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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Tornado Rips Destructive Path Through Leesburg For many Leesburg residents on Friday, the morning routine of getting off to school and work was disrupted by roaring winds, the crash of breaking glass and the uprooting of their backyard trees. The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF0 tornado, with winds topping out at 85 miles per hour, ripped through the center of town at about 7:20 a.m. Feb. 7. It cut a 3.3-mile path from the Greenway Farm neighborhood northeast through Potomac Crossing. The tornado had a maximum width of 250 yards. While the storm was gone within Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
At a home on Lounsbury Court in Leesburg’s Woodberry neighborhood, winds from last week’s tornado ripped off siding and broke off a large backyard tree.
TORNADO continues on page 46
Greenway Oversight Bill Dies; Tolls Battle Moves to SCC BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
For a fifth year, the General Assembly has declined to pass a bill to strengthen state oversight of tolls on the Dulles Greenway. Del. Suhas Subramanyam’s (D-87) House Bill 523, the latest attempt in a years-long effort to rein in the Greenway’s annual toll increases, has gotten stuck in committee. On Jan. 30, the House Com-
mittee on Labor and Commerce narrowly failed to report the bill. “I was furious about that,” said Del. Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10), Loudoun’s only local representation on the committee who also co-patroned the bill and argued and voted to report it. “We better bloody well take care of that next year, and I think we will, but we have to wait now.” County Attorney Leo Rogers and Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Vice President Grafton DeButts had also
traveled to Richmond to argue for the bill. The bill briefly showed signs of life again last week, when on a motion by committee Vice Chairman Richard C. “Rip” Sullivan, Jr. (D-48), of Arlington, the committee voted to reconsider the bill. But rather than go to a vote, Subramanyam said Thursday, the bill will now go by for the year. “I’ll keep fighting to protect commuters from rising tolls,” Subramanyam said. “This is an ongoing conversation with
all the stakeholders and the rest of the Loudoun delegation, and I am optimistic we will find a solution soon.” Del. Dave A. LaRock (R-33), who this year also introduced a bill to add oversight to the Greenway, which was folded into Subramanyam’s bill, published a statement excoriating fellow General Assembly members. He said the bill failed because “other members of the legislature GREENWAY continues on page 46
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Dramatically Changed General Assembly Hits Crossover BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Tuesday was Crossover Day in the General Assembly, meaning any new laws that were going to get passed this year need to have cleared their respective chambers. And quite a few significant new laws have. With Democrats now controlling the Executive Mansion and both chambers of the General Assembly, long-promised but controversial initiatives like new gun control laws, raising the minimum wage, ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment, decriminalizing marijuana possession, and doing away with Lee-Jackson Day have all moved ahead. And while those moves have been celebrated in progressive circles, they have also sent shockwaves through conservatives and conservative areas of the state— with localities across the commonwealth adopting resolutions opposing new gun control laws, and some local leaders even going so far as to discuss “Vexit,” the idea of some localities leaving Virginia to join West Virginia. Del. Dave A. LaRock (R-33), now one of Loudoun’s two remaining Republican state representatives, said the legislature has passed “numerous bills which threaten free speech, religious liberty, patient-counselor privilege, and freedom of association.” He said state Democrats are “destroying our economic growth potential” by raising the minimum wage, and have
[Renss Greene/Loudoun Now]
Del. Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10) and state Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-33) speak to a packed room at town hall, dominated by debate over gun control and driver privilege cards, in Leesburg Saturday, Jan. 25.
“passed numerous laws which make millions of Virginians surrender most common firearms and accessories, or become criminals, leaving the citizens defenseless while jeopardizing people’s livelihood and security clearances.” Meanwhile Democrats have celebrated their achievements, including voting Tuesday in the House to ban the sale of assault weapons and pass the Virginia Clean Economy Act, House Bill 1526, requiring utility companies to produce all their elec-
tricity from renewable sources by 2050. Del. Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10) said those votes are about “preserving life.” “We’re not taking people’s guns away, we are banning the sale of assault rifles, and it has shown to be lifesaving,” Gooditis said. “And so it is our hope that our vote today will help preserve lives in Virginia.” And she said the Virginia Clean Economy Act is “a drop in the global bucket, but we are finally trying to position our-
selves to do our part.” “Most of the world accepts the fact that we are approaching a true environmental crisis with global warming, and little old Virginia isn’t going to save the planet,” Gooditis said, but added if other governments do the same, “we have a shot at really, really making a difference for humanity.” But local issues for Loudoun haven’t fallen along party lines. And while many local initiatives have moved forward in the state capitol, important ones have failed. For example, a bill that would add cancers of the colon, brain, and testes to the list of cancers that are presumed to be an occupational disease covered by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act for firefighters, supported by the Board of Supervisors, passed the House 99-0, and is now in a Senate committee. It was a priority both for the Board of Supervisors and the local professional firefighters’ union. Another, House Bill 785, which gives counties the same taxing authority as towns, such as enacting meals or cigarette taxes without requirements for voter approval, incorporates a bill from Sen. Barbara A. Favola (D-31) and passed the House Tuesday 60-38. “Right now, your real estate rates go up and up and up, because that’s the only tax that your locality has authority over,” Gooditis said. She said if localities can lean on other taxes, “that’s an income that maybe will keep your real estate taxes lowGENERAL ASSEMBLY continues on page 47
Leesburg Teen Dies After Flu Diagnosis The Loudoun community is rallying around a Leesburg family following the flu-related death of 16-year-old Katie Giovanniello. The Heritage High School sophomore died early Friday morning, six days after being diagnosed with Influenza B. She was taken to the Inova Loudoun Hospital on Thursday after suffering a cardiac arrest at her home and then transported to Inova Children’s Hospital in Fairfax. She did not regain consciousness. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed. Katie’s mother, Colette, is urging other parents not to underestimate the
virus. “Don’t ever take it for granted. If I could do one thing, I would have never even taken her home Sunday,” she told NBC Washington in an interview. Katie’s classmates were notified about her unexpected death on Friday in a notice from Principal Jeff Adams. Grief counselors were brought in to meet with students, and the school cancelled a pep rally and dance planned over the weekend. On Tuesday, the students were encouraged to wear green, Katie’s favorite color, to school in her memory. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Katie’s mother and two sis-
ters. As of Tuesday morning, nearly $12,000 had been raised. To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/angel-in-heaven-katie. According to the Virginia Department of Health, influenza is widespread in the commonwealth. The highest percentage of cases are in central and eastern Virginia, with kids aged 0-4 and 5-18 making up most of the cases. According to the most recent report, for the week ending Feb. 1, the flu had been widespread for 10 weeks, and reached that threshold five weeks earlier than last year’s flu season. Last year, widespread flu continued into April. n
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A map depicting the area now designated a revitalization area with the Virginia Housing Development Authority.
County Board Designates New Area for State Affordable Housing Financing BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Loudoun supervisors have designated an area just outside the Leesburg town limits as a Virginia Housing Development Authority revitalization area, giving developers there a leg up on winning tax credits to create affordable housing. Although county staff members recommended designating the entire Leesburg Joint Land Management Area, an area bordering the town to the east and south, as a revitalization area, supervisors voted to designate only a portion of that area after concerns from some Leesburg Town Council members. County staff members told the Town Council in January that designating the area a “revitalization area” with the Virginia Housing Development Authority could give rental housing developers a better chance at winning state tax credits for maintaining below-market rents. Low Income Housing Tax Credits are administered by the state and handed out through a competitive process—and applications from designated revitalization areas are given a leg up in the competition. In fact, Loudoun’s entire Suburban Policy Area—covering much of eastern Loudoun—has been designated that way since December 2017. Developers have already benefitted from the tax credits that the designation may have helped
them win. Staff members also told the Town Council that the designation applies only within the walls of the VHDA—it would not alter local zoning. But Mayor Kelly Burk and some council members worried nonetheless that it would encourage redevelopment in newer neighborhoods surrounding Leesburg, or encourage the construction of homes near Leesburg Executive Airport. In response, county supervisors crafted a new revitalization area map limited to property south of Rt. 7, and stopping well short of the airport at Kincaid Boulevard and south of Cochran Mill Road. Its eastern boundary, following the Joint Land Management Area, is along Goose Creek. That action was against staff ’s advice to designate the entire JLMA to avoid being arbitrary in their designations, to be consistent with their previous actions and avoid limiting future financing in the area. Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) pointed out the new, smaller area, worked out between her and Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin), excludes newer neighborhoods to the north of Rt. 7, commercial areas like Compass Creek, and areas around AFFORDABLE HOUSING continues on page 7
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Loudoun Real Estate Values Near $90B; Assessment Data Released Loudoun County’s real estate tax base grew by 7.6 percent over the past year to a record total of $89.9 billion, according to assessment figures released last week by Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz, Jr. According to a summary of the data provided by the county, the average value for single-family detached homes increased 2.68 percent over last year. Condominiums saw the largest average year-over-year increase in value at 8.14 percent. The value of agricultural parcels of 20 to 99 acres declined 9.6 percent. Fueled by the continued growth in data centers, the total value of taxable commercial property grew to $19.6 billion, a single-year increase of 7.43 percent. Property owners may view their updated assessment online at loudoun.gov/parceldatabase. Formal assessment notices are being mailed to property owners. With County Administrator Tim Hemstreet scheduled to release his budget proposal Feb. 12, property owners can assess the implications of the new fiscal year tax rate on their tax bills. To begin its deliberations, the Board of Supervisors has instructed Hemstreet to create a budget based on the current $1.045 tax rate— meaning tax bills would increase 2.68 percent for the average single-family detached homeowner. The board will adopt a tax rate in April. Property owners who believe their assessments are incorrect may file an Application for Review with the Commissioner of the Revenue online at loudoun.gov/reaa by March 6. Thereafter, appeals may be made to the Board of Equalization until June 1. Property owners also may communicate with the staff appraiser responsible for their assessment and whose name and contact information will be listed on the mailed notices. For more information, contact the Commissioner of the Revenue’s office at 703-777-0260 or realestate@ loudoun.gov. n
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Supervisors Mark Black History Month BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Loudoun County supervisors this year marked Black History Month with a celebration of some of the remarkable black people in the county—especially young people. A proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month in Loudoun highlights two people in particular: record-breaking young athlete Elise Pridgeon, and remarkable scholar and model Bellen Woodard. In March 2019, Pridgeon, then six years old, set new meet records for six-year-olds in the 200-yard dash and 60-yard dash at the Amateur Athletic Union’s Indoor Nationals in Maryland. She finished first in all five of her races at that meet. She would then go on to set a 400-meter dash national record at the AAU Track and Field Primary Championships that summer, breaking the old record by six seconds, according to the AAU. Meanwhile Bellen Woodard, a straight-A student at Evergreen Elementary School who has already skipped a grade, has also launched a national modeling career. She is part of Chobani Yogurt’s “Take Times Square” advertising campaign and one of four children in the
Loudoun County
County Supervisors passed a resolution marking Black History Month on Feb. 4.
country to be chosen for Target’s national “All Emotion” clothing campaign. This year, she also launched the “More Than Peach” project, highlighting diversity in the classroom by working to distribute multicultural crayons to every elementary classroom and colored pencils in every middle school art class. The effort was launched when she noticed her classmates would ask for the “skin-color” crayon—meaning the peach-colored crayon. Learn more at morethanpeach.com.
The resolution also notes that last year, the Board of Supervisors approved a $1.47 million project to bring water to the historically black community of Howardsville, which long suffered without running water. It also notes that a record number of black candidates ran in last year’s local election, and that Loudoun’s first three black supervisors—Supervisors Koran BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues on page 7
Construction Begins on Community Center Renovations BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
County government officials broke ground on a long-anticipated renovation of the Sterling Community Center on Saturday. Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) said the community center was one of the first things he brought up to County Administrator Tim Hemstreet at the beginning of his first term, with the goal of making it “a world-class facility once again.” “Fast forward to now, this is a tremendous occasion in Sterling Park history,” Saines said. “This is going to be the new hub of the community for the next 50plus years and it is something for all of us to be proud of. I cannot wait to come back here for the ribbon cutting.” The project, which will add 2,000 square feet to the existing 18,700-squarefoot facility, includes improving the entrances to the center, enlarging the gym-
Loudoun County
A depictino of the renovated Sterling Community Center.
nasium, renovating the outdoor pavilion, adding an outdoor amphitheater, creating new patio and lawn areas and expanding the teen recreation area. Work is expected to be finished in 2022, although Saines expressed hopefulness it would move even more quickly. During the renovation, the center will provide services at another county-owned property next door at 150 Enterprise St. The Sterling Community Center was
established in 1975 and is operated by the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. The center offers a variety of programs, for ages from preschoolers to seniors, as well as party packages, camps, drop-in sports programs and special events like the annual Sterlingfest. More information, including a link to sign up for updates on the project, can be found at loudoun.gov/sterlingccproject. n
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Affordable housing continued from page 5 Leesburg Executive Airport, while still including Tuscarora Crossing, where the developer may wish to apply for that state financing. “I think it accomplishes what we need to accomplish, and doesn’t result in any unforeseen negative consequences,” Umstattd said. County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said, “the only reason we’re
Black History Month continued from page 6 T. Saines (D-Sterling) and Sylvia Russell Glass (D-Broad Run) and County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large)— all serve currently. “The African Americans that I know would be well pleased if we didn’t have a Black History Month anymore, because it would mean that black history is taught right alongside of American history,” Randall said. “But because black history is not taught right alongside American history, is why we still need a Black History Month.”
doing this is because they’re another elected body, and we’re trying to show deference and respect to the other elected body. “It’s a good reason to me, to show deference and respect to another elected body, it’s a fine reason, but I would appreciate it if Leesburg, both the administration and the Town Council, makes note of the fact that’s why we’re doing this,” Randall said. Supervisors voted 8-0 on Feb. 4 to designate the revitalization area, with Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) absent. n Saines and Glass reflected on being taught to serve the community by their families. “My parents Terry and Patience Saines taught us from a young age the value of a dollar, hard work and always giving back and being good neighbors and taking care of one another, and that’s what I try to do every single day,” Saines said. And Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) said “as I read through the individual items listed in the proclamation, my gratification at seeing this accomplishment was only tempered by knowing that we can and many of us are doing more.” n
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Leesburg C.S. Monroe Demolition Begins
As Town Attorney Decision Looms, Council Considers Evaluations Change
Work to demolish the former C.S. Monroe Technology Center in Leesburg, long the home of the school system’s vocational programs, has begun. Heavy machinery was on site at the corner of Catoctin Circle and Childrens Center Road on Tuesday tearing down the 1977 building. It housed the technology center for 40 years, before those programs were moved to the new Academies of Loudoun. It will be replaced by The North Star School, which will become the new home of Loudoun County Public
The Leesburg Town Council did not make public the fate of Town Attorney Barbara Notar’s employment with the town, but did discuss Monday night a change in how it will evaluate both the town manager and town attorney going forward. Those two positions are the only ones that serve at the pleasure of the council, meaning council members have sole authority to hire and terminate those positions. Both the town manager and town attorney have annual, closed-session personnel evaluations conducted by the council, and traditionally those end with a new contract and merit-based increase. That hasn’t been the case this time around for Notar, who has served as Leesburg’s town attorney since 2015. On Monday night, the council again discussed the fallout arising from a Letter to the Editor sent to Loudoun Now by three council members Jan. 20. The letter, signed by Mayor Kelly Burk, Vice Mayor Marty Martinez and Councilman Neil Steinberg, accused the other four council members of conspiring to terminate Notar because of their dissatisfaction with her legal handling of the Graydon Manor project and the boundary line adjustment process between the town and the county. While some pointed remarks were exchanged during Monday’s work session, the majority of the council appeared poised to move forward. “I’m going to go ahead and decline to swing at the ball that’s been pitched in the dirt so maliciously and personally, and focus on what we can do to prevent the same sort of action in the future,” Councilwoman Suzanne Fox said. Fox pressed the council to formalize its rules on confidentiality and communication, and also to look at the evaluation process for both positions. She also said she believed the council should begin disclosing cam-
BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Work is underway to demolish the old C.S. Monroe Technology Center in Leesburg.
