LOCO CULTURE Pink Goes Red Community Health Seminar
Friday, Feb. 5, 7-9 p.m. Details: psirhoomega.com Loudoun’s chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women heart health campaign, presents a two-hour Zoom webinar featuring yoga and tips on a healthy lifestyle. Visit the website for the Zoom link.
Franklin Park Enchanted Carriage Rides
Readers Theater: ‘Love Letters’
Sunday, Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org BITWC Imagine That Theater presents two characters reading the notes, letters and cards in which they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments over 50 years. Theater lovers can choose from socially distanced in-person seats for $8 or a virtual screening for $3.
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2-7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 7, 2-5 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Cozy up with your family or special someone for an enchanted outing in Cinderella’s carriage. Two magnificent horses pulling the elegant white pumpkin-shaped carriage on a ride though Franklin Park. You will be greeted along the way by favorite princesses for selfies and sweet treats. Warm up after your ride with hot cider in the arts center gallery. The carriage seats four adults or a family of up to six people with small children. Carriages will be cleaned between rides, and face coverings are encouraged for maximum safety. Tickets are $95 per group for a 15-minute carriage ride.
Grey Seal Puppets: ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’
‘Til Death Do Us Part’ Mystery Dinner Theater
Saturday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Reserve a spot to celebrate Samedi Gras (the Saturday before Mardi Gras) with Breaux. The event features live music from Billy Thompson. Advance reservations are required as seating is limited.
Saturday, Feb. 6, 6:30-9 p.m. Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach Theatre and Oatlands team up to present the story of a Bridezilla versus a groom who doesn’t seem to care. But there’s more than wedding
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 10-11:45 a.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org The Hans Christian Andersen story takes on a whole new dimension as this classic is transformed into a fable. The crafty tailors are foxes, the prime minister a near-sighted camel and the councilor is a befuddled old walrus. Tickets are $5 for this socially distanced show.
COMING UP Samedi Gras at Breaux Vineyards
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
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Full & Part Time Drivers needed!
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE
Local delivery of bulk landscape products: mulch, topsoil, compost, gravel etc. *No CDL required. Paid Holidays, sick, vacation (insurance available). *Saturdays required during busy season. Pay based on experience. Stop by or Call Brandon (540) 338-7161 or (804)-931-8181 Loudoun County Milling Company
Experienced Lab Tech Or MA – Busy Family Practice office in Lansdowne, VA looking for an experienced lab tech or MA to collect and process Covid 19, Flu & Strep samples. Must be familiar with manual and automated methods. EMR experience preferred. We offer health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401k and many other benefits.
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. Regular Full-Time Positions Position
Department
Salary Range
Closing Date
Accounting Associate II
Finance
$44,905-$76,882 DOQ
Open until filled
Assistant Zoning Administrator
Planning and Zoning
$72,952-$124,893 DOQ
Open until filled
Capital Projects Manager
Public Works & Capital Projects
$82,999-$141,929 DOQ
Open until filled
Communications Technician (Police Dispatcher)
Police
$45,136-$75,961 DOQ
2/26/2021
Controller
Finance
$79,227-$135,636 DOQ
Open until filled
Customer Service Supervisor
Utilities
$61,857-$105,896 DOQ
Open until filled
Deputy Director of Utilities, Fiscal Administration and Customer Relations
Utilities
$86,040-$147,299 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$53,233-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Engineer (Capital Projects)
Public Works & Capital Projects
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Systems Analyst
Information Technology
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Utilities Project Manager
Utilities
$76,941-$131,689 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Inspector II
Utilities
$56,956-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Supervisor
Utilities
$61,857-$105,896 DOQ
Open until filled
Flexible Part-Time Position Position
Department
Parking Enforcement Officer
Finance
Hourly Rate $16.86-$28.85 DOQ
Closing Date Open until filled
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.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
NOW HIRING FLAGGERS Full time, to provide traffic control & safety around construction sites. A valid driver license & clean driving record a must. Star ting $13/hr & scheduled raises & bonuses. Company-paid medical & dental premiums. Please fill out an application at trafficplan.com or come to our office on Tuesdays or Thursdays (8am-10am) 7855 Progress Ct. Suite 103, Gainesville, VA
Tractor & Light Construction Equipment Technician Assembly Technician Parts Counter Salesperson At Western Loudoun’s largest equipment service organization. Experience required. Full benefits package with 401k.
BROWNING EQUIPMENT, INC. Purcellville, VA 540-338-7123 sales@browningequipment.com
See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com
Please send your resume to lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Family Practice in Loudoun is seeking a full-time Family Nurse Practitioner to provide Primary Care Services to all age groups at our Lovettsville location close to the Maryland and West Virginia borders. The ideal candidate will be a self starting motivated NP that is or can be licensed in Virginia. The NP will report and collaborate with the Primary Care Physician on site. Please inquire by sending your resume to: bwilkes@lmgdoctors.com
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Monday, February 22, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following: WITHDRAWAL (EARLY) REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL OF LAND BELONGING TO MADELEINE K. ALBRIGHT FROM THE NEW HILLSBORO AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-4314 and the New Hillsboro Agricultural and Forestal District Ordinance, Madeleine K. Albright, of Washington, D.C., has submitted an application to withdraw a 125.1-acre parcel from the New Hillsboro Agricultural and Forestal District. The subject property is located east of Harper’s Ferry Road (Route 671) and north-northeast of Charles Town Pike (Route 9) and south of and on the south side of White Rock Road, in the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Election Districts. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 478-27-1579. The New Hillsboro Agricultural and Forestal District currently has a 10-year period that will expire on April 10, 2022, and is subject to a subdivision minimum lot size of 20 acres. In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the application may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (1-11-2021 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/pc (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Public Hearings Packet).
SIDP-2020-0002 EXXON-COMMUNITY CORNER SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan) Fairfax Petroleum Realty, LLC of Springfield, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to modify Table 5-1204(D), Sign Requirements Matrix, to increase the permitted total aggregate sign area, maximum number of signs, and maximum height for ground mounted signs. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-2013-0005, Community Corner, and SPEX-2016-0058, Community Corner, located in the PD-CC-CC (Planned Development – Commercial Center – Community Center) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is located in the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 1.55 acres in size and is located south of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) in the southeast quadrant of Gum Spring Road (Route 659) and Tall Cedars Parkway (Route 2200) in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 205-40-2142. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for predominantly Residential uses with supporting retail and service uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 1.0.
SIDP-2020-0003 EXXON-JOHN MOSBY HIGHWAY SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan) Fairfax Petroleum Realty, LLC of Springfield, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to modify Table 5-1204(D), Sign Requirements Matrix, to increase the permitted total aggregate sign area, maximum number of signs, and maximum height for a ground mounted sign. The subject property is located in the CLI (Commercial Light Industry) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65, aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 2.58 acres in size and is located in northeast corner of the intersection of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) and Gum Spring Road (Route 659) at 42382 John Mosby Highway, Chantilly, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 163-35-3746. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which designates this area for a mix of residential, commercial, entertainment, cultural, and recreational amenities at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 1.0, with options to develop up to an FAR of 1.5.
SIDP-2020-0001 EXXON-WHITMAN SOUTH SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan) Fairfax Petroleum Realty, LLC of Springfield, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to modify Table
5-1204(D), Sign Requirements Matrix, to increase the permitted total aggregate sign area, maximum number of signs, maximum area of any one sign, and maximum height for ground mounted signs. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-2016-0023, ZCPA-2016-001, SPEX-2016-0067, and ZMOD-2019-0035, Whitman Property South in the PD-CC-CC (Planned Development – Commercial Center – Community Center) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is approximately 1.46 acres in size and is located south of Braddock Road (Route 620) on the east side of Gum Spring Road (Route 659), in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as 207-48-9892. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Community Center Place Type)), which designates this area for pedestrian-scale commercial development that provides retail sales, entertainment, and civic functions at a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 0.3.
