Loudoun Now for May 2, 2024

State of Loudoun Youth: Struggles with Anxiety, Drug Access, Absenteeism

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

Loudoun teens continue to face unusually high levels of anxiety, believe drugs are readily available not only in the community but in schools, and continue to need safe spaces to gather, according to a report published by the Advisory Commission on Youth.

While school absenteeism is on the rise across the county, the commission learned that trend was higher among Hispanic youth.

ACOY Chair Jeff Goldman and Vice Chair Mike Reles have been involved in the organization as volunteers for the past 10 years and have conducted an annual report on the youth of the county for about nine.

ACOY pulled data from last year’s teen and parent survey to compose this year’s report and presented it to the Board of Supervisors on April 16.

Mental Health

When it comes to mental health in Loudoun youth, 59% have difficulty managing stress, 62% struggle with anxiety, 37% struggle with depression, and 14% had suicidal thoughts, according to ACOY’s 2022 survey. The report also pulled results of a statewide survey of high school students in 2022 and middle school students in 2023

YOUTH STRUGGLES continues on page 44

Cell Phones in School: New Policy Heads for Community Feedback

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

Loudoun County Public Schools administrators are developing a new policy to limit how students use personal electronic devices like cell phones and smart watches with a goal of providing more consistent application of the rules.

The policy defines personal devices as cell phones, tablets, earbuds, smart watches and other technologies.

According to the policy, elementary aged students would not be allowed to use personal devices while at school. Instead, they would be limited to use only their division-issued Chromebook. Middle school aged students must keep their

devices off and put away during the day unless “expressly allowed by school administration.”

Chief Technology Officer Aaron Smith told a School Board committee April 22 the proposed policy would codify the ex-

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Under new division policy, students’ personal device use will be limited.

PHONES IN SCHOOL continues on page 45

Small Business Summit: Balancing the Generations in the Workplace

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Millennials are the fastest growing generation to become entrepreneurs, market researcher Jason Dorsey told a room of Loudoun’s business owners Tuesday morning during the Department of Economic Development’s Small Business Summit.

The event is the second of its kind, with a focus this year on helping businesses optimize their workforce. Dorsey attended as the summit’s keynote speaker, giving business leaders a chance to hear why all four of the generations in the workforce today are important.

“I’m what’s called a behavioral researcher,” he told the audience. “What I care deeply about is not what people do. What I care deeply about is why do people do it? … [It’s a] major distinction. As an entrepreneur, you have to focus on behaviors. Behaviors drive outcomes.”

Dorsey said it is crucial to understand the “why” behind the unique behaviors of each generation.

“Why are people not applying? Why are they not staying with us? Why are they not showing up to work with us the first time as a customer? Why are they choosing not to come back? There’s way more gold if that’s what you’re looking for,”

he said.

He urged participants to better understand behaviors—the reasons that are keeping people from doing something—

rather than just focusing on the traditional business school teachings of doing more better and faster.

However, Dorsey also warned business

to fall

Google Announces $1B Investment in Data Center Expansion, AI Training Programs

Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Alphabet Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat on Friday announced a $1 billion investment to expand Google’s Virginia data center campuses this year—including two Loudoun County sites.

The $1 billion investment brings Google’s total investment in the state to more than $4.2 billion. Google calculates its Loudoun County investment at more than $1 billion. The company operates data center campuses just south of Leesburg and near Arcola.

“Google’s ongoing investment in Virginia is a testament to our state’s skilled talent, robust infrastructure, and leadership in advancing the development and application of emerging technologies,” Youngkin stated in the April 26

announcement. “We are proud that Google is furthering its commitments to Virginia’s economic growth by investing an additional $1 billion in our Loudoun County and Prince William data center campuses.”

Department of Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer said Google has been an “incredible partner” for the community.

“They go way beyond just the development,” he said. “They’re a great supporter of our education system, great supporter at Northern Virginia Community College. We really do appreciate their investment. Despite all of the competition in the world they’ve chosen to plant a flag here, and it’s really significant.”

The company also announced two new AI workforce development initiatives—a $75 million Google.org AI Opportunity Fund and a new Google AI Essentials course—to help workers and students in Virginia realize the economic benefits of new technologies.

“Our AI Essentials Course and $75 million Google.org AI Opportunity Fund will help provide access to the economic opportunities AI can offer,” Porat stated. “Together with our partners and community-led organizations, Google is committed to delivering targeted AI skilling and training so that Virginians, veterans, and millions of others can make the most of the opportunities of today and tomorrow.”

The AI Essentials course will teach

people to use AI in day-to-day work. In under 10 hours, people will get hands-on experience using AI to help with work tasks through videos, readings, and interactive exercises. After completing the course, participants will earn a certificate from Google to share with their network. The course is $49 on Coursera and will also be available at no cost in Virginia through select nonprofits, including IVMF and Goodwill. Darden Executive Education and Lifelong Learning will also provide the course to working learners.

To learn more go to Google in Virginia. n

owners not

into the trap of putting each person into a generational box, Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Market researcher Jason Dorsey speaks to Loudoun entrepreneurs at Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park during the Department of Economic Development’s Small Business Summit April 30. GENERATIONS continues on page 47

Loudoun

Fast-Tracked Affordable Housing Rezoning Moves to County Supervisors

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A rezoning application to permit an 80-unit attainable housing community in Sterling is heading to the Board of Super-

visors after being endorsed by the Planning Commission this week through an expedited review process.

The application would rezone just over 3 acres along Atlantic Boulevard from Planned-Development Housing 6 to

Multi-Family Residential to provide housing for residents earning up to 80% of the area’s median income. The units will be

AFFORDABLE HOUSING continues on page 6

County Planning Commission Delays Vote on Goose Creek Village Completion

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The county Planning Commission delayed a vote on whether to recommend a rezoning application that would convert 20 acres in Ashburn from Office Park to the Townhouse/Multifamily Affordable Dwelling Unit Legacy Zoning District after a public hearing on the application April 23.

The change would permit 221 residential units,72 of which are planned to be multi-family attached units dedicated as affordable housing. The site neighbors Sycolin Road and the Dulles Greenway.

The application, submitted by Goose Creek Commercial LLC, includes a request for a special exception and zoning modification that would allow for re-

duced setbacks and increased number of single-family attached units per building, taller buildings, fewer parking units for the affordable housing units and other exceptions.

Project Manager Bryce Johnson told the commission his recommendation was to delay voting on the application until a future work session while he continued to work with the applicant on several outstanding issues identified by planning staff.

Those issues included lack of clarification on unit size, open space amenities, public uses, amount of tree canopy, crosswalk location, setback distances and buffers.

Bowman Consulting representative Packie Crown said it is important to know that the application is intended to com-

The nearly 900-acre Sweet Run State Park near Neersville features 11 miles of hike trails, including a link to the Appalachian Trail; nine miles of equestrian trails; a fishing pond; a picnic pavilion; a nature play area for children; and historical sites that provide insight into early settlement and industry in the region.

Parking Fee Coming to

Sweet Run State Park

Sweet Run State Park will collect a $10 parking fee for visitors starting May 6.

The state park in northwestern Loudoun County Virginia opened last fall. The park does not yet have a contact station, so guests will be asked to pay using envelopes found at the pay stations located at the park’s entrances and parking areas. The pay stations accept cash, checks and credit cards.

Park users also may purchase an annual pass to avoid daily parking fees at Sweet Run, and all other state parks. The Naturally Yours Passport cost is $85 per year.

Sweet Run State Park Manager Kevin Bowman said parking fees are used to support the state parks and parks programming.

plete the neighboring Goose Creek community which was first approved in 2008.

“This area, as Bryce said, is planned for a Suburban Mixed Use place type and it is an overall community and that is the way we have looked at this,” she said. “And then looked at it from the standpoint of, what are the missing pieces compared to the comprehensive plan that was adopted in 2017?”

Commissioner Mark Miller (Catoctin) said he was concerned about rezoning an area specified for commercial to residential when the commission had been told a few months ago when approving a drive thru that the nearby commercial businesses are thriving.

GOOSE CREEK VILLAGE continues on page 7

“We made it through the first few months of the transition into a new park and now comes the parking fee collection time that all guests were anticipating,” he said.

Failure to pay the entrance fee can result in a $25 parking ticket.

Libraries Kick Off Murder Mystery May

The county’s public libraries are kicking off a new programming series for adults with Murder Mystery May.

Throughout the month, there will be over 30 unique murder mystery

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 7

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Bowman Consulting

An illustrative rendering showing the possible exterior view of a development proposed to be made up of 80 attainable housing units in Sterling.

Affordable housing

continued from page 4

between 650 and 1,225 square feet.

The planning staff recommended delaying a vote while they continued to work with the applicant over ongoing issues including a lack of adequate onsite open space or public space, a lack of efforts to preserve tree health, stormwater runoff mitigations, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, parking space availability, and bus shelter design standards.

Project Manager Allison Brittain said the applicant, Atlantic Blvd Dominion Station LLC, had submitted a revised plan April 15 to address the concerns, but the staff had not had enough time to review them before the meeting.

Good Works LP partner Kim Hart said the application was “very special” because it is the first 100% ADU project planning in Loudoun in 25 years.

“I asked Supervisor [Michael] Turner (D-Ashburn) and [County Administrator] Tim Hemstreet if they would support a pilot project to show that if we had expedited review through the legislative process, which has never been done before, it might create a great incentive for develop-

ers to build more affordable housing. … They agreed it would be at least reasonable to try this out,” Hart said.

He said because of the expedited process, the application had been accepted in December and now it was before the commission in April.

“I don’t know that’s ever been done before that I’ve seen,” he said.

Bowman Consulting representative Packie Crown said they would add access to the W&OD Trail, extend an existing sidewalk, increase and embellish recreational open space, setbacks for tree plantings, convert an existing stormwater management pond underground, and have the bus shelter designs approved by the county’s transit services.

Commissioner Mark Miller (Catoctin) said he had received an email from nearby tenants citing concerns about parking overflow, line of site disruptions, and trespassing onto their neighborhood open spaces.

Crown said when her team had met with neighboring residents, they did not have the planned enhancements to the proposals open and public spaces and Hart said he did not anticipate having a parking overflow problem on the site.

“I think we have to be cautious about

just assuming that our kids are going to trespass. Kids will be kids, you can’t help it, but I don’t think we’re any different than the 400 units that live across the street,” Hart said.

Vice Chair Eric Combs (Ashburn) said, while he appreciated that the applicant was implementing setback on trees from the curb, they had not addressed the planning staff ’s concerns about soil volume that can contribute to tree health and lifespan.

Bowman representatives said the purpose of regulating soil volume is to ensure that the tree’s canopy grows to a desired size. The setbacks from the curb, combined with deeper tilling and soil amendments would be sufficient, they said.

County Urban Forester Mike Ronayne said the more soil provided to a tree, the larger a canopy it grows.

“Healthy, large, deciduous trees provide exponentially more benefits, environmental benefits and sociological benefits to our residents,” he said.

Commissioner Ad Barnes (Leesburg) said he would like the staff to have more time to review the April 15 revisions before making a decision.

“If you’re running late, that’s not our fault,” he said. “You gave them late and I

would like to see that staff goes through them.”

Planning Manager Marchant Schneider said “late” was not completely accurate because everyone was operating on a compressed timeline since the application is being expedited.

One resident and Loudoun Chamber Government Relations Manager Theo Stamatis, spoke in favor of the application citing a lack housing options in the county.

Six nearby residents said they support affordable housing but are opposed to the application over concerns about increased traffic, parking and area density.

“It’s a small piece of land for 80 units. I don’t see why it can’t just be left alone,” Kate Packard said.

Chair Michelle Frank (Broad Run) said she was willing to be “a bit uncomfortable” with parts of the application because of the nature of the project.

“Were this not a 100% affordable project and the edits very minor, I’m not certain that I could support recommending approval at this point,” she said.

The motion to recommend approving the application carried 8-0-1, with James Banks (Algonkian) absent. n

Goose Creek Village

continued from page 4

“Now I’m being told that that Harris Teeter might even be on a watchlist for poor performance and the plaza might be struggling,” he said. “… I’m concerned as to what’s actually happening relative to that plaza as such why abandoning all of the commercial, not even some of it. Leaving some of it behind is not even a viable option at this point.”

A Bowman representative said the retail space had been built out and so far, they were unable to find a tenant for that drive thru.

“We think we’ve got all the uses we could get at this point. Adding more retail is not something that we think would be viable,” he said.

Government Relations Manager for the Loudoun Chamber Theo Stamatis said the chamber supported the rezoning because it contributed to the county’s available attainable housing units with 33% of the total units being affordable.

“In addition, 61% of the total units in the application are under 2,000 square feet

ON THE Agenda

continued from page 4

programs at LCPL branches, online and at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn.

Mystery enthusiasts can put their detective skills to the test with interactive whodunits, gripping book discussions, scavenger hunts, movie nights and other activities designed to captivate and challenge.

“This year, we’re presenting a whole series of events for adults in lieu of one fandom night like we’ve done previously,” Division Manager of Programming and Community Engagement Susan VanEpps stated. “We hope this setup offers something for everybody while giving fans a chance to connect.”

Donations of travel-sized toiletries will be collected during events for distribution to residents in need. Participants can pick up one raffle ticket each time they attend a program and/or make a donation for a chance to win a prize basket.

To view complete details and the full program list, visit  library.loudoun.gov/murdermystery.

Early Voting Begins Friday

Early voting for the June 18, Democratic and Republican primary election

which will increase first-time home buyer options and deliver more innovative, affordable and attainable housing solutions for our workforce at all income levels,” he said.

Two neighboring residents in the Goose Creek neighborhood said they opposed the rezoning amid concerns about the visual and noise impacts it would have as well as the increased traffic the development would bring.

“While I do very much appreciate the efforts for affordable housing, looking at solving our affordable housing issue shouldn’t necessarily be at the sacrifice of existing community members,” Tracey Heaton, whose family has been residents of Goose Creek North since 2012, said.

Vice Chair Eric Combs (Ashburn) said he wanted to support the application but was delaying a vote because there are too many outstanding issues.

“I feel the volume is just too great,” he said. “Now, none of these issues, I feel, are unsurmountable. The application has a ton of great stuff. The affordability is paramount.”

The item will advance to a June meeting for further consideration. n

begins May 3.

All registered voters are eligible to vote since Virginia does not register voters by party affiliation. At the polls, voters will indicate which ballot they would like to receive.

Voters will choose the Republican nominee for the United States Senate and the Democratic and Republican nominees for the U.S. Representative from the 10th Congressional District. Twelve Democrats and four Republicans will be vying for that spot. Incumbent U.S. Senator Tim Kaine is automatically the 2024 Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate as no one else filed to run in the primary.

Early voting can be done at the Office of Elections and Voter Registration at 750 Miller Drive, Suite 150, in Leesburg. Early voting hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., but will be closed on Memorial Day May 27.

Additional early voting sites at Carver Senior Center in Purcellville, Claude Moore Recreation Center in Sterling and Dulles South Recreation Center in South Riding will be in operation beginning Saturday, June 8, and will continue the following Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Early voting ends Saturday, June 15. Exact dates, times and locations are posted at loudoun.gov/VoteEarly. n

What we o er

• Cheerful, serene, state of the art of ce

• Digital x-rays (reduces radiation by 90%)

• We le all dental bene t claims

• Cosmetic Dentistry (veneers, white llings, and Zoom Whitening)

• Crowns and Bridges, all phases of Implants, Root Canals and Dentures

• Certi ed Invisalign Provider

• We offer periodontal therapy to restore your oral health as well as oral cancer screening.

Conveniently located in the Village of Leesburg 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 • Leesburg, VA 20175 • 703-771-9034 Mon. & Wed.: 8am - 6pm • Tues. - Thurs.: 7am

Beacon Hill Golf Course Revived, Redesigned for Fall Opening

Pure elegance is this stucco & stone home

family fun. A very desirable neighborhood. Just minutes to the silver line metro, walking distance to shopping, restaurants, short commute to airport and toll road. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to live so close to amenities but have a private large lot.

$1,295,000

still exist. Lots of square footage for endless possibilities. Outside has a large detached building with tons of windows and another large shed. Half acre lot includes abundant parking and lots of exposure from commuting cars on James Monroe. A very rare opportunity.

$499,000

This lot is one in a

$350,000

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

For nearly a year, crews have been working in the Beacon Hill neighborhood just west of Leesburg to bring its long-abandoned golf course back to life.

The 27-hole course designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Johnny Miller has laid dormant since 2006, three years after it opened as the centerpiece of the new community being built on the 326-acre farm previously owned by broadcasting pioneer Arthur Godfrey.

Starting this fall, the course is expected to reopen in an 18-hole format with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge, 400-foot elevation changes, seven miles of cart paths, and plenty of challenging water features. To follow will be a par-3 short course, a practice facility, and a clubhouse.

The resurrection project is led by Resort Development Partners with help from architects Tom Clark and Jim Cervone and golf course builder McDonald & Sons, Inc.

RDP managing partner Frank Denniston has been overseeing the transformation. For much of the past year, that work has involved cutting down lots of trees—which apparently grow quite well in unmaintained sand bunkers. Starting in April, McDonald & Sons joined the work to begin the detailed course reconstruction.

Since the course closed 16 years ago, the Beacon Hill homeowners association worked to preserve the property as best it could, keeping the greens and fairways mowed.

Denniston said that investment over many years was critical to the restoration effort.

“The HOA did a remarkable job maintaining it. They did it better than municipal standard. They never changed the designation as a golf course. So, it actually looked like a golf course,” he said.

He said reviving a golf course after more than a decade is a pretty unusual undertaking. Conversations about the

potential for the project began during COVID.

“We opted to do it because of how the HOA had maintained it. But if they hadn’t maintained the grass—it would be gone,” he said.

The new investment will not only bring new amenities to the course, but also will offer a better experience for most golfers. Johnny Miller courses are known more for their challenge than their playability.

“I actually like Johnny Miller courses, but for the average person it’s not favorable. This course wouldn’t be favorable for an everyday player, or people that hold higher handicaps,” Denniston said. “So, what we’re doing is we’re opening up the fairway corridors, we’re opening up the greens and adding collection areas.”

“I played it myself back when it opened. I wasn’t, and I’m still not, an accomplished golfer but I got through the first six holes, and I was out of a dozen golf balls,” he said. “This is a player’s golf course, for sure. We’re trying to soften it so it’s an everyone golf course.”

In designing the 18-hole course, the team also reached out to a local expert, PGA tour pro Michael Brennan.

“We asked him over the holiday break if he could come out and play with us because he can hit the ball like no one’s business,” Denniston said. They played the course along with architect Tom Clark to talk about the vision for each hole. “Since none of us are pro caliber, we thought it’d be best that we get a guy to hit it right where we want to see how the ball is going to perform. He gave us some good insight and good feedback.”

In the months ahead, crews will be focused on the more detailed work of sculpting each hole in preparation for a September re-opening.

The new Beacon Hill Golf Club will be private. Organizers have opened the application process for founding members with the goal of growing the club to more than 300 members.

Details of the restoration work and information on memberships is available at beaconhillgolfva.com. n

After Months of Listening Sessions, Spence Prepares Action Plan

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

After six months of community outreach after stepping into the role last fall, Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Aaron Spence is developing an action plan that will highlight the achievements of the division while also looking for areas for improvement.

Spence presented the final update of his entry plan to the School Board on April 23.

He noted that he based his initial objectives of the plan on feedback provided by community members during the superintendent recruitment process early in 2023. According to a survey of more than 4,000 respondents at that time, 38% identified school safety as one of their top concerns, with staff recruitment and retention, and teacher quality rounding out the top three priorities at 37% each, followed by academic rigor at 35%, and communication at 23%.

Fifty-six percent of those surveyed last year said they wanted a superintendent who was ready to take the division in a “significantly different direction.”

Spence said his objectives included building trust, strengthening the relationship between the superintendent and the School Board, prioritizing school safety and student wellness, supporting a culture

of innovation and academic excellence, providing an intentional focus on equitable programing, and increasing organization effectiveness and efficiency.

Since introducing his plan, Spence has held listening sessions at schools throughout the county where parents, staff and community members were asked to share the things they liked about the division and what areas it could improve. His final listening session was April 18.

“Know that feedback has been heard and is being digested and analyzed and will come back in a final report,” he said.

Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) noted the theme from last year’s survey with the majority of respondents wanting a superintendent who would take the division in a new direction.

“With your experience now in LCPS and the many listening sessions, I’m wondering if you still feel that this is holding true just over a year later and if so, can we expect steps to accomplish that through your post entry plan?” she said.

ACTION PLAN continues on page 14

School Board Looks at Ways to Spend $20.6M Surplus

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

The School Board last week was briefed on projections of a $20.6 million year-end fund balance and 11 different suggested ways to spend it, including adding fine arts storage and hiring consultants to look at ways to address concerns about early start time for elementary school students.

However, several School Board members had their own ideas of how they wanted to spend the money.

The fund balance, which represents 1.2% of the FY 2024 budget, is comprised of undesignated, unspent funds that are

projected to be available at the end of the fiscal year. Historically, the division, with School Board approval, has used the money for one-time purchases that support educational needs. The funds must be spent by June 30.

Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) said she was interested to see if the money could be used to build fencing around a courtyard of a playground used by special education students to help them avoid mud.

Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lewis said there wouldn’t be time to design and order something for that project by the end of the year. He also said he wanted more information to decide if the fence

Loudoun Student Selected as Cooke College Scholar

Loudoun Valley High School senior Katelyn Miller was chosen as a 2024 Cooke College Scholar.

Miller was chosen from among a record number 60 applicants from students living in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico.

