n LOUDOUN
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n LEESBURG
VOL. 5, NO. 21
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n EDUCATION
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n OBITUARIES
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n PUBLIC NOTICES
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APRIL 9, 2020
Board Adds Hiring Freeze, Pandemic Reserve to Budget BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now
Volunteers have been sent home with Loudoun Hunger Relief staff left to do all the heavy lifting at the Leesburg-based food pantry, where operations have transitioned to by-appointment, curbside pickup.
Supervisors Provide Emergency Assistance as COVID-19 Cases Climb BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
County supervisors on Tuesday authorized payments of $350,000 to help food pantries facing heavy demand and renters having trouble making their payments amid layoffs and business closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The action came following a week when the number of confirmed infections in the
county climbed from 26 to 209 and the local death toll rose to four. Among the new reported cases were front-line workers, including a fire-rescue member who had helped to transport an infected patient to the hospital and a school employee who had helped to distribute Chromebooks to students who will be finishing their school year at home. Federal and state leaders have warned residents to brace for a sharp increase in
COVID-19 cases over the next week or two, and the number of hospitalized patients has jumped significantly statewide in recent days. As of Monday, 63 Virginia residents had died as a result from the infection; each of the four Loudoun residents who died was in the 65 and older age group. ASSISTANCE continues on page 30
Loudoun supervisors on Tuesday adopted the $3 billion annual budget as they prepared it before the COVID-19 pandemic sent the county into lockdown. But they have also put $100 million in reserve and delayed new hiring as the county government works out what the pandemic’s effects will be on tax revenues. Supervisors and county staff members began writing the budget before the viral outbreak closed schools, brought many businesses to a halt and sent people in isolation in their homes. But with much uncertainty still surrounding the pandemic—including how long it will last, and how deep its impacts will be to the economy—county budget officers don’t yet have a handle on what its effects will be on government finances. Some revenues, notes a county report, will likely be somewhat stable. The county makes most of its money from real estate taxes, which stayed relatively stable during the Great Recession. But other revenues, such as sales and use taxes or fees at Parks and Recreation facilities, could drop precipitously. County staff members are building preliminary projections around the most pessimistic of models laid out by Moody’s Analytics, a subsidiary of the credit ratings firm. That model assumes 13 percent peak unemployment, with full employment not BUDGET continues on page 29
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APRIL 9, 2020
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The Sterling-based Aperiomics biotechnology company has teamed up with Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Ashburn-based Janelia Research Campus to boost COVID-19 testing capacity to manufacture up to 2,500 test kits each week.
Population Decreased, Precautions Taken to Curb COVID-19 Spread in County Jail BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Aperiomics, Howard Hughes Team Up to Boost COVID-19 Testing Capacity BY PATRICK SZABO
pszabo@loudounnow.com
As cases of COVID-19 continue to spike in the region, two Loudoun organizations are joining forces to provide testing for the masses. Aperiomics, a Sterling-based biotechnology company that works to identify the root causes of infectious disease, announced Friday it had teamed up with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn to manufacture up to 2,500 COVID-19 test kits each week to supply hospitals and doctors. Janelia is volunteering its staff time and expertise along with essential equipment and supplies. In addition to more than doubling the number of Xplore-COVID-19 test kits Aperiomics can manufacture each week, Janelia’s help has enabled the firm to reduce the out-of-pocket cost of the test from $250 to $99 per sample. Aperiomics CEO Dr. Crystal Icenhour said the tests should be 100-percent reimbursable through insurance companies. Icenhour said her staff can manufacture the test kit in about 10 minutes and that the most difficult part of the process is ordering supplies, since there is a major shortage on test swabs right now. She said Aperiomics has 3,000 test kits in stock and has shipped out about 500, which are now
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Aperiomics Lead Clinical Technologist Michelle Strobeck inspects the frozen COVID-19 testing samples the biotechnology company has received.
coming back in for processing. Once a test kit is shipped to a doctor, a patient is asked to cough and open his or her mouth for the doctor to swab inside. That sample is then placed in a transport vial, which deactivates the virus if it’s present, and is sent to Aperiomics for same-day testing and reporting. Icenhour said the transport vials are made in a way that allows the samples to be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days. So far, Aperiomics has found a handful
of COVID-19-positive cases in its testing. The partnership between Aperiomics and Janelia was forged in the past two weeks, when Janelia responded to a March 20 Aperiomics press release. “They wanted to help and asked how they could help,” Icenhour said. “They were very generous to lend us some additional instruments.” COVID-19 TEST continues on page 30
According to Loudoun County Sheriff Michael L. Chapman, there have been no cases of COVID-19 the county jail so far—and people in the criminal justice system are working to keep it that way. Institutional settings like jails have proven a dangerous place for viral outbreaks, with the coronavirus spreading rapidly wherever people are kept crowded together. In response to questions from Loudoun NAACP President Michelle Thomas and immediate past president Phillip Thompson, Chapman said the jail this week has fewer people in it, and fewer people coming in and out. The Sheriff ’s Office has begun moving inmates enrolled in the work release program, which has them going in and out of the jail on a daily basis, to house arrest instead—keeping them out of the jail entirely. “Many of these inmates rely on the income of their jobs to help their families with bills and financial obligations,” Chapman wrote by email. “This is a win-win for both the inmates and the Adult Detention Center. This will allow the inmates to continue to maintain their jobs, but will eliminate the inmates that leave the facility and may come into contact with a potential carrier, then return to the facility possibly exposing many others.” Additionally, Chapman said during the Loudoun NAACP’s happy hour virtual meeting with elected officials and the community on Monday, the number of inmates in the jail has dropped from 344 a month ago COUNTY JAIL continues on page 30
PAGE 4
McLellan Named Assistant County Administrator Amid Turnover Loudoun County’s budget chief, Erin McLellan, was appointed as an assistant Loudoun County administrator effective March 26, according to Loudoun County Administrator Tim Hemstreet. “Erin is a proven leader who for more than a decade has demonstrated exceptional ability and skill in her various positions within the county government,” Hemstreet stated. “I believe her experience, expertise and outstanding work ethic will serve the county well in her new role as a key member of my executive management team.” McLellan has risen steadily through the county’s ranks, beginning in 2006 as a human resources policy and research analyst and most recently serving as the county’s chief financial officer and director of the Department of Finance and Budget. In her stead, Janet Romanchyk has been named acting director of Finance and Budget. McLellan will also step in to fill a gap amid turnover among the county’s senior-most officials. With McLellan’s appointment, one of four assistant county administrator positions remain vacant, with two people having left the job in recent months. McLellan will step into the role held by Anne Lewis, who resigned. Lewis, who joined the county in summer 2018, will stay with the county through May 1, according county Public Information Officer Glen Barbour. The county is still recruiting for someone to replace former Assistant County Administrator Kenny Young, who was promoted to the post in January 2015 and left in March. The county’s four assistant county administrators and Deputy County Administrator Charles Yudd report directly to Hemstreet, the head of the county government’s administration. The Office of the County Administrator also includes Assistant County Administrators John Sandy and Valmarie Turner and Chief of Staff Caleb Weitz. In her new position, McLellan will oversee the Departments of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, General Services, Information Technology and the Office of Mapping and Geographic Information. n
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APRIL 9, 2020
Loudoun County Signs Contract to Disinfect Jail, 911 Call Center LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Just three weeks after the first Loudoun coronavirus case was reported, county leaders pushed forward with efforts to disinfect government buildings of COVID-19. The Loudoun County government signed a $16,750 with local remediation and restoration company Green Solutions to sanitize the Adult Detention Center, 911 call center, and the Sheriff ’s Office and Fire and Rescue administration headquarters buildings on Sycolin Road this week. County spokesman Glen Barbour said the purpose of the contract is to prioritize 24/7 operational facilities. That work is being done using the company’s patented and EPA-registered anti-microbial spray, known as MDF-500. Green Solutions Field Services Director Mike Cain said that once his company disinfects that first set of buildings, which he expected to have done by Wednesday, his team would discuss with the county which buildings might come next. He indicated he hopes to get further county contracts to disinfect all of the county’s buildings—about 200 of them. “It’s a really fair deal,” said Green Solutions Company Director Mark Nicolini, noting that his company had been in talks with the county about sanitizing the jail prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a 2004 study by Sandia National Laboratories, MDF-500 kills coronaviruses within one minute of con-
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Green Solutions remediation technician David Holz fogs a Loudoun apartment complex with MDF-500—a chemical proven by Sandia National Laboratories to kill coronaviruses.
tact with a more than 99.99-percent efficancy. It destroys pathogens by neutralizing chemical and biological compounds without affecting the material it contacts, since it contains no hard metals or volatile components. After eight hours of contact, the chemical becomes completely inert. It also carries a Zero Hazard Rating, while
common household bleach carries a 4 Hazard Rating. “Based on independent lab testing … we know that it kills coronaviruses,” Nicolini said. DISINFECT continues on page 5
Leesburg Courthouse Construction Underway Construction of the new Loudoun County District Courthouse began Monday. All parking for the courthouse in downtown Leesburg is being directed to the Pennington Garage and Pennington Lot two blocks away on Church Street NE. A shuttle is running from the Pennington garage and lot to a new stop across from the main entrance of the existing courthouse on East Market Street, approximately every ten minutes, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Social distancing protocols on the
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
Work on the new Loudoun courthouse began Monday in Leesburg.
shuttle means it is carring fewer people than the bus’s normal capacity. A walking path from the parking areas to the courthouse has also been maintained throughout construction, which is expected to last more than two years. The $72.5 million Courts Complex Expansion project includes the design and construction of a new 92,000-squarefoot courthouse and renovation of existing courts facilities. The project has also already created new parking facilities, such as the $19.5 million Pennington Garage, which has more than 700 parking spaces n.
APRIL 9, 2020
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Census Counting Continues During COVID-19 Pandemic Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau tries to count every person living in the U.S. This is that year, and April 1 was designated Census Day—meaning residents should mark down on their census forms where they lived on that date. As of April 4, however, only 60 percent of Loudoun residents had submitted their information, according to data completed by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission. County leaders are pushing for a far greater response—with the goals of securing Loudoun’s share of state and federal dollars that is distributed based on the information collected and reducing the number of homes that will have to be visited in person by a hired enumerator. Although the census can be completed in a few minutes at home over the phone or internet, the onset of COVID-19 has presented a challenge for getting everyone to respond—including a decision by the federal government to extend the response deadline until Aug. 14. Loudoun’s Complete Count Committee, which was created to help get the most comprehensive response out of Loudoun possible, has been hampered by the cancellation of public events and committee meetings. More than 60 community outreach events have
Disinfect continued from page 4 Cain said his team would use about 60 gallons of the product to disinfect the jail, and will use at least 600 gallons to sanitize all county government buildings, if the county extends the contract to include all of them. To achieve that, the Green Solutions team will pour the chemical into a fogging machine, which sprays out a fine atomized mist, spreads around each room and creates a microscopic film that remains on surfaces and can’t be wiped off by other cleaning products. The one-time treatment is expected to minimize re-contamination over 21 days, according to the county. “This is going to get behind every cabinet and in every nook and cranny because it’s such a fine mist,” Cain said. While the team disinfected the jail this
been canceled, many of which were to be held at public schools; door-to-door outreach has been canceled; and public spaces like libraries and community centers, where people without internet access at home would normally be able to respond online, are closed. According to the latest NVRC tally, Purcellville residents have taken the lead in the response compared with other Loudoun towns with a 64.5 percent response. Lovettsville was close behind at 64.3 percent. Hillsboro (37 percent) and Middleburg (26.7 percent) had the most ground to make up. Statewide, the response rated was just over 50 percent, according to the April 4 report. Census responses are confidential and by law cannot be shared with any government agency outside of the U.S. Census Bureau. Residents can respond to the census online, over the phone, or by mail—which the bureau encourages residents to do so that it doesn’t have to send census takers out into communities to follow up. Online, residents should have by now received mail with instructions and a code to respond. More information—including a timeline of the census process, links to sample census forms, informational videos, language guides and more—may be found at loudoun.gov/2020Census. n
week, they also trained guards on proper use of the product to use it later on. MDF-500—which Green Solutions uses mainly to deactivate mold, bacteria and other toxins at various jobs around the region—is effective against pathogens like norovirus, Ebola, influenza and SARS. Span-World, Green Solutions’ parent company, has produced the chemical since 1996, when it was called MDF-200 and was used primarily by the Secret Service. In the post-9/11 era, production stepped up in conjunction with the State Department, the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense when the government sought a product to kill anthrax and other chemical warfare toxins. Span-World holds the patent on and is the master distributor of MDF-500. Cain said his team is looking to help save lives amid the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re hoping that we can make a difference here,” he said. “That’s our goal.” n
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Leesburg
Town Cancels More Events
Leesburg Council Adopts Continuity of Government Ordinance BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The Leesburg Town Council on Friday adopted an ordinance ensuring its government operations continue, with some modifications, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Council members had called a special meeting to consider the ordinance following the town’s declaration of a local emergency March 18. Among the items passed in the ordinance include a suspension of the town’s expedited land development review process; rules regarding the designation of interim department successors during the emergency; and significant guidance
on meetings, whether in person or electronic. The bulk of the conversation during Friday morning’s session focused on council concerns regarding public meetings. Some had asked about allowing the public to participate electronically in council meetings, something that the town’s IT Director, Kuba Jedrzejczak, said he was hoping to offer further guidance on in May. Others questioned the guidelines on the support needed for cancelling meetings or calling special meetings. The council recently supported Town Manager Kaj Dentler’s recommendation to cancel its work sessions in April and May, leaving only its four business meetings those months.