ZMAP-2019-0015, ZMOD-2019-0002, ZMOD-2020-0035 SPEX-2019-0031 & SPEX-2019-0032 JK TECHNOLOGY PARK #2 (Zoning Map Amendment Petition, Zoning Modification & Special Exception) JK Land Holdings of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) To rezone approximately 19.95 acres from CR-1 (Countryside Residential–1) and RC (Rural Commercial) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the development of all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.60 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception); 2) A Special Exception to permit an increase to the maximum FAR from 0.60 to 1.0; and 3) A Special Exception to permit an increase to the maximum lot coverage from 0.45 to 0.60. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed uses are listed as Special Exception uses under Section 4-506(A) and (C). The Applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modifications: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§4-502, PD-IP Planned Development – Industrial Park, Size and Location.
To allow a PD-IP district of 19.94 acres in size rather than 20 acres.
§4-507(G)(2), PD-IP Planned Development – Industrial Park, Use Limitations, Development Setback and Access from Major Roads.
To allow for access to the property via Hiddenwood Lane, a privately maintained residential neighborhood street.
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher and between the Ldn 60-65, aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 19.95 acres in size and is located east of Racefield Lane (Route 877) and north of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 2625) in the Blue Ridge election district. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN#: 203-39-0320. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment)), which supports primarily Office, Production, Flex space, and Warehousing uses as well as startups and established businesses with limited Retail uses at a floor area ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.
ZCPA-2020-0002 DULLES 2000 REDEVELOPMENT (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment) BCG JV Sterling LLC, of New York, New York has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-1987-0031, Dulles 2000, in order to eliminate the requirement for a portion of the uses on the property to be Research and Development Related uses and to amend the layout of approved building footprints, parking, and landscaping with a decrease in density from 0.64 Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) to 0.44 FAR. The subject property is located in the PD-RDP (Planned Development – Research and Development Park) zoning district, subject to the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and is also located outside of but within one mile of the Airport Overlay Impact District (AOID). The subject property is approximately 23.67 acre portion of a larger parcel is located on the east side of Sully Road (Route 28), west of Shaw Road (Route 836) and south of Old Ox Road (Route 606) in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 035-45-7494 and PIN: 034-16-0552. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Urban Policy Area (Urban Transit Center Place Type)) which designate this area for a range of Residential, Retail, Office, Entertainment, and Community Activity uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 2.0.
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Legal Notices ZMAP-2020-0002, SPEX-2020-0007, ZMOD-2020-0002, ZMOD-2020-0003 ZMOD-2020-0004 & ZMOD-2021-0001 BELMONT EXECUTIVE PLAZA (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception & Zoning Modifications) RP Belmont Land, LLC, of Arlington, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 16.24 acres from the PD-OP (Planned Development – Office Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-16 ADU (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential-16, ADU Development Regulations) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 202 Residential units, consisting of a maximum 142 multifamily units and a maximum of 60 single family attached units, at a density of approximately 12.43 dwelling units per acre. The applicant is also requesting a Special Exception to permit the modification of the minimum yard requirements for ADU developments in the R-16 ADU zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed modification of the minimum yard requirements for ADU developments in the R-16 ADU zoning district is listed as Special Exception under Section 7-903(C)(3). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§3-607(B) (2) R-16 Townhouse/Multifamily Residential, Building Requirements, Building Height, Multifamily.
Increase maximum permitted building height for multifamily buildings from 45 feet to 55 feet.
§5-200(A)(6), Permitted Structures in Required Yards and Setbacks, In all yards or setbacks, including a front yard.
Allow for porches, enclosed, or unenclosed, to project a maximum of nine (9) feet, provided that such projection does not extend closer than nine (9) feet to a lot line.
§5-1303(B)(4), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, For development requiring a plan of subdivision, but not a site plan, property not zoned A-3, A-10, AR-1, AR-2, i.e. single family and duplex dwellings.
Allow for the applicant to plant required street trees in alternative locations and not require the planting of trees in areas dedicated for vehicular access.
§5-1403(B) Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks Matrix, Table Section 5-1403 (B).
Reduce the required building setback from 75 feet to 35 feet along Russell Branch Parkway.
The subject property is approximately 16.24 acres in size and is located on the westside of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061), east of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) and south of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) in the Ashburn Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 083-26-4935. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area) in the Suburban Mixed Use Place Type which designate this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational uses at recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
Case No.:
Case No.:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 CJ19-128; CJ19-129
Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 East Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Deysi Carina Mayen Monterroso and Henri Leonel Lopez Estrada The object of this suit is to hear an appeal of Child Protective Orders entered in the Loudoun County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court pursuant to Virginia code § 16.1-253. It is ORDERED that Deysi Carina Mayen Monterroso and Henri Leonel Lopez Estrada appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before March 31, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. 01/14, 01/21, 01/28 & 02/04/21
Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. To arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email dpz@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246, or you may view the file electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. For detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Planning Commission public hearings are available for viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/webcast. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audiovisual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified. Citizens are encouraged to call the Department of Planning and Zoning on the day of the public hearing to confirm that an item is on the agenda, or, the most current agenda may be viewed on the Planning Commission’s website at www.loudoun.gov/pc. In the event that the second Thursday is a holiday or the meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be moved to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event that Tuesday is a holiday or the Tuesday meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be held on the following Thursday. The meeting will be held at a place determined by the Chairman. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings at all other locations. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246. Please provide three days’ notice. BY ORDER OF:
FOREST HAYES, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 04/04 & 02/11/21
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
JJ043391-06-00 JJ043327-06-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jace Leo Dunford and James Dunford III Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Dawn Dunford, mother The object of this suit is to hold a 3rd permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Jace Leo Dunford and James Dunford III. It is ORDERED that the defendant Dawn Dunford, mother appear at the above-named Court to protect her interests on or before February 17, 2021 at 3:00 pm. 01/14, 01/21, 01/28 & 02/04/21
ABC LICENSE
ABC LICENSE
Brazza Steaks on Stakes Woodfire Grill Carne en Vara LLC, trading as Brazza Steaks on Stakes, 46950 Community Plz Ste 111, Sterling, Loudoun, Virginia 20164
White Eagle Enterprise LLC, trading as Mi Familia Deli & Tienda, 428 S Sterling Street Sterling, VA 20164-3204.
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Winery license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On and Off premises license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Carlos Alcazar, LLC member Gabriela Arias Rotondo, member Mariela Oviedo, member
Anomd Desai, Member
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.
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.
02/04 & 02/11/21
1/28/21 & 2/4/21
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Legal Notices NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
COUNTY OF LOUDOUN SUPPLEMENTAL REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE H. Roger Zurn, Jr., Treasurer
This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned”, as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.
February 5, 2021 The deadline for payment of the Supplemental Real Estate and Personal Property taxes are on February 5, 2021. Please Note: Payments received or postmarked after February 5, 2021 will incur a 10% late payment penalty. Additional interest at the rate of 10 percent per annum will be assessed. In addition to the late payment penalty for Personal Property Taxes, if the taxes remain unpaid for 60 days after the original payment due date, the taxpayer shall incur an additional 15% penalty of the total amount due. The due date will not be extended for bills where assessment questions have been filed with the Board of Equalization. Taxpayers who are having financial difficulties should contact our Collections Team at 703-771-5656 who stand ready to assist. For Your Safety and Convenience, please consider making payments online, by phone or mail.