Cooke College Scholars are supported with as much as $55,000 per year as they pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Miller, who said she is interested in studying either mechanical or aeronautical engineering, said the financial advantages of the award opened up other college options for her. She has been accepted to both Harvard and Georgia Tech.

“I had to double-check the email when I heard I won,” she said. “I was pretty astonished, and it’s still sinking in.”

was the best option. Lewis said that within the Capital Improvement Program—the division’s six-year construction plan— there was funding and a schedule for building inclusive playgrounds.

Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) asked if it was possible to return the money to taxpayers.

“This is the taxpayer’s money and I’m feeling a lot of pressure now because we have a small amount of time to use it and I have to tell you I’m not a fan of what you provided. I’d like that money to go

SURPLUS continues on page 14

In addition to Miller’s strong academic record, her extracurricular activities include being a student pilot and volunteering at the Purcellville Library.

“My grandmother was a librarian, and it has always been a passion of mine,” she said.

“This year, we saw a record-breaking number of applications, and the remarkable achievements and resilience of these students have truly impressed us,” Executive Director of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Seppy Basili said.

SCHOOL NOTEBOOK continues on page 11

LCPS

Katelyn Miller, a Loudoun Valley High School senior, is a 2024 Cooke College Scholar.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Aaron Spence

SCHOOL notebook

continued from page 10

Three Selected for Corporate National Merit Scholarships

Freedom High School senior Christopher Lee, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology senior Ishara Shanmugasundaram, and Heritage High School senior Jaise Sanjith were chosen April 24 as Corporate Sponsored National Merit Scholarship winners.

Scholars were selected from students who advanced to the finalist level in the National Merit Scholarship competition and met criteria of their scholarship sponsors, according to an announcement.

Corporate sponsors provide National Merit Scholarships for finalists who are children of their employees, residents of communities they serve, or who plan to pursue a degree in a career the sponsor chooses.

Lee’s corporate sponsor is Northrup Grumman. Shanmugasundaram’s corporate sponsor is General Dynamics Corp. Sanjith’s corporate sponsor is Leidos.

Most of the awards are renewable up to four years and provide annual stipends

that range from $1,000 to $10,000 a year. Recipients may use their scholarships at the accredited U.S. college of their choice.

Youth Poet Laureate Program Launched

Loudoun Community Press this week launched a new chapter of the National Youth Poet Laureate Program, called the Loudoun County Youth Poet Laureate.

The initiative works to elevate youth voices by collaborating with local art and literary organizations. The Youth Poet Laureate is designed to recognize the nation’s top poets committed to artistic excellence, civic engagement, and social impact. Loudoun Community Press seeks to provide a platform for young poets to share their perspectives, experiences, and insights, addressing the pressing issues of their time.

Information on how to apply will be announced later.

Loudoun Community Press, founded in 2020, is a nonprofit educational and arts organization that provides publishing opportunities for adolescents and teens. Learn more at loudouncommunitypress.org.

Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance Announces Showcase Winners

The Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance held its fifth annual Student Environmental Action Showcase at the Academies of Loudoun, where 60 environmentally themed student created exhibitions were displayed.

The program put a spotlight on student efforts to contribute to environmental stewardship in the county.

For grades K-5, the first-place winner was Dhairya Jindal, of Cardinal Ridge Elementary School for “Crayon Stars.” Second-place winner was Jennifer Pitzens’ fifth grade class at Cardinal Ridge Elementary School for “How to Recycle at Your School.” Third place was homeschooler Aleksandr Struts for “Remote Control Trash-Eating Boat.”

Kelly Anderson of Seneca Ridge Middle School’s Garden Club won first place in the sixth through eighth grade category for their “Table to Garden Compositing” project. Second place was Pranamya Jindal, of Mercer Middle School, for “EcoSlice: A Pizza Box Recycling Initiative.” Third place went to Gabriel Vlachopoulos, of Smart’s Mill Middle School, for “Plastics in the Ocean.”

The top winners in the ninth through 12th grade category were Akhilesh Tammana and Leila Ware, of the Academies of Loudoun, for “Investigating the Use of Pyrolyzed Sewage Sludge and Mushrooms as an Effective Additive to Develop Feasible Sustainable Concretes.” Second place winner was Broad Run High School’s Arjun Rajesh of OzonePlus.” Third place was a tie between “Superworm Composting,” by Olivia Cohn, of Tuscarora High School, and Katarina Walordy, Maadhavan Iyer, and Mireille Strittmatter, of the Academies of Loudoun, for “MicroMission.”

First place winners received $500, second place $350 and third place $150.

The $300 Innovation in Action Award was given to “The Weight of Our Advance” by Madeline Binkley, of Independence High School. n

LEEA

Winners of the 2024 Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance Showcase.

Loudoun Delegation Updates School Board on 2024 Assembly Session

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

Members of the Loudoun delegation April 25 briefed the School Board about the recent General Assembly session and where the budget stands in a first of its kind meeting.

school with the staff looking at resource material and spaces to host the operation.

During the April 25 meeting, each member gave a brief update on bills they worked on during the 2024 session, sharing both victories and defeats.

Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) discussed the differences between the General Assembly’s budget, which she called “pro-education,” and the governor’s proposed budget. Perry said the assembly’s budget included an additional $1.2 billion for public schools—including $57 million more for Loudoun schools.

“This is an unprecedent level of investment in public schools and I think that demonstrates the important to this delegation of public schools, what it is our public schools provide to us as community, and to us as a country and our democracy,” she said.

She broke down what that additional $57 million would go to, including $4 million for low-income students, $5 million for English Language Learner students including 60 new ELL instructor positions, for a total of $700 more per Loudoun student. Twenty point four million dollars for teacher and staff salaries and a 3% increase with a four-year goal to bring the salaries to the national average and keep them there, she said.

“Virginia, as we learned in the JLARC study, has fallen behind surrounding states and is, in my opinion, far behind where it is we need to be to support our students, to support our staff and the folks relying and depending on us to do the right thing,” she said.

Perry also talked about a budget amendment she carried on the Senate side to establish a recovery school in Loudoun. Perry said the compromised budget includes $500,000 for the first year for startup costs and $250,000 for next year. Perry said she didn’t anticipate it being removed from the budget during the May 13 special session where lawmakers are expected to come to a compromise on the budget.

Superintendent Aaron Spence gave an update on planning for the recovery

Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-32) said he applauded both the General Assembly’s and the governor’s efforts to make a commitment to increase funding for teachers. He said the difference between their plan and the governor’s is the governor’s increases pay by 1% the first year and 2% the second, whereas the General Assembly’s budget provides 3% increases both years. He said their budget would fully fund schools and provide more funding for special education and literacy support, something he said the governor’s budget does not do.

“These are two things when we think about fully funding schools. We have to fully fund all programs and make sure all the kids are taken care of and [it’s] not just keeping the lights on,” he said.

He said the number one thing he heard from people when it came to education was the deficiencies in special education and he hopes they can shore up special education across the commonwealth and in Loudoun.

He highlighted a last-minute bill on which he was very proud. Seventh and eighth grade students from Farmwell Station Middle School helped him write SB707 that allows middle and high schools students to start career and technical education clubs. The students also testified before the House Committee on Education about the importance of the bill.

“If we get more of our students, not just students but faculty and you, all supporting these types of initiatives, that is the best way legislation happens is when it comes from the community,” he said.

Del. Geary Higgins (R-30) also talked about the budget and the work ahead saying you can’t have everything you want when choices need to be made. He said the governor didn’t want to sign the legislators’ budget because it included a $2.5 billion tax increase.

He pointed out that in the General Assembly’s budget, while it included an increase in teacher pay, it also included pulling money from the state pension fund to be used for other things.

“That is big money and maybe I have a

ASSEMBLY UPDATE continues on page 13

Assembly update

continued from page 12

problem with things like that having been a Taft-Hartley trustee, but when you start messing around with pension money you create things you can’t necessarily catch up with,” he said, citing other states that have pulled from the state pension fund to fund other initiatives.

Higgins also talked about his disappointment in funding for school resource officers being cut in the different budget iterations, as well as the defeat of a parental notification bill that would have required schools notify parents of a school related overdoes within 24 hours.

Higgins said four legislators—two Republicans and two Democrats—presented bills calling for a notification of parents within 24 hours of an overdose at school. He said that language was removed in committee and when the governor tried to add it back in the bill was voted down in the house.

“My concern is parents need to know what is going on in the schools. They need to know about overdoses and other things and the situation we have today with social media the only people who won’t know about the overdose will be the parents because everyone else will be talking about it on social media,” he said.

Del. Atoosa Reaser (D-27) echoed what others had said about the budget being pro-education and the need to increase teacher pay. She said getting Loudoun’s teacher pay to the national average should be a floor and not a ceiling. Other priorities she focused on were modernizing the tax code on digital services to make it more fair for individuals by having corporations pay more.

Reaser also talked about other bills that supported Loudoun families, including a bill that allowed businesses to provide childcare on site if they chose, a bill to raise the state cap on court appointed counsel and the anti-hazing education bill created after the hazing death of Potomac Falls student Adam Oakes.

Kannan Srinivasan (D-26) highlighted his bill that centered around student mental health which enables more partnership with virtual service providers. He also

talked about the recovery school, which he carried on the House side and said he was hopeful it would remain in the budget. He also talked about a joint resolution he advocated to initiate a statewide study on opioid abuse and look at ways to address it. That study will start in January.

Del. David Reid (D-28) did not attend, but was represented by Chief of Staff Daniel Bianco. Bianco said Appropriation Committee members are already talking and working with the governor to produce a budget compromise. He said Reid, a member of the committee, promised to put forth as much as the legislator’s budget as possible to make sure schools are funded.

Bianco said there should be a budget by May 13 and a vote by May 15.

School Board members had five minutes each to ask questions of the delegation.

Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) talked about the unprecedented amount of mandated training—anywhere from 27-40 hours— from the Virginia Department of Education for staff and asked the delegation to look into ways of reducing the burden on teachers. Shernoff acknowledged it was well intended but a lot on the teachers.

“It’s coming to a point for me where I feel we almost need to have a max amount set because we are reaching such a high number of hours and modules that are just outside the range of do-ability,” she said.

Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) talked about teacher prep and literacy and thanked Del. Marty Martinez (D-29) for trying to get HB211 passed which would have audited university education programs biennially instead of every seven years to ensure teachers were graduating college knowing how to teach reading. That bill ultimately died. She gave a brief history of literacy legislation that has been passed to change educator prep programs but has resulted in little change with many newly graduated teachers still not knowing how to teach reading. She also mentioned the 27-40 plus hours of training required by the VDOE to bring teachers up to speed on the new standards of learning—saying it was a heavy lift and not fair to teachers or students. n

Become a CSLI Fellow

n The C.S. Lewis Institute Fellows Program offers a tuition-free year of intensive training that leads to significant life-change. n The program prepares each Fellow to live a powerful transformed life in their church, their community and in their workplace. n It involves Bible study, classic readings, lectures, group discussion, personal mentoring and accountability–all in the context of a small group of likeminded believers. n The program is designed to be achievable even for busy professionals with families. n Join the Fellows Program and learn to live as a fully devoted disciple of Jesus Christ and make an impact for Him in the world.

We Invite You To Join Us for the 2024-2025 Loudoun County Fellows Program. To apply or for more information, please visit: www.cslewisinstitute.org/loudoun-county

Tim Bradley CSLI City Director,

Loudoun County

Email: t.bradley@cslewisinstitute.org Phone: (301) 325-8565

Surplus

continued from page 10

somewhere else,” Griffiths said.

Chief Financial Officer Sharon Willoughby said all unspent year-end funds go back to the county government. She said whether to give it back to taxpayers would be a question for the Board of Supervisors.

“This being our first go, I think we are probably going to have some ideas so it would be helpful if we could get some guidance from you all and Dr. Spence, too, in terms of your experience of how we could put our ideas on the table if they are things that can be done,” Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg) said.

Willoughby said the staff-suggested items were vetted and would meet the June 30 purchase deadline. But she said board member suggestions could be considered if they got them to her quickly. She said the absolute deadline for a vote on the items was May 28 to meet the deadline.

Willoughby also suggested the board vote to return $10 million or about 1% of the fund balance to the county. She said the division’s goal is to give 1% back to the county each year to provide consistency to both entities. She said the decision to return 1% was made to help the relationship between the two boards.

“I’ve always thought this was a fair approach in terms of still trying to meet school division needs while still returning a somewhat consistent, sizeable amount back to the county,” she said.

Action plan

continued from page 10

Shernoff said she hoped there were long- and short-term goals to achieve “real action through governance and other means to get the ball rolling on real change.”

Spence said there were “many opportunities for the division to move forward and to do some things differently,” but that he approached things from a “strengthbased position” and believed the division should start with its strengths and leverage those to continue to improve.

“I think we can do that. I think we can continue to get the good message out about what we are doing and I think we can address some of the challenges if we are honest about them and we develop a plan to address them and I think we just understand and leverage our strengths to make this even better,” he said.

The 11 staff suggestions, totaling $10.6 million include: $1.5 million for school based device replacement for students, staff and work stations, $3.4 million for a comprehensive, adapted curriculum for early childhood special education students called TeachTown, $450,000 for a procurement disparity study to determine if a significant disparity exists between the number of minority owned, woman-owned, small, local and veteran businesses who are qualified to work with the division as a contractor and those who are hired, $580,000 for a compensation study for employees, $1 million for exterior fine arts storage for all high schools, $305,901 for higher security staff badges, $269,000 to replace Dominion Trail Elementary Schools HVAC control system, $275,000 to replace failed stadium sound systems at John Champe, Freedom, Loudoun Valley, Potomac Falls and Broad Run High Schools, $200,000 for transportation consultants to study the bus routing system and provide recommendations on adjusting school bell schedules, $1 million for requested textbooks for the International Baccalaureate program and math and $1.6 million for three additional Bridges Intervention kits per school.

Both Shernoff and April Chandler (Algonkian) said they appreciated that the staff provided list reflected needs communicated by constituents, like more storage for fine arts and ways to address the early start time for elementary schools.

The board has the option to discuss the fund balance at the May 14 meeting, but a vote must be held by May 28. n

Spence said he had heard concerns about safety and security during listening sessions but said it was in a positive way. To address concerns about academic rigor, he said the starting point is understanding what the expectations are in the classroom. Administrators are working on an instructional framework to help provide greater clarity, he said.

“So, your question was [about going in a] significantly different direction. I think there are significant changes in front of us, but I would also say I don’t want to undermine the fact that LCPS is a really wonderful school division and I feel very fortunate to be here,” he said.

Spence said the main message he was hearing during his community outreach was: “hey, we love our school division, and we’d like other people to stop picking on us and realize we are pretty good.”

Spence said he would compile all the data to create an action plan that will be presented to the board during a retreat in June. n

Leesburg

Treesburg Celebration Continues with Tree Planting

Members of the Leesburg Tree Commission and Urban Forester Noble Atkins gathered with students at the North Star School on Friday afternoon to plant the town’s annual Arbor Day tree.

The students, along with Mayor Kelly Burk, helped to plant the eastern redbud on the school campus along Childrens Center Road, with Atkins briefing them on the latest techniques to ensure healthy tree growth.

This year’s tree planting, a requirement of the town’s Tree City USA certification, comes as the commission is launching its Treesburg Initiative to promote growth of

Leesburg’s tree canopy.

The program uses the town’s geographic information system to encourage residents to plant trees and track their growth in future years.

Starting with the Flower and Garden Festival, the commission has distributed hundreds of free tree saplings to be planted and recorded as part of the program. On Saturday, the volunteers were back at it, distributing 200 larger, potted trees— also for free—to in-town residents at Ida Lee Park.

For more information go to  leesburgva.gov/treesburg. n

AROUND town

Leesburg Author Explores the Roots of Modern Navy

Thomas Balch Library on Sunday will feature a talk by Andrew Jampoler on his book “Hard Aground: The Wreck of the USS Tennessee and the Rise of the US Navy.”

The work brings together three intertwined stories documenting the U.S. Navy’s strategic and materiel evolution from the end of the Civil War through World War I and the incidents that had lasting consequences for how the Navy modernized throughout the 20th century.

Jampoler, also the author of “Horrible Shipwreck!,” “The Last Lincoln Conspirator,” and “Sailors in the Holy Land,” is a Leesburg resident who served more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy as an aviator and

command officer.

The May 5 program begins at 2 p.m. Pre-registration is required by calling 703-737-7195 or emailing balchlib@ leesburgva.gov.

First Friday Pop-up: Downtown’s Historic Buildings

Thomas Balch Library will host a special pop-up exhibit highlighting the history of buildings in downtown Leesburg as part of the First Friday activities.

Using photos and archival items from the library’s collections the exhibit shows how familiar buildings have changed over time.

The event will be held at the Donaldson Log Cabin, at 14 Loudoun St. SW, from 5 to 7 p.m. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Leesburg’s Urban Forester Noble Atkins talks with students at the North Star School on April 26 during the planting of the town’s annual Arbor Day tree.

Disability Resource and Employment Fair Planned Friday

More than 60 organizations—including employer, government agencies, recreational groups and educational organizations—will be on hand at the annual Disability Resource and Employment Fair at Claude Moore Recreation and Community Center on Friday, May 3.

The free event offers resources and job opportunities for people with disabilities. This year marks the largest gathering of resources in the event’s history, with twice as many participants as many previous years.

The Loudoun County Workforce Resource Center has joined The Arc of Loudoun to host the fair, along with the Loudoun County Disability Services Board. The Workforce Resource Center provides free support connecting job seekers and employers. The Disability Services Board advises the Board of Supervisors on issues of importance to people with disabilities, their families and caregivers.

“We’ve never had so many organizations lined up to participate before,” Eileen Shaffer, director of The Arc of Loudoun’s ALLY Advocacy Center, said. “The fair

will be a great opportunity for people with disabilities and their families to find their next move, whether it’s a job, education, or other resources.”

For more information including a list of participating organizations, go to loudoun.gov/disabilityresourcefair or thearcofloudoun.org/fair.

Founded in 1967, The Arc of Loudoun is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the region. n

Collection Begins for Ladies Board Rummage Sale Donations

The Hospital Ladies Board’s rummage sale is still six months away, but volunteers are gearing up for the region’s largest annual yard-sale-on-steroids.

Donations for the 85th annual sale will be collected Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at two locations: Inova Loudoun Hospital, 44045 Riverside Parkway in Lansdowne, and the Inova Loudoun Medical Campus, 224 Cornwall St. in Leesburg. The rain date for the collection is May 5.

Donations of all kinds are needed, including antiques, jewelry, furniture (only accepted at the Cornwall location) sports equipment, books and media, clothing, home goods, holiday items, linens, tools, pet supplies and toys.

Organizers request that items be packed in boxes with lids or flaps closed and that batteries be removed. Only clothes and non-breakable items should be placed in plastic bags and tied shut.

The sale will be held Oct. 19-20 at the Loudoun County Fairgrounds. Proceeds

from the event support Inova Loudoun Hospital and the Ladies Board Nursing Scholarship Fund. The Ladies Board raises several hundred thousand dollars each year for special needs equipment at Inova Loudoun Hospital and has awarded over $2 million in nursing scholarships since the program began.

For a complete list of acceptable items, and details about the sale including VIP tickets, go to ladiesboard.org. n

Information Experts

People mingle at the 2022 Disability Resource and Employment Fair

Contributed/Ladies Board Children carry donations onto a large truck for the Ladies Board Rummage Sale.

Wasike to Continue In-Patient Treatment for Another Year

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A year after being found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 2021 murder of a Leesburg man, Melvin Wasike last week was ordered by Circuit Court Judge James E. Plowman to continue in-patient treatment at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Wasike attended the April 25 review hearing virtually. His attorney, Robert Whitestone, said he was not requesting release at this time, aligning with the recommendations in a sealed report from the Department of Behavioral Health.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office also asked that Wasike remain under in-patient treatment at the facility citing his “serious incurable illness” and concerns that if he were released, he would stop taking his medications and be a threat to the public.

Plowman agreed, saying that even though Wasike is “seemingly progressing” in his treatments, he still posed a threat of bodily harm to the public.

Last month, Wasike was granted authority for unsupervised community visits. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office raised concerns and after a second report was submitted, the visitation rights were withdrawn.

During the February 2023 trial, it was undisputed that Wasike kicked in the door of Michael Fadely’s Barclay Woods home on Nov. 14, 2021, and stabbed Fadely and his fiancée in the hallway outside their bedroom before fleeing. The attack lasted less than three minutes. Fadely died at the scene. Wasike entered an insanity plea, supported by the review of three psychologists who found he suffered from schizophrenia and was delusional at the time of the attack.

Another review of his commitment is scheduled for April 24, 2025. n

Public Safety Community Members Awarded for Victims’ Services

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Nine community members were honored Friday morning during the annual Victim’s Services Awards Ceremony hosted by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

The ceremony takes place during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to celebrate the accomplishments of the victims’ rights movement. The event was led by Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Nicole Wittmann, who said it took an entire group of people to walk with victims through their entire experiences and recovery.

“The police and the investigators do their hard work and they gather the evidence, they put things together,” she said. “Then you have the people like the nice folks here from LAWS— from the Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter— who are here in our front row today. And the people from the Victim Witness Office who support these victims and witnesses doing everything from making sure they know when their court hearings are to

knowing what their rights are to helping them get to four and helping them understand the process, and then that is all handed off to the prosecutors.”

said her office is only the first step in a relay race toward justice.

McCormick Pleads Guilty for Part in Fatal Shooting Over Designer Shoes

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A dispute over a pair of designer shoes that resulted in the death of an 18-yearold man last September will end with his friend behind bars.

Jacob McCormick pleaded guilty April 11 to attempted malicious wounding and receiving or concealing a stolen firearm. As part of the agreement, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will not prosecute him on additional charges of using a firearm in commission of a felony and wearing a mask in certain places.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled Aug. 1. McCormick faces one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. He has been in custody since Sept. 7, 2023, six days after the death of Alex Cartagena.

