Loudoun Now for June 1, 2023

Purcellville’s Adams Resigns as Town Manager

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Purcellville’s newest Interim Town Manager Glen Adams has resigned, effective June 6, only four weeks after accepting the job.

Adams is the third town manager— and the fifth senior staff member—to resign this year following former managers David Mekarski and John Anzivino, former Town Attorney Sally Hankins and former Planning Director Don Dooley.

Adams said that he resigned after learning that he was not selected to move forward in the interview process for the permanent position.

“I wanted the job, do not be confused, because the staff and the residents deserved it,” Adams said. “I put my heart and soul into it and fell in love with Purcellville.”

His contract with the town was originally agreed on for three months, effective April 28. The compensation stipulated in the agreement was $6,800 bi-weekly.

During his brief tenure, Adams guided the counsel through the remainder of budget season, with the council adopting the fiscal year 2024 budget during its meeting May 23.

The council held interviews for applicants for the town manager position Friday, May 19 and Monday, May 22. They convened into a closed session to discuss the candidates during the May 23 council meeting.

Judge Orders School Board Report be Turned Over to AG’s Office

immediate administrative leave for the remainder of his employment by the town.

Hankins resigned April 1, following approximately three weeks of administrative leave. Her resignation came after a contentious first few months with Purcellville’s new council, especially in February over the Town Council’s initial decision to forego a special election in November for a vacant council seat despite advice from her that they were required to hold a special election.

Anzivino, who started in February, directly following Mekarski’s resignation, held the position for approximately two months before quitting mid-meeting following a surprise motion by Council Member Mary F. “Boo” Bennett to reduce the proposed staff cost of living raise by 3%.

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounow.com

A Loudoun County Circuit Court judge ruled today that the School Board-commissioned independent investigation into how the school division handled two sexual assaults by the same student in 2021, and which the School Board has hidden from public disclosure, must be given to the special prosecutor’s office.

And the judge said the School Board appeared to have violated the Virginia Freedom of Information Act on four occasions with closeddoor meetings.

The council has narrowed the candidate pool to three applicants, according to the town’s Human Resource Department. It is scheduled to conduct final interviews next week, with tentative plans to make a selection at the council’s next meeting on June 6.

Loudoun Now contacted Mayor Stanley J. Milan who confirmed Adams’ resignation but did not comment on the matter.

Mekarski first resigned, then was terminated in February after the Town Council and Mekarski disagreed on the terms of his resignation. He was placed on

Anzivino said he had never seen anything like it and other actions taken by the council in his 40 years of experience with municipal governments.

“It’s not something I’m going to continue with,” he said.

The council called a recess and Anzivino packed up his desk before telling Loudoun Now that he would be making the three-hour drive back to Urbanna, VA the next morning.

It concluded Anzivino’s second stint as the town’s interim town manager. In 2017, he stepped into the job after the departure of former interim town manager Alex Vanegas, who was fired amid a management and Town Council scandal. n

The action is part of pre-trial motions in the prosecution of former Loudoun County Public Schools

Superintendent Scott A. Ziegler on three misdemeanor charges arising from a special grand jury investigation conducted last year. The school division now has seven days to hand over the report.

Attorney Jennifer Parrish, of Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, who is representing the school division, had argued the report is protected from disclosure by attorney-client privilege. The School Board has also cited attorney-client

INDEPENDENT REPORT continues on page 32

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Interim Town Manager Glen Adams will step down next week after serving one month in the job.

Memorial Day

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The annual Memorial Day Observance was held Monday morning at the Loudoun County Courthouse.

“Your being here today demonstrates that you respect the fallen who have given their last full measure of devotion to this country,” Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk said. “You know the real reason for Memorial Day. You know the sacrifices that the men and the women in the armed services who did not return to their families. You know of the pain and the hurt to the families when someone did not come home. Thank you for being here and for remembering.”