MAKE
MODEL
VIN
STORAGE
PHONE#
2007
NISSAN
SENTRA
3N1AB61E27L611983
BLAIR’S TOWING
703-661-8200
02/04 & 02/11/21
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR:
www.loudounportal.com/taxes Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
ACCEPTING
SEALED
Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pay your taxes through your mobile device: Link2Loudoun app is available for free from the iPhone App Store and the Google Play Store. The app allows access to www.loudounportal.com/taxes to pay your taxes. By Telephone: 24-hour line 1-800-269-5971 703-777-0280 during regular business hours. Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 2/4/21
NOTICE
Please note: There is a convenience fee added to a Credit Card transaction. There is no fee for electronic checks (e-check).
TOWN OF LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
By Mail: County of Loudoun P.O. Box 1000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000
Remote Public Participation Available
TREASURER’S OFFICE LOCATIONS Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM 1 Harrison Street, S.E. 1st Floor Leesburg, Virginia 20175
BE
JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR ANIMAL SERVICES, IFB No. 365783 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, February 23, 2021.
CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS Online:
YR.
TOWN OF LEESBURG IS SEEKING LETTERS OF INTEREST FOR AVAILABLE OFFICE SPACE TO LEASE
21641 Ridgetop Circle Suite 104 Sterling, Virginia 20166
*A 24 hour drop box is located outside the Sterling office. *Please note: the drop box in Leesburg is currently unavailable due to construction. Please contact the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office at 703-777-0280 or email us at taxes@loudoun. gov with questions or if you have not received your bill. Stay up to date on tax information by subscribing to the Tax Notices category of Alert Loudoun at www.louduon.gov/alert. You can also text the word “TAXES” to 888777 to receive text messages about tax-related information, including upcoming deadlines. Additional message and data rates may apply. For information regarding Real Property Tax Relief for the Elderly or Disabled Persons, please contact the Tax Relief Division of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at trcor@loudoun.gov, by phone at 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief. 02/04/21
The Town of Leesburg is seeking letters of interest to evaluate leasing office space. The preferred office space to lease would need to be ADA accessible and include a minimum of one conference room, two offices, restroom access, 4 parking spaces, and be within close proximity to Town Hall. The minimum size for each space should be as follows: Office 1: 200 square feet; Office 2: 130 square feet; Conference Room: 240 square feet. When submitting your letter of interest, please include an address and description of the available space, the monthly fee, the proposed lease term, and a breakdown of what is included such as utilities, internet, etc…
Members of the public who wish to speak during the petitioners’ section and Public Hearing of the February 9, 2021, Leesburg Town Council Meeting can do so remotely. Information on how to participate remotely can be found on the Town of Leesburg’s website www.leesburgva.gov/agendas or on the agenda that will be posted outside of the Clerk’s Office and in the lobby of Town Hall (25 West Market Street) by close of business on February 3, 2021. If you need more information, contact the Clerk of Council at eboeing@leesburgva.gov or 703-771-2733. 02/04/2021
If you have office space available for lease please submit a letter stating your interest by email, mail, or hand delivery to the Town Manager’s Office, c/o Tara Belote, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, tbelote@leesburgva.gov. All letters of interest must be received by Wednesday, February 17, 2021. 02/04 & 02/11/21
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
PAGE 27
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, February 10, 2021 in order to consider:
RDAB-2020-0001 PROPOSED ABANDONMENT OF A SECTION OF UNNAMED RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED BETWEEN POTOMAC VIEW ROAD (ROUTE 637) AND SOUTH COTTAGE ROAD (ROUTE 1724), AND CONVEYANCE OF ABANDONED RIGHT-OF-WAY Pursuant to Virginia Code §33.2-915, the Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice that it intends to consider the proposed abandonment of a section of unnamed right-of-way located between Potomac View Road (Route 637) and South Cottage Road (Route 1724) (the “Subject Section”). The Subject Section is not within the Secondary State Highway System, is not improved, and consists of approximately 7,801 square feet (0.1791 acre) of dedicated right-of-way. The Subject Section is located between Potomac View Road (Route 637) and South Cottage Road (Route 1724), in the Sterling Election District. Pursuant to Virginia Code §33.2-924, the Board of Supervisors also shall consider the proposed conveyance of the abandoned right-of-way to an adjacent landowner for consideration and/or in exchange for other lands that may be necessary for the uses of Loudoun County. Copies of the plat(s), and any associated documents, describing the proposed abandonment are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PROPOSE AN ORDINANCE FOR PASSAGE ORDINACE OF PARTIAL VACATION OF A SUBDIVISION PLAT ENTITLED “RECORD PLAT THE RIDGES AT ASHBURN SECTION 2 – BLOCK 1” Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427, 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2272, the Board of Supervisors of Loudoun County, Virginia (“Board”), hereby gives notice of its intention to adopt an ordinance (“Ordinance”) to partially vacate the subdivision plat entitled “Record Plat The Ridges at Ashburn Section 2 – Block 1,” recorded in Deed Book 1493 at Page 924, in order to vacate portions of a sight distance easement (the “Easement”) for Deerview Drive (Route 2157) created by the recordation of said plat. The Easement is located along the south side of Deerview Drive, and extends northeastward from the traffic circle located at the intersection of Stubble Road (Route 647), Corder Place and Deerview Drive, approximately 350 feet across the rear yards of Lots 37, 38, 46, and 47, in The Ridges of Ashburn, Section 2, Block, and is within the Ashburn Election District. The proposed Ordinance will apply to the parcels more particularly described as follows: PIN
ADDRESS
OWNER
085-45-9929 (Lot 37)
43700 Raleigh Place Ashburn, VA 20147
Mark and Jacqueline Frazier
085-46-0936 (Lot 38)
43704 Raleigh Place Ashburn, VA 20147
Richard W. and Tracey Ebersberger Russell
085-46-1545 (Lot 47)
43701 Deerview Drive Ashburn, VA 20147
Roberto Roldan
085-46-2750 (Lot 48)
43705 Deerview Drive Ashburn, VA 20147
Robert and Cathleen Cowden
Copies of the plat(s), and any associated documents, describing the proposed easement vacation are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”)
PARTIAL RELEASE OF COLLATERAL RELATED TO HERONVIEW VA LLC APARTMENTS Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800, the Board of Supervisors shall consider a partial release of collateral related to a loan given to Heronview VA LLC. On June 22, 2017, the Board of Supervisors approved a $1.1 million loan to Heronview VA LLC to assist with construction of the Heronview 96 affordable housing rental units, located on Parcel 4, Block E1, at Kincora Village Center. Parcel 4, Block E1 had a site plan for a mixed use building approved for 96 affordable rental apartments and a retail unit of 2,063 square feet. A Condominium Declaration was to create two new and separate units on Parcel 4, Block E1, i.e. the Residential Unit to locate the Heronview 96 affordable housing rental units, and the Retail Unit. At the time of recordation –July 31, 2017- of the deed of trust that secures the County Loan the Condominium Declaration had not been recorded and the entire Parcel 4, Block E1 was listed as the collateral to
the County Loan. At that point, however, both the Borrower and the County understood that (i) Parcel 4, Block E1 was to be subject to a Condominium Declaration to split into two separate parcels the residential and the retail components, and (ii) the Retail Unit was not a collateral to the County loan. The Condominium Declaration was recorded on April 23, 2020and created two new parcels on Parcel 4, Block E1, i.e. Unit 1 –Retail Unit and Unit 2 –Residential Unit. The item is for the Board to consider releasing Unit 1 -Retail Unit as collateral from the deed of trust that secures the County loan. Copies of the item and its attachment may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 684 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Weapons and Explosives Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 15.2-915, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intent to amend Chapter 684 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County by adding a section .04, Possession of Firearms on County Property, and amending section .001, Definitions, to include a new definition for the term “ammunition.” The proposed section .04 would prohibit the possession, carrying or transportation of any firearm, ammunition or components or combination thereof in: any building, or part thereof, owned or used by the County, or by an authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County; any public park owned or operated by the County or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County; any recreation or community center operated by the County, or by any authority or local governmental entity created or controlled by the County; and those parts of buildings not owned by the County but used for governmental purposes in the specific areas used for such governmental purposes only. The proposed ordinance provides the County with authority to implement security measures designed to reasonably prevent the unauthorized access to affected buildings and parks by persons with firearms and also requires the posting of notice of the prohibitions at all entrances to the buildings or parks affected. The ordinance also contains a list of individuals and activities to which the prohibitions will not apply. Full and complete copies of the full text of the above-referenced proposed amendments may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www. loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
SIDP-2020-0007 CHICK-FIL-A LANSDOWNE SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan)
CHICK-FIL-A, INC. of Atlanta, Georgia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan (SIDP) to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to increase the square footage of two drive-through menu boards for a Chick-Fil-A. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-2003-0006, Lansdowne Village Greens, in the (PD-TC) Planned Development-Town Center zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance). This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a SIDP. The subject property is approximately 21.798 acres in size and is located north of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and on the east side of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) at 19313 Front Street, Leesburg, Virginia in the Ashburn Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 113-39-9265. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which designates this area to provide compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of residential, commercial, entertainment, cultural, and recreational amenities uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.