The same meeting guidelines in the ordinance that apply to the Town Council will also apply to the town’s boards and commissions. Interim Town Attorney Martin Crim had pressed for the ordinance. “It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it,” he said during Friday’s meeting. The ordinance passed by a 6-0-1 vote, with Councilman Josh Thiel absent. Vice Mayor Marty Martinez and Councilman Ron Campbell participated electronically. The ordinance will be in effect for six months unless rescinded earlier by the council, or extended, by council action. n
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The coronavirus pandemic is beginning to spell the end of some popular summer events this year. The town government announced last week that both its annual Memorial Day observance and summer Movies Under the Stars series have been canceled. According to the press release, town staff hopes to instead commemorate Memorial Day with a live-streamed wreath-laying ceremony. The pandemic is also causing the cancellation of June’s Acoustic on the Green concerts, with hopes to start the concert series July 11. A full list of town closures and changes related to the coronavirus pandemic can be found at leesburgva.gov/closures.
Sycolin Paving Work Begins Entering the final stage of a two-year road project, paving operations began this week along Sycolin Road, between Tolbert Lane and Loudoun Center Place. Work will take place Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and is expected to continue through next week. Motorists are asked to use caution when driving through the area. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained at all times. Pavement marking and the installation of signage will follow. This work is the final step of the Sycolin Road improvement project, which included widening and upgrading the road from two to four lanes from the Rt. 15 bypass to the southern corporate town limits. The entire project is expected to be completed by this summer. For more details regarding the history of this project, go to leesburgva.gov/SycolinRoadCIP.
Trash Collection Help Needed In response to the COVID-19 emergency, the town’s trash contractor, Patriot Disposal, is asking residents to help prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. The firm asks residents to limit the quantity waste generated, so as to not overwhelm the collection system; bag trash and refuse in the toters; if trash does not fit in the toter, hold it back for the next collection; place recycling loose in the toters, but rinse and drain bottles, cans and other recyclable containers; disinfect toter handles and lids before and after each collection. Anyone with questions should contact Patriot Disposal directly by calling 703771-6677 or by email at leesburgsupport@ patriotdisposalservices.com.
APRIL 9, 2020
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PAGE 7
Education School Board Backs Double Pay for Workers During Pandemic BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Since schools closed last month as part of the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, workers stepping in to distribute student meals, conduct building maintenance and provide other required services have been paid two times their hourly rate. On Tuesday, the School Board voted to continue that policy at least through May 23, with an eye toward an extension that could carry through June 30. The program comes with a cost of $6.5 million through May 23. The board plans to decide on April 28 whether to extend the program through June 30, at an additional $6.3 million cost. The money would be allocated from the district’s projected $17.8 million unallocated fund balance for Fiscal Year 2020. That expected surplus is largely attributed to an expected $22 million in health premium savings and $8.6 million in operations and maintenance savings resulting from the school closure. Also in play in the surplus projections is the potential for
an $11 million reduction in state funding coming from sales tax revenue and lottery proceeds resulting from the statewide stay-at-home order. It wasn’t just the uncertain financial future that brought questions from School Board members. Loudoun’s administrators rolled out the double rate pay plan quickly after the school closure, but other area school districts opted to pay employees 1.5 times their hourly rate. Some board members questioned whether Loudoun should scale back to a time-and-a-half rate—saving $1.55 million through May 23—but Superintendent Eric Williams and Assistant Superintendent for Support Services Kevin Lewis said the higher pay has been an important motivation for those approximately 400 employees still clocking in. Williams said the higher pay had been crucial in overcoming a shrinking employee pool as health concerns increase. After hearing that, board members agreed the extra pay was justified for employees putting their own health at risk by being out in the public. n
2020 Step Up Competition Goes Virtual COVID-19 may have closed schools for the year, but the virus won’t stop the 2020 Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition. The leaders at Loudoun Youth Inc. have a plan that will allow the 300 students who have already signed up to present their community service ideas— many full-blown businesses—to get into the spotlight and before the judges. The competition is going virtual this year. The entire competition will move forward while practicing no social contact and abiding by all Health Department and Centers for Disease Control guidelines with the safety of all participants, families, judges and staff as the top concern. Teams will be asked to create a 3- to 5-minute video of their presentation and upload it to an unlisted Loudoun Youth YouTube channel. Groups will be judged on the qual-
ity of their projects and the hard work they have put into them since last fall, not on the quality of their videos—the production of which will be made even more challenging by social distancing requirements. “The almost 300 students who have signed up to compete have put countless hours into their projects, and not letting them have the chance to present their work would be a huge disappointment,” said Loudoun Youth Executive Director Steve Wolfson. “These youth are making real change in their communities, and we must do everything we can to help celebrate and reward their hard work.” All videos and completed forms must be submitted by April 10 by 11:59 p.m. to be eligible for the competition. All competition questions should be directed to Sheila Dixon at sdixon@ loudounyouth.org. n
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APRIL 9, 2020
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After going all of 2019 without a homicide in Loudoun County, authorities are now working two active cases. On Tuesday, Leesburg Police Department charged a Lucio 20-year-old man with murder in the fatal beating of his housemate. According to the report, officers were called to a home on the 100 block of Fort Evans Road at approximately 4 a.m. April 7 for a report of a man in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, officers found a man with apparent trauma to his face and head. Joel Rodriguez-Quezada, 48, of Leesburg, died at the scene. The suspect, Joseph Lucio III, 20, was a housemate of the victim. Detectives determined the men were involved in a physical altercation overnight. Last week, Sheriff ’s Office investigators made an arrest in connection with a fatal shooting that happened in Sterling. Bryce T. Thomas, 18, was arrested March 31 and charged with possession of a firearm by an adjudicated delinquent and felony possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
The shooting happened in the area of Rusty Blackhaw Square shortly after 9 p.m. on March 8. Several residents called to report gunfire. Responding deputies found two men sufferThomas ing from serious injuries. One was located along the street and the other was inside a nearby residence. The first man, Jeremiah D. Gray, 20, of Temple Hills, MD, was taken to the hospital where he died. The man found inside the residence was Thomas. He also was transported to the hospital for treatment. Detectives determined the case involved a prearranged meeting between Thomas and a female. The female arrived with Gray and an altercation ensued between the two men which erupted in gunfire. The female fled and was located by investigators the following day. Thomas was held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 16 in Loudoun County District Court. The shooting remains under investigation, according to the Sheriff ’s Office. n
Dulles CBP Seizes Khat Load from Nigeria U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Dulles Airport have seized a large khat shipment from Nigeria that was destined to an address in Washington, DC. According to the agency, inspectors were examining air cargo that arrived aboard an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi on March 5 when they found a shipment from Lagos, Nigeria manifested as clothes and dried camellia sinensis. When officers opened the shipment, they discovered three boxes that contained dried leaves concealed in silver bags and black plastic bags. They weren’t the organic green tea leaves listed. A CBP agriculture specialist initially determined the leaves to be khat. Of-
ficers submitted samples to a U.S. Department of Agriculture botanist, who confirmed that finding March 20. The total weight of the khat was 66.78 kilograms, or 147 pounds, 4 ounces— giving the shipment a street value of about $20,000. It was destroyed. Khat is typically grown in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and is chewed for its stimulant effect. The World Health Organization classified khat as a drug of abuse in 1980. The Drug Enforcement Administration classifies cathinone as a schedule 1 drug. CBP seized an average of 3,707 pounds of drugs every day across the United States last year. n
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APRIL 9, 2020
2 Plead Guilty to Pill Mill Prescription Fraud Two women pleaded guilty to federal charges last week for their roles in helping run a pill mill operation that included the fraudulent dispensing of thousands of prescription opioid pills, according to prosecutors. According to court documents and statements made in court, Kimberly Lancaster, 41, of Haymarket, was the office manager, and Susan Alcantara, 29, of Leesburg, was a medical assistant at a Northern Virginia addiction/pain treatment clinic and an OB/GYN practice. From at least June 2018 through June 2019, they assisted a physician in allowing customers to obtain medically-unnecessary prescriptions. Investigators found that Lancaster, despite having no medical qualifications or training, often provided medical advice to the physician regarding the dispensing of prescription medications to individuals who were not patients of the physician. Lancaster also falsified medical records on behalf of the physician to make it appear as though patients and individuals who were never patients received medical examinations. The physician often paid Lancaster for her services through the issuance of opioid prescriptions. Alcantara filled
fraudulent prescriptions for opioid medications in her name and the names of at least four unwitting individuals at various pharmacies in Northern Virginia. Despite being aware of Alcantara’s opioid addiction, the physician provided many of the fraudulent prescriptions to Alcantara that were written in the names of unwitting individuals that the physician had never medically examined. Prosecutors said the actions led to the fraudulent filling and dispensing of thousands of prescription opioid pills at pharmacies in Northern Virginia and caused the Medicaid health care benefit program to pay for fraudulently dispensed prescription opioids. Lancaster pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose, and prescription fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 24 years in prison when sentenced on July 31. Alcantara pleaded guilty to prescription fraud and false statements related to a health care matter. She faces a maximum penalty of nine years in prison when sentenced on July 31. n
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APRIL 9, 2020
Nonprofit Hit by Pandemic, ECHO Asks for Community Support Leesburg-based disabilities services nonprofit ECHO is asking the community for its support in its efforts to serve adults with disabilities during the COVID–19 crisis. For 45 years, ECHO has offered lifelong support to adults with disabilities. The nonprofit seeks to help people with disabilities to achieve or continue to lead independent lifestyles within the community. Its mission is to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their best level of personal, social and economic success. That includes clean and safe places for those it serves, and a transportation fleet to take their clients to and from their homes and places of work to put family members’ minds at ease. But the nonprofit, like many others, has felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the recent restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus, including the governor’s advice to shelter in place, ECHO has seen a dramatic reduction in the number of people taking part in their programs. That has also affected its funding—ECHO’s reimbursements are based on headcount. Meanwhile, the nonprofit’s operating and overhead expenses remain largely un-
ECHO
ECHO’s day support room stands empty as measures taken to fight the COVID-19 pandemic also keep people with disabilities from using the nonprofit’s programs.
changed. The nonprofit’s leaders have sounded the call asking the community to help ensure those services will still be available when the pandemic passes. Funds donated during the campaign will help cover the costs of maintaining the transportation fleet, employment programs, day support, the medically fragile unit, the ECHO Assessment Center and
the ECHO Academy, which provides assessment and life skills and vocational training. Donations can be made at echoworks. org/donors or mailed to P.O. Box 2277, Leesburg, VA 20177. For more information, contact ECHO Director of Development Robert Pizzimenti at 571-707-8249 or bobp@ echoworks.org. n
Loudoun Laurels Foundation Cancels Annual Gala; 2020 Scholarship Applications Due by May 1 The Loudoun Laurels Foundation has cancelled its annual gala this year. Pat Daly, the Foundation’s president, said, “with the welfare of our guests, many of whom are at high-risk for contracting the COVID-19 virus, in mind, the board has decided to cancel the gala. The program, planned to be held at Lansdowne Resort and Spa on Sept. 25, has been rescheduled for Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. 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 at least two community leaders with the Loudoun Laureate award. Although the foundation has cancelled its 2020 gala, Daly said, “the Loudoun Laurels will con-
tinue to fulfill their mission by completing the laureate and scholarship selection processes this year.” Nominations for 2020 Loudoun Laureates closed on March 15, and the foundation has received more than 10 nominations. Laureate selections are made by the members of the Loudoun Laurels’ Advisory Committee, many of whom are laureates who were honored in past years. The committee will meet in late May and the honorees will be announced shortly after the meeting. This year’s laureates, together with the foundation’s 2021 laureates, will be honored at the foundation’s gala next year. In addition to honoring members of the community for their leadership, service and philanthropy, the foundation’s Stewardship Trust awards four-year scholarships to at least two 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 $800,000 in scholarships to 20 LCPS students. These students become 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 four-year term of his or her college career. In 2019, four donors contributed $550,000 to fund the Loudoun Laurels Stewardship Trust endowment. The deadline for scholarship applications has been extended to May 1. For more information, go to loudounlaurels. org or email info@loudounlaurels.org. n
Rescue Organization Needs Homes for Community Cats The Loudoun Community Cat Coalition has an immediate and urgent need for the public’s help finding homes for a group of endangered local community cats that must be rehomed as soon as possible. The cats are not suited for life indoors, but are ideal environments like breweries, wineries, nurseries, warehouses and larger residential properties with garages, barns, or stables where rodents can be a problem and mousers are welcome. The cats are spayed and neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to work providing poison-free rodent control. The coalition’s Barn Cat program can provide all necessary equipment, set-up, and advice for a successful transition. The adopting homeowners, businesses and customers only need to provide food, water and a big heart. No adoption fee will be assessed but donations are always appreciated. Barn cats provide a form of organic pest control that can help keep rodents away from grain, oats, food storage areas, etc. They are a cleaner, more effective alternative than dangerous pesticides and are on duty 24/7. Adopters can enjoy the benefits and company of their barn cats from afar, knowing they have helped save their lives by giving them a much-needed home. If you currently have barn cats that are not neutered or spayed, the cat coalition can provide assistance by having them sterilized, vaccinated and microchipped through their “Fix Me Now” program. Loudoun Community Cat Coalition is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity. If you own or manage property like those mentioned and have permission for longterm placement of outdoor community cats on the property, please contact the coalition at info@loudouncommunitycats.org. For more information about their programs and how you can help community cats and kittens, go to loudouncommunitycats.org or find them on Facebook at Loudoun Community Cats. n
APRIL 9, 2020
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Be Informed
Be Prepared Be a First Responder Loudoun County First Responders are trained, prepared, and ready to serve their community. Like you, our volunteer first responder are full-time employed, students, or stay at home parents. The knowledge, confidence, and skills we learn as a first responder also benefits our families and friends. Join us as a volunteer EMT, Medic, or Firefighter to serve your community. Free Training Provided.