Schools’ Alternative Education Program, currently housed at the Douglass School. North Star will also provide daytime and evening adult education
programming. The school system anticipates the new school will be open for the 202021 school year. n
Dentler Proposes Level Tax Rate, $143M Budget BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Strong returns on consumer taxes in the Town of Leesburg likely means there will be no tax rate increase for fiscal year 2021. Town Manager Kaj Dentler presented his proposed $143 million budget to the Town Council Tuesday night. Although a year ago he advocated for—but did not get—a 1-cent tax rate increase, for Fiscal Year 2021, Dentler is recommending the council base the budget on the current rate of 18.4-cents per $100 of assessed value. Personal property taxes are also proposed to remain flat. He pointed to continued increases in consumer taxes, namely meals and beverage taxes, sales and use taxes, which now account for more revenue in the General Fund budget than real estate taxes. Assessments are also up 3.6 percent across town, with each class of residential unit in town increasing in value by an average of $20,000. If adopted, keeping the tax rate level will mean slight increases to the average residential tax bill. Single-family homeowners would pay an average of $6.58 more monthly; townhome owners an additional $3 per month; and condominium owners $2.25 more, according to town figures. Should the council wish to trim the budget to the equalized tax rate—where the average tax bill would remain flat—of 17.5 cents, $755,000 would need to be cut
from the budget. Despite the positive indicators on property values and consumer taxes, Dentler and the town’s finance staff attributed the largely conservative budget to being cautious about relying too much on consumer taxes and planning for the next economic downturn. Clark Case, director of Administrative & Finance Services, explained that consumer taxes drop much more dramatically during an economic downturn, and with little warning, compared with real estate taxes, which usually take a year and a half to two years to see the impact. Dentler said the town staff also is waiting to see the economic impact of the Compass Creek development, which includes a Microsoft campus and data centers, on the town tax rolls. “It’s a good time to pause for a lot of reasons,” he said. Dentler has only asked for one new position in the General Fund, an IT systems analyst, following along on the recommendations endorsed by the council in the adopted IT strategic plan. He has recommended delaying hiring on that position until mid-year, for a budgetary impact of $78,000, with the full salary and benefits needing to be accounted for in Fiscal Year 2022. Other IT-related enhancements include $415,000 in recurring costs to separate the town’s internet service dependence from Loudoun County, and the implementation of Office365.
Other General Fund impacts include the full funding of the new staffing positions adopted in last year’s budget, but with funding on those delayed until Jan. 1 of this year, part of an increase of $1.2 million in personnel costs; and a 10 percent jump in pension costs mandated by the state. There is no cost of living adjustments planned for employees in the budget, but there is an average 3 percent pay for performance increases. Dentler also is increasing the amount of money set aside for project management costs in the Capital Fund, via a transfer from the General Fund, to reduce the dependence on debt service for that line item. The budget also accounts for a $145,000 increase in the town’s trash and recycling contract, with both contractual increases and the need to provide additional service, and trash bins, to new units in town. One General Fund impact that won’t be there during next year’s budget deliberations is the town’s annual contribution to fire-rescue operations. The proposed budget marks the final year of the town’s contribution, which has been gradually reduced over the past few years as part of an approved phase-out plan. County government funding is expected to pick up the slack from the town’s previous contributions. Not every item on town departments’ BUDGET continues on page 9
EVALUATIONS continues on page 9
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Budget continued from page 8 wish lists made their way into the proposed budget. Dentler said a total of nine requested General Fund positions, including four police officers, were not part of his proposal. Dentler also did not include the $600,000 in funding for snow removal operations that was required last winter. When the council recently discussed the town’s snow removal budget, several council members expressed support for increasing the amount in this budget, but Dentler said he plans to ask the council to use the surplus from the Fiscal Year 2020 audit to put in a storm reserve account at year’s end. Then, the council could build that account up annually and draw from it when needed. Despite this winter’s relatively minor weather events, Dentler noted the town has already spent $59,000 of its $155,000 snow removal budget this winter. Just under $38,000 in requests from the town’s boards and commissions were also not put in the budget, with Dentler saying he wanted to give the council the opportunity to determine whether those had merit. The Utility Fund, which as an enterprise fund is self-supporting and does not impact real estate taxes, includes funding for four new positions that were planned for in the five-year rate structure previously approved by the council. The Capital Fund, out of which the Capital Improvements Program is funded,
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includes some new noteworthy projects. These include the addition of a seasonal tennis bubble to go over the current outdoor tennis courts at Ida Lee Park. That project comes in close to $1 million, but will be funded in part by $400,000 in proffers. The rest of the funding, however, is expected to be completely offset by revenues generated by court use. Also at Ida Lee, the roof over the indoor pool is planned to be replaced next fiscal year. Construction will also be in full swing on the Rt. 7/Battlefield Parkway interchange, and the new Edwards Ferry Road sidewalk. The police station expansion and the airport’s north hangars will both be in design and potentially begin construction next fiscal year. Proposed for design work in Fiscal Year 2021 are the widening of Evergreen Mill Road; the expansion of the Town Shop; the Rt. 15/Edwards Ferry Road interchange project; and Veteran’s Park, with the county expected to contribute $4 million to that project. Broken down, the $143 million budget includes $62.5 million for the General Fund; $43.2 million in the Capital Fund; $4.2 million in Northern Virginia Transportation Authority funding; and $33.8 million in the Utility Fund. Dentler has proposed three budget work sessions, all planned during the council’s regularly scheduled work sessions on Feb. 24, March 3, and March 23. A public hearing on the budget is planned for March 10, and the tax rate public hearing and planned budget adoption is set for March 24. The proposed budget will be available online at leesburgva.gov/budget. n
SOLD
SOLD* 12060 CATOCTIN FARM LN LOVETTSVILLE | $1,077,500
SOLD*
continued from page 8 paign contributions with each land development application. The letter in particular singled Fox out for her acceptance of a $23,000 contribution from Graydon Manor developer David Gregory during her State Senate race last year. Councilman Ron Campbell said that the release of the letter disrupted, and possibly tainted, the evaluation process for Notar. “The letter resulted in more unfair treatment because it disrupted our ability to have conversations, and conversations being scheduled ... were prevented from happening because of the release of the letter,” he said.
Both Martinez and Steinberg did not weigh in on the conversation Monday night, and Burk only reiterated her position of supporting town employees who she felt were doing a good job, although she did say she believed the evaluation process needed work. A May 11 work session on that process is planned. Notar’s future could come into clarity as early as Tuesday evening. The council on Monday night held a closed session on the “assignment, appointment, promotion, performance, demotion, salaries, disciplining, or resignation of the Town Attorney,” as it was listed on the agenda. No action on Notar was taken following the closed session. Notar was not present for Monday’s work session, with Deputy Town Attorney Christine Newton serving in her absence. n
18638 WILD RASPBERRY DR PURCELLVILLE | $1,045,000
SOLD*
19330 BLACK OAK RD PURCELLVILLE | $719,901
SOLD*
21258 SMOKEHOUSE RD ASHBURN | $665,000
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16005 HOPEWELL CT HAYMARKET | $534,335
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Evaluations
PAGE 9
21212 HIBBS BRIDGE RD MIDDLEBURG | $399,999
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SOLD 17599 GREENLEAF PL ROUND HILL | $780,000
SOLD* 36544 INNISBROOK PURCELLVILLE | $643,000
SOLD 848 S GUNNELL CT HERNDON | $510,000
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Board Names New School for Loudoun Community Leader, Historian NORMAN K. STYER
nstyer@loudounnow.com
Moments after approving a resolution highlighting the importance of Black History Month, the School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to name one of the county’s newest schools in honor of Elaine E. Thompson. Thompson was a native of Loudoun County and longtime Hamilton resident who served as an educator, historian and writer. She was a founding member of the Balch Library’s Black History Committee. Particularly noteworthy was her decision to donate her great-great-great grandfather’s freedom papers to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Thompson died in 2016. The appointed school naming committee had recommended naming ES-23 in the Arcola Center development off Evergreen Mills Road as Arcola Spring Ele-
mentary School. Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) made the motion to name the school in Thomson’s honor. He noted that there were concerns, even from the principal and staff at the nearby Arcola Elementary School, that the name would create confusion. “We have a cornucopia of schools named after corners and groves and trails and brooks and bridges and ridges and springs and rivers and pools and bluffs and landings and creeks,” Serotkin said. “I feel we would be well served to pick names that are in line with our mission statement of naming schools after individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the world.” Jeff Morse (Dulles) noted it would be the second Loudoun school named in honor of a black female community leader and educator. The other is Rosa Lee Carter EleSCHOOL NAME continues on page 11
MONDAY MONDAY
FEBRUARY 17
SCHOOL Notes
FRIDAY FRIDAY
Ashburn Student Named Top Volunteer in Virginia
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Ryan Janaske, 12, of Ashburn, was selected as one of Virginia’s top two youth volunteers for 2020 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. In its 25th year, the nationwide program honors young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. Rayan Yu, 16, of Vienna, also was selected for the recognition. Ryan is a seventh grader at Trailside Middle School who was nominated for her work filling up to 100 backpacks with school supplies each summer and donating them to elementary schools in her area for students who can’t afford to start the school year with everything they need. Ryan began to help with a school-supply drive led by her mother at her workplace. After her mother got a new job, she wanted to continue the work. She calls her charity “Kids Helping Kids.” The program is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Three other Loudoun students were recognized as finalists. Lina Alkarmi, 17, of Sterling, is a senior at Dominion High School who started and runs “Princess Packages,” a nonprofit that has given more
than 400 princess-themed care packages to young patients in hospitals. Logan Speckhard, 17, of Ashburn, is a senior at Briar Woods High School who runs “Athletes Crush Cancer,” which raises money for families affected by cancer. Shreyaa Venkat, 17, of Ashburn, is a senior at Broad Run High School, who started and runs “NEST4US,” which provides volunteer and leadership opportunities to young people; she has participated in a variety of causes, including collecting and delivering donations for food shelters, assembling care packages for people affected by hurricanes, running book drives and establishing a free tutoring program.
Author of ‘Strong is the New Pretty’ to Speak at Foxcroft Kate T. Parker, professional photographer and author of “Strong is the New Pretty,” has been named a 2020 Helen Cudahy Niblack ’42 Arts Lecture Series Visiting Artist at Foxcroft School. She will speak to the community about her artistic journey and share her work on Monday, Feb. 24 at 9:25 a.m. in the Audrey Bruce Currier Library at Foxcroft School near Middleburg. The public is invited to attend. SCHOOL NOTES continues on page 11
School name continued from page 10 mentary School in Ashburn. The School Board also opted not to adopt the name recommended for ES-29, which will be built on the Lightridge High School campus along Lightridge Farm Road. That panel recommended Manahoac Elementary School to highlight the small group of Siouan-speaking Native Americans who lived in the area at the time of European contact. On the motion of Beth Barts (Leesburg) the School Board went with the committee’s second choice, Hovatter Elementary School, named for the family that farmed
SCHOOL Notes continued from page 10 What began as a mother taking pictures of her daughters “celebrating their strengths, imperfections, emotions, and individuality,” as she writes on her website, expanded to using photographs to capture female strength, challenge conventional definitions of female beauty, and reignite “that feeling of ‘I’ve got this. I am awesome. Check me out.’ [that] so many of us once
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PAGE 11
the 151-acre property starting in the 1950s. According to the report, the name would be used to help students understand Loudoun’s rich agricultural history, as well as the story of how a military family lived in the 1980s. “This specific family and farm will not be something the children attending the elementary school can learn about from internet searches; this is a story that has been passed down from the remaining brothers,” according to the recommendation. “Naming the school ‘Hovatter Elementary School’ will allow the future students to know a part of history that many of their grandparents and great grandparents may have experienced, and one that happened below their school’s floors. This would be a great honor to the family and all of the farmers in Virginia.” n had, but forgot.” Parker has also launched a philanthropic arm, partnering with organizations like Girls on the Run and The Bully Project that invest in kids’ health and education. Following her public presentation, Parker will conduct a master class with photography students and host a lunch discussion with yearbook staff, as well as photojournalism and other interested students. There is no admission charge for the talk, but space is limited. Call 540-6874510 for details and to reserve seating.
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Public Safety Heroin Dealer Gets 15 Years for Fatal Drug Overdoses A Sterling man was sentenced Feb. 7 to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than a kilogram of heroin that led to at least two fatal overdoses and one non-fatal overdose. According to court documents, Nedrick Lamont Johnson, 42, led a heroin conspiracy that distributed narcotics in Loudoun and Fairfax counties. Johnson and five co-conspirators obtained heroin from sources in Baltimore and the District of Columbia. Johnson repackaged the narcotics for street-level sales and arranged transactions with users. Then, he directed his co-conspirators to deliver the heroin, collect the payments, and return the earnings to him. In other instances, Johnson’s co-conspirators arranged their own drugs sales using heroin that he had supplied. In March 2018, Johnson distributed $400 of heroin to a buyer at her home in Herndon. During this transaction, Johnson observed the woman was highly impaired, but nonetheless sold her the drugs.
Enterprise Street for reports that a man brandished a firearm and took an undisclosed amount of money from the register before fleeing the store. The suspect was described as being a white, possibly Hispanic male, and had his face concealed with a mask and sunglasses. He was wearing a dark gray hooded jacket with the hood pulled up and was said to be approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall. Deputies established a perimeter and searched the area but did not locate the suspect. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective T. Rodriguez at 703777-0475. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are asked to call Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919 or submit a tip through the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office app.
She was found dead in her home two days later. She had died of mixed drug intoxication. In January 2019, Johnson distributed fentanyl to one of his co-conspirators to sell to a customer. The customer ingested these drugs, overdosed, and then drove their car into a parked vehicle in Sterling. Loudoun County deputies revived this customer through CPR and administration of Narcan. In February 2019, Johnson distributed fentanyl to one of his co-conspirators to sell to a user. That customer ingested the narcotics along with other drugs that he had obtained from a second source. He died shortly thereafter of mixed drug intoxication, according to evidence presented in the case.
Armed Robber Hits Sterling Store The Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office is investigating the armed robbery of the High-Up Food Mart located in the Sterling Park Mall. Around 1 p.m. Monday afternoon, deputies were called to the 400 block of
Hearings on Youth Soccer Club Embezzlement Delayed LCSO
The Sheriff’s Office released this image of the suspect in the Feb. 10 robbery of a Sterling convenience store.
An Aldie couple charged with embezzling more than $50,000 from a Loudoun PUBLIC SAFETY continues on page 13
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Public safety continued from page 12 youth soccer club will take the next two months to prepare their case before it goes before a judge. A Loudoun District Court judge last Friday agreed to continue the case against Jeffrey and Berkeley Kern, who are charged with felony embezzlement— five counts for Jeffrey and two counts for Berkeley. A preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Monday, has been continued until March 31. On Dec. 19, the couple surrendered to authorities and were charged and arrested. They were released on bond. Jeffrey, 40, worked as a travel team coach with the Old Dominion Football Club. Berkeley, 46, volunteered with the club and was an authorized user of one of its accounts. When the club discovered irregularities in its accounts, the Sheriff ’s Office’s Financial Crimes Unit conducted an investigation and determined the couple had used club accounts for personal use on multiple occasions between 2015 and December 2018. If a judge finds enough evidence against the couple in the preliminary
hearing, the case will be sent to a grand jury for review. If indicted, the case will move to Circuit Court for trial. If convicted, the Kerns could each spend anywhere from 1-20 years in prison for each count of felony embezzlement.
Speeding Car Crashes, Burns on Rt. 15 After Brief Chase
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Business
Bed & Breakfast Guild Looks Toward Rebrand BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Members of the Loudoun Bed and Breakfast Guild met with members of the county Board of Supervisors on Monday night to brief the county leaders on issues facing their industry and to roll out the early work of a rebranding effort. The nonprofit was formed in 2004 as a small networking group and has grown to 32 members with 157 rooms—helping to preserve about 800 acres of rural land. Guild President Ellen Goldberg, owner of the Briar Patch Bed and Breakfast that hosted the event, said the B&Bs offer visitors more than just a place to sleep for the night and a morning meal. Instead, they also play an important role in helping guests get the most out of their visit and promoting the offerings of other area businesses. “What really sets us apart from those short-term rentals that are just renting a room in somebody’s house or just giving somebody a key to use their facility is that we are the concierges and ambassadors to western Loudoun, guiding visitors to our wineries, breweries, fine dining, specialty shops, historic sites and outdoor recreation experiences,” Goldberg said. In the era of AirBnB, the guild is working to raise its profile. That includes updating its branding. The organization is in the process of changing its name and building a new
BUSINESS Briefs County Recognizes Best Workplaces for Commuters Loudoun County has recognized five employers that have earned national recognition as 2020 Best Workplaces for Commuters for offering employees exceptional commuter benefits. Those include Collins Aerospace, REI Systems, Inc., National Recreation and Park Association, Quantum Park and Telos Corporation. Four of those employers reached this achievement for the first time. Quantum Park was first recognized in 2018. To earn that recognition, employers must meet criteria including providing at least five means of support to help em-
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
Visit Loudoun President Beth Erickson speaks to members of the Loudoun Bed and Breakfast Guild as county Supervisors Tony R. Buffington and Caleb A. Kershner, and Chair Phyllis J. Randall look on.
web portal. When it emerges as BnBs of Loudoun, members also will be touting their offerings of “unique stays and memorable experiences.” Visit Loudoun President Beth Erickson pointed out that Loudoun is the third largest tourism generator in the commonwealth—ahead of places like Virginia Beach and Charlottesville—and that the guild contributes to that success. County supervisors attending the meeting thanked the organization for its leader-
ship and said they will continue to look to that group and others like Visit Loudoun for advice on important issues. “The guild is a strong part of our rural economy, an integral part of our rural economy. Our rural economy is one of the best in Virginia,” Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said. “We’re one of the strongest in Virginia and If not for the guild we might not be as strong as we are.” County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said one thing she wants to do
ployees leave their cars at home, such as designating a central point of contact for employee commuter questions and providing an emergency ride home program for employees. Loudoun County Commuter Services will present awards to the employers in private ceremonies this month.
efficiency; reduce noise; upgrade the reception area, lounge, and store; and add private office space to allow members to work between appointments. “It’s essential to our members’ success that we create an environment that meets their needs,” DAAR President Barry Taylor said. The member open house will be held from 2-5 p.m. Thursday at 21720 Red Rum Drive #177 in Ashburn.