APPL-2020-0008 HDRC APPEAL FOR CAPP-2020-0012, CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW RESIDENCE AT 18179 LINCOLN ROAD IN THE GOOSE CREEK HISTORIC DISTRICT (Appeal of Historic District Review Committee Decision-Goose Creek Historic District)
Timothy D. and Kristin C. O’Rourke, et al. of Lincoln, Virginia have submitted an application under Section 6-1909(B) of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (“Zoning Ordinance”) for an
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g, Virginia,
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
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Legal Notices appeal of the November 9, 2020, decision of the Loudoun County Historic District Review Committee’s (HDRC) approval with conditions of Certificate of Appropriateness (CAPP)-2020-0012 for the construction of a single-family residence at 18179 Lincoln Road (PIN 455-37-0113) in the Goose Creek Historic and Cultural Conservation District (Village of Lincoln).
(i) Parcel 4, e residential Condominiock E1, i.e. asing Unit 1
The subject property is zoned RC (Rural Commercial) under the Zoning Ordinance and is located within the HCC (Goose Creek Historic and Cultural Conservation District), VCOD (Village Conservation Overlay District-Village of Lincoln), and contains moderate steep slopes The subject property is approximately 2.17 acres in size and is located on the west side of Lincoln Road (Route 722), north of the intersection of Lincoln Road and Cooksville Road (Route 778), south of Purcellville at 18179 Lincoln Road Lincoln, Virginia in the Catoctin Election District.. The property is more particularly described as PIN 455-37-0113.
enter, Inform., Monday lectronicallic Hearing and Special
CMPT-2020-0006 & SPEX-2020-0023 MILESTONE TOWER – GARDENIA DRIVE
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
(Commission Permit & Special Exception)
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV of Reston, Virginia, and the Board of Supervisors, acting through the Loudoun County Department of General Services, have submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 199 foot tall (195 foot tall with a 4 foot lighting rod at the top) Telecommunications Tower and a related equipment compound in the PD-H3 (Planned Development Housing - 3) zoning district; and 2) A Special Exception to permit a 199 foot tall (195 foot tall with a 4 foot lighting rod at the top) Telecommunications Tower and a related equipment compound as an accessory use to a Fire and Rescue station. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use pursuant to Sections 5-618(C)(2)(c) and 5-618(C)(2)(d)(i), and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 5-618(C)(3)(j). The subject property is approximately 6.91 acres in size and is located on the north side of Gardenia Drive (Route 3460), the west side of Northstar Boulevard (Route 3171), and the east side of Lightridge Farm Road (Route 705) in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN 249-26-9025. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Large Lot Neighborhood)), which designates this area for residential uses and substantial open space in low-density communities with a variety of house and lot sizes at a density of 1 dwelling unit per 3 acres (1du/3ac) with total nonresidential floor-area ratio (FAR) up to 0.1.
principles; m) exclude data center square footage from the trigger for providing shuttle service; n) clarify that the road fund contributions will not apply to the New Residential Units or to non-residential uses beyond the non-residential Gross Floor Area (GFA) originally committed with prior approvals; o) reduce the width of non-asphalt trails from 8 feet to 6 feet; p) allow recently approved sign commitments (ZMOD2017-0017 & ZMOD-2017-0018) to be applied to the entire Kincora Village Center application area; and q) allow the Owners to use on-site, non-potable wells for irrigation purposes with a resulting increase in density from 0.43 Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) to 0.57 FAR; (3) an application to rezone approximately 70.16 acres portion of a larger 296.92 parcel from the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as it existed on July 12, 2010, to the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended from time to time; and (4) a Special Exception to permit impervious surface in the form of raised boardwalk crossings not to exceed 9,150 linear feet in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District), Major Floodplain. The Special Exception application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-1506(E). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION PROPOSED MODIFICATION §1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms; Lot Access Requirements.
Allow structures requiring a building permit in the PD-MUB Zoning District to be erected upon any lot which has frontage on a Class I, Class II, Class III road, or private access easement.
§4-1354(B) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza, Table 4-1354(B), PDMUB Planned Development Mixed-Use Business Public Plaza, Requirements Table.
Reduce the minimum area of the required public plaza for a PD-MUB district greater than 100 acres in size from 1% of the total land area of the district, or 3.55 acres (154,638 SF) to a minimum of 100,000 SF.
§4-1354(B)(3) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Public Plaza.
Exclude (a) the buildings in Land Bays N and Q, (b) multi-family stacked townhouses and (c) the civic uses located in Land Bays A and K from the requirement in this section that buildings adjoining a public plaza contain a vertical mixture of uses.
§4-1354(C) PD-MUB Planned DevelopmentMixed Use Business District, Development Standards, Vertical Mix.
Exclude (a) the buildings in Land Bays N and Q, (b) multi-family stacked townhouses and (c) the civic uses located in Land Bays A and K from the 50% vertical use requirement.
§4-1355(C), PD-MUB Planned Development-Mixed Use Business District, Lot and Building Requirements, Building Height.
Increase the permitted maximum building height from 100 feet to 160 feet in Land Bays B, F, J, and R.
§4-1358(C), PD-MUB Planned Development-Mixed Use Business District, Use Limitations, Street Trees.
Reduce the tree density requirement from one tree per 25 feet along all areas dedicated for vehicular travel, excluding alleys, to one tree per 44 linear feet of block length for streets with on-street parking and to one tree per 35 liner feet of block length for trees with no on-street parking requirement
§5-1303(A)(1), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, Site Planning.
Allow the 10% tree canopy for sites zoned PDMUB to be calculated using the entire PD-MUB Zoning District rather than per site plan.