Take the first step, visit www.OpenNewDoors.org or text (571) 442-2801
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APRIL 9, 2020
Business
Virginia Allows Distillers to Ship to Homes In a major policy change, the Virginia ABC today began allowing distilleries to ship products directly to consumers. The program is another element of the commonwealth’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At Catoctin Creek Distilling in Purcellville, the change is having a big impact. “It’s incredible,” co-owner Scott Harris said early Monday afternoon, just hours after starting to take orders for direct-tohome sales. Before lunchtime, his staff had taken more than 50 orders—already surpassing sales on a normal Saturday, typically the busiest day at the tasting room. Harris said that rush is likely a combination of residents wanting to support the local craft beverage operation and those stocking up on provisions as they hunker down at home during the coronavirus isolation efforts. “We have been wanting this for a long time,” Harris said, adding that it could represent a modernization of the distribution system in Virginia, which limits sales to ABC stores. To sell bottles from their tasting rooms, distilleries like Catoctin Creek already function as ABC agent locations.
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Catoctin Creek Distilling employees work to label and fill 6-ounce bottles of 80-percent alcohol antiseptic hand sanitizer to ship off to first responders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 6-ounce bottle of 80-percent alcohol antiseptic hand sanitizer made by Catoctin Creek Distilling.
A key element in the program is that carriers, like FedEx, will require an adult signature to complete deliveries. While he expects the delivery business will level out after the initial rush, Harris
is shipping it out to first responders and hopes to have some inventory available to the general public soon. For updates on that project—and to contribute to the effort—go to catoctincreekdistilling.com. n
is urging customers to be patient. “This is new for us and it will take time to get the orders packaged up,” he said. The distillery also is continuing to create hand sanitizer. This week, the company
Economic Development Launches Countywide Job Portal Loudoun County’s Department of Economic Development has unveiled a jobs portal that aggregates and filters all positions currently open in Loudoun County. The portal pulls in and de-duplicates listings from more than 10,000 public job boards, providing a comprehensive tool for finding a job in Loudoun County. The jobs portal is live on Loudoun Economic Development’s COVID-19 response webpage, which has dedicated resources for businesses and workforce, and can be searched at biz.loudoun.gov/ loudounjobs. “Even at a time of unprecedented economic interruption, businesses in Loudoun County are still hiring for mission-critical positions,” said Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer. “Behind every successful business is people making a difference. Our team is dedicated to connecting people with careers, and businesses with the
The new county-compiled jobs portal is updated daily to capture new employment openings available in the area.
workforce that powers #LoudounPossible success.” Despite furloughs, layoffs and business closures in the wakes of the COVID-19 spread, some industries like data centers,
cybersecurity firms, logistics and agriculture have seen an uptick in jobs. The department has focused on workforce development, including hiring the region’s first dedicated workforce analyst in 2018.
Reports for the past 30 days have produced 15,793 online job postings in Loudoun, including 584 occupations in 683 locations, encompassing more than 4,600 employers. Jobseekers using the portal can search by one of four categories: job title, hiring company, job category or certification type. Within the results page, the list of available jobs can be further filtered by location, hiring company and more, as well as sorted by the date of posting. Businesses do not have to do anything extra to be listed, as the portal pulls from most publicly available job advertisements. Daily updates at midnight provide real-time job data, and positions that are no longer available will be automatically removed from the search results. For more information and to search jobs in Loudoun County, go to biz. loudoun.gov/loudounjobs. n
APRIL 9, 2020
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Bear Chase Sets Up Free Grocery for Impacted Restaurant Workers BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
Bear Chase Brewing will join a growing number of breweries dotted around Virginia offering free pop-up grocery stores to people in the restaurant industry, who have felt the order to close up shop keenly in their bank accounts. Bear Chase Helps opened at noon last Friday. Anyone who brings a pay stub from a restaurant and a grocery bag will get free groceries to help them through the closures, as restaurant dining rooms have been ordered to closed to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Bear Chase Helps is open next this Thursday, April 9 from noon until food runs out. “We understand that it’s going to be a little bit tight for everybody’s pocketbook,” said Chris Suarez, general manager and one of the co-founders of the expansive brewery overlooking the Loudoun Valley from near Snickersville Gap in Bluemont. They and a handful of other breweries across Virginia have partnered with restaurant and food supply company Sysco Virginia to provide the groceries to get those restaurant workers some help. Suarez said since the brewery’s spacious property is mostly not in use right now, it made sense to set up a free pop-up grocery to help out. The idea began in Harrisonburg, the home of Sysco Virginia and of Pale Fire Brewing Co., where founder Tim Brady started the idea of Pale Fire Brewing Co. Helps. “We have an empty taproom because we’ve gone down to just to-go sales and just doing the responsible thing, but it’s a big space, it’s got big roll-up garage doors, a lot of that kind of stuff,” Brady said. “And I was trying to think of what’s a positive that we can do in these times.” Brady said he reached out to a friend at Sysco and raised the idea—and his friend
said the company has plenty of food that needs to be eaten right now, with restaurants being closed. “I was like, well, what if we set up a food bank specifically for the restaurant industry, because everybody basically in the industry lost their jobs at the same time,” Brady said. “…I don’t think there’s anybody who isn’t affected by this, but restaurant workers, I think, were hit disproportionately hard.” If Pale Fire Helps is any indication, Bear Chase Helps will have a big impact—Brady said the Harrisonburg pop-up grocery is open twice a week and has seen steady food traffic. Even as Sysco’s own business takes a downturn, Sysco Virginia District Manager Mary Long said it’s a good way to help out. The company also partners with DC-based nonprofit No Kid Hungry and, according to Long, has donated more than 3 million meals since the pandemic began. She said the company does not want to throw food away—and hasn’t. “This certainly isn’t going to put two months’ worth of meals on their table, but they won’t have to worry about where the next meal is coming from,” Long said. Sysco is also partnering with breweries in Richmond and Charlottesville, she said—“good, central locations, and people are familiar with the, and again, nobody’s in there taking up space, so it just kind of made sense.” Bear Chase, Suarez said, is positioned to help people both in Loudoun and Clarke. Learn more about the pop-up food bank at bearchasehelps.com. Bear Chase is also still selling online togo orders of their brews for pickup either at the brewery or at one of three Friday dropoff locations: Lansdowne Resort and Spa, Holloway Company in Arcola, and John H. Enders Fire Company and Rescue Squad in Berryville. Orders can be placed in advance at BearChaseBrew.com.n
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APRIL 9, 2020
Our Towns
TOWN notes
Neighbors Urge State to Impose Harsher Penalties on St. Louis Developer BY PATRICK SZABO
pszabo@loudounnow.com
Residents are once again voicing opposition to a planned 30-home subdivision in the rural village of St. Louis. This time, they’re calling for the state to impose harsher penalties on the developer for wetlands the project impacted. In late summer 2019, residents living in and around the village of St. Louis began speaking out against developer Jack Andrews’ plans to build a 30-single-family-home subdivision along Snake Hill Road called Middleburg Preserve, adjacent to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Andrews’ development company, Mojax, owns four parcels in the village totaling about 19.5 acres. Project opponents said the proposed drilling of 27 wells would threaten their water supplies and construction might disturb the dozens of unmarked graves on the property. Last year’s outcry led to a public complaint with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality claiming that Mojax had violated state regulations surrounding land clearing activities. Upon investigating, the department in June 2019 found that Mojax had impacted 0.57 acres of wetland. The department also found that Mojax did not obtain a Virginia Water Protection Permit to legally discard dirt from well drilling activities into sur-
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
Amid backlash from area residents, crew members were onsite at Mojax’s proposed Middleburg Preserve 30-home subdivision in the village of St. Louis Monday afternoon, along with a bit of construction equipment.
rounding surface waters. The state issued a consent order between Mojax and the State Water Control Board, which went in effect in January, mandating Mojax pay a $27,500 fee and purchase wetland credits for the unpermitted impacts to the forested wetland; fill, grade and stabilize a ditch to prevent sediment from moving downstream to adjacent surface waters; plant five overstory trees, ten understory trees and 15 small shrubs in the forested wetland revegetation area; and mulch dis-
turbed areas. Mojax was required to pay the fine by Feb. 9 and prove to the state it had purchased the wetland credits by March 10. It is required to complete the plantings this month. But some area residents aren’t content with those remedial mandates. On March 23, the Unison Preservation Society wrote a letter to the Department of EnvironmenST. LOUIS continues on page 18
Water Restored Following Hillsboro Water Main Break BY PATRICK SZABO
pszabo@loudounnow.com
Great Country Farms Offering Take-Home Easter Egg Hunt Great Country Farms is handing out Easter egg baskets for parents to bring home and hide for their kids to hunt, since the farm’s annual Easter Egg Hunt has been canceled amid the coronavirus crisis. Buckets cost $10 a piece and come with 25 toy- or candy-filled eggs and a free single pass to Great Country Farms. If social distancing mandates have been loosened by summer, families can head back to the farm with their buckets to pick produce. Pre-order egg buckets for curbside pickup on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Learn more at greatcountryfarms. com.
HILLSBORO Town Extends Flagging Operations in Rt. 9 Traffic Calming Project The Town of Hillsboro’s Rt. 9 traffic calming project contractor, Archer Western Corp., has extended its flagging operations on the road in light of decreased traffic during the coronavirus crisis, per VDOT’s approval. Flagging from Monday to Friday will begin as early as 8:30 a.m. and will stretch to 4 p.m. On Saturday, work will be permitted from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The town announced there will be “significant progress” visible on the roundabouts this month, which are being constructed on either side of town. Crews this week are busy with earthwork near the western roundabout at the Stony Point Road intersection. They will soon start construction on the entrance to the Hillsboro Charter Academy, which will connect directly with the eastern roundabout.
Breaux Vineyards Continues Weekly Virtual Wine Tastings
After three full days without running water last week, the Town of Hillsboro’s 28 water customers once again were able to wash their hands, cook and clean last Friday.
Breaux Vineyards will continue its virtual wine tastings with one featuring its 2017 Sauvignon Blanc and 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from Matt Danielson/Loudoun Now
HILLSBORO WATER continues on page 15
BLUEMONT
Hillsboro town leaders distributed 6-12 gallons of bottled water to its 28 active water users last Wednesday, in response to a broken water main and cut-off water service.
TOWN NOTES continues on page 16
APRIL 9, 2020
Hillsboro water continued from page 14 Mayor Roger Vance said repairs to the town’s six-decade-old water main, which broke in sections last Tuesday and left all water users without water, went “very well.” He noted the repair is a temporary fix and that the water main will be entirely replaced during work on the $3.2 million water project. “Everything worked out fine,” he said. According to Vance and Vice Mayor Amy Marasco, water users had planned to be without service last week and had stocked up on bottled water. Marasco said the town previously advised the users their water would be temporarily shut off as work on the water main commenced. She said town leaders delivered six gallons of bottled water to those customers before the water main broke, and another 6-12 gallons after. Vance also encouraged the residents to fill their bathtubs in preparation of the work last week. But the expectation prior to the water main break was that water flow would be off for hours, not days, as the distribution system was to be connected to a newly constructed main coming from the town well. During last week’s repairs, town leaders
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relieved water users by filling up and handing out buckets and bottles of non-potable water at the Old Stone School. They also delivered each of those affected residents a large cheese pizza from Andy’s Pizza & Subs in Lovettsville and a bottle of local wine last Friday. The town is also providing water users with financial relief by not collecting on their March water bills. In response to the coronavirus crisis, the town has also resolved to not charge late fees or interest on future water bill non-payments until the town’s state of local emergency is lifted. This week, Vance said the town expects Shirley Contracting crews to bring the new well—located on the southern side of Rt. 9—online this week, by running it up Short Hill Mountain to the town’s water treatment plant. He said the existing well atop the hill would continue to provide water to the system, but at a much less capacity than the new well. Vance said town leaders are unsure if the new connection will take the town off its 25-year-old boil water notice—a decision the Virginia Department of Health will make. “It’s going to be a big deal,” Vance said about the new connection. Town leaders are hopeful the water project will wrap up this year. n
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TOWN notes
MIDDLEBURG Town Sends Every Household $260 in Meal Vouchers
continued from page 14 7-7:30 p.m. this Friday, April 10. The winery’s lead educator, Jim Koennicke, will host the tastings. There will also be opportunities to win prizes and discounts throughout the show. Each week’s wines are available on the winery’s website in packs of two. Those who buy four bottles are eligible for free shipping. Breaux is also offering curbside pickup and free local delivery. Purchase wine at breauxvineyards.com.