DAAR Upgrades Ashburn Headquarters The Dulles Area Association of Realtors will celebrate the completion of its office renovation project during a Feb. 13 reception for members. The association’s office underwent a complete redesign, which was finished in December. The renovation efforts focused on creating functional office and meeting spaces to promote collaboration and energy
Rose to Lead Global Sales at JK Moving Services JK Moving Services has named Joshua Rose as senior vice president of Global Sales for Residential Services, to lead the company’s growth efforts in the government, corporate, and consumer markets. “Josh’s career, starting as a residen-
better in her second term is bring the west and east together. “We have some many people moving to the county—33 people a day move to our county—and most of them move, obviously, into the east so they don’t know about the west,” she said. Supervisors acknowledged that there is still work to be done on how to apply the county’s Transient Occupancy Tax to online rental businesses and have stated that the guild’s input would be important. Goldberg said some guild members do market rooms though online services like AirBnB. “It’s not that we’re against AirBnB, we just want a level playing field,” Goldberg said. That means finding a way to ensure those businesses are paying the same taxes as others in the overnight hospitality industry. “If you are accepting compensation for renting out just one room, you should be paying the county lodging tax.” Randall said the topic is expect to come back for board review this summer, but she’s not in favor of taxing all rentals, like a family occasionally renting out an empty room in their home. Freshman Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) said he’s confident the new board will continue work to protect the county’s rural areas by promoting businesses that keep land open. “I think we’re doing good things. Sometimes we agree to disagree, but overall in terms of the rural economy and B&Bs, we’ve got a pretty good consensus,” he said. n tial consultant and progressing upward through the Crown organization, is exciting and impressive. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team,” said David Cox, executive vice president of Residential Services. “JK has an exceptional service offering that incorporates our core values of care and respect, making us the international mover of choice for dignitaries, presidents, embassies, and C level executives. Josh’s global leadership and industry experience make him a perfect fit to lead our global expansion strategy.” Rose started his career as a residential moving consultant in the Baltimore-Washington metro market. He joins the Sterling company after spending over a decade in international relocation, living and working in five countries spanning the Americas, EMEA and APAC.
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
PAGE 15
Attention Loudoun County! Home Instead Senior Care is looking for caring and compassionate CAREGivers to become a part of our team and join our mission of enhancing the lives of aging adults throughout the Loudoun county community. Home Instead provides a variety of nonmedical services that allow seniors to remain in their home and meet the challenges of aging with dignity, care and compassion.
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
Capital Projects Manager
Public Works and Capital Projects
$82,999-$141,929 DOQ
Open until filled
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$53,233-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer (Virginia Lateral)
Police
$53,233-$98,772 DOQ
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Utilities- Water Pollution Control
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
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Utilities
$52,446-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Regular Part-Time Position Position
Department
Outreach Program Coordinator
Parks and Recreation
Hourly Rate $20.56-$34.51 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.
FT LPN’S OR MA’S WANTED
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PAGE 16
Discover 55+ Trilogy at Lake Frederick on February 22nd ®
Trilogy® at Lake Frederick offers an incredible lifestyle for those seeking something unique and special in the next chapter of their life. But don’t take our word for it! Join us at the Live Happier® Lifestyle Preview Event on February 22nd, 12-3 pm, to experience Trilogy’s exciting lifestyle. You’ll discover everything that our amazing community has to offer and mix and mingle with your future neighbors. Current homeowners will give you the real scoop on what it’s like to live here.
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Giving Back me happy, so I am passing along the inspiration as a caring friend and neighbor to women going through a rough patch,” Klebonis said. This year, Klebonis received a donation of roses for her project from Metro Flower Market in Chantilly, as well monetary contributions from community members. Learn more about at cpkfloraldesigns. com.
Don’t Miss the Lifestyle Preview Event! • Details on upcoming group travel • Fun-filled tours of Shenandoah Lodge
Leesburg Foundation Establishes Community Fund
• Meet many Owner-led clubs • Beer & wine tasting • Tours of the Athletic Club • Live music • Tasty treats from Trilogy’s own Chef • And much more!
Grand Opening New Phase!
Big news: we’ve just grand opened a new phase and released brand-new homesites! If you’ve had your eye on Trilogy at Lake Frederick but have yet to make your move, this is your chance! There are many sought-after slab homesites available, and many with low or no premiums! Check them out while you’re here on February 22nd so you can claim your dream homesite before someone else does!
SheaConnect™ - Smart Features Now Included! All homes at Trilogy at Lake Frederick now have SheaConnect™ smart home features such as eero panoramic Wi-Fi, Ring Video Doorbell Elite, voicecontrolled Amazon Echo Show, Kwikset electronic door locks, and much more. You’ll save money with energy-efficient products, and time with home automation systems. SheaConnect fits into your daily life—and helps you stay connected!
• Don’t miss this fun-filled day!
A 55+ Community Unlike Any Other You want your next life chapter to be special. At Trilogy at Lake Frederick, it will be. Trilogy homeowners enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in a spectacular natural setting. The community is nestled on the wooded shores of the 117acre Lake Frederick in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—just one hour from Dulles. Life at Trilogy at Lake Frederick revolves around the ~36,000-square-foot Shenandoah Lodge & Athletic Club, which is home to Region’s 117 restaurant and bar, a fully equipped fitness center, coffee bar, culinary studio, sports lounge with poker and game tables, billiards, arcades and TVs, artisan studio, lakeside patio and more! This stunning home away from home for Trilogy homeowners is the heart of the community.
55+ Trilogy ® at Lake Frederick SheaHomes.com/LakeFrederick | 888.244.8063 | Mid $300’s Sales and Construction: Shea Homes Limited Partnership (#2705152813). Homes at Trilogy at Lake Frederick are intended for occupancy by at least one person 55 years or older, with certain exceptions for younger persons as provided by law and the governing covenants, conditions and restrictions. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. Please drink responsibly. Base Price does not include closing costs, options, upgrades or lot premiums Amazon, Echo, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. While SheaConnect is available at most locations, it may not be available on all homes in all communities. Product availability subject to change. Models are not an indication of racial preference. Home pictured may not be actual home for sale or actual model home, but rather a representation of a similar model or elevation design.
Contributed
Florist Cynthia Klebonis, center, presents arrangements to LAWS Office Manager Beth Friedmann, left, and Court Advocate Nitza Medina Peralta (right).
Florist Delivers Valentine’s Joy to LAWS Shelter Cynthia Klebonis, of CPK Floral Designs in Leesburg, again has partnered with the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter to provide Valentine’s Day rose bud vases and chocolate candy to the women and children residing at the shelter. Klebonis started her home-based floral studio in 2016 with a focus on fresh and faux floral, plants and trees for weddings and events. Now a certified floral designer with the American Institute of Floral Designers, Klebonis offers floral arranging workshops at area restaurants, wineries and breweries. Klebonis said she enjoys contributing through community service by coordinating floral projects that make a difference in women’s lives and show them that their community cares. “Working with fresh flowers is a passion that truly makes
The O’Shaughnessy-Hurst Memorial Foundation, Inc. has created a new fund at the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. The private foundation located in Leesburg launched the fund with a $170,000 donation to the Community Foundation. The donation established the OHMF Fund, a donor-advised fund within the Community Foundation. “The O’Shaughnessy-Hurst Foundation, Inc. is proud of its ability to become a part of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, in furtherance of its mission and goals,” said trustee Debbie Piland. “The Community Foundation is an integral part of educating the community on the sustainability of philanthropy by making it a better place to live.” The OHMF Fund will make grants to nonprofits based on the recommendation of O’Shaughnessy Hurst Memorial Foundation representatives. “We are especially excited about our new partnership with the Community Foundation,” said Piland. “Their bootson-the-ground knowledge of our local nonprofits will a great benefit to our grant GIVING BACK continues on page 18
If you value quality local journalism ... Tell them you saw it in Loudoun Now. In your home weekly, online always.
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
PAGE 17
BE. HERE. NOW. DON’T PUT LIVING HAPPIER ON HOLD ANOTHER MINUTE.
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Sales and Construction: Shea Homes Limited Partnership (#2705152813). Homes at Trilogy at Lake Frederick are intended for occupancy by at least one person 55 years or older, with certain exceptions for younger persons as provided by law and the governing covenants, conditions and restrictions. This is not an offer of real estate for sale, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, to residents of any state or province in which registration and other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Equal Housing Opportunity. Models are not an indication of racial preference. Please drink responsibly.
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PAGE 18
Empty Nesters: FREE Special Report Reveals 9 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Loudoun Home Loudoun - Are you an “Empty Nester” who needs a home for the future? Is it time to downsize or to move into another home more suitable for your glorious retirement years?
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Giving back continued from page 16 making.” Private foundations and community foundations commonly work together to address charitable needs in the communities they serve, according to Community Foundation President Amy Owen. “We’re all on the same team,” said Owen, “The O’Shaughnessy-Hurst Foundation, Inc. trustees amplify their charitable connections through this formal relationship. It’s a super-charged way of recognizing the work of the Community Foundation and the value we offer to our donors and the charitable community.”
Garden Club Plans Fundraising Square Dance and BBQ The Leesburg Garden Club is planning a March 29 BBQ and Do-Si-Do fundraiser with the support of nationally known traditional American folk musician and dance caller Slim Harrison. Harrison, who will be joined by Tom Jolin, has performed at schools, festivals, hoedowns and throwdowns all over North America and around the world during the past 40 years. In addition to a night of
Slim Harrison
dancing, the event will feature dinner by Smokin’ Willy BBQ. Proceeds will be used to further the mission of the Leesburg Garden Club, with the mission to promote active interest in gardening and to assist in the protection and development of the natural beauties of the state. The event will be held at the Riverside on the Potomac events center near Lucketts. The cost is $75 per person. Register by March 27 by going to leesburggardenclub.org.
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PAGE 19
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Our Towns
Fraser Asserts Strong, Resilient Purcellville in State of the Town Address BY PATRICK SZABO
pszabo@loudounnow.com
In his fifth State of the Town address, Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser assured residents that western Loudoun’s largest town is stable financially, growing operationally and thriving economically. The mayor delivered his annual address to a crowd of about 30 residents in the Town Hall council chambers Monday night, touching on topics of the town’s daily operations, police force, economic development, community engagement, finances and the flawed 2017 investigation into now discredited claims of misconduct against the police chief that continues to affect the town in more ways than one. “I’m confident that we will rise above the challenges as a community and as a town government,” he said. “The state of our town is strong and resilient. Fraser said that the town last month successfully worked with its insurance company to settle a lawsuit brought by Police Chief Cynthia McAlister, who sought $16 million in damages. The town has not released the settlement amount, but on Tuesday night to voted to formally ratify that settlement agreement, along with one the town reached with a separate employee
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser delivered his fifth State of the Town address Monday night to a town hall of about 30 residents.
affected by the failed investigation. Town Manager David Mekarski previously said the town would release a full account of the town’s expenses related to those lawsuits once it settles a final outstanding lawsuit—brought by Police Cpl. Kristopher Fraley for $17.2 million. One of the most heavily scrutinized
documents in the town in the last year has been the budget, which was hit by declining water and sewer funds, by 39 and 16 percent respectively, in the past fiscal year. Fraser pointed residents’ attention from the red to the black ink within those funds—where water and sewer revenues PURCELLVILLE continues on page 22
Lovettsville Council Enters Gun Control Fray with Vote to Support and Defend Second Amendment Rights BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com
The Lovettsville Town Council last week joined with localities across the commonwealth in urging the General Assembly to protect gun owners’ rights. Dozens of Second Amendment supporters packed into the tiny town office for the council’s Feb. 6 meeting, many overflowing into the parking lot, to see town leaders vote 4-1-1 to adopt a proclamation presented by Councilman David Steadman declaring that the council supports and defends the U.S. and Virginia constitutions through opposition to legislation that “infringes upon the right to keep and bear arms.” Vice Mayor Jim McIntyre voted against adoption and Councilman Mike
Dunlap abstained from the vote. During this year’s General Assembly session, several bills have been passed by either the House of Delegates or Senate that would intensify gun control measures, prompting nearly every Virginia county and dozens of localities to adopt similar proclamations that, in some cases, have labelled them as Second Amendment “sanctuaries.” Mayor Nate Fontaine emphasized that Lovettsville’s proclamation does not make the town a sanctuary town, but that it simply is a statement to the General Assembly. Per McIntyre’s request, letters from more than 30 residents were attached to the proclamation, which was sent to Sen. John Bell (D-13) and Del. Dave. LaRock (R-33). Fountain said the town had received about
19 letters opposing the proclamation and about 10 that are in favor of it, with more that came in just before the meeting that he had yet to count. The proclamation is based on the belief that some bills would “criminalize the lawful exercise of the right to keep and bear arms” and that many citizens are “gravely concerned about the proposed infringements upon their constitutional rights.” “The Town Council supports measures that would advance firearm safety without infringing upon the right to keep and bear arms [and] wishes to express its strong commitment to all rights of citizens of the Town of Lovettsville, Loudoun County, SECOND AMENDMENT continues on page 23
TOWN Notes LOVETTSVILLE Town Polling Place Moved to Volunteer Fire Station The Town of Lovettsville’s voting location has been moved from the Community Center on Broad Way to the Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station on Berlin Turnpike. The Town Council last Thursday voted to make the change to align with the Board of Supervisors’ Jan. 15 vote, in which it approved the relocation for county, state and national elections. That vote was taken because the community center has inadequate parking to accommodate an influx of voters on election day and because it’s under construction. The Town Council vote gives the Office of Elections time to notify voters of the change before the March 3 Democratic presidential primary election and the May 5 town elections. Once the new community center is built—tentatively by late 2023—the Office of Elections will start the process to move the polling place back to the center. For more information, go to www. loudoun.gov/elections-voter-registration or call the Office of Elections at 703-777-0380.