ZCPA-2020-0003 TRUE NORTH DATA (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment)
Compass Data Centers IAD I LLC of Dallas, Texas has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and Concept Development Plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-2017-0003, True North Data in order to: 1) allow for the option to consolidate three buildings into one building footprint; and 2) increase the maximum building height from 35 feet to 56 feet with no resulting change in density. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is partially located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District - Luck Note Area, and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 97.12 acres in size and is located on the north side of Sycolin Road (Route 625), on the south side of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and on the west side of the Goose Creek, on the northwest side Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 194-10-2562. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Light Industrial Place Type)), which designate this area for low-traffic Industrial and Employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 0.6.
ZMAP-2018-0014, ZCPA-2018-0013, SPEX-2020-0013, ZRTD-2020-0005, ZMOD2018-0035, ZMOD-2020-0029 & ZMOD-2020-0032 KINCORA VILLAGE CENTER (Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District, Special Exception & Zoning Modifications)
NA Dulles Real Estate Investor LLC of East Setauket, New York, have submitted applications for the following: (1) to rezone approximately 13.14 acre portion of a larger 296.92 parcel from the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (1972 Zoning Ordinance) to the PD-MUB (Planned Development – Mixed Use Business) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance) in order to permit a 10,000 square foot (SF) civic building and a 100,000 SF central plaza to be located in Land Bay K and to permit additional employment, commercial, and/or residential uses to be located in Land Bays K and L.; (2) an application to amend the existing Proffers and Concept Development Plan (CDP) approved with ZMAP-2008-0021, ZCPA-2012-0014 and ZCPA-2017-0008, Kincora Village Center, in order to a) shift location of the central plaza from Land Bay J to Land Bay K; b) relocate the minimum 55,000 SF Science Museum from Land Bay J to Land Bay A; c) align Roads 8 and 9 to create a street, and add Roads 14 and 17 in Land Bays F and L, and rename Roads A, B, and C with numerical labels; d) shift the location of a monument sign/entry feature in Land Bay J; e) revise locations and clarify the number of Public/Civic/Institutional Uses to be provided; f) increase the number of multifamily (MF) dwelling units permitted from 1,400 to 2,600 in the PD-MUB zoning district; g) adding Land Bays B, K, L, and/or R to the list of land bays where residential uses are permitted; h) delete the commitment to provide a center for the performing arts; i) delete the commitment to provide a 35,000 SF plaza in Land Bay F; j) revise language to clarify which buildings along Pacific Boulevard will be a minimum of four stories; k) reduce the percentage of buildings in the PD-MUB zoning district that are to have a vertical mix of two or more uses; l) remove the commitment that would require any newly constructed Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) and/or Unmet Housing Needs Units (UHNUs) to be in compliance with the EarthCraft program and universal design
The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District, within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, and is also located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 300 acres in size and is located in the southwest quadrant of the Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and Sully Road (Route 28) interchange, on the west side of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1036) and north of West Severn Way (Route 1748), in the Broad Run Election District. PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
041-19-4573
21391 Pacific Boulevard, Ashburn, Virginia
040-19-0276
N/A
040-19-3991
N/A
040-18-8480-001 040-18-8480-002
45170 Kincora Drive, Ashburn, Virginia
040-18-3514
N/A
040-10-2389
N/A
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
PAGE 29
Legal Notices The subject property is more particularly described as follows: The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (2019 GP) (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed-Use Place Type)) and Route 28 Corridor Plan, which designate this area for compact, pedestrian-oriented environments with opportunities for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational amenities uses, at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0.
ZMAP-2020-0005, ZCPA-2020-0008, ZMOD-2020-0020 & ZMOD-2020-0026 GOOSE CREEK OVERLOOK (Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendment & Zoning Modifications)
Goose Creek Overlook LLC of Reston, Virginia, and Good Works Development, LP of Middleburg, Virginia, have submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone approximately 46.06 acres from the R-1 (Single Family Residential) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-H4 (Planned Development-Housing 4) administered as R-8 (Single Family Residential) and R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop a maximum of 136 single family attached residential units and 40 stacked multifamily units, and 75 multifamily affordable housing units; and 2) to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) for approximately 9.2 acres that are currently subject to ZMAP-2003-0009, Goose Creek Village South, in order to revise open space tabulations and allow for development of a parking area and trail access. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§5-1102, Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements, Number of Parking and Loading Spaces Required, Table 5-1102, Parking Spaces Required.
To reduce the parking space requirements for Multi Family Dwelling Units from 2 spaces per dwelling unit for 2- and 3-bedroom units to 1.5 spaces per dwelling unit.
§1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms, Lot Access Requirements.
To permit frontage of single family attached and multifamily units on open space rather than the required frontage on a Class I, Class II, Class III road, or private access easement as specified in the individual district regulations.
The subject property is located partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District – Luck Note Area and partially within the Reservoir Protection Area. The subject property is approximately 55.26 acres in size and located south of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267), on the east side of Goose Creek, and on the northern and southern side of Sycolin Road (Route 625), in the Ashburn and Blue Ridge Election Districts. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
154-45-5373
20776 Sycolin Road, Ashburn, Virginia
154-45-1833
N/A
154-45-3829
N/A
154-45-9680
N/A
154-35-8154
N/A
153-16-3488 (portion of)
20810 Sycolin Road, Ashburn, Virginia
154-45-5980
N/A
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which support primarily Single-Family Residential uses with limited supportive Retail and Service uses at recommended densities of four dwelling units per acre (du/ac), up to six du/ac for infill development, and FAR of up to 1.0 for Non-Residential uses. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this public hearing may be conducted as an electronic meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/ webcast. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who sign-up in advance and who would like to provide their comments remotely. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on January 29, 2021, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on February 10, 2021. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. BY ORDER OF:
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 02/04/21
NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.
AT&T proposes to construct a new 25.4’ metal pole and install a top-mounted antenna at 31’ near 101 W Poplar Rd, Sterling, VA (20202287). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.
Description
Case Number
Recovery Date
Recovery Location
Schwinn Knowles black and green mountain bike
SO210001363
01/25/2021
Locklear Terrace/Crossfield Dr. Chantilly, VA
Phone Number
703-777-0610 02/04 & 02/11/21
LoudounNow.com
2/4/21
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Legal Notices
Policy Area es with limcre (du/ac),
pplications, County Govm 8:30 a.m. r electronic ortunity for onically 72 aring docuecial Meetrequest that to view the 3-777-0246
g. Members oom will be distancing. Government udoun.gov/ ent to these Instructions would like to er 8:30 a.m. in advance, n to sign-up oudoun.gov. rs and made
you require o participate st one busiy of notice.
02/04/21
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
SETTING TAX RATES ON PERSONAL PROPERTY (SECTION 20-22), VEHICLE LICENSE FEE (SECTION 32-84), MOTOR VEHICLE TAX REDUCTION (SECTION 20-25), AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX RELIEF (SECTION 20-30) FOR TAX YEAR 2021, AND AMENDING LEESBURG TOWN CODE SECTION 20-25 AND APPENDIX B – FEE SCHEDULE
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.:
J044816-01-00
In accordance with the Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-1427, 46.2-752, 58.1-3000, 58.1-3007, 58.1-3503, 58.1-3506, 58.1-3506.1, 58.1-3515 and 58.1-3524, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 7:00 P.M.