The shooting resulted from an esca-

lating confrontation among a group of acquaintances.

According to the commonwealth’s proffer of facts, Cartagena had loaned Jaylin E. O’Brien a pair of designer shoes and a gun, but O’Brien had refused to give them back.

Cartagena and McCormick, who were friends, engaged in a social media back and forth with O’Brien where insults and taunts were posted by both sides, according to Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office detectives.

On Sept. 1, Cartagena and McCormick went to the Stanford Square apartment complex in Sterling where O’Brien lived. They recorded a video to “show O’Brien that they were not afraid of him.” Both had loaded handguns.

They followed O’Brien and his brother, Julius, to a car where three friends were

waiting to pick them up on their way to a party.

Cartagena and McCormick approached O’Brien with their guns drawn and Cartegena fired three shots. O’Brien took cover behind the vehicle and returned fire, striking Cartagena.

The shooting was reported just after 10:30 p.m. Sheriff ’s Office deputies arrived to find Cartagena, suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

“McCormick did not fire his weapon but after the shooting, ran and buried his gun that he had with him on the grounds of the apartment complex,” according to the document.

O’Brien was arrested Sept. 2 and initially charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charges against him were later dropped. n

Wittmann

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Loudoun Sheriff’s Office Det. Jennifer Carpenter, center, earned the 2024 Victims’ Services Award from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for her work on a larceny case spanning multiple jurisdictions and multiple victims.

VICTIMS’ SERVICES continues on page 17

Victims’ Services

continued from page 16

“I’m very, very glad to see these people being honored today,” she said. “These are the people who every single day quietly and gracefully give voice to victims, provide a safe environment for them, provide them access to our wonderful community services that we had here in Loudoun County.”

Friday’s ceremony also included a keynote address by Deputy First Class Camron Gentry, who was shot and severely injured while responding to a call for service at the Dulles Crossing Plaza Walmart store Jan. 2, 2021.

Gentry said having become a victim himself gave him fresh perspective on how important a role first responders have to play in the recovery of a victim.

“Sometimes when I was younger, as an officer, it was difficult to understand exactly what victims were going through,” he said. “When you go to a call, it’s easy to see on the surface when you go and you see that there’s physical injuries and things like that and you do what you can to try to assist them, but often you don’t really get to follow up and see what’s going on in their lives.”

He thanked the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and other aspects of the county’s justice system for the work they do every day and encouraged them to continue listening to victims’ voices.

“I appreciated the fact that we were called on multiple times to have a chance to speak about our feelings and be heard by the people at the time. So, that meant a lot to me to be able to just go vent and talk about my feelings and what I felt, and I feel that the entire process, our input was heard and everything. And I think that that’s something that can’t be overlooked, about how important that is to try to get us closer to being able to find that closure from this type of an incident,” he said.

Gentry presented the first award to Deputy First Class Charles Ewing, who was on the scene with him in 2021 and rendered life saving aid.

Other community members to receive awards were Leesburg Police Sgt. Melissa Taylor, Detective Corrinne Czekaj and her K9 Jolene, Detective Jennifer Carpenter, Detective Lindsay Sayre, LAWS Community Services Director Diana Rodriguez, Department of Community Corrections Victim Outreach Probation Officer Sara Dollard, therapist Amy Halvorsen and Loudoun Child Advocacy Center Director Esmeralda Ortiz. n

Investigators Seek Victims in Man’s Child Pornography Case

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Virginia State Police Northern Virginia/DC Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force are seeking more information from the public regarding Jason Robert Fragale.

On Jan. 20, 2024, the NOVA-DC ICAC Task Force obtained 10 felony warrants in Loudoun County against the 38-year-old man for possession of child pornography and reproduction of child pornography. The charges stem from an investigation that was generated by a tip submitted to

the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Investigators tracked the IP address to Fragale’s Leesburg residence.

Fragale was arrested in February at a Florida airport before boarding an international flight. He was extradited to Virginia and held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

Investigators say Fragale is believed to have contacted juveniles through messaging apps, and he may also have victims in Florida.

He also has a residence in Kissimmee,

FL, and has ties to “The Crimson All-Star Cheerleading Club,” a cheerleading company registered in Florida and Virginia and an office in Reston.

Investigators are requesting anyone with information about this case to contact Special Agent Georgie Torres at 407245-0888 or georgietorres@fdle.state.fl.us.

Any potential Virginia victims should contact Special Agent Michael Bullock at questions@vsp.virginia.gov or  703-344-7290. n

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF APPLICATIONS BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY FOR APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES IN LOUDOUN COUNTY ASPEN-GOLDEN AND APOLLO-TWIN CREEKS PROJECTS CASE NOS. PUR-2024-00032 AND PUR-2024-00044

On March 7, 2024, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed its application for approval and certification of electric transmission facilities for the 500-230 kilovolt (“kV”) Aspen Substation, 500 kV Aspen-Goose Creek Line #5002 (“Aspen-Goose Creek Line”), 500 kV and 230 kV Aspen-Golden Lines #5001 and #2333 (the “Aspen-Golden Lines”), 500- 230 kV Golden Substation, and Lines #2081/#2150 Loop (collectively, the “Aspen-Golden Project” filed in Case No. PUR-2024-00032).

On March 27, 2024, the Company filed its application for approval and certification of electric transmission facilities for the 230 kV Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines and Twin Creeks, Sycolin Creek, Starlight, Lunar, and Apollo Substations (collectively, the “Apollo-Twin Creeks Project” filed in Case No. PUR-2024-00044) (collectively referred to as the “Applications”).

As proposed, the approximately 9.4-mile Proposed Route of the Aspen-Golden Lines and the approximately 1.9-mile Proposed Route of the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines will be collocated for approximately 0.9 mile and, therefore, the Aspen-Golden Project and the Apollo-Twin Creeks Project (collectively, the “Proposed Projects”) have been consolidated for procedural and hearing schedule purposes only, including for purposes of this joint notice.

A map showing the overhead Proposed and Alternative Routes for Aspen-Golden Lines and the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines is provided in Attachment V.A. Specifically, the map includes the following:

Aspen-Golden Project

• Proposed Route for the Aspen-Goose Creek Line

• Proposed Route (Route 1AA) for the Aspen-Golden Lines

• Alternative Route 1AB for the Aspen Golden Lines

• Alternative Route 1 BA for the Aspen Golden Lines

• Alternative Route IBB for the Aspen Golden Lines

• Proposed Route for the Lines #2081/#2150 Loop

Apollo-Twin Creeks Project

• Proposed Route of the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines

The map provided in Attachment V.A also includes the location of the proposed Aspen and Golden Substations (Aspen-Golden Project) and the location of the proposed Twin Creeks, Sycolin Creek, Starlight, Lunar, and Apollo Substations (Apollo-Twin Creeks Project). Written descriptions of the Proposed Projects’ routes are as follows.

ASPEN-GOLDEN PROJECT

Case No. PUR-2024-00032

Aspen-Goose Creek Line

Proposed Route

The Proposed Route of the Aspen-Goose Creek Line #5002 is approximately 0.2 mile in length. The route originates at the proposed Aspen Substation located between Crosstrail Boulevard and Cochran Mill Road. The route travels northwest for 0.1 mile and then northeast for 0.1 mile before terminating at the Company’s existing 500 kV Goose Creek Substation.

The Proposed Route of the Aspen-Goose Creek Line will be constructed on existing right-of-way or Companyowned property with one single circuit 500 kV monopole structure with a minimum structure height of approximately 190 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 190 feet, and an average structure height of approximately 190 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final engineering design.

Aspen-Golden Lines

Proposed Route (Route 1AA)

The Proposed Route (Route 1AA) of the Aspen-Golden Lines is approximately 9.4 miles in length. The route originates at the proposed Aspen Substation located between Crosstrail Boulevard and Cochran Mill Road. The route travels east, and at Cochran Mill Road the proposed Aspen-Golden Lines begin collocating with the Company’s future Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines, which were filed by the Company for State Corporation Commission approval on March 27, 2024, in Case No. PUR-2024-00044. The route then continues east for 0.5-mile crossing Goose Creek, and northeast for 0.4 mile, where collocation with the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines ends on the east side of Goose Creek. The route continues east across Belmont Ridge Road, then follows the south side of State Route 7 (“Rt. 7”) past Loudoun County Parkway before turning south between Loudoun County Parkway and Sully Road, and then crosses Russell Branch Parkway. The route continues southwest toward Loudoun County Parkway and turns south following Loudoun County Parkway to the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. The route then turns southeast, crossing Pacific Boulevard, before terminating at the proposed Golden Substation, located northwest of Sully Road and the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.

The Proposed Route of the Aspen-Golden Lines will be constructed on new 100- to 150-foot-wide right-of-way to support a 5-2 configuration on either double circuit three-pole or two-pole H-frame structures or double circuit two-pole or monopole structures with a minimum structure height of approximately 120 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 196 feet, and an average structure height of approximately 171 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final engineering design.

Alternative Route 1AB

Alternative Route 1AB of the Aspen-Golden Lines is approximately 9.5 miles in length. The route originates at the proposed Aspen Substation located between Crosstrail Boulevard and Cochran Mill Road. The route travels east, and at Cochran Mill Road the proposed Aspen-Golden Lines begin collocating with the Company’s future Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines, which were filed by the Company for State Corporation Commission approval on March 27, 2024, in Case No. PUR-2024-00044. The route then continues east for 0.5-mile crossing Goose Creek, and northeast for 0.4-mile, where collocation with the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines ends on the east side of Goose Creek. The route continues east across Belmont Ridge Road, then follows the south side of Rt. 7 past Loudoun County Parkway

before turning south between Loudoun County Parkway and Sully Road, and then crosses Russell Branch Parkway. The route continues southwest toward Loudoun County Parkway before turning back to the southwest where it follows an existing utility right-of-way adjacent to Broad Run, then turns south, crossing Broad Run, Gloucester Parkway, and Pacific Boulevard before terminating at the proposed Golden Substation, located northwest of Sully Road and the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.

Alternative Route 1AB of the Aspen-Golden Lines will be constructed on new 100- to 150-foot-wide right-of-way to support a 5-2 configuration primarily on double circuit three-pole or two-pole H-frame structures with a minimum structure height of approximately 120 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 195 feet, and an average structure height of approximately 171 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final engineering design.

Alternative Route 1BA

Alternative Route 1BA of the Aspen-Golden Lines is approximately 9.4 miles in length. The route originates at the proposed Aspen Substation located between Crosstrail Boulevard and Cochran Mill Road. The route travels east, and at Cochran Mill Road the proposed Aspen-Golden Lines begin collocating with the Company’s future Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines, which were filed by the Company for State Corporation Commission approval on March 27, 2024, in Case No. PUR-2024-00044. The route then continues east for 0.5-mile crossing Goose Creek, and northeast for 0.4-mile, where collocation with the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines ends on the east side of Goose Creek. The route continues east across Belmont Ridge Road, then follows the south side of Rt. 7, briefly crossing to the north side of Rt. 7 near Lansdowne Boulevard, then crossing back to the south side of Rt. 7 and continuing past Loudoun County Parkway before the turning south between Loudoun County Parkway and Sully Road, and then crosses Russell Branch Parkway. The route continues southwest toward Loudoun County Parkway and turns south following Loudoun County Parkway to where it intersects the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. The route then turns southeast, crossing Pacific Boulevard, before terminating at the proposed Golden Substation, located northwest of Sully Road and the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.

Alternative Route 1BA of the Aspen-Golden Lines will be constructed on new 100- to 150-foot-wide right-of-way to support a 5-2 configuration primarily on double circuit three-pole or two-pole H-frame structures with a minimum structure height of approximately 120 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 196 feet, and an average structure height of approximately 170 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final engineering design.

Alternative Route 1BB

Alternative Route 1BB of the Aspen-Golden Lines is approximately 9.4 miles in length. The route originates at the proposed Aspen Substation located between Crosstrail Boulevard and Cochran Mill Road. The route travels east, and at Cochran Mill Road the proposed Aspen-Golden Lines begin collocating with the Company’s future Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines, which were filed by the Company for State Corporation Commission approval on March 27, 2024, in Case No. PUR-2024-00044. The route then continues east for 0.5-mile crossing Goose Creek, and northeast for 0.4-mile, where collocation with the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines ends on the east side of Goose Creek. The route continues east across Belmont Ridge Road, then follows the south side of Rt. 7, briefly crossing to the north side of Rt. 7 near Lansdowne Boulevard, then crossing back to the south side of Rt. 7 and continuing past Loudoun County Parkway before the turning south between Loudoun County Parkway and Sully Road, and then crosses Russell Branch Parkway. The route continues southwest toward Loudoun County Parkway before turning back to the southwest where it follows an existing utility right-of-way adjacent to Broad Run, then turns south, crossing Broad Run, Gloucester Parkway, and Pacific Boulevard before terminating at the proposed Golden Substation, located northwest of Sully Road and the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.

Alternative Route 1BB of the Aspen-Golden Lines will be constructed on new 100- to 150-foot-wide right-of-way to support a 5-2 configuration primarily on double circuit three-pole or two-pole H-frame structures with a minimum structure height of approximately 120 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 190 feet, and an average structure height of approximately 170 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final engineering design.

Lines #2081/#2150 Loop

Proposed Route

The Proposed Route of the Lines #2081/#2150 Loop is approximately 0.1-mile in length. The Line Loop cuts into the Company’s existing Paragon Park-Sterling Park Line #2081 and Paragon Park-Sterling Park Line #2150 right-ofway (along the Washington and Old Dominion Trail) and then crosses onto property to be acquired by the Company for the proposed Golden Substation.

The Proposed Route of the Lines #2081/#2150 Loop will be constructed on existing right-of-way or on property to be owned by the Company with four single circuit 230 kV monopole structures with a minimum structure height of approximately 105 feet, a maximum structure height of approximately 115 feet, and an average structure height of approximately 110 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final engineering design.

APOLLO-TWIN CREEKS PROJECT

Case No. PUR-2024-00044

Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines

Proposed Route

The Proposed Route of the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines is approximately 1.9 miles in length. Beginning at the cut-in location at Structure #203/2 located east of Crosstrail Boulevard, the route travels approximately 0.4-mile southeast and crosses Cochran Mill Road. At this point, the proposed Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines begin collocating with the Company’s future Aspen-Golden Lines, which were filed by the Company for State Corporation Commission approval on March 7, 2024, in Case No. PUR-2024-00032. The route then continues southeast for 0.5-mile, crosses Goose Creek, and turns northeast for 0.1-mile. The route continues northeast for 0.3-mile on the east side of Goose Creek, where collocation with the Aspen-Golden Lines ends south of the proposed Starlight Substation. The route then continues northeast for 0.6-mile, terminating at the proposed Apollo Substation, located south of Rt. 7 and west of Belmont Ridge Road.

The Proposed Route of the Apollo-Twin Creeks Lines will be constructed on new right-of-way primarily supported by double circuit dulled galvanized steel monopoles. For the Proposed Route, the minimum structure height is 85 feet, the maximum structure height is 135 feet, and the average structure height is 112 feet, based on preliminary conceptual design, not including foundation reveal, and subject to change based on final engineering design.

The Commission may consider routes not significantly different from the routes described in this notice without additional notice to the public.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing in this proceeding that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on Dominion’s Applications. On August 6, 2024, at 10 a.m., the Hearing Examiner assigned will hold the telephonic portion of the hearing for the purpose of receiving the testimony of public witnesses. On or before July 31, 2024, any person desiring to offer testimony as a public witness shall provide to the Commission (a) your name, and (b) the telephone number that you wish the Commission to call during the hearing to receive your testimony. This information may be provided to the Commission in three ways: (i) by filling out a form on the Commission’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting; (ii) by completing and emailing the PDF version of this form to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov; or (iii) by calling (804) 371-9141. This public witness hearing will be webcast at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting

On August 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the Commission’s second floor courtroom located in the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, the Hearing Examiner will convene a hearing to receive testimony and evidence related to the Applications from the Company, any respondents, and the Commission’s Staff.

To promote administrative efficiency and timely service of filings upon participants, the Commission has directed the electronic filing of testimony and pleadings, unless they contain confidential information, and has required electronic service on parties to this proceeding.

Electronic copies of the Applications and other supporting materials may be inspected at: www.dominionenergy.com/NOVA. An electronic copy of the Company’s Application also may be obtained by submitting a written request to counsel for the Company: Vishwa B. Link, Esquire, McGuireWoods LLP, Gateway Plaza, 800 East Canal Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, or vlink@mcguirewoods.com. Interested persons also may download unofficial copies of the Applications and other documents filed in this case from the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

On or before July 31, 2024, any interested person may submit comments on the Applications by following the instructions found on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments Those unable, as a practical matter, to submit comments electronically may file such comments with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All such comments shall refer to Case Nos. PUR-2024-00032 and PUR-2024-00044.

On or before June 18, 2024, any person or entity wishing to participate as a respondent in these proceedings may do so by filing a notice of participation at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling. Those unable, as a practical matter, to file a notice of participation electronically may file such notice by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Such notice of participation shall include the email addresses of such parties or their counsel. The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”), any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer Case Nos. PUR-2024-00032 and PUR-2024-00044.

On or before July 3, 2024, each respondent may file with the Clerk of the Commission, at scc.virginia.gov/clk/efiling, any testimony and exhibits by which the respondent expects to establish its case. Any respondent unable, as a practical matter, to file testimony and exhibits electronically may file such by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the Commission at the address listed above. Each witness’s testimony shall include a summary not to exceed one page. All testimony and exhibits shall be served on the Commission’s Staff, the Company, and all other respondents simultaneous with its filing. In all filings, respondents shall comply with the Commission’s Rules of Practice, as modified herein, including, but not limited to: 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, and 5 VAC 5-20-240, Prepared testimony and exhibits. All filings shall refer to Case Nos. PUR-2024-00032 and PUR-2024-00044.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

The Company’s Applications and other documents filed in this case, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed on the Commission’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY

Middleburg Council Wrestles with Short-term Rental Requests

NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Middleburg Town Council last week denied applications by two property owners—including Salamander Resort owner Sheila Johnson—seeking to rent their homes to visitors up to 180 days each year. Two others were granted permission, but for far fewer days than they sought.

The actions came as town leaders wrestle with the shifting nature of the community increasingly characterized as a vacation destination. Concerns over the changing “soul of the town” was a central topic during the council’s recent strategy retreat.

Under the town Zoning Ordinance, short-term rentals require special use permits, a review process that includes public hearings before the Planning Commission and Town Council. Four applications were up for council review April 25, including three newly built homes within the Salamander Resort property.

The council denied applications for two of those homes. Both Johnson’s home, built for a family member who later decided not to move in, and a home owned by Alexander Perdikis are unoccupied. Rental of both properties was proposed to be managed by Salamander Resort through a program intended to provide those visitors the same five-star service for which the hotel complex is known. The applications sought authority to rent out the homes for up to 10 people for as many 180 days per year, the maximum permitted under the town’s rules.

Towns

AROUND towns

LOVETTSVILLE

Council Approves South Loudoun Street Rezoning

Council members raised concerns that the applications appeared not to comply with the town’s short-term rental ordinance, which is designed to permit owner-occupied homes to be rented to visitors as a means of supplemental income. Instead, some members, along with Town Attorney Martin Crim, said the homes could be viewed as commercial enterprises operating as defacto extensions of the 168-room hotel.

While Crim advised the council that the uncertain commitment to owner occupancy was a “pretty major flaw” in the applications, Salamander provided a submittal from the McGuireWoods law firm challenging that requirement by asserting that short- or long-term rentals qualified as a “residential use” as defined by state Supreme Court opinions.

Mayor Bridge Littleton questioned whether the resort’s planned 49 single-family homes were set up to be vaca-

tion offerings. Of the 10 homes built so far, three have requested short-term rental permits. He pointed to homeowners’ documents requiring all homes to have secure “owner’s closets,” offering a $600,000 rental program package that includes the resort providing furnishings for the house and giving the resort the right of first refusal on future sales of the homes. He said the opportunity for rental income was part of the sales pitch at least some prospective buyers received.

Council member Darlene Kirk said she was angered and disappointed by the requests. “We made it very clear we wanted these to be homes and not more rooms for the hotel,” she said.

Salamander Hotels & Resorts President Prem Devadas and Salamander Middleburg Managing Director Scott Little

MIDDLEBURG RENTALS continues on page 22

Lovettsville Continues Work on Housing Regulations

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Lovettsville Town Council is working to update the town’s housing regulations with much of the discussion centering on whether accessory units should be allowed as a by-right use in the majority of zoning districts.

Last August, the council held a public hearing to review changes recommended by the Planning Commission, including permitting accessory dwelling units byright if the owner occupies the residence, provides a full kitchen, and limits the occupancy to one family with no more than

two bedrooms.

Currently, residents must apply for a conditional use permit to have an accessory apartment.

Zoning Administrator John Merrithew said planning commissioners recommended the change because they felt the current process was too much of a burden on the applicant financially and procedurally.

The council held a second public hearing Nov. 20, but delayed a decision amid concerns about uncontrolled growth and the impact more residents could have on the town’s utility system. Again on Feb. 15, the council delayed a decision because

of uncertainty with bills in the General Assembly that would have prohibited the town from requiring a conditional use permit. Those bills were forwarded to 2025.

On Thursday, Merrithew presented a revised staff proposal that he said included four major changes from the current ordinance—the accessory apartment use change, expanding the option to modify building and lot standards to all residential districts, creating standards for pipestem lots and limiting them to one

LOVETTSVILLE REGULATIONS continues on page 22

Four acres on South Loudoun Street in downtown Lovettsville are going to be rezoned from C-1 Community Commercial, to R-1 Residential, after a vote by the Town Council April 25.