MIDDLEBURG Winter Weekend Sale Planned Friday-Monday The Town of Middleburg will host its ninth Winter Weekend sale this Friday-Monday, Feb. 14-17 throughout town. Sponsored by the Town of Middleburg and the Middleburg Business & Professional Association, the sale invites visitors to shop among the town’s many shops for gifts ranging anywhere from shoes to children’s clothes to fall and winter fashions. Some restaurants will also participate. Sale hours are Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday-Monday as posted by individual businesses. Participating stores will display blue and white balloons outside. They include Richard Allen Clothing, Zest, TOWN NOTES continues on page 24
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Purcellville continued from page 20 were up by $16,000 and $51,000 respectively, although those funds’ expenditures were also up by $165,000 and $113,000. He added that the town’s overall debt decreased by $7.6 million between July 2014 and July 2019. He said that while that number could be better, the town is committed to not take on more debt, even though it features top credit ratings from Standard and Poor, Fitch and Moody’s. Fraser also stated the town’s General Fund revenues in 2019 exceeded budget expectations by $746,000, while expenditures were $434,000 below projections. Operationally, Fraser said the town staff worked to enhance its effectiveness in serving residents, specifically through automated systems. He praised the town staff for setting up livestream recordings of Town Council and Planning Commission meetings, for earning the water treatment plant its 12th consecutive excellence award and for working with the Planning Commission to update the Comprehensive Plan and bring it before the Town Council for a vote. The Town Council Tuesday night voted
to request the Planning Commission to renew its plan recommendation to restart the council’s 90-day adoption clock. Fraser also directed attention toward the town’s economy, where 23 new stores and 18 home-based businesses opened in 2019, and 137 new jobs were created. He pointed out that the town is also now home to 10 banks within its 3.4-square-mile corporate limits. Talking about the commercialized downtown, Fraser said he would like to see more murals to accompany the “Welcome to Purcellville” mural that graphic designer Addie Moore completed on the side of the Purcellville Family Restaurant in July. In the public safety realm, Fraser said that since he was elected mayor in 2014, the Police Department has hired several new police officers, including the town’s first ever deputy chief, and has outgrown its headquarters—which is why the town is evaluating new locations. The Town Council on Tuesday discussed options to build a new police headquarters, rather than find empty space to move into. “We’re committed operationally and as a Town Council to assess and evaluate properties,” Fraser said. Fraser also noted that the third annual
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Cabin Fever Film Festival has grown from showing six films in its inaugural year in 2018 to 14 this year and hopefully 28 in 2021. He also stressed to the town’s youth that, contrary to what many of them might think, Purcellville can be an engaging place for them to live. He pointed to the makerspace that was opened in 2018 in a converted town maintenance building where kids can woodwork and experiment with robotics, among other activities. He said the town is also looking to partner with area businesses to build a bike and skate park. Looking forward to the remainder of the 2019 calendar year and toward Fiscal Year 2021, Fraser said he’s focused on implementing several initiatives to bring the town more revenue and provide its residents with more amenities. One of those is an idea to look at the Fireman’s Field complex as more than a destination for baseball. Fraser said he has been told that drone racing might be a viable option for the complex. He also suggested that the town could sell its reclaimed water to, and treat the wastewater of, the county as it works on projects like the planned Rt. 7/690 interchange that’s scheduled to open in summer 2024. On the 189-acre Aberdeen Property,
FEBRUARY 13, 2020 Fraser said the town continues to explore hemp, hops and horses—a reference to past ideas to grow hemp and/or hops on the property, or bring in steeple chase events. Fraser said the town also needs to implement a managed deer hunt for residents and staff members on Aberdeen. Those discussions follow a December 2017 Town Council vote to prohibit town staffers from hunting and fishing on the town’s reservoir property after nearly a century because council members wanted to provide more public access. “We need to reinstitute that program, but we need to make it equitable for our residents and town staff,” Fraser said. He said that he and Hamilton Mayor Dave Simpson also have petitioned the county Board of Supervisors to begin construction on a Hamilton-to-Purcellville sidewalk. Fraser said that while he knows the town still faces many challenges, he is sure it will continue to improve its operations on all fronts. “I remain confident that we will persevere in maintaining the safe, healthy quality of life, small-town atmosphere and positive values,” he said. “The state of our town is strong.” n
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Second Amendment continued from page 20 Commonwealth of Virginia to legally keep and bear arms [and] strongly opposes the passage of any law that would unconstitutionally restrict any right of our citizens,” it reads. “We must stand with our core beliefs that our rights should not be infringed upon,” Steadman said. Prior to the vote, the councilmen discussed the proclamation for about 45 minutes, some scrutinizing and even criticizing its intent. In place of Steadman’s proclamation, Dunlap introduced a separate one that incorporated supportive language for all citizens’ rights, not just the Second Amendment. That motion failed to win any support from his colleagues. Councilman Buchanan Smith said Dunlap’s proposed replacement proclamation watered Steadman’s down. He said Dunlap’s statement that residents are concerned that the gun legislation would affect not only their constitutional rights but also “common family sporting activities” showed Dunlap wasn’t “getting the point.” Steadman said Dunlap’s replacement “dulls the point” and called Dunlap’s scrutinizing of the grammar in his proclamation “disingenuous.”
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Lovettsville-area resident Russell Mullen waves a plastic foregrip from his son’s airsoft rifle in front of the Town Council last Thursday night, saying proposed state legislation would make owning the accessory a felony.
Fontaine said it was disingenuous for Dunlap to introduce an entirely new proclamation that councilmen and residents had not seen before that night. In general, McIntyre said debating and voting on Steadman’s proclamation was not what the councilmen were elected to do. He said local government should be
nonpartisan and that debating and voting on the matter would create division on the dais and drive a wedge into the community. “It’s neighbor against neighbor,” he said. “It brings about stereotypes.” McIntyre said he couldn’t support Steadman’s proclamation because it cited three U.S. Supreme Court decisions in a limited way and was not supported by a long list of facts. He said that because it focuses on one amendment and not all of them, it violates the very document it claims to defend—the U.S. Constitution. Before the Town Council had a chance to discuss the proclamation, 23 area residents—at least one carrying his firearm openly—expressed their support for the proclamation. No residents approached the podium to express opposition to it. Common were concerns that state and federal legislators are attempting to control citizens by slowly taking their freedoms away, and that the gun legislation making its way through the General Assembly would turn many gun owners into felons overnight. Russell Mullen argued that point by pulling out his son’s plastic airsoft rifle foregrip and waving it in front of the council, arguing that if certain legislation passes in both chambers, owning that accessory would be a felony. The bill, House Bill 961, expands the
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PAGE 23 definition of a banned assault weapon to a center-fire semi-automatic rifle or pistol “that expels single or multiple projectiles by action of an explosion of a combustible material” and has a fixed capacity of at least 12 rounds or a detachable magazine, and which meets other criteria, such as having a grenade launcher, silencer or muzzle brake. Shotguns also are given similar criteria. Craig Shaver and Peyah Fowler argued that Virginia legislators are all about controlling residents. “Richmond wants to turn me into a criminal,” Shaver said. “There’s a tyranny in Richmond that’s coming for us again.” Fowler said she lives on large rural property and rarely sees a Sheriff ’s Office deputy patrolling that area of the county— which is why, she argued, it’s necessary for her and others to arm themselves for protection. “There is no question that this is about control,” she said. “This is about stripping us from every direction to protect ourselves. This is not about making it safer for schools.” Another argument was that the Second Amendment was written purely to allow citizens a chance to defend themselves against a tyrannical federal government. SECOND AMENDMENT continues on page 25
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Obituaries Harry C. Coates Age 88 of Leesburg, VA He departed this life peacefully on Saturday, Febuary 08, 2020 at Heritage Hall Health and Rehab Center, Leesburg VA . He leaves to cherish fond memories, four children, Donald Coates (Georgia) of Leesburg, VA, Alvin Coates (Gloria) of Accokeek, MD, Edith Greene (Jeff ) of Sterling, VA, Harriet Summers (Rod) of Leesburg, VA; one sister in law,Marie Scott of Leesburg, VA, one brother in law, Frankie Mills, of Carneys Point, New Jersey, five grandchildren, Donnita Coates, Chandler Daye, Ashley McCrary, Dalton Summers and Remy Summers; four great grandchildren, Trey Coates, Aaliyah Coates, Jocelyn Rivera and Javien Rivera; and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Scott Coates, mother, Lula Lincoln Douglas, brothers, David and Jack Coates; sisters, Bertha Wiley, Arelia Mills and Ollie Coates. Funeral services will be held on Saturday Feb. 15, 2020 viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service 11:00 a.m. at the First Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 216 Loudoun Street, Leesburg, VA 20175. Interment : Mt Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, Lincoln, VA Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERVICE, Serving N. Virginia and surrounding areas. Eric S. Lyles, Director. Lic. VA/MD/ DC. 800-388-1913.
Edwin Potts Edwin Potts, 94, of Purcellville, VA passed away on February 6, 2020. He is survived by his brother Walter (Jack) Clayton Potts of Mineral Bluff, GA, his son Edwin Potts, Jr. (Marty Potts), his two daughters Sarah Ruth Lam (Joe Lam) of Stanardsville, VA and Patsy Props (Charlie Props) of Mt. Solon, VA. He was the grandfather of 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and affectionately called “Granddaddy.” Edwin was born May 11, 1925 in Purcellville, VA the son of Thurston James Potts and Ruth Brown Potts. He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Lucy Bowling Potts. Edwin was very active and involved in the church and community. He served as head of the Board of Trustees at Bethany United Methodist Church as well as numerous other leadership roles and took great pride in welcoming visitors and members of the church every Sunday. He was Vice President of the Hillsboro Cemetery and caretaker of the Potts Family Cemetery. At the age of 20, he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served his country in World War II aboard the USS Allagash. After returning from the war, he joined his father farming at Orchard Crest Farm and later continued with his son. At the farm he enjoyed working on machinery, milking cows to the tune of classical music and teaching others how to farm. He remained
active in the operations of the farm until recently and took great pride in caring for the land. He was active in many state and local agricultural organizations and had a passion for telling stories and sharing local history. He was generous with his time and provided recollections and memories that are recorded in local historical societies. Edwin and Lucy instilled a spirit of faith and community within their family and lead by example. His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews have many fond memories of trips with him to farm and machinery shows, 4th of July celebrations, particularly the parades, and listening to patriotic music. He played alongside and supported his grandchildren’s music lessons, and together with Mammaw took each grandchild on a vacation when they were 9 years old. His never-ending thirst for learning, joyful demeanor and optimistic spirit will be missed by all of his friends and family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made Bethany UMC, Handicap Accessibility Fund PO Box 487, Purcellville VA 20134. Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 09, 2020 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Hall Funeral Home, 140 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville, Virginia 20134. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 10, 2020 2:00 PM at Bethany United Methodist Church, 100 W. Main Street, Purcellville, Virginia 20132. Burial will follow in the Hillsboro Cemetery.
To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer 703-770-9723 | sstyer@loudounnow.com
TOWN notes continued from page 20 Lou Lou, Crème de la Crème, Country Classics, The Byrne Gallery, The Christmas Sleigh, Side Saddle Café, Middleburg Common Grounds, Thaiverse and the Middleburg Deli. Visitors are also invited to stay in one of the town’s inns, like the Red Fox Inn, the Goodstone Inn and Salamander Resort.
Market Salamander to Host Valentine’s Day Dinner Market Salamander will serve a Valentine’s Day candlelit dinner at 6:30 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 14. The restaurant will serve up intimate, candle-lit four course dinners paired with wines chosen by Executive Chef Jason Deaver. Each $99 reservation will come with a long stem red rose. The market will be closed to the general public during the dinner. To make a reservation, call 540-6879726.
PURCELLVILLE Carver School History Program Planned Two graduates of the Carver School are planning a special black history program on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the school. Louis Jett and Reginald Simms will discuss the history of the segregated school for black students from 1948-1968. Jett, who graduated in 1963, said he has assembled more than 450 photos of the school and the students over the years and hopes that other alums will gather to share stories and help identify individuals in the pictures. Participants also are encouraged to bring their own photos. The program will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The school is located at 200 Willie Palmer Way in Purcellville.
Town Departments Modify Customer Service Hours The Town of Purcellville’s Finance and Community Development Department customer service hours have been changed to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. According to a town statement, that was done to optimize staff resources and increase overall efficiency. The town hall will remain open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call the town’s general line at 540-338-7421, the Finance Department at 540-338-7093 or the Com-
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
munity Development Department at 540338-2304.
Cocoa with a Cop Set for Saturday The Purcellville Police Department will host a Cocoa with a Cop event from 9:3011:30 a.m. this Saturday, Feb. 15 at Dunkin’ Donuts in the Catoctin Corner retail center. The event is geared more toward children than the typical Coffee with a Cop initiative, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services and aims to advance community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members. All residents are invited out to talk with Purcellville Police officers. To learn more, call the Police Department at 540-338-7422.
Loudoun Grown Expo Set for Feb. 29 The 10th annual Loudoun Grown Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29 at the Bush Tabernacle. The event will feature about 40 vendors, all of which will be Loudoun growers, producers, artisans and makers, brewers, wine makers and more. They include 868 Estate Vineyards, Butterfly Hill Farm, Chocolate Pallete, Doll House Bakery, Dragon Hops Brewery, the Loudoun Beekeepers Association, Makersmiths, the Purcellville Art Gallery and Wicked K9 Treats. There will also be hands-on activities, educational content and a “kid’s passport” that children can get stamped at each vendor booth. Admission is $2 per person and $3 per family. Learn more at loudoungrown.org.
ROUND HILL 3rd Annual Appalachian Trail Art Show in Progress The Town of Round Hill is hosting its third annual Appalachian Trail Art Show through March 8 at the Round Hill Arts Center, with a reception from 2-4 p.m. Sunday Feb. 16. At the reception, the town will host a talk from Rose Turner, who will share stories about drawing scenes from nature as she hiked the entire 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Appalachian Trail Conservancy President & CEO Sandi Marra will also address attendees. The talk will be followed by a presentation of the winners of the art show. Residents are invited to peruse the exhibit through the month of February every day from 12-4 p.m. Learn more at roundhillartscenter.org.
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Second Amendment continued from page 23 “The founding fathers had not just finished a deer hunt [when they wrote the Second Amendment], they had just finished liberating a nation,” said Chris Anders. While some opponents to the proclamation have said that taking a stance on new gun legislation would violate potential new state laws, Anders said that some states have already nullified federal law by legalizing marijuana. Other supporters pointed out that localities with stricter gun laws experience more crime than those with more relaxed gun laws. Joy Pritz mentioned that the City of Kennesaw, GA has an ordinance establishing that “every head of household residing in the city limits is required to maintain a firearm,” which is why the town of 32,000 residents, she said, has seen just one homicide in the past three years. Although proclamation supporters were rallied to attend the meeting while openly carrying their weapons by Warner Workman, the owner of the Minuteman Arms gun shop in town, Workman did not address the council Thursday night. Those opposed to the proclamation
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM sent their concerns to council members via email, urging them to reconsider the topic and remove it from the agenda; some said they were too concerned for their safety to attend the meeting. Jason Reeps asserted that the vote would politicize and further divide the council. “Should you bring this proclamation, you will have taken the Town Council and turned it from an apolitical body for town management to a political football in one of our country’s most hotly contested political arguments,” he wrote. Neelam Ahmed wrote that the atmosphere being cultivated in town “is alarming and disheartening” and that council members should consider whether they want “lock down drills and fear of being targeted in a supposed safe environment” to become normal for their children. “Shame on you and those supporting this nonsense,” he wrote. “Take your issues up at the state level and find meaningful work in your position.” Following the adoption of the proclamation, the dozens of supporters clapped, cheered and thanked the Town Council. “I think it’s clear … that we’re sending a message, that’s all this is,” Steadman said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to use a democratic process. This is a beautiful thing, this is what we’re here for.” n
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Get a Jump on Summer Camp couch and out of the house while providing a safe, supervised environment. How do you select a summer camp program? Here are some suggestions.
activities. Parents may need to choose between a sleepaway camp or day camps. Also consider how many people will be in the camp.
Ask for recommendations
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Speak to other parents and friends about where they send their children. Schedule appointments to visit camps that fall within your budget.
As varied as program offerings may be, camps also can vary greatly with regard to cost. Government-run camps may be less expensive than those offered by private companies. Day camps typically cost less than those that provide room and board. Often grants or discounts are available to address special financial circumstances.
Take a visit There’s little sign of it outside, but summer is quickly approaching—and the best camps to keep the kids busy will fill up quickly as well. Now is the time to start making those plans. Youth recreational programs and summer camps can do more than bridge the gap in care between the end of school and the day when classes resume. Summer camps can pull together children from different neighborhoods, social classes and backgrounds. They also provide a variety of activities that can help students try new things and move beyond their comfort zones. Perhaps most importantly, they get kids off the
Take your child along to get a sense of what camp will be like. Find out the philosophy of the camp. Ask about the camper-to-counselor ratio and what kind of medical care is provided. Ask about the experience of the staff members and their training.
Explore all options The variety of camp programs available has never been greater. Businesses, churches, schools and community organizations have programs to offer—from traditional general-interest programs to sports and band camps to highly specialized STEM
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Loudoun Parks and Rec Gears Up for Camp Season The widest selection of summer camp opportunities is offered by the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services. Just what’s on tap for this year isn’t known yet. The agency’s catalog will be released in coming weeks. But registration opens March 24 and that is an important date because many camps fill up quickly. PRCS camps include full-day programs for grades K-8, adaptive recreation camp, trip camps and a variety of specialty and sports camps at centers, parks and schools throughout the county. Others feature outdoor adventures, sports, art, horsemanship, science, nature, engineering, music and theater. The 2020 Summer Camp Guide will be available online at loudoun. gov/1202/Summer-Camps, as well as at county park offices and libraries in early March. n
Ask about camp schedules While many camps are flexible, day camps do not have the same level of flexibility as after-school programs. Arrangements will need to be made if care is required after regular camp hours. Speak with the camp staff to see which types of after-hours programs, if any, are available. While camps can be a great experience and create life-long memories, remember to allow for some free days for family activities—and even a bit of couch time for the kids. n
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
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There’s a new type of sports camp that is gaining popularity in Loudoun, and it has its roots in the 15th century. Fencing is being embraced as a youth sport that challenges the body and mind while being accessible to athletes of any size or temperament. Trainers say the sport provides a complete mind-body workout and has the added advantage of opening opportunities to continue to play at the collegiate level—and to land scholarships. Several fencing clubs and training cen-
ters have opened in Loudoun in recent years and have quickly gained traction. In many cases, the local centers provide access to Olympic-caliber instructors. Training starts with students as young as age 7 or 8, and those pursuing the sport already have a local success story to follow—Michaela Joyce, at Cardinal Fencing Academy in Sterling, started fencing as a sixth grader. Today she is internationally ranked with a shot at competing on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team. n
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
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SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Family-Owned-and-Operated Fencing Club Get invaluable lessons at our welcoming fencing club in Ashburn, Virginia. Owned and operated by the mother of an NCAA fencer, Loudoun Fencing is a one-of-a-kind fencing school founded with a mission of giving fencers and their families a supportive space to practice, improve, and forge lifelong friendships. If you’d like to learn more about our facility, please free to reach out.