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Alexander Beers
in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA. at which time the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on the following proposed amendments to the Leesburg Town Code: • The Town Manager proposes tax rates for personal property (per $100.00 of assessed value) for tax year 2020 to remain unchanged, as follows: • Aircraft = $0.001 • Motor vehicles = $1.00 • Motor vehicles of eligible elderly and disabled (Town Code Sec. 20-25) = $0.50 • Tangible personal property (excluding public service corporations) = $1.00 • Bank capital = $.80 per $100.00 of the net capital of banks located in the Town. • The Town Manager proposes unchanged personal property tax relief for tax year 2021 under the provisions of the Virginia Personal Property Tax Relief Act and Leesburg Town Code sec. 20-30, as follows: a reduced personal property tax rate of 50%, which shall be applied solely to that portion of the value of each qualifying vehicle that is not in excess of $20,000. • The Town Manager proposes that the vehicle license fee for tax year 2021 remain unchanged at $25.00 per vehicle. Copies of the proposed ordinance are available for public examination prior to the public hearing in the office of the Clerk of Council at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA, during normal business hours. For more information about the ordinance, please contact Clark G. Case, Director of Finance and Administrative Services at 703-771-2720. Persons requiring reasonable accommodations are requested to contact Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, three days in advance of the public hearing. For TTY/ TTD services, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 1/28 & 2/4/21
ATTENTION LOUDOUN COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS MARCH 1 DEADLINE Notification of 2021 business tax filing requirements has been mailed to each business and self-employed person on our tax rolls. The notification contains the account number and owner name necessary to report both business receipts and business equipment online.
BUSINESS LICENSE RENEWAL DUE MARCH 1 Business owners who possess a 2020 Loudoun County Business License must obtain a 2021 license by reporting their calendar year 2020 gross receipts and paying the applicable license tax or fee at www. loudoun.gov/efile. The annual FILING and PAYMENT DEADLINE is midnight, March 1. After reporting the business’ receipts online, filers will be provided with a link to pay online as well. Owners of new businesses must obtain a license within 30 days of beginning business. Owners of businesses located in one of Loudoun’s incorporated towns should contact the respective town regarding business licensing requirements.
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT REPORTING DUE MARCH 1 Owners of business equipment that was located in Loudoun County on January 1, 2021, must report it for taxation at www.loudoun.gov/efile. The reporting of original cost, year of purchase, location, and item description for all business equipment in the county is due by midnight, March 1. Resulting semi-annual tax bills for this equipment must be paid to the Treasurer by the May 5 and October 5 deadlines. The reporting of business equipment is made to the Commissioner of the Revenue for all businesses in the County whether within or outside of an incorporated town. Business owners subject to local business taxes must file annually, even if there is no tax due or property to declare. Address changes and notification of business closure should also be reported at www. loudoun.gov/efile. To protect the safety of taxpayers and staff and slow the spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to connect with us virtually. Most transactions with our office can be done online. For information or filing assistance, please visit www.loudoun.gov/cor or contact my office at btcor@loudoun. gov or 703-777-0260. You may also stop by my offices weekdays, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, however, we recommend you contact our office beforehand as our office hours may be adjusted due to the pandemic. Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County
The object of this suit is to hold a status hearing in child in need of services’ matter pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-228 and 16.1-241 for Alexander Beers. It is ORDERED that the defendants Cathryn Beers, mother and John Beers, putative father appear at the above-named Court to protect their interests on or before March 2, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. 02/04, 02/11, 02/18 & 02/25/21
Resource Directory Tax Services ROBERT BEATSON II
Attorney/Accountant,Former IRS Attorney Admitted to DC, MD, VA & NY Bars All types of Federal, State, Local & Foreign Taxes Individual/Business Trusts - Estates - Wills Amended & Late Returns Back Taxes - IRS Audits Civil Litigation Business Law - Contracts
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Government Center Office 1 Harrison St. SE, 1st Floor, Leesburg
Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Cathryn Beers, mother and John Beers, putative father
R&D Cleaning Service LLC RDCleaningservice.com
Construction
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Opinion Not Business As Usual As elected leaders around the county turn their attention to Fiscal Year 2022 budget planning, the optimistic, business-as-usual approach seems sorely out of step with the realities facing many of their constituents. Unlike the local public sector employees, they did not get raises last year; some did not keep their jobs. With the exception of the data center market, the commercial real estate tax base is in a downward spiral that may never fully recover. Housing prices, however, continue to climb. That means families will take on a greater share of the tax burden this year. A $100 million local funding increase for the school division— while typical during a typical budget year—should be a tougher sell after a year of closed campuses and declining enrollment. The Board of Supervisors’ starting point for this year’s budget planning assumes higher tax bills for homeowners. Raises and staffing increases are
LETTERS to the Editor
moving ahead as usual. This is not a usual year and there is reason to doubt that the opening of the next fiscal year on July 1 brings back the jobs lost, wages forgone, or businesses closed since the onset of the pandemic. In approaching this year’s budget work, our representatives should not push cavalierly to a return to normalcy. Rather, they should be asking how their decisions will impact those whose livelihoods were not insulated from the economic devastation of the past 10 months. Many families are wrestling with ways to carry on with less; it is not time for the government to assume it can take more from them. n Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
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EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com
Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.
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Failing System Editor: Once again, parents left a recent meeting of the Loudoun County School Board angry and frustrated, because their hopes for schools reopening had been dashed, and the goalposts had again been moved. Despite convincing the governor that they should be bumped to the head of the vaccination queue, some educators are now saying school reopening should be delayed until all the children get vaccinated—a goal that could take two years or more. This ignores the science that school children are one of the least at-risk groups for both catching and spreading the virus. It also ignores the economic, social and emotional damage that these continued lockdowns have had for school children and their parents. We would hope that school boards could balance the needs of both families and teachers, but this does not appear to be the case. More often than not, the school board seems to just rubber stamp whatever the education bureaucracy wants them to do, assuming that they are the experts and have the best interests of the students in mind—an assumption I have come to question. If any of you angry parents really want this situation to change, please consider running for the school board next time. Our county Board of Supervisors also seems unwilling to provide any help,
insisting that their only connection with schools is setting their annual school budget. Maybe it’s just me, but that budget seems like a pretty big stick that could have significant influence. Perhaps if their upcoming budget was tied to the reopening of classrooms, the public schools would have more incentive to figure out how to make that happen. The education bureaucrats are among the most highly paid employees in the county. And yet these geniuses could not figure out a way to safely restart education last fall, even though they had 5+ months to work on the problem. Yet private schools seemed to have had no problem figuring out safe ways for both in-person and remote learning, even in the midst of the pandemic. Sadly, this whole situation could be corrected if we had leaders with the courage to implement school choice, and put the power in the hands of the parents. If the playing field were leveled and the public schools had to compete, they would either figure it out or go out of business—and either one of those alternatives would be preferable to the current mess. We need to elect candidates to office who have the intelligence and the backbone to do the right thing, and not just pocket union campaign contributions LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 33
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
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THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:
