n LOUDOUN
Pg. 4 | n LEESBURG
VOL. 7, NO. 19
Pg. 8 | n EDUCATION
Pg. 10 | n OBITUARIES
Pg. 20 | n PUBLIC NOTICES
We’ve got you covered. In the mail weekly. Online always at LoudounNow.com
Pg. 26
MARCH 31, 2022
1 Dead as Early Morning Fire Burns 3 Ashburn Homes LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled that improper disposal of smoking materials caused the fatal Tuesday morning fire that destroyed three homes in the Belmont Greene neighborhood of Ashburn. One resident was found dead inside a home. The victim’s
identification and cause of death will be released pending an investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Two other residents were taken to the Medstar Washington
Burn Center for treatment. Crews were dispatched to a Nashua Street home at 1:30 a.m. March 29 following multiple 911 calls to the county dispatching center. They found heavy fire throughout the home and high winds spreading of the fire to the neighboring homes. According to witnesses, the flames started on the upper level of first home and then spread to second and a third home. According to Loudoun Fire-Rescue, nine adults and two children were displaced. The American Red Cross is providing assistance. One neighbor a few houses down woke up to the sound of the helicopter overhead. She said her neighbor took his garden hose to keep flames away from neighboring homes until emergency crews arrived. “It’s such a tight-knit neighborhood. … it doesn’t even feel right saying ‘good morning’ to each other today,” she said. The Fire Marshal’s Office estimated damages at $4 million. By Tuesday evening, several community fundraising efforts had been launched. One campaign at GoFundMe.com was established by the Loudoun-Dulles Fraternal Order of Police, seeking to raise $25,000 for one of the burn victims, a retired Maryland police officer who works as a background investigator for the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. At least two other GoFundMe pages had been established to support her and her spouse whose house was the first to catch fire. Other neighbors have organized a gift card drive for the victims, designating a collection site at the Chic-fil-A at 44835 Lakeview Overlook Plaza in Ashburn.n
Photo by Norman K. Styer
Winemaker Melanie Natoli and Cana Vineyards co-owner Lisa Petty display the Governor’s Cup and the top-winning Virginia wine, their 2019 signature estate 2019 Unité Reserve
Governor’s Cup Returns to Loudoun:
Cana’s Natoli Takes Top Wine Award BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
For the third time in six years, a Loudoun County winery has earned the top prize in the Governor’s Cup competition. During the annual event in Richmond last week, Gov. Glenn Youngkin presented the
award to Melanie Natoli of Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg for her 2019 Unité Reserve. The estate red blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot was selected as the top entry among 615 wines submitted by more than 100 Virginia wineries. Natoli is the first woman winemaker to win the cup in the
40 years of the competition. Three other Loudoun wines ranked among the top 12 in the competition—taking slots in the Governor’s Case. Also selected were Cana’s 2019 Le Mariage, 50 West Vineyards’ 2019 AshGOVERNOR’S CUP continues on page 38
Give your child a competitive advantage! #1 Private High School in ˀ Loudoun County
Dulles Campus near the intersection of Routes 28 & 606
Lower School Middle School High School
703-759-5100
www.FairfaxChristianSchool.com
ECRWSS Postal Customer
Permit #1374 Merrifield VA
PAID
PRESRT STD U.S. Postage
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 2
MARCH 31, 2022
Instant Rebate $
Spring for Savings . . .
350
Outdoor Furniture is In!
with 3-pie ce purchase *
Bring the comfort you enjoy indoors to your outdoor space. Shop our huge in stock selection ready for quick delivery.
IN STOCK SANDPIPER 3-PIECE SET SPECIAL $1948 Includes all-weather resin wicker sectional, table, lounge chair and accent pillows. Special $1948, reg. $2298, list $3004. Pieces sold separately.
Shop The Looks You Love and Enjoy Instant Rebates on Select Items Love a Bargain? Take an Extra 15% Off Blue Tags in our Outlet and Showrooms Shop Over 300 Sofas & Sectionals on Display
Instant Rebate
100
Instant Rebate
MACY SOFA SPECIAL $1499 This true slipcovered sofa features down blend cushions for the ultimate comfort, reg. $1599. * Furniture is selling quickly and in stock items are first-come, first-served.
For every delivery we plant a tree.
Hours: Mon - Sat 10 - 8 • Sun 12 - 6 belfortfurniture.com • 703-406-7600 22250 & 22267 Shaw Road • Dulles, VA
300
100
$
$
IN STOCK
Instant Rebate
IN STOCK LUCAS SECTIONAL SPECIAL $1999 Come home to comfort and style. Plush seating and extra lounging space at a great price, reg. $2299. H Made in the USA.
$
IN STOCK
BROADWAY POWER RECLINING SOFA SPECIAL $1899 Generously scaled, this sofa features a lay-flat mechanism and power headrest, reg. $1999. Leather vinyl match.
Sleep Better on a New Mattress Save $400 on Select
Stearns & Foster Mattresses See store for details
MARCH 31, 2022
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 3
Coffee, Cookies and Cats: Leesburg’s First Cat Café Opens Friday BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Cat and coffee lovers of Leesburg rejoice—the town’s first cat café is scheduled to hold a grand opening Friday, April 1. Catty Corner Café is the passion project of Leesburg resident and cat lover Heather Donahue, whose entrepreneurial spark was fanned when she visited the cat lounge in Sterling, Meows Corner. But her love for cats reaches back much farther than that. As a child, she said her family always had cats, like pure-bred Himalayans. But she said those kinds of pure-bred cats cost a lot and can come with health and attitude problems. “Then I started fostering, and I just recognized right away that these cats are really special, because they are so grateful,” Donahue said. Fostering for the Humane Society soon turned into adopting, and when she decided to open the cat café, she reached out to the Humane Society to provide the cats. That helps out the Loudoun Humane Society, which relies on fostering to take care of the animals it takes in. And all the cats that guests will meet at Catty Corner are ready for adoption. “That’s the beauty of it. People can sit here and go, ‘oh my gosh that cat and I bonded. I really want to adopt that one.’ Then they just go through the adoption process that you would with the Humane
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Cello, one of the sociable cats at the new Catty Corner Café in Leesburg, peeks out from the greenery in the cat room.
Society,” she said. Donahue left behind a marketing career in New York and moved to Leesburg 20 years ago to raise her four children, which she said at the time was all she wanted to do. But once the kids were old enough to take care of themselves, she started taking side jobs.
“I did every side gig you can imagine—Uber driving, personal shopping, dog walking, cat sitting, estate sales, winery,” she said. “I was a waitress at the winery [The Vineyards & Winery at] Lost Creek—I loved that job.” But she also always wanted to be an entrepreneur, she said, and after visiting the Sterling cat café
Catty Corner Café founder Heather Donahue looks over information on the cats who visitors at the café will get the chance to meet. The hosts are foster cats with the Loudoun Humane Society and are up for adoption.
she was inspired to start her own. “I said, ‘wow, maybe this is my calling,’ and I came back to Leesburg,” she said. “I live not far from here, maybe a mile, and I thought, what a great thing for Leesburg.” COOKIES AND CATS continues on page 39
Loudoun Honors Vietnam Vets on Anniversary of War Ending LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Local officials and veterans commemorated National Vietnam War Veterans Day on Tuesday, kicking off the 50th year honors of the day the last U.S. troops leaving Vietnam in 1973. Supervisor Mike Turner (D-Ashburn) and Sheriff Mike Chapman joined local Vietnam War veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1177 for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Vietnam War memorial at the county courthouse. VFW 1177 Post Commander Ray Delpesche said about 17 veterans were in attendance. According to Delpesche, it was the first event of its kind held in Loudoun County, though similar ceremonies are held each year across the country. “Most of our members are members who served in the Vietnam Era. We’re supporting them and helping to say ‘welcome home.’ It’s a momentous occasion to do so and show that we are thankful,” Delpesche said. During its March 24 meeting, the Lovettsville Town Council adopted a proclamation designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. “It is especially important that the extraordinary contributions of America’s VietRenss Greene/Loudoun Now nam War veterans and the sacrifice of their families be remembered and recognized,” Memorial wreaths stand before the Vietnam War memorial in front of the Loudoun County courthouse. the proclamation reads. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 4
MARCH 31, 2022
Loudoun
ON THE Agenda
State Lawmakers Report to Loudoun Chamber on Session So Far
Applications Open for Youth in Government Day
BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Four state legislators reported on the work so far in an incomplete Virginia General Assembly session during the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s March 25 PolicyMakers breakfast. Sen. John J. Bell (D-13) and delegates Dave A. LaRock (R-33), David A. Reid (D-32) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-87) also took questions from the audience. The panel’s split reflects a split in the state legislature, with Republicans holding the majority in the House of Delegates and Democrats controlling the Senate—a split that has stymied many of each party’s efforts. LaRock promoted the push to offer tax relief, particularly by spending down the state’s historic budget surplus. Meanwhile, Democrats pushed investing that money in Virginia, particularly in job training and attracting businesses. Reid urged taking the long view. “If we start investing today in a teacher training program, it’s going to take four
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Sen. John J. Bell (D-13) and Dels. Dave A. LaRock (R-33), David A. Reid (D-32) and Suhas Subramanyam (D-87) speak to the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Friday, March 25.
years to start producing those teachers,” Reid said. “If we pass legislation as we did a year or so ago to create the wind turbines … we can’t assume that we’re suddenly going to have wind turbines sprouting out of the ocean.”
One member of the audience asked about Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s recent proposal for a gas tax holiday—and specifLAWMAKERS REPORT continues on page 7
Supervisors Ask Douglass School Committee for Subcommittee on Forced Sale BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
The Board of Supervisors has endorsed the Douglass School Commemorative Committee’s suggestion to study and make recommendations around the forced sale of the school in 1940. Loudoun’s Black community came together to buy the land for the Douglass School, purchasing it for $4,000. But the School Board at that time refused to build a school on land it didn’t own, and forced the parents to sell that property to the school division for only $1. The project to assess the harm of that action and suggest actions to take today toward reconciliation stems from a wide-ranging proposal by county Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) to assess the harm of operating segregated schools in Loudoun County.
The Douglass School Commemorative Committee suggested forming a subcommittee after accepting a request from the Joint Board of Supervisors and School Board Committee to lead that work. Supervisors on March 15 debated the specific language around recommending actions today, ultimately removing the word “reconciliation” from their resolution. County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large), though, said the board was getting hung up on the word. “If all we send out is a study, but never want to see a solution for the study, then we’re wasting our time. So we’re saying study and reconciliation,” Randall said. “In other words, they could study it and find out is there something that needs to be done to rectify it. Or reconciliation— reconciliation could be anything from a plaque to teaching about the issues that
happened.” Supervisors voted in favor of the subcommittee idea unanimously. The vote also signs off on amending the mission statement of the commemorative committee to include that work. The subcommittee is expected to do its work and report back within a six-month timeframe. Since the idea is coming through the joint committee, the School Board will also have to vote in favor. The Douglass School Commemorative Committee is a 17-member group appointed by the Loudoun County School Board originally to formulate ideas for historical displays at Douglass High School. The school served as the high school for the county’s Black students from 1941 until Loudoun schools desegregated in 1968— one of the last school districts in the country to do so. n
Loudoun County is offering high school students the chance to gain first-hand knowledge of their local government by taking part in Youth in Government Day, Tuesday, May 3. Students in grades 9-12 are invited to apply for the event, which puts student to work alongside county supervisors and staff members, including taking part in a Board of Supervisors meeting. Participants in the event will also participate in a problem-solving exercise involving real-world challenges faced by local governments. The deadline to apply is April 22. More information, including an online application form to be filled out by students and their parents or guardians, is online at loudoun.gov/ teens.
Loudoun to Host Bike to Work Day Pit Stops Loudoun County will host two pit stops for cyclists on Bike to Work Day on May 20. This annual event encourages people to commute by bike with almost 100 different pit stops around Washington, DC region. Cyclists will ride to a pit stop and pick up free T-shirts, giveaways and refreshments before beginning their workday. Adults planning to participate are encouraged to register online to pick up a T-shirt at one of the Loudoun County pit stops. Both pit stops are adjacent to the W&OD Trail. From 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., there will be a pit stop in Leesburg at Raflo Park on Harrison Street in Leesburg. And from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. there will be a pit stop in Sterling just east of Rt. 28, at Ruritan Road behind Northrop Grumman. Bike to Work Day is coordinated regionally by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Commuter Connections, and is held rain or shine. The annual event attracts thousands of cyclists in the region. Loudoun’s local festivities are ON THE AGENDA continues on page 7
MARCH 31, 2022
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 5
Cochran Family Dental Welcoming all new patients!
What we offer • • • • • •
LOUDOUN’S
LoudounNow
2021
W I N N E R
FAVORITE
W I N N E R LoudounNow
2020
LOUDOUN’S
FAVORITE
LoudounNow
2 0 1 9
LOUDOUN’S
FAVORITE
LoudounNow
W I N N E R
LOUDOUN’S
FAVORITE 2018
Cheerful, serene, state of the art office Digital x-rays (reduces radiation by 90%) We file all dental benefit claims Cosmetic Dentistry (veneers, white fillings, and Zoom Whitening) Crowns and Bridges, all phases of Implants, Root Canals and Dentures We offer periodontal therapy to restore your oral health as well as oral cancer screening.
Conveniently located in the Village of Leesburg 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 • Leesburg, VA 20175 • 703-771-9034 Mon. & Wed.: 8am - 6pm • Tues. - Thurs.: 7am - 4pm • Fri.: CLOSED • 24hr Emergency Service
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Once again a preservation-minded buyer for the Aldie Assemblage has come forward, this time the Piedmont Environmental Council.
Piedmont Environmental Council Makes Offer for Aldie Assemblage BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
The Piedmont Environmental Council, a regional conservation nonprofit, has offered the county $600,000 to purchase the Aldie Assemblage that has been at the center of an ongoing debate around construction in the historic village. The purchase also would include part of the current Aldie Volunteer Fire Department—the property line includes outbuildings and passes through the main building. The volunteer fire department is slated for replacement, and the council would lease to the volunteer fire department for $1 a year until the new station near Gilberts Corner is ready. The PEC has been part of many environmental and preservation projects in Loudoun, including acquiring 239 acres at nearby Gilberts Corner and working with NOVA Parks to create the 150-acre Gilberts Corner Regional Park. The council has also been a part of planning exercises in Loudoun such as Envision Loudoun and the ongoing zoning ordinance rewrite, and was a founding member of the Route 50 Corridor Coalition—which eventually led to the Rt. 50 roundabouts—and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership. In a letter to the county attorney, council President Christopher Miller said the organization seeks to become “steward of the property’s diverse natural, historic and scenic resources.” The council, he wrote, recognizes that “the vitality of our region’s towns and villages and the health of our environment are closely linked.” “This is particularly true in the case of Aldie, which stands at the intersection of many of PEC’s long standing conserva-
tion initiatives, including protection of the Bull Run Mountains and the [sic] preserving the integrity of the Route 50 Traffic Calming project,” he wrote. The terms of the proposed contract would commit the Piedmont Environmental Council to bringing the structures into compliance with state building code and the county’s ordinance on maintenance of buildings in historic districts. The building has deteriorated in the years the county has owned it, while county supervisors battled with the residents of Aldie who opposed their plans to put a larger modern fire station on the property. The proposal marks the second time well-recognized local preservationists have attempted to buy the property from the county. Aldie resident and Aldie Heritage Association member Guy Gerachis had offered to buy the six-acre property for the same price, proposing to restore the so-called Aldie Tavern and nearby Satterfield Cottage as residences and refurbish the 19th century cellar house, along with other renovations. It was an offer that enjoyed support from many people and organizations in the area; after initially accepting the offer and prolonged negotiations, county supervisors backed out of the deal. The county government bought the property with plans to use it to replace the outdated and cramped Aldie Volunteer Fire Station. The community rallied against those plans, eventually prevailing. Piedmont Environmental Council Director of Conservation Mike Kane did not return requests for comment. District Supervisors Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) declined to comment. Loudoun Now has requested information on any other offers the county has received for the property. n
Visit our website: TheLeesburgVADentist.com
Believers Bible Church Sunday, April 17 @ 11 a.m. Hampton Inn & Suites 117 Fort Evans Road NE, Leesburg bbc.praying4u@gmail.com Phone: (703) 999-3373 Message Series: “Building Powerful Families for Trying Times” BBC is a new, exciting disciple-making church that believes we change the world one person at a time! Check us out!
EVERY HOME NEEDS A KUBOTA! BX2680
$0 DOWN,
• 24.8 Gross HP,† 3-Cylinder Kubota Diesel Engine • 4WD • HST Transmission
0% A.P.R.
60 FINANCING FOR UP TO
MONTHS
*
ON SELECT NEW KUBOTAS
Z421KW-48
• 24 Gross HP,† 2-Cylinder Gasoline Engine • Steel Welded 48” Mower Deck • Foldable ROPS
Z422KW-54
• 24 Gross HP,† 2-Cylinder Gasoline Engine • Steel Welded 54” Mower Deck
BROWNING EQUIPMENT, INC. 800 East Main St. • Purcellville, VA (540) 338-7123 • www.browningequipment.com * 0% Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota BX, B, LX, L, MX, M60 & M4 equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example: 60 monthly payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. Some exceptions apply. Terms subject to change. Offers expire 6/30/22. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For more information, see Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com. † For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. KCDA-24-147326-1
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 6
Now Including Northern Virginia COOLING • HEATING • PLUMBING
A/C OR HEATER PROBLEMS?
SAME DAY TUNE-UPS • REPAIRS NEW INSTALLATIONS
GUARANTEED OR IT’S FREE!
*
Terms apply. See website for details.
PLUS! WHEN YOU BUY A NEW HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM
YOU SAVE $
1000
UP TO
LIMITED TIME ONLY! See website for details.
®
WHEN YOU BUY A NEW COOLING & HEATING SYSTEM
YOU SAVE $
1000
UP TO
LIMITED TIME ONLY!
COOLING • HEATING • PLUMBING SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS!
LIMITED TIME ONLY!
PROTECT YOUR SYSTEMS ALL YEAR
HEATER A/C $ $79 TUNE-UP 59TUNE-UP IN THE FALL
PLUS! NO BREAKDOWN GUARANTEE COOLING • HEATING • PLUMBING SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS!
• 24/7 SERVICE • ZERO EMERGENCY FEES • NIGHTS, WEEKENDS & HOLIDAYS TM
Reserve Your Visit in 30 SECONDS
(571) 207-9571 SnellHeatingandAir.com
MARCH 31, 2022
© By SNELL Heating & Air Conditioning. All Rights Reserved. VA: #2705171530 ELE GFC HVA PLB #2705135480. *No Breakdown Guarantee: If your A/C or heater breaks down for any reason during the season after our tune-up, we’ll refund the cost or put it towards the cost of repair.
Amid Soaring Gas Prices, Loudoun Encourages Riding Transit Buses LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
As people head back to the office amid high gas prices, the county government is encouraging commuters to hop on a Loudoun County Transit bus to save some money, cut traffic and reduce air pollution. Local bus tickets are $1, bus trips to Metro stations are $1 to $2, and commuter trips at stops as far as Washington, DC are $10 to $11, offering an alternative to gas prices, tolls and driving in traffic. The buses are also equipped for Metro SmarTrip electronic fare collection. Loudoun County Transit offers bus schedules and fares and more information
at loudoun.gov/transit or loudoun.gov/ riderinformation. In addition, Loudoun County Transit’s Transit app allows riders to see notifications, real-time vehicle locations and trip planning directly through a smart phone. In addition, a team of transit specialists is also available to help with trip planning. Riders should note that the Transportation Security Administration has extended the face masking requirement on public transportation through April 18. For people who prefer to carpool or vanpool, Commuter Connections offers a regional Ridematching system and the Guaranteed Ride Home program. n
“There is no substitute for a local newspaper that is doing its job.” — Warren Buffett SIX WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT QUALITY LOCAL JOURNALISM.