The Town of Middleburg has sent a packet of meal vouchers to every household in the town limits. The packet included $20 vouchers to 13 participating restaurants. Those restaurants are Best Thai Kitchen, Common Grounds, Greenheart Juice, King Street Oyster Bar, Middleburg Deli, Old Ox Brewery, Red Bar Shushi, Red Horse Tavern, Scruffy’s, Side Saddle Bistro, Teddy’s Pizza, Thaiverse and Wild Hare Cider. The vouchers expire April 30. Residents must spend the full $20 at each restaurant, since
Obituaries Mildred June Goss Mildred June Goss, 85, of Lucketts, VA, passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020. She was the wife of the late James Preston Goss, who predeceased her in January. June was born on June 17, 1934 in Loudoun County, VA. She was the daughter of the late Lester Daniel Danner and the late Flossie Esther Orrison. She attended Lovettsville High School, until getting married in Frederick, MD on January 24, 1953, and starting a family. She leaves her family to cherish her memory including daughters. Linda & Jimmy Hobbie, Patricia & Charlie Owens, and son Tom & Marge Goss all of Leesburg, VA; sisters-in-law, Catherine Allison of Reston, VA, Betty Zinn of Gainesville, VA, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchil-
dren, and 2 great great grandchildren. A private grave side service was held Friday, April 3, 2020, in Furnace Mountain Cemetery, Leesburg, VA. The immediate family deeply regrets the exclusion of our other family members and friends at this most difficult time. You will be able to view the service from Face Book by going to Furnace Mountain Presbyterian Church and from You Tube by going to Furnace Mountain Worship when it becomes available. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date. Donations may be made in Mrs. Goss’s memory to Furnace Mountain Presbyterian Church, 12946 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg, VA 20176. Online condolences may be made to the family at: www.loudounfuneralchapel.com
Mary Howard Age 85 of Berryville, VA Mary Virginia Howard, age 85, of Berryville, VA, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 30, 2020. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory, beloved husband of 66 years, James W. Howard, Sr., children Kenny Howard of Montclair, NJ, Ann Thomas (Austin) of Sterling, VA, Karen Howard of Sterling, VA, James Howard, Jr. (Valerie) of Leesburg, VA and Avery Howard (Michelle) of Bristow, VA.; sister, Estelle Stewart, brothers Lynwood Anderson and Larry Anderson; ten grand-
children and ten great-grandchildren. She was loved and adored by a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Patty Howard. Private graveside funeral services were held on Saturday, April 04, 2020 at the Rock Hill Cemetery, Round Hill, VA. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA, MD, DC 1800-3881913
APRIL 9, 2020
there will be no leftover value for spending less than that amount. According to the town’s 2019 Comprehensive Plan, there are 429 households in the town, which means the town spent about $111,540 on 5,577 vouchers. The voucher program was approved by the Town Council on March 26 as part of a four-piece financial relief package to help residents, restaurants and utility customers during the coronavirus crisis. For more information, call 540-6875152 or go to middleburgva.gov/331/middleburg-take-out.
Cana Vineyards to Release 2 Rosé Wines, Hold Virtual Wine Tasting Cana Vineyards and Winery will release two new wines and host a live virtual tasting with its winemaker, Melanie, at 5 p.m. this Thursday, April 9. The winery will release its 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a balance of minerality and light creaminess under fresh peach, white nectarine, and herbs; and its Merlot, which opens with ripe strawberries in the nose and melon, white cherry and soft red fruit on the palate. Wine can be purchased on Cana’s website and shipped via the mail, delivered to homes in Northern Virginia or picked up on the curbside. Purchase wine at shop.canavineyards.com.
PURCELLVILLE Anytime Fitness Delays Opening, Offers Virtual Workout Classes Anytime Fitness’ planned move to its new location in the Purcellville Shopping Center has been delayed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, the gym has set up an online accountability group. The “AF at Home Challenge” Facebook group is encouraging community members to share a post-workout photo of themselves with the #sweatyselfies hashtag for
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a chance to win a prize that supports local businesses. For more information, go to anytimefitness.com or email afcares@anytimemn.com. Once social distancing mandates loosen, Anytime Fitness will move into a 7,000-square-foot space next to the newly opened Dollar Tree.
Blue Ridge Hospice Delays Opening of New Thrift Shop The Blue Ridge Hospice Thrift Shop has postponed its opening in the Purcellville Shopping Center and has temporarily closed its eight shops amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Chief Marketing & Development Officer Annie Bradfield. The hospice had planned to open its ninth location in the shopping center, in a 15,000-square-foot space by mid-April. It operates one thrift shop in Berryville, Front Royal, Leesburg, Purcellville, Stephens City and Strasburg, and two in Winchester. Donation drivers are still picking up donations from homes and businesses. Learn more at brhospice.org/thriftshops.
Town Cancels All Events Through June 10, Plans Virtual Activities In response to Gov. Ralph Northam’s March 30 stay-at-home order, the Town of Purcellville has canceled all events through June 10, when the order expires. Those events are the April 26 Nature Walk, the May 17 Non-Profit Expo, the May 25 Memorial Day Ceremony and the May 31 Nature Walk. In the place of those events, the town’s Parks and Recreation Division will soon launch virtual events and activities that will be hosted on the division’s Facebook page. Parks and trails in town also remain open for outdoor recreation, including the Chapman DeMary Trail, Dillon’s Woods and the Suzanne Kane Nature Preserve. For more information, go to purcellvilleva.gov.
APRIL 9, 2020
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PAGE 17
Middleburg, Purcellville Refinance Debt in Low-Interest Market BY PATRICK SZABO
pszabo@loudounnow.com
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought devastating health and economic impacts worldwide but it has also benefitted borrowers in the financial market, including the towns of Middleburg and Purcellville. In early March, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a half percentage point, lowering them to a range of 1 to 1.25 percent. A few weeks later, the Fed cut rates again to a range of 0 to 0.25 percent. The last time rates dropped that low was December 2008. They remained at that level for seven years. The Middleburg Town Council on March 12 authorized the town staff to obtain a $2.5 million line of credit from BB&T Bank to finance various utility projects. That comes with a 1.62-percent five-year interest rate on the $2.2 million tax-exempt portion, which is 0.29-percent lower than what the bank originally proposed, and a 2.04-percent five-year interest rate on the $300,000 taxable portion, which is 0.37-percent lower than proposed. The town will use the credit to pay for
utility projects including final work on the west end pump station, a $350,000 clear well and $550,000 to repaint the Marshall Street water tank. The town will also reimburse itself for the cash it paid to complete other utility projects. On March 26, the council also voted to refinance three utility fund bonds. The town will refinance the remainder of a $2.14 million bond through a $1.5 million loan from Key Bank. It will pay that back with an annual interest rate of 1.8 percent over the next decade, which is about 3 percent lower than what the town is paying today. The town will also refinance the remainder of a $1.2 million bond and a $1.5 million bond through a $2.4 million loan from BB&T Bank, which it will pay back with an annual interest rate of 1.79 percent throughout the next 14 years—about 0.4 to 0.9 percent less than what it’s currently paying on the debt. Town Administrator Danny Davis said refinancing would save the town about $388,000 and eliminate five years of debt service payments. “That’s a huge savings for us,” he said. “It’s great news for the town.”
The Purcellville Town Council on March 24 voted to refinance $14.8 million of debt. According to a staff report, the town will refinance $4.4 million left to pay on a $5.87 million bond through a $4.7 million loan from Key Bank. The town will pay that back throughout the next 13 years with an annual interest rate of 1.5 percent, which is 1.25 percent lower than the existing interest rate. The town will also refinance $5 million left to pay on a $27.16 million bond and $5.4 million left to pay on a $6.54 million bond through a $13.3 million loan from Key Bank. The town will pay that back throughout the next 14 years with an annual interest rate of 2 percent, which is about 2.8 to 2.6 percent lower than the existing rates. Based on Key Bank’s proposal, the town should save $2 million by refinancing—more than half of which is accounted for by savings in the sewer fund. According to a presentation by Davenport & Company, the town’s financial consultant, one of the goals for refinancing is to create upfront cash flow relief in the sewer fund for Fiscal Years 2021-2025. The town’s sewer fund shrunk by 16 percent in Fiscal
Year 2020 over the previous fiscal year and contains about $30 million of outstanding debt. The county’s four other western Loudoun towns are not looking to take advantage of the low-interest-rate market. The Town of Hamilton is not looking to refinance any of its debt. According to Treasurer Tina Staples, the town has one outstanding bond that is two years away from maturity. While the Town of Hillsboro has no debt, Mayor Roger Vance said today’s financial climate will be beneficial to the town as it looks to finance its new wastewater treatment plant. Lovettsville Town Manager Rob Ritter said the town does not intend to refinance, since VML/VACo Finance indicated that the town would be penalized if it did so at this time. Round Hill is not looking to refinance any of its debt because, according to Town Administrator Melissa Hynes, the town’s only major debt is a 20-year loan it’s using to finance the wastewater treatment plant that the town has paid off half way. Hynes said town leaders are pleased with the interest rate on that loan. n
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PAGE 18
APRIL 9, 2020
Hillsboro Announces Emergency Fund to Support Community in Pandemic
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Residents affected financially by the coronavirus crisis can now turn to Hillsboro for a bit of help. The town last week announced that the Hillsboro Preservation Foundation had created the Hillsboro Coronavirus Emergency Fund to provide short-term financial support for those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the fund, which will be financed entirely via donations from private donors, will provide each family in need with $500, it could provide larger amounts in “extraordinary situations” if additional funding is available. Individuals and families are encouraged to apply for the financial help. A
St. Louis continued from page 14 tal Quality expressing its objection to the order’s conditions. According to Tara Connell, the society’s president, board members feel the penalties don’t correspond with the damage Mojax caused and won’t deter Mojax from infringing upon more wetlands. Instead, Connell said the society feels the state should impose a fine that impacts the cost of doing business and deters other developers from impacting wetlands in rural Loudoun. “$27,000 is pocket change [to developers],” Connell said, adding that the area around Middleburg Preserve should be returned to as close to its original state as possible. “It’s such a blatant mishandling of what’s going on.” The society is asking the state to impose a new consent order with “serious, deserved fines and remediation requirements, ones that make whole the community of St. Louis and prove to Western Loudoun that [the department] mean[s] business.” Connell said it’s important for the preservation society, and other area community organizations, to remain vigilant when it comes to protecting Loudoun’s rural environment. She said that what happens in St. Louis could happen to other villages. “It is absolutely crucial that every single one of us stand up for every single other village,” she said. State legislators are also getting involved. Del. Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10) wrote a letter to the Department of Environmental Quality on April 1 urging the state to “pursue a stricter penalty and require Mojax to address the damage it has caused.” Gooditis
small task force comprised of community members will review each application on a weekly basis and allocate funds as available, under the direction of Hillsboro Preservation Foundation Board Chairman Patric Copeland. “In these unprecedented times, we are all facing the challenges, hardships and uncertainties that COVID-19 has wrought in our lives and in our communities,” stated Mayor Roger Vance. “Now more than ever we are driven to find new and creative ways to bring hope and help to those in greatest need.” Learn more about the fund, donate or apply for financial assistance at hillsboropreservation.org. n
noted that the village is an historic African American community that was founded in 1881 by emancipated slaves. “There is a history of environmental violence against communities of color in this country and we must ensure Virginia does not repeat past mistakes,” she wrote, pointing out that Gov. Ralph Northam last month signed a bill into law creating the Virginia Council on Environmental Justice to “provide recommendations intended to protect vulnerable communities from disproportionate impacts of pollution,” according to the legislation’s language. Friends of St. Louis also wrote a letter to the state urging it to extend the April 2 public comment period on the consent order, which did not happen. Job Woodill, the president of the civic association, said its members would like to see the state issue Mojax penalties that force it into compliance and slow the project down. He said the $27,500 fine is simply the cost of doing business as a developer. “They did not go hard on them,” Woodill said. “These fines are supposed to be a deterrent.” Woodill said the next logical step for Friends of St. Louis would be to take legal action, since “culpability is there.” But, he said, the organization’s members aren’t thinking about forging ahead with that just yet, and generally don’t want to go down that route. “We’re not litigious, we don’t want to sue people,” Woodill said. “That’s the last thing we want to do.” Neither Andrews nor his business partners responded to emails or calls concerning the order or the subdivision project as a whole. n
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APRIL 9, 2020
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.
Attention Loudoun County!
Regular Full-Time Positions Position
Department
Police Officer (Virginia Lateral)
Police
$53,233-$98,772 DOQ
Open until filled
Salary Range
Closing Date
Position
Department
Hourly Rate
Closing Date
Administrative Associate II
Utilities- Water Pollution Control or Water Supply
Regular Part-Time Position $23.03-$39.43
Open until filled
Summer Positions Position
Department
Maintenance Worker
Utilities-Water Pollution Control and Water Supply
Hourly Rate
Closing Date
$15.00
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.