The motion to approve the change passed 3-0-1, with council member David Earl abstaining and member Mark Jones and Vice Mayor Joy Pritz absent. Earl said he was abstaining because his wife is related to the applicant, Fred George.

The new zoning designation permits up to 16 single-family homes on the 4.33-acre lot that currently houses a 2,000-square-foot house and an accessory structure, both of which are included in the town’s historic district.

George said he was not planning to develop the land, but to put it into a conservation easement. Having it rezoned to residential will increase the value of the land for that transaction, he said.

“We will get the conservation tax credits,” he said. “We get a bunch of them by doing this and then we sell them and we do make a reasonable amount of money by leaving it just like it is. It’s hard to believe. It’s just a win for everybody.”

MIDDLEBURG

Police Officer Recruitment

Continues

Middleburg Police Chief Shaun D. Jones and Town Manager Danny

AROUND TOWNS continues on page 21

Town of Lovettsville

South Loudoun Street is approved to be rezone from C-1, Community Commercial, to R-1 Residential, after a vote by the Lovettsville Town Council April 25.

Norman K. Styer /Loudoun Now

Owners of two homes along Martingale Ridge Drive in Middleburg’s Salamander Resort neighborhood sought permits to offer short-term rentals. One was approved and one denied by the Town Council on April 25, 2024.

AROUND towns

continued from page 20

Davis are working to step up recruitment efforts to fill vacancies in the department.

Hiring new officers has been a challenge for the small department. Not only is the town competing with increasing salaries in other area law enforcement agencies, but the relatively quiet nature of police work in town doesn’t hold wide appeal for potential candidates.

According to a report to the Town Council last week, Jones is planning to expand recruitment advertising to more rural areas in the Shenandoah Valley and into West Virginia, add more locations for its online job postings and possibly even develop a recruitment video to highlight the role officers play in town.

Farmers Market Kicks Off Saturday

The town’s farmers market is back this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon hosted at the Middleburg Town Hall and every Saturday until Oct. 26.

Currently, 12 vendors are signed up including Dark Hollow Farms, The Preppy Pretzel, Hidden Creek Farm, Double Creek Ranch, Willoughby Farms & Flowers, Hess Orchards, JNRG Healing Co., Cobbler View Farm, MM Coffee Farm, Tummy Yumyum Gourmet Candy Apples, Birds, Bags and Beyond and Middleburg Library.

PURCELLVILLE

Town Finalizes Settlement With Former Police Officer

During a meeting last week, the Town Council voted to finalize a settlement with Kristopher Fraley, after the former town police officer resubmitted a lawsuit stemming from the town’s 2017 tainted investigation and subsequent controversy.

The original lawsuit filed in Federal District Court was dismissed in May 2020, before being re-filed with the Loudoun Circuit Court in November 2020. A fiveday jury trial had been scheduled for November.

During the original filing, Fraley claimed the town, through actions of sev-

eral employees and contractors, conspired against him and harmed his body, emotions and reputation.

The original lawsuit detailed events that happened in August 2017, when then-interim town manager Alex Vanegas and Georgia Nuckolls, a human resources consultant, led an investigation into now-discredited claims of misconduct against former Police Chief Cynthia McAlister.

The town did not disclose the terms of the settlement citing a provision in state code which excludes some documents from mandatory disclosure.

Western Rec Center Meeting Set for Monday

The county will hold a public information meeting to learn more about the plans for the Western Loudoun Recreation Complex on Monday at 6 p.m. at the Franklin Park Performing and Visual Arts Center.

The project includes the design and construction of a 83,000-square-foot recreation facility with an aquatics center and a park with up to 10 athletic fields on a 142-acre site just west of Purcellville.

During the meeting, residents will receive an overview of the project, including the estimated project schedule and be able to provide input on the design of the future complex.

Go to loudoun.gov/westernloudounrecreation to learn more.

Dailey Appointed as Interim Police Chief

Following the retirement of Cynthia McAlister, Deputy Chief Dave Dailey will serve in the role in an interim capacity until a permanent replacement is hired.

Dailey has served with the department for five years. He will continue to prioritize community engagement, office well-being and implementing strategies to enhance public safety, according to the announcement.

The town has begun recruitment to fill the position with help from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police. Applications will be open until Friday. The interview panel will include both active and retired Virginia Police Chiefs. n

Lovettsville regulations

continued from page 20

lot persubdivision and defining housing affordability.

Since the last council review, changes to the accessory apartment regulations also included limiting the number of occupants to two people and the by-right size to 800 square feet. Anyone interested in renting out a larger apartment for more than two occupants could still apply for a conditional use permit.

The current ordinance also requires an automatic water meter upgrade for an accessory apartment. The draft proposed by town staff would only require a meter upgrade if the consumption increased over its current meter limit.

During the April 25 meeting, council members continued to raise concerns about unregulated population growth if accessory units were a by-right use.

Council Member Tom Budnar said he was opposed to by-right accessory apartments.

“I don’t see the need for it,” he said. “I understand the complexity or maybe some of the concerns from the [Planning] Commission. If, anything at all, I think

maybe the process could be revisited, but I would definitely not support a permitted use.”

Council member David Earl agreed while member Brandon Davis said he thought the issue is “a matter of taste” but he wasn’t opposed to offering the apartments as a by-right use.

Council Member Stuart Stahl said he was opposed to accessory units in general.

Mayor Christopher Hornbaker said he was concerned that expanding the options to modify building and lot standards would allow four or five story buildings to be constructed in town.

“The discussion behind the modification clause was to provide more flexibility, one potentially to use existing irregular lots,” Merrithew said. “But also, to encourage different types of lot shapes and so on consistent with the pattern that we have particularly in the old area of town, the historic area of town.”

Anyone looking to take advantage of that would still need to apply for a conditional use permit, which would give the council discretion over whether it was an appropriate proposal, he said.

The item will come back before the council at a future meeting. n

Middleburg rentals

continued from page 20

refuted those concerns, saying all aspects of the project, including the management of short-term rentals for homeowners, were designed to ensure adherence to the resort’s high standards for service. Devadas said there had been no change in the vision for the resort’s neighborhood of single-family homes.

He urged the council to allow more time for the owners and Salamander team to fully address the concerns.

The council denied Johnson’s permit on a 4-2-1 vote, with Peter Leonard-Morgan and Cindy C. Pearson opposed and J. Kevin Daly absent. The Perdikis request was denied on a 6-0-1 vote.

The third application for a home in the resort fared better.

Mary and Thomas Gillespie said they were moving to their new Martingale Ridge Drive home from Falls Church. They sought a permit to rent the home to up to 8 people for as many as 120 days per year to cover some of their costs as they make the transition. Their rentals are to be managed, not through the resort, but by locally owned LoudounStay. Council members thanked the Gillespies for being

actively involved with the review process and working with their neighbors. The council voted 4-2-1, with Pearson and Kirk opposed, to approve the permit with an allowance for up to 90 rental days per year.

The council also approved a permit for up to 60 days of short-term rentals at a West Washington Street home, where the flight attendant owner sought to make her home available to visitors through Airbnb during her travel days. On a 5-1-1 vote, with Pearson opposed, the council approved up to 60 days of short-term rental annually.

While that the council has completed action on that wave of applications, the debate is not over.

It was uncertain after the meeting whether Salamander would seek to confirm the McGuireWoods interpretation of the occupancy requirements through a court appeal.

Also, during the council’s retreat earlier this month, the short-term rental ordinance was cited as the top issue. According to draft minutes of the meeting, which was held in a Warrenton hotel April 2-3, the council will seek to refine the permit application process, seek additional guidance on how to evaluate the applications, and work with the town staff to find ways to improve the ordinance. n

Hosted by the Loudoun County Environmental Commission

BY DANIELLE NADLER

The words “thank you” can go a long way.

Loudoun’s ‘Thank You Note’ to Our Educators

My mom was a special education teacher in a small, blue-collar town in South Dakota. She worked with a population that often required an extra ounce of love and patience for a salary that’s among the lowest in the nation.

But ask her about her time in the classroom, and you’ll only hear stories of students’ overcoming the odds and colleagues who kept her laughing through a 25-year teaching career.

Why? Well for one, Caren MacMurchy just down right loves teaching. At 73, she’ll still teach a lesson to anyone willing to sit long enough to hear it.

But also, she says that she always felt

appreciated. Sometimes by students, sometimes by families, but most often by her fellow team of educators.

“Simple words of affirmation fuel my tank, not so much awards,” she recently told me.

I love that at the Loudoun Education Foundation, we’ve made encouraging educators a priority. In fact, it’s listed as a top goal in our adopted Strategic Plan.

We develop and encourage LCPS staff through a variety of initiatives, including our Continuing Education Scholarships, Innovation in Education Grants, and the SHINE (Spotlighting Heroes in Education) program which surprises one educator each month with a gift valued at $500.

But one of my favorite ways the LEF strives to encourage educators is through

this annual Loudoun Now special section, which always aligns with National Teacher Appreciation Week and our Outstanding Educators Banquet.

The banquet, planned for Friday, celebrates the 74 educators who have been nominated for Teacher or Principal of the Year. In this special section, we share a bit about each of the nominees, from a first-year teacher who’s making math relevant to his middle school students to a music teacher who has been igniting elementary students’ love of music for 37 years.

In the weeks leading up to the banquet and this special section, several educators told us they really do not feel comfortable in the limelight. “This is all a little uncomfortable for me,” one principal told me. “I don’t do it for the awards.”

His comments echoed what my mom

has always said.

I want to tell you: We hear you. We know you are in it for the students, not for the awards. But we want to show our appreciation, anyway.

Consider this special section and this week’s Outstanding Educators Banquet a big “thank you” note from the Loudoun County community. Not only are you impacting the students in your classroom today, but you are making a lasting impact on the Loudoun community for generations to come. Our neighborhoods, our economy, our families are better for it. n

Danielle Nadler is the Executive Director of the Loudoun Education Foundation, an independent 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports local public school students and educators. Learn more at LoudounEducationFoundation.org.

Celebrating Outstanding Loudoun County Educators

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Kimberly Poole

Simpson Middle School Intro to Computer Applications 29 years in education

“Kimberly Poole shines at the helm of our Intro to Computer Applications program as illuminated by her passion in working with each and every 6th grader as they learn how to successfully incorporate technology among their interdisciplinary learning experiences.”

Andrew Bango

Arcola Elementary Physical Education 15 years in education

“Coach Bango nurtures positive growth mindsets for students where they can learn, feel valued, and grow as individuals.  He inspires students to step outside their comfort zones to try new activities and become part of the larger team/community.”

PRINCIPALS OF THE YEAR

Jeff Joseph

Dominion Trail Elementary 23 years in education

“He believes that when our basic needs are met, we are better able to focus on academics. Mr. Joseph has a passion for building a strong, supportive learning environment where the students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being are vital — thereby creating an opportunity for students ‘to realize their full potential.’”

Mercer Middle School 21 years in education

“Assuming the leadership role of our school about three weeks into the school year is tough enough, but Niki’s first year was 2020, the pandemic year. Niki handled both challenging situations with strong confidence, unfailing leadership, attention to detail, and most importantly, a smile on her face. Now, four years later, she’s a dynamic school leader who, without question, should be in a Principal’s book of ‘Who’s Who?’”

Nikisha Diehl

Nadler

2024 Teacher/Principal Nominees

Amanda Anderson

Cedar Lane Elementary 4th grade

6 Years in Education

“Mrs. Anderson provides her students with a safe space to learn and grow each day, one where every student has a voice, knows they are valued and loved, and are held accountable to a high standard of expectations. Her leadership, in addition to her immense talents and love of students and learning, make her an MVP candidate each and every year. It is an absolute joy to work with such a difference maker!”

Nisha Azad

Madison’s Trust Elementary

Kindergarten

16 years in education

“Mrs. Nisha Azad is masterful at connecting and engaging with each one of her kindergarten students. As one of her colleagues said, ‘She is a true innovator in the classroom, constantly seeking new and exciting ways to deliver lessons.’ As one parent said, ‘she ignites the thirst for knowledge in her students.’ In addition, she is known throughout the school for organizing the This is Us event, the school-wide annual multicultural event.

Jennifer Baxter

Eagle Ridge Middle School

Secondary Art

15 years in education

“Jennifer’s teaching approach encourages students to explore their unique perspectives, fostering originality in their work. The classroom becomes a space where work flourishes, and students learn not only artistic techniques, but also the power of selfexpression.”

Kristin Bredice

Frederick Douglass Elementary

Fourth Grade

20 years in education

“Mrs. Bredice stands as an inspirational figure for colleagues, parents and students, radiating an infectious passion for learning that leaves a lasting impact on all she encounters. Her commitment to educational excellence extends far beyond the classroom, with her active participation in programs designed to challenge and empower students.”

Jason Brown

Smart’s Mill Middle School

Physical Science

19 years in education

“Mr. Brown is a leader in our school that is always looking for ways to boost the climate in the building. He supports our morning announcements. He has created a school wide PBIS reward that showcased student and staff talent in a Tonight Show format. He has been our SALT and a substitute Dean. He is constantly looking for new and exciting ways to engage students not only in his class, but in the school as a whole.”

Lashundra Carter

John Champe High School History

17 years in education

“Lashundra Carter is an outstanding educator whose passion for teaching shines through in her innovative lessons and unwavering dedication to her students’ academic and personal growth. Her compassionate approach, coupled with her ability to inspire and motivate, makes her a cherished asset in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.”

Deborah Chaves

Academies of Loudoun

Biotechnology and Environmental Plant Science

22 years in education

“I had one of the best learning environments, thanks to one of the absolute best teachers, that a student could ever have. I would gladly wish myself back to Ms. Chaves’ class for one more day of learning about photoperiods while tying tomatoes, mixing glyphosate, and learning about the Wooly Adelgid. Ms. Chaves was the reason why I felt like I had potential in the real world, and why I am where I am today. She is the most dedicated teacher I have ever had.”

Jenn Clouden

Sugarland Elementary

Fifth grade

20 years in education

“Jenn Clouden is a gifted teacher who has a special talent for tailoring her instruction to the needs of the Title I population she serves. Mrs. Clouden’s calm demeanor, filled with empathy and high expectations, turns her students into lifelong learners who take ownership of their studies. Her excitement and passion for teaching spills over into every innovative lesson she develops. She engages with her students in a way where all feel safe, heard, and motivated to be the best version of themselves.”

Jason Comins

Hovatter Elementary

Physical Education

28 years in education

“He provided the kids with an approachable, open teacher who cared about their feelings and needs. He listened. He watched and he acted in the best interest of every child in the class. Mr. Comins recognizes each child is different and has different strengths that he adapts to while still reaching his goal for his students to learn.”

Terry Crosser

Hamilton Elementary

Kindergarten

30 years in education

“A tribute to Terry’s leadership, inspiration of learning and collaboration, is the number of former students that return to her classroom to do their capstone project, as a teacher cadet or student teacher.  Every year when the seniors write an essay for the Hamilton scholarship, accolades and fondness for their year with Terry Crosser and how she instilled a desire to learn is expressed as a common theme.”

Heather Cullinane

Emerick Elementary

Second grade

20 years in education

“Mrs. Cullinane is an empathetic, understanding, and compassionate teacher who leads with care and grace. She uniquely combines the importance of confidence and studiousness throughout each lesson she teaches while focusing on individual child’s needs and providing a cohesive classroom experience.”

Maureen Cura

Sanders Corner Elementary Librarian

18 years in education

“She exhibits genuine love of children with her every interaction with the students that flock to the library. She always takes the time for every child, gently guiding them to the correct resource that will completely fulfill their quest for knowledge.”

Ashley Cusick

Mercer Middle School

Special Education Math 8 years in education

“Ashley’s enthusiasm for math is contagious and can motivate students to engage more actively in their learning. She helps build students’ confidence in their mathematical abilities while tailoring her teaching methods to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of her students. Her passion for teaching math contributes to a positive and enthusiastic classroom atmosphere.”

Lynn Davies

Riverside High School Social Sciences

34 years in education

“Lynn Davies ignites excitement for historical knowledge among her students while fostering their personal growth through the power of education. Mrs. Davies classroom is an inclusive and supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks.”

Brianna Davis

Pinebrook Elementary

Fourth grade  13 years in education

“Ms. Davis brings passion and inspiration for learning to her students. Her ability to demonstrate a growth mindset and encouraging students to never give up, allows her students to flourish in a compassionate environment. Her classroom is driven by personalized learning experiences that reflect the uniqueness of each learner.”

Brian DeVault

The North Star School

Health PE and Drivers Education 23 years in education

“Mr. Devault is not just a teacher; he is a mentor, guide, and source of inspiration for all fortunate enough to be under his tutelage. His dedication to fostering individual student growth, understanding unique needs, encouraging talents, and nurturing self-esteem is truly commendable and worthy of recognition.”

Kim Engle

Rosa Lee Carter Elementary Kindergarten

14 years in education

“Whether it’s championing diversity within the curriculum, advocating for equity, or providing extra support for students or colleagues facing challenges, Kim is a beacon of compassion and a tireless supporter of everyone’s journey. Her impact on the lives of our kindergarten students is immeasurable and extends beyond the classroom, shaping the future of our students.”

Thi Ewell

Madison’s Trust Elementary

3rd grade

21 years in education

“Mrs. Thi Ewell is a lifelong learner who continuously adapts her teaching to ensure each student reaches their highest potential. All while serving as a role model to her students and fellow teachers. One of her colleagues said, ‘Anyone that leaves Thi Ewell’s classroom leaves a better person who is creating a better future.’”

Valerie Fox

Pinebrook Elementary Kindergarten

20 years in education

“Her vast knowledge of general and special education curricula, best practices, and classroom management skills, combined with her outstanding abilities to communicate and collaborate and her constant drive to implement remarkable lessons make her an extraordinary educator, but it is her intrinsic qualities – her empathy, humor, withitness, dedication, steadfast intentionality, and unwavering confidence in her students – that make Ms. Fox the perfect nominee for Teacher of the Year.”

Milena Glumsic Willard Middle School

English

7 years in education

“She always puts a smile on peoples faces. Like discovering gold, Ms. Glumsic is rare — a top educator in her field.”

Sean Griffin

Brambleton Middle School

U.S. History and Civics

22 years in education

“He effortlessly engages in deep dialogues with students and develops creative and engaging project-based learning where students not only learn the material, but also find ways to creatively engage with what they are learning. “

Katherine Gunderson

Sycolin Creek Elementary Special Education

27 years in education

“Mrs. Gunderson celebrates accomplishments by sending detailed notes to parents. She views learning as a true collaborative process involving her school colleagues, students, parents and outside professionals.  “

Karin Haddad

Sterling Middle School

English

30 years in education

“Mrs. Haddad possesses an exceptional ability to create an inclusive and personalized classroom environment. Her commitment to fostering a welcoming atmosphere is evident from day one, as she impressively memorizes her rosters before the school year begins. This simple yet profound gesture sets the tone for a classroom where every student feels seen, valued, and acknowledged from the start.”

Tara Holton

Cedar Lane Elementary

Kindergarten

15 years in education

“Mrs. Holton has cultivated a classroom culture of joy, respect, and inclusion. All students in her room are made to feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her students are challenged to engage in rigorous work in a safe space where classmates respect one another and lift each other up with kind words and acts.”

Kelly James

Smarts Mill Middle School

English

14 years in education

“Mrs. James’s commitment to mentoring, curriculum enhancement, and fostering professional advancement exemplifies her leadership, greatly influencing a welcoming and equitable learning atmosphere. Her nomination for Teacher of the Year highlights the profound effect of her exceptional educational endeavors.”

Julia Jewett

Madison’s Trust Elementary

Fourth Grade

18 years in education

“Every child in Julia’s classroom is loved and encouraged to be their true selves. Julia sees students not just for the person they are when they enter her classroom, but for the possibility of what they can and will become.”

Catherine Kenda

Lightridge High School

High School Mathematics

24 years in education

“Mrs. Kenda is more than just a teacher; she is a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration. Her instructional approach is centered around building relationships and promoting and celebrating the voice of the students by encouraging them to embrace Math instead of fearing it.”

Deirdre Knight

Broad Run High School

Art

30 years in education

“To Mrs. Knight, teaching is not a job, it’s a passion. Her classroom is not her classroom, it’s her art studio. She refers to her students as artists, because that is what and who they are when they are in her space. The way she approaches her job is not only admirable, but the love she exudes in each aspect of her position is felt by the students in her room. She listens, she provides guidance where needed, and she puts her students first, radiating joy, love and positivity for every aspect of her day-to-day, and emanating gratefulness for all that boomerangs back to her.”

John Krywcun

Smarts Mill Middle School

Technology and Engineering

15 years in education

“Mr. Krywcun goes above and beyond for his students, and his passion for his content area is infectious amongst his classes. This year students requested both Robotics and Computer Science just so that they could have Mr. Krycwun for two classes. He is a creative teacher who makes connections with his students; integrating technology and real world application into all of his lessons. His lessons always require the students to problem solve for a solution and It’s great to see a parade of robots moving down the hallway!”

Lou Ann Lacny

Lowes Island Elementary

Third Grade

22 years in education

“Lou Ann Lacny possesses a gift for making learning an exciting and engaging experience. Her passion for teaching, commitment to student success, and ability to create a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment make her an exceptional educator.”

Gina Latorre

Pinebrook Elementary

Special Education

15 years in education

“Gina is the biggest advocate and cheerleader for not just the students with whom she works directly, but for every child at Pinebrook. She is able to learn the needs of each student quickly, and delivers her instruction with positivity, inclusion, encouragement and engagement.”