1
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
3
SEND US YOUR NEWS TIPS
Loudoun Now is entirely supported by local businesses who invest their marketing dollars with us to inform our readers know about the goods and services they offer. If you appreciate receiving your free community news, let our advertisers know by telling them “I saw this in Loudoun Now” next time you patronize their business.
Mark Zuckerburg doesn’t cover news from the Loudoun school board or county meetings. We do. But we can’t be everywhere all the time. So we rely on you, our readers, to let us know if you know something that our readers would want to know. Send your news tips to editor@loudounnow.com. We want to know.
SUBSCRIBE TO LOUDOUN NOW
ADVERTISE IN LOUDOUN NOW
2
Loudoun Now mails copies of the paper to readers throughout Loudoun County because we believe that’s the best way to reach readers and advertisers in the county. You can show that you appreciate local news delivered to your home by subscribing to the newspaper. Visit LoudounNow.com/subscribe today.
4
If you operate a business in Loudoun County you already know that Loudoun Now’s in-home mail distribution of our print product combined with our online products provide more impressions than any other media platform in Loudoun County. Not a business? Use classified ads to sell your unwanted treasures or publicly recognize special events (graduations, anniversaries, etc.) with small recognition messages delivered to our readers.
In your home weekly. Online always at loudounnow.com
5
SIGN UP FOR OUR DAILY NEWSLETTER
Did you know that Loudoun Now offers a daily newsletter? Sign up for this free service to receive breaking news alerts delivered directly to your e-mailbox five days a week. Log on to LoudounNow.com/subscribe to start your free subscription today.
6
CONTRIBUTE
We are frequently asked by readers how they can support the newspaper and the work of its staff. Following a trend among community news organizations, we offer a way to directly support the newspaper through a voluntary pay program. A voluntary pay program is exactly that—a completely voluntary contribution. Readers who wish to contribute can help support our mission to serve Loudoun’s residents and businesses. To contribute go to LoudounNow.com/contribute.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
ON THE Agenda continued from page 4
planned by Loudoun County Commuter Services. Find details and register at loudoun.gov/BiketoWork.
Loudoun Arbor Day Photo Contest Theme Announced The annual Loudoun County Arbor Day tree photo contest is underway, and the theme of this year’s contest is “Trees That I’m Thankful For.” Entries are accepted through April 18. They will be included in the county’s virtual Arbor Day Celebration, which will be posted in May on at loudoun.gov/trees. Entries must be a photo of a single tree or group of trees in Loudoun County. The photos must have been taken by the entrant, and there is a limit of two entries per person. Only digital pictures will be accepted. Email photos to Loudoun County Ur-
ban Forester Mike Ronayne of the Department of Building and Development at michael.ronayne@loudoun.gov. Include the photographer’s name, phone number and email as well as the approximate location of the tree and tree species, if known, and a brief explanation of why the photographer is thankful for the tree or trees in the photo.
County Plans Affordable Housing Financing Developer Pre-Certification Loudoun County has created a new
PAGE 7
affordable housing financing program for developers, the Rental Housing Acquisition and Preservation Loan Program. The program makes funding available to preserve affordable multi-family rental housing in Loudoun, and is meant to complement the county’s existing Affordable Multi-Family Housing Loan Program and help to implement the county’s Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan. Much of the money in the fund this year is already spoken for. In December 2021 the Board of Supervisors approved $5 million for the fund, and this month approved a $4.75 million loan to support
®
THE STANDBY POWER PEOPLE ®
Winn Development’s acquisition of Sommerset Independent Living. The program is also designed to be more streamlined than other similar grants; in June, Loudoun County is scheduled to issue a pre-qualification opportunity to create a pool of certified developers. Only certified developers will be eligible to apply. Once approved, developers will remain certified for 12 months. Pre-qualification opportunities will be issued annually. To learn more and to sign up to receive notifications about housing programs, visit loudoun.gov/multifamilyfinancing. n
We’ll be there in the darkest moments. 703.880.9850 We Have Generators In Stock!
Lawmakers report continued from page 4 ically how the state could do that while still funding transportation projects. Bell said, while he agrees with the intention, gas tax breaks seldom result in lower gas prices. “Within a day or two it quickly rebounds to the same place, so then the distributors tend to pocket that money that was going to taxes before,” Bell said. But he added there is agreement in principle on finding some form of tax relief and tax rebates. And County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) challenged the idea that the state has a surplus, citing the money the county government spends to supplement state employees’ salaries such as in the courts and the Health Department. “When you all talk about giving tax cuts and boast about having a surplus, in my opinion and I think in the opinion of many of my colleagues, you don’t have a surplus until you pay your bills,” Randall said. “And if you have employees who can’t make a living wage unless we compensate, you haven’t paid your bills.” With work unfinished on the state budget and some major bills—including the proposed creation of the Virginia Football Stadium Authority—Youngkin has called the General Assembly to special session on April 4. n
Generac Home Standby Generators automatically provide ®
you backup power during a utility power outage – whether you’re home or away. Whether it’s for a few hours or several days, your family and home are protected. Generator Supercenter is the #1 Generac dealer in North America. We have the experience and expertise you need. From design, local permitting, installation and long-term maintenance support, we are there for you. That’s why they call us the Standby Power People. © CHS NOVA 2022
FREE Whole Home
Surge Protector* with a generator purchase from Generator Supercenter of Virginia. *Terms and conditions apply, call for details.
Schedule Your Free Estimate Today! Generator Supercenter of Virginia www.GeneratorSupercenterNOVA.com Visit our showroom at 21005 Ashburn Crossing, Suites 125-130, Ashburn, VA
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 8
MARCH 31, 2022
Leesburg
AROUND Town Leesburg Sidewalk Dining Returns Friday The Town of Leesburg will resume its sidewalk dining program on Friday. The sidewalk dining program will run from April 1 through Nov. 5, weather permitting. South King Street, between Market Street and Loudoun Street will close on Fridays and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. to create an outdoor dining area open until 10 p.m. There will be no outdoor dining on Friday, April 22 or Saturday, April 23 during the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival.
Town of Leesburg
“Truce” by Leesburg Artist Don Stivers
A page from the Legacy Leesburg town plan that shows areas targeted for new development or redevelopment (in grey) or preservation (in green).
At Long Last, Leesburg Has a New Town Plan BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Following an almost three-year process, Leesburg has a new comprehensive plan. The Town Council unanimously adopted the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan on March 22. The adoption comes after almost three years of work, a timetable elongated considerably by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Work began in earnest in 2019 when a series of public input meetings brought forward feedback from town residents and stakeholders, and staff and consultants got to work on an initial draft. That draft was handed over to the Planning Commission in early 2021, and the commission handed its recommendations to the council in December. The council then spent a series of work sessions debating certain elements of the plan, with affordable housing and
how to handle the Crescent District two of the major areas of need emerging. As recently as this week both council members and staff acknowledged that another look at the Crescent District master plan was needed, but staff had previously urged the council to adopt the new Town Plan before pursuing that avenue. In other action during the meeting, the council unanimously authorized a rewrite of the town’s Zoning Ordinance to take into account changes made in the new Town Plan. A new staff position has been added to oversee both that process and the implementation of capital intensity factors to help town leaders assess the cost of new development as they review applications. The adopted Town Plan takes a different approach to comprehensive planning as it is not as prescriptive as some of its plan predecessors, and is more flexible to unanticipated market changes by using a
playbook approach. Under that structure, some items, including planning context, guiding principles, community character assessment and goals, stay unchanged. However, the playbook concept allows the town to pivot or evolve as market conditions change through new strategies, focus area recommendations and the growth and conservation maps. But what remains constant, and is the true spine of the plan, is a focus on the town’s character. The plan breaks down different sections of the town, called “opportunity areas”, from those ripe for redevelopment like the Crescent District and Virginia Village, to evolving business corridors like the area surrounding Compass Creek and the Leesburg Executive Airport. The vision and approach for each area is outlined within the document. The adopted Town Plan is available online in the coming days at legacy.leesburgva.gov. n
Weekend Don Stivers Exhibit Planned Friends of Leesburg Public Arts will hold a special twoday exhibit of the work of noted painter Don Stivers on Friday and Saturday at the downtown Leesburg office of Raymond James. The exhibition features 30 works spanning Stivers’ career, including landscape, military and western art. Stivers, best known for his paintings of Buffalo Soldiers, lived in Loudoun from 1990 until his death in 2009. The exhibition is open from 6 to 9 p.m. April 1 and 1 to 3 p.m. April 2. The Raymond James office is located 201 Loudoun St. SE.
KLB Cleanup Begins April 1 The town’s 18th annual Keep Leesburg Beautiful community AROUND TOWN continues on page 9
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 9
AROUND Town continued from page 8
cleanup and beautification campaign will begin on April 1 and will run the entire month. An official cleanup event will take place on Saturday, April 2, at Raflo Park, beginning at 10 a.m. Residents, neighborhood and community groups, and businesses are encouraged to participate by forming teams to collect litter along roadsides, stream beds, and other public common areas. Groups and individuals interested in participating should visit the town’s website at leesburgva.gov/KLB for details about how to volunteer and suggestions for litter collection locations. The town will provide safety vests, gloves and trash bags and will collect the filled bags and larger items like tires and appliances. Another way in which residents can get involved is by doing storm sewer inlet inventories. Doing an inventory is as easy as taking a walk around your neighborhood. The Public Works and Capital Projects Department will provide maps and inventory forms. n
Contributed
Leesburg's ArtsPARK has selected new sculptures to be displayed for two years in Raflo Park starting in July. Pictured above, from left to right, are “Bio Diversity” and “Spirit Vision” by Jim Koenig and “Energy Bloom” and “Tied Sky” by Alyssa Imes.
New Sculptures Selected for Raflo Park Five new sculptures will be brightening up Raflo Park beginning in July, as the Town Council last week endorsed the latest slate of sculptures for the ArtsPARKs’ next two-year display cycle. The selected slate includes Tied Sky and Energy Bloom by Alyssa Imes; Biodiversity and Spirit Vision by
Jim Koenig; and Oh Joy by Sally Myers. The current installation of sculptures at Raflo Park will remain in place through June 30, after which they will be removed and placed for sale and the new ones installed. The new sculptures will remain in place through June 30, 2024. n
COMPLETE KITCHEN & BATHROOM
DESIGN & REMODELING BASEMENT REMODELING CABINET WHOLESALER
QUARTZ & GRANITE COUNTERTOPS FABRICATION & INSTALLATION 4.9
74 GOOGLE REVIEWS
22446 DAVIS DRIVE #109 STERLING, VA 20164
QUICK TURNAROUND TIME
FREE ESTIMATE
703.956.9470 WWW.GRANITECENTERVA.COM
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 10
Education
SCHOOL notebook
Morse Aims to Retool Parent Advisory Group BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
School Board Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) is aiming to retool a parent-run advisory committee with his proposed Loudoun Education Alliance of Families. LEAF would serve Morse in the same capacity as the now-defunct Loudoun Education Association of Parents, or LEAP, which was comprised of delegates from schools across the division to advise the School Board. LEAF is proposed to have 32 voting members serving one-year terms, including representatives from each high school cluster, the Academies of Loudoun, The North Star School, W.O. Robey High School, and School Board member nominees. It would meet monthly and would elect its own leadership. The terms would
run from July 1 through June 30. According to the proposed charter, members must be parents, guardians or primary caregivers of LCPS students. “This is an advisory committee similar to MSAC or SEAC. To enable the parents and guardians and families to have that voice where they could apply their concerns about policies, regulations or processes that the School Board is doing. … It’s kind of a two-way communication between School Board members and the community,” Morse said during the March 22 School Board meeting, where the proposed group was discussed as an information item. Morse said that the hope is to have the first nomination list for LEAF posted by April 26. Andrew Hoyler (Broad Run) said he supported the proposal, but suggested that membership from clusters rotate every three years to ensure varied viewpoints. “I worry that it’s going to be very heavy on high school parents,” Hoyler said. Other board members expressed support for chartering the group, including Atoosa
New Schools Chief of Staff Named LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The school division will welcome former Lake Braddock Secondary School Principal Daniel Smith as its new chief of staff, effective April 18. Lake Braddock is a seventh through 12th grade secondary school in Fairfax County, and the second largest public school in the state. Prior to his role in Fairfax County Public Schools, he was
Smith
versity of Virginia.
a principal at Floyd E. Kellam High School in Virginia Beach Public Schools. He holds a master’s degree from Shenandoah University and a doctorate of education from the Uni-
Reaser (Algonkian) and Vice Chairman Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge). Serotkin said he was concerned that the group may become politicized if School Board representatives are to appoint members. “We’ve had a black hole that we didn’t even know we had since LEAP imploded … something we’ve really been missing,” Serotkin said. “I have a lot of apprehension about School Board members nominating a parent to serve on an advisory committee. I think that works well for our advisory committees to keep them as apolitical as possible.” The division dissolved its affiliation with LEAP in 2018. Morse said that the organizations “could no longer function together.” For issues ranging from pandemic-related school closures, to progress social policies, the School Board has come under fire recently. Parents frequently berate the School Board during public comment sessions, asking for board members to consider their viewpoints. LEAF would offer families an avenue to bring issues forward to the board. n Daniel Smith takes over a role previously held by Mark Smith, who left the school division in January. Mark Smith’s departure came after a report was released on the division’s handling of a sexual assault scandal. During his tenure as Chief of Staff, Mark Smith held the position of Title IX coordinator, although Superintendent Scott Ziegler held the title at the time of the assaults. Since the assaults, the division created a dedicated Title IX office. The new coordinator, Christopher Moy, began in March. n
Families Win ADA Complaint; Some Schools May Require Masks BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
A federal judge last week issued a preliminary injunction against Virginia’s Executive Order 2 and Senate Bill 739 to 12 families with special needs students, permitting some schools to require masking in some circumstances. Western District Judge Norman K.
Moon ruled that the state laws pose a threat to students’ rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is not a class action lawsuit, so the ruling only applies to the plaintiffs’ children. In Loudoun, the students involved attend Trailside Middle and Loudoun County High. “A lot of the families were crying when they found out,” Eve Hill, an attorney for the families, said. “Many of them have either had to keep their kids home,
MARCH 31, 2022
or send them to school risking their lives.” Loudoun’s school mask mandate was ended in February when Circuit Court Judge James E. Fisher granted three Loudoun families an emergency injunction against the mandate. Those families were joined in the suit by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, and state Superintendent Jillian Balow. n
Students Participate in CyberSlam The division will host its first-ever CyberSlam conference to inform, engage and connect high school students with the field of cybersecurity. The speakers include former FBI Acting and Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, CEO of Secure Anchor Eric Cole, Google Senior Network Security Engineer Chris Morrow, Director of the Virginia Cyber Range David Raymond, and five LCPS graduates working in cybersecurity. The division shared that over 200 high school students registered for the event which will take place at Briar Woods High School on April 2 at 9:30 a.m.
Registration Open for Career, Apprenticeship Fair Registration is open for the Career and Apprenticeship Fair that will be held by the school division on April 6 at Riverside High School. The event is open to students in eighth through 12th grades and informs students about opportunities available across 17 career clusters. Students can learn about the best courses to take for certain careers, and can receive feedback on résumés. Register at lcps.pub/3qJYnK9.
Applications Open for Youth in Government Day The county is soliciting high school students for applications to participate in the May 3rd Youth in Government Day. Participants will meet county supervisors during the board meeting, and chat with county staff to learn about jobs in local government. There will also be a problem-solving exercise, where students will work out a simulated challenge. To apply, visit loudoun.gov/teens. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 11
CABINET SHOWPLACE Fine Cabinetry for the Entire Home
Hayley Milon Bour/Loudoun Now
Marc Tchoumbou and Ryan Fincham from Smarts Mill Middle School have a clever solution for vehicularwildlife collisions.
Kids to the Rescue:
Step Up Competitors Seek to Solve Everyday Problems BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
From existential threats such as climate change to seemingly endemic poor posture, Loudoun’s youth are out to solve our greatest challenges.
The Step Up Loudoun Youth competition showcased its 20 semifinalist teams March 24, and now the top 10 will advance to the finals round. The competition began with a field of 61 teams competing STEP UP continues on page 39
State Superintendent Reviewing Allegations Against Ziegler BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow stated in a letter dated March 15 that her office is aware of charges of misconduct against Superintendent Scott Ziegler. Balow, responding to a letter from the group Fight for Schools asking for Ziegler’s removal, said that her office was waiting for information from the Office of the Attorney General. In the original letter, Fight for Schools Executive Director Ian Prior pointed to a state provision that allows state officials to remove a superintendent for “sufficient cause.” The group alleges that Ziegler and administrators are culpable for allowing a teen who raped a schoolmate to transfer to another school in the division, where he assaulted a second student. The division has maintained that Title IX protocols were followed.
At the time of the incidents, Ziegler was listed as the Title IX coordinator for the division. In November, after the second incident, then-Chief of Staff Mark Smith was named coordinator. But, after an investigation conducted by lawfirm Blankingship & Keith, P.C. Smith left the school division. Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office has followed through with a campaign promise to investigate the division’s handling of the assaults. Miyares’ selected former Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos to conduct the investigation. “Thank you for the efforts to advocate on behalf of the parents and children both in Loudoun and throughout the Commonwealth. Please feel free to reach out to me if my office can be of any assistance while we await the OAG’s insights,” Balow wrote. Miyares’ office declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. n
www.cabinetshowplace.com
540.338.9661
210 N. 21st St., # E Purcellville, VA 20132
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 12
MARCH 31, 2022
Courts Three Minutes of Deadly Terror:
Leesburg Murder Case Sent to Grand Jury BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.
fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www.fairhousing.vipnet.org
IAD Master Plan Public Open House Workshop Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: Washington Dulles Airport Marriott 45020 Aviation Drive Dulles, VA 20166 The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is preparing a Master Plan for the Washington Dulles International Airport. The Airport Master Plan is a comprehensive study that describes short-, medium- and long-term improvements proposed for the airport. It is designed to establish a roadmap for incremental development to meet future aviation demand and other airport needs for the next 25 years.