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Home Instead Senior Care is looking for caring and compassionate CAREGivers to become a part of our team and join our mission of enhancing the lives of aging adults throughout the Loudoun county community. Home Instead provides a variety of nonmedical services that allow seniors to remain in their home and meet the challenges of aging with dignity, care and compassion.
Why should you join Home Instead Senior Care? • Very rewarding - meet wonderful people, build fulfilling relationships, and make a difference in the lives of our clients. • Paid training in healthcare-industrybest practices. • Flexible scheduling - perfect for retirees, stay-at-home moms, or students. • Great supplemental income Call us today at 703.530.1360 or visit homeinstead.com/507/home-carejobs to begin!
Full time, to provide traffic control & safety around construction sites. A valid driver license & clean driving record a must. Starting $13/hr & scheduled raises & bonuses. Company-paid medical & dental premiums. Please fill out an application at trafficplan.com or come to our office on Tuesdays or Thursdays (8am-10am) 7855 Progress Ct. Suite 103, Gainesville, VA
See the full job listings at
NowHiringLoudoun.com
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PAGE 20
APRIL 9, 2020
LoCo Living
‘It Was Supposed to Be This Joyful Thing’ COVID-19 Means Big Changes for Loudoun Moms-to-Be BY JAN MERCKER
jmercker@loudounnow.com
No more baby showers, no dads beaming proudly during ultrasounds, no grandmas swooping in to help out. Pregnancy and childbirth are changing in the age of the coronavirus. For Loudoun moms-tobe, it’s a time of hopefulness and anticipation mixed with serious anxiety and changing expectations. For some women, giving birth during a pandemic means adapting to new hospital protocols, while others are shaking up their birth plans entirely and having babies at home. In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, Inova Loudoun Hospital is moving its Birthing Inn to its new north tower building staring April 13. The hospital is giving the maternity wing a two-week head start in the move before other services move in. Inova has also made dramatic changes to visitation policies in response to the pandemic, allowing only one partner or significant person during delivery with no other visitors allowed. COVID concerns are causing some Loudoun women to avoid the hospital altogether, opting to give birth at home or at a non-hospital birth center. Certified Nurse Midwife Hilary Biesecker, founder of Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare, has seen a dramatic uptick in calls from women interested in giving birth at home. In some cases, Biesecker and her partner certified nurse midwide Heather Swartz are able to accommodate women switching to a homebirth just weeks before their scheduled delivery date. And while safety concerns about COVID-19 come into play, one of the most-cited reasons women are making changes is the limit on companions during delivery. “Now people are calling and saying, ‘I’ve never had an unmedicated birth before, and I didn’t necessarily plan on it, but we don’t want to go to the hospital. We’re concerned about COVID-19. We’re concerned because we were told our doula can’t be present,’” Biesecker said. While Biesecker underscored that homebirth isn’t the best option for all pregnant women, and her practice has turned down women for whom she doesn’t feel it’s appropriate, the COVID crisis is raising awareness about the benefits of homebirth
Courtesy of Hilary Biesecker
Certified Nurse Midwife Hilary Biesecker has seen an uptick in interest in homebirths in recent weeks as COVID-19 sparks concern among pregnant women.
for low-risk women. “There are a lot of people who are doing their research and it wasn’t on their radar before,” she said. “It is a pivot point for normal out-of-hospital birth or community birth. That’s another reason why I think it’s so important that we are treating appropriate-risk women at home because our data has always supported that home is a great environment for a low-risk woman.” And COVID is also changing how Biesecker does business, putting a damper on the warm and fuzzy side of midwifery in the age of social distancing. “We’re having to redo all of our normal policies and protocols. It’s so contradictory to how I would practice. I’m such a hugger—it’s that going into the home and having the siblings around, having a cup of
tea with them,” she said. “We have to make sure that we’re keeping moms safe and babies safe and our own families safe.” One of Biesecker’s new clients is a firsttime mother-to-be who lives in Brambleton and asked to remain anonymous. The mother had planned an unmedicated birth with midwives and a doula at a hospital in Fairfax County. But with her former midwives’ blessing, she shifted to a homebirth with Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare for her baby due in early May. She said she made the decision in a single day in late March at 35 weeks pregnant. She initially made the change because she wanted to keep her full support team, including a birth doula, in place. But as she moves forward with her pregnancy, she’s embracing her choice to give birth outside of a hospi-
tal setting. “Pregnancy and labor is something that, especially for the first child, is very unknown. I wanted my team to be strong and give me support,” she said. “I would have had to decide between my doula and my husband or my mom and I need all three with me for different reasons. … Labor has a lot to do with how you feel at the moment. … With the situation going on, the hospital wouldn’t be a comfortable place for me to be right now” Her low-risk status, her philosophy and her plans for an unmedicated birth all made the transition relatively easy. “It’s really personal and it’s very dependent on your lifestyle and how you believe things should be going. … I believe this is something natural. ...That made it easier for me,” she said. While some women are shaking up plans, many Loudoun women are sticking with hospital births but bracing for a raft of COVID-related changes and disappointments. In addition to the planned move to a new building April 13, Inova Loudoun has made significant changes in protocol, allowing just one support person and no additional visitors. Daphne Holliday of Leesburg, who is scheduled to deliver at Inova Loudoun in late May, will have her husband Kevin at her side but is adjusting to the fact that she won’t have her mother present for the birth of her first child. Holliday is also grappling with the disappointment that her grandmother won’t be able to fly in from Guatemala to visit her newborn great-grandchild, as initially planned. Holliday’s mother-in-law is battling cancer, and concerns for the new grandmother’s safety will also keep her away for the foreseeable future. “She can’t even meet him until we don’t know when,” Holliday said. And as the pregnancy moves forward, traditional milestones and celebrations are falling by the wayside. The couple has canceled planned baby showers, and Kevin is no longer allowed to be present at doctors’ appointments and ultrasounds, after making every appointment before new protocols were put in place. For Holliday, the challenge is staying positive and keeping stress at bay in the COVID MOMS continues on page 21
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APRIL 9, 2020
PAGE 21
‘Still in the Baby Business’ Inova Opens New Birth Center Amid COVID Crisis BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com
When Inova Loudoun Hospital’s new Birthing Inn opens at 5 a.m. Monday, in the Lansdowne campus’ brand new north tower, the maternity wing will have 12 days on its own in the building before other services move in April 25. For Deborah Addo, president of Inova Loudoun Hospital, pushing up the Birthing Inn’s move offers a period of isolation during what some models say will be the peak for COVID-19 in Virginia. “As we started to get ourselves prepared for all that we needed to do with COVID-19 and surge plans, we realized that we had a gem. And that gem was our Courtesy of Inova Loudoun Hospital Birthing Inn that we could use as an isoInova Loudoun Hospital has moved up the opening of its new Birthing Inn facility to April 13 in the lated space,” Addo said. face of the COVID crisis.
In addition to the move, Inova has put in place several new rules for new moms and their birth partners. • • Women will be allowed to identify one support person to accompany them for labor, delivery and the postpartum period. • • Birth partners are screened for symptoms on arrival.
COVID moms continued from page 20 face of anxiety-provoking news items. “I try my best and try not to get emotional about it. ... It’s just the way things have to go,” she said. “We’re trying to take it day by day and live in the now.” Another Loudoun woman, who asked that her name not be used, is confronting the possibility that her husband may have to support her delivery via FaceTime. The couple has a young daughter at home and plans for out-of-state grandparents to come to town for childcare have fallen through because of COVID concerns. “I’m more sad for my husband than for me. For him not to be able to see his son until I’m discharged from the hospital is pretty painful,” she said. “This is a situation where we don’t have any control and so we just have to go with it and hope that everything will work out the way it’s supposed
• • Doulas are not allowed and video visits are encouraged. • • Hospital team members are checked when they arrive and during their shift. • • No other visitors are allowed during or after the birth. • • The support person may stay for the duration of the new mother’s stay
to.” She is planning to deliver at Inova Loudoun in early May and is trying to stay positive as so many of the joyful rituals associated with pregnancy disappear. “I think most pregnant women are going through a grieving process and mourning the fact that our pregnancies are not what we thought that they would be— being afraid of going to doctors appointments, having fewer doctors, appointments, not being able to bring family in to ultrasounds because rules have changed, baby showers being canceled,” she said. “It really was supposed to be this joyful thing, and it will be once he’s here. But there’s so much stress and anxiety leading up to it about the delivery.” Instead of scheduled traditional newborn photos, her photographer will do a porch photo of the new family of four from a distance. Her family is Jewish, and they’ve canceled a planned bris celebration for their son. Instead of a celebratory gath-
and are encouraged to remain in the Birthing Inn unit. “We’re recommending strongly that dad stays in the unit and we’re delivering meals to the unit so they’re not going through the [hospital] organization and just being present with mom and baby,” Addo said. If a woman gives birth at the existing Birthing Inn before the move, whether
ering with friends and family, they’ll hold a private ceremony with their family of four and a physician mohel. For Tara Lussier, a longtime doula who launched her online birth education and consulting platform Arrow Birth in 2019, the shift to virtual services has been timely with the onset of a global pandemic. Lussier has been flooded with calls from women for a range of services, including help in deciding whether to move from a hospital setting to a homebirth or a birth center. “An uptick is an understatement,” Lussier said. “We’ve been busier than we’ve ever been. People can’t take in-person childbirth education classes. ... We’re helping people navigate where it is that they feel safest to give birth and what’s appropriate for them.” Lussier has also been getting requests for virtual doula services as women adapt to the one-companion rule by requesting doula services via FaceTime or another online platform while in the hospital. Lus-
she will be moved to the new facility or discharged from the current center depends on timing, Addo said. Early discharge may also be a possibility for some women based on progress and the woman’s preference. “Each [discharge] is an individual conversation with that practitioner and mom ... for some it might be sooner,” Addo said. Addo added that the hospital is following CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendations and does not anticipate eliminating the presence of birth partners at any point. “At this stage we feel like we’ve done the things that we can to keep mom and team and baby safe, and so as a service line we’re not anticipating eliminating companions at this time.” Addo also had high praise for her team at the Birthing Inn and Inova Loudoun during a time of big changes at the hospital. “When everybody else is leaning out, they’re leaning in and taking care of this community. You’ve got some rock stars here,” Addo said. “We want to do everything that we can to make sure you know that safety is first and foremost with us. We are still in the baby business.” n
sier’s company includes 22 consultants, including midwives, doulas, sleep consultants, lactation consultants, licensed clinical social worker therapists and postpartum doulas to provide support after the baby is born. “It’s really important to pay attention to mental health especially during this time and especially during the perinatal period,” she said. “Those mighty folks who are giving birth during this period—bless them because it’s a really hard time right now.” For more information on Loudoun Homebirth & Healthcare, go to loudounhomebirth.com. For more information on Arrow Birth and to read Tara Lussier’s blog posts on pregnancy and childbirth during COVID-19, go to arrowbirth.com. For more information on Inova Loudoun Hospital Birthing Inn’s move April 13 and safety protocols, go to inova. org. n
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PAGE 22
ARTS update WLAST 2020 Canceled, Virtual Tour Planned Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour, planned for early June, has been canceled. Instead, organizers are planning a virtual studio tour with online shopping. “It was a difficult decision,” said G’Ann Zieger, co-chair of WLAST 2020. “Our first concern was the health of our artists and their patrons. And with the number of cases rising, cancellation of the event was nearly a foregone conclusion. Then just before our planning committee meeting Governor Northam’s Executive Order 53 settled the issue.” The in-person tour will be moved to June of 2021 with the same lineup of artists. Meanwhile organizers are setting up an online marketing program including virtual gallery tours and links to ETSY and other sales platforms, along with a promotional campaign on social media. “WLAST is committed to promoting online art sales. It is our hope that it will be able to replace some the income that may be lost because of the pandemic.” Zieger said. “To sum it up, the WLAST planning committee is focused on two things; bringing the joy of art to as many people as pos-
APRIL 9, 2020
sible and helping all of our artists succeed during these trying times.” For more information, go to wlast.org.
line to featured performers. Performances are available at facebook.com/bchordbrewing.
Acoustic on the Green Canceled Through June
Blacksmithing, Jewelry-Making Demos from Franklin Park
The Town of Leesburg’s Acoustic on the Green concerts for June have been canceled. Town staff is hoping to launch the concert series July 11, if circumstances allow. “Obviously, we are disappointed with having to cancel these events, but our resident’s health and safety is our first concern,” said Rich Williams, Leesburg’s director of parks and recreation. The town’s summer Movies Under the Stars scheduled for June 19, July 17 and August 21 are also canceled. For more information, go to acousticonthegreen.com.
Franklin Park’s ongoing virtual Start Lunch with Arts series continues with performances and demos each day at noon. This week features a demo from artist Leanne Fink on Thursday, April 9. Local blacksmith Laurent Goossens crafts a metal heart on Friday, April 10, and Hunt Country Jewelers offers a live demo and studio tour on Saturday, April 11. On Easter Sunday April 12, Arts Center manager Elizabeth Bracey and her daughter Cecilia will show off some creative ways to dye eggs.