“Today is for the ones who did not come back. We do not know them, but we owe them,” she said.

Keynote remarks were made by Robert C. Holcomb, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who volunteers as a docent at the George C. Marshall International Center, leading tours of Marshall’s Leesburg home, Dodona Manor.

Holcomb highlighted one of the lesser-known duties carried out by Marshall— his service as chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission.

He noted that it was in that role that Marshall delivered the Memorial Day remarks during Leesburg’s Memorial Day service in 1956. He was there to help dedicate the World War I memorial.

The commission was formed by Congress in 1923 to create and maintain American military cemeteries overseas following World War I. Marshall took over the chairmanship from Gen. John J. Pershing in 1949 and held the post until his death in 1959.

Holcomb said that during World War II, nearly 361,000 Americans died over-

‘We Owe Them’

More Memorial Day photos from around the county on page 33

seas and only about half were brought home by their families for burial. By the mid-1950s, 14 new American cemeteries had been established in Europe to provide permanent memorials to those who did not return.

Holcomb noted that Marshall cited his work on the American Battle Monuments Commission in his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“The cost of war in human lives is constantly spread before me, written neatly in many ledgers whose columns are gravestones. I am deeply moved to find some means or method of avoiding another calamity of war. Almost daily, I hear from the wives or the mothers or the families of the dead,” Marshall said.

Holcomb pointed out that Marshall’s stepson, Lt. Allen Tupper Brown was killed in his tank near Vellertri, Italy, on May 29, 1944, and was buried in a temporary cemetery there.

“Yes, Marshall had a deep, personal understanding about those neat columns of gravestones,” Holcomb said.

“The fundamental theme of all of the honored dead buried in these cemeteries is that of service,” Holcomb said, pointing out that most of those buried in those cemeteries were drafted and called to fight to protect others.

“Many brave American men and women have died overseas defending other nations from tyranny and they deserve to be honored this day on Memorial Day,” Holcomb said.

The ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths at each of the war memorials in the courthouse square, as well as a display of the names of Loudoun residents who died during the Civil War on the Union and Confederate sides. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Lt. Col. (ret) Robert C. Holcomb and Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk lay a wreath at the World War I memorial at the Loudoun County Courthouse.

Philip Rusciolelli and Jim McQuary, of VFW Post 1177, escort a wreath to the Vietnam War memorial in Leesburg’s courthouse square.

Keynote speaker Robert C. Holcomb highlighted the work of Gen. George C. Marshall as the chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission, created following World War I in 1923 to create and maintain American cemeteries on foreign lands.

A wreath is placed at the World War II and Korean War memorial during the 2023 Memorial Day Observance in Leesburg’s courthouse square.

Loudoun

Randall: State of Loudoun is ‘Exceptional’

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large) on Tuesday delivered her last State of the County address of her current term before she heads to an attempt at reelection.

She promoted board actions over the last term, pushed some current policy objectives, condemned disinformation and divisive politics, recognized retiring government officials, welcomed a delegation from Ghana, thanked senior county staff and nonprofit leaders, and for the first time in eight years broke from her established script describing the state of Loudoun as “strong.”

“We are Loudoun, and we do hard things. And because of that, the state of Loudoun County is not just strong, the state of Loudoun County is exceptional,” she concluded, before signing off: “Thank you, and I’ll see you next year.”

With Loudoun the target of several high-profile political battles during this term, Randall said in the past decade “the

spread of disinformation has been used as a tool to undermine common decency and our faith in humanity.”

“Unfortunately, Loudoun County is not immune to bad actors who seek out opportunities to exploit our differences, backgrounds, and political ideologies,”

she said. “In Loudoun, we have seen an increase in hostile, aggressive acts towards communities of color and socially vulnerable communities.”

She highlighted vandalism at the Belmont Cemetery for the Enslaved, the continued distribution of Ku Klux Klan flyers, antisemitic graffiti, and attacks on immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.