The Master Planning process is designed as an inclusive process that encourages citizen participation. A public open house workshop will be held to provide information on the study process, forecasts of activity, and future facility needs. Representatives from the Airports Authority and the Consultant team will be available to answer questions and receive comments on the ongoing Master Planning analyses and tasks completed to date. For additional information, please scan the QR code or visit us at the website below: https://www.flydulles. com/about-airport/master-plan/dulles-internationalairport-master-plan The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Master Plan team can also be contacted at: IADMaster.Plan@mwaa.com
The charges against a Fairfax County man who fatally stabbed Michael Fadely in his Leesburg-area home advanced toward trial following a March 24 preliminary hearing in Loudoun County District Court. Melvin H. Wasike, 23, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and breaking and entering while armed with intent to commit murder. The hearing featured testimony by Sheriff’s Office deputies who responded to the Newton Place home in the Barclay Woods neighborhood on Nov. 13 and Nov. 14 last year, and a detective investigating the case. Their testimony described a senseless home-invasion killing carried out by a delusional attacker. The case began when a deputy was called to the home on Nov. 13 after a man, later identified as Wasike, had come to the victim’s house claiming to be looking for someone at the residence. Security video from Fadely’s home showed Wasike coming to the home three times that afternoon, twice to the front door and another in an apparent search to find an unlocked door around the back. The deputy was still in the area when Wasike returned again. Wasike was questioned by the deputy and ordered to not trespass on the property. At the time, Fadely said he did not want to press criminal charges. After discussing security measures around the home, the deputy made arrangements to return the next morning to check in on Fadely and his fiancée, Laura Munoz. Wasike got there first. He returned at 4:32 a.m. Nov. 14, kicking in the front door, running up the stairs and assaulting Fadely and Munoz in the hallway outside their bedroom. Fadely was stabbed mul-
Melvin H. Wasike
tiple times with a large kitchen knife and died at the scene. Munoz, who jumped on Wasike to try to stop the attack, was stabbed in her side and taken to a hospital for treatment. The home security video then showed Wasike running out the front door—less than three minutes after he broke into the home. Deputies arrested Wasike later that morning, using his cell phone information to find him sitting in a parked car near Reservoir Road a few miles away. Investigators said there was no prior link between Wasike and the residents, and no motive for the attack. Wasike’s attorney, Robert Whitestone, pointed to mental illness and a history of schizophrenia. During his questioning, Whitestone highlighted statements Wasike made to investigators in interviews following his arrest. Wasike said he heard voices and believed that Farely was the devil who had shape-shifted to human form and Munoz a witch. Wasike said he believed he was God and needed to kill the devil to save the planet. District Court Judge Matthew P. Snow ruled that the evidence presented was sufficient to find probable cause that Wasike had committed the crimes. The case next will be reviewed by a Loudoun grand jury and then transfer to Circuit Court for adjudication. An April 12 hearing is set to schedule the trial. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 13
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF AN APPLICATION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES: NIMBUS 230 KV LINE LOOP AND NIMBUS SUBSTATION AND 230 KV FARMWELL-NIMBUS TRANSMISSION LINE CASE NO. PUR-2022-00027
On or before May 16, 2022, any person or entity wishing to request participate as a respondent in this proceeding may do so by iling a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/eiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to ile a notice of participation electronically may ile such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel, if available. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the 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 speciic action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All ilings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2022-00027. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing.
The Commission may consider a route not signiicantly different from the route described in this notice without additional notice to the public. The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health issues related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter shall be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Conidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive Information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Conidential information, of the Rules of Practice. Any person seeking to hand deliver and physically ile or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Ofice Document Control Center at (804) 371-9838 to arrange the delivery.
On or before August 5, 2022, any interested person may submit comments on the Application by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia. gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may ile such comments with the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR 2022 00027.
Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing or subsequent Hearing Examiner’s Ruling for further instructions concerning Conidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information. The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled public hearings on Dominion’s Application. On August 16, 2022, at 10 a.m., the Commission will hold a telephonic hearing, with no witness present in the Commission’s courtroom, for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before August 11, 2022, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by illing out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting;
Any documents iled in paper form with the Ofice of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modiied by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all ilings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Rules of Practice. The Company’s Application, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, and other documents iled in the case may be viewed at: scc.virginia. gov/pages/Case-Information. VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY
p Loudoun County
FARMWELL SUB "
#
"
"
Project Location
"
"
"
"
"
" "
"
The Company states that the desired in-service date for the Project is December 27, 2024. The Company represents that the estimated conceptual cost of the Project (in 2021 dollars) utilizing the proposed route is approximately $37.5 million, which includes approximately $9.3 million for transmission related work, and approximately $28.2 million for substation-related work.
"
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
" " "
Y PAR KW AY
1,000 Feet
!
!
# # *
Existing Substation Proposed Substation
!
500
!
0
!
LOUDO UN CO UNT
!
!
Four double circuit and three single circuit monopole structures will be installed along the Proposed Route of the Nimbus Line Loop. These proposed structures will have a minimum structure height of approximately 125 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 140 feet, and an average proposed structure height of approximately 132 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal and subject to change based on inal engineering design.
#
!
!
CUMULUS SUB
The length of the Proposed Route of the 230 kV double circuit Nimbus Line Loop is approximately 0.61 mile. Beginning at the cut in on Line #2152 at existing Structure #2152/19A adjacent to the south side of Waxpool Road, the route continues west along the south side of Waxpool Road, crossing over Loudoun County Parkway, for a distance of 3,225 feet. At this point, the route turns south for a distance of 20 feet and terminates at the proposed Nimbus Substation.
!
!
!
Description of Routes for the Proposed Project Nimbus Line Loop Proposed Route
!
!
!
!
!
# * NIMBUS SUB
!
!
!
!
The Company further states that the Farmwell-Nimbus Line is necessary to maintain reliable electric service in compliance with mandatory NERC Reliability Standards. Speciically, a load loss of more than 300 MW was identiied under certain conditions, which is in violation of NERC Reliability Standards, requiring applicable system reinforcements. To address this potential violation, the Company proposed a new 230 kV single circuit line between the existing Farmwell Substation and the proposed Nimbus Substation (which had already been proposed by the Company to PJM Interconnection, LLC (“PJM”) as part of the Nimbus Line Loop and Substation), which proposal was approved by PJM as an acceptable solution to this violation. The proposed Farmwell-Nimbus Line will extend approximately 0.26 mile on new 80-foot-wide right-of-way, originating at Farmwell Substation and terminating at the proposed Nimbus Substation.
Electronic copies of the Application and other supporting materials may be inspected at: www.dominionenergy.com/ nimbus. An electronic copy of the Company’s Application also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company, Vishwa B. Link, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or vlink@mcguirewoods.com.
All distances, heights, and directions are approximate. A sketch map of the proposal accompanies this notice. A more detailed map may be viewed on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Transmission-Line-Projects. A more complete description of the Project also may be found in the Company’s Application.
"
The Company states that the Customer is adding a fourth building to its existing data center campus, located in Loudoun County’s Data Center Alley (“DCA”) at a parcel on the southwestern corner of the Waxpool Road and Loudoun County Parkway intersection. According to the Company, the Customer currently has three buildings on this campus (Buildings A, B, and C) with a fourth building (Building D) yet to be built. Buildings A, B, and C are currently served from Cumulus Substation, which is located directly adjacent to the data center campus and to the proposed Nimbus Substation. The Company states that it plans to serve the Customer’s Building D (90 MVA) from the proposed Nimbus Substation. Other area customers, both existing and planned in the future, also will be served from both the proposed Nimbus Substation and the existing Cumulus Substation. The Company asserts that this plan is based on the proximity of the Customer’s campuses to these substations, as well as existing and future projected load in the Project area.
Three single circuit monopole structures will be installed along the Proposed Route of the Farmwell-Nimbus Line. These proposed structures will have a minimum structure height of approximately 110 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 110 feet, and an average proposed structure height of approximately 110 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal and subject to change based on inal engineering design.
"
According to the Application, Dominion proposes the Project in order to provide service requested by a retail electric service customer (the “Customer”), to maintain reliable service for the overall growth in the area and to comply with mandatory North American Electric Reliability Corporation (“NERC”) Reliability Standards. Dominion further states that the Project is necessary in order to assure that the Company can maintain and improve reliable electric service to the load area surrounding Waxpool Road in Loudoun County (“Waxpool Road Load Area”).
On August 16, 2022, at 10 a.m., immediately following any public witness testimony, either in the Commission’s second loor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or by electronic means, the Commission will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Application from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff. Further details on this hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.
"
• Construct a new overhead 230 kV double circuit line by cutting existing Beaumeade-Buttermilk Line #2152 at Structure #2152/19A (“Nimbus Line Loop”), resulting in (i) 230 kV Beaumeade-Nimbus Line #2152, and (ii) 230 kV Buttermilk-Nimbus Line #2255. The proposed Nimbus Line Loop will extend approximately 0.61 mile on new 100-foot-wide right-of-way to a proposed new 230 34.5 kV Nimbus Substation (“Nimbus Substation”) constructed with ive 230 kV, 4000A circuit breakers in a ring bus arrangement, three 230 kV line terminals, two 230-34.5 kV, 84 MVA transformers, eight 34.5 kV distribution circuits, and other associated equipment (collectively, the “Nimbus Line Loop and Substation”); • Construct a new approximately 0.26-mile 230 kV overhead single circuit line, Farmwell-Nimbus Line #2260, on new 80-foot-wide right-of-way, originating at the Company’s existing Farmwell Substation and terminating at the proposed new Nimbus Substation (the “Farmwell-Nimbus Line”); and • Install one 230 kV, 4000A circuit breaker, one 230 kV, 4000A disconnect switch and line terminal equipment at the Company’s existing Farmwell Substation for one 230 kV transmission line. Additionally, the project will require relay resets, drawing updates, and ield support, as necessary, at the Company’s existing Buttermilk and Beaumeade Substations.
(ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/ pages/Webcasting.
The length of the Proposed Route of the 230 kV single circuit Farmwell-Nimbus Line is approximately 0.26 mile. The route begins by exiting the eastern side of the Farmwell Substation then turns to the southeast for approximately 450 feet. The route then turns to the northeast across a parking area for approximately 430 feet. The route next turns southeast and parallels Waxpool Road for approximately 510 feet. The route then turns south and terminates at the proposed Nimbus Substation.
"
Through its Application, the Company proposes to complete the following, which is collectively referred to as the “Project”:
Farmwell-Nimbus Line Proposed Route
"
On February 23, 2022, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) iled with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) an application (“Application”) for approval and certiication of electric transmission facilities in Loudoun County, Virginia. Dominion iled its Application pursuant to § 56-46.1 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) and the Utility Facilities Act, Code § 56-265.1 et seq.
!
Nimbus 230 kV Line Loop Proposed Route " " 230 kV Farmwell-Nimbus Proposed Route Existing Dominion Transmission Lines
This information is for environmental review purposes only.
Attachment V.A Notice Map Nimbus 230 kV Line Loop and Nimbus Substation and 230 kV Farmwell-Nimbus Transmission Line Loudoun County, Virginia
MPLS M:\Clients\D-F\DOM\Nivo_Nimbus\_ArcGIS\2021\12\_SCC_Appendix_Figures\DOM_Nimbus_Notice_Map.mxd
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 14
MARCH 31, 2022
Nonprofit Community Foundation Launches Black-led Nonprofit Grant Program LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
for
What could be easier than giving away money? Rocket science, for starters
The Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties on Tuesday announced a new grant opportunity for local Black-led nonprofits. In fall of 2021, the Community Foundation established its Racial Equity Fund to support grantmaking for emerging and grassroots Black- and brown-led nonprofit organizations, equity initiatives, and advancement of equity leadership. In its first grantmaking initiative, the fund will focus on providing mini-grants of $1,000 to $3,500 to Black-led nonprofits serving Loudoun County. Organizations serving the Black community in Loudoun that can also demonstrate Black leadership among its executive leaders, board of directors, and/or staff will be prioritized for funding. Currently, the fund has $15,000 to distribute in the first round of grantmaking. “Launching this grant program is one step towards confronting the inequities within philanthropy that have historically limited opportunities for Black-led and Black-serving organizations in Loudoun,” Community Foundation President and CEO Amy Owen said. “We’re grateful for the support of Kaiser Permanente and the
GIVING back Nurseries Donate to Sterling Food Bank
Giving away money can be tougher than you think. Use our expertise to have the greatest impact on your community and the most benefit to all of your charitable giving. We’ll make the whole process easy. From personalized family foundations, to memorial funds, to scholarship funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends.
Won’t You Join Us?
CommunityFoundationLF.org (703) 779-3505
leadership of our Board of Directors for making this program possible.” Applications for grant funding are due April 29. A pre-application workshop will be held online on Friday, April 8 at 11 a.m. The grant application and registration information for the pre-application workshop are online at communityfoundationlf.org/grant-seekers. The Black-led Nonprofit Grant Program is made possible by support from Kaiser Permanente of the Mid-Atlantic Region, the Siker Family Foundation, the Don and Amy Owen Charitable Fund, and the Community Foundation’s Endowment for the Community. More information about the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties is at communityfoundationlf.org. n
A Sterling-area food bank run by Grace Covenant Church is receiving a “Spring kick-off” donation of $2,500 thanks to gardeners in the area buying their 2021 Blue Ridge Grown starter herb and vegetable plants from Reston Farm Garden Market. The donation was part of a pilot program called “Plant a Better Tomorrow,” founded by Riverbend Nursery LLC. Reston Farm Garden Market and Riverbend contribute a portion of sales of every plant sold in the Blue Ridge Grown “Plant a Better Tomorrow” line to help allay food insecurity locally where these plants are purchased. “When the pandemic hit and food
security became an issue for so many, we wanted to find a way to help alleviate food insecurity and support fresh food access to our mission of bringing high-quality plants to gardeners,” said Jonathan Cottle, senior vice president of sales for Riverbend. The Plant a Better Tomorrow program raised $14,500 in 2021.
Juneteenth Volunteers Sought Juneteenth Loudoun, supported by the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation and the Mid-Atlantic Juneteenth Foundation, is seeking volunteers for its 2022 event in Sterling. This year’s Juneteenth Loudoun GIVING BACK continues on page 15
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 15
Loudoun Laurels Seek Nominations for Service Honors
GIVING back continued from page 14
LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Loudoun Laurels Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2022 laureates. The foundation’s mission is to honor exceptional community service for the benefit of Loudoun County residents and to develop future civic leaders through scholarships and mentorships. Each year the Loudoun Laurels Foundation honors community leaders with the Loudoun Laureate award. Nominations for this year’s Loudoun Laureates will close May 1. This year’s laureate will be announced on or before June 1 and honored at the foundation’s annual gala to be held Sept. 30, at Lansdowne Resort. Previous honorees include Joseph T. Boling, Kristina Bouweiri, Childs Frick Burden, Stanley Caulkins, Di Cook, Dr. John H. Cook, III, Betsy Davis, Fred Drummond, William H. Harrison, G. Kimball Hart, Dr. Edgar B. Hatrick, III, Thomas D. Horn, Chuck Kuhn, J. Hamilton Lambert, Punkin Lee, Joe T. May, Margaret Morton, James P. Roberts, Karen Hatcher Russell, Karen and Fred
takes place Sunday, June 19 at Claude Moore Park. To volunteer, call 571-207-5528 or email info@juneteenthloudoun.
Nonprofit to Host Inaugural Golf Tournament
Schaufeld, Eugene M. Scheel, Judy and Lang Washburn, Robert E. Sevila, Al P. Van Huyck, Su Webb, Cate Magennis Wyatt and Paul Ziluca. In addition to honoring members of the community for their leadership, service and philanthropy, the foundation’s Stewardship Trust awards four-year scholarships to Loudoun County Public School students each year. Typically, these students are first generation college attendees whose potential for success has been demonstrated by hard work and personal sacrifice. Since 2013 the Loudoun Laurels Foundation has awarded $920,000 in
scholarships to 23 Loudoun Laurels Scholars. Each $40,000 scholarship is distributed to the Virginia college or university chosen by the student in annual $10,000 increments for the fouryear term of his or her college career. Since 2019, 77 donors have contributed $560,000 to fund the Loudoun Laurels Stewardship Trust endowment. For more information on gala sponsorships and invitations, prior Laureates, the Loudoun Laurels Stewardship Trust and the Loudoun Laurels Scholars, go to loudounlaurels.org, facebook.com/LoudounLaurels, or email info@loudounlaurels.org. n
Hearts of Empowerment is launching its inaugural Hearts of Charity golf tournament April 22 at the 1757 Golf Club. The nonprofit provides project planning for charities through the strength of collaboration. The organization has a strong presence in and throughout Washington, DC, for the past four years having raised over $300,000, partnered with more than 30 different organizations/industries, and mobilized over 200 volunteers. The tournament will raise funds to support the organization’s new initiative, The PACT Program, providing mentorship and professional development for students in Southeast DC. To join as a player or sponsor, go to heartsofempowerment.org/golf. n
Authentic Amish Made Furniture
2122 North Frederick Pike Winchester, VA 22603
540-667-5689
Site FREE Evaluation
163 Keystone Ct, NE 5451 Old Alexandria Turnpike Leesburg, VA Warrenton, VA 20176 20186
703-687-4303
540-341-7883
www.thisnthatamishoutlet.com
52 Main St. Warrenton, VA 20186
540-359-6558
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 16
MARCH 31, 2022
Business
Farmer Trading Cards Return for Spring LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The county’s farmer trading cards return to Loudoun students this spring for their sixth year, now with a chance to hear and learn from the farmers directly. Each year, through a partnership between Loudoun Economic Development and Loudoun County Public Schools’ Nutrition Services office, students receive trading cards featuring local farmers, which have become a favorite for some. This year, in addition to the physical cards, students may view video messages from each of the featured farmers, showing them an educational aspect of farming. The cards will be distributed among elementary students at public, charter, private and home schools. It’s a chance to teach students about their food, and to make a personal connection to the farms where it comes from. “We’re dealing with a childhood obesity epidemic in this country, and a proven strategy to combat that is through the introduction of nutritious foods at an early age,” School Nutrition Director Elizabeth B. Mills said. “We’re fortunate to live in a climate that supports such a broad array of produce, protein, and dairy, and LCPS Nutrition Services Program is committed to buying a portion of our produce from local businesses each year. Student consumption of produce appears to increase when they know where it was grown or if they’ve met the person who grew it. The personal connection seems to encourage eating healthy.” “The farmer trading cards are a great
Loudoun Economic Development
The Loudoun farmer trading cards return for their sixth year this spring, now with videos from each farmer.
reminder for families across the region that fresh products are back in season at Loudoun farms,” Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director Buddy Rizer said. “For the farmers, this is a great opportunity to market their products at the start of the growing season and be recognized by the community. For students, it’s an introduction to the profession of farming, featuring heroes they can look up to.” This year’s starting set of nine cards is the most diverse to date, according to Loudoun Economic Development—
demographically, in their locations, and in what they offer. They include Farmer Sharon, Sweet Piedmont Flowers; Farmer Elaine, Fields of Athenry; Farmer David, Second Spring Farm; Farmer Jens-Peter, Living Green Aquaponics & Microgreens; Farmer Yung Joon, Green Hills Garden & Nursery; Farmer Jim, Mountain View Farm; Farmer Vishali, Sprouting Roots Farm; Farmer Chris, Lutman Farm; and Farmer Eden and Lincoln, Rivenwool Animal Rescue. Loudoun Agricultural Business
Development Officer John Magistro said the department is proud of the range of rural businesses on that list. “We have farms that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic and others that have called Loudoun home for generations. Many of these farms are on the cutting edge of innovation and have a bright future in the county,” he said. To learn more about the featured farmers, watch their videos and shop directly from the Loudoun Made Loudoun Grown Marketplace, go to LoudounFarms.org. n
BUSINESS announcements Dulles Airport Eyes All-Electric Bus Fleet The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has purchased five fully electric-powered buses from Proterra Operating Company Inc. for use in its fleet of parking shuttles at Dulles Airport. The purchase, funded by a grant from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, is a step toward the MWAA’s goal operating a sustainable fleet of low- or zero-emission ground transportation vehicles.
The purchase includes ZX5+ buses, as well as three Proterra 150-kilowatt charging stations. The buses are scheduled for delivery and initial use in early 2023. They will replace five older diesel buses. The initiative is one of several to replace vehicles in the Airports Authority’s fleet with greener alternatives, including the transition of airport operations and police vehicles to hybrid models.