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Forty years ago next week, America fell in love with ice hockey. That’s when Captain Mike Eruzione, goalie Jim Craig and an Olympic team roster of previous unknowns pulled off “The Miracle on Ice,” defeating the Soviet Union en route to an unlikely gold medal performance. In the winter of 1980, kids with hockey sticks poured out on neighborhood streets and frozen ponds to try their hands at the newly popular sport. Today, youth ice hockey is much more sophisticated and the availability of topflight venues to hone those skills has never been higher. That’s especially true in Loudoun County, which boast two of the region’s top skating centers and training programs that provide paths to the top levels of the sport. The Ashburn Ice House has been the center of Loudoun’s skating world for the past two decades. Last year, the Ion Training Center opened in Leesburg, bringing more capacity for practice and games. This summer, both offer a range of camps designed to help serious players improve their skills as well as day camps for young skaters looking for fun and friendship. Ashburn’s summer Power Play camps run weekly starting just after school lets out in June and continue through August. At Ion, if hockey isn’t your thing, some Olympic-level coaches will be offering opportunities to bring your figure skating to the next level. Don’t want to spend your summer on the ice? Another of Loudoun’s top sports center has the answer for that. Among the many offerings at the Evergreen Sportsplex, just south of Leesburg, this summer is a field hockey camp that will give young players the chance to improve their skills and older girls the ability to prepare for their school tryouts. With these top training opportunities, there’s hope that one of our young, little-known athletes may one day celebrate their own gold medal miracle. n
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
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Our Weekly Summer Camps will leave your kids smiling (and worn out!) all summer long. Like recess all day everyday, your kids will play sports, some familiar and some new, make crafts, explore nature and most importantly have fun!!!
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
LoCo Living
THINGS to do
Loudoun Museum Taps into Virginia Wine
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com
When you’re sipping a viognier at your favorite local winery, you may not be thinking about the bumpy, beautiful and fascinating history of wine in Virginia and Loudoun. But the new head of the Loudoun Museum has immersed himself in four centuries of Virginia wine. The museum’s new exhibit “Vintage Pursuits: Cultivating a Virginia Wine Industry” opens Friday. For Executive Director Joseph Rizzo, the exhibit is part of a move to take a fresh approach to Loudoun history, with new hooks and unexpected shows, making the museum a more vibrant part of the county’s tourism landscape. “After spending some time learning about where visitors are coming from and why they’re coming here, a lot of it’s the wineries, the breweries. Agrotourism is really starting to take off,” Rizzo said. “We can really tap into—no pun intended— what’s driving tourism.” The exhibit follows the history of viticulture and winemaking in Virginia from colonial times with a focus on Loudoun’s wine industry. “It’s really not about the nuts and bolts of wine growing. We wanted to focus on the social and political contexts surrounding it too,” Rizzo said. One of the most surprising things for Rizzo as he researched and planned the exhibit was how much of a focus there was on grape growing in colonial times. From the early days, wine and grapes played a significant role in Virginia’s laws, culture and politics, he said. In the 1600s, the colonies were required to grow grapes as England looked to offset its reliance on French wine. “The depths that colony and the state went to produce wine and make a wine industry is what stood out most to me,” he said. But it wasn’t an easy path. The native grapes that initially excited colonists didn’t make good wine, and climate and disease hampered early efforts, despite colonial governments bringing in European winemakers. “Nothing really seemed to work for the first couple hundred years,” Rizzo said. “One thing that stood out to me was sim-
Courtesy of Shocktober
My Bloody Valentine at Shocktober
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Loudoun Museum Executive Director Joseph Rizzo and Visitor Experience Manager Andrea Ekholm show off an antique press in the museum’s new exhibit on the history of wine in Virginia.
ply how much failure there was with Virginia wine. When you look at the history, it’s centuries of failure by and large—for natural reasons, for political reasons, for social reasons. But in the past half-century, new technology and determined winemakers have finally achieved success in growing European grapes in Virginia’s humid climate, and Loudoun is at the epicenter of the new wave. For Rizzo’s colleague, Visitor Experience Manager Andrea Ekholm, those strides in the past few decades are the most remarkable thing she learned in preparing the exhibit. “The ups and downs for the last 400 years and then what’s happened in the last 40 is just insane,” Ekholm said. In fact, things are moving so fast in Loudoun, the museum team, along with Visit Loudoun, had to quickly redo a map created for the exhibit to include a brand new winery that recently opened near Purcellville ahead of opening day. And while the exhibit tackles winemaking in Virginia at large, it reserves a special place for Loudoun’s wine industry with a focus on pioneering wineries like Leesburg’s Willowcroft Farm Vineyards and Middleburg’s Chrysalis Vineyards. The exhibit features objects from Willow-
croft’s first days in the early ’80s, including a small press and one of the thick, gnarly vines that grew from the vineyard’s first plantings. The show also explores Chrysalis’ successful efforts to revive the Norton grape, a hybrid varietal created in 19th century Virginia that was nearly wiped out during prohibition. Rizzo’s vision is to get folks who stop at the museum out to wineries and also to bring the exhibit to winery visitors. The museum has duplicated the exhibit’s informational banners to take the show on the road. They’ll be moving to wineries and set up in tasting rooms and cellars, giving wine lovers a little education with their tastings. Like Virginia’s wine industry the museum has seen its share of ups and downs. Rizzo, a 19th century history specialist, was brought on late in 2018 at the end of a turbulent year in which the museum’s board of trustees fired its former executive director, and the rest of the museum’s staff resigned by the end of that summer. But the pair of young museum professionals now at the helm are focused on moving forward and taking advantage of the museum’s prime real estate on Loudoun Street in the heart of downtown LOUDOUN MUSEUM continues on page 35
Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, 7-10 p.m. Paxton Campus, 601 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg Details: shocktober.org If roses aren’t your thing, how about an evening of terror with your sweetie or friends? Shocktober opens Carlheim Manor for just two nights as a Valentine’s weekend treat. Tickets are $40 per person or $60 per couple.
My Bloody Valentine Dinner Saturday, Feb. 15, 6-9:30 p.m. National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Leesburg Details: shocktober.org Enjoy a special four-course meal prepared by Executive Chef Frank Estremera and then take a private shuttle to and from Shocktober’s My Bloody Valentine event. Tickets are $110 per person and include admission to the haunted house.
Vanish Valentine’s Party Friday, Feb. 14, 5-10 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Hopwoods Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com This party for singles, couples and families features trivia, family-oriented workshops, live music and drink specials.
Roses and Pearls Valentine’s Dinner Friday, Feb. 14, 5-10 p.m. Lansdowne Resort and Spa, 44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne Details: destinationhotels.com/lansdowneresort Celebrate with a romantic dinner at the Riverside Hearth featuring buffet appetizers, choice of main course and buffet desserts. Tickets are $93 per person.
Valentine Couples Dinner Friday, Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m. Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont
THINGS TO DO continues on page 34
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
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Local Saxophonist Helps Lead Loudoun’s Jazz Scene Expansion BY MARTIN BONICA
Downtown Leesburg has become a focal point for jazz music. A prolific member of the scene’s burgeoning community is Lisa Fiorilli, saxophonist, teacher, and leader of the Lisa Fiorilli Jazz Trio, which has lately expanded to become a quartet. For the past 10 years she has taught through the Catoctin School of Music, and over that time her band has become a local mainstay. For the past seven years, her band has consisted of herself, Patrick Fritz on guitar, and Fernando Bolanos on bass guitar. The three met teaching at the Catoctin School of Music, and recently began playing with Sawyer Gaydon on drums. The band has a wide repertoire spanning from jazz standards to unexpected pop deep cuts—a version of Sting’s “Englishman in New York” was a standout at one of their recent performances at Crooked Run Brewing in Leesburg. Fiorilli first picked up the saxophone after being steered toward it by a teacher in the fourth grade. “I like that when I play music, everything’s involved; the brain’s involved, the body’s involved. It’s very physical,” Fiorilli said of her main instrument. “It feels really good to play, just physically vocalizing
of other people, just through the instrument is through teaching, so really enjoyable. … Peothat experience makes ple talk about mindfulness me more comfortable now, and even meditation, to perform in public.” and playing an instrument Jazz bands, includis a way to achieve mindfuling Fiorilli’s, have been ness and flow.” enjoying more opporShe describes jazz as a tunities to perform in liberating medium. downtown Leesburg. “Playing jazz, the ele“What’s cool about ment of improvisation, perLeesburg is that the mits mistakes. When I’m population is varied, performing classical mubecause it is densely sic or music composed by populated, more so somebody else, there’s a lot now than in the last 10 of pressure to play perfectly, years,” she said. “The so I find it’s much more encommunity is really joyable to have the freedom to improvise, to navigate a Martin Bonica/Get Out Loudoun supportive of live music and art. The restaupath through the form, and Lisa Fiorilli performs at Crooked Run rants and bars, in parif mistakes are made, to fig- Brewing in Leesburg, one of several ticular the managers ure out how to forge ahead downtown venues embracing Loudoun of the restaurants, are and not stop and crash the growing jazz scene. a major part of facilitrain,” she said. In the early 2000s, Fiorilli complet- tating live music.” She ticks through the list of venues her ed a master’s degree in English at George Mason University, and began teaching band has played, naming the Wine Kitchfor Loudoun County Public Schools in en (where they played their first Leesburg 2005. “There’s no opportunity to be stage- gig), Casa Nostra, Trungo’s, and both of shy” when teaching, she said. “I definitely Crooked Run’s locations—the cozy Leesgained a lot of confidence being in front burg space and the more massive Sterling
SEEKING NOMINATIONS for 2020 Loudoun Laureates
Recipients will be honored at The Loudoun Laurels Gala
Friday, September 25, 2020 Visit our website at loudounlaurels.org/nominate for more information about Laureate candidate qualifications and how to make a nomination.
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location. “We have a lot of musicians who live in the area and are really advocating for more live music,” she said, citing the efforts of the Loudoun Jazz Society, which hosts monthly jam sessions at Trungo’s, as well as the weekly jazz nights at Lightfoot Restaurant. “I think the First Friday scene is awesome for musicians; there will be twenty to twenty-five different venues who host live music.” Over the course of the past few years, she said, the pace of her band’s shows has picked up from once every few months to almost weekly. Fiorilli has a positive outlook on the area’s rapid expansion over the past decade. “The growth means that there are more people who come see us play, which means venues are more willing to book live music, and in turn, we can attract people to come out to the venues. The community is very supportive of live music; plus, they realize the value of art and culture and music, so that’s definitely a boon.” Lisa Fiorilli will perform with her trio band on Friday, Feb. 13 at Crooked Run in Leesburg and quartet shows at Crooked Run Leesburg on March 13 and Crooked Run Sterling on March 14. n
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PAGE 34
THINGS to do
to all and features games, music and fun.
Anti-Valentine’s Day Party
continued from page 32 Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com Celebrate with gorgeous scenery and a threecourse dinner from chef Justin Garrison. Cost is $80 per couple for dinner with a suggested beer pairing available for $15 per person.
‘A Valentine 4U’ Cabaret Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Trillium Gathering Building, 18195 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, VA Details: eventbrite.com When former Main Street Theater stars prepare to stage “My Funny Valentine,” chaos ensues along with hilarious tunes, love songs and a poignant ending. Karlah Louis stars as a stage mom in her last local role. Tickets are $20 and include dessert. Advance purchase is required.
Valentine’s Stoplight PJ Party Friday, Feb. 14, 8-11:30 p.m. City Tap Loudoun, 20376 Exchange St., Ashburn Details: citytap.com Put on your PG-13 pajamas and wear your status on your sleeve: red for taken, yellow for it’s complicated and green for single. DJ Romin hits the turntables at 9 p.m. No cover.
Belly Love Fook Love Party Friday, Feb. 14, 7-10 p.m. Belly Love Brewing Company, 725 E. Main St. in Purcellville. Details: bellylovebrewing.com No date? No problem! Belly Love’s party is open
Friday, Feb. 14, 9 p.m.-midnight 14 Loudoun, 14 Loudoun St. SE, Leesburg Details: facebook.com/14loudoun Everyone is welcome at 14 Loudoun’s AntiValentine’s party featuring DJ ERK. No cover.
have created some of the most memorable and iconic love songs in history. Join talented local artists for an evening of beautiful and fun love songs. Tickets for Friday and Saturday are $75 and include pre-show appetizers, catered dinner and dessert. Tickets for Sunday’s show are $25 with no dinner service. Beer and wine will be available for sale.
LOCO CULTURE
ON STAGE Loudoun Lyric Opera: ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ Friday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m., St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 37018 Glendale Street, Purcellville; Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., Christ Church Lucketts, 14861 New Valley Church Road, Leesburg; Sunday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., St. James Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, 14 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg; and Friday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m., St. David’s Episcopal, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn Details: loudounlyricopera.com Loudoun Lyric Opera presents Mozart’s brilliant comedy about promises made, promises kept and love winning out in the end just in time for Valentine’s Day. Performance will be in Italian with English subtitles. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students.
‘Love in the USA’ Valentine’s Cabaret Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 6:30 p.m., doors open, 7:30 p.m., show begins; Sunday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m. doors open, 6:30 p.m., show begins StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com From George Gershwin to Alicia Keys and Cole Porter to Sarah Bareilles, American songwriters
Where Art Meets Hiking Sunday, Feb. 16, 2-4 p.m. Round Hill Arts Center, 35246 Harry Byrd Highway, Round Hill Details: roundhillartscenter.org Rose Turner is an artist adventurer who has successfully through-hiked the Appalachian Trail and draws comics of her hikes. Meet Turner at an opening reception of a new show featuring her AT work.
FEBRUARY 13, 2020 Details: oldoxbrewery.com Jim Brick’s laid-back style and hilarious stories make him one of the most popular comics around. Tickets are $25.
Live Music: The Derailleurs Friday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Forget Valentine’s Day—B Chord is celebrating the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia with raucous hot jazz from the Derailleurs.
NIGHTLIFE Loudoun Now file photo
Jotown Dance Club Friday, Feb. 14, 7-11 p.m. Atlantis, 45449 Severn Way, Dulles Details: atlantisva.info Joan Whaley hosts a back in the day, old school evening of R&B, soul and Motown with hand dancing and line dancing. This fun event is for singles and couples. Wear red for Valentine’s Day. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. Old Ox Comedy Nights: Jim Brick Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, 7-9 p.m. Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn
Live Music: Torrey B. Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Crooked Run Brewing, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Rock, R&B and soul from a talented DMV-based singer/songwriter with thoughtful takes on the classics. No cover.
Live Music: Juliana MacDowell Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., doors open, 8 p.m. show begins
THRIVE TALKS Come. Thrive with us. We are stronger together. This month, Ask the Doctor. Join Dr. Rahel Yirga and Dr. Steve Simmons for a Q&A session regarding your healthcare questions and how the brain ages. Dr. Steve Simmons will also be autographing his book, Brain Health As You Age. WHEN: Thursday, February 20th Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Presentation: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: Tribute at One Loudoun
Please RSVP to RSVP@TributeAtOneLoudoun.com by February 19th.
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
THINGS to do continued from page 34 Barns of Rose Hill, 95 Chalmers Court, Berryville Details: barnsofrosehill.org MacDowell’s velvety vocals and vibrant take on the Americana genre with moving originals and stirring interpretations of old favorites.
Live Music: Chris Hanks Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Social House Kitchen and Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn Details: socialhouseashburn.com Enjoy an evening of country favorites from Loudoun’s own Chris Hanks.
Live Music: The Day Drinkers Saturday, Feb. 15, 7-10 p.m. Dragon Hops Brewing, 130 E. Main St., Purcellville Details: dragonhopsbrewing.com Keep the holiday weekend going with hard-rockin’ blues, danceable grooves and positive vibes.