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LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 32 and look the other way while a corrupt system fails yet another generation of students, parents and taxpayers. — Clark Kidd, Potomac Falls
Condescending Editor: I read with interest Interim Superintendent Scott Ziegler’s condescending letter to the Loudoun County Public Schools community. In his letter he asks that the community behave with patience, flexibility, comfort in the not yet known, and grace. I can assure him that for the past 10 plus months I have had the patience of Job and have been so flexible my spine has a permanent curvature from bending over backwards. He speaks of comfort with the not yet known but it is evident and known that this administration is wedded to kicking the can down the road at the expense of the students and in disregard of the science. After last Tuesday night’s performance by the school board chair, please do not speak to me of grace. Where was the grace when she denied the parent of a nonverbal child the opportunity to speak for him? That act was not only severely lacking in grace, it was totally inhumane. Please do not lecture me or any other members of the Loudoun County community on behavior. Just open the schools to in-person learning and take care of the children. After all, last I checked, that’s what schools are for. — Ann Mulhall, Ashburn
Black History and Your Regional Parks BY PAUL GILBERT
In many ways, the history of Northern Virginia is the history of America. It is complicated and has many facets. February is Black History Month and a good time to consider the many stories that our historic places have to share. Here are a few of the Black history stories told through your regional parks. 1751, John Carlyle, a wealthy merchant from Scotland, and his wife Sarah Fairfax Carlyle, started construction on the largest house in Alexandria. The big house and lavish lifestyle they had was made possible by enslaved people. Many people have called the slave economy “America’s original sin.” Twenty years ago, NOVA Parks developed an interpretive video to help tell the slave story that underpins the Carlyle House. And in the last few years, the Carlyle House has hosted genealogy programs that help people discover if their ancestors were enslaved people at this colonial site. Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax discovered his ancestry to the Fairfax family slaves from Maddy McCoy, who leads the ‘Breaking Down the Walls of Slavery at the Carlyle House’ programs. 1854, a young man named Daniel Dangerfield, who had worked at Aldie Mill in Loudoun County, escaped to freedom in Philadelphia. Someone from Virginia spotted him on the streets of Philadelphia, and there was a trial to see if he should be returned to slavery. He won that case, but it was close. He later moved to Canada to be free from the Fugitive Slave Act. The Civil War’s primary reason was increasingly northern states were not enforcing
the Fugitive Slave Act, as can be seen in the Dangerfield trial. A new interpretive sign telling this story just has been installed at Aldie Mill. 1889, a 14-year-old named Orion Anderson was jailed in Leesburg for chasing a neighbor girl. The Klu Klux Klan took him from the jail and lynched him a few blocks away at a railroad station on land that is today on the W&OD Trail. In the summer of 2019, a moving dedication of the sign that tells this tragic story took place. 1915, a group of civic leaders gathered at a house in Falls Church to organize in opposition to a proposed law that would have required Black residents to sell their property and move. The proposed law was what they called a “sunset law” where no one of color could legally be in the town after sunset. The house where they organized was in a Black community called Tinner Hill. Those brave individuals were successful in opposing the proposed sunset law, and that group became the first chapter of the NAACP outside of a major city. In 2015 NOVA Parks partnered with the City of Falls Church, Fairfax County, and the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation and opened a small park on that site. On Martin Luther King Day this year, NOVA Parks hosted an event at Tinner Hill to unveil new interpretive signs that tell this story. 1959, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) was established. One of the reasons the local governments in our area chose to create the first regional park authority in Virginia was the State Park System at the time was
segregated. Essentially, NOVA Parks was essentially an integrated state park system for the region. 1969, NOVA Parks opened the largest pool in Virginia to all people, at Bull Run Regional Park. The same year the public pool in Leesburg was being closed instead of integrating. None of the facilities built by NOVA Parks in the often segregated decades of the 1950s and 1960s were ever segregated. 2020, after the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Black Lives Matter marches sprung up all over the country. At Algonkian Regional Park, over 2,000 people organized by a High School student Ocean Akinotcho came to express their First Amendment rights. The march was peaceful and somber as people expressed frustration at the lack of justice that was apparent. America has a troubled history with justice and racism. The regional parks of Northern Virginia help to tell these stories, from Colonial time to the modern-day. Part of growing as a society is acknowledging our past and learning from it. Black History Month is a time to focus on these important stories. n Paul Gilbert is the executive director of NOVA Parks, which manages more than 12,000 acres of parkland in three counties and three cities, including 13 properties in Loudoun County.
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FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Hidden homeless continued from page 1 CoC team includes members of the county government staff, nonprofit organizations, schools, mental health services, faith-based communities, and law enforcement, who work in coordination with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Last year’s CoC count found that 179 people out of the county’s 400,000-person-plus population were experiencing homelessness. Many predict this year’s count, with data expected to be released in the spring, will be higher, given lingering economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Donna Fortier, CEO of Mobile Hope, a nonprofit organization providing services for homeless and precariously housed youth up to age 24, said the Point in Time count often does not paint the most accurate picture of the on-the-ground situation of homelessness in one of the nation’s wealthiest counties. “The problem is a lot of the funding that comes to counties based on homeless numbers is based on Point in Time numbers. It never has been and never will be an accurate way to count the homeless population in Loudoun County or any county. [There’s] 524 square miles of land and a small group is supposed to be able to count all of them? It doesn’t happen,” she said. Many of the homeless youth that Mobile Hope serves are also keen at hiding because of embarrassment, she pointed out. Fortier recalled a recent instance where one of Mobile Hope’s clients said they sleep on the rooftops of downtown Leesburg businesses to avoid detection. “They don’t want to be found,” she said. “Trying to raise awareness and include the homeless youth numbers in the Point in Time count is a challenge. I think every year we raise awareness just a little bit more but not enough that gets significant funding or significant housing options.” The Point in Time count also does not always pick up on the number of homeless individuals who are living in hotels, sometimes paid for by nonprofit groups, churches, or even parole and probation services, Fortier said. Providing an adequate supply of housing, with pre-workforce housing a particular need, Fortier said, continues to evade many localities. While workforce housing often finds vocal support among the community, the need for pre-workforce housing is perhaps just as great. Pre-workforce housing would cater to young adults who don’t have references, or a savings account, and may have a criminal record. “To remove those barriers if we don’t have a stable place for them to start to build
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Good Shepherd Alliance Senior Program Manager Sandra McLean steps outside of the nonprofit’s quarantine space at its Lucketts-area emergency shelter.
“We know there’s a pandemic and we know there’s no place to go.” — Sandra McLean Good Shepherd Alliance Senior Program Manager
their future, the cycle is going to continue and continue and continue,” Fortier said. “Kids who come to us are often trying to escape gangs or drugs or whatever. The neighborhoods they can afford are neighborhoods they shouldn’t be living in. Some of our kids have to sell themselves to pay rent. Those are barriers that are not the typ-
ical barriers seen by struggling adults.” Another barrier that could go a long way in helping the county’s homeless population comes down to having identification. Many of the clients Mobile Hope serves do not have a photo ID, and it may take months now to get an appointment at the DMV. “If they don’t have that they don’t qualify to go to a shelter. Then we’re picking up a significant cost to house them [in a hotel] and take them off the street until we can get them an ID,” she said. One of Good Shepherd Alliance’s major missions is to provide housing to Loudoun’s vulnerable population. Currently, the nonprofit is housing around 22 individuals, said senior program manager Sandra McLean, from an emergency shelter to transitional housing for men, women and families. In the time of COVID, the nonprofit’s has even devoted one of its shelters as quarantine space for those en-
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
The Good Shepherd Alliance operates an emergency shelter that can house up to 25 residents.