B Chord Launches Online Flashback Series B Chord Brewing has launched the #Stayathome Flashback Series featuring live music captured by the B Chord team at the brewery and other venues. The series kicked off last week with performances from The Keel Brothers and Furnace Mountain Band from last year’s Watermelon Park Festival. The shows will include links to donate on-
The (Virtual) Beat Goes On Doukenie Winery’s virtual Saturday Sounds series continues April 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. with a Facebook Live show featuring local favorites Don Chapman and Eric Selby. Go to facebook.com/don.c.chapman to tune in. Music fans can catch other winery circuit favorites with their own virtual performance series. Jason Masi’s Quarantunes series is available at facebook.com/ jasonmasimusic and Shane Gamble’s Live from the Bunker series is at facebook.com/
shanegambleofficial.
Loudoun School of Ballet Offers Free Classes for Kids The Loudoun School of Ballet will offer free online dance classes for children ages 2 to 10 for the month of April via the school’s website. “We want to keep everybody in the community active,” said LSB owner Cherie Maroni. “If we can help and offer free dance to kids in the community to keep them busy, keep them active, keep them moving. It’s important that kids get exercise.” The school has been closed since March 16 but now has technology geared up and will be offering a full schedule of online classes to all students starting April 13. Meanwhile, Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company, the school’s performance company, has canceled a planned performance of “The Little Mermaid” this month. Maroni says the company is hoping to reschedule the performance before the end of the summer. “We’ve put everything on hold,” Maroni said. “Our goal is to still put it on, hopefully sometime before August. A lot of our principal dancers are seniors and it would have been their last performance.” For information and registration, go to lsofballet.com.
Legal Notices PUBLIC NOTICE
A message to elderly and disabled Loudoun County residents from
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary record plat of subdivision for the following project.
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.:
JJ044071-01-00, 02-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
SBPR-2020-0003 INOVA Health System Mr. Tim Hall of Amazon Data Services, Inc. of Seattle, WA is requesting preliminary/record plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately eighty-nine (89.8166) acres into five (5) non-residential lots. The property is located along John Mosby Highway (Route 50), south of Racefield Lane (Route 877). The property is zoned PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park), Floodplain Overlay District, and Airport Impact Overlay District under the provisions of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as PIN 203-17-3969 in the Blue Ridge Election District. Additional information regarding this application may be found on the Loudoun Online Land Applications System www.loudoun.gov/LOLA by searching for SBPR-2020-0003. Complete copies of the above referenced application(s) are also available for public review at the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, Land Development File Room, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical public access to the file may be interrupted. You may contact the project manager to arrange for alternative access to the file if necessary. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Eric Blankenship at eric.blankenship@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to The Department of Building and Development, 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by May 14, 2020. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary/record subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.09 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO).
Robert S. Wertz, Jr.
,
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Abigail Rivera Hernandez Loudoun County Department of Family Services The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Abigail Rivera Hernandez, and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1278.2 and 16.1-281 for Abigail Rivera Hernandez. It is ORDERED that the defendant, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before April 29, 2020 at 3:00 pm for Adjudication, and June 3, 2020 at 3:00 pm for Dispositional Hearing.
4/9/20
LoudounNow.com
4/9, 4/16, 4/23 & 4/30/20
Commissioner of the Revenue The deadline for residents 65 and older or totally and permanently disabled who are required to complete a 2020 Renewal Application or Renewal Certification, is June 1, 2020. The renewal filing deadline of April 1, 2020 was extended in response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance. Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor Sterling Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle Suite 100 Internet: www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: 703-737-8557 Email: trcor@loudoun.gov Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 5/7, 5/21 & 5/28/20
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APRIL 9, 2020
Legal Notices
PAGE 23
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.
TOWN OF LEESBURG DEPARTMENT OF UTILITIES NOTICE OF WATER MAIN FLUSHING The Town of Leesburg will conduct controlled flushing of water mains throughout the Town beginning April through June 30th, 2020. This preventative maintenance program is essential for maintaining the Town’s high standards of water quality. Water mains are flushed by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period of time. The flushing cleans out sediment, removes air which may accumulate in the water mains and restores chlorine levels in areas of limited use, thereby, reducing the potential for bacteriological contamination.
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.
1997 2003 2003 2003 1997 2002
MAKE
HONDA HONDA JEEP JEEP HONDA DODGE
Water is safe to drink and safe to use during flushing. However, flushing may result in temporary discoloration and sediment in the water. If discoloration or sediment is evident, the Town recommends residents avoid doing laundry until the discoloration subsides. Flushing may also introduce air into the water, which may temporarily cause erratic flow. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed.
MODEL
CIVIC CIVIC LIBERTY WRANGLER CIVIC DAKOTA
VIN
2HGEJ6675VH569330 1HGES16543L035380 1J8GL58K93W554267 1J4FA29163P315874 JHMEJ6573VS004632 1B7GL12X52S530882
STORAGE
AL’S TOWING ASHBURN TOWING ROADRUNNER TOWING ROADRUNNER TOWING D&M TOWING D&M TOWING
PHONE#
703-435-2467 703-585-8770 703-450-7555 703-450-7555 703-471-4590 703-471-4590 04/02 & 04/09/20
OFFICIAL VOTING INFORMATION
Some residents and businesses may experience lower pressure during the flushing in their neighborhood. The Town regrets any inconvenience the flushing operation may cause.
The Constitution of Virginia requires that you be registered in the precinct in which you live in order to be qualified to vote.
Please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075 for further information. For after-hour emergencies, call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500. 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21 & 5/28/20
For the convenience of the citizens of Loudoun County, the Voter Registration Office at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C, Leesburg, is open each week Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Town of Leesburg Continues Water Valve Exercise and Maintenance Program Public Notification The Town of Leesburg is continuing a preventative maintenance program to protect the longevity and operation of the water system infrastructure and valves. This valve exercise program requires closing, then opening each main line valve and service line valves in specific distribution areas. The purpose of the program is to exercise main line valves throughout the distribution system to assure reliable operation and maintain water quality. During this program, crews will exercise the valves by operating each valve through a full cycle and returning it to its normal position. Where valves are exercised, a fire hydrant will be flowed to ensure that the water in the main remains clear.
In order to be eligible to vote in the Town Election to be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, you must register no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 13. The office at 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C, Leesburg, will be open on Saturday, May 2 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for the convenience of registered voters who need to vote by absentee ballot for this election. Expect delays as our office will only offer curbside absentee voting at this time. May 2, 2020 is the last day for this election on which qualified applicants may vote absentee ballots in person. You are encouraged to make application for voter registration. Please call us at the number shown below should you have any questions. Remember, a good citizen registers and votes! Judith Brown, General Registrar 750 Miller Drive, SE, Suite C Leesburg, Virginia 20175-8916 703-777-0380 Email: vote@loudoun.gov Website: www.loudoun.gov/vote
During the valve turning exercise, customers may experience some sediment or discolored water for a short period of time. Water is safe to drink and safe to use during this period. If this condition is noticed, we recommend running several cold water taps at full force for a period of 1-2 minutes. It may be necessary to repeat this process after 30 minutes. In addition, the closing and opening of valves may introduce air into water lines which can cause temporary erratic water flow. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed. The valve exercising will occur April through November during the hours of 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Town regrets any inconvenience the maintenance program may cause. If you have any questions regarding our valve exercising program, or have any concerns about water quality, please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075. For after-hour emergencies, please call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500. 4/9, 4/16, 4/23 & 4/30/20
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING COMPETITIVE BIDS/PROPOSALS FOR:
SEALED
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, RFP No. 205782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, May 20, 2020. SOILS, TOP DRESSING, TOP SOIL AND INFIELD MIX, IFB No. 220783 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, April 23, 2020. Solicitation forms are available by downloading them from the website at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement at no cost. Solicitation forms may also be picked up at the Division of Procurement at 1 Harrison Street, 4th Floor, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays or call (703) 777-0403. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 4/9/20
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: Town residents are encourage to register to vote or update their address or apply for an absentee ballot on-line at - www.elections.virginia.gov. Hamilton, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Purcellville and Round Hill town registered voters are encouraged to apply online for an absentee ballot using the Virginia Absentee Ballot Application and Reason Code 2A to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). For those without access to the internet, please contact our office at 703 777-0380 to request the absentee ballot application be mailed to you. Town residents are encouraged to apply now to allow enough time to receive and return the marked ballot by Election Day, Tuesday, May 5, 2020.
Please Note: Town elections for Hillsboro and Leesburg have been moved from May to November. All town voters are reminded that strict social distancing measures will be in place on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at all polling places. Voters should remain at least 6 feet apart and only 10 people will be allowed in the polling place at any given time. Voters should expect delays when voting in person on Election Day. Town voters are encouraged to vote by mail. The Town of Purcellville election on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 for Mayor and Town Council has been moved to the Bush Tabernacle Skating Rink. The Town of Lovettsville election on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 for Mayor and Town Council has been moved to the Lovettsville Game Protective Association (Game Club). Visit www.loudoun.gov/vote for more information. 04/02 & 04/09/20
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 24
APRIL 9, 2020
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 15, 2020 in order to consider:
PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO SUSPEND CERTAIN DEADLINES AND TO MODIFY PUBLIC MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES TO ADDRESS CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC DISASTER In accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-1427(F), the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to adopt an ordinance pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-1413 to address continuity of government operations during the COVID-19 emergency/disaster by modifying public meeting and public hearing requirements for, and suspending deadlines applicable to County government, the Board of Supervisors, and other public bodies and entities created by the Board of Supervisors or to which the Board of Supervisors appoints members (“Public Entities”). In particular, the ordinance would allow Public Entities to conduct public meetings and public hearings without a quorum being physically present in one location, during the COVID-19 emergency/disaster. Upon adoption, this ordinance will supersede and replace the Emergency Ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors on March 25, 2020, and in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-1413, will remain in effect for no longer than six months. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance is on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the County Administrator, County Government Center, 5th Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 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”).
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 258 AND CORRESPONDING REPEAL OF CHAPTERS 250, 251 and 254 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System Fire Marshal Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Line of Duty
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to amend Chapter 258, Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, and repeal Chapters 250, 251 and 254, Fire Marshall, Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, and Line of Duty , of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments include revisions in sections 258.03 Definitions, 258.05 Recognized Fire and Rescue Companies (Line of Duty), 258.04 Governance Structure and 258.06 Chain of Command/Certification Standards to reflect 1) a title change from Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management (DFREM) to “Loudoun County Fire and Rescue” (LCFR); 2) updates the titles of DFREM Assistant Chief to “Assistant Chief of Support Services and Volunteer Administration” and career DFREM deputy chief of operations to “LCFR Assistant Chief of Operations” in section 258.04(b) Governance Structure; 3) revises the words career DFREM deputy chief of EMS to “LCFR deputy chief of the Fire Marshal’s Office” in section 258.04(b) Governance Structure; 3) amends board of Chiefs to “board of Directors” in section 258.04(c) Governance Structure;4) removes Middleburg Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. in section 258.05(a) Recognized Fire and Rescue Companies (Line of Duty);5) amends Arcola-Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. to “Arcola Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.” and The Sterling Park Rescue Squad, Inc. to “Sterling Park Rescue Squad, Inc.” in section 258.05(a) Recognized Fire and Rescue Companies (Line of Duty); 5) amends The Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management to “Loudoun County Fire and Rescue, a department of the Loudoun County Government” in section 258.05(b) Recognized Fire and Rescue Companies (Line of Duty) ;6) amends their official duties to “themselves” in section 258.07(a) Code of Conduct and Discipline; 7) establishes new sections titled 258.10 Authorization for Certain Minors to Participate in Activities of Volunteer Company and 258.11 Tuition Reimbursement for Volunteer Members of the Combined Fire and Rescue System; and proposes to repeal Chapter 250 Fire Marshal, Chapter 251 Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services and Chapter 254 Line of Duty in its entirety. The repeal of these chapters is to consolidate Chapters 250, 251, and 254 into the single governing ordinance in Chapter 258 while also preserving the language of Chapters 250, 251 and 254. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance for the amendments to Chapter 258 and repeal of Chapters 250, 251, and 254 is on file and available for public inspection in the Office of the County Administrator, County Government Center, 5th Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 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”).
RDAB-2019-0006 PROPOSED ABANDONMENT OF A SECTION OF EXPEDITION DRIVE (ROUTE 3425), AND CONVEYANCE OF ABANDONED RIGHT-OF-WAY Pursuant to Virginia Code §33.2-915, the Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice that it intends to consider the proposed abandonment of a section of Expedition Drive (the “Subject Section”). The Subject Section is not within the Secondary State Highway System, is not improved, and consists of approximately
1,648 square feet (0.03783 acre) of dedicated right-of-way. The Subject Section is located on the south side of the existing southern terminus of Expedition Drive (Route 3425), south of the intersection of Everfield Drive (Route 3423) and Expedition Drive, and west of the intersection of Fleetwood Road (Route 616) and Everfield Drive, in the Blue Ridge Election District. Pursuant to Virginia Code §33.2-924, the Board of Supervisors also shall consider the proposed conveyance of the abandoned right-of-way to an adjacent landowner for consideration and/or in exchange for other lands that may be necessary for the uses of Loudoun County. Copies of the plats, and any associated documents, describing the proposed abandonment and conveyance are available for review and may be examined at the Office of the County Administrator, County Government Center, 5th Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 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”).