Kohler Store Opens in Sterling Kohler Co., a global manufacturer of
kitchen and bath products, is continuing its expansion with the opening of a new KOHLER Signature Store in Sterling. Owned and operated by GROF USA, the store is the distributor’s second location in the United States. Located at 46515 Harry Byrd Hwy, the store spans over 4,300 square feet and displays products include finish plumbing fixtures, lighting, mirrors, and vanities by KOHLER, KALLISTA and Robern as well as an offering of luxury kitchen cabinets, interior doors, porcelain tile, window shades, and home au-
tomation products. The space includes two suites and 12 ensembles showcasing product selections across a spectrum of design styles. Interactive displays allow visitors to experience spray technologies for the kitchen and bath, learn about Kohler’s smart home products, and to coordinate metal, wood, tile and fixture finishes. The KOHLER Signature Store also offers design services including design development, product selection, and 3-D renderings for homeowners needing visualization and project support. Learn more at kohlercompany.com. n
MARCH 31, 2022
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 17
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Custom Pet Protection With Our Boundary Plus® Family of Products At Invisible Fence® Brand, we’ve pioneered and modernized the pet containment industry by providing you with a customized outdoor solution and training designed specifically for your home and your pet’s needs. The result? Complete confidence in your pet’s safety both indoors and outdoors.
SAVE $150 Outdoor Solution 703-968-6500 InvisibleFence.com ©2022 Radio Systems Corp. All Rights Reserved. *Limited time offer valid on new professionally installed Boundary Plus pet fence. Offer may not be combined with other discounts, promotions, coupons or previous purchases. Valid only at participating Authorized Dealers.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 18
MARCH 31, 2022
Towns
AROUND towns
Wexton Tours Purcellville Water Treatment Plant Boosted by ARPA BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) last week toured the Purcellville Surface Water Treatment Plant to learn how the town’s $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding will help secure the town’s drinkable water—and how much more help is needed. More than $8 million of that funding will go toward the town’s water and sewer infrastructure, including rehabilitating the town’s J.T. Hirst reservoir, constructing a new half-million-gallon water storage tank, and replacing the water main from the water treatment plant, which is a mile from town limits on the town-owned Aberdeen property. The half-million-gallon tank is planned to let the town take the current million-gallon tank out of service for rehabilitation—that tank has been in service since 1945. Meanwhile, the 12-inch water line from the reservoir to the town, now to be replaced, has been in service since 1961. The plant’s staff of nine serves the town’s nearly 10,000 residents and Woodgrove High School, and can treat almost 600,000 gallons of water in day. But some of the equipment in the more than 30-year-old water treatment plant is so old that parts for it aren’t even made any more, Water Superintendent Bernie
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Purcellville Town Manager David Mekarski, Mayor Kwasi Fraser, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) and Purcellville Water Superintendent Bernie Snyder tour the town’s Surface Water Treatment Plant on March 25.
Snyder said. The town is still working to estimate the much larger cost of replacing the water treatment plant. “It’s amazing what they’ve managed to do with some equipment that is rapidly aging, and no longer state of the art. I’m glad that ARPA has been able to help them so far, but it seems that they’re going to need some more help,” Wexton said after the March 25 tour.
Wexton pointed ahead to funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law late last year. “There’s so much need around the country, and I think that the infrastructure bill will go a long way to help take care of some of these really acute projects, but a lot of it’s going to come down to making sure that the state distributes it fairly,” Wexton said. n
Lovettsville Council Adopts Lower Tax Rate BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
The Lovettsville Town Council last week adopted a 16.25-cent real estate tax rate, a 2.6-cent reduction, but one still expected to result in higher tax bills for the town’s homeowners. Town Manager Jason Cournoyer had proposed a 15.2-cent tax rate, but also recommended a 17.27-cent alternative rate that would fully fund the town’s capital construction plan without dipping into reserve funds.
In a year when the value of residential properties increased 17.6% on average, the council would have had to cut the tax rate to 14.6 cents per $100 of assessed value to hold tax bills level. During the final budget markup session March 24, Vice Mayor Chris Hornbaker proposed the 16.25-cent tax rate, which will require the use of $33,500 in undesignated reserves to balance the budget. The town estimated the adopted tax rate will increase the bill for single family detached homes by $49.26 per year on average. Tax bills for townhouses
would go up by $33.73 on average. The adopted budget includes a $1.75 million General Fund, $2.34 million Utility Funds, and $261,650 Event Fund. Another $1.2 million is planned for General Fund capital projects. The council also approved Cournoyer’s recommendation to increase water and sewer rates by 3%. The town manager said those hikes are not expected to add revenue to utility funds, but seek to balance a decline in water usage experienced over the past year. The changes are expected to increase bills by less than $3 per month. n
LOVETTSVILLE Quintana Will Not Run for Council Seat Councilman Tony Quintana, who twice has been appointed to fill vacant council seats, announced last week that he will not seek election in November to serve a full four-year term. He was appointed in June to complete the term of David Steadman, who resigned. The term expires Dec. 31. He previously served on the council for three months after being appointed to fill a vacancy in March 2018. He served that term through the end of June that year. Quintana said that he had planned to run for election this fall, but work commitments have changed those plans, and may require him to move out of town. He does plan to continue to serve through the end of the year.
MIDDLEBURG Special Meeting Set for Town Tax Rate The Middleburg Town Council continues to wrestle with options to set the real estate tax rate, pushing a final decision to a special meeting planned March 31. During their March 24 meeting, council members again reviewed a range of rate options and debated how best to balance the competing concerns of offsetting the impacts of sharply increasing property values driving up residents’ tax bills while adequately preparing for the impacts of souring inflation that could drive up town costs. With property values increasing 12% on average in town, there was no support to keep the current 15.3-cent real estate tax rate. However, several members raised concerns about adopting the equalized rate—13.29 cents—that would hold tax bills level on average. Town Manager Danny Davis AROUND TOWNS continues on page 19
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Crumbling concrete and rusting beams are evident on the Piggott Bottom Road bridge over Catoctin Creek.
Hamilton-area Bridge Closed After Safety Inspection The Virginia Department of Transportation last week closed a bridge on Piggott Bottom Road following a safety inspection. The bridge over Catoctin Creek had been scheduled to be closed and replaced with a $2 million makeover starting this summer. But the deteriorating condition prompted an emergency closure. The bridge was built in 1932 and rehabilitated in 1992, with several repairs made since.
AROUND towns continued from page 18
presented options that would first equalize the rate and then adjusted upward to account for some level of inflation, up to 10% at a 14.62-cent rate. Last week’s debate centered on the high number of retirees in town living on fixed incomes and the impact tax increases approved by the county Board of Supervisors—about $180 per year for a single family detached home in town— would have. April 1 is the deadline for the town to report its tax rates to the county Treasurer’s Office in advance of mailing the June bills.
The new bridge will be slightly longer and higher to better withstand flooding, and include precast concrete beams to reduce long-term maintenance. Those needing to reach properties along Piggott Bottom Road will have access; however, traffic will not be able to go beyond the point of the bridge in either direction. Through traffic will be detoured via Berlin Turnpike, Rt. 7, and Hamilton Station Road. n
ROUND HILL Sleeter Lake Park Reopens Sleeter Lake Park reopened March 1 following its winter recess. The park opens daily at 7 a.m. Closing times change throughout the season and are posted on the town’s website and at the park. The 11-acre park features picnic areas with tables and grills, canoe and kayak storage, a soft-launch boat ramp, and an extensive shoreline for catch-and-release fishing. Swimming or wading is not permitted. The park will close for winter Nov. 26. The park is located at located at 17749 Lakefield Road.
PAGE 19
PAGE 20
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
Obituaries
Raymond Roland Riley
Henry Garnett Plaster, Jr.,
Raymond Roland Riley, 86, of Berryville, Virginia died Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at his residence. “Junior” was born January 20, 1936, in Loudoun County, Virginia, the youngest son of Harvey and Goldie Lynn Riley. Surviving is a son, Andrew Pearson (Lauren), three granddaughters (Lily, Mary Cabell, and Ware) of Birmingham, Alabama, brother James of Lovettsville, Virginia, and beloved nieces and nephews, especially Scott and Sharon Herndon. He was preceded in death by his forementioned parents, brothers George, Richard, Fred, Charles, and sisters Catherine, Mary, and Mabel. Raymond founded and ran a successful excavating business in Loudoun County for over three decades. He was an active member of Loudoun Golf and Country Club and was known for his musical prowess and efforts at preserving bluegrass music in the area. Raymond came to faith later in life in the midst of tragedy and suffering. It was in these struggles that Raymond threw himself on the mercy of Christ and experienced the new birth. A generous and honest man, he will be missed by those he loved and those who loved him. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 4th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Hall Funeral Home in Purcellville, Virginia. A funeral service will be held at Hall on Tuesday, April 5th at 11:00am with an inurnment to follow at Hillsboro Cemetery. The Rev. Gary Heaton will officiate.
Henry Garnett Plaster, Jr., 93, of Bluemont, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2022. Henry was born July 26, 1928, to Henry Garnett Plaster, Sr. and Jerusha Lohman Plaster in Washington, DC. After graduating from St. Albans School in 1946, he went on to receive a B.S. in Physics at Duke University in 1950, and was part of the NROTC program. He received a master’s degree in Engineering Administration from The George Washington University in 1961. Following his graduation from college, he began active duty in the United States Navy. He served in the Korean War and received a battle star in 1953. He resigned his commission in June 1953 and subsequently retired as a Lieutenant, USNR. Henry was hired by the Central Intelligence Agency in 1954 and while his work at the agency was classified, he played a major role in a variety of CIA efforts including the CORONA and HEXAGON satellite programs. After serving his country for more than 43 years at the CIA, he retired in 1993 as the Cold War ended. He was awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit in 1971 and the CIA Career Intelligence Medal. After his retirement he left Bethesda, Maryland and moved to his family farm Glenmeade in Bluemont, Virginia. Henry and his wife Anne became very involved in their local community. He was the longtime Chairman of the Snickersville Turnpike Association and a very active member of the Bluemont Citizens Association. He was also involved in preserving local Civil War history. Henry was predeceased by his parents, his wife Anne Austin Plaster and his daughter Elizabeth Plaster, and is survived by Henry (Christi) Plaster III, William (Amy) Plaster, Anne Plaster (Jeff)
Schroeder and four grandchildren George Plaster, Elie Plaster, Henry Plaster IV, and Austin Plaster. The funeral service will be held on April 2, 2022, at 11:00 am at Bluemont United Methodist Church, 33843 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont, Virginia. He will be buried in his family plot at the historic Ebenezer Cemetery near Bluemont. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bluemont Heritage (www.bluemontheritage.org) or to the Snickersville Turnpike Association, P.O. Box 452, Philomont, VA 20131. Arrangements by Hall Funeral Home of Purcellville, Virginia.
Sarah Love Douglass Loudoun Native Sarah was born to Morris and Ruth Love in Loudoun County in 1919, growing up alongside her younger brother James on Loveland Farm near Hamilton and surrounded by family including their constant playmates Hugh and Bob Grubb. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1937 and went on the receive her degree from prestigious Randolph Macon Women’s College in 1941. After inheriting the family farm in 1943 she furthered her education at VPI in agriculture and animal husbandry. While teaching history and Latin at Aldie High School during World War II she met and later married Aldie’s miller, James Edwards “Ned” Douglass in 1947. As a homemaker and mother of two sons, Sarah was active in the Junior Women’s Club of Loudoun until she “aged out” into the Women’s Club of Loudoun, the Loudoun Homemaker’s Extension Club, and the Loudoun County 4-H Fair, first as a member in her youth, then as a parent and prize-winning participant and later as
a judge in several categories. As a member of the Ladies Board of Loudoun Hospital, Sarah worked on the annual Rummage Sale from the earliest events on the lawn at Thomas Bach Library to chairing “Ladies Shoes” for fifty plus years, “retiring” from working the sale at age 98. A 74-year active member of the Aldie Horticultural Society, she won numerous ribbons and awards for both artistic arrangements and horticultural specimens of daffodils, irises, and daylilies. As a member of Aldie Presbyterian Church since 1950, she served as an Elder since 1973 as well as a long term as treasurer. A renowned cook beloved for sharing her recipes, Sarah was a skilled seamstress who made many of her own suits and gowns, an expert knitter and tatter. Over the many years Sarah garnered accolades for her willingness to take on offices and chairmanships in her many organizations, earning her the title of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce “Woman of the Year” in 1972, “in appreciation of consistent generosity, loyalty and service to the community.” Her example of combining quiet intelligence with style in all things was an inspiration as a role model. A frequent hostess to family and friends until the very end, Sarah is survived by sons James Edwards “Ned” Jr. and Andrew Love, daughter-in-law Brenda Hopkins Douglass; nephews Douglass Yale, Alexander Yale, Hugh Grubb, and James Grubb; nieces Nani Broadbent-Yale, Lee Stevens, Ruth Grubb, and Sarah Stevens; and many, many great- and great-great- nieces and nephews. The family will host a viewing at Royston Funeral Home, 108 East Washington Street, Middleburg on Tuesday, March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. The Funeral service is on March 30, at 10 a.m. at the Aldie Presbyterian Church, Meeting House Lane, Aldie (parking available at the Aldie Mill and the Antique store on Route 50). Interment follows at Union Cemetery, 232 North King Street, Leesburg, with a reception to follow at Leesburg VFW Post 1177, 401 Old Waterford Road NW. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to: Aldie Presbyterian Church, PO Box 285, Aldie VA 20105 or the Aldie Volunteer Fire Department, 39459 John Mosby Hwy, Aldie VA 20105. Arrangements by Royston Funeral Home, Middleburg, VA.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 21
Our Neighbor and Friend, Madeleine Albright BY MAURA WALSH-COPELAND
How many people do you know who send handwritten thank you notes for receiving a birthday letter, or at all these days? Well, Madeleine Albright did. Although her handwriting was difficult to decipher, she was always gracious, very down to earth, with a wonderful sense of humor. Some may not know about Madeleine’s roots in Loudoun, owning a farm west of Hillsboro and Neersville. In 2000, while Secretary of State, she came to Hillsboro Elementary School when my son was in first grade. I ran into Madeleine in Purcellville in 2011, and we laughed at her memories of Hillsboro Elementary. I mustered the courage to write her a letter 10 years ago this week, saying the first grade class was now the first graduating class of Woodgrove High School. I asked if she would be a graduation guest speaker, and to my great surprise, she called me to say she would love to. This set in motion months of stealth planning, including sneaking her in a side door. The program started late so we had plenty of time to chat, setting the stage for keeping in touch. Since then, she considered Woodgrove HS another “neighborhood” school. That year Madeleine agreed to do a book signing at the Hillsboro Old Stone School—but with one condition. She said she had been passing the Old Stone School since 1968 on her way to her farm, and she wanted to know if she could “peek” inside. I made sure she got the grand tour. In a shy voice, Madeleine told me the night before that she didn’t think many people would be coming to her book signing, calling herself a “former somebody.” She was blown away when I said we had already pre-sold almost all the books. Madeleine’s staff had insisted that the summer book signing be in the airconditioned indoors, but Madeleine overruled them. She asked me to setup outside so that she could have more time to chat with her neighbors. When we came out of the school after the tour, she was stunned to see over 350 people waiting to see her. As her book signing aide, I heard so many amazing, wickedly funny stories of her farm neighbors and friends who came to see her from all walks of life.
Above, Madeleine Albright during a 2012 book signing at Hillsboro’s Old Stone School. Below, Madeleine Albright during a visit to Hillsboro Elementary School. Photos Courtesy of Maura Walsh-Copeland
There was one lady who said, “I read your memoir, so why should I read your new book?” Madeleine was a bit taken aback, so I answered, “In Dr. Albright’s memoir you learned she was educated to be Secretary of State, but in Prague Winter you will learn she was born to be Secretary of State.” Madeleine stared at me for a moment and said, “Thank you. I should
write that down!” That year Madeleine also came to a fundraiser in Waterford on a Sunday afternoon. After she had a glass of red wine and a stumble, I grabbed her arm and asked if she had eaten anything. She quietly said no, because she went to her gal pal Barbra Streisand’s concert in Brooklyn the night before, stayed up all night gabbing with
Barbra, and slept in the car on the drive to Virginia. This was when she was 75! I scolded her in her birthday letter for that “ninny fall-risk move,” and said taking care of her health will be her best gift to her family. I was sure I’d never hear from her after that, but Madeleine showed her graciousness with a handwritten note that said: “I must say the letter you wrote to me is one of the most thoughtful I have ever received. I thought your point about the “birthday gift” to my children and grandchildren was inspirational. I shall cherish it, and try to follow your advice.” Madeleine came to other events in Loudoun, some at my request and some at Mayor Kelly Burk’s. In 2016, Madeleine agreed to come back to Woodgrove High School for an International Youth Festival, and to give my then college-grad son career advice. I refrained from calling her names for a while, until 2017 when I told her she was a “brick,” to let her know her memorial brick had been installed in the Town of Hillsboro along with others. She would ask about Hillsboro happenings like the new fire station across from her farm, details about a telecom tower on Short Hill next to her property, and said “thanks for warning me about Rt. 9” when it was under construction. She also came to Leesburg for one of Mayor Burk’s events. It was then I told her on my visit to see cousins in Paris I met someone she knew as a teenager. Apparently, Madeleine’s first crush was on a French diplomat’s son. He had a younger brother, Georges, who had a crush on Madeleine’s sister Kathy. Madeleine was almost giddy looking forward to teasing her sister and wrote “it truly is a small world!” At a 2019 event in Lucketts, Madeleine and Kathy asked me to “Say hi to Georges.” Madeleine’s note in 2020 showed how she was dealing with Covid-19 like everyone else saying, “I have been doing a lot of zooming. It is useful but doesn’t provide a lot for an extrovert like me who needs energy from people.” Over the years Kelly Burk and I had a “friendly feud” over who could get Madeleine to come back to Loudoun the most. Even though it was probably a tie— we all won in Loudoun when Madeleine came back to the “neighborhood,” where she will be missed. n
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 22
MARCH 31, 2022
THINGS to do
Loco Living
LOCO LIVE Live Music: Chris Bowen
Friday, April 1, 4 p.m. Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com Celebrate Friday with great tunes from western Loudoun singer/songwriter and one-man band Chris Bowen of the Bone Show.
Live Music: Shag Duo
Friday, April 1, 5 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com The Shag Duo is back with their blend of British and European rock staples.
Live Music: Brian Torre
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
At the Better A Life food pantry in Purcellville, Elizabeth Ford works to give area families the support and skills she lacked while growing up.
Tackling Child Hunger at Better A Life BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com
Elizabeth Ford knew hunger and housing insecurity growing up in Fairfax County. The feeling of walking past a school lunchroom and not being able to eat sticks with her decades later. “When you pass the cafeteria and you’re hungry, it’s the worst feeling,” Ford said. A desire to make sure local kids never know that feeling prompted Ford to launch her nonprofit Better A Life in 2016, with a focus on fighting child hunger. She start-
ed the organization on a mission to cover school lunch debt. But as COVID shifted community needs, Ford and her nonprofit pivoted. Better A Life opened its first food pantry in Purcellville in January. Ford’s goal from the start has been to create a different kind of food pantry. She offers cooking classes and mentorship programs for young people in her commercial space on North Maple Avenue. As someone who grew up with bare shelves and convenience store dinners, one of Ford’s goals is to help families take advantage of the items available in the pantry. “This is based on my life—never
cooking or knowing how to cook. I didn’t touch raw meat until I was 21, and it was a disaster,” she said. “We never had food in the house.” Better A Life’s Purcellville food pantry is home to a small cooktop, oven and microwave and individual aprons for young clients who learn the basics of cooking and how to make the most of items on pantry shelves. Ford says clients often hesitate to take certain items from the shelves because they’re unsure about how to prepare them. She noticed that canned BETTER A LIFE continues on page 26
Melissa Quinn Fox Wins Wammie with ‘Back There’ The winners of the 2022 Washington Area Music Awards were announced Saturday night, with a Loudoun favorite taking the Wammie trophy for Best Country/Americana song. Melissa Quinn Fox penned “Back There” more than a decade ago. The song got a fresh ballad treatment during a 2021 recording session working with Music Row veteran PT Houston at Off The Row Recording Studio near Nashville.