tering housing. The goal of the more than 30-year-old nonprofit is not limited to housing; however, as its clients are put on a path to self-sufficiency via a six-step plan. McLean said 2020 saw the nonprofit’s demand for housing spike, with calls from clients seeking everything from emergency shelter to financial assistance for basic necessities. It’s been a unique year to be in the business of providing shelter, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing many shelters to keep residents housed longer than usual. “We know there’s a pandemic and we know there’s no place to go,” she said. Many of Good Shepherd’s calls last year came from individuals experiencing domestic violence, a statistic globally on the rise because of the nature of the pandemic causing people to shelter in place. They sought a plan to help them find safe housing, and quickly. The nonprofit community is not alone in endeavoring to find help for the homeless or precariously housed. Yolanda Stevens, assistant director of the county Department of Family Services, said many nonprofits and localities are getting creative in trying to find even temporary housing for individuals in the midst of the pandemic. Rent and mortgage relief programs have also been helpful in keeping people housed, as well as the current federal moratorium on evictions that was recently extended to March 31. While Stevens and others believe the Point in Time numbers will show an increase in Loudoun’s homeless population, she and others acknowledge that it is a problem many don’t see. And some of these statistics will not be captured in a Point in Time count. “What you see around the area is a lack of affordable housing, so sometimes it may be considered the hidden homeless,” Stevens said. “We know that there are families and individuals who are renting out basements. We know that there are people who are renting rooms, and we know that there are folks with more than one family living in a residence. People are just involved in unofficial lease situations.” In terms of numbers, Fortier said Mobile Hope served more than 350 kids in 2020. But that also is not the whole picture. “The problem is with this population we’ve received hundreds of calls, but they don’t take that next step. They’re ashamed or they feel like they’re going to be judged,” she said. “Being labeled as one of the wealthiest counties in the country, if people don’t live in this environment, if they don’t do this every day then they don’t see it. They don’t recognize the teen walking down the street with a backpack and a blanket is homeless. They think they’re coming back from a slumber party.” n
FEBRUARY 4, 2021
Dangerfield continued from page 3 “I am who I am because Daniel Dangerfield was who he was,” Randall said. U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA10) said the power of public protest that helped win Dangerfield’s freedom continues to drive racial reckoning today. “Those events remind us we have to speak out against the injustices we see. And it is just as important now as it was to defend Daniel’s freedom in the 1850s,” she said. “Sometimes speaking out means joining a march or protest or a movement to commemorate events and people who haven’t received the recognition they were due through the years. Sometimes it means writing to your elected officials about legislation that is important to you. For me, that includes marching alongside others for racial and social justice last summer and successfully working to remove Virginia’s statue to Robert E. Lee from the U.S. Capitol,” Wexton said, also highlighting recent efforts to support more equitable healthcare, provide pandemic relief and strengthen voting rights. “We must continue to address our country’s and commonwealth’s history and legacy of racial injustice. Honoring stories like Daniel Dangerfield’s as we are
Back to class continued from page 1 students who selected distance learning will continue in that program. Secondary students in distance learning will convert to concurrent learning, sharing their teachers with students in the classroom. The motion to restart in-person learning was approved 7-2, with Beth Barts (Leesburg) and Denise Corbo (At Large) opposed. Barts and Corbo advocated a delay until March 2 to allow more teachers to be fully vaccinated before returning to class. As of Friday, 8,787 educators had received shots through a special school division vaccination program, with plans to begin the second round by mid-month. Other board members said they were confident that the safety measures put in place—from cleaning, distancing and mask requirements to the installation of filtration systems and thermal cameras—would offer ample protection. They stressed the importance of adhering to the mitigation protocols. Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) and Jeff
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doing here today is an essential step in that fight,” she said. NOVA Parks Chairwoman Cate Magennis Wyatt hailed Dangerfield as a true American hero. The roots of his struggle continue to be seen, such as last summer when thousands gathered at Algonkian Regional Park for a Black Lives Matter rally. “This narrative must continue. Those who fail to embrace our Constitution and the imperative rights given to all are undermining the underpinnings of our Constitution,” she said. “I’m so proud of NOVA Parks for standing strong and making sure these stories are told. We want to invite every person to come to the Aldie Mill, stand in Daniel’s footsteps, see if you can be as brave as he and ensure that you play your part in upholding our Constitution for all.” For Loudoun Freedom Center founder Pastor Michelle Thomas, who was unable to attend the dedication ceremony in person, Dangerfield’s story is just one more important piece of Loudoun’s rich African American history to be brought to light. “When I started the quest to build a church in Lansdowne five years ago, I had no clue of the wealth of African American History that was hidden in plain sight all over Loudoun County, nor did I understand the full gravity and unintended consequences of my pursuit to find the names
and history of those formally enslaved in Lansdowne and Belmont,” she said. “For centuries, the stories of the bravery, resistance, innovation, resilience and faith of our ancestors, just like the one we celebrate today, lie dormant waiting to be uncovered, examined, explored, heralded and featured in mainstream public history and U.S. History education alongside of their enslavers, co-founders and co-builders of this great nation. In the same way that we remember Thomas Jefferson, George Carter of Oatlands and Ludwell Lee of Belmont today we celebrate with pride and embrace with great joy the unveiling of another piece of the untold stories of Loudoun’s unsung heroes. Thomas highlighted the efforts of the regional park authority to tell a more comprehensive story of the county’s history. “I’m grateful for the partnership and leadership of Paul Gilbert of NOVA Parks. It has been one of my greatest joys to watch NOVA Parks take on the challenge of preservation Justice and equity and lead the way in telling Loudoun’s comprehensive history, as well as correcting previously told narratives that glorify slavery, discrimination and oppression,” Thomas said. “Today is wonderful day in the forward history of Loudoun, what an amazing way to celebrate Black History Month.” n
Morse (Dulles) in recent months had been among the most vocal advocates of establishing new policies that would allow students to return to class, but this week was the first time a board majority lined up to support that. Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) said he was struck by a scene he passed on a recent trip to hike along the Appalachian Trail—a winery packed with people and cars. “We’ve opened everything except schools,” he said. “The teachers are doing a phenomenal job, but not all students can learn from behind a monitor, behind a screen.” Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) said her concerns had been addressed as much as they could be in the situation. “We don’t know what we’re in for, but we’re going to do our best to keep our students and staff safe,” she said. Sheridan noted that the community will have a big role to play in making the program work as the safety measures followed on campus should be practiced away from school, as well. Those on the fence about the policy took some confidence from Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Good-
friend, who said he supported having his three children return to the classroom. Under the plan proposed by Interim Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler, hybrid classes would resume no later than Feb. 16 for special education students, English language learners, students in grades K-5 and some students enrolled at the Academies of Loudoun as long as on-campus mitigation measures are being closely followed. Then, the hybrid program could be expanded to middle and high school students—for the first time—by March 3. Ziegler said in-school mitigation protocols are being implemented consistently on school campuses and closely monitored. Additionally, the division has created a new reporting system that allows staff members to anonymously report violations or health concerns. Since classrooms were closed in December, the division has implemented a number of new safety measures, including the installation of air purifiers in all classrooms and thermal cameras at school entrances. The division last week began installing sneeze guards on student and teacher desks. n
PAGE 35
COVID testing continued from page 3 Meanwhile the county is also standing up free, twice-weekly drive-thru COVID-19 testing events this month. These weekly events are meant to provide regular, predictable testing for the community, rather than the single mass testing events the county has hosted in the past. Capacity will be limited to a few hundred a day. “While mass testing is an important part of our COVID-19 prevention strategy because we could efficiently test 1,000 to 2,000 people per day, they were sporadic,” stated Loudoun County Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend. “These more frequent, but smaller testing events will accommodate a few hundred people per day, but the frequency provides residents with greater flexibility when the need for a COVID-19 test arises.” However like previous events, the testing events are open to all with no age or residency requirements and no prescriptions or appointments necessary. A person does not have to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 in order to be tested. The sites will administer the PCR nasal swab. No antibody or rapid tests will be offered, and no COVID-19 vaccine will be available at these events. To help reduce wait times, attendees are encouraged to fill out a registration form for each person who will be tested before arriving. The registration is available online in English and Spanish at loudoun. gov/COVID19testing. The forms will also be available at the testing site for people who cannot fill them out in advance. Go to loudoun.gov/coronavirus for more information about how to protect yourself and your family, and to sign up for email and text updates on COVID-19. Residents with questions about COVID-19 can call the Loudoun County Health Department’s information line, 703-737-8300, or send an email to health@loudoun.gov. People wishing to be tested can also find other testing sites in the region at vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-testing/covid-19-testing-sites. n
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