Live Music: Eaglemania Friday, Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The beloved Eagles tribute band returns to the Tally Ho with favorite hits in stunning five-part harmony. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 day of show.
Live Music: IWOR Reggae Band
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Loudoun Museum continued from page 32 Leesburg. Rizzo is a native of western New York state and earned a doctorate in history from West Virginia University with a focus on Civil War antebellum politics. Before taking over at the museum, he worked at the Drayton Hall historic site in Charleston, SC, while serving as an adjunct professor at College of Charleston. Ekholm, who hails from Gainesville, has a master’s degree in museum studies from
PAGE 35
George Washington University specializing in collection management and object handling. Her role includes improving visitor experience while also working with volunteers to inventory the museum’s extensive collection and identify which objects are relevant to planned exhibits “We’re trying to figure out what we have and how that can fit into the stories we want to tell,” Ekholm said. Meanwhile, Rizzo’s mission is to come up with more out-of-the-box concepts at the downtown museum while working with other local organizations to boost tourism while educating visitors—with or
without a glass of wine in their hands. “We want to be advocates for all there is to do in Loudoun County,” Rizzo said. “Vintage Pursuits: Cultivating a Virginia Wine Industry” opens to the public Friday, Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. and formally kicks off Thursday, March 5 with a lecture and book signing with Andrew Painter, author of “Virginia Wine: Four Centuries of Change.” Regular admission is free. Tickets for the author talk are $5 for Loudoun Museum members and $10 for non-members. For tickets and information, go to loudounmuseum.org. n
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF THE APPLICATION OF TOLL ROAD INVESTORS PARTNERSHIP II, L.P., FOR AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF TOLLS ON THE DULLES GREENWAY CASE NO. PUR-2019-00218 On January 23, 2020, Toll Road Investors Partnership II, L.P. (“TRIP II” or “Company”), the operator of the Dulles Greenway, filed an application (“Application”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) for an increase in the maximum level of tolls pursuant to the Virginia Highway Corporation Act of 1988, § 56-535 et seq. of the Code of Virginia (“Code”). Section 56-542 D of the Code provides that, upon application and after investigation, the Commission has the duty and authority to approve or revise toll rates charged by the Dulles Greenway that (i) are reasonable to the user in relation to the benefit obtained; (ii) will not materially discourage use of the roadway by the public; and (iii) will provide the Company no more than a reasonable return as determined by the Commission. TRIP II requests approval of “a toll schedule that provides for small increases in the maximum two-axle vehicle peak and off-peak tolls over a five year period.” Specifically, the Company requests approval of increases in the maximum two-axle toll as follows: 1/1/21 Off-peak $5.00 Peak $6.15
1/1/22 $5.25 $6.55
1/1/23 $5.55 $6.95
1/1/24 $5.85 $7.40
1/1/25 $6.15 $7.90
Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30-11:30 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com The Imperial Warriors of Rastafari full band take McDowell’s stage in Leesburg with a dynamic mix of reggae tunes.
TRIP II also proposes that the maximum toll for three-axle vehicles be established as double the two-axle maximum and that the maximum toll for vehicles with four to five axles be equal to the maximum toll for three-axle vehicles plus an amount equal to 50% of the two-axle maximum toll for each additional axle above three axles. The Company proposes that vehicles with more than five axles will pay the same toll as vehicles with five axles. TRIP II asserts that “[t]he proposed tolls will allow TRIP II to continue to provide a safer, more efficient, and well-maintained alternative travel route for drivers.” The Company further states that the requested toll rate increases satisfy the criteria in Code § 56-542 D, and that the proposed tolls “will allow TRIP II to undertake major capital improvement projects to further improve the Greenway and adjoining public roads which will, among other things: (1) reduce congestion in the surrounding road network; (ii) improve the travel time and experience for TRIP II customers; and (iii) ensure TRIP II remains in compliance with the Comprehensive Agreement [between TRIP II and the Virginia Department of Transportation].”
Live Music: Mudlark Band
TAKE NOTICE that the final toll rates approved by the Commission in this proceeding may be different from those proposed by the Company.
Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com This quartet has brought passionate rock and blues to the DMV for more than 40 years. No cover.
The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing to commence at 10 a.m. on June 9, 2020, in the Commission’s courtroom, second floor, Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, to receive testimony and evidence from members of the public the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Any person desiring to testify as a public witness at this hearing should appear in the Commission’s courtroom fifteen (15) minutes prior to the starting time of the hearing and contact the Commission’s Bailiff.
Lovettsville Valentine’s Dance with Rewind Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Lovettsville Game Protective Association, 16 S. Berlin Pike, Lovettsville Details: lovettsvillegameclub.com Michele Mauro and Rewind bring retro favorites from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Tickets are $10.
Live Music: Mark Cullinane Saturday, Feb. 15, 8-11 p.m. American Legion Post 293, 112 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: vapost293.org Put on your cowboy boots and enjoy an evening of country tunes with Mark Cullinane.
Lovesick Blues: A Tribute to Hank Williams and Patsy Cline Saturday, Feb. 15, 8-10 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Robbie Limon returns with his acclaimed Hank Williams tribute, joined by Tracey Wygals’s spot-on take on Patsy Cline. Tickets are $20 to $25.
A copy of the Application and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the Company’s office, 45305 Catalina Court, Suite 102, Sterling, Virginia 20166. Copies also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Timothy E. Biller, Esquire, Hunton Andrews Kurth, LLP, Riverfront Plaza, East Tower, 951 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-4074. If acceptable to the requesting party, the Company may provide the documents by electronic means. Copies of the public version of the Application and other documents filed in this case also are available for interested persons to review in the Commission’s Document Control Center, located on the first floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies from the Commission’s website: http://www. scc.virginia.gov/case. On or before March 17, 2020, any interested person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by filing a notice of participation. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of the notice of participation shall be submitted to Joel H. Peck, Clerk, State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Anyone filing a notice of participation simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company at the address set forth above. Pursuant to Rule 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by Rule 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR 2019-00218. On or before April 24, 2020, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission and serve on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. If not filed electronically, an original and fifteen (15) copies of such testimony and exhibits shall be submitted to the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Respondents also shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, including: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2019-00218. On or before June 2, 2020, any interested person wishing to comment on the Company’s Application shall file written comments on the Application with the Clerk of the Commission at the address set forth above. Any interested person desiring to file comments electronically may do so on or before June 2, 2020, by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-201900218. All documents filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice. The Commission’s Rules of Practice may be viewed at: http://www.scc.virginia.gov/case. A printed copy of the Rules of Practice and an official copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding may be obtained from the Clerk of the Commission at the address above.
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UNCLE KRACKER 02/18/20 DOORS: 7:00PM
CARBON LEAF 02/29/20 DOORS: 7:00PM
GO GO GADJET 03/06/20 DOORS: 7:00PM
The crew behind the massively popular Shocktober haunted house on the Paxton campus in Leesburg, will be back this week to offer a Valentine’s Day scare. My Bloody Valentine on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15 is a self-guided tour through lovewrecked horrors inside Carlheim manor. This PG-13 experience is a “sequel” to the award-winning Shocktober and generates revenue for The Arc of Loudoun. Shocktober is a major production with more than 14,000 visitors touring the 32-rooms of terror and more than 450 volunteers working on the production last year. All proceeds from the event benefit The Arc of Loudoun, a nonprofit that advocates for, educates, serves and supports people with disabilities, as well as their families, caretakers, and the professionals who work with them through its integrated programs: The Aurora School, Open Door Learning Center Preschool, ALLY “A Life Like Yours” Advocacy Center, Aurora Behavior Clinic, and Ability Fitness Center. Learn more at TheArcOfLoudoun.org. Tours will be offered from 7 p.m. to 10
Contributed
The crowds will return to the Carlheim mansion on the Paxton Campus in Leesburg this weekend for an extreme Valentine’s holiday fright.
p.m. both nights. General admission tickets are $35 online and $40 at the gate; Special Valentine’s Two-For tickets are $60. All parking is located at Tuscarora High
School, 801 N. King St, with a free shuttle provided. For tickets and details go to shocktober. org. n
THIS WEEKEND'S BEST BETS
80S NIGHT WITH THE REAGAN YEARS 03/07/20 DOORS: 7:00PM
BALLYHOO! 03/13/20 DOORS: 7:00PM SEVERAL SPECIES: THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE 03/14/20 DOORS: 7:00PM
BOAT HOUSE ROW 03/21/20 DOORS: 7:00PM LIVE WIRE: THE ULTIMATE AC/DC EXPERIENCE 03/28/20 DOORS: 7:00PM
RUNAWAY GIN: A TRIBUTE TO PHISH 02/14 & 02/15/20 DOORS: 7:00PM
The Wailers Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. (doors) Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. Lucketts Community Center luckettsbluegrass.org
Lovesick Blues A Tribute to Hank Williams, Sr. and Patsy Cline Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center franklinparkartscenter.org
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
PAGE 37
Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, VIRGINIA Proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021 Proposed Tax Rates for Tax Year 2020 Pursuant to Section 15.2-2506 and Section 58.1-3007 of the Code of Virginia, the County of Loudoun, Virginia (the “County”), gives notice of its proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2021 (the FY 2021 Proposed Budget); and the proposed tax rates on real and personal property for Tax Year 2020, beginning January 1, 2020, and ending December 31, 2020. The budget is prepared and published for informative and fiscal planning purposes only. The inclusion in the budget of any item or items does not constitute any obligation or commitment on the part of the Board of Supervisors of the County to appropriate any funds for that item or purpose. There is no allocation or designation of any funds of the County for any purpose until there has been an appropriation for that purpose by the Board of Supervisors. The estimated local match for the school budget is $949,461,823. This is the local tax revenue proposed for the Loudoun County Public Schools to fund its Fiscal Year 2021 budget for public schools. Two public hearings on the proposed budget and the proposed tax rates will be held by the Board of Supervisors in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. An additional session of the public hearing will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. in the School Board Meeting Room, Loudoun County Public Schools’ Administration Building. Any member of the public may address the Board of Supervisors on these matters; however, each member of the public wishing to address the Board may speak at only one of the sessions. The Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room is located in the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, SE, Leesburg, Virginia. The Loudoun County Public Schools’ Administration Building is located at 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia. Copies of the FY 2021 Proposed Budget are available for inspection at the Department of Finance and Budget in the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 4th Floor, Leesburg, Virginia. The FY 2021 Proposed Budget is also available online at www.loudoun.gov/budget. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. To sign up in advance of the public hearing, citizens should call (703) 777-0200, beginning Thursday, February 13, 2020. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. All speakers will be limited to two minutes and 30 seconds so that all in attendance may have the opportunity to speak. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Board of Supervisors, 1 Harrison Street, SE, Leesburg, Virginia 20177 or by e-mail to loudounbudget@loudoun.gov. If submitting written comments, information or materials at the hearing, 10 copies should be provided for distribution to the Board members and for the Clerk’s records. The following is a brief synopsis of the budget: Proposed Appropriations Category
FY 2021 Proposed Expenditures
FY 2021 Proposed Revenue
FY 2021 Proposed Local Tax Funding (LTF)
FY 2020 Adopted LTF
LTF Variance
OPERATING
Restricted Use Transient Occupancy Tax
4,071,700
4,071,700
0
0
0
Self-Insurance Fund
5,455,700
0
5,455,700
5,455,700
0
State and Federal Grant Fund
3,959,061
3,959,061
0
0
0
Operating Subtotal
$2,142,213,387
$763,915,398
$1,378,497,989
$1,263,644,246
$114,853,743
DEBT SERVICE County Government
$71,425,089
$13,719,439
$57,705,650
$53,675,504
$4,030,146
School System
149,545,510
8,407,731
141,137,779
134,812,087
6,325,692
Route 28 Special Improvements Fund
14,232,800
14,232,800
0
0
0
Greenlea Special Assessment District Fund
44,038
44,038
0
0
0
Tall Oaks Water and Sewer Special Revenue Fund
60,572
60,572
0
0
0
Debt Service Subtotal
$235,308,009
$36,464,580
$198,843,429
$188,487,591
$10,355,838
CAPITAL County Government Capital Projects
$248,369,928
$180,136,408
$68,233,520
$48,198,390
$20,035,130
County Asset Preservation Program
11,495,000
100,000
11,395,000
11,629,000
(234,000)
School System Capital Projects
87,275,000
62,855,000
24,420,000
14,475,000
9,945,000
24,261,000
0
24,261,000
14,277,500
9,983,500
County General Fund
$645,073,604
$224,924,757
$420,148,847
$380,601,633
$39,547,214
School Operating Fund
1,377,390,363
427,928,540
949,461,823
873,658,353
75,803,470
School Grant Fund
27,875,323
27,875,323
0
0
0
School Lease Purchase Fund
10,002,000
10,002,000
0
0
0
School System Asset Preservation
School Nutrition Fund
32,950,033
32,950,033
0
0
0
Capital Projects Financing Fund
127,148,000
127,148,000
0
0
0
Children’s Services Act Fund
9,301,500
6,116,500
3,185,000
3,685,000
(500,000)
4,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
4,000,000
(2,000,000)
Dulles Town Center CDA Fund
Major Equipment Replacement Fund
3,500,000
3,500,000
0
0
0
Public Facilities Fund
21,359,632
21,359,632
0
0
0
EMS Transport Program
5,600,000
5,600,000
0
0
0
Transportation District Fund
122,163,145
103,525,572
18,637,573
17,395,000
1,242,573
Capital Subtotal
$646,071,705
$497,124,612
$148,947,093
$109,974,890
$38,972,203
TOTAL PROPOSED APPROPRIATIONS
$3,023,793,100
$1,297,504,590
$1,726,288,511
$1,562,106,727
$164,181,784
Housing Fund
5,000,000
5,000,000
0
0
0
Legal Resource Center Fund
114,210
44,980
69,229
66,170
3,059
Metro Garages Fund
2,371,707
2,371,707
0
0
0
Other Special Revenue Funds
91,000
91,000
0
0
0
Rental Assistance Fund
9,657,187
9,479,797
177,390
177,390
0
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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PAGE 38
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Legal Notices SUMMARY OF PROPERTY TAX RATES Pursuant to Va. Code § 58.1-3007, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of the proposed increase in certain local property tax rates for Tax Year 2020 as indicated below:
Adopted Tax Year 2019
Proposed Tax Year 2020
Tangible Personal Property – Eligible Motor Vehicle of a Qualified Permanently Disabled Veteran (Va. Code § 58.1-3506(A)(19)
$0.010
$0.010
Type of Taxable Property
Type of Taxable Property
Adopted Tax Year 2019
Proposed Tax Year 2020
$0.010
$0.010
All Real Estate (including mobile homes used as residences); and Public Service Corporation Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property (except automobiles, trucks & aircraft) (Va. Code § 58.1-2606)
Tangible Personal Property – Aircraft and Flight Simulators (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A) (5)), including aircraft of Public Service Corporations (Va. Code § 58.1-2606 (B))
$1.045
$1.045
Tangible Personal Property – Heavy Construction Machinery (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(8))
$4.000
$4.000
Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles specially equipped to provide transportation for physically handicapped individuals (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(14))
$0.010
$0.010
Tangible Personal Property – Eligible Motor Vehicles of Fire and Rescue Volunteers and Auxiliary Members and Auxiliary Deputy Sheriffs (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(15), (16) & (32))
$0.010
$0.010
Tangible Personal Property – Satellite Manufacturing, Testing and Operating Equipment within Route 28 Highway Transportation Improvement District (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A) (21))
$0.010
$0.010
Tangible Personal Property – Furniture, Office and Maintenance Equipment (except motor vehicles) owned and used by Homeowners Associations (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(24))
$0.010
$0.010
Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles, Trailers and Semi-trailers of Interstate Motor Carriers (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A) (25))
$2.750
$2.750
Tangible Personal Property – Qualifying Wireless Broadband Equipment (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(37))
$2.100
$2.100
Tangible Personal Property – Four-wheeled, low-speed vehicles (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(38))
$0.010
$0.010
Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles Powered Solely by Electricity (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(40))
$4.200
$4.200
Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles of Uniformed Members of the Virginia Defense Force (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(44))
$0.010
$0.010
Wild or Exotic Animals kept for public exhibition and properly licensed by the federal government and/or the Commonwealth (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(23))
$0.010
$0.010
Commercial and Industrial Real Estate in Route 28 Highway Transportation Improvement District (Va. Code § 15.2-4607); and Public Service Corporation Real Estate &Tangible Personal Property in the district, except automobiles, trucks & aircraft, (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other service district where the property is located, if applicable)
$0.180
Real Estate in the Hamilton Sewer Service District (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other tax district where the real estate is located, if applicable)
$0.000
Real Estate in the Metrorail Service District; and Public Service Corporation Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property in the district, except automobiles, trucks & aircraft (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other service district where the property is located, if applicable)
$0.200
$0.180
$0.000
$0.200
Real Estate in the Route 606-Airport Station Service District; and Public Service Corporation Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property in the district, except automobiles, trucks & aircraft (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other service district where the property is located, if applicable)
$0.000
Real Estate in the Route 772 Station Service District; and Public Service Corporation Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property in the district, except automobiles, trucks & aircraft (in addition to the general rate applicable to all real estate in the County and the rate for any other service district where the property is located, if applicable)
$0.000
Tangible Personal Property (to include all categories of tangible personal property unless the category and rate is set out separately in this notice), including automobiles and trucks of Public Service Corporations (Va. Code § 58.1-2606 (B))
$4.200
$4.200
Tangible Personal Property Used in a Research and Development Business (Va. Code § 58.1-3506 (A)(7)); and Machinery and Tools (Va. Code §§ 58.1-3507 et seq.)