Rose Marie Lee

Cardinal Ridge Elementary

Second Grade

8 years in education

“What sets Mrs. Lee apart is not only her openness to new ideas and approaches in the ever-evolving landscape of education. Her adaptability is not just a strength but a cornerstone of her teaching philosophy.”

Karin Lewis

Emerick Elementary

Third grade

28 years in education

“She teaches with joy, passion, enthusiasm, creativity, and heart.  Mrs. Lewis teaches with true love for her students, not striving for accolades or awards.  She inspires and influences those around her each day with kindness, strength, perseverance and resiliency.”

Mary Loftus

Meadowland Elementary

Kindergarten

8 years in education

“Ms. Loftus begins each year by visiting each of her families in their home.  This creates the opportunity for families to connect in a place where they feel comfortable and strongly encourages family partnership and classroom participation.”

Leisha Lucente

Willard Middle School

History

9 years in education

“Leisha Lucente is so passionate about her kids, her content and student success — more so than anyone else that I have ever met. She does a great job of identifying potential places of concern for students. She sees things before others might. She is proactive and she is very intune with her students, their needs, and what she might be seeing in them. It’s Ms. Lucente’s persona that just makes her a natural leader. She is our team’s guiding light.

Meda Lupas

Dominion High School

Spanish

18 years in education

“Skillfully crafted instructional strategies encapsulate student interest beyond the vocabulary and grammar to understand the rich tapestry of culture represented worldwide by Spanish-speaking people. As one parent observes, Señora Lupas helped ‘expand my son’s interest into his Hispanic culture by being an engaging, informative, and passionate teacher.’”

Dawn Maida

Seneca Ridge Middle School

Math

12 years in education

“I struggled with word problems and would get overwhelmed and one day during class I started to cry.  Ms. Maida took me into the hallway and spoke to me one on one.  She worked with me on the word problems and with encouraging words and positivity.  She reminded me that I could do it.”

Lauren Masarik

Harper Park Middle School

English 14 years in education

“Mrs. Masarik creates a learning environment that cultivates joy, and students feel safe to take academic risks. She is a team player and always goes above and beyond to ensure students love attending school and her colleagues enjoy their teaching environment. She truly embodies the quote, ‘People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.’”

Kirsta McCracken

Emerick Elementary First grade 22 years in education

“Krista’s ability to inspire learning, ensure student growth, foster collaboration, and lead by example is beyond exceptional. She skillfully ensures her classroom is a safe place for her students to learn and make mistakes, while making her students’ emotional wellbeing and self-confidence her number one priority.”

Karen Meck

Emerick Elementary Fourth Grade 41 years in education

“Mrs. Meck fosters a growth mindset among her students. She teaches them that setbacks and challenges are opportunities for learning and growth, not reasons for discouragement. This mindset instills resilience and a willingness to take risks, which are crucial for individual development.”

Liz Miller

Belmont Ridge Middle School

Science

20 years in education

“One of Liz’s most remarkable qualities is her ability to foster collaboration. She actively cultivates cooperative relationships not only with her students but also with her colleagues and the broader community. Her role as Eighth Grade Team Leader and PTO Teacher Liaison exemplifies her exceptional leadership skills, wherein she has demonstrated outstanding collaboration and guidance, contributing significantly to the school’s academic and social-emotional growth.”

Kimberly Mister Sterling Elementary School

Elementary Reading Specialist 17 years in education

“Mrs. Mister helped us with hard words in reading. She taught us how to read fluently. She is always energetic during mini lessons and loved singing and dancing. She pushes us to do our best in reading.”

Paul Nawrot River Bend Middle School Life Science

18 years in education

“As a science teacher, Mr. Nawrot possesses a remarkable ability to instill in students a genuine desire to learn and achieve, his passion for science is contagious, and he brings an infectious enthusiasm to the classroom, creating an environment where curiosity flourishes. His adeptness at conveying complex concepts in an accessible manner ensures that students not only grasp the material but develop a genuine appreciation for the wonders of science.”

Tori O’Bruba

Cedar Lane Elementary Third Grade 5 years in education

“Ms. O’Bruba brings incredible energy, enthusiasm, and passion to her work each day! She has cultivated a culture of joyful learning and inspires her students to be the very best versions of themselves each day.”

Roxanne O’Neill

J. Michael Lunsford Middle School Civics and Economics 16 years in education

“Roxanne is a charter member of Lunsford and is a pillar to this school in setting a culture of positivity, integrity and professionalism. Her students reflect on her ability to instill a love of learning and a desire to consider the field of education, shown in how they return year after year to her classroom for the teacher cadet program. Roxanne is a trusted lead teacher and demonstrates what it means to leave a legacy of excellence in her daily work.”

Nora Pamboukian

Smarts Mill Middle School

English Language Learners

15 years in education

“Nora is a staple at every school event, from PEP, awards nights, and school plays. If there is a student centered activity taking place, there is a good chance that you will be able to find Nora there supporting her students!”

Kerry Pascarella

Harmony Middle School

Algebra/ Pre-Algebra

12 years in education

“Kerry is a super star any community would be proud to have on its staff.

Her dedication and energy to kids is inspiring.”

Tracy Price

Broad Run High School

AP Psychology/ World History II

19 years in education

“With a profound mastery of the subject matter, she not only made complex concepts accessible, but also instilled in us a genuine appreciation for continuous learning. Her passion for what she teaches is contagious, and it makes you want to learn more. I enjoyed her AP Psychology class so much that I went into college as a psychology major.”

Paige Reaman

Madison’s Trust Elementary

First Grade

6 years in education

“Imagine a teacher who combines the enthusiasm of Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus and the warmth of Miss Honey from Matilda. That is Paige Reaman, the best elementary teacher any of my three children has ever had.”

Jared Rogers

Tuscarora High School

Social Science

6 years in education

“Mr. Rogers brings history to life in his classroom by dressing in various costumes, creating escapes rooms, or performing songs like ‘You’ll Be Back’ from Hamilton. Mr. Rogers is the teacher who has his students ecstatic to learn and waiting in anticipation of what fun ways he will teach history each day.”

Shawn Simms

Loudoun County High School

English Language Learner

28 years in education

“Shawn’s joyful advocacy for the most vulnerable students comes naturally to her, and we are all better for it.”

Sabrina Smith

Sanders Corner Elementary

Third Grade

23 years in education

“Ms. Smith was foundational in propelling my son’s educational experience. Since the pandemic, he struggled with learning gaps despite our best efforts through a multitude of practice at home and outside tutoring endeavors. Ms. Smith’s authenticity and kindness created a relationship with him based on trust. That trust in her turned into trust and belief in himself right before our eyes.”

Jennifer Snyder

Hovatter Elementary

Fifth Grade

20 years in education

“Jennifer Snyder leads by example on a daily basis. It is who she is. Her integrity, kindness, and humility make her a leader people follow. When she speaks, people listen. Her words are always profound. Her intentions are pure and genuine, and people see she only wants what is best for students. She organically instills the desire to learn and achieve in all of her students and colleagues.”

Wendy Testa

Evergreen Mill Elementary

Elementary Music

37 years in education

“Ensuring that EVERY student has a part is important to Mrs. Testa... not just important, but a must!  And you can be sure that if there aren’t enough parts, Mrs. Testa will write more lines, add more instruments, or do whatever is needed to make that happen!  In turn, she has the respect, cooperation and love of her students.”

Ashley Vongphakdy

Liberty Elementary

Second Grade

11 years in education

“Ashley’s school spirit, transformative leadership in STEM education, and unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment have left a mark on the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to be touched by her passion for teaching. Her humility only deepens the admiration and respect she commands within the school community.”

Sallie Willis

Discovery Elementary

Kindergarten

17 years in education

“Ms. Willis cannot rest until she reaches every student in her classroom and there is no limit to what she will do to build that crucial relationship with each child.”

NOMINEES FOR PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Mojisola Adejumo

Cardinal Ridge Elementary

17 years in education

“Dr. Adejumo is an extraordinary elementary school principal. Her support, encouragement, and dedication to her staff have not only elevated the educational standards at Cardinal Ridge but have also created an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. Her legacy is not just in the academic achievements of the students and their families, but also in the positive impact she has on the lives of the teachers she leads.”

Brian Blubaugh

Algonkian Elementary

28 years in education

“Mr. Blubaugh is known for his integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to creating a school where every student feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn. His ability to know the background and truly connect with his students and staff sets him apart from other leaders.”

Dawn Haddock

Emerick Elementary

38 years in education

“Dawn Haddock is an exemplary educational leader who earns the respect of her staff and students through her actions, words, and decisions. She demonstrates integrity, fairness, and empathy, creating a culture of trust and collaboration within the school environment and community.”

Andrew Heironimus

Waterford Elementary 21 years in education

“The overall success that Andrew Heironimus enjoys is not measured by the number of students who enter Waterford Elementary, but by the depth of love and trust felt toward him by his school community.”

Brian Klippel

Goshen Post Elementary 14 years in education

“Principal Klippel’s leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, empowering teachers, engaging parents, and nurturing students. He is a tireless advocate for the wellbeing of the entire school community and has created a school climate that is known for its warmth, respect, and support, where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”

Michelle Luttrell

Loudoun County High School 24 years in education

“In addition to her external professional development endeavors, Dr. Luttrell’s engagement in school-based learning activities is exemplary. She actively participates in professional learning alongside her staff, setting a powerful example as a lifelong learner. This hands-on approach not only keeps her connected with the latest educational trends but also aligns her closely with the experiences and needs of her teachers, students and staff in the building.”

Shawn Lyons

Newton-Lee Elementary 25 years in education

“One of Mr. Lyons’ most commendable qualities is his ability to inspire and motivate those around him; his genuine passion for education and dedication to the success of each student is evident in every aspect of his work. Mr. Lyons goes above and beyond to ensure that every child at NewtonLee Elementary feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential, and he believes in empowering each little leader here at Newton-Lee.”

Kevin Murphy

Little River Elementary 18 years in education

“Mr. Murphy is a principal that the students positively respond to because he makes the effort to get to know them and is willing to advocate for their needs. Feeling that the principal is so in tune with students while making important decisions relieves some of the family’s stress while providing a comfort level that makes him approachable when concerns arise.”

Anna Purdy

Meadowland Elementary 21 years in education

“Mrs. Purdy is an amazing person in our lives, and inspired us to do our very best at school. Mrs. Purdy has such a kind and amazing personality. She has always been there to listen to our troubles and inspire us to never give up on our dreams. Mrs. Purdy has been such a shining light and helps us to be the best version of ourselves.”

Eric Stewart Harmony Middle School 34 years in education

“Mr. Stewart builds his educational philosophy on three basic pillars: climate, safety, and instruction, making his school a place where teachers, staff, students, and their families feel welcome and valued. He sets clear expectations and is focused on the success of all of those he supports establishing a school climate that allows everyone the opportunity to be their best.”

Kevin Tyson

John Champe High School 16 years in education

“Principal Kevin Tyson is an exceptional leader whose dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment and empowering students to excel is truly remarkable. His innovative approaches to education and unwavering commitment to student success make him an invaluable asset to the school community.”

NEW TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

Aisha Ahmet Rock Ridge High School Social Science

“In the past 8 years of being in middle and high school, I have never had a teacher I could fully talk to and look up to so much until I met Ms. Ahmed. Ms. Ahmed is more than just a teacher to me and I can confidently say she is more than a teacher to many others. She is a source of inspiration, a mentor, a guide, and an amazing role model.”

Shreyas Khera Brambleton Middle School Math

“Mr. Shreyas Khera understands the vital role that parents and caregivers play in their children’s education and actively seeks to involve them as partners in the learning process. Through regular communication channels such as newsletters, phone calls, and emails, he keeps parents informed about classroom activities, academic progress, and ways to support learning at home.”

Alexandra Cooper Leesburg Elementary Special Education

“Her skill in collaboration not only strengthens the support network for students with autism, but also promotes a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the school community. Alex’s commitment to building bridges between home and school, as well as engaging with external community resources, demonstrates her dedication to providing comprehensive support for her students.”

LIVE MUSIC

DOIN’ TIME

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

JUSTIN SUEDE

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 2 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

MATT BURRIDGE

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 2 Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 1608 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. plazaazteca.com/leesburg

SOFIA TALVIK

7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, May 2 Lansdowne Woods, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Lansdowne Town Center. lwva.org

JESS PAULIN

3 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 3 Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro. notaviva.com

JASON MASI

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 Little River Turnpike, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

JADE TREMBA & LADY HATCHET

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

JIM STEELE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3

Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com

HUME-FRYE DUO

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

DAVE GOODRUM

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

JOHANNA HORN

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 3

Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 28

Lark Brewing Opens as a Community Spot for Fun

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Loudoun’s newest brewery is drawing crowds on the county’s southern boundary. Located along Rt. 15 south of Gilbert’s Corner, Lark Brewing Company opened in mid-April.

The 15-acre complex is intended to be a community gathering space with a sense of fun built into the experience.

Marketing Coordinator Grace Wheeler said that spirit is built into the name— lark.

“It’s harmless fun or mischief and the source of amusement,” she said. “We kind of like to play toward that and what we want to embody is it being kind of playful.”

Between the 6,500-square-foot timber

frame taproom and the more than 100 outside seats—each outfitted with QR codes for wait service ordering—and two pavilions, there is plenty of room for play.

Key to making the fun happen are Director of Operations and Hospitality Kat Huff and Brewmaster Samuel Lynch.

A Fairfax native, Huff brought a lifetime of experience to get the operation up and running.

“I’ve been in this business pretty much my entire life. I started in the restaurant business when I was 14,” Huff said. “I was lucky enough to get connected with these guys last year despite not having any brewery experience. I have a hospitality background. I know they really wanted to put a good menu in here and I was able to put together an awesome team to accomplish that.”

Lynch may be familiar to those who frequent Loudoun’s craft brewing scene.

For the past three years, he’s been a bartender at Loudoun’s northernmost brewery, Vanish Farmwoods Brewing, near Lucketts. While he did some work helping in the brewhouse there, this is his first experience brewing on a commercial scale.

“Part of my approach to it is I’m not trying to like create the very first of a kind, one-off beer,” he said. “I want to make good beer and I want to make it all the time consistently—and that’s what we’re doing here.”

Early favorites are the flagship On My Way IPA and the Double Dog Dare IPA,

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Lark Brewing Co.’s 15-acre property along Rt. 15 near Loudoun’s sourth boundary includes more than 100 outdoor seats.

LARK BREWING continues on page 30

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 27

SHANE GAMBLE

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. willowcroftwine.com

CORY COTTER

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 Sycamore House, 23506 Founders Drive, Ashburn. willowsfordlife.com

ASHLEIGH CHEVALIER

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 3 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

SIDETRACKED

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewing.com

TEJAS SINGH

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 3 Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseashburn.com

EVERCLEAR WITH KELLY BELL BAND

7 p.m. Friday, May 3 Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg. $55 to $110. tallyhotheater.com

WEEKEND AT BERNIES

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 3 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

SKRIBE

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 3 Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

MATTHEW MILLS

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Cana Vineyards, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. canavineyards.com

RED CLAY JAZZ

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com

KEN KEMP

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

TIDEWATER VALLEY

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

MARK CULLINANE

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4

868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Purcellville. 868estatevineyards.com

CLIMB ON

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

JULIET LLOYD

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyar.com

SHANE GAMBLE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 Little River Turnpike, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com

ANDY B

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

FREDDIE LONG

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com

RYAN SILL

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 Little River Turnpike, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

DENNIS WAYLAND

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

SOMETHING’S BREWING

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

RICHARD WALTON

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Bluemont Station Brewery, 18301 Whitehall Estate Lane, Bluemont. bluemontstation.com

BILLY & THE CURLEY BROTHERS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

JOEY AND THE WAITRESS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

LAURA FARRELL

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineards.com

CHEVRE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com

PATTY REESE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysaliswine.com

CHRIS ELLINGHAUS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Best Bets

MELISSA QUINN FOX Friday, May 3, 5:30 p.m. Willowcroft Farm Winery willowcroftwine.com

Loudoun favorite Melissa Quinn Fox performs at the county’s oldest winery during its weekly “Vines and Vibes” concert series.

GOLD DUST WOMAN Saturday, May 4, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

GARY JAY & THE FIRE

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

THE CLENDENEN

BROTHERS

4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

MATT METZ

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4

868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

HUME, FRYE & FRYE

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

MINI MUSIC FEST

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewing.com

SIDETRACKED

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

DELTA SPUR DUO

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

GABE MATTHEWS BAND

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseashburn.com

41 NORTH

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 4

Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

YINZ

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 4

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

GOLD DUST WOMAN

8 p.m. Saturday, May 4

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

ALYSSA YEAGER

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

STELLAR RIDE

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

JASON MASI

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Mt. Defiance Cider Barn, 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg. mtdefiance.com

SUMMER & ERIC

1 p.m. to May 6, 4 a.m. Sunday, May 5 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

MATT BURRIDGE

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com

TIMMIE METZ

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 Little River Turnpike, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyard.com

JASON TEACH

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

SCOTT KURT

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

JUSTIN SUEDE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyard.com

ROB HOEY

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

KARAOKE WITH MICHELLE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5

Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. twotwistedposts.com

BLUES WITH MIKE TASH, MARY SHAVER AND BOB MALLARDI

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

MICHELLE HANNAN & ONE BLUE NIGHT

3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

FABIOLA MENDEZ

4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 5

Neighbors Sports Bar & Grill, 42882 Truro Parish Drive, Ashburn Farm. neighborssportsbargrill.com

BRITTON JAMES

7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

HAPPENINGS

‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’

7 p.m. Friday, May 3

7 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Freedom High School, 25450 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly. $5. freedomtheatreboosters.org

CASINO NIGHT

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 3 Ion ITC, 19201 Compass Creek Parkway, Leesburg. $40 to $45. ionarena.com

RUN THE GREENWAY

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4 Loudoun Station, 43751 Central Station Drive, Ashburn. dullesgreenway.com

GROCERY GIVEAWAY

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 24337 Old Carolina Road, Aldie. mtpleasantaldie.org

CLAUDE MOORE SPRING FEST

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Claude Moore Park, 21610 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling. loudoun.gov

UTILITY DEPARTMENT OPEN HOUSE

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 4 1385 Russell Branch Parkway SE., Leesburg. leesburgva.gov

MT. CALVARY GUILD WOMEN’S GROUP

AFTERNOON TEA

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Saint Peters Church, 37018 Glendale St., Purcellville. stpetes.net

LOUDOUN SYMPHONIC WINDS

7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Potomac Falls High School, 46400 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls. loudouncommunityband.org

HAPPENINGS continues on page 30

Janet Soluri and the Gold Dust Woman Band celebrates the four-decade career of double Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Stevie Nicks.

Why I Love Loudoun  Debbie Hancotte

BY VISIT LOUDOUN

Virginia natives Debbie and Steve Hancotte opened MELT Gourmet Cheeseburgers in Leesburg in April 2012. In 2023, Yelp rated MELT the best cheeseburger in Virginia and the 15th best cheeseburger in the nation.

Loudoun Why We

FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN LOUDOUN?

We love Tuscarora Mill and DC Prime. The steaks are great at both restaurants. I like the New York strip and Steve prefers a ribeye.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A CRAFT BEVERAGE?

DC Prime for a Manhattan – the best around.

BEST SECRET PLACE/HIDDEN GEM IN LOUDOUN?

Best Rack Around, the bra and lingerie boutique in Madison Trade Plaza, Leesburg. The lingerie is beautiful.

WHAT’S A MUST-SEE PLACE FOR AN OUT-OF-TOWN VISITOR?

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, particularly in spring.

FAVORITE EVENT IN LOUDOUN TO GO TO?

The annual Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival every April.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE CHEESEBURGER BUSINESS AND WHY LEESBURG?

We sold our last restaurant in Hilton Head, South Carolina in 2007. A few years later we decided it was time to get back in the business. We made a list of possible locations for gourmet cheeseburgers and picked Leesburg. We love it out here. It’s close enough to city life if you need that and far enough away from it if you don’t.

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO A GREAT BURGER?

It starts with the meat, of course. The buns, the toppings and a lot of love all work together to create the perfect burger.

WERE YOU SURPRISED BY THE YELP RANKING?

We weren’t surprised—we always felt we were up there—but we were overjoyed. We definitely felt an uptick in business as a result.

HOW MANY DIFFERENT CHEESEBURGERS DO YOU MAKE AT MELT AND WHAT IS THE BEST SELLER?

We have approximately 25 on our menu, plus we always run a monthly special. Our bestseller is the Bacon Cheeseburger followed by the Bacon Blue Burger with blue cheese.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITES?

Mine is the Lamb Burger followed by the Diner Blue Plate. Steve’s favorite is the Tex-Mex.

MAY 28 IS NATIONAL HAMBURGER DAY – HOW SHOULD LOUDOUN RESIDENTS MARK IT?

By joining us at MELT, of course. MELT also makes milkshakes. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO A GREAT SHAKE?

Simple ingredients: great ice cream, fresh sweet cream, and fresh add-ins. Our best seller is our Oreo Shake.

EGGS AND BACON, CHEESE AND WINE, BURGER AND A SHAKE – WHY DOES A CHEESEBURGER PAIR SO WELL WITH A SHAKE?

The juxtaposition of flavors. The salt and the sweet, the creaminess of the shake and all the different textures in the burger.

WHAT’S THE BEST CHEESEBURGER SCENE IN A MOVIE?

Definitely Pulp Fiction. n

Visit Loudoun strives to bring tourists to the county, but locals can be tourists, too. In this series we ask Loudoun residents to tell us about the joys, secrets and delights of their own backyard. Discover something new and share your local adventure with Visit Loudoun using #loveloudoun.