SPEX-2019-0021 7-ELEVEN SOUTH RIDING (Special Exception)
7-Eleven, Inc., of Irving, Texas, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit a Car Wash use in the PD-CC-NC (Planned Development – Commercial Center – Neighborhood Center) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4-204(A). The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contours and the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District-Chantilly Crush Stone Note Area. The subject property is approximately 2.132 acres in size and is located north of Tall Cedars Parkway (Route 2200), south of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) and east of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 606) at 25140 Loudoun County Pkwy., Chantilly, Virginia, in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 164-105-637-001. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)) which designate this area for predominately Residential uses with complementary Retail and Service Commercial uses.
SIDP-2019-0007 HAMILTON SAFETY CENTER (Sign Development Plan)
Hamilton Volunteer Fire and Rescue of Hamilton, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Sign Development Plan to request alternate sign regulations for permitted signs in order to modify Table 5-1204(D), Sign Requirements Matrix, to increase the total aggregate sign area, increase maximum sign area of any one sign, and permit illumination permitted for a public/quasi-public sign. The subject property is being developed pursuant to SPEX-2003-0024, Hamilton Safety Center, and STPL-2003-0017, Hamilton Safety Center, located in the RC (Rural Commercial) and JLMA-1 (Joint Land Management Area – 1) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and pursuant to Section 5-1202(E) alternate sign regulations for permitted signs may be requested with the submission of a Sign Development Plan. The subject property is approximately 10.54 acres in size and is located on the south side of East Colonial Highway (Route 7) and east of Harmony Church Road (Route 704) at 39071 East Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 382-27-7245. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North Place Type)), which designate this area for Agricultural and Rural Economy uses, and limited Residential development at a recommended density of one dwelling unit per 20 acres.
ZMAP-2018-0009, SPEX-2018-0025, & ZMOD-2018-0043 TWIN CREEKS
ORDER
COMMON VA. CODE §
Case No.:
Loudo R
Comm San
Loud
Shahnaz
The object permanenc of Foster C Code §§ 16 Sanay Elliy
It is ORDE Khodapasa named Cou on or befor
(Zoning Map Amendment Petition, Special Exception, Zoning Modification)
Twin Creeks Development, LLC., of Great Falls, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) To rezone approximately 60.00 acres from the JLMA3 (Joint Land Management Area–3) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the PDGI (Planned Development–General Industry) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit the development of all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-GI zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.40 (up to 0.6 by Special Exception); and 2) A Special Exception to permit an increase to the maximum FAR from 0.40 to 0.60. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed uses are listed as a Special Exception use under Section 4606. The Applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION §5-1403(B), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, Road Corridor Buffer and Setbacks Matrix, Table 5-1403(B), Other Major Collector Roads.
PROPOSED MODIFICATION Reduce the minimum setbacks along Gloucester Parkway extension (Route 2150) from 75 feet to 35 feet for buildings and from 35 feet to 25 feet for parking.
ORDER
COMMONW VA. CODE §
Case No.:
Lou 18 East M
H
B The object of
It is ORDERE appear at the interests on o
ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM
APRIL 9, 2020
The subject property is located within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District-Luck Note Area and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 60.00 acres in size and is located on the southeast side of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) at its intersection with Durham Court (Route 862), northwest of the confluence of Goose Creek and Sycolin Creek in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 151-49-4358 and PIN: 15149-2686. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Joint Land Management Area (Leesburg JLMA Employment Place Type)), which designate this area for a range of Light and General Industry uses at a recommended FAR of up to 1.0.
SPEX-2018-0029, SPEX-2018-0030, SPEX-2018-0031, & SPEX-2018-0032 MC DEAN PROPERTY (Special Exceptions)
Blue Knob Investors, LLC., of Rockville, Maryland, has submitted applications for the following: 1) A Special Exception to permit an Automotive Service Station; 2) A Special Exception to permit Retail Sales establishment(s); 3) A Special Exception to permit Restaurant(s); and 4) A Special Exception to permit Restaurant(s) with a drive-through, all in the CLI (Commercial Light Industry) zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed uses are listed as Special Exception uses under Section 3-904. The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is approximately 11.42 acres in size and is located on the south side of John Mosby Highway (Route 50), West of Pleasant Valley Road (Route 609), and east of Tall Cedars Parkway (Route 2200) in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
PROPERTY ADDRESS
097-29-6923
25575 & 25567 Pleasant Valley Road, Chantilly VA
097-19-4565
44075 & 44057 John Mosby Hwy , Chantilly VA
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 mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational amenities, and Office uses at a recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) up to 1.0. Additional density (up to 1.5 FAR) may be achieved through the provision of additional project elements.
ZMAP-2019-0011, SPEX-2019-0023, & SPEX-2019-0024 LOUDOUN MUTUAL
Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company, of Waterford, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) To rezone approximately 3.13 acres from the CR-2 (Countryside Residential–2) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the RC (Rural Commercial) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to expand an existing corporate office building; 2) A Special Exception to allow the expansion of the existing building from 14,784 square feet to 24,584 square feet; and 3) A Special Exception to reduce the required number of parking from 4 spaces/1,000 square feet to 2.1 spaces/1,000 square feet. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use to allow any one permitted use in excess of 10,000 square feet is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 2-904(A) and the Special Exception to reduce the required number of parking spaces is allowed pursuant to Section 5-1100, Table 5-1102. The subject property is located within the VDOD (Village Conservation Overlay District) and HCC(Historic and Cultural Conservation Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 3.13 acres in size and is located on the west side of High Street (Route 665) south of Janney Street (Route 806) and west of Second Street (Route 662), at 15609 High Street Waterford, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 30316-7107. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural Historic Villages Place Type)), which designate this area for Residential and Non Residential uses. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, full and complete copies of the abovereferenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans, and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, County Government Center, 2nd Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or call 703-7770220 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”). All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on April 3, 2020, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on April 15, 2020. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up at the public hearing. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. BY ORDER OF:
(Zoning Map Amendment Petition & Special Exceptions)
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.:
JJ038628-13-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
,
Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Shahnaz Zabihi Khodapasand, mother The object of this suit is to hold a 5th permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Sanay Elliyoun-Yousefabad.
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 East Market St., Leesburg VA 20176
Resource Directory
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Accounting/Taxes
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04/02 & 04/09/20
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petchenickstewartcpa@gmail.com VIRGINIATAXPREP.COM
It is ORDERED that Shahnaz Zabihi Khodapasand, mother, appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 12, 2020 at 3:00 pm.
Case No.:
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
For Rent 1 Bedroom Apartment with storage room, available May 1st. Bath w/shower, Kitchen, Eating area, Great room. Access to full size Washer/Dryer. $1350 includes utilities. Call 703-509-8087
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Sanay Elliyoun-Yousefabad
PAGE 25
,
Heather Elizabeth Salyer /v. Brandon Lawrence Salyer The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce. It is ORDERED that Brandon Lawrence Salyer, appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before Friday June 5, 2020.
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PAGE 28
APRIL 9, 2020
Opinion Taking the Lead Finger pointing, missteps and second guesses have characterized the response to the COVID-19 crisis in many levels of government, adding danger to the daunting task facing health workers and leaving businesses and families mired in economic uncertainty. That chaos is unlikely to subside before the region is hit by the predicted spike in infections in the coming weeks. It may take weeks or months for the much-touted federal support to trickle into communities, and the debates over which medical providers need masks and ventilators appear far from over. Fortunately, that does not describe the environment being created by Loudoun’s local governments—from the halls of the County Government Center to its smallest towns. The collaboration and creativity that has been exhibited by local portals that were quickly constructed by the county’s economic
LETTERS to the Editor
development and mapping departments, to the hometown restaurant
Buy Virginia Wine First
leaders has been extraordinary—ranging from the resource-sharing
vouchers mailed to residents by the Town of Middleburg. And they’re not done yet finding ways to quickly make a difference. And while the governments are mobilizing in unprecedented ways, the county’s traditional safety net organizations are being called upon to do more than ever. In just the past few weeks, the number of new clients at Loudoun’s largest food pantry has jumped from a rate of 10 per week to 16 per day. Many of the people who are used to supporting community charities are now calling on them for help. County supervisors this week voted to provide emergency cash support to area food pantries and to help some struggling residents pay their rent. Also under consideration is a direct grant package that could provide critical lifelines to businesses hit by the sudden economic blindside. It will take more than the promise of checks from Washington for many to survive this crisis. Importantly, many of our leaders aren’t waiting around for someone else to come to the rescue.
n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 • Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723
EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com
Editor: The covid-19 pandemic is having a disastrous effect on the economy; in particular small businesses. Every season, family farms are at risk of a crop failure that could have devastating effects on the business. Calculating crop yields and depending on grapes that can vary season to season accounts for plenty of stress for those of us in this industry. This year, the added stress of this pandemic is having a particularly disastrous effect on small family farm wineries. The revenue for these wineries is generated by people coming in for tastings, enjoying time with family and friends, then purchasing some wine to take home. With the understandable guidelines of “stay at home” orders and social distancing, many locally owned small businesses, restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries have moved to a curb-side pick-up or to go options. While this is helpful, much of what we grow, make, and sell is still on our shelves.
Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com
While many others will be helped by the government bailout bills, these bills actually have minimal impact on agriculturally businesses; family wineries are particularly impacted. I’ve been in the business for over 20 years and have three wineries one in Loudoun one in Clarke and wondering Frederick County. These realities leave us and our employees in a desperate situation. As primarily family-run operations, we do not pay wages, further impacting our business and personal lives. Our income, and those of our employees, results from the success or failure of the business. Unlike the West Coast, wineries in Virginia wineries do not have as robust a distribution network, further impacting our ability to put our products in front of customers. While you may not see Virginia wine on your next visit to the grocery store, I assure you we are out here still producing quality products for you. Understanding that you have a choice when it comes to wine, I’m asking you to consider LETTERS continues on page 29
ADVERTISING Susan Styer, Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com Tonya Harding, Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com
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APRIL 9, 2020
Budget continued from page 1 returning until 2025; 9 million to 15 million infections in the U.S., peaking in June and abating in September; and no additional federal stimulus. It also assumes a 20 percent hospitalization rate for the virus and a 4.5 percent fatality rate, with less than half as many ICU beds as needed becoming available. Moody’s own baseline scenario is less pessimistic, with 3 million to 8 million infections peaking in May, a 1.5 percent fatality rate, additional federal government action, and a 4 percent excess capacity of ICU beds. New infections are predicted to abate by July. Only in the very rosiest of projections will there be enough hospital beds, ICU beds, and ventilators available. Putting $100 million into reserve would cover the expected budget gap that would result from an economic slowdown of that magnitude, plus a larger hit to real estate tax revenues, resulting in a potential $96 million shortfall in the budget. The approach allowed supervisors to adopt the budget as written, rather than possibly restarting deliberations now. That $100 million would be split between $40 million for the county government and $60 million for schools, and would give supervisors the option to hold off on new spending until they know whether they’ll have the money for it. The $40 million cut to the county bud-
LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 28 Virginia wine first. Most of the Virginia wineries in our area have made curb or delivery service available to make sure we can still provide you with the products you want. In order to save the small Virginia family farms, many of them wineries, please choose Virginia wines first. Please ask your Virginia ABC store in your area to stock more Virginia wines. How we work, how we communicate, and how we recreate will all be affected. What will remain, though, is the feeling of love and joy when you gather with friends on the patio of your favorite Virginia winery or brewery and enjoy a glass together. If we don’t love Virginia wineries now by purchasing Virginia wine, we may lose them forever. -James Charles Bogaty, Owner Bogati Winery Round Hill
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PAGE 29
get, if needed, would come from freezing new spending such as hiring, opening new facilities, and county employee raises. But for now, no full-time, regular part-time or long-term temporary county employees will lose their jobs or see pay cuts, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet said. “No one is happy with this,” said County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) Tuesday night. “This is a fiscally responsible thing to do and we don’t have choices, but we did not want to do any layoffs, and we did not want to decrease any current pay. That was the first goal, and we are achieving that goal with this.” As the budget picture becomes clearer, those plans could move ahead as money is released from the reserve. The county also will not be issuing any new long-term debt until Hemstreet and his finance staff determine the market is right for it. Supervisors established a new real estate tax rate of $1.035 per $100 of assessed value, a penny cut from the current rate. That rate was above the previously projected equalized rate—the rate at which the average homeowner sees the same dollar amount in their tax bill, which was $1.01 per $100. For a $500,000 house, the difference between the two rates is $125 annually, at $5,050 at the new rate. But the pandemic’s economic impacts could come with a dip in property values, also impacting real estate tax bills and revenues. With a large enough dip, tax bills at the beginning of 2021 could drop.