“Love and thanks to everyone who has believed in and supported my music and congratulations to all the other talented winners and nominees,” Fox posted on social media after the ceremony. Fox performs throughout the region. Upcoming shows in Loudoun include April 9 at Social House Kitchen & Tap in Ashburn, April 16 at Vanish Brewery in Lucketts, and April 30 at Lost Rhino Brewing in Ashburn. n
Friday, April 1, 5 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Torre serves up acoustic guitar covers from yesterday and today featuring more than 150 artists.
Live Music: Ted Garber
Friday, April 1, 5-8 p.m. Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com Singer/songwriter Ted Garber returns to Crooked Run for a happy hour show with his genre-bending, multiinstrumentalist approach to what he calls BluesAmericanaRock.
Live Music: Dave Goodrum
Friday, April 1, 5:30 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: lostbarrel.com Goodrum brings acoustic music at its most fun--covering a range of genres from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today.
Loudoun Battle of the Bands Final Battle
Friday, April 1, 6 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com Loudoun’s best youth bands have made it through the preliminary rounds and battle to see who’s #1 in the county. Tickets are $8 at the door.
Live Music: Clark Peklo
Friday, April 1, 6 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Peklo gives the Flying Ace crowd a taste of his repertoire of cool, unexpected covers and a strict No Eagles policy.
Live Music: Rowdy Acres
Friday, April 1, 8 p.m. Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com This raucous bluegrass, country rock band plays traditional bluegrass, newgrass, country, classic rock and southern rock– both covers and originals. Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Melissa Quinn Fox performs at Harvest Gap Brewery.
THINGS TO DO continues on page 24
MARCH 31, 2022
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
File Photo
April offers lots of opportunities to the season of renewal, culminating in the Flower and Garden Festival and historic garden tours in downtown Leesburg.
Loudoun Celebrates Mother Earth BY VISIT LOUDOUN
Friday, April 22 is Earth Day, but why limit your Mother Nature celebrations to a single day? Spring is here, the sun’s starting to shine and it’s time to get out into the great outdoors. Fortunately, April in Loudoun has fun Gaia friendly events, activities, and attractions galore.
Firefly Cellars in Hamilton gets things underway Saturday, April 2 with Petals & Poses, a 45-minute yoga class on the deck of the tasting room followed by a floral design workshop in the garden hosted by Angela Rabena of Ashburn’s Bloom2U. “What better way to start a spring APRIL EVENTS continues on page 26
PAGE 23
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 24
MARCH 31, 2022
BEST BETS
BATTLE OF THE BANDS Friday, April 1, 6 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
THINGS to do continued from page 22
Live Music: Chris Timbers Band
Friday, April 1, 8 p.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: spankyspub.com Celebrate Friday with the chillaxed music vibes of the Chris Timbers Band.
Live Music: Drivin’ South
Saturday, April 2, 1 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Drivin’ South is back for a fun Saturday at Vanish with old-school classic rock.
Live Music: Tommy Gann
Saturday, April 2, 1 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville Details: creeksedgewinery.com Drawing on influences ranging from soulful rock to contemporary pop, Gann’s songwriting is noted for its depth, wit and stimulating melodies.
Live Music: Mark Cullinane
Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m. Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: twotwistedposts.com Cullinane is back with acoustic classic rock tunes for a fun afternoon.
Live Music: Summer and Eric
Saturday, April 2, 5 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: lostbarrel.com This DMV duo plays a fun, eclectic and unexpected mix of music from the past and present, as well as original tunes.
Hillsboro UkraineAid Concert
Saturday, April 2, 5-10 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro Details: oldstoneschool.org Hillsboro’s benefit concert to support relief efforts in Ukraine features live music from The Talton Brothers, Joey and The Waitress, Jim Steele, Out of the Coop, The Hillsboro All-Stars and other favorites. Food, wine and beer will be available for sale. Admission is free. Proceeds and donations will go to Save the Children and the World Food Program.
UKRAINEAID CONCERT Saturday, April 2, 5 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School oldstoneschool.org
Live Music: Free Flowing Musical Experience
Saturday, April 2, 6 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Alexandria’s legendary acoustic jam band comes to Flying Ace for an evening of groovy tunes.
Live Music: Sons of Liberty
Saturday, April 2, 6 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com It’s an evening of great southern rock from the Sons of Liberty
Live Music: Todd Riley Comedy
Saturday, April 2, 7-10 p.m. Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120, Sterling Details: crookedrunbrewing.com As seen on Comedy Central’s “Up Next” and the Oddball Festival, Todd Riley brings his must-see stage presence and comedic voice to Crooked Run.
Live Music: The Sunlighters
Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Experience original cosmic doowop, atomic jukebox and dancehall rock ‘n’ roll from some of the region’s favorite musicians. Admission is free.
Live Music: Shade Tree Collective
Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m. Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: monksq.com This Maryland-based five-piece ensemble gets Monk’s dancing with traditional bluegrass.
FOUR HORSEMEN Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
Live Music: 2 of the Four
Sunday, April 3, 1-4 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Celebrate Sunday with high-energy acoustics, sweet harmonies and a crowd-inspired playlist.
Live Music: Famous Last Words
Sunday, April 3, 2-5 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com This acoustic duo made up of Chris Coutts and Maria Lynn brings favorite hits from the 60s to today.
Live Music: David Grier with Herb and Hanson and The Fly Birds
Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Known as one of the greatest flatpick guitarists in the world, Grier started at a young age at the feet of bluegrass legend, Bill Monroe. His Loudoun appearance celebrates spring and his new album “Ways of the World.” Herb and Hanson open at 2 p.m. followed by the Fly Birds at 3 p.m. Grier takes the stage at 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Live Music: Freddie Long
Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Long is part introspective singer/songwriter, part bluesy classic rocker for a perfect winery afternoon vibe.
Live Music: Shane Gamble
Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The Four Horsemen return to the Tally Ho with their album-quality Metallica tribute. Tickets are $15, $35 for VIP seats.
Sunday April 3, 2 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Rising country music star Shane Gamble has several hit singles under his belt and a new EP on the horizon.
Live Music: Crooked Jack
Live Music: Tab Benoit
Live Music: Four Horsemen Metallica Tribute
Saturday April 2, 8 p.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg Details: spankyspub.com Energize your Saturday night with power rock from the DMV.
Thursday, April 7, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The noted blues guitarist from the bayous of Southern Louisiana graces Leesburg with his one of a kind style. Tickets are $35
MOMSCO COMEDY NIGHT Sunday, April 3, 6:15 p.m. Kalypsos, Reston momsco.org/events
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Lucketts Breakfast with The Easter Bunny
Saturday April 2, 8:30-10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.-noon Lucketts Community Center, 42361 Lucketts Road, Lucketts Details: facebook.com/luckettscc Hop on down to the old schoolhouse for an epic egg hunt, games and fun along with a delicious continental breakfast. Two seatings are available. Tickets are $5 per person in advance.
Salamander Easter Bunny Experience
Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Salamander Resort and Spa, 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg Details: salamanderresort.com Grab your family and hop on a wagon ride leading to a private egg hunt followed by a visit with the Easter Bunny himself. Reserve a spot in advance. Admission is $200 for a group of up to eight people.
LOCO CULTURE Last Ham Standing Comedy Improv
Friday, April 1, 8-9:30 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org This hilarious show is full of laughs for the whole family as performers take suggestions from the audience to create wacky scenes and improv games. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children.
Wheatland Concert Series at Shiloh Manor
Saturday, April 2, 8 p.m. Shiloh Manor Farm, 14781 Berlin Tpk., Purcellville Details: shiloh-manor.com The Wheatland Concert Series is back with a chamber music recital and dinner. This month’s concert features Bach’s harpsichord and flute sonatas with Mark Janello on harpsichord and flutists Denis Savelyev and Christian Paquette. Tickets are $70.
Lovettsville’s Hidden History: Mount Sinai Church
Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. Lovettsville Town Office, 6 E Pennsylvania Ave., Lovettsville Details: lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org The Lovettsville Historical Society presents the story of the Mount Sinai Church, organized in 1883 as a mission of the Free Will Baptists at Storer College in Harpers Ferry, and its cemetery. The event takes place both in-person and online.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 25
Post your job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com
Summit is currently accepting applications for the following full-time position at our Leesburg location:
Customer Service Teller Education Requirements: High School Diploma or GED. The Customer Service Teller performs routine banking transactions such as deposits, checks, payments, etc. Applicant must be highly professional, with excellent customer service skills and have computer knowledge. Prior retail banking or cash handling experience preferred.
Come join the Summit team! For complete job description and to complete an application please visit our website at: www.MySummit.bank Summit is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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
Biosolids Operator: Trainee, I, II, or Senior
Utilities
$50,000-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Deputy Director of Utilities
Utilities
$93,438-$159,968 DOQ
Open until filled
Deputy Procurement Officer
Finance
$67,175-$115,044 DOQ
Open until filled
Enterprise GIS Manager
Information Technology
$76,426-$130,688 DOQ
Open until filled
Office 365 Systems Administrator
Information Technology
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$62,000-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Stormwater & Environmental Manager
Public Works & Capital Projects
$82,999-$141,929 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II, or Senior
Utilities
$50,000-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Technician or Senior Utility Plant Technician
Utilities
$50,000-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Zoning Analyst
Planning & Zoning
$56,956-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Flexible Part-Time Position Position
Department
Hourly Rate
Closing Date
Library Assistant
Thomas Balch Library
$20.51-$33.42 DOQ
Open until filled
Parking Enforcement Officer
Finance
$16.86-$28.85 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Engineer
Plan Review
$55.00-$70.00 DOQ
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. NHLEmployerCard2.pdf
NHLEmployerCard2.pdf
1
9/3/19
1
9/3/19
10:58 AM
10:58 AM
Let us help find your next employee.
MAIDS NEEDED
C
• Candidate Search
No evenings or weekends Pay starts at $15/hr
M
Y
CM
• Resume Postings MY
CY
CMY
• Employer Dashboard and much more
Please call 571-291-9746
DRIVERS NEEDED Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011
See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com
K
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Search, find and contact applicants directly on your mobile device or desktop. Manage prospective employees and resumes from a convenient secure dashboard
NowHiringLoudoun.com
PAGE 26
Better a Life continued from page 22 chicken, a food pantry staple, often sits on the shelves. “The families will literally skip it, and I’ve got hundreds of cans,” Ford said. Ford’s solution was to teach kids a recipe for chicken nuggets using egg, canned chicken, and cheese—all items available in the pantry—and watch the canned chicken fly off the shelves. Ford grew up in Reston, the daughter of a single mother whose mental health challenges prevented her from taking advantage of community resources. “She didn’t do the things that would have helped us,” Ford said. Ford and her mother moved from rental to rental with no food in the house. “For food, I would go to the 7-11 with my friends and we’d sit outside and bum quarters and we’d get cigarettes and a hot dog. That was our lifestyle,” she said. As Ford struggled in school, her mother pulled her out of high school in ninth grade. She started working full time in local restaurants as a teen but decided she wanted something more. “I knew it wasn’t the life I wanted. … I didn’t want to live hungry,” Ford said. Ford got her GED and pulled heself up through a series of temp jobs, eventually landing in human resources. She put herself through college earning an IT degree and works in the security field. Ford now lives in Purcellville with her husband and children. But she was a struggling single mom for years, and her own childhood and experience as a single parent push her to
April events continued from page 23 morning than creative and invigorated making new friends,” said Firefly co-owner Andrea Zaidi. “We love this property because it gives us the opportunity to commune with nature and community.” Participants will get a free glass of wine for the floral session, Zaidi recommending the crisp and summery Illumination white blend. Sticking to the flowers and wine theme, on April 24 Casanel Vineyards and Winery hosts a creative “Paint and Sip” experience. Sit in beautiful spring sunshine at the winery and get instructions on painting wildflowers and leaves on a wine glass, which you then take home with you. After you’ve christened it with a pour of the award-winning 2017 Petit Verdot that is.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM support kids and families in need. Ford started Better A Life as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit six years ago while living in Leesburg, initially focusing on covering student lunch debt. When the pandemic hit two years ago, she shifted gears and started making food deliveries out of her basement. But she soon realized that to partner with larger organizations like Feeding America, she needed to establish a food pantry. And from the outset, she knew she wanted to take Better A Life a step further. “I said, ‘If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do what is really needed and add these programs,’” Ford said. Her Purcellville pantry opened Jan. 28 and has quickly become a valued resource in the community. In addition to food and hygiene supplies, Ford works with clients to find and access community resources. The organization provides jackets, coats and school supplies along with non-food necessities like paper towels, formula and laundry detergent. “I had a little girl the other day who got her first hairbrush,” Ford said. Ford said her own experience growing up low-income in affluent Reston has helped her navigate the environment in wealthy western Loudoun. “Often low-income communities are hidden. … Ours are hidden here in Purcellville,” she said. The Better A Life Pantry is within walking distance of several lower-income neighborhoods in Purcellville. Ford and her husband also do outreach through monthly door-to-door food deliveries in town, packing her jeep full of 100 bags of food on the first Saturday of every month.
(She says getting a van for the nonprofit is a big goal). It’s an important way to get to know the community and establish Better A Life as a resource, she said. Ford partners with the local Cake4Kids chapter for children’s birthdays and organizes Thanksgiving and Christmas food and toy drives countywide. Better A Life also supports the food pantry at Mountain View Elementary School and eight other schools in Loudoun and Fairfax. In addition to the learning kitchen, Ford has set up a reading area in the new space and is building a mentorship program and a homework club in cooperation with the Purcellville Police Department. Better A Life does not set income limits or limits on food access. Ford says that often in high cost of living areas like Loudoun, even families who don’t qualify for government assistance can struggle to make ends meet. Ford has ambitious goals to expand her interactive pantry model to Leesburg and Sterling and eventually into Fairfax County. For now, she runs Better A Life as a volunteer and operates with an all-volunteer staff. “I’m trying to keep it that way as long as possible,” she said. Better A Life’s inaugural Out Run Child Hunger fundraiser takes place Sunday, April 10 at Franklin Park and features a 5K race and 1K family fun run. Registration is open through April 7, and the registration fee is $35 for the 5K and $25 for the 1K. n
It’s a big month for flowers. The 32nd annual Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival takes place April 23-24 in the downtown historic district. Visit with floral designers, landscapers, garden suppliers and vendors, the latter selling everything from bluebells to cherry blossoms. As an adjunct, on April 24 and 25, the private gardens of several homes on Cornwall Street, Leesburg open to the public as part of the Garden Club of Virginia’s annual Historic Garden Week, going strong since 1929. Guests are invited to dine on King Street afterwards. For a more active outdoor experience, put your running shoes and pink shirt on and join the Middleburg Cherry Blossom 5K Run and 1 Mile Pooch Prance for Breast Cancer event, also held April 24. The run takes place in and around Middleburg finishing at the Middleburg Community Center with food, drinks and live music. The Cherry Blossom Breast
Cancer Foundation raises money for women in Loudoun and neighboring Fauquier County to receive mammograms, biopsies, surgeries and other cancer treatments. Of course, any eco-celebration should include animals. The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy hosts numerous birding excursions in April including Birding Banshee on April 9 through Banshee Reeks Nature Reserve. But you don’t need an organized event to enjoy wildlife and wilderness. Hikers will love the plants, deer herds and Potomac River views of Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park, while 68-acre Rust Sanctuary just a short drive west of historic downtown Leesburg has abundant fauna and birdlife along its forest trails. Happy Earth Month! n
Better A Life’s food pantry is located at 201 N Maple Ave, Unit F in Purcellville. For hours and information, go to betteralife.org or facebook.com/helpbetteralife.
MARCH 31, 2022
Legal Notices ABC LICENSE
Mina Hanna (WWMLLC), trading as EATaliano, 43150 Broadland Center Plaza #178, Ashburn, VA 20147 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a retail on or off premises wine and beer license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Wassem Waheb, Owner/Manager Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. 03/24 & 3/31/22
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No. 22-966
LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 18 EAST MARKET ST., LEESBURG, VA 20176 Yvonne Thompson v. David James Thompson, THE OBJECT OF THIS SUIT is to obtain a divorce a vinculo matrimonii. IT is ORDERED that David James Thompson appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before May 20, 2022 at 2:00 PM. 3/17, 3/24, 3/31 & 4/7/22
ABC LICENSE
Multiservicios Hispanos LLC, trading as Multiservicios Hispano, 9 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA 20175-3611 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer Off Premise license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Ever S Chavez Garcia, LLC Member Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. 3/31 & 4/7/22
LoudounNow.com
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 27
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, April 13, 2022 in order to consider:
The Loudoun County Office of Housing has prepared the CDBG Program FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by May 15, 2022.
Copies of the proposed Plan are available and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. The Plan is also available online at www.loudoun. gov/cdbg. Written comments on the Plan may be submitted to the attention of the CDBG Program Manager Eileen Barnhard at the Loudoun County Office of Housing, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177 or by email eileen.barnhard@loudoun.gov. Comments will be received until April 13, 2022. Board of Supervisors Public Meeting to approve the Plan will be held on April 13, 2022, at the Loudoun County Government Center, Board Room 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia at 6:00 pm.
HUD has designated Loudoun County as qualified for Urban County participation in the CDBG program and entitled to receive CDBG funding directly from HUD. HUD regulations require the adoption of the above referenced Plan, which outlines the County’s housing and community development needs, priorities and objectives, and proposed use of the federal funds for the ensuing CDBG program year.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING USE OF EMINENT DOMAIN PROPERTY OF: Kirkpatrick Farms Community Association, Inc
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) 2022-2023 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AND SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTS
§ § § § §
Federal and other resources expected to be available; Leveraging of resources and how match obligations will be met; The activities to be undertaken; The geographic distribution of investment; and Planned homeless and other special needs activities.
2015
15
2018
170
Town of Leesburg
$46,872.00
$9,721.00
16
2019
181
Good Shepherd Alliance
$30,000.00
$2,783.72*
16
2019
180
Arlington Partnership $200,000 for Affordable Housing
$200,000
16
2019
187
Town of Leesburg
$74,596.91
$74,596.91
16
2019
186
Latino Economic Dev. $20,071.73 Corp.
$1,288.14*
17
2020
199
INMED/Healthy Families
$77,924.00
$4,465.31**
17
2020
201
Good Shepherd Alliance
$47,404.37
$7,543.67**
17
2020
206
INMED/Opp. Center
$211,770.00 $13,571.02
17
2020
205
Cornerstones
$200,000.00 $25,703.00
Fiscal Year
Original Award
Unexpended Funds to be Reprogrammed
$485,544.24 $334.29
Detail Activity completed Reprogram unexpended funds Activity completed Reprogram unexpended funds Activity completed Reprogram; unexpended funds Activity cancelled reprogram funds Activity cancelled Reprogram funds Activity completed Reprogram unexpended funds Activity completed Reprogram unexpended funds Activity completed Reprogram unexpended funds Activity completed Reprogram unexpended funds Activity completed reprogram unexpended funds
Note:*PY 2016 $2,783.72 + $1,288.14 = $4,071.86 ** PY 2017 $4,465.31 + $7,543.67 = $12,008.98 Total= $16,090.84
ED
12
IDIS IDIS Subrecipient Activity Number 134 ARC of Loudoun Co.