Courtesy of Visit Loudoun

Debbie Hancotte

Lark Brewing

continued from page 27

he said.

“We put a lot of trust in Sam to make great product in the glass and the rest of our team to put a great product on the plate,” Huff said.

The food offerings are designed to be a step above traditional brewery fare.

“We didn’t want to be the same old, same old. We really focused on the quality of food that we’re serving. Instead of having a huge menu, we made it smaller and really focused on quality and execution. So, I think you’ll find an elevated brewery fair here,” Huff said, noting the Philly cheesesteak eggrolls and grilled chicken sandwich are popular with the early visitors.

And it is not only about the beer. The bars also serve up cider, seltzer, fresh squeezed lemonade and mocktails. And the staff is putting the finishing touches on a 400-bottle wine cellar area.

Lark also has rolled out a support program for nonprofits. Each quarter, a custom brew will be created and sold with $1 from each pint supporting the selected charity. They are kicking off the program with one of their backyard neighbors, Friends of Homeless Animals, with the campaign continuing through May.

So far, Huff said they are getting good feedback from visitors—and seeing success in their effort to promote a bit more larking.

“It’s just great to see everyone laid back and having a good time and enjoying. We worked so hard on this project to get what we wanted. We wanted to see people enjoying themselves and the

community come together,” Huff said.

“The inspiration behind Lark was to be kind of a community hub, a place where you can go with your friends with your family and make memories.”

GET OUT HAPPENINGS

continued from page 28

LOUDOUN COUNTY LATINO FESTIVAL

12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Shenandoah Building, Leesburg. loudoun.gov

ADOPTION EVENT

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 5 PetSmart, Dulles, 24570 Dulles Landing Dr. humaneloudoun.org

PROFS & PINTS: THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS

3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling. $13.50 to $17. profsandpints.com/washingtondc

ASHBURN VILLAGE FIESTA 5K/10K/FUN RUN

8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4 Fincastle Field, 44065 Fincastle Dr., Ashburn ashburnvillage.org

CINCO K

8 a.m. to noon Sunday, May 5 Lovettsville Community Park, 39550 Lovettsville Park Drive, Lovettsville. Loudoun.gov

Lark Brewing Co. is open seven days a week at 24205 James Monroe Highway in the Aldie area. Learn more at larkbrewingco.com. n Music, Games & More!

11:00am - 3:00pm | Segra Field Parking Lots Saturday, May 11

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Samuel Lynch is the brewmaster at Loudoun’s newest craft beverage designation, Lark Brewing Co. which opened in April. oun Now

Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities

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

Regular Full-Time Positions

Flexible Part-Time Positions Summer Position

To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications.

Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.

Hiring.

Loudoun Now is growing. Join the team.

Reporters

Full-time and part-time positions available for experienced journalists with a passion for community journalism. Accuracy, integrity, curiosity required. Talent with photography, video, social media preferred.

Sales

Full-time and part-time advertising sales positions are available for candidates who can help businesses meet their marketing goals in print and online. There is an opportunity to specialize in Loudoun’s growing hospitality/entertainment industries.

Production Manager

An experienced and creative graphics designer is needed to lead all aspects of the newspaper’s ad creation and page design. The position will also oversee aspects of the online operations. The Loudoun Now team is driven by a mission to make our community stronger through committed journalism. Can you help?

Legal Notices

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

The Middleburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers located at 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, VA, to consider the following:

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE OF WATER

AND SEWER CHARGES

If approved, the ordinance would increase the water and sewer user fees as identified below effective July 1, 2024. This would result in an increase of 3% or $8.22 in the average bi-monthly combined water and sewer bill for in-Town customers (with bi-monthly use of 7,000 gallons). (By authority of Virginia Code Sections 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119 and 15.2-2143.) The public is encouraged to submit comments electronically at www.middleburgva.gov/budget

WATER USER FEES

Bi-Monthly Rates For: Current Proposed Change In-Town

TOWN OF ROUNDHILL, VIRGINIA

Proposed Planning, Zoning & Development Fees for Fiscal Year 2025

July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 (as authorized by Virginia Code §15.2-2286)

(applies to all plats & plans)

to Approved Final Plat & Construction plans

Boundary line adjustment & lot consolidation plats (single party)

Boundary line adjustment & lot consolidation plats (two or more parties)

Other plats (One Lot Waiver Plats, Easement plats, correction plats, etc)

SEWER USER FEES

Bi-Monthly Rates For: Current Proposed Change In-Town

USE OF WATER BY CONTRACTORS AND OTHER PARTIES (Town Code Section 113-23)

Contractor Rates: Current Proposed Change Each 1,000 gallons

gallons 3%

AVAILABILITY FEES & CONNECTION FEES

No change in availability fees is proposed. No change in water & sewer connection fees is proposed.

A copy of the ordinance is available for public inspection in the Middleburg Town Hall, located at 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, VA during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. All interested citizens are invited to attend this public hearing to express their views.

MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046179-06-00; 07-00; 08-00; 09-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Starh Rahimi

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

v.

Ahmad Wali, putative father and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a third permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Starh Rahimi and hold a hearing on the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Ahmad Wali, putative father and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Starh Rahimi. Ahmad Wali, putative father and Unknown Father, are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time

Publish: April 25 & May 2, 2024

may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Starh Rahimi. Ahmad Wali, putative father and Unknown Father, are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Starh Rahimi; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Starh Rahimi; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Starh Rahimi. Further, Ahmad Wali, putative father and Unknown Father, will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Starh Rahimi, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Starh Rahimi for adoption and consent to the adoption of Starh Rahimi.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Ahmad Wali, putative father and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 8, 2024 at 10:00 4/11, 4/18, 4/25 & 5/2/24

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION

5/2 & 5/9/24

NOTICE is hereby given that the Loudoun County Board of Equalization of Real Estate Assessments (BOE) will hear appeals for 2024 Real Estate Assessments at Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, between 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. beginning on August 1, 2024 and continuing through December 31, 2024, with the exception of September 2, October 14, November 5, November 11, November 27, November 28, November 29, December 24, December 25, and December 26, 2024. The BOE scheduled hearings will be posted on the County calendar at www.loudoun.gov. Hearing dates are subject to change. Please also refer to the County calendar for cancellations.

The BOE will sit and hear all appeals timely presented for consideration. Following the hearing, the BOE shall equalize the taxpayer’s assessment by increasing, decreasing, or affirming such assessment. The BOE will continue to hear appeals until the last day needed to complete all necessary action regarding such appeals, or December 31, 2024, whichever comes first.

If you require accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Board of Equalization at 703-777-0289. At least one business day advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice.

Kevin Kuesters, Chairman Board of Equalization

5/2 & 5/9/24

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLZM-2021-0012 AND SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION TLSE-2021-0005

RUSSELL BRANCH RETAIL

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2021-0012 and Special Exception application TLSE-2021-0005, Russell Branch Retail.

The entirety of the subject property consists of approximately 11.6 acres of developed land located at the intersection (southeast corner) of East Market Street (Route 7) and Battlefield Parkway. The property is zoned Community Retail/Commercial (B-3) and is further identified as Loudoun County Property Identification Numbers (PINs) 149-45-9235, 149-45-3326, 149-45-5741, 149-45-7258, 14945-5613, 149-45-7402. The property also lies within the Gateway District (Overlay), and the Eastern Gateway District Small Area Plan (EGDSAP).

Rezoning Application

TLZM-2021-0012 is a request by Russell Branch Retail, LC to amend the Concept Plan and Proffers of approved rezoning TLZM-2018-0003. This application proposes a new alternative concept plan layout for Land Bay C (approximately 2.2 acres) that accommodates a restaurant with drive through and retains the previously approved layout which accommodates two retail buildings. Proffers will also be updated to reflect the revised layout and carry forward any unfulfilled proffers.

Special Exception Application TLSE-2021-0005 is a request by Russell Branch Retail, LC for an Eating Establishment with Drive-In Facility within the Community Commercial/Retail (B-3) district up to 2,800 square feet pursuant to Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO) Sec. 6.5.2.

The subject property is located in what the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan (LLTP) describes as an “Area to Transform or Evolve” on the Area Based Land Use Initiatives Map (LLTP pg. 72). The property is further designated within LLTP as a “Retail Center” on the Character Areas for Preservation and Change Map (LLTP pg. 76). There is no Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.) for commercial uses associated with a Retail Center within LLTP. The proposed commercial F.A.R. of Land Bay C is 0.03 under the single building alternative and 0.10 under the two building alternative.

The application also includes two (2) requested modifications to the requirements of the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO) regulations related to buffer yards and loading space requirements.

Additional information and copies of these two applications are available at the Department of Community Development 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, AICP, at 703771-2771 or sparker@leesburgva.gov.

At these hearings, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 771-2434 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 05/02 & 05/09

ABC LICENSE

Jackmont of DC, LLC trading as Sfoglina, 1 Saarinen Circle, A-BM393, Dulles, VA 20166.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage Restuarant; beer, wiine, and mixed beverages license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Daniel J. Halpem - Managing Member

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200. 5/2 & 5/9/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § §1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No. CL24-2021

LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

18 EAST MARKET ST., LEESBURG, VA 20176

In Re: Isaac Daniel Campero v.

Raul Ernesto Perez

The object of this suit is to show cause as to why child’s last name should not be changed to mother’s maiden name.

It is ORDERED that Raul Ernesto Perez appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before July 19, 2024 9:00 AM.

4/18, 4/25, 5/2 & 5/9/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLE 6 NONRESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, AND ARTICLE 8 PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS RELATING TO DATA CENTER USES

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLZNOA2024-0001 revising the following Sections of the Zoning Ordinance:

1. Sec. 6.7 I-1 Industrial/Research Park District to establish Data Center as a special exception use with minimum use standards in the I-1 District.

2. Sec. 8.6 PEC, Planned Employment Center District (PEC) to establish Data Center as a special exception use with minimum use standards in the PEC District.

3. Sec. 9.2 Use Table to reflect Data Center as a special exception use in the I-1 District with applicable use standards.

Copies and additional information regarding this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment is available at the Department of Community Development located at 222 Catoctin Circle SE, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia 20175 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-737-7009 and asking for Christopher Murphy, Senior Planning Project Manager. Mr. Murphy can also be reached by email at cmurphy@leesburgva.gov. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLZNOA2024-0001.

At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodation should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 5/2 & 5/9/2024

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENT CHAPTER 32 (TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES) ARTICLE II (ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT)

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1427 and 46.2-882.1, notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, will hold a public hearing on:

Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA

at which time the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on a proposed ordinance amending the Town Code to add a new Section 32-39 authorizing use of speed cameras in highway work zones and school crossing zones.

As permitted by Virginia Code § 46.2-882.1, Section 32-39 would authorize the Leesburg Police Department to install and utilize photo monitoring devices in highway work zones and school crossing zones within the Town and impose civil penalties for violations of speed limits within those zones when active.

A copy of the proposed ordinance is available from the Town Clerk, located in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.); or by calling Eileen Boeing, Town Clerk, at 703-771-2733.

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

5/2/24 & 5/9/24

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will conduct a public hearing during its work session on Thursday, May 9 , 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia. The items proposed for public hearing during this work session are as follows:

LEGI-2023-0070, HIDDENWOOD ASSEMBLAGE: ZMAP-2023-0004 (Zoning Map Amendment)

Edward Y. Papazian and Judith C. Papazian; Thomas Devine Harmon and Pornpit Mrigalakshana, Trustees of the Harmon Living Trust; Frank W. Hardesty and Angela Cannady Hardesty; Venugopal Ravva and Vara Laxmi Ravva; Lisa Sweeney Bell and Scott Bell; John A. Ward and Nancy L. Ward; Keith E. Calhoun and Kristin E. Calhoun; Jay Baltzer and Stephanie McGrady; Gary G. Hosaflook and Joyce E. Hosaflook; Brent Bumgardner; Paul C. Farmer and Holly A. Farmer; Abdus S. Azad; Sharmeen Khan and Asim Khan; Kashif Iqbal and Ayesha Iqbal; Michael E. Duncan; and Patricia Catherine Cave and Jonathan Earley of Aldi, Virginia, submitted an application for a zoning map amendment for approximately 29.01 acres of land located east of Racefield Lane (Route 877), south of Cameron Parish Drive (Route 3444) and north of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 659) in the Dulles Election District (the “Subject Property”) and more particularly described as:

203-37-7428-000 N/A

203-37-8437-000 N/A

203-37-9642-000 42112 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-38-0747-000 42120 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-38-1952-000 N/A

203-38-3156-000 42140 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-38-4261-000 N/A

203-38-5465-000 42160 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-38-6670-000 42172 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-38-7775-000 42186 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-38-8980-000 42206 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-39-0184-000 N/A

203-39-1290-000 42224 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-39-2395-000 42234 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-39-3598-000 42240 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-49-4606-000 42258 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-49-5711-000 42268 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-49-6816-000 42274 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

100/B/1////20/

100/B/1////19/

100/B/1////18/

100/B/1////17/

100/B/1////16/

100/B/1////15/

100/B/1////14/

100/B/1////13/

100/B/1////12/

100/B/1////11/

100/B/1////10/

100/B/1/////9/

100/B/1/////8/

100/B/1/////7/

100/B/1/////6/

100/B/1/////5/

100/B/1/////4/

For ZMAP-2023-0004, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property from Countryside Residential – 1 (CR-1) zoning district to the Planned Development – Industrial Park (PD-IP) zoning district. The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, or amendments for each item listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications and land use ordinances may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www. loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5).

Planning Commission work sessions and public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Public hearings and work sessions are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views during the public hearing portion of the work session. Public comment will be received only for those items listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the work session; however, speakers may also sign-up at the work session. Written comments concerning any item before the Commission are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, VA 20177-7000, or by e-mail to loudounpc@ loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and for the Clerk’s records. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the work session to request additional time to speak on behalf of such organization.

Regularly scheduled Planning Commission work sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month. In the event the work session cannot be conducted on that date due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the work session, the work session may be continued to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event the work session may not be held on the third Tuesday due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the work session, the work session may be continued to the Thursday following the third Tuesday.

100/B/1/////3/ 203-49-8021-000 42292 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

203-49-9224-000 42298 Hiddenwood Ln, Aldie, Virginia

PUBLIC NOTICE

100/B/1/////2/

100/B/1/////1/

The LOUDOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT has accepted application for preliminary plat of subdivision for the following project.

PLAT-2024-0106

Old Arcola Residential Phase 3

Mr. Michael Capretti, of DGM Arcola LLC, of Sterling, Virginia is requesting preliminary plat of subdivision approval to subdivide approximately twenty (20.54) acres into ninety- four (94) residential lots, two (2) parcels, and associated right of way dedication. The property is located north of Little River Turnpike (Route 50), east of Hiddenwood Lane, south of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621), and west of Arcola Boulevard. The property is zoned R8, Floodplain Overlay District (FOD), and Airport Impact Overlay District (AIOD) under the provisions of the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The property is more particularly described as 203-30-1458-000 in the Dulles Election District.

Additional information regarding this application may be found on the LandMARC System http:// www.loudoun.gov/LandMARC and searching for PLAT-2024-0106. Please forward any comments or questions to the project manager, Holly Viar at Holly.Viar@loudoun.gov or you may mail them to the Department of Building and Development 1 Harrison Street, SE, 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia by June 6, 2024. The Department of Building and Development will take action on the above application(s) in accordance with the requirements for preliminary subdivisions outlined in Section 1243.08 of the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (LSDO). 5/2/24

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5). Three business days advance notice is requested.

BY ORDER OF: MICHELLE FRANK, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

TOWN OF LEESBURG DEPARTMENT OF UTILITIES

NOTICE OF WATER MAIN FLUSHING

4/25 & 5/2/24

The Town of Leesburg will conduct controlled flushing of water mains throughout the Town beginning April 15 through May 31st , 2024. 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 water use.

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 or a milky look. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed.

Some residents and businesses may experience lower than normal pressure during the flushing in their neighborhood. The Town regrets any inconvenience the flushing operation may cause.

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.

4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/23, 5/30

Legal Notices

Round Hill Town Council Notice of Public Hearing

Proposed FY2025 Budget, Tax Rates, Fees and Charges (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025)

Pursuant to Code of Virginia §§15.2-2506, -2111, -2119, -2143, -2122, -2241, -2286, -2015, §46.2-752 and §§ 58.1-3007, -3703 and -3840, the Round Hill, Virginia Town Council hereby publishes its proposed budget, tax rates, fees and charges for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 ending June 30, 2025. A public hearing on the proposed budget, tax rates, fees and charges will be held on May 15, 2024 at 7:30PM in person at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia. The Town Council intends to adopt tax rates, motor vehicle license fee, and utility/land use fees/charges by ordinance at its May 15, 2024 meeting. The Town Council intends to adopt budget and appropriation ordinances at its June 5, 2024 Town Council meeting. Participation via a Zoom Link can be accessed on the Town's website, www.roundhillva.org. Any person interested in the FY2025 Budget may attend the public hearing electronically (or in person) and present his or her views. Written comments can be submitted to townclerk@roundhillva.org by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting and will be presented during the public hearing. Copies of the detailed budget and related documents are available for inspection and copying on the Town's website (www.roundhillva. org) or at the Town Office, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00AM – 4:00PM. If this public hearing is postponed, it will be rescheduled for May 22, 2024 at 7:30PM.

REVENUES

Year Ending 6/30/2024 Appropriated

EXPENDITURES

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction.

This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned,” as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.

YR. MAKE MODEL VIN STORAGE PHONE#

2007

5/2/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ044933-06-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Nariah Swales

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Darius Swales, Father

The object of this suit is to hold a Permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § § 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Nariah Swales

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Darius Swales, Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 28, 2024 at 2:00PM 4/25 & 5/2/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ044061

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Allison Rodriguez Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Allison Rodriguez; and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § § 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Allison Rodriguez.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 3, 2024 at 9:00am (Adjudicatory); and May 29, 2024 at 10:00am (Dispositional).

4/25 & 5/2/24

Public Notice

The Town of Leesburg

Environmental Advisory Commission Vacancies

The Town of Leesburg is soliciting applications for two vacancies on the Environmental Advisory Commission. Citizens interested in serving on the commission can find additional information, membership requirements, or may apply via the Town’s web site at www.leesburgva.gov/government/boards-and-commissions. Applications will be kept on file for one year. Any questions can be sent to the Clerk of Council via email at eboeing@leesburgva.gov

5/2/2024 & 5/9/2024

Legal Notices

Town of Hamilton Proposed Budget Fiscal Year 2025

Pursuant to VA Code Sec. 15.2-2506, notice is hereby given that the Hamilton Town Council will hold a Public Hearing, for the purpose of receiving comments on the following proposed budget, on Monday May 13, 2024, at 7:00 pm in the Town Office, 53 E Colonial Highway, Hamilton, VA. Public can attend via Virtual Meeting by going to https://www.hamiltonva.gov

The regular Town Council Meeting will follow immediately after at the same location. Copies of the detailed budget may be obtained at the Town Office during regular office hours (or via email), Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, holidays excepted.

TOWN OF HAMILTON BUDGET SUMMARY

TOWN OF MIDDLEBURG COMMITTEE VACANCY

The Middleburg Town Council is accepting letters of interest from individuals who wish to be considered for service on the following:

Middleburg Planning Commission. The Planning Commission prepares and recommends to the Town Council a comprehensive plan for the growth, development and redevelopment of the Town; amendments to the zoning and subdivision regulations; and policies, ordinances and administrative procedures for achieving plans in a coordinated and efficient manner. The Planning Commission also makes recommendations concerning proposed special use permits, zoning map and text amendment applications. Members must be residents of the Town of Middleburg. This appointment is to fill a vacancy – appointments are normally for four-year terms. Training is available for members of the Planning Commission through the Virginia Certified Planning Commissioners Program at no cost to the members. The Town Council encourages new members to take advantage of this training opportunity. The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Monday of each month in a work session beginning at 6:30 p.m. (as needed) and in regular session beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Anyone interested in serving on the Commission is asked to send a letter of interest, to include relevant qualifications, no later than May 20, 2024, via email to rnorth@middleburgva.gov or via USPS mail to:

Mayor and Members of Town Council Town of Middleburg

P. O. Box 187

10 W. Marshall Street

Middleburg, Virginia 20118

Attn: Committee Vacancies

Letters of interest may be included in a public agenda packet. Applicants who do not wish for their contact information to be made public should indicate this in their letter of interest.

4/25 & 5/2/24

ABC LICENSE

Jackmont of DC, LLC, trading as Rappahannock Oyster Bar, 1 Saarinen Circle, B-B01, Dulles, Virginia 20166.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage Restuarant; beer, wine, and mixed beverages license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Daniel J. Halpern - Managing Member

Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices.

Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

4/25 & 5/2/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § §1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104 Case No. CL24001747-00

LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 18 EAST MARKET ST., LEESBURG, VA 20176

Amy M. Boerner in re: Name Change (Colton M. Goforth) The object of this suit is to change name of minor.

It is ORDERED that Andrew M. Goforth appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before June 7, 2024 2:00 PM.

4/18, 4/25, 5/2 & 5/9/24

TOWN OF HAMILTON JOINT PUBLIC HEARING

The Hamilton Town Council and Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing in the Town Office at 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia on Monday, May 13, 2024, beginning at 7:00 p.m. to hear public comment and act on amendments to the Hamilton Zoning Ordinance regarding special events to change, alter and delete certain uses in Article 8, Supplementary Regulations, Section 2, Temporary Uses, and make technical amendments. These zoning text amendments are authorized by Code of Virginia of 1950, §§ 15.2-2285, -2286 and -2204, as amended.

Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission will convene a special meeting to consider a recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council will hold its regular meeting after the adjournment of the Planning Commission meeting, where the Council will receive the recommendation and act on an ordinance to approve these Zoning Ordinance amendments.

Documents regarding the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available for review at the Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, holidays excepted, and on the Town website at hamiltonva.gov. All members of the public are invited to present their views on this matter at the public hearing either in person or remotely, by following the instructions on the Town website Meeting Calendar/Livestream Meetings. The Hamilton Planning Commission special meeting and regular Town Council meeting will begin immediately after the public hearing.

If you require any type of reasonable accommodation because of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact Sherri Jackson, Town Treasurer at 540-3382811. Please provide three days’ notice.

Daniel Gorman Planning Commission Chairman

Kenneth C. Wine

Mayor

5/2 & 5/9/24

Legal Notices

TOWN OF HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TOWN OF HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed Operating & Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025

Proposed Operating & Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025

Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Hillsboro, Virginia, (the "Town Council") will hold a public hearing to receive public comment and to consider adoption of the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for FY2025. A summary of the Budget is provided below. Copies of the Proposed FY2024 Budgets are available for review on the Town website at: www.hillsborova.gov and also by appointment at the Town office at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, Virginia 20132, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. The public hearing, which may be continued or adjourned, will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Any person interested in the Budget may appear at the public hearing and present his or her views. The Town Council may set time limits on speakers and other rules and procedures for the conduct of this public hearing. Written comments regarding the Budget may be delivered prior to the public hearing in care of the Mayor at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, Virginia 20132, or e-mailed to info@hillsborova.gov. All comments received will be presented to the Town Council during the public hearing.

Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Hillsboro, Virginia, (the "Town Council") will hold a public hearing to receive public comment and to consider adoption of the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for FY2025. A summary of the Budget is provided below. Copies of the Proposed FY2024 Budgets are available for review on the Town website at: www.hillsborova.gov and also by appointment at the Town office at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, Virginia 20132, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. The public hearing, which may be continued or adjourned, will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard. Any person interested in the Budget may appear at the public hearing and present his or her views. The Town Council may set time limits on speakers and other rules and procedures for the conduct of this public hearing. Written comments regarding the Budget may be delivered prior to the public hearing in care of the Mayor at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, Virginia 20132, or e-mailed to info@hillsborova.gov. All comments received will be presented to the Town Council during the public hearing. TOWN OF HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA Roger L. Vance, Mayor PROPOSED BUDGET AND RATES/FEES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025

TOWN OF HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA

Roger L. Vance, Mayor

PROPOSED BUDGET AND RATES/FEES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2025

INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL BUDGET

GENERAL FUND-OPERATING BUDGET

General Fund-Operating Budget Summary REVENUES EXPENDITURES

Legal Notices

TOWN OF HAMILTON PUBLIC HEARING WATER/SEWER RATES AND LAND USE FEES

The Town of Hamilton will hold a public hearing on Monday May 13, 2024, at 7:00pm at the Hamilton Town Office, 53 E Colonial Hwy, Hamilton, VA, for the purpose of receiving comment on the FY2025 budget, water/sewer rates and the land use fees for the FY25 budget year. The Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119,, 15.2-2143 and 15.2-2122, authorize the adoption of water/sewer rates and fees. The Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-2015, 15.2-2241 and 15.2-2286, authorize the adoption of land use fees. Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §58.1-3703 authorizes the adoption of Business, Professional and Ocupational License (“BPOL”) fees.The Town Council will take action on the water/sewer rates, land use fees and BPOL fee during the Town Council meeting following the public hearing and will adopt budget and appropriation ordinances at the June 10, 2024, Town Council meeting. Virtual meeting available for public attendance at: https://www. hamiltonva.gov.

PROPOSED WATER RATES - ALL PROPERTIES

* IN TOWN RATES, as adopted 12/23/2023 (no changes) ^ OUT OF TOWN RATES, as afdopted 12/23/2023 (no changes) Metered Rates

* $6.29 per 1,000 gallons up to 8,000 gallons

* $14.03 per 1,000 gallons between 8,001 and 12,000 gallons

* $14.58 per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons

$8.49 per 1,000 gallons up to 8,000 gallons

$18.94 per 1,000 gallons between 8,001 and 12,000 gallons

$19.68 per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons

* $20.90 surcharge every 2 months ^ $20.90 surcharge every 2 months

SEWER RATES - ALL PROPERTIES

* IN TOWN RATES, as adopted 12/23/2023 (no changes) ^ OUT OF TOWN RATES, as adopted 12/23/2023 (no changes)

* $11.97 per 1,000 gallons up to 8,000 gallons

* $28.88

*

$16.15 per 1,000 gallons up to 8,000 gallons

* $31.77 per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons ^ $42.88 per 1,000 gallons over 12,000 gallons

* $84.15 every 2 months

* $14.30 surcharge every 2 months

$14.30 surcharge every 2 months

PROPOSED LAND USE FEES (no changes)

$ 5,000 Annexation Application Sign Permit

$ 350 Appeals (Board

Permit

Special Exception Application

$ 4,500 Development Plan Amendment $ 1,500 Special Use Permit Grading Plan (Erosion & Sediment Control) Subdivision Application

$ 500 Less than 100 acres

$ 1,000 100-200

$

$ 300 Preliminary Plat - Minor (3 lots or less)

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, May 15, 2024, in order to consider:

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 1096 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY EROSION AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE AND

REPEAL OF CHAPTER 1220 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY EROSION CONTROL ORDINANCE

Pursuant to the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act (§62.1-44.15:24 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Permit Regulations (9VAC25-875 et seq.), and Guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (State Law), and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors on March 5, 2024, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapter 1096, “Stormwater Management”, to be renamed “Erosion and Stormwater Management”, and the repeal of Chapter 1220 “Erosion Control”, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County (Codified Ordinances), in order to establish a Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program (VESMP) and otherwise further the public necessity, convenience, and general welfare, including protection of the quality and quantity of state waters from the potential harm of unmanaged stormwater or runoff resulting from land disturbing activities. Loudoun County (County) is required to establish a VESMP by July 1, 2024. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with proposed amendments to the Loudoun County Facilities Standards Manual (DOAM 20240001). The proposed amendments would repeal Chapter 1220 and relocate and incorporate all necessary provisions from Chapter 1220 for the VESMP into Chapter 1096, delete and/or revise certain existing requirements that are not consistent with the VESMP from Chapter 1096, establish new requirements necessary for the VESMP in Chapter 1096, revise and/or clarify other existing requirements in Chapter 1096, incorporate existing practices into Chapter 1096, and amend any other Sections, Subsections, and provisions of Chapter 1096 as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typos within, update internal cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of Chapter 1096. The proposed amendments include without limitation, the following:

Chapter 1220, “Erosion Control”: The entirety of Chapter 1220 is proposed to be repealed. All necessary provisions from Chapter 1220 for the VESMP will be relocated and incorporated into Chapter 1096.

Chapter 1096, “Stormwater Management”, to be renamed “Erosion and Stormwater Management”

Description of proposed amendments to all sections of Chapter 1096:

• Update and correct references to other Federal, State, and local regulations, reference materials, Departments, and Agencies.

Description of proposed amendments to Section 1096.01, Erosion and Stormwater Management Program:

• Existing Section 1096.01 will be repealed in its entirety and replaced with the following:

o New Section 1096.01(a), Purpose and Findings, regarding the purpose of Chapter 1096.

o New Section 1096.01(b), Erosion and Stormwater Management Program Established, regarding the establishment of the County’s VESMP and applicability of state regulations to the County’s VESMP.

o New Section 1096.01(c), Administration, regarding division of administration and enforcement of Chapter 1096 between the Loudoun County Departments of Building and Development and General Services, responsibility for administration and enforcement of Chapter 1096 in towns located within the County, and procedures for amendments to Chapter 1096.

o New Section 1096.01(d), Definitions, regarding definitions for terminology required for the administration of Chapter 1096.

o New Section 1096.01(e), Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program Established, regarding:

1) Land Disturbance/Grading Permit, Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, Stormwater Management Plan, Pollution Prevention Plan, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, and VESMP Permit requirements.

2) Land Disturbance/Grading Permit, Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, Stormwater Management Plan, Pollution Prevention Plan, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, and VESMP Permit approvals and financial guarantee required prior to commencing various types of land-disturbing activity, and types of land-disturbing activity that are exempt from such requirements.

3) Authorization for the Administrator to conduct monitoring and inspections of landdisturbing activity during construction.

4) VESMP technical criteria for land disturbing activities, to include requirements for stormwater quality, stormwater quantity, and offsite options for phosphorus reductions, requirements for certain land disturbing activities to be considered grandfathered, alternate technical criteria for such grandfathered land disturbing activities, exceptions to the technical criteria, requirements in regard to Best Management Practices (BMPs), authority for the Administrator to preclude or require more stringent conditions upon the use of certain BMPs.

Description of proposed amendments to Section 1096.02, Maintenance of the Stormwater Management System:

• Update and correct existing terminology as necessary to use new terminology defined for VESMP.

• Clarify requirements for property owner maintenance of state-regulated dams.

Description of proposed amendments to Section 1096.03, Discharges to the Stormwater Management System:

• Update and correct existing terminology as necessary to use new terminology defined for VESMP.

Description of proposed amendments to Section 1096.04, Enforcement:

• Existing Section 1096.04 will be repealed in its entirety and replaced with new sections under 1096.04 regarding the following:

o Administrative enforcement processes, to include without limitation, Notices to Comply and Consent Orders, Stop Work Orders and Emergency Stop Work Orders, Schedule of Civil Penalties, which may be reduced to Civil Charges, for various violation types (up to $32,500 per day), and certain administrative appeals.

o Judicial enforcement processes, to include without limitation, Notices of Violation, Criminal Penalties, (in accordance with Code of Virginia §§ 62.1-44.15:48.C.2 and 62.1-44.32.b, c, and d), Civil Damages, and injunctive and other equitable relief.

o Cumulative nature of all such administrative and judicial enforcement and remedies.

o Right of entry authority for the Administrator to enter any establishment or upon any property as necessary for the enforcement of Chapter 1096.

o Judicial appeals of Stop Work Orders and Emergency Stop Work Orders, Notices of Violation, and Civil Penalties.

Description of proposed amendments to Section 1096.05, Hearing and Appeals:

• Existing Section 1096.05 will be deleted in its entirety, and necessary provisions from Section 1096.05 will be incorporated into Section 1096.04.

Description of proposed amendments to Section 1096.06, Fees, to be renumbered as 1096.05, Fees:

• Revise existing regulations regarding the administration of fees applicable to Appendix A, VESMP Permit Fee Schedule.

• Establish new Appendix B, Erosion Control Fee Schedule, and incorporate existing fees and associated regulations being relocated from Chapter 1220 into new Appendix B.

DOAM 2024-0001

AMENDMENTS TO THE LOUDOUN COUNTY FACILITIES STANDARDS MANUAL

VIRGINIA EROSION AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (Development Ordinance Amendment)

Pursuant to the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act (§62.1-44.15:24 et seq. of the Code of Virginia), Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Permit Regulations (9VAC25-875 et seq.), and Guidance provided by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (State Law), and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (Board) on March 5, 2024, notice is hereby given of proposed amendments to the Loudoun County Facilities Standards Manual (FSM) that are necessary to establish a Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program (VESMP). The County is required to establish a VESMP by July 1, 2024. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with proposed amendments to Chapter 1096, and repeal of Chapter 1220, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments generally would: 1) consolidate erosion and sediment control and stormwater management standards; 2) establish new standards in regard to gabion baskets and expand the use of the methods required for determining the Seasonal High Water Table; and 3) revise and clarify existing standards pertaining to stormwater management. These amendments propose revisions to Chapters 1, 5, 7, and 8 of the FSM, and such other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the FSM as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typos within, update internal cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned Chapters of the FSM. The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes listed in § 15.2-2200 of the Code of Virginia and to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development.

Description of proposed amendments to all sections of the FSM, to include without limitation, the following:

• Update and correct references to other Federal, State, and local regulations, reference materials, Departments, and Agencies.

Description of proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 1, Authority, to include without limitation, the following:

• Amend Section 1.100, General, to add a cross-reference to the Loudoun County Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance, and revise grandfathering for technical criteria requirements set forth in Chapter 1096 of the Codified Ordinances.

• Amend Section 1.300, Necessary Reference Material, to add a reference to the Virginia Department of Transportation Drainage Manual. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Legal Notices

Description of proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 5, Water Resource Management, to include without limitation, the following:

• Amend Section 5.200, Design Standards, to include the VDOT Road and Bridge Standards as a reference document.

• Amend Table 1, “Preferred Design Reference”, to delete “Applicable Area” as a preferred design reference.

• Amend Table 2, “Easements”, to replace proprietary names with generic names for underground stormwater management structures.

• Amend Section 5.220, Hydraulic Design, Storm Sewers/Culverts, to incorporate level spreader standards from the Virginia BMP Clearinghouse and clarify design standards for rigid lip.

• Amend Section 5.225, Stormwater Management-General Criteria, General Criteria, to clarify the permitted density for residential areas where underground stormwater management facilities are permitted and establish new standards for Gabion Baskets.

• Amend Section 5.225, Stormwater Management-General Criteria, Facility Design Standards, to add standards for reduction of the low-flow orifice diameter for permanent pool areas, clarify standards for reduction of the low-flow orifice diameter for non-permanent pool areas, and clarify the application of seasonal high water table standards to the design of additional stormwater management plan elements.

• Amend Section 5.230, Stormwater Management-Technical Criteria, Water Quality Criteria, to delete the nonpoint source pollutant load standard for the Goose Creek Reservoir Protection Area.

• Establish new Section 5.300, Erosion Control, to incorporate standards being relocated from Section 7.600.

• Establish new Section 5.500, References for Chapter 5, to establish a new list of Chapter references.

• Amend Figure 2, Loading Plane of a Building Foundation, to clarify the distance between a storm sewer pipe and the loading plane.

• Renumber existing Figure 4, Typical Floodplain Alteration Process, to new Figure 8 and establish new Figure 4, Submerged Reverse-Slope Pipe, to allow the orifice diameter to be reduced in permanent pool areas.

Description of proposed amendments to FSM Chapter 7, Environmental Design Standards, to include without limitation, the following:

• Relocate Section 7.600, Erosion and Sediment Control, in its entirety to new Section 5.300, Erosion and Sediment Control.

LEGI-2023-0095, BOUCHER SHORT TERM RENTAL:

SPEX-2023-0029 (Minor Special Exception)

Christina and Wesley Boucher have submitted an application for a minor special exception for approximately 0.18 acres located on the south side of Snickersville Turnpike (Route 734), south of Leesburg Pike (Route 7), and west of Clayton Hall Road (Route 760), in the Blue Ridge Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as: 33651 Snickersville Turnpike, Bluemont Virginia, PIN: 648-19-1691-000; Tax Map # /41/A/1/////8/. The applicant is requesting to permit a Short-Term Rental – Commercial Whole Housing in the CR-1 (Countryside Residential – 1) zoning district. The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0052, ORME FARM REZONING:

ZMAP-2022-0022, SPEX-2022-0046 & SPEX-2022-0048 (Zoning Map Amendment and Special Exceptions)

Van Metre Communities, L.L.C. submitted applications for a zoning map amendment and special exceptions for 11.7 acres of land located south of Shreve Mill Road (Route 653) and west of Sycolin Road (Route 625) and north of the Dulles Greenway (Route 267) in the Leesburg Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as: PIN: 236-38-7331-000, Tax Map #: /60////////56B. For ZMAP-2022-0022, the applicant seeks to rezone an 11.7-acre portion of the 107.9-acre parcel from the JLMA-20 (Joint Land Management Area – 20) zoning district to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance (Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance) in order to develop permitted uses within the PD-IP zoning district. For SPEX-2022-0046 and SPEX-2022-0048, the applicant seeks to increase the Floor Area Ratio from 0.6 to 1.0 and to increase the maximum lot coverage from 0.45 to 0.60 in the PD-IP zoning district. The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

LEGI-2023-0034, ARCOLA FARMS RESIDENTIAL: ZMAP-2022-0006, ZMOD-2022-0029, ZMOD-2022-0030, ZMOD-2022-0031, ZMOD-2023-0021, & ZMOD-2023-0022 (Zoning Map Amendment & Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

TOLL MID-ATLANTIC LP COMPANY, INC. and TRIDENT OLSEN, LLC, submitted applications for a zoning map amendment and zoning ordinance modifications for approximately 80.28 acres of land located south of Ryan Road (Route 772) and north of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621) in the Little River and Ashburn Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

242-29-9973-000 41721 Ryan Road, Ashburn, Virginia /91///6/////8/ 242-20-3664-000 41739 Ryan Road, Ashburn, Virginia /91///6/////7/ 199-25-1135-000 41819 Ryan Road, Ashburn, Virginia /91///6/////5/ 199-25-3525-000 41929 Ryan Road, Ashburn, Virginia /91///6/////4/ 199-25-6408-000 42395 Ryan Road, Suite 301, Ashburn, Virginia /91///6/////3/ 199-15-7187-000 41929 Ryan Road, Ashburn, Virginia /91///6/////2/ 199-15-5059-000 N/A /91///6/////1/ 242-10-8536-000 23168 Evergreen Mills Road, Ashburn, Virginia /91///6////17/ 242-20-3804-000 41777 Ryan Road, Ashburn, Virginia /91///6////14/ 242-29-8917-000 23066 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, Virginia /91///6////13/ 242-10-0179-000 23094 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, Virginia /91///6////15/ 242-10-2937-000 23106 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, Virginia /91///6////16/ 200-45-5437-000 (portion of) N/A /92/Y/2/////Z/

For ZMAP-2022-0006, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property from the TR-10 (Transition Residential) and PD-H4 (Planned Development-Housing) under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the R-4 (Residential) in order to develop 307 single-family detached dwelling units at a density of approximately 3.82 dwelling units per acre. For ZMOD-2022-0029, ZMOD-2022-0030, ZMOD-2022-0031, ZMOD-2023-0021 and ZMOD-2023-0022, the applicant seeks zoning ordinance modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property including but not limited to: to reduce lot width from 40 to 33 feet, to increase lot coverage from 35 percent to 45 percent and to permit an open space density less than 1 lot/7,000 square feet, allow frontage and access on private streets for lots within the development, to reduce front yards from 15 to 9 feet and to reduce side yards from 8 to 5 feet, to allow front yards to have more than 55 percent impervious surface, and to eliminate the requirement that trees must be planted at a density of 1 tree per 50 linear feet along both sides of all alleys.

LEGI-2023-0042, STONE RIDGE SECTION 40:

ZMAP-2022-0019, ZCPA-2021-0003, ZCPA-2022-0006, SPEX-20230012, SPEX-2023-0034, ZMOD-2022-0066, & ZMOD-2022-0067 (Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendments, Special Exceptions, Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

Stone Ridge Community Development LLC has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment, a zoning concept plan amendment, special exceptions, and zoning modifications for approximately 33.88 acres of land located south of Tall Cedars Parkway (Route 2200) between Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 2625) and Gum Springs Road (Route 659) in the Dulles Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

205-28-4701-000 N/A

205-18-1614-000 25277 Gum Spring Road, Chantilly, Virginia

204-19-3204-000 N/A 100/C/7/////O/ 205-46-9303-000 N/A 100/C19/////1/

For ZMAP-2022-0019, the applicant seeks to rezone 26.59 acres to the PD-H4 (Planned Development –Housing 4) zoning, administered as the R-8 ADU (Single Family Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit Regulations) zoning district in order to develop up to 129 residential units. For ZCPA-2021-0003, the applicant seeks to revise the proffer statement and concept development plan approved with ZMAP-19940017 in order to change the designation of a 2.9-acre open space parcel from passive park to common open space to permit complementary structures or improvements. For ZCPA-2022-0006, the applicant seeks to revise the proffer statement and concept development plan approved with ZMAP-1994-0017 in order to permit development of 23 residential units. For SPEX-2023-0012 and SPEX-2023-0034, the applicant seeks to modify the minimum yard requirements for the R-8 ADU (Single Family Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit Regulations) zoning district. For ZMOD-2022-0066 and ZMOD-2022-0067, the applicant seeks zoning ordinance modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property, including but not limited to, allow residential units to front onto private roads, and to allow all roads within the development to be private. The applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

Legal Notices

LEGI-2023-0031, TILLETT’S VIEW:

ZMAP-2022-0003 (Zoning Map Amendment)

Pulte Home Company LLC has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment and zoning modification for approximately 49.6 acres of land located east of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659), North of Waxpool Road (Route 900), and west of Ashburn Tillett Drive, in the Broad Run Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

156-26-4485-000 42550 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Virginia /78///2/////3/

156-36-8717-000 42594 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Virginia /78////////37/

156-36-3643-000 21768 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, Virginia /78///2/////2/

156-47-3301-000 42656 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Virginia /78////////38/

For ZMAP-2022-0003, the applicant seeks to rezone approximately 49.6 acres from the R-1 (Single Family Residential) and RC (Rural Commercial) zoning districts to the R-8 (Single Family Residential) and R-16 (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) zoning districts in order to develop up to 357 residential dwelling units, including up to 103 single-family detached units and up to 254 single-family attached units, at a density of 7.2 dwelling units per acre. The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each land use application listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E.,

Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications for public hearings may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. In addition, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: loudoun.gov/bosdocuments. Board of Supervisors public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Meetings are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. Meetings also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on May 3, 2024, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on May 15, 2024. Members of the public may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications

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/TTY-711. 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:

Town of Round HIll Rates & Fees

PHYLLIS J. RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

5/2 & 5/9/24

Real Estate

(authorized by Virginia Code §58.1-3200, 15.2-2503)

Business License (authorized by Virginia Code §58.1-3703, 15.2-2503)

Cigarette Tax (authorized by Virginia Code §58.1-3840, 15.2-2503)

Water

Authorized by Virginia Code

15.2-2111, 15.2-2119, 15.2-2143

In Town - Per 1,000 gallons

$0.40 per pack

$0.40 per pack (no change)

$8.50 per 1000 gallons $9.78 per 1000 gallons (15% increase)

(authorized by Virginia Code §58.13500, 15.2-3203)

(authorized by Virginia Code §46.2752, 15.2-2503)

Land Use Fees (authorized by Virginia Code §15.22286) (no changes from FY2024)

Authorized by Virginia Code 15.2-2111, 15.2-2119, 15.2-2143

In Town - Per 1,000 gallons $12.75 per 1000 gallons $14.66

COUNTY OF LOUDOUN FIRST HALF PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE IS MAY 6, 2024

Henry C. Eickelberg Loudoun Treasurer

The deadline for paying the first half of your personal property taxes is May 6, 2024.