Only Supervisors Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) voted against the budget, arguing the tax rate should be lower. “Our citizens are going to quite frankly feel the pain of this, and I don’t think raising the rate rather than keeping it at what we know to be the equalized rate is the right thing to do at this time,” he said. “A lot of our citizens in Loudoun County, they are going without work, they are burning through savings.” Other supervisors from both sides of the political spectrum challenged Kershner on that argument. “I think overall our residents are going to see a net tax bill decrease under this scenario, so I will be in support,” said Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg). Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) said of the difference in tax rates “this is not even pencil dust—it is the space between pencil dust. Let’s try and stay focused. … The equalized versus property tax rate is just not relevant to this discussion. Maybe somewhere down the road, but right now it’s just not relevant.” And Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) pointed out no supervisor has proposed cuts to the budget sufficient to actually carve out the nearly $5 million needed to cut the tax rate by the usual halfcent step. Randall agreed. “Not one person made enough motions that would actually lower the tax rate from what was put forward, and so anyone voting against this right now, that is not how
your motions reflected in [budget deliberations],” Randall said. Letourneau also said the fact that some people will not be able to pay their taxes going forward is “a reason to be careful about reducing the tax rate any further, because we have employees that are working every day, and we have to be able to pay them.” However, he cautioned, the county’s recent massive investments in catching up Loudoun’s public employee pay scales with those of other Northern Virginia jurisdictions were needed, in large part, because Loudoun County government was slow to start offering raises again after the last recession—something he said managers should watch closely this time. But supervisors were unanimous on other measures, such as the $100 million reserve and freeze on new hires. The future of Loudoun government’s revenues remains uncertain for other reasons, too. In addition to uncertainty around the county government’s actions, the governor and state lawmakers have indicated they will have to revise the state budget again. Previously, county budget officers had expected millions in new funding from the state for the local government; that is cast into doubt again as the General Assembly plans to reconvene April 22. n
Beyond Tone Deaf
For every individual like him, there are a hundred trying to stay afloat in Loudoun. Yet, all of this is lost on Phyllis Randall and our blind mice supervisors. When restaurants are choking and their employees are out of work, Randall chooses to lecture us on the “moral” imperative of a tax hike to give county employees a pay raise. Sound impossible? It’s precisely what Randall and the board of supervisors are doing this week. Every day the economy stays shut is another week of moving backwards economically for Loudoun families. Every week equals another month of retreat for a local business fighting to stay open. But Phyliss Randall and the board of supervisors don’t care. They’re getting paid in full. It’s the rest of us who need to pony up more tax money. Under normal circumstances, this would be a non-issue. Under this new reality we’re living, it’s disgusting malfeasance. The board is pick pocketing from taxpayers 50 million extra bucks to hand out for raises. Just less the amount of our
tax money they squandered on corporate welfare for their ‘secret soccer stadium’ scam. Far less than the blank checks we’re handing to a mass transit project, years behind schedule and with a price tag still unknown. A tax hike now is a blow to Loudoun families and business owners struggling this spring. It tells us, we don’t matter, and the board of supervisors are partying on. Supervisors have an opportunity to demonstrate actual concern for the people they serve. It can start by pausing its customary largess, and stand in unity with small business and homeowners during the economic shut down. Call your supervisor and ask them – Given that we have no idea where Loudoun will be in a month, shouldn’t shaking down the people be moved back, and the needs of all of Loudoun be more important? If they give you the song and dance and vote for a tax hike, then you’ll know who’s more important in their eyes; and the majority of us are just second-class citizens. - Chris Manthos, Leesburg
Editor: During the government mandated shutdown, Loudoun’s Board of Supervisors is moving quickly to pass a tax hike on Loudoun home and business owners. Being “tone deaf ” or “out of touch” fails to rise to the level of their fantastical act. This is the board’s Marie Antoinette moment. Even with optimism, the economic impact of the stay at home order has been devastating to Loudoun residents and business owners. Most of us have experienced a personal hit, knows someone who already lost their job, or had wages reduced. This became crystal clear this week when I arranged grocery home delivery for the first time. Down my driveway came an exquisite imported SUV. The driver was a well-dressed, well-spoken gentleman. As he was leaving, I had to ask. “I lost my job the other day,” he said with grace. This man looked like he should be my boss, not dropping off my groceries.
PAGE 30
County jail continued from page 3 to around 270 now. He attributed that also to less crime occurring as people stay at home, and to magistrates and judges exercising their judgment about whether to lock people up. Inmate visits, volunteer programs and tours of the jail have all been canceled, visits with family members have been moved online with tablet computers, and lawyers are meeting clients in no-contact rooms. Meanwhile, the courts have stepped up the use of Court TV, allowing defendants to appear in court on a video screen rather than be transported back and forth between the courthouse and jail. And inmates entering the jail, after their normal 48 to 72 hours of quarantine, move to an extended 12 to 14 days
COVID-19 test continued from page 3 Ron Vale, Janelia executive director and Howard Hughes Medical Institute vice president, stated that Janelia is adapting and focusing its work to serve the
Assistance continued from page 1 Local leaders have focused on addressing the needs of closed businesses and laidoff or furloughed workers. Staff members quickly have rolled out new online tools to promote job opportunities, publicize support programs and help guide employers through the steps needed to secure financial aid offered by the federal government. The Board of Supervisors’ action on Tuesday put local tax dollars into the support effort. One fund sets aside $150,000 for food pantries like Loudoun Hunger Relief, which according to a letter from Executive Director Jennifer Montgomery to County Administrator Tim Hemstreet is spending $15,000 a week over its normal budget on emergency food. Montgomery said Loudoun Hunger Relief has seen traffic grow almost every week since the crisis began. And, she said, they’re getting calls from people who have never had to rely on a food bank before. The pandemic also presents new challenges for hunger nonprofits, as volunteers are sent home and people are self-quarantining to slow the spread of the coronavirus. “There are so many unknowns,” Mont-
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of observation before they join the general population. If they show flu-like symptoms, they are moved to one of the jail’s two negative-pressure rooms, a technology similar to that used in some hospital rooms to prevent potentially airborne pathogens from leaving the room. Those inmates still have access to amenities like television, telephones and tablets. During the NAACP’s virtual meeting Monday, Thomas pushed Chapman to keep doing more—and pushed back on some of his assertions, such as that “as many precautions as we have going on in the [Adult Detention Center], I don’t know if you serve that much of a purpose allowing people out when they’re actually safer inside, in many cases.” “I greatly disagree,” Thomas said. “That is to say that everybody that is in jail is precariously housed or something. There
APRIL 9, 2020
Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now
A guard walks down a hallway in Loudoun’s Adult Detention Center, where there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 to date.
are people that have loving families, they
relatives to come back. And not only are
can’t wait to get back to resuming their
they willing to receive them, they’ve got
normal life, and they are waiting for their
the means to take care of them.” n
greater good. “I am proud that we can share our equipment and expertise to make a difference toward easing the COVID-19 testing needs of Loudoun County and beyond,” he said. Icenhour said most of the $99 Aperiomics receives from each test kit covers staff time and the cost to manufacture and
ship them. She said Aperiomics intends to donate a portion of the remaining proceeds to an area charity. “We’re not looking to make a profit off the situation,” she said. “What we’re looking for is to support the public health system in the state of Virginia.” Although Aperiomics is focused mainly on COVID-19 testing at the moment, it
continues to run its core business—testing for nearly 40,000 microorganisms, which account for every known bacterium, virus, fungus and parasite. Medical professionals interested in ordering COVID-19 test kits from Aperiomics may email orders@aperiomics. com or call 703-229-0406. n
gomery said. “We’re trying to look forward as much as we can to how to have food in different parts of the county, and how to potentially put together 14-day meal kits that could be dropped on doorsteps if they’re quarantined.” Food pantries are still waiting to hear what assistance they will get from a $2.2 trillion federal relief bill. And they need help now, with decreased donations from some sources like grocery stores and restaurants and, in some cases, nearly doubled traffic. Department of Finance and Budget staff members will develop a process to accept and oversee requests for additional funding from food pantries. Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) wondered if the $150,000 would be enough; Assistant County Administrator Valmarie Turner said staff members would report back to the board on the program. The plan draws from lessons supervisors and staffers in county government learned during the federal government shutdown in 2019, said County Chairwoman Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large). Loudoun, with its large share of federal contractors, felt that shutdown keenly. “We learned a lot just from the government shutdown,” Randall said. “Loudoun is a little more ready to just turn back on all those bells and whistles. It’s also because we
just have so many people in federal government, so that when the government shuts down, we have to help a little bit more.” At that time, too, Loudoun County sent money to food pantries, and Randall said the structure to do so was set up at that time.. Another fund takes $200,000 from the county’s Eastern Loudoun County Home Revitalization Program to provide rental assistance for people making up to 70 percent of the state’s median income, currently $60,322 for a family of four according to a county report. As proposed, direct payments would be made to landlords on renters’ behalf, with up to three months of rent for people who have lost a job or are getting fewer hours at work. Randall said the COVID-19 pandemic presents new difficulties compared to the government shutdown—especially its length. “During the government shutdown, what our goal was, was to help people with utilities and food in the hopes that they would keep their money to pay their rent, but the government shutdown was much shorter, and people could go out and get a side job, if you will,” Randall said. “This is different, because they can’t go out and get another job.” Department of Family Services Assis-
tant Director Sarah Coyle Etro said the fund, with its low cap on income, would likely see requests both from people already getting county assistance and some new faces. The money will be put in another fund, the Department of Family Services’ Master Fund for Emergency Basic Needs Assistance. Other money in that fund is already used for emergency assistance for low-income households such as emergency car repair, utilities, shelter, and medical needs. If approved, renters seeking help from the county would contact the county’s Information and Referral hotline at 703-7770420. Montgomery also advised people to seek help where they can find it—for example, picking up meals from the schools if they have children, and applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits if they are eligible. “The charitable food system will not be able to support all of the needs that this community and any community has,” Montgomery said. Supervisors approved both funds by a vote of 8-0-1, with Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) having left the meeting but indicating he, too, supports them. n
Norman K. Styer contributed to this report.
APRIL 9, 2020
Donations Pour into County Protective Equipment Repository Loudoun residents have responded to the county government’s call for donations of personal protective equipment with thousands of gloves and hundreds of masks. Those on the frontline of the fight against the spread of COVID-19 said the program has been critical. It also has been hailed as a model for other jurisdictions. The donated equipment is being sent to Loudoun-based healthcare providers and facilities. During a Board of Supervisors briefing Tuesday night, Combined Fire and Rescue System Chief Keith Johnson said the shortage of PPE was a real crisis, but the community donation program was having an important impact. He noted that fire and rescue organizations have issued guidance that first responders should wear additional personal protective equipment: “I would ask everyone with these recommendations to send me some more PPE.” He said the department may have to conserve the equipment now so that it will still be available in the coming months. “It really is something seeing this all-in government approach” Loudoun County Public Health Director Dr. David Goodfriend said, adding that donated PPE is helping to keep doctors’ offices open. Since the county began accepting donations on March 30, it has distributed 2,725 gloves, 820 N95 respirators, 295 surgical masks and 2020 gowns. Donated supplies may be opened but must be unused. County leaders warn that some groups or individuals are seeking to profit from the pandemic by soliciting donations of PPE and then selling the equipment. Donating equipment to the county’s repository ensures the equipment will be distributed to organizations with critical needs, they said. The county is also fielding requests from Loudoun-based health care providers in need of personal protective equipment. Organizations that have previously submitted requests for and received PPE may submit additional request forms if they have additional needs. To learn about making a donation, or to request supplies, go to loudoun.gov/ ppe. n
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PAGE 31
Tourism Relief Fund Opens for Requests People in who are working in Loudoun tourism or hospitality, or just lost a job in those fields, may call 703-669-5040 to get up to $500 of help starting Thursday. The Visit Loudoun Foundation Tourism & Hospitality Emergency Relief Fund, established in late March to assist tourism and hospitality employees impacted by COVID-19, has reached its initial $25,000 threshold and will open to funding requests April 9. The fund, established by Visit Loudoun and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, was set up to provide direct financial support to individuals working in—or who just lost a job in—Loudoun tourism or hospitality businesses impacted by shutdowns and furloughs as a result of the coronavirus response. Visit Loudoun CEO Beth Erickson noted it only took a little over three weeks to hit the $25,000 goal. “As a result, we’re opening the fund to applicants earlier than originally planned,” Erickson said. “But our fundraising efforts will continue, because we’re seeing such a desperate need in the industry as a result of the continuing shutdowns and furloughs.” “The response has been incredible,” said Amy Owen, President of the Community Foundation. “Groups and individuals are seeing it as a way to show their gratitude to the remarkable professionals of Loudoun’s tourism and hospitality industry during this difficult time.” People who call must provide a pay stub from a Loudoun County tourism or hospitality business to qualify. There is a $500 maximum for approved requests.
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“The ultimate goal is to keep people in their homes so that they will be here and ready to help fuel Loudoun’s recovery when we get through this,” Erickson said. The Visit Loudoun Foundation launched the Loudoun Tourism & Hospitality Relief Fund with $10,000 on March 20 and asked businesses and individuals to contribute. The Loudoun Chamber Foundation launched a matching campaign, and the Town of Middleburg, the Loudoun Wineries Association, and private donors have all contributed. The fund is also still taking donations. Donors are asked to contribute at CommunityFoundationLF.org or with checks payable to “Community Foundation,” with “T&H Relief Fund” in the memo line. Mail checks to: Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties, PO Box 342. Leesburg, VA 20178. n
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APRIL 9, 2020
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