Program Program Year
Property to be acquired from Kirkpatrick Farms Community Association, Inc. - Parcel 008 (PIN#: 206-36-0144): Approximately 7,768 square feet for public street purposes, 208 square feet for a permanent public access easement, and 8,348 square feet for a temporary construction easement on Kirkpatrick Farms Community Association, Inc. property located on the north side of Braddock Road (Route 620) in Aldie, and located on a parcel more particularly described as PIN#: 206-36-0144 in the Dulles Election District.
LL
Reimbursements to the subrecipients of the activities indicated below have been made and the file is complete. Activities with unexpended funds are attributed to the completion or cancellation of the activity within the program year. Unexpended funds from completed or cancelled activities are then reprogramed into a new activity to be expended.
Property to be acquired from Kirkpatrick Farms Community Association, Inc. - Parcel 001 (PIN#: 249-40-4135): Approximately 4,765 square feet for public street purposes, 4,738 square feet for a permanent waterline easement, and 9,168 square feet for a temporary construction easement on Kirkpatrick Farms Community Association, Inc. property located on the north side of Braddock Road (Route 620) in Aldie, and located on a parcel more particularly described as PIN#: 249-40-4135 in the Dulles Election District.
CE
In accordance with HUD requirements, 24 CFR §91.105 Citizen Participation Plan, a Substantial Amendment is required when there is a change in the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of an activity with regard to a previous FY approved Annual Action Plan. The following projects and activities will be reprogrammed from the specific years’ programs and activities into to PY19 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan for the activity Loudoun County Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $323,926.22 and Public Services Activity NVDC Oral Health Care Program in the amount of $4,071.86 in PY16 2016 Annual Action Plan and $12,008.98 in PY17 2020 Annual Action Plan for a total of $16,080.84.
N CA
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1901 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider the adoption of a resolution approving a proposed public use and directing the acquisition of real property for such public use by condemnation (eminent domain). The subject property consists of portions of three (3) parcels located along the north side of Braddock Road (Route 620) in Aldie, Virginia. The subject property is proposed to be used for public street right-of-way, permanent waterline easements, permanent public access easements, and temporary construction easements for the construction of the road expansion project in Loudoun County, Virginia. The subject properties are more particularly described as follows:
Components of the Annual Action Plan include, without limitation, descriptions of:
Property to be acquired from Kirkpatrick Farms Community Association, Inc. - Parcel 011 (PIN#: 206-26-3370): Approximately 5,552 square feet for public street purposes, 637 square feet for a permanent public access easement, and 9,918 square feet for a temporary construction easement on Kirkpatrick Farms Community Association, Inc. property located on the north side of Braddock Road (Route 620) in Aldie, and located on a parcel more particularly described as PIN#: 206-26-3370 in the Dulles Election District. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed resolution, as well as a plat and vicinity maps serving to further identify the subject property, is available and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
APPL-2021-0002 APPEAL OF ZCOR-2019-0172 CLS Bldg C, LC; CLS Phase 1, LC; CLS Phase II, LC; and Comstock Loudoun Station L.C., of Reston, Virginia, have submitted an application for an appeal of the November 12, 2019, Zoning Administrator determination, ZCOR-2019-0172, which granted approval of administrative changes to the approved Concept Development Plan for ZCPA-2015-0014, Loudoun Station Gramercy District, pursuant to Section 6-1216(A) of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, including a modification to the road network for the Loudoun Station Gramercy District and an alteration to the orientation of some buildings within the Loudoun Station Gramercy District. The subject property is zoned PD-TRC (Planned Development-Transit Related Center) under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and is also located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 10.7 acres in size and is located north of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) and south of Shellhorn Road (Route 643) in Ashburn, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 089-36-1174 and is owned by Au Loudoun Station, LLC.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
PAGE 28
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
Legal Notices APPROVAL OF A BOUNDARY LINE AGREEMENT TO CHANGE THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN LOUDOUN COUNTY, VIRGINIA, AND THE TOWN OF LEESBURG, VIRGINIA
ZOAM-2022-0001 GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY GENERATION FACILITIES
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-3106 et seq., the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors hereby provides notice of its intention to approve a Boundary Line Agreement with the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, (“Town”) to change the existing boundary line between Loudoun County, Virginia, (“County”) and the Town. The proposed boundary line change would incorporate into the municipal limits of the Town a land area containing 35.13 acres, more or less, being all of the property identified as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Numbers (PINs) 234-29-4515, 234-29-0522, and 234-39-2601, owned by Compass Creek Parkway, LLC (At Home), CC Outparcel, LC (Peterson Companies), and Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust, and the portion of the abutting right-of-way of Compass Creek Parkway fronting along the western side of PIN 234-39-6010 containing 2.65 Acres, more or less, of dedicated right-of-way (“Subject Property”).
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-2204, 15.2-2285, and 15.2-2286, and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors on February 15, 2022, the Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice of proposed amendments to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (“Zoning Ordinance”) in order to establish new, and clarify and revise, regulations and definitions to address a January 13, 2022, Attorney General Opinion (AGO) that impacts the County’s ability to regulate the location of ground-mounted solar energy generation facilities. The amendment proposes revisions to Article 5, Additional Regulations and Standards, Section 5-100, Accessory Uses and Structures, Article 8, Definitions, and such other Articles, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the Zoning Ordinance as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typographical errors, section and subsection numbering, and formatting within, update cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned section(s) of the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed text amendments under consideration include, without limitation, the following:
The new location of the boundary line between the County and the Town would correspond generally to a line extending southeasterly from a point located along the Town’s western boundary, which point also is located along the western boundary of land owned by the Town of Leesburg and adjacent to Leesburg Executive Airport (PINs 234-49-1255 and 234-50-6397), to a point joining the northern parcel line of PIN 235-29-7431 and then southwesterly along the northern boundaries of PINs 235-29-7431 and 234-192469, then northwesterly along the eastern right-of-way of Compass Creek Parkway to a point opposite the exit ramp from the Dulles Greenway (PIN 234-37-8457), then west across Compass Creek Parkway to the southern right-of-way of the exit ramp, which is also a part of PIN 234-37-8457 , then northerly along the western right-of-way of the Compass Creek right-of-way to the southern boundary of the Town of Leesburg. The Subject Property to be incorporated into the Town is located adjacent to the south and west sides of the current municipal limits of the Town, in the Catoctin Election District, and is depicted on the below map.
(Zoning Ordinance Amendment)
Amendments to Article 5, Additional Regulations and Standards, Section 5-101, Permitted Accessory Uses and Structures, Subsection (A), Residential, and Subsection (B), Commercial and Industrial: • Establish new, and clarify and revise, existing, regulations to add “Ground-mounted solar facility” and “Ground-mounted solar energy generation facility” to the lists of permitted accessory uses and structures when serving only the uses located on the same lot where the ground-mounted solar facility or ground-mounted solar energy generation facility is located. Amendments to Article 8, Definitions • Establish new, and clarify and revise, the existing definition of “Electric Generating Plant and Transmission Facility” to specify that the definition of the use includes the term “Utility Generating Plant or Transmission Facility” and includes “ground mounted solar facilities,” “ground-mounted solar energy generation facilities,” and other types of solar generating panels as contemplated by Virginia Code §56594 that serve lots other than the lot where a ground-mounted solar energy generation facility is located. The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes of zoning as set forth in Virginia Code §§15.2-2200 and 15.2-2283, including, without limitation, furtherance of the public necessity, convenience, general welfare and good zoning practice and facilitating the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community.
SIDP-2021-0003 XCAL SHOOTING SPORTS & FITNESS SIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN (Sign Development Plan)
Caliber Club Sports Inc. of Frederick, Maryland, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternative sign regulations for permitted signs in order to modify: 1) the total aggregate sign area; 2) the maximum number of signs; and 3) the maximum area for any one sign for signs for Commercial Office and Industrial uses. The subject property is being developed pursuant to ZCPA-2014-0008, Commonwealth Center, in the PD-IP (Planned Development-Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternative sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 noise contours. The subject property is approximately 5.4 acres in size and is located on the south side of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) and on the north side of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061) at 44950 Russel Branch Parkway, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 039-16-7892. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)), which designate this area for a compact, pedestrian-oriented environment consisting of a vertical mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural, and Recreational uses.
SPEX-2021-0003 QUARLES PETROLEUM FUEL STATION (Special Exception)
A copy of the draft Boundary Line Agreement may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
Quarles Petroleum, Inc. of Fredericksburg, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit an Automobile Service Station use in the PD-GI (Planned Development - General Industrial) 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 4-604(X). The subject property is located outside of but within one (1) mile of the LDN 60 aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 4.9 acres in size and is located north of Overland Drive (Route 2962) on the east side of Pebble Run Place (Route 2963) at 23560 Pebble Run Place, Sterling, Virginia, in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 123-19-1239. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area Suburban Industrial/ Mineral Extraction)) which designate this area for large manufacturing, contractor with outdoor storage, and other productive uses.
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 29
Legal Notices CMPT-2021-0002 & SPMI-2021-0001 GLOBAL PLAZA SUBSTATION (Commission Permit & Minor Special Exception)
Virginia Electric and Power Company of Glen Allen, Virginia, has submitted an application for Commission approval to permit development of an Electric Utility Substation, Distribution in the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101. The modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed Electric Utility Substation use is authorized by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-600, Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §5-616(D), Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, Utility Substations
PROPOSED MODIFICATION Modify the Type C Buffer Yard requirements along the southern and eastern perimeters to eliminate the required landscaping and reduce the ultimate buffer width.
The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 and outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is an approximately 4.6-acre portion of a larger parcel that is located in the east quadrant of the intersection of Pacific Boulevard (Route 1036) and Relocation Drive (Route 775) and on the west side of Fitness Court (Route 1700) in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
045-39-6350
N/A
045-39-9350 (portion)
N/A
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which designates this area for a Mix of Office, Production, Research and Development, and Flex space as Core uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.
ZMAP-2020-0004, ZMOD-2020-0008, ZMOD-2020-0009 & ZMOD-2020-0010 FLEETWOOD SOUTH (Zoning Map Amendment & Zoning Modifications)
PHD Associates, LLC, of Melville, New York, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 86.97 acres from the Transitional Residential – 3 (Upper Broad Run and Upper Foley (TR3-UBF) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the R-4 ADU (Single Family Residential – 4, ADU Development Regulations) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 246 single-family residential units at a density of approximately 2.8 dwelling units per acre. The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modifications: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§3-404 (C)(1), Single Family Residential, Lot Requirements for Suburban Design Option, Yards, Front.
To reduce the front yard for single family detached units from 25 feet to 20 feet.
And §3-404(C)(2), Single Family Residential, Lot Requirements for Suburban Design Option, Yards, Side.
To reduce the side yard for single family detached units from 9 feet to 5 feet. To reduce the rear yard for single family detached units from 25 feet to 20 feet.
And §3-404(C)(3), Single Family Residential, Lot Requirements for Suburban Design Option, Yards, Rear. §7-703(B)(1), Single Family Residential District, Lot and Building Requirements, Lot Width. And §7-703(D)(1), Single Family Residential District, Lot and Building Requirements, Lot Coverage. And §7-703(F)(2), Single Family Residential District, Lot and Building Requirements, Other Regulations. §1-205(A), Interpretation of Ordinance, Limitations and Methods for Measurements of Lots, Yards and Related Terms. Lot Access Requirements.
Reduce the required lot width for single family detached, suburban, from 50 feet to 40 feet minimum. Increase maximum lot coverage for single-family detached units from 35 percent to 48 percent maximum. To permit single family detached units to front on a private road rather than a public road.
To permit single family detached units to front on a private road rather than a public road.
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours, and within the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD), minor floodplain. The subject property is approximately 87.2 acres in size and is located on the east side of Fleetwood Road (Route 616), west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), and south of Sleeping Woods Court (Route 616) in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as:
PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
244-49-5748
23208 Sleeping Woods Ct., Aldie, Virginia
244-49-0257
23266 Sleeping Woods Ct., Aldie, Virginia
244-39-3372
N/A
244-28-8559
23504 Fleetwood Rd., Aldie, Virginia
244-39-0937
N/A
244-29-0197
N/A
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Transition Policy Area) in the Transition Small Lot Neighborhood Place Type which designates this area for predominantly single-family home neighborhoods designed in a cluster arrangement that includes a focal point such as a civic use, park, or green at a density of up to four dwelling units per acre.
ZCPA-2020-0003 TRUE NORTH DATA
(Zoning Concept Plan Amendment) Compass Data Centers IAD I LLC of Dallas, Texas has submitted an application to amend the existing proffers and Concept Development Plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-2017-0003, True North Data in order to: 1) allow for the option to consolidate three buildings into one building footprint; and 2) increase the maximum building height from 35 feet to 56 feet with no resulting change in density. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is partially located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contour, partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District - Luck Note Area, and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 97.12 acres in size and is located on the north side of Sycolin Road (Route 625), on the south side of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and on the west side of the Goose Creek, on the northwest side Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 194-10-2562. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 Comprehensive Plan (Transition Policy Area (Transition Light Industrial Place Type)), which designate this area for low-traffic Industrial and Employment uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 0.6. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Public input may be provided by electronic means at Board public hearings. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, will be accommodated without advanced sign-up during the hearing, however, members of the public are strongly encouraged to sign-up in advance. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on April 1, 2022, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on April 13, 2022. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. BY ORDER OF:
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 3/24 & 3/31/22
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 30
MARCH 31, 2022
Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Estimated Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Case No.:
Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-2506, the Town of Purcellville, Virginia hereby gives notice of a public hearing to receive comments on the Town Manager’s proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022 and ending June 30, 2023 (“FY23”). The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Purcellville Town Hall, located at 221 South Nursery Avenue. At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning the budget will be heard. Citizens wishing to provide comments on this item can email their comments to info@purcellvilleva.gov by 4:00 PM on April 8, 2022. To participate in the meeting and provide your comments virtually, please visit the Town’s website for instructions on how to join the meeting. The budget contains a plan for all contemplated expenditures and all estimated revenues and borrowings. The budget is prepared and published for informative and fiscal planning purposes only. The following is a brief synopsis of the budget proposed for FY23, relative to the Town’s appropriations in FY22: REVENUES
EXPENDITURES
Year Ending 6/30/22 Appropriated General Fund
Year Ending 6/30/23 Proposed
General Fund
Local Revenue
9,953,028
11,585,608
State Revenue
1,147,089
1,203,434
Federal Revenue
0
0
Total Operating Revenue
11,100,117
12,789,042
CIP Revenue
Year Ending 6/30/22 Appropriated
Year Ending 6/30/23 Proposed
General Town Operations
9,793,250
11,478,741
Debt Retirement
1,306,867
1,310,301
Capital Outlay
1,183,850
916,728
12,283,967
13,705,770
Total
1,183,850
916,728
12,283,967
13,705,770
Local Operating Revenue
607,112
727,845
Parks & Rec Operations
500,246
620,979
CIP Revenue
125,000
585,918
Debt Retirement
106,866
106,866
732,112
1,313,763
Capital Outlay
125,000
585,918
732,112
1,313,763
2,748,062
3,339,073
305,804
500,186
Total Parks & Recreation Fund
Total
Parks & Recreation Fund
Total Water Fund Water Fees Availabilities Other Revenue
Water Fund 2,377,317
2,340,188
309,048
437,818
367,501
1,061,253
Total Operating Revenue
3,053,866
3,839,259
CIP Revenue
2,325,000
777,538
5,378,866
4,616,797
Total Wastewater Fund Wastewater Fees
Water Operations Debt Retirement Capital Outlay Total
2,325,000
777,538
5,378,866
4,616,797
3,408,128
Wastewater Operations
3,028,256
3,211,068 874,013
Availabilities
259,200
367,200
Debt Retirement
859,269
Other Revenue
206,901
309,753
Capital Outlay
150,000
265,270
3,887,525
4,085,081
4,037,525
4,350,351
Total Operating Revenue CIP Revenue Total Total Budget
150,000
265,270
4,037,525
4,350,351
22,432,470
23,986,681
Total
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isabella S. Montenegro Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a 3rd permanency planning review hearing pursuant to Va. Code Sections 16.1-282.1, 63.2-906 and 63.2-910.2 for Isabella S. Montenegro. It is ORDERED that the defendant Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before April 19, 2022 at 2:00 pm. 3/24 , 3/31, 4/7 & 4/14
ATTENTION NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY Nonprofit organizations seeking exemption from Loudoun County real and/or personal property taxes for the 2023 tax year may file an application with the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue by the April 1, 2022 deadline. Most charitable nonprofit organizations are not automatically exempt from local property taxes in the Commonwealth, even those that may be exempt from federal income taxes. The filing of an application with the Commissioner of the Revenue is the necessary first step to obtaining a local real estate or personal property tax exemption. Completed applications should be returned to the Commissioner of the Revenue with a postmark by April 1, 2022, for consideration this year. Any exemption, if granted, would be effective January 1, 2023. Applications are available online at www. loudoun.gov/cor. For information or assistance, please contact my office at trcor@ loudoun.gov or 703-737-8557 weekdays 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue Loudoun County
Wastewater Fund 3,421,424
JJ044218-05-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor Sterling Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle Suite 100 Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804
Total Budget
David A. Mekarski, AICP
22,432,470
23,986,681
Phone: 703-737-8557 Email: trcor@loudoun.gov 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24 & 3/31/22
3/24 & 3/31/22
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 31
Legal Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF PURCELLVILLE, VIRGINIA Effective July 1, 2022
The Purcellville Town Council will hold a public hearing in the Council Chambers at 221 S. Nursery Avenue, Purcellville, Virginia on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 7:00 PM for the purpose of receiving comments on the ordinance setting (1) Tax Penalty and Interest in accordance with transition to Loudoun County tax billing program, (2) new Business License category for Other, (3) new fee for Plats for Site Plan, (4-7) increasing water and wastewater revenue rates and fees, and (6-7) increasing water meter fees. Rates and fees are effective July 1, 2022 with the exception of Tax Penalty and Interest. The public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers of the Purcellville Town Hall, located at 221 South Nursery Avenue. At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views will be heard. Citizens wishing to provide comments on this item can email their comments to info@purcellvilleva.gov by 4:00 PM on April 8, 2022. To participate in the meeting and provide your comments virtually, please visit the Town’s website for instructions on how to join the meeting. 1) Tax Penalty and Interest: Penalties and Interest on Real Estate and Personal Property Tax set in accordance with transition to Loudoun County tax billing program effective January 1, 2022. (Va. Code § 58.1-3916) Category
2021 Tax Rate or Fees
2022 Tax Rate or Fees
Changes
Penalty
10%
Set in accordance with transition to Loudoun County tax billing program.
Set in accordance with transition to Loudoun County tax billing program.
Interest
10% per annum
Tax Penalty and Interest
2) Business License: Tax on value of gross receipts (Va. Code § 58.1-3703) Category
Current Rates and Fees
Advertised Tax Rate or Fee - FY 2023
Business License Tax:
Rates per category / value of gross receipts
Rates per category / value of gross receipts
Other
n/a
$.17/$100 gross receipts
Change New License Category
3) Site Plan: new fee for Plats (Va. Code § 15.2-2246, 15.2-2241) Application Category / Type
Current Rates and Fees
Advertised Tax Rate or Fee - FY 2023
Change
n/a
$500 plus cost of Town Attorney review
New fee
Site Plan Plats (easement, corrections, etc)
4) Utility Water Usage Rates: includes an overall 3% water revenue increase for In and Out of Town. Out of Town customer usage rates are double the in Town rates for water. No change in Tiers (Virginia Code § 15.2-2119) Category
Current Rates and Fees
Advertised Tax Rate or Fee - FY 2023
Change
Tier 1
$7.88 / $15.76
$8.12 / $16.23
3% increase
Tier 2
$13.80 / $27.60
$14.21 / $28.43
3% increase
Tier 3
$17.74 / $35.48
$18.27 / $36.54
3% increase
Tier 4
$21.68 / $43.36
$22.33 / $44.66
3% increase
Water Supply System Water Usage Rates Per 1,000 Gallons Per Tier RATE (in/out of town)
Water Supply System Tiers
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Tier 4
Single Family
0 to 7,000 gal.