Please Note: Payments received or postmarked after May 6, 2024, will incur a 10 percent penalty and interest. Any such penalty, when assessed, shall become part of the tax with interest accruing on both the tax and penalty at a rate of 10% annually. Personal Property taxes remaining unpaid after 60 calendar day from the original due date will incur an additional 15% penalty. Taxpayers who are having financial difficulties should contact our Collections Team at 703-771-5656 who stand ready to assist.

For Your Safety and Convenience, please consider making payments online, by phone or mail.

CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS

Online: www.loudounportal.com/taxes

Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover

By Telephone: 24-hour line 1-800-269-5971

703-777-0280 during regular business hours

Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover

Please note: There is a convenience fee added to a Credit Card transaction. There is no fee for electronic checks (e-check).

By Mail: County of Loudoun P.O. Box 1000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000

TREASURER’S OFFICE LOCATIONS

Extended Hours: Friday, May 3 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday, May 6 - 8:00AM to 5:00 PM Regular Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

1 Harrison Street, S.E. 46000 Center Oak Plaza 1st Floor 1st Floor

Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Sterling, Virginia 20166

A 24 hour drop box is located outside the Sterling and Leesburg office.

Please contact the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office at 703-777-0280 or email us at taxes@loudoun. gov with questions or if you have not received your bill.

Stay up to date on tax information by subscribing to the Tax Notices category of Alert Loudoun at www.louduon.gov/alert. You can also text the word “TAXES” to 888777 to receive text messages about tax-related information, including upcoming deadlines.

For information regarding Real Property or Personal Property Tax Exemptions or Deferrals, please contact the Exemptions Divisions of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at taxrelief@loudoun. gov, by phone at 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief 4/25 & 5/2/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047165-01-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ivory Green

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

v. Kevin Green, Putative Father and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold and adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 161.-252 for Ivory Green; and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § § 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Ivory Green.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Kevin Green, Putative Father and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before May 2, 2024 at 10:00am (adjudicatory); and May 29, 2024 at 3:00pm (Dispositional) 4/25, 5/2, 5/9 & 5/16/24

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ROUND HILL, VIRGINIA

The Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 7:30 PM, on May 15, 2024, at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia, to consider the adoption of amendments to the Town Water and Sewer Ordinances that will require a deposit from all utility customers prior to establishing a utility account. The deposit amount will be set by the Town Council from time to time and will equal three-month average usage. The proposed changes amend Water Ordinance Article VII, Billing, Section 7-4 and Sewer Ordinance Article IX, Billing. These amendments are authorized by Code of Virginia Sections 15.2-2111, -2119 and 2143. Copies of the proposed amendments and related documents are available for inspection and copying at the Round Hill Town Office and on the Town website at roundhillva.org. All persons interested in commenting on the proposed amendments may appear in person or participate remotely using the information provided on the meeting agenda. Written comments should be emailed to hwest@roundhillva.org no later than noon on May 15 2024, to be included in the record.

Scott T. Ramsey, Mayor

Misc.

VEHICLE AUCTION

MD Repo Vehicles For Public Sale at ADESA Washington, DC. All Makes and Models Running Weekly Details can be found at www.adesawashingtondc.com

Terms: State and local orders will be strictly enforced at the sale, including social distancing and limits on the number of people permitted to gather in certain areas. All attendees must comply with such procedures or will be required to leave the premises. We strongly recommend that all attendees wear face coverings for the protection of themselves and our staff. Bidder agrees to register and pay a refundable $500 cash deposit plus a non-refundable $20 entry fee before the Sale starts. The balance of the purchase is due in full by 5:00pm on sale day. vehicles are AS-IS and are subject to a buy fee based on the sale price of the vehicle. Only cash or certified funds will be accepted. No vehicle will be released until Payment is made in full. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.

VEHICLE AUCTION

ADESA WASHINGTON DC | 705-996-1100

44475 OLD OX ROAD, DULLES, VA 20166

20+Chase repossessions will be offered to the public sale (monthly) on Wednesdays (5/22/24, 6/19/24, 7/17/24, 8/14/24, 9/11/24, 10/9/24, 11/6/24, 12/4/24). Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m. ET. Registered persons may preview/inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be nal by 5:00 p.m.

Terms: Cash or Certi ed Check.

Loco Service Providers

CONSTRUCTION

5/2 & 5/9/24

Loco Service Providers

Youth struggles

continued from page 1

that show Loudoun teens aren’t alone in feeling anxious or depressed.

Willard Middle School seventh grader Ahana Sarkar and Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology junior Mahsa Riar both saw first-hand the need for greater mental health help for their peers and decided to create ways to help them develop coping mechanisms.

Riar said she and a friend created after-school, noninvasive, creative arts groups called Creative Coping to help middle and high schoolers destress. The goal of the groups was to destigmatize mental health and to provide students with coping mechanisms. She said she saw the need after going back to school after COVID-19.

“One of the big things I saw and still see is a lack of motivation,” she said. “For a whole year students were disconnected from school and each other during their formative years. For my grade level, I came back to school and went into high school and saw in my grade a lack of motivation to come back to school and to do the work.”

She said Creative Coping worked with an expressive arts therapist to find the most beneficial activities to help students deal with stress.

“We are taught to see the signs, but I feel like students are really good at hiding those signs. So many more are dealing with mental health issues and drug abuse, but we wouldn’t even be able to tell because they are really good at hiding it,” she said.

Sarkar said she has experienced some of the pressure of middle school and wanted to help her peers.

“Middle school is when homework piles up and you have drama with friends. It can cause a lot of stress and anxiety,” she said, adding she wanted to help middle school students learn healthy ways to cope before they got to high school where more stress is added.

Both projects were part of the Step Up Youth Competition that encourages middle and high school students to identify an issue in their neighborhood, school or community and create and implement a plan to address it.

Goldman said as ACOY talked with local clinicians and child psychologists about mental health, they heard from several who said their patient base is becoming younger and that many kids are being diagnosed with depression at earlier ages.

The report also found that self-harm emergency room visits and hospitalizations among county youth are on the rise. In 2019, there were 516 emergency room visits for self-harm in Loudoun in youths

up to age 20. That number has steadily risen since, reaching 955 in 2022. Suicidal ideation—where a person has suicidal thoughts or ideas—and self-harm are risk factors that may lead to suicide, according to the report.

Goldman said in the post-COVID world the data is shining a light on a problem that was already there.

“We hear different things about the stress of school, the stress of success. Loudoun County is a very wealthy county, and the pressures are higher,” he said.

Riar said she has seen kids at her school struggle with mental health and turn to substances like vaping.

Drugs

The report sought to bring greater awareness to teen drug use and showed high stress levels may play a role in the use of drugs and alcohol among the county’s youth.

According to the report, teens believe that drugs and alcohol are readily available, and according to their responses, indicated that schools served as a marketplace for them. The 2022 ACOY survey indicated that alcohol and marijuana were the most used substances during a 12-month period—at 12% and 10% respectively. The same survey revealed that 44% of students said alcohol and 34% said vape devices were the substances that were easiest to get.

Goldman and Reles said the results weren’t surprising because they said alcohol use is more normalized as being OK to use and it doesn’t always have a great perception of harm.

“Kids are telling us there are certain substances that are easy to get. They have a high perception of availability and a low perception of harm and use. They are telling us the same information our data is showing,” Reles said. “We need to change the perception of availability. More work needs to be done to make sure youth know the consequences of using, selling or distributing illicit substances.”

The report mentioned the growing popularity of vaping, as the number of free standing vape shops in the county increased from 21 to 32 in the past few years in what Goldman and Reles call the vape corridor.

They noted that, while it is illegal for people 21 and under to buy vape devices, the local marketing is geared to teens through social media imaging, sponsoring of youth bands and concerts, and using flavors and packaging.

The report stated that Virginia and Maryland are seeing high school tobacco usage at rates higher than the national average and that teens are especially drawn to flavored vapes.

“Basically, ‘wink, wink’ it’s not for kids,”

Goldman said, noting the carnival look and feel of vape shops.

The report also addressed overdoses and overdose deaths in the county, especially after the county was brought into the spotlight after nine Park View High School students had suspected overdoses at school during a three-week period last October. Each of the students required some sort of medical intervention—like CPR, Narcan, an opioid overdose reversal drug, or being transported to a hospital. The overdoses led to Gov. Glenn Youngkin issuing an executive order requiring all school divisions to alert parents of any school-connected overdose within 24 hours. Shortly after there were two more suspected overdoses in the Sterling area—for a total of 11— involving students who had unenrolled from the school.

“While overdose deaths are complicated and the most tragic outcome of substance abuse, there are two youth risk factors that pre-tell this outcome: early onset of drug and alcohol use and perceived availability of drugs and alcohol,” the report stated.

The highest rate of overdose admissions to the hospital in Loudoun County are 15-19-year-olds, twice the rate of any other age group—314.8 per 10,000 ER visits compared to a rate of 195.2 for 20–24-yearolds and 151.4 for 25-34-year-olds, according to the report.

The report states early use of an illicit drug increases that person’s chances of developing addiction or using more toxic substances.

Safe Spaces for teens

Another big issue affecting teens in the county is having safe spaces to gather on nights and weekends.

Reles and Goldman suggested, as they have in previous reports, the expansion of library hours to accommodate the need. They highlighted the Cascades Library’s successful program that sees over 400 students a month. The program holds a nocost, after-hours teen center every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. for students ages 12-to 17 with crafts, computers, games and friends. Of the nine county libraries, only the Cascades library offers an after-hours program.

“Kids are going to gather. It’s not like they are waiting for us to provide a space,” Reles said, adding public libraries are a natural choice because they already draw youth to them.

Absenteeism

When it comes to absenteeism, Goldman said it was a problem before COVID, but that the pandemic made it much worse.

“You basically got used to not going to school and it made a difference in coming back,” he said.

According to the report, Loudoun

County Public Schools reported 6,860 students were considered chronically absent—missing 10% or more of the school year—during the 2018-19 school year. That number jumped to 8,188 in 20202021, 10,678 in 2021-2022 and to 15,284 during the 2022-2023 school year.

The worry around chronically absent kids is real. According to the report, a student who is chronically absent in any year between eighth and twelfth grade is seven times more likely to drop out of school. Chronic absenteeism is a significant precursor to high school dropouts, according to the report.

The rate of chronic absenteeism among Hispanic and poor students is double the county average, with Hispanic students accounting for 27% of all chronic absenteeism cases. Overall, 30% of the Hispanic student population is considered chronically absent despite making up only 17% of the population, according to the report.

Goldman said the division has created a task force and changed its absenteeism policy seeking to address the underlying causes.

Goldman said there are multiple reasons why a student is chronically absent, including poor academic performance, needing to work to support the family, and staying home to take care of a sick sibling.

Goldman said they also found a subgroup of chronically absent students in K through second grade and 11-12th grades who had good grades, no disciplinary problems, and the majority of their absences were excused. He said those students were deciding to not to go to school.

“You’ve got kids coming home saying things like ‘I don’t need to go to school tomorrow. I need to study for a test.’ Or they have a sports-related activity. They are basically making adult decisions as 11th and 12th graders thinking their time is better spent at home,” he said.

For kindergarten through second grade students who are chronically absent, Goldman said it comes down to parents letting kids stay home when they don’t want to go to school.

Goldman said the goal of the report is to provide a voice for the youth who may otherwise fall through the system and to highlight good things the 129,587 youth from pre-kindergarten to young adults do across the county, but also to call attention to areas of concern to hopefully bring about solutions.

Other issues brought up in the report included bullying, social media use, and graduation and dropout rates of students, particularly Hispanic students.

Read the full report at loudounnow.com/ACOYreport. n

Phones in schools

continued from page 1

isting practice in middle schools.

Meanwhile, high school aged students would be allowed to keep their devices on them as long as they are silenced. Use of the devises during instructional time would be prohibited, but they could be used during class changes and lunch.

Smith said most high schools already impose those rules, but said the policy will keep it consistent for all students.

“Cell phones, earbuds and smart watches must be silenced and put away during all instructional periods unless allowed by the teacher or a special circumstance exists and there is a documented accommodation,” the policy states. Documented accommodations can include an Individualized Education Plans, 504 plans or medical reasons like checking sugar levels for diabetes.

Smith said the policy was designed to have flexibility where phones and other personal device types can have instructional benefits but said it limits it “to off unless explicitly allowed versus the way it is now. It’s up to teachers to kind of manage it and that’s one of the things we’ve heard loud and clear with our feedback. Students and teachers may not agree with what the policy should say but they definitely agreed that it needs to be consistent and there needs to be a consistent set of expectations.”

Students may only connect their device to the LCPS-OPEN wireless network and are not allowed to use a Virtual Private Network, according to the policy. Also, all personal devices used during school hours must be free from anything that would violate the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Cell phones and personal devices would not be allowed in bathrooms or locker rooms unless there

is a documented medical reason. Photography, audio and video recording are also not allowed in those areas.

The policy also addresses inappropriate use and cyberbullying, stating neither are allowed during school hours, on LCPS transportation, or at any school-sponsored event.

Staff responsibilities outlined in the policy include clearly communicating expectations to students and families for when device use is allowed. It also says teachers can allow the use of devices for “educational activities” at their discretion.

“We get a lot of requests to block cell phones or to make sure they don’t work and that is actually against FCC [Federal Communications Commission] regulations, and we are not allowed to do that,” Smith said. “Really it comes down to a student’s behavior and classroom management at that point so that is where we hope this policy will help at least set some clear guidance for teachers.”

The policy also states parents should avoid communicating with their student during the school day unless there is an emergency.

Smith said the policy expands the existing student technology acceptable/responsible use policy. He said the new policy was created after gathering feedback from students, teachers, principals and the central office staff, and after reaching out to neighboring divisions to see how they are managing their student personal device use.

Smith said the state Department of Education may develop a model policy for school divisions, but that it likely won’t be in place by the time school starts in the fall.

The policy was reviewed the first time by the School Board’s Student Behavior and Accountability Committee on April 22 and will be sent out to the community and advisory committees for feedback. n

Published by Loudoun Community Media

15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176

703-770-9723

KURT ASCHERMANN Executive Director kaschermann@loudounnow.com

NORMAN K. STYER Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com

EDITORIAL

ALEXIS GUSTIN Reporter agustin@loudounnow.com

HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

ADVERTISING

SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com

TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com

VICKY MASHAW Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.com

Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun and Ashburn, and distributed for pickup throughout the county. Online, Loudoun Now provides daily community news coverage to an audience of more than 100,000 unique monthly visitors.

Opinion

A Comprehensive Approach

For decades, data centers have been viewed by the public, and county leaders, as big, ugly, noisy buildings that, if kept away from neighbors, have little impact on the community aside from the tremendous amount of tax revenue they generated.

Over the past several months, that assessment has quickly and dramatically changed.

Now, beyond the nuisance concerns, the industry’s expansion plans also are viewed as sucking up property needed for other uses and astronomically driving up land prices. And then there is the rapidly growing need for power on a scale still unimaginable to most.

County supervisors have scrambled in wack-a-mole fashion to address the concerns. New planning policies and zoning rules have brought improved design standards. Then there was a push to impose new locational and size controls through a special exception permitting process. And most recently, the board has worked to patch together an electrical power distribution policy seeking to control where new powerlines are built and even have some installed underground.

However, with pace of the industry’s growth and the fact that many regulatory decisions will be controlled at the state or federal levels of government, those increasingly seem ineffectual.

Editor:

I am eight years old. I go to school in Loudoun County and I am in second grade.

When I think about fighting and war it is very scary, especially for little kids and their parents. I have seen and heard on the news about what’s happening in Gaza. There are lots of bombs and people are being attacked whether they

At that same time, it is becoming clear that the impacts are not confined to the county’s eastern Loudoun commercial centers. At a community meeting this week, a crowd of nearly 200 was expected to gather in western Loudoun working to protect historic sites, agricultural operations, and cherished countryside views from the encroachment of new electrical infrastructure.

It is now clear that a new comprehensive approach is needed. Luckily, by virtue of being the Data Center Capital of the World, the resources—including the industry’s leading minds—are at hand to take on the challenge.

Instead of a reactionary piecemeal approach, it is time to get all the players around the table to develop a comprehensive solution. That includes a clear vision for the location and scale of any additional data centers, a firm understanding of the anticipated growth in power needs even as the existing centers will demand exponentially more for their operations, and solutions to provide that electricity. Does Loudoun want to become a testbed for new technologies like small modular reactors? It might. These challenges will not be solved with votes in the county boardroom, but will require input—and innovative thinking—from a broad spectrum of advisors. And that conversation needs to start now with urgency and purpose. n

LETTERS to the Editor

are in their houses or even the hospitals. This makes me really sad because it is very dangerous and unsafe for innocent people.

There are also a lot of people in Gaza who don’t have enough to eat because of all the fighting. I have heard about trucks with food and supplies not being allowed to get to the people who need help. Kids who are like me cannot eat any food and are also dying. Some kids can only have bread, but not much else. I think about

all the things I have to eat at home and I feel grateful for what I have. But I think we should all have equal rights and I wish the children in Gaza had the same as me. We need to start helping more. One way is to donate to help the people who are suffering. I also think that our country has a lot of power to stop the fighting. If we can stop the fighting, then it will be peaceful.

— Jaziba Munir, Ashburn

Loudoun

READERS’ poll

16 people are in the running to represent us in Congress. What should be their top priority?

• 30.7% Lower taxes

• 27.6% Bipartisanship/break the gridlock

• 20.6% Immigration reform

• 7.9% Abortion laws

• 6.6% Infrastructure investments

• 4.4% Climate change

• 2.2% Support the party line

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

What is the greatest challenge facing Loudoun youth today?

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

Generations

continued from page 3

adding that the number one factor that shapes each generation is parenting, followed by technology and geography.

A 25-year-old born in the Midwest raised by 60-year-old parents will be very different than a 25-year-old born in New York City raised by 45-year-old parents even though they would both classify as Gen Zers.

“If we use them as clues, they give us the ability to do three things, and this is the magic. They help us to faster connect, build trust, and drive influence,” Dorsey said.

The four generations filling the workforce today are Gen Zers, aged 12 to 28; Millennials, aged 29 to 47; Gen Xers, aged 48 to 59; and Baby Boomers aged 60 to 78.

“One of the things that’s fascinating—it’s not true in all businesses, but it’s true in most—is that most people have three or four different generations that they’re having to lead, and that’s tough,” he said. “What’s even harder is in many, many businesses you’re serving five generations.”

According to the research done by his company, The Center for Generational Kinetics, each group generally has unique characteristics that are crucial for small business owners to understand if they want to hire and retain good talent at their companies.

CHIPshots

— By Chip Beck

Gen Zers are the fastest growing generation in the workforce, are the most diverse, are looking for stability, care about benefits, do not believe they will be able to retire, have a longer tenure at jobs than Millennials, and 70% of them believe in universal basic income, Dorsey said.

Millennials, in addition to being the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs, are going through a new life stage Dorsey refers to as “delayed adulthood” and are tech dependent.

Dorsey said the majority of Millennials still want what most people consider as adult responsibilities, such as marriage, families, settling into a career and owning

a home. They are just getting there later than earlier generations.

Gen Xers are naturally skeptical, are the most loyal age group, and are pulled in three different directions—work, children and caring for their aging parents.

Baby Boomers have the most work and life experience, control the majority of the country’s wealth, believe in policies and procedures, vote the most and have the strongest regulatory relationships.

For practical application, Dorsey encouraged the audience to remember and apply a few lessons.

When hiring, companies should realize that most applicants are applying for jobs

on their phone and only read the first two sentences of any job listing, he said. Those listings need to have three pieces of information in the first two sentences—salary range, benefits and schedule flexibility.

“We’ve tested a bunch of models … and what we found is the natural response is people want Fridays off,” Dorsey said. “… Most companies cannot give Fridays off. So, if it’s not an option, you have to find a solution. What we found is many companies can create the same amount of enthusiasm if you instead find ways to let employees fly by one hour, meaning they can choose to show up an hour later or show up an hour earlier.”

He also encouraged employers to contact prospective employees after their initial hiring but before their first day because “ghosting” by new employees on the first day is a frequent problem faced by businesses.

He also encouraged business owners to have a LinkedIn account and post two or three personal facts and a good quality photo to connect with viewers. Lastly, he told employers to provide 15 seconds of feedback to their employees once a week.

“If you look at all the generations together, what would you uncover is every single generation is equally important,” Dorsey said. “There’s no one generation that’s more valuable than the others. The better we understand each of them, the more value they can bring, but the key is this—we have to give people space to be who they are.” n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Many of the county’s small business owners gathered at the Lodge at Hanson Park for the Department of Economic Development’s Small Business Summit April 30.