$2.750
$2.750
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.
Tangible Personal Property – Motor Vehicles of Eligible Elderly and Disabled (Va. Code § 58.1-3506.1; Chapter 873 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County)
$2.100
$2.100
BY ORDER OF:
$0.000
$0.000
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 02/13 & 02/20/20
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR: CONSTRUCTION OF THE POTOMAC GREEN NEIGHBORHOOD PARK IMPROVEMENTS, IFB (RFQ) No. 192782, until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, March 23, 2020. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on February 18, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. at the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure Office located at 101 Blue Seal Drive, Suite 102, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, Conference Room 2 for clarification of any questions on the drawings, specifications and site conditions. Solicitation forms are available by downloading them from the website at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement at no cost. Solicitation forms may also be picked up at the Division of Procurement at 1 Harrison Street, 4th Floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays or call (703) 777-0403. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 02/13/2020
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. YR. MAKE
MODEL
2004 2004 1999 2011 2013 1997 2004 1998 1997
QUEST ALTIMA CIVIC CX9 ELANTRA RANGER COLUMBIA VAN TRAILER S10
NISSAN NISSAN HONDA MAZDA HYUNDAI FORD FREIGHTLINER KENTUCKY CHEVROLET
02/06 & 02/13/20
VIN 5N1BV28U84N345567 1N4AL11DX4C181752 1HGEJ8248XL037275 JM3TB3DV5B0301906 5NPH4AE1D4315815 1FTCR14A0VTA25773 1FUJA6CV94LM24723 1KKVE5125WL112102 1GCCS1941VK105970
STORAGE
PHONE#
AL’S TOWING AL’S TOWING AL’S TOWING BLAIR’S TOWING D&M TOWING DOUBLE D TOWING ROADRUNNER WRECKER ROADRUNNER WRECKER LCSO IMPOUND LOT
703-435-2467 703-435-2467 703-435-2467 703-661-8200 703-471-4590 703-777-7300 703-450-7555 703-450-7555 703-777-0610
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
PAGE 39
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 24, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following: SIDP-2019-0007 HAMILTON SAFETY CENTER
ZMAP-2019-0011, SPEX-2019-0023 & SPEX-2019-0024 LOUDOUN MUTUAL
Hamilton Volunteer Fire and Rescue, of Hamilton, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternate sign regulations for permitted signs in order to modify Table 5-1204(D), Sign Requirements Matrix, to increase the total aggregate sign area, increase maximum sign area of any one sign, and permit illumination permitted for a public / quasi-public sign. The subject property is being developed pursuant to SPEX-2003-0024, Hamilton Safety Center, and STPL-2003-0017, Hamilton Safety Center, located in the RC (Rural Commercial) and JLMA-1 (Joint Land Management Area – 1) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternate sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is approximately 10.54 acres in size and is located on the south side of East Colonial Highway (Route 7) and east of Harmony Church Road (Route 704) at 39071 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 382-27-7245. The area is governed by the policies of the 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North Place Type), which designate this area for Agricultural and Rural Economy uses, and limited Residential development at a recommended density of one dwelling unit per 20 acres.
Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company, of Waterford, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) To rezone approximately 3.13 acres from the CR-2 (Countryside Residential–2) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the RC (Rural Commercial) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to expand an existing corporate office building; 2) A Special Exception to allow the expansion of the existing building from 14,784 square feet to 24,584 square feet; and 3) A Special Exception to reduce the required number of parking from 4 spaces/1,000 square feet to 2.1 spaces/1,000 square feet. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use to allow any one permitted use in excess of 10,000 square feet is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 2-904(A) and the Special Exception to reduce the required number of parking spaces is allowed pursuant to Section 5-1100, Table 5-1102. The subject property is located within the Village Conservation Overlay District (VDOD) and the Historic and Cultural Conservation Overlay District (HCC). The subject property is approximately 3.13 acres in size and is located on the west side of High Street (Route 665) south of Janney Street (Route 806) and Second Street (Route 662) to the west, at 15609 High Street Waterford, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 303-16-7107. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural Historic Villages Place Type), which designate this area for Residential and Non Residential uses.
(Sign Development Plan)
SIDP-2019-0008 LOVETTSVILLE HOME ASSISTED LIVING (Sign Development Plan)
Lovettsville Home Assisted Living, of Lovettsville, 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 maximum area of any one sign from 2 square feet to 15.8 square feet. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZMAP-2005-0042, Rural Policy Area Remapping, located in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural – 1) 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 3 acres in size and is located east of Berlin Turnpike (Route 287) and west of Milltown Road (Route 681), 39196 Rodeffer Road, Lovettsville, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 372-48-8868. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North Place Type)), which designate this area for Rural Economy uses and limited Residential development.
SPEX-2019-0030 BANFIELD PET HOSPITAL (Special Exception)
Medical Management International, Inc., of Minnetonka, Minnesota, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit an Animal Hospital use in the PC-CC-SC (Planned DevelopmentCommercial Center-Small Regional Center) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-204(A)(12). The subject property is located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) and contains moderate steep slopes. The subject property is approximately 9.529 acres in size and is located on the south side of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7), east of North Sterling Boulevard (Route 846), and west of Dranesville Road (Route 228), at 21800 Towncenter Plaza, Sterling, Virginia, in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 014-39-1743. The area is governed by the policies of the Revised General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use place type)), which designate this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational uses.
(Zoning Map Amendment Petition & Special Exceptions)
Unless otherwise noted above, full and complete copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances and/or plans, and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0220, or electronically at www. loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www. loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246. 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. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and the Clerk’s records. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. 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 audio-visual 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. ERIC COMBS, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
FEB. 2020
BY ORDER OF:
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Legal Notices V I R G I N I A: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY RE: ESTATE OF PHILLIP LEYVA, deceased
PROBATE FILE NO. 17965
SHOW CAUSE ORDER IT APPEARING THAT a report of the account of Jon D. Huddleston, Administrator of the Estate of Phillip Leyva (the “Estate”) and of the debts and demands against the Estate has been filed in the Clerk’s office and that six months have elapsed since the qualification, on motion of such Administrator; IT IS ORDERED that the creditors of and all others interested in the Estate do show cause, if any they can, on March 2, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., before this Court at its Courtroom against the payment and delivery of the Estate of Phillip Leyva to the beneficiaries in the amounts stated in the accounting filed with the Clerk of the Loudoun County Circuit Court. IT IS ORDERED that this Order be published once a week for two successive weeks in Loudoun Now. ENTER on February 7, 2020. I ASK FOR THIS: Rachel K. Downs, Esq. VSB #68110 Sevila, Saunders, Huddleston, & White, P.C. 30 N. King Street Leesburg, Virginia 20176 703-777-5700 703-771-4161 (facsimile) rdowns@sshw.com Counsel for Jon Huddleston, Administrator of the Estate of Phillip Leyva 02/13/20
FIND OUT ABOUT THE COUNTY’S PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM FOR ELDERLY OR DISABLED RESIDENTS Commissioner of the Revenue, Robert S. Wertz, Jr., advises that Loudoun County offers a property tax break to eligible residents who file an application and meet certain qualifying criteria. Program participants are relieved from 100% or 50% of the real estate taxes on their primary dwelling and lot up to 3 acres and may have their car taxes cut in half. Residents must be 65 years of age or older or totally and permanently disabled. The net worth and gross combined income limits of $920,000 and $72,000 for 2020 real estate tax relief are the same as last year. The net worth and income limits of $195,000 and $52,000 for personal property tax relief are the same as previous years. The Commissioner’s Office will be holding information sessions at the following locations and times to explain the county’s tax relief program and answer residents’ questions. Attendance is free and no signup is required. For additional information, please contact the Tax Exemption and Deferrals Division at 703-737-8557 or trcor@loudoun.gov.
Cascades Library
Potomac Falls
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
10:30 AM
Gum Spring Library
Stone Ridge
Thursday, February 27, 2020
10:30 AM
Purcellville Library
Purcellville
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
10:30 AM
Ashburn Library
Ashburn
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
10:30 AM
Rust Library
Leesburg
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
10:30 AM
02/13, 02/20, 02/27 & 03/05/20
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
VARI-2019-0006 Edwards Farm Tighe Cullinane of Ranson, West Virginia, has submitted an application for a variance to permit a reasonable deviation from the following provisions of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit an existing structure to be located approximately 10.5 feet from the right-of-way of Edwards Farm Lane, a private access easement: 1) Section 2-103(A)(3)(c), Lot and Building Requirements, Minimum Yards, which requires that except where a greater setback is required by Section 5-1403(B), no structure shall be located within 25 feet of any property line or within 35 feet from any other road right-of-way, private access easement, and/or prescriptive easement. The subject property is zoned AR-1 (Agricultural Rural – 1) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is approximately 1.0 acre in size and is located on the east side of Harpers Ferry Road (Route 671) and on the west side of Edwards Farm Lane, approximately 0.14 mile south of the intersection of Harpers Ferry Road and Branch River Road (Route 683), at 11133 Edwards Farm Lane, Purcellville, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 472-15-9480. Full and complete copies of the above-referenced application(s) and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call (703) 777-0246. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. If any member of the public requires a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chairman 02/13 & 02/20/20
2020 TAX EXEMPTION INFORMATION Pursuant to §58.1-3604 of the Code of Virginia, the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue has determined that the 2020 aggregate assessed value of all real property exempted from taxation under §§58.1-3607 and 58.1-3608, and Articles 3, 4 and 5 of Chapter 36 of Title 58.1 of the Code of Virginia is $7,464,647,340. This aggregate assessed value represents 7.7 percent of all real property assessed in the County. The total reduction in tax revenues resulting from such exemptions is $78,005,669 based on the proposed tax rate of $1.045 per $100 of assessed value. Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County Government Center Office 1 Harrison St. SE, 1st Floor, Leesburg Loudoun Tech Center Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Ste 100, Sterling
LoudounNow.com
MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 8000, Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 Phone: 703-777-0260 E-mail: realestate@loudoun.gov Website: www.loudoun.gov/cor 02/13 & 02/20/20
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.:
JJ021724-14-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
,
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Camillia Maria Morris Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Camillia Maria Morris, Sheilah Marie Morris, mother, Lucera Ruben Montoya, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a 2nd permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Camillia Maria Morris. It is ORDERED that the defendants Camillia Maria Morris, Sheilah Marie Morris, mother and Lucera Ruben Montoya, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect their interests on or before March 18, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. 02/06, 02/13, 02/20 & 02/27/20
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FEBRUARY 13, 2020
PAGE 41
Legal Notices
For Rent
NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.
Description
Case Number
Recovery Date
Recovery Location
Phone Number
Blue Kent Terra 24 inch boy’s bicycle
SO190023518
12/15/2019
Ashburn Dinosaur Park, Partlow Rd., Ashburn
571-258-3497
Green Schwinn LL Bean Mountain Bike Acadia Cruiser
SO200001390
1/22/2020
Promenade Dr./Newton Pass Sq., Ashburn
571-258-3497
1/23/2020
Morning Walk Dr./Winter Haven Dr., Brambleton
571-258-3497
Pink and white Phat Sea Breeze Deluxe bicycle
SO200001522
02/06 & 02/13/20
V I R G I N I A: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY RE: ESTATE OF KEVIN LEE KING, deceased
PROBATE FILE NO. 16213
SHOW CAUSE ORDER
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) The Town of Leesburg will accept sealed proposals in the Procurement Office, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176, until 3:00 p.m. on February 27, 2020 for the following: RFP NO. 100170-FY20-39 VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS The Town of Leesburg is requesting sealed proposals from qualified firms to provide voluntary employee benefits. For additional information, visit: http://www. leesburgva.gov/bidboard 02/13/20
IT APPEARING THAT a report of the accounts of Amelia D. Aaron-King, Administrator of the Estate of Kevin Lee King, deceased, and of the debts and demands against his Estate has been filed in the Clerk’s Office, and that six months have elapsed since the qualification, on motion of Amelia D. Aaron-King, Administrator of the Estate of Kevin Lee King, deceased; IT IS ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the Estate do show cause, if any they can, at 2:00 p.m. on the 6th day of March, 2020, before this Court at its courtroom at 18 E. Market Street, 3rd floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20178, against the payment and delivery of the Estate of Kevin Lee King, deceased, to the distributee with or without refunding bonds as the Court prescribes.
SMALL OFFICE FOR RENT Under Magnolias Very cool space for rent in the historic Adams Mill building in downtown Purcellville. The space has its own entrance and triple window underneath Magnolias Restaurant. The tenant would have approximately 280 square feet of private space and 180 square feet of common space shared with one other tenant. The space is available now and is great for 1-4 people. The lease would be an all inclusive lease and some of the terms are flexible...please email if you are interested.