7,001-14,000 gal.
14,001-20,000 gal.
20,001 and over gal.
5/8"
0 to 7,000 gal.
7,001-14,000 gal.
14,001-20,000 gal.
20,001 and over gal.
3/4"
0 to 22,000 gal.
22,001-45,000 gal.
45,001-64,000 gal.
64,001 and over gal.
1"
0 to 28,000 gal.
28,001-56,000 gal.
56,001-80,000 gal.
80,001 and over gal.
1.5"
0 to 47,000 gal.
47,001-94,000 gal.
94,001-135,000 gal.
135,001 and over gal.
2"
0 to 84,000 gal.
84,001-169,000 gal.
169,001-241,000 gal.
241,001 and over gal.
3"
0 to 184,000 gal.
184,001-368,000 gal.
368,001-526,000 gal.
526,001 and over gal.
4"
0 to 317,000 gal.
317,001-635,000 gal.
635,001-907,000 gal.
907,001 and over gal.
6"
0 to 677,000 gal.
677,001-1,354,000 gal.
1,354,001-1,934,000 gal.
1,934,001 and over gal.
8"
0 to 1,185,000 gal.
1,185,001 - 2,369,000 gal.
2,369,001 - 3,385,000 gal.
3,385,001 and over gal.
Non-Single Family
Utility Customer Classes Defined: Single family:
Water and/or sewer service provided to an individually metered single family residential home
Non-Single Family:
Water and/or sewer service provided to a master-metered multi-unit/multi-family dwelling or non-residential (commercial, industrial, and institional)
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 32
MARCH 31, 2022
Legal Notices 5) Water Administrative Service Fee Rates: proposed 3% increase in Administrative Fee Rates (Va. Code § 15.2-2119) Category
Current Rates and Fees
Advertised Tax Rate or Fee - FY 2023
Water Administrative Service Charge
Current
Advertised
Change
(Fixed Fee Based on Meter Size)
Same In-Town & Out of Town Rates
Same In-Town & Out of Town Rates
3% Increase result in change below:
5/8"
$15.20
$15.66
$0.46
3/4"
$48.65
$50.11
$1.46
1"
$61.15
$62.98
$1.83
1.5"
$102.35
$105.42
$3.07
2"
$183.15
$188.64
$5.49
3"
$399.60
$411.59
$11.99
4"
$689.00
$709.67
$20.67
6"
$1,469.80
$1,513.89
$44.09
8"
$2,572.20
$2,649.37
$77.17
6) Water Meter Fee: fee for new water meters. Out of Town customer rates are double the in Town rates. (Virginia Code § 15.2-2119) Category
Current Rates and Fees
Advertised Tax Rate or Fee - FY 2023
Change
Water Meter Fee (based on Meter Size and Type): Applies to Installation of Any New Water Meter
Current In-Town Fees / Out-of-Town Fees
Advertised In-Town Fees / Out-of-Town Fees
Increase of
5/8" Meter
$415 / $830
$427 / $855
3%
3/4" Meter
$481 / $962
$495 / $991
3%
1" Meter
$565 / $1130
$582 / $1164
3%
1.5" Meter
$779 / $1558
$802 / $1605
3%
2" T-10 Meter
$1003 / $2006
$1033 / $2066
3%
2" HP Turbine Meter
$1299 / $2598
$1338 / $2676
3%
3" HP Turbine Meter
$1960 / $3921
$2019 / $4039
3%
4" HP Turbine Meter
$2984 / $5968
$3074 / $6147
3%
2" T/F Compound Meter
$2646 / $5292
$2725 / $5451
3%
3" T/F Compound Meter
$3573 / $7146
$3680 / $7360
3%
4" T/F Compound Meter
$4811 / $9622
$4955 / $9911
3%
6" Meter
At Cost
At Cost
No changes from current fees
8" Meter
At Cost
At Cost
No changes from current fees
Water Supply System
7) Sewer Utility Rates: The proposed rates include an overall 5% sewer revenue increase. Out of Town customer usage rates are double the in Town rates for sewer. (Virginia Code § 15.2-2119) Category
Current Rates and Fees
Advertised Tax Rate or Fee - FY 2023
Change
Wastewater Usage Rate (In–Town Rate)
Flat rate $16.07 per 1,000 gal.
Flat rate $16.87 per 1,000 gal.
5% increase
Wastewater Usage Rate (Out of Town Rate)
Flat rate $32.14 per 1,000 gal.
Flat rate $33.75 per 1,000 gal.
5% increase
Wastewater Administrative Service Charge
Current
Current
(Fixed Fee Based on Meter Size)
Same In-Town & Out of Town Rates
Same In-Town & Out of Town Rates
5/8"
$16.00
$16.80
$0.80
3/4"
$51.20
$53.76
$2.56
1"
$64.30
$67.52
$3.22
1.5"
$107.65
$113.03
$5.38
2"
$192.65
$202.28
$9.63
3"
$420.35
$441.37
$21.02
4"
$724.70
$760.94
$36.24
6"
$1,546.10
$1,623.41
$77.31
8"
$2,705.30
$2,840.57
$135.27
Wastewater System Wastewater Collection System: (Usage Rates Per 1,000 Gallons)
3/24 & 3/31.22
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
Legal Notices
Loudoun County Public Schools Reserve at Holly Springs Proposed School Attendance Zone Change
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
Case No.:
Case No.:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
JJ045042-01-00
PAGE 33
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
JJ043373-03-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Anthony Rodriguez Castro
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ezra Zipporah Fisher
Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Carlos Barnica, putative father
Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Sheila Fisher, mother
The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Anthony Rodriguez Castro.
The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-281 and 16.1-278.8 for Ezra Zipporah Fisher.
It is ORDERED that the defendant Carlos Barnica, putative father appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interests on or before April 4, 2022 at 3:00 pm.
It is ORDERED that the defendant Sheila Fisher, mother appear at the above-named Court and protect her interests on or before April 6, 2022 at 3:00 pm.
3/10, 3/17, 3/24 & 3/31/22
On March 8, 2022, the Loudoun County School Board initiated an abbreviated attendance zone change process that proposes to assign all of the Reserve at Holly Springs community (as well as adjacent parcels at 42888, 42908, 42934, 42937 Buffalo Run Lane and 43123 Hollyspring Lane) to the Cardinal Ridge Elementary School, J. Michael Lunsford Middle School, and Freedom High School attendance area. The attendance zone change would take effect in fall 2022, with the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. The School Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the attendance zone change on April 5, 2022, to be followed by action on the proposed change later the same evening. Additional information on this proposed attendance zone change is posted on the Loudoun County Public Schools webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/241804), including detail on how to sign-up to speak at the April 5 hearing. Written comment may be sent to lcpsplan@lcps.org; all correspondence and information received will be shared with the School Board. The April 5 meeting will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Fios Channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.lcps.org). Persons who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, in order to participate meaningfully in the April 5, 2022 public hearing and meeting, should contact the Superintendent's Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services, Division of Planning Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1050 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org 3/17, 3/24 & 3/31/22
3/10, 3/17, 3/24 & 3/31/22
TOWN OF HAMILTON TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-2204 and -2286, the Hamilton Town Council will hold a public hearing in the Town Office at 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia on Monday, April 18, 2022, beginning at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving comment regarding SUP 2021-02, a special use permit application by Progressive Automotive at 11 E. Colonial Highway to replace a rear addition on the existing building with a new service bay and to expand into a 1,700 square-foot portion of the building currently housing a hair salon. Information regarding the special use permit application is available for review by appointment, at the Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, holidays excepted and on the Town website at hamiltonva.gov. All members of the public are invited to present their views on this matter at the public hearing either in person or remotely, by following the instructions on the Town website Meeting Calendar/Livestream Meetings. The Hamilton Town Council meeting will begin immediately after the public hearing. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation because of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact Sherri Jackson, Town Treasurer at 540-338-2811. Please provide three business days’ notice. David L. Simpson Mayor
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING COMPETITIVE BIDS/PROPOSALS FOR:
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL PERMIT PARKING ZONE ON WIRT STREET BETWEEN W. MARKET STREET AND CORNWALL STREET NW The LEESBURG TOWN MANAGER will hold a public hearing in Lower-Level Conference Rooms 1 and 2 at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. on a proposed Residential Permit Parking Zone designation on Wirt Street between W. Market Street and Cornwall Street NW. This Public Hearing is in accordance with Section 32-240(b) of the Town Code. Additional information concerning this proposed Residential Permit Parking Zone is available by contacting Calvin K. Grow, Transportation Engineer at 703-771-2791 or email at cgrow@leesburgva.gov. At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views regarding this matter will be heard. Person requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at 703-771-2733, one day in advance (TTD 703-771-4560). 3/24 & 3/31/22
3/31 & 4/7/22
SEALED
CONSTRUCTION OF ROUTE 7 PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS AT LAKELAND DRIVE AND POTOMAC VIEW ROAD, IFB No. 501784 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, April 28, 2022. LABOR RELATIONS ADMINISTRATOR SERVICES, RFP No. 483782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, May 6, 2022. LOUDOUN COUNTY COURTHOUSE FURNITURE, IFB No. 502786 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, May 5, 2022. Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www. loudoun.gov/procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 7770403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 3/31/22
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISISON PUBLIC HEARING
TO CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 3 REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCEDURES FOR THE PURPOSE OF REVISING THE CONTENTS OF PUBLIC HEARING PLACARD NOTICES Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, April 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLOA-2022-0001 revising the following Section of the Zoning Ordinance: 1.
Sec. 3.1.9.B.2 Contents of Placards revising information to be included on a placard notice of public hearing.
Copies and additional information regarding these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-737-7009 and asking for Christopher Murphy, Senior Planning Project Manager. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2022-0001. At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 771-2434 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 3/24 & 3/31/22
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 34
Legal Notices
MARCH 31, 2022
Notice of Hearing
Seizure of One Domestic Duck
TOWN OF HAMILTON NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, Sections 15.2-1427, 46.2-752, 58.1-3000, -3515 and -3524, the Hamilton Town Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 7:00p.m. on Monday April 18, 2022, at the Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, to consider Town Code amendments requested by Loudoun County to implement the County collection of Town taxes and motor vehicle license fees. The proposed Town Code Chapter 22 and 26 amendments: eliminate a specific tax setting date; delete identification of Personal Property Tax Relief percentages due to annual variances; change motor vehicle license fee period to January 1-December 31; change motor vehicle license fee payment date to May 5; repeal motor vehicle license fee pro-ration, delinquent penalty and interest provisions; and repeal the $16.00 motorcycle vehicle license fee and adopt a $25.00 fee for all motor vehicles (an increase of $9.00). Information regarding the proposed amendments is available for review by appointment, at the Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, holidays excepted, and on the Town website at hamiltonva.gov. All members of the public are invited to present their views on this matter at the public hearing either in person, by written submission, or remotely, by following the instructions on the Town website Meeting Calendar/Livestream Meetings. The Hamilton Town Council meeting will begin immediately after the public hearing. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation because of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact Sherri Jackson, Town Treasurer at 540-338-2811. Please provide three business days’ notice. David R. Simpson, Mayor
3/31 & 4/07/22
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES 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
VIN
STORAGE
PHONE#
2006 1994 2003 2006
NISSAN HONDA FORD HONDA
MURANO ACCORD E-150 ACCORD
JN8AZ08W66W525402 1HGCD5644RA147780 1FTRE142X3HC02800 1HGCM72706A009872
BLAIR’S TOWING ASHBURN TOWING D+M TOWING BATTLEFIELD TOWING
703-661 8200 703 585 8770 703 471 4590 703 378 0059 3/31 & 4/7/22
TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
LVCU 2022-0001 APPLICATION FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT The LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on the following item at their meeting at 7:00 pm on April 6, 2022, at the Lovettsville Town Hall Council Chambers located at 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, VA 20180 If the public hearing is canceled for any unforeseen reason, the public hearing will be held during the next Planning Commission regular business meeting. Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in public comment electronically or at the Town Hall. LVCU 2022-0001, Application for a Conditional Use Permit to allow AT&T to add a backup, self-contained 30 kilowatt diesel generator atop a 4-foot by 10-foot concrete pad within the existing AT&T equipment area. To consider an application for a Conditional Use Permit filed by AT&T Mobility of Hanover, Maryland, to amend an existing conditional use permit, LVCU 2017-0001, and install an emergency power generator and automatic transfer switch at the Town water tank located at 14-A Quarter Branch Road. The subject parcels front on Potterfield Drive, Lange Drive and Quarter Branch Road and are further identified as Loudoun County Parcel Identification (PIN) Numbers: 333-45-9227 and 333-45-9794. No changes are proposed to the existing antennae or equipment onsite. The application is available on the Town website and is available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. Call 540822-5788 for more information or visit www.lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is cancelled, the public hearing will be convened at the next regular scheduled meeting at the same time and place. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact John Merrithew, Zoning Administrator for the Town of Lovettsville at (540) 755-3004 or by email at jmerrithew@lovettsvilleva.gov. 3/24 & 3/31/22
In accordance with the authority set forth in §3.2-6569 of the Code of Virginia, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, the Loudoun County Department of Animal Services seized one, approximately 9-week-old, yellow, domestic duck of unknown genderthat was found abandoned at 43303 Chokeberry Square, Ashburn, VA 20147. A hearing to determine whether the duck was abandoned, cruelly treated or have not been provided with adequate care will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 0830am in the General District Court of Loudoun County, located at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176.
Misc Basement Apartment for Rent
Trust Local Expertise
Big basement w/plenty of windows. Full kitchen/ Dining room w/Dishwasher. Big Family Room and Bedroom with 2 very large Closets. Washer/Dryer, Fireplace, Private Entrance, Cable & WiFi, Private Deck.
Shop LoCo
Quiet neighbors w/plenty of parking. Month rent $1500 plus 1/2 utilities (gas, electric monthly, water every 3 months). Half security deposit. Text or Call 571-276-8031. Available immediately!
Loco Service Providers Cleaning R&D Cleaning Service, LLC Residential - Commercial Move In/Out - Carpet Cleaning
Excellent References - Reasonable Rates Licensed & Insured - FREE ESTIMATE
CALL MARLENE
(703) 303-1364 Email: rdcleaningserv@gmail.com R&D Cleaning Service LLC RDCleaningservice.com
WE ACCEPT:
CONSTRUCTION Construction
CONSTRUCTION Construction
Kenny Williams Construction, Inc. * Decks & Screen Porches * Additions * Fences * Garages * Finished Basements * Deck Repairs Free Estimates
703-771-8727
C ustom C onstruCtion A dditions • r epAirs Blue Ridge Remodeling, Inc. 540-668-6522
www.kennywilliamsconstruction.com Licensed • Insured • bonded
www.brrinc.net Purcellville, VA
Serving Loudoun County for 35 years.
Since 1976 • Free Estimates Licensed & Insured
Class A Contractor
Construction CONSTRUCTION
Construction HOME IMPROVEMENTS BY CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS 31 Years of Construction Experience Christopher Trent, Contractor
Free Estimates, Basements, Small Jobs, Decks, Drywall, Trim Specialist, Painting, Fences Now Featuring Bed Bug Removal! Licensed & Insured
571.577.7300
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • DRIVEWAYS • EXPOSED AGGREGATE • PATIOS • FOOTINGS • SLABS • STAMPED CONCRETE • SIDEWALKS
Free Estimates
Ph: 703-437-3822 • Cell: 703-795-5621
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
MARCH 31, 2022
PAGE 35
Loco Service Providers Decks
Decks
Doors Roofing
C & BROTHERS Cristian Arias
contractor VA, DC HIC LISENCE
Serving Northern VA for over 15 years
DECKS, PATIOS, AND STONE WORKS LICENSED BONDED & INSURED | LEESBURG, VA
240-413-5827 Free Estimate 240-413-5873 candbrothers@gmail.com www.candbrothers.com
EXCAVATING Excavating
Now taking orders for all type deck projects
Fencing
Gutters
Loving Fence
NEW INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & PAINTING BOBCAT SERVICES LICENSED & INSURED
WESLEY LOVING 1824 HARMONY CHURCH RD HAMILTON, VA 20158
GARAGE DOORS Garage Doors
540-338-9580 LOVINGFENCE@AOL.COM
Landscaping
Handyman C & Brothers Home Improvement, LLC 20 Years of Experience Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling, Decks, General Handyman Services FREE ESTIMATES!
Cristian Arias 240-413-5827 | 240-413-5673 | candbrothers@gmail.com Licensed, Bonded & Insured | References Available
Landscaping Mowing and landscaping mulching, spring and fall cleanups sod, core Aerating and over seeding, excavating, Ponds, Horse arena, horse burial, retaining walls, patios, stonework, demolition, asphalt, hardscapes
540-668-9005
Serving Loudoun County since 1989
Also selling bulk material such as mulch, topsoil, filled dirt and stone.
No job too big or too small
571-490-1879 luckettslandscaping.com a1chilly@aol.com
We Give You Back the Land You Already Own Lovettsville, VA Veteran Owned & Operated VA, MD & WV Residential & Commercial
703-718-6789 major@veteransllc.us www.veteransllc.us
North’s Custom Masonry Retaining & Decorative Walls • Stonework Fire Pits, Fireplaces & Chimneys Repointing Brick, Concrete DIS 20% C on Pa OUNT and Paver Driveways ver P atio & Walk wa
ys
s
Call Brian 540.533.8092
Angie’s List Member • Free Estimates, BBB, Lic/Ins.
Siding
Expert Tree Service
Veterans LLC Land Rescue
Roofing
Masonry Providing The personal professional touch to each of our customers.
HARDSCAPING • LANDSCAPE WALLS PATIO AND WALKWAY INSTALLATION RETAINING WALLS • STONE WORK
Land Clearing
Painting
Expert Tree & Stump Removal Hes Company, LLC 703-203-8853
15% OFF
Interior & Exterior
More Than 20 Years of Experience FREE ESTIMATES
HOA Maintenance • Tree Planting • Lot Clearing Storm Damage Pruning • Trimming • Crowning • Spring Clean Up Mulch • Roofing and Decking Available
(703) 597-6163
JohnQueirolo1@gmail.com • www.hescompanyllc.com
AngelOchoa1103@Yahoo.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OchoasPainting
Licensed & Insured • Member Angie’s List & BBB • Affordable
Tree Removal
Video Production
NORTH’S TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPING Your Complete Tree & Landscaping Company
Tree Removal • Lot Clearing • Pruning Trimming • Clean Up • Deadlimbing Uplift Trees • Grading Private Fencing Masonry Work • Grading Driveways Family Owned & Operated
Honest & Dependable Service 24 Hr. Emerg. Service • Satisfaction Guaranteed
(540) 533-8092
Lic./Ins. Free Estimates Angie’s List Member • BBB
18 Liberty Street SW
Windows Roofing
Basement Finishing Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling Granite/Marble Installation Interior/Exterior Carpentry Crown Molding Rotted Wood Repair/ Replacement Hardwood Floor Installation, Sanding & Refinishing Carpet Installation Power Washing
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 36
MARCH 31, 2022
Opinion Car Tax Options A key initiative by county leaders during this year’s budget deliberations has been to rebalance the ratio of revenue generated by real estate taxes and personal property taxes. Over the past 10 year, the share of General Fund local tax revenue coming from real property has decreased from 73.5% in fiscal year 2013 to 51.5% in fiscal year 2022. In the proposed budget, 75% of personal property tax revenue is expected to come from computer equipment in data centers—up from 38% just two years ago. The solution adopted by county leaders was to lower the personal property tax rate for the first time in more the three decades, from $4.20 to $4.15. That holds out the possibility of big dollar savings for the data center industry, but, ironically, the post-COVID spiking of car prices may very well negate any savings residents might have expected. So they could get high tax bills this year for both their old Chevy and their split-level colonial. A new law signed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin last week provides the board with another way to rebalance its tax revenue ratio—one that could, at last, pass some of the date center windfall to residents. HB1239 created a separate taxation category for vehicles, meaning localities may impose a different rate on cars and trucks than are applied to other personal property—anything from office furnishings to computer equipment. The legislation passed without a vote of opposition during the General Assembly session and included an emergency clause putting it into effect immediately. For the first time, supervisors may elect to cut the local car tax in half, without losing revenue from other categories of commercial personal property. Or, they can apply to vehicles the same 1-cent tax rate used for aircraft. Or, they could fulfill the long-ago promise to eliminate the car tax altogether. Few other jurisdictions are in position to consider such a drastic tax cut. Under Virginia’s system of taxation, personal property levies are a critical local revenue source. But in Loudoun, we’re told, the government is collecting too much personal property tax revenue. County leaders now have a choice about who should enjoy a lower tax burden as they solve that problem. n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC
EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com
15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176
Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com
PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723
Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Hayley Milon Bour, Reporter hbour@loudounnow.com ADVERTISING Susan Styer, Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com
Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.
Tonya Harding, Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com Vicky Mashaw, Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.com
LETTERS to the Editor American Way Editor: Last week’s letter from Jim Vogt was spot-on about the way most of us feel in the current American climate. The extremists in both political parties spend so much time with accusations, recalls and all-out attacks that they are destroying our country. It’s all about their party and getting ahead and not about the taxpayers. A classic example is our current Virginia attorney general going after “liberal prosecutors.” Is this what he was hired to do? Go after people because he disagrees with them? Seriously? That’s extremism. There are so many other things to be addressed in Virginia. The trend of attacking people as a group or bashing individuals has become the norm, especially for certain groups. If recalls are a such a good thing, maybe we should recall the attorney general and put someone in there who is there for Virginians as a whole. I, like Vogt am not party-driven. I vote for the best person for the job, or yes, sometimes the lesser of evils. I find evil in those who simply attack a law, or a person based on their party. “Let’s erase this law because a Dem/Repub/Trumplican/Gay/Black/Green group made it—even if it is good for all citizens it was made by “the opposition.” That’s not what we elect officials for. You so easily
forget who hired you, and I mean hired/ voted for you—not who spent the most on your campaign (limiting campaign funds is a whole ‘nother topic). Just because people disagree on one topic, we Americans usually have the same views at our core. It’s such a waste to spend so much time with the attacks. Stories made up by extremists become ridiculous. Dems are pro-abortion, pro pedophile and aren’t Christian. The GOP are all white supremacists. The letter posted after Mr. Vogt’s was a classic example. Mr. Virgilio is so angry about unions but as soon as I started reading where the blame was aimed it was a dead letter. My favorite part was that teachers’ unions want to have a say in what they will teach, etc. So, their background in education is erased by your personal views? No, you supplement what you think is missing or you attend meetings and put in your two cents. But Mr. Virgilio mentioned Nazi’s, leftist and liberal ideology. Take a class in where unions came from in America. Think about the factory workers who were barely paid for long shifts in horrendous conditions. Let’s just try to make our world better for our kids—education, the environment. Find solutions and stop the extremism blame game. Work together. It is the only way. It is not the blue way or the red LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 37
MARCH 31, 2022
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Readers’ Poll
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: With higher gas prices and the Silver Line coming, is mass transit in your future?
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: County supervisors landed at an 89-cent tax rate. How did they do?
LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 36 way—it’s the American way. — M Kelly, Lovettsville
Astounded Editor: I read the recent article on the election of Scott Pio as the Loudoun County Republican Committee chairman. I get that Pio wants to advance his party. But I was astounded by his stance on the Jan. 6 insurrection. Pio stated that he “does not have an opinion.” He is quoted saying “I don’t know if I have an opinion on January 6. I don’t know of all the details of it so I can’t make assumptions. What I can tell you is that conservatives are very worried and concerned and want to have clean elections. We are doing work to guarantee that Virginia and Loudoun County has clean and fair elections.” This is absurd. Pio refuses to take a stand on a blatant, illegal attack on our democracy. This shows weakness, surely to not offend loud voices in the GOP who support the Jan. 6 insurrection. This was an attempt to overthrow the American government, rationalized by nonsensical, unsupported claims that the election was rigged. None of this is legitimate. The attempt to violently interfere with the constitutional authority of Congress to certify the election is wrong. Pio doesn’t get it. The Jan. 6 insurrection was illegal and violated the principles on which our nation stands, all for the benefit of the loser of the election who didn’t want to give up power, something
PAGE 37
Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls
he telegraphed long before the 2020 election. Pio’s stance shows weakness. It shows a lack of courage and moral ambiguity. It is pandering to the extreme elements of his party. We had a clean election in 2020. Our public officials do an excellent job running our elections, and our citizens respect the process. Because Pio’s candidate lost does not mean the election was not clean. Frankly, Pio offends all of Virginia. Nowhere in the country was there widespread voter fraud, despite false allegations by the last president and his supporters. They had many opportunities to make their case before the courts. Every time they failed. Virtually every case of voter fraud reported in the media was committed by supporters in Pio’s party. But now, we now see Pio’s party taking steps around the country to make it harder for citizens to vote and be counted. This goes against everything our country stands for. Pio should stand up and condemn the Jan. 6 insurrection. He should condemn the efforts of those who encouraged the events of that day, as well as the actions of the participants in the defilement of our Capitol. Pio should have the guts to take a stand and not equivocate on the principles of democracy. Stop pandering to those who would steal away our rights for the benefit of a power-hungry, narcissistic president who lost a clean, legitimate election. If Pio can’t stand up against the Jan. 6 insurrection, then as long as he leads the Republican Party in Loudoun County, he and his party deserve zero support. Until then, for the sake of our nation, they must be rejected. — Russell Clark, Leesburg
Strategic Approach Editor: As a member of the Leesburg Town Council, I’m very proud of the vast opportunities available for our citizens and businesses. Leesburg—and the larger Loudoun County—have become a hub for technology and tech start-ups, in addition to the tourism business added by so many local wineries, breweries and restaurants. As a Realtor and small businessman, I know more and more people are looking to locate to our town and surrounding county and more and more housing opportunities have become available at all price points. Many businesses we work with and promote, rely solely on Google and Facebook to help bring them new customers at lower rates than traditional marketing campaigns. We have been fortunate to attract large data centers and other tech companies which has helped bring in even more business opportunities. And our fortunes should only increase with the arrival of the Metro next year. That’s good for keeping tax rates low and funding our local priorities while enticing more business. Congress is currently debating new technology legislation (The American Innovation and Choice Online Act - HR3816 and the Ending Platform Monopolies Act - HR3825 as well as Klobuchar-Grassley bill in the Senate) that could put limits on technology companies and be hazardous to our business base. No one doubts there is a need for some regulation. There is a need to be careful and manage the tech giants better. But it looks more as if the intent of these
federal bills are to merely dismantle the larger tech companies. The unintended consequences could be very detrimental to our county and business owners in Loudoun County. I ask our federal representatives to look carefully at this legislation and not dismantle it with a sledgehammer but use a strategic approach. — Zach Cummings, Leesburg
Take Action Editor: Local gas stations are selling gas for close to five dollars a gallon, highest price in years. And yet we have seen this spike in gas prices many times before. The last time was after we were attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. But then we took actions to conserve what we had, specifically we: carpooled; took public transportation, e.g. Loudoun County Commuter bus; reduced our speed on the highways; worked from home at least one day a week; and asked ourselves do we really need to drive to a certain location, or could we walk, or combine trips? I have not seen or heard of these ideas recently. We then increased the EPA guidelines for vehicles so that they produced more miles to the gallon—but the previous administration did away with this government mandate—and people bought gas guzzlers. So here we are again. Long range we need to find alternative sources of energy, but for now I guess we will “dig baby dig.” Let’s at least do what we can now (see my five notes above). — Anthony V. Fasolo, Leesburg
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 38
Governor’s Cup continued from page 1 by Gap, and Maggie Malick Wine Caves’ 2020 Albariño. Overall, 20 Loudoun wineries took more than 100 medals during this year’s competition. The Barns at Hamilton Station led the pack with four of the 16 gold medals awarded to 10 local wineries. A New Jersey native, Natoli came to Virginia to work as a physical therapist, but with a budding interest in wine discovered while earning her master’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania. “Wine is something that I was never exposed to when I was younger. It wasn’t around. It wasn’t in the region. It wasn’t on the table. My family didn’t drink it,” she said. In college she began reading more about it and taking some classes with an eye toward taking a deeper dive into the industry in retirement. But just five years into her PT work, the passion for wine took a stronger pull. While she liked her work, “I just found something I love more,” she said. “It just got to a point where I couldn’t ignore it.” She took a job working a tasting room on weekends and then started working part-time as an intern and apprentice under Doug Fabbioli at Fabbioli Cellars north of Leesburg. Today, Fabbioli is known as one of the most influential leaders of Loudoun’s wine industry. When Natoli joined his operation in 2009, Fabbioli’s winery was undergoing rapid growth. “When I first started there, it was just a row of barrels in his basement,” she said. By the time she left Fabbioli following the 2013 harvest she was working as the assistant winemaker. She joined Cana Vineyard as winemaker and vineyard manager in 2015, three years after the Bell family began transforming a portion of the 43-acre hay farm into a vineyard. Lisa and Bryce Petty, native Northern Virginians with a passion for agriculture, purchased the property in 2018. They witnessed the conversion of farmland to housing developments over the years. “A winery was something we had in the back of our minds for a long time,” Lisa Petty said. “It has been a really fun experience. It’s been really cool.” Cana Vineyard’s 2019 Unité Reserve earned the highest average score from the
MARCH 31, 2022
In the Case Looking for the best wines in Virginia? Here are the 2022 Governor’s Case selections, including four wines you can find at Loudoun tasting rooms: ■
50 WEST VINEYARDS 2019 Ashby Gap
■
ROCKBRIDGE VINEYARD 2018 V d’Or
■
BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS 2020 Vermentino Reserve
■
SHENANDOAH VINEYARDS 2019 Reserve Red
■
CANA VINEYARDS & WINERY 2019 Unité Reserve
■
STINSON VINEYARDS 2017 Meritage
■
CANA VINEYARDS & WINERY 2019 LeMariage
■
TRUMP WINERY 2015 Brut Reserve
■
MAGGIE MALICK WINE CAVES 2020 Albariño
■
WISDOM OAK WINERY 2019 NINETEEN
■
MICHAEL SHAPS WINERY 2019 Chardonnay
■
POLLAK VINEYARDS 2017 Meritage
For more information about the Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition and a complete list of winners, go to virginiawine.org/governors-cup.
Courtesy photo
Loudoun’s Doug Fabbioli at this year's Governor’s Cup competition.
panel of judges that evaluated the wines based on appearance, aroma, flavor, commercial suitability, and overall quality. All entries must be made from 100% Virginia-grown fruit to be eligible. The grapes used in Natoli’s top-winning wine were all grown on Cana’s hillside just east of Middleburg. As an estate wine made with Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes, she said the blend naturally is different each year. But she knew 2019 was special. “The blend on this vintage, the 2019, the vineyard did it. I didn’t do it,” she said. “I grew the grapes, but the blend is the vineyard, and it is because there was so little of it.” The 2019 vintage generated great fruit, but in lower quantities as the weakened vines recovered from the challenging
Courtesy photo
Maggie Malick of Maggie Malick Wine Caves reacts to her Albariño as being selected for this year’s Governor’s Case.
2018 growing season. She fermented the Cabernet Franc and Merlot together and the later harvesting Petit Verdot separately. However, because there was so little fruit, she pressed and aged all three together in new French oak barrels. Typically, they would age separately before deciding on the blend. “This time it was like, ‘you guys are all going together because that is all I have,’” she said. “We only put up 70 cases—that’s all I had from those three red grapes.” “It’s a spectacular wine,” Petty said. “I think there is a lot of depth and complexity to it. You can taste all the different pieces.” “2019 was great. Things got riper. Flavors developed in places that they can’t always hit,” Natoli said. However, because of the limited quan-
tity, the medal count isn’t likely to grow for the 2019 Unité Reserve. Entering it in other competitions isn’t in the plans. But if there is an accolade to win, Natoli said the Governor’s Cup is it. She had never won a gold medal in the competition before, but got her first two this year. “The Governor’s Cup for us in Virginia is our most important competition. You’ll see all the wineries around the state, if they don’t enter anything else, they enter that. And we put our best wines in that because we want them to show well,” she said. Previous cup winners in Loudoun were the Barns at Hamilton Station’s 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon in 2017 and 868 Estate Vineyards’ 2017 Vidal Blanc Passito in 2020. Having a Loudoun winery again win the cup is celebrated as a confirmation of the high quality the county’s winemakers strive for. “I am so proud to bring it to Loudoun. I got lots of messages real quick from lots of Loudoun County winemakers happy to see it come home,” she said. “We believe in what we’re doing up here, so it is nice.” The commitment to make top-quality wines is critical as the industry continue to grow. “We want someone who goes into a tasting room—whether it is up here or anywhere in the state—to get something fantastic no matter where they are,” Natoli said. “We are proud of our Virginia wines, so we want them to be Virginia. We don’t want to be called the ‘next Napa.’ We’re Virginia.” n
MARCH 31, 2022
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 39
Step Up
Cats and Cookies
continued from page 11
continued from page 3
online. The competition calls for students to identify real world problems, for which they hatch plans to solve. Teammates Marc Tchoumbou and Ryan Fincham, sixth graders at Smarts Mill Middle School, said their love of animals led them to launch “Saving Wildlife from Vehicle Collisions,” one of the top10 projects. They made a road sign with blinking lights that would alert drivers that animals might be crossing the road. They hope to submit their plan to VDOT. “We just like animals and we think it’s not fair how we hit them with our cars because we took over their original land,” Fincham explained. “So, we think it needed to change because it’s not fair to them.” “I hate to see dead animals when we’re driving. It’s just all bad,” Tchoumbou said. They said they had a blast working on the project after school. They added that their teacher, Susan Scharr, was instrumental in researching for the project, working with VDOT to get pricing for their proposed road signs. A team of 10 Blue Ridge Middle School students is seeking to make recycling a priority for their school. “We learned originally about a circular economy, and we learned that would really help the planet in the future and we found out there are some countries that are trying to go fully circular with their economies in 2050. It will help the planet drastically. Recycling is a big part of that,” eighth grader Abigail Winn said. The team is making sure that all classrooms have a recycling bin and that people know what materials can be recycled. “If we don’t try to help our school as a start now … it can only get worse,” Bryan Barrett added. A lot of students have the environment on their minds. Aarya Paranjpe’s project “Keeping Loudoun Beautiful” explores the possibility of planting school and community gardens. She aims to bring awareness to the importance of planting vegetation to combat carbon emissions. “I think the most important thing is being able to make a difference. Knowing we’ll be able to make a difference in somebody else’s life and evoke change, that’s the most important thing,” she said. “It’s really fun doing this. It’s exhilarating.” One team is aiming to help people stand tall. Pranav Kalidini, Pujitha Chib-
Like many businesses that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, Donahue faced some supply chain problems getting what she needed for the café. But her creative streak—and some help from her own mother—took care of that; much of the furniture for both humans and cats in the lounge area is up-cycled by hand. The sunlit second-floor lounge is dominated by leafy, connected towers where cats can climb up high, peek out and play through the plastic foliage. Around the room, chairs and couches offer a place for humans to relax while hidey holes and platforms on the walls give the cats places to explore when they’re not busy meeting visitors—along with a quiet closet where they can hide out when they’ve have enough human attention. Guests at Catty Corner can stop by the café downstairs or pay for time in the cat lounge, which comes with coffee and a cookie. And eventually, Donahue plans to grow the café’s offerings, opening up the second-floor balcony and expanding the menu. The café is on East Market Street in the heart of downtown Leesburg, next to Plum Grove Cyclery and J. Morris Flowers in the building that previously housed Cowbell Kitchen, across the street from the County Government Center. And Donahue said she envisions an hour at the cat café as of a great weekend day trip for the family, or as a welcome reprieve for people working in Leesburg offices. “It’s for people that can’t have a cat for some reason, like the landlord, and they want a cat fix. Or they’re obsessed with cats like me and they want to be surrounded by 20 of them,” she said. “And it’s just a fun, entertaining thing to do—it’s different, it’s cozy, it helps your stress levels. The cats can bring down your blood pressure.” Business already began with a soft opening March 27. But the grand opening and ribbon cutting is scheduled Friday, April 1 at 1 p.m., in time for warmer weather and Leesburg’s First Friday. Catty Corner Café is at 116 E. Market St. in Leesburg. Learn more and make reservations at cattycornercafe.com, and follow Catty Corner Café on social media at facebook.com/CattyCornerCafe and instagram.com/cattycornercafe. n
Hayley Milon Bour/Loudoun Now
Aarya Paranjpe’s project would build gardens and greenspace in schools to combat carbon emissions.
pala, Vibha Kattar, and Revanth Kathuroju created “Posture Monitor” to bring awareness to the effects of poor posture. They plan to create a wearable Bluetooth device that will buzz when the user should fix their posture. They report that the device will reduce long-term medical bills for users. Jitesh Raj, seventh grader at Farmwell Hunt Middle School, created the app SOAR to help people with time management. “I am a big procrastinator. Many of my peers and friends are procrastinators too. I wanted to solve it. In life it’s all about work, it’s all about how to get things done and how to get to the next step. So, I wanted something that could aid people to do that,” Raj said, clarifying that it is OK to have some fun in life, too. His app records the progress of people doing computer tasks. During his trials, 271 hours were recorded, and the app
saved users an average of 32 minutes per day. “That adds up to six days a year,” he said. Steve Wolfson, the executive director of Loudoun Youth, said he’s always impressed by the students who compete in Step Up. “It’s always amazing to me that these are issues that resonate with these kids. They choose these issues. … They’re all passionate about their projects. It’s from them. Collectively as a group they spent 7,000 hours on the projects” he said. Wolfson said that next week’s award ceremony, to be held April 7 at Morven Park, will be special because the teams present one at a time and can watch the other teams’ presentations. “At the end of the night they’re all winners,” Wolfson said. REI Systems of Sterling is providing prize money for this year’s competition. n
Hayley Milon Bour/Loudoun Now
Jitesh Raj of Farmwell Station Middle School hopes to help busy students and business people with his anti-timewasting application.
PAGE 40
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
OUR LARGEST
MARCH 31, 2022
S PRING M ATTRESS S ALE SPRING MATTRESS SALE FAMILY-OWNED FOR OVER 39 YEARS!
WE HAVE MATTRESSES IN STOCK! FREE DELIVERY on any purchase over $699
ACROSS THE STREET FROM COSTCO & TARGET, NEXT TO ROSS 11am - 7pm | Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm | Saturday 12pm - 5pm | Sunday www.baersmattressden.com 703-777-1600