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IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order be published once a week for two successive weeks in Loudoun Now. ENTER on 5 February, 2020. I ASK FOR THIS: James P. Cambell, Esquire (VSB #25097) Matthew L. Clark, Esquire (VSB #84881) Cambell Flannery, P.C. One Village Plaza 1602 Village Market Boulevard, Suite 225 Leesburg, Virginia 20175 (703) 771-8344/Telephone (703) 777-1485/Facsimile jcampbell@campbellflannery.com/Email mclark@campbellflannery.com/Email Counsel for Administrator 02/13/20
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PAGE 44
Opinion
LETTERS to the Editor
Riding the Swing At the local level, we have become accustomed to the swift policy shifts that elections can bring. What is playing out in Richmond these days is a bit shocking by the Old Dominion’s slow-to-change standards. The new Democratic majority has moved quickly to enact dozens of new laws reversing policies imposed by the Republican bloc and to push through initiatives that have long stalled because of their inability to finds bipartisan support. Depending on your side, the actions are a sign of great progress or the undermining of the foundations of the commonwealth. Few are to be found in the middle ground. That divide played out in dramatic fashion last week in the tiny Lovettsville Town Office where the council stirred controversy with its proclamation, which, in the end, did little more than express continued support for the Second Amendment. In choosing to enter into the highly charged debate over gun owners’ rights, council members did little more than further divide their community. No town policy or ordinance would be changed by actions the Assembly has debated. There is no town law enforcement agency that would be required to enforce—or refuse to enforce—an offensive new law. The affair resulted only in neighbors trading insults and unproductive fear mongering. That’s not the community spirit Lovettsville’s previous leaders have worked hard to create. Unfortunately, that is the level of political discourse that is playing out throughout the commonwealth and across the nation. Until our leaders rediscover that the strongest communities and the best-serving governments are built upon common ground, we should expect the political pendulum to keep on swinging. n
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Boycotting
Power Imbalance
Editor: Our family lives in Northern Loudoun County, just outside the Lovettsville town limits. We strongly disagree with the recent vote by the Lovettsville Town Council to promote Second Amendment rights, and in essence, to oppose common sense gun legislation currently being proposed by the state legislature. We are declaring our intention to show our displeasure by boycotting Lovettsville businesses. We will no longer spend our money in a place in such opposition to the safety of local families. No more Friday night take out from Andy’s, no more stopping to fill up the tank at the 7-Eleven, and no more meeting up with friends at Backstreet Coffee. We hope the Town Council will rethink its vote as people like us choose not to visit your town. We hope others will join us in using the power of our economic choices to take a stand against the idea that gun rights supersede our right to live in safer communities. We will increasingly be taking our business to places that oppose strengthening the Second Amendment in opposition to furthering our safety. We applaud the Loudoun County supervisors’ recent vote to oppose further Second Amendment support. Please join us in a continued civil conversation. Be brave and vocal in support of reasonable proposals for universal background checks and banning assault weapons in our neighborhoods. Use the power of your purse to tell our community leaders we are strong in our resolve to raise our families without the threat of increasing gun violence. — Kathy and Francis Ashland, Lovettsville
Editor: Lovettsville Mayor Nate Fontaine was disingenuous at best when he claimed, in his Feb. 7 town newsletter, there was “no threat” during the Town Council meeting in which the members discussed issuing a proclamation in support of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Prior to the Feb. 6 meeting, the local gun dealer had publicly called for an armed gathering, and implicitly threatened the members of the town council if they voted down the proclamation. In any argument there is a power difference that will influence the outcome, and the risk is not necessarily the same for both parties. Many of us who opposed the proclamation and decided that the risk of speaking at the meeting was too high; that the power imbalance would be holstered on the hip of one side of the “discussion.” Civic discourse can’t happen at the end of a gun, and the lack of violence or bloodshed doesn’t mean the event is peaceful. Be careful not to use the Second Amendment to suppress the First. — Kris Consaul and Sheryl Frye, Lovettsville
Disappointed Editor: As a town resident, I am disappointed at the actions taken by certain members of the Lovettsville Town Council in their efforts to promote personal agendas over the good of the town by proposing a controversial and polarizing proclamation in support of the 2nd Amendment. As a responsible gun owner and patriotic American, I am disheartened that council members have worked with someone (who had publicly admitted to LETTERS continues on page 45
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 • Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723
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
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Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
LETTERS continued from page 44 seeing drafts of the proclamation before even all council members had seen a copy or the public) that is using this as a catalyst for basically a gun rally on town property and condoned by the Town Council. This same individual who has made numerous and inflammatory public videos and social media posts against anyone disagreeing with his stances on town issues. Three Town Councilmen (Steadman, Smith, and Hornbaker) and the mayor knew about this proclamation days before it was introduced at the last council meeting. Not only was the mayor involved in reviewing and making suggestions regarding editing of said proclamation, there was a deliberate and purposeful choice by councilmen to keep the draft from being included with the agenda documents, which would have provided copies to the three Town Council members who were purposefully not included. This is a blatant lack of respect to fellow council members and to the town as a whole. I am also compiling a list of all proclamations in the past four years to clear up statements made publicly by the mayor implying this kind of proclamation is not uncommon or unusual for the town. I am dismayed that our town is being used for personal agendas instead of working together on more important and critical town projects and concerns. This kind of behavior on part of some of our Town Council members is why I stepped away from a more involved volunteer position with the town. Basically, the intent of this proclamation is tainted by the actions of certain council members and its original purposes for this proclamation have made any further consideration unacceptable and I implore the council to table this permanently for the good of all the town residents, town businesses, town visitors, volunteers, and neighboring communities. The feeling of safety in our town and the feeling of community is being lessened by these kinds of theatrics. Hopefully, even more transparency in the creation and intent of actions such as these by certain council members, will help keep our town the festival destination and welcoming place to live that only LOVEttsville should always be. — Caitlin Keefe, Lovettsville
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PAGE 45
The Confederate War Memorial: Let It Be Editor: I was disappointed to learn in your issue of Jan. 16 that the Democratic-controlled Board of Supervisors, supported by Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large), had decided to urge the General Assembly to pass bills giving localities the authority to move war monuments on county-owned land. I applaud the previous Board of Supervisors who had the wisdom to ask the county’s Heritage Commission to develop a compromise where the Confederate soldier statue would remain but additional memorials and context would be added on the courthouse grounds. But now, as reported in your issue of Jan. 30, the Supervisors only want to move ahead with the project with the understanding that things could change on the Confederate statue depending on what the General Assembly will do. And Chairwoman Randall says if the General Assembly authorizes removal of war monuments, which it is likely to do, there will be a vote on whether or not the Confederate statue remains, and it seems that the Democratic-controlled Board of Supervisors has already decided on how they would vote. We have already had numerous debates on this subject in Loudoun County. We have signs that welcome people to the Mosby Heritage Area. Colonel John Mosby and his Rangers fought the invading Union Army. There are many descendants of Mosby’s Rangers who still live in Loudoun County. If for no other reason, the Confederate soldier statue must remain to remind us of the Burning Raid in Nov. 1864 in Loudoun County and adjacent areas. Generals Grant and Sheridan had ordered that Union soldiers lay waste to the citizens of the county. This was decided after the policy of hanging captured Rangers failed when Mosby retaliated in kind to stop the war crimes committed by the Union. For 4 days, fires were lit to burn all mills, all barns, destroy all forage and subsistence, and to drive off all live stock. When told the people would starve with winter coming on, the answer was so be it. The Union command was so frustrated that they could not stop Mosby in his raids that they decided to wage war on the people, and the people be damned. When the Union soldiers departed, the region was left a desert, and the accumulation of lifetimes had disappeared in the flames. In my visits to Northern cities, I have seen many statues to Union soldiers in the town squares or in front of their courthouses honoring those soldiers who fought to “preserve the union.” At the same time, in the South, I have seen many statues to Confederate soldiers who fought for “independence.” Both sides were Americans; they both fought for their beliefs; and they should all be honored. After the war, there were reunions which honored both sides who fought. We have now come to the point where it is socially acceptable to demonize one side over the other. We need to stop this madness. I am especially appalled at the lack of historical knowledge on the part of Supervisor Juli E. Briskman when she said (as quoted in your issue of Jan. 16), “...we can remember history without honoring the racists, the tyrannists (sic), the oppres-
sors from our past.” Is she referring to the Confederate soldier statue? If so, for her to state such libel against the Loudoun County soldiers who fought to defend their homes and families is unconscionable, and her use of the “race” card against them is patently offensive. Vice Chairman Koran T. Saines is also quoted in the Jan. 16 issue as stating that “No other country that I can think of has monuments to their traitors that are trying to overthrow the government....” History also proves him wrong. The South had no desire to overthrow the government of the United States. As stated by Jefferson Davis, the only desire of the Confederacy was to be an independent country separate from the United States. The Confederacy had no desire to conquer any part of those states that had remained with the Union. As far as any of the soldiers who fought for the South being traitors, let’s put that canard to rest once and for all. After the South was defeated, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton wanted nothing more than to try Jefferson Davis and other Confederate leaders for treason. As delineated by Shelby Foote in his magnum opus, The Civil War: A Narrative, Secretary Stanton had no choice but to relent when Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase advised him and other cabinet members that “If you bring these leaders to trial it will condemn the North, for by the Constitution secession is not rebellion. We cannot convict him (Jefferson Davis) of treason. Secession is settled. Let it stay settled.” Hence, not one Confederate leader or soldier was ever tried or convicted of having committed treason. I support Mike Tuttle in his letter of Jan. 30, in which he pointed out the ridiculousness of removing all images of history that remind someone of something uncomfortable. I would like to add one more to his list. Do we want to remove the statue of General George C. Marshall, which stands in front of his home, Dodona Manor, in Leesburg? He was a devoted admirer of Robert E. Lee, and in fact, stated that the “two greatest Americans who ever lived were George Washington and Robert E. Lee.” That statement comes from a Pennsylvanian who was a 5-star general, Chief of Staff of the Army, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and a Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. I thus urge the members of the Board of Supervisors to let it be, regardless of what the General Assembly authorizes with respect to moving war monuments. We previously reached an understanding on how to deal with the Confederate soldier statue by adding more monuments and context, and we should not re-open the discussion by calling each other names and denigrating and belittling the opinions of others and especially the valiant service of our Loudoun County ancestors who fought to defend their homes and families. I would think the Loudoun County Supervisors would want to be a better governing group than subjecting its citizens to such a highly divisive and controversial process again and that they would want to set the example for other jurisdictions to follow. n — Dan Costello, Leesburg
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PAGE 46
Tornado
Greenway
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minutes, the cleanup and repairs will take much longer. Mayor Kelly Burk said she was thankful there were no injuries. She and other town leaders worked to assess response needs in the hours after the storm. Town Public Works crews, fire and rescue personnel and insurance company representatives were widely deployed in the area to assess the damage and start the cleanup. The town is helping residents with the tree cleanup by waiving limitations on the size and amount of brush collected along curbsides this week. Crews will began picking up storm-related brush on Saturday and will continue with the special program through Friday, Feb. 14. The winds pushed over numerous trees, ripped siding and roofs from homes and flinged limbs and branches. At one home on Lounsbury Court, the winds ripped off the front porch. In most cases, the large toppled trees fell beside—rather than on top—of
who represent Loudoun County refused to unite around this year’s effort.” “I commend Delegate Subramanyam for a strong effort, but in contrast, Delegate [David A.] Reid (D-32), Senator [John J.] Bell (D-13), Senator [Jennifer B.] Boysko (D-33), and Senator [Barbara A.] Favola (D-31) have some explaining to do,” LaRock wrote. Some of Loudoun’s delegation have expressed skepticism about bills like Subramanyam’s, citing Greenway representatives’ arguments that the bill would break an agreement between the state and the corporation.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
A townhouse on Leesburg’s Fieldstone Drive sustained major damage in Friday’s tornado.
homes, avoiding more catastrophic damage. An EF0 tornado is the weakest tornado on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with wind speeds between 65 and 85 mph, but it was the most damaging storm to hit the town in decades. n
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
Pursuant to Section 58.1-3321 of the Code of Virginia, the LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 1st Floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 at 5:00 P.M. on March 17, 2020, in order to consider a proposed increase to real property tax levies. The County of Loudoun proposes to increase real property tax levies as follows: 1.
Assessment Increase: Total assessed value of real property, excluding additional assessments due to new construction or improvements to property, exceeds last year’s total assessed value of real property by 4.0 percent.
2.
Lowered Rate Necessary to Offset Increased Assessment: The tax rate which would levy the same amount of real estate tax as last year when multiplied by the new total assessed value of real estate with the exclusions mentioned above would be $1.010 per $100 of assessed value. This rate will be known as the “lowered tax rate.”
3.
Effective Rate Increase: The County of Loudoun proposes to adopt a tax rate not to exceed $1.045 per $100 of assessed value. The difference between the lowered tax rate and the maximum proposed rate would be $0.035 per $100, or 3.5 percent. This difference will be known as the “effective tax rate increase.” Individual property taxes may, however, increase at a percentage greater than or less than the above percentage.
4.
Proposed Total Budget Increase: Based on the proposed real property tax rate and changes in other revenues, the total budget of the County of Loudoun will exceed last year’s by 1 percent.
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. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on March 13, 2020, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on March 17, 2020. 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 at 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 J. RANDALL, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 02/13 & 02/20/20
Greenway Chairman: $70 Tolls Needed to Profit Without action by the General Assembly, the battle over tolls on the Dulles Greenway moves to the State Corporation Commission. Since 2013, the Greenway has been guaranteed at least a 2.8 percent toll increase each year. That legislation expired this year, putting the Greenway back before the State Corporation Commission to argue that its requested toll rates do not “materially discourage use”—that the tolls aren’t chasing drivers onto other roads— and that the tolls provide the company no more than a “reasonable rate of return.” The Greenway’s ownership, Toll Road Investors Partnership II, owned by Australian multinational firm Atlas Arteria, has already filed a request to raise tolls for the next five years. Those increases range from 5 percent to 6.8 percent annually, and would put tolls in 2025 at $6.15 per one-way trip in off-peak hours, and $7.90 in peak hours. A commuter traveling twice a day on the Greenway during rush hour, five days a week, 52 weeks a year would pay $4,108 in tolls annually. Some Loudoun County elected representatives have indicated they intend to fight the Greenway on that at the SCC, and other local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce have argued against the Greenway’s toll increases in the past. That fight, if it happens, will be governed by the same legislation under which the Greenway’s owners won even higher toll rate percentage increases than they have in the last seven years. When the road opened in 1995, the toll was $1.75, and originally the Greenway’s tolls were capped at $2. In 2013, the first year of the regulation guaranteeing annual toll increases, tolls were already at $4.90.
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
The burden will be on the Greenway to meet the SCC’s test to justify a toll rate increase...” — Matthew F. Letourneau,
(R-Catoctin)
But back then, said Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), nobody was challenging the Greenway’s rate increases in front of state regulators. “The burden will be on the Greenway to meet the SCC’s test to justify a toll rate increase, and the County is planning a vigorous challenge,” Letourneau stated. “Because the automatic toll rate legislation has expired, this is the first time in many years that the SCC will have the opportunity to dive into the merits of the issues.” In testimony supporting the Dulles Greenway’s application to raise tolls by nearly a third over the next five years, Greenway Chairman and Atlas Arteria CEO Graeme Bevans acknowledged that the Greenway’s investors would likely never see their investment repaid. He also wrote the road would either have to see more than 10 times the traffic, or charge $70 tolls to make back that money. According to Bevans’s testimony, although the road initially had debt of about $311 million, today its debt exceeds $1 billion. Bevans attributed that to lower-than-expected traffic on the road and two different debt restructurings. Today, the Greenway has five separate bond series outstanding, having refinanced twice, with an outstanding balance of $1.02 billion. The Greenway’s owners argue it has never made a profit. In 2017, the last year for which financial statements were available, the Greenway reported $91.7 million in toll revenue, an increase of $19.6 million from five years before in 2012. The SCC will host a hearing on the Greenway’s application June 9 at 10 a.m. in the commission’s courtroom on the second floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street in Richmond. People wishing to testify should show up 15 minutes early to sign up. People wishing to comment can also do so online by visiting the SCC’s website, scc.virginia.gov/case, and by searching for case number PUR-2019-00218. Online comments are due by June 2. n
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
General Assembly continued from page 3 er next year.” Del. David A. Reid (D-32)’s bill to let the presiding officer of a Board of Supervisors be officially titled “chairman,” “chairwoman,” “chair,” or “chair-at-large,” instead of just “chairman,” which last year failed, breezed through the House 91-8 (although LaRock voted against) and is in a Senate committee. That will likely be welcome news to one of the bill’s leading advocates, Loudoun’s County Chairman At Large Phyllis J. Randall, who prefers the title “chair.” But House Bill 359, which would allow localities to choose the best-value bid for a construction contract rather than just the cheapest, died in a House subcommittee 3-4, with three Democrats voting for it, and one Democrat and three Republicans against. Loudoun’s only local representative in that committee, Del. Kathleen (D34), voted for the bill. County supervisors have before worried that they are not getting the best bang for the taxpayer’s buck under the current system, and have had to hire construction firms with shaky reputations because they submitted the lowest bids on projects. Some local transportation advocates hailed the passage of House Bill 729, a transportation funding bill that the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance estimated would restore would restore $70 million in funding to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The authority lost more than $100 million in funding in 2018 when that money was redirected to Metro. “Fully restoring the money that was diverted to Metro in 2018 has been a top transportation priority for Northern Virginia’s business community for the last two years,” said Jason Stanford, executive director of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance. But on transportation, too, legislators were divided and results were mixed. Notably, a bill to tighten state oversight of tolls on the Dulles Greenway failed for the fifth year running, frustrating the local delegates behind it, Gooditis, LaRock and Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87). And LaRock was among the 45 delegates who opposed the transit funding bill. “The Governor’s massive tax hikes for transportation are rolling forward, but local Democrats undercut the Subramanyam/LaRock effort to reform the Greenway’s abusive over-tolling of our community,” LaRock said. “They also killed my common-sense bills which
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM would have reformed the broken SMART SCALE system, allowed localities to fund and complete projects faster and at lower cost.” And similar bills on a statewide issue that would be felt keenly in Loudoun, giving localities the power to decide whether to move war monuments, passed the House 53-46 and the Senate 21-19, and have each been passed to the opposite chamber. Loudoun has seen an impassioned debate around the statue of a Confederate soldier on the Leesburg courthouse lawn. “People are going to get hysterical
about that, but the fact is, if your locality wants to keep the statues, great,” Gooditis said. “If your locality wants to add more statues, or plaques or whatever for context, that’s great. If your locality really wants to tear down that monument or move it to a battlefield or something or a museum, that’s great. That’s all it’s about, is allowing your locality to do it.” Gooditis put the sudden jump ahead on progressive priorities to living under a conservative legislature for so long. The last time Democrats controlled both chambers of the legislature was in 1996. “I think if we hadn’t had such a conser-
PAGE 47 vative legislature, they could have made some progress on these things so that maybe we wouldn’t have done so much at once,” Gooditis said. “Perhaps we could have kept the legislation that said you could only buy one handgun a month. That could have been a sensible thing that we could have hung onto, and maybe wouldn’t have felt like we had to pass all this gun safety legislation at once. But yeah, some of this is just a reaction.” The General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for 2020 on Saturday, March 7. It will reconvene April 22 to take up any actions by Governor Ralph Northam. n
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