“Sadly, we now live in a world where bullying, hatred and disdain for others has been given a voice, perhaps and hopefully louder than their true representation,” she said. “For some, political discourse has coarsened to the point they no longer see one another as political opponents, but as political enemies, not to engage but to destroy.”

She said Loudoun County “will meet attempts to divide with acts of unity and kindness. We will meet falsehood and disinformation with truth and facts.”

“We will not be deterred. We will not be cowed. We will not be silenced. We are

STATE OF LOUDOUN

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Airports Authority, Region Resist National Push on Flight Rules

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and local lawmakers, businesses and transportation advocates are resisting a push from interests across the country seeking to further weaken the rule designating Dulles International Airport as the choice for long-haul flights.

MWAA’s two airports, Reagan National and Dulles International, since 1966 have been governed by the perimeter rule, which restricts flights from Reagan to within 1,250 miles. That limits flights out of Reagan to destinations in areas that cover all of the East Coast and as far west as Kansas, and reserves long-haul and international flights for Dulles Airport.

That recognized the conditions at Reagan, which is in a heavily built area and out of room to grow, while Dulles has plenty of land and longstanding plans for a fifth runway. On Tuesday, the airports authority published information that Reagan’s main runway is the busiest runway in the country, averaging 819 takeoffs and landings a day. That put it ahead of the

next-busiest runway, at Los Angeles International Airport with 781 takeoffs and landings.

But over time, Congress has carved out exceptions to the rule, typically at the request of lawmakers from states outside the perimeter, making their drive from the capitol to the airport shorter. The first exemption was made for Arizona, at the request of the late Sen. John McCain. Today, there are 20 round trips a day from Reagan outside the perimeter.

Some lawmakers and business groups are again pushing to let Dulles’s sister airport, Reagan National, take over more of the region’s long-haul flights. Airports Authority officials warn that proposal threatens business and service at both airports.

“DCA operates at full capacity, with a takeoff or landing every minute, for much of the day,” airports authority President and CEO Jack Potter stated. “Adding more flights to this already-packed schedule would lead to more delays, which would result from the need to accommodate the spacing between aircraft operations that is required to assure safety.”

“In addition to exacerbating delays

and inconveniencing customers, more flights at Reagan National would bring more crowding, more congestion and more stress on airport facilities,” he added. “While DCA is very popular because of its proximity to Capitol Hill, it simply cannot accommodate all the flights that airlines want to send to Washington.”

On Thursday, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, a government agency comprised of representatives from 13 local governments and providing coordination among them, unanimously adopted a resolution opposing more perimeter rule exemptions.

The resolution cites a study that the airport authority contributes $14.4 billion to the region’s gross domestic product and generates $1.1 billion in state and local taxes, and that in 2017 the airport authority spent $767.9 million of its $950.6 million in expenses at regional businesses.

“When flights shift away from Dulles, it raises costs for Dulles Airport’s airlines

FLIGHT RULES

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Disability Services Board Issues Annual Report

The Loudoun Disability Services Board reported on its work in 2022 in its annual report to the Board of Supervisors on May 16.

Supervisors last year directed the board to conduct a thorough review and make recommendations for increased accessibility for people with disabilities visiting the three main public-facing county government buildings, the Government Center and Shenandoah Building in Leesburg and the Ridgetop Circle Building in Sterling. The board assessed those buildings for ways to go beyond the minimum Americans with Disabilities Act standards and reported those options to the county finance committee in July 2022.

The finance committee authorized the board’s recommendations on improving physical access and communications, such as moving accessible parking spaces closer to the Government Center, automating the front door at Ridgetop, adding handicap-accessible restrooms at Shenandoah, and conducting mandatory, consistent training for staff on etiquette and communication.

The total cost of those improvements was estimated at $240,000.

The DSB also co-hosted the first disability resource fair with the Arc of Loudoun in April 2022 and organized the 2021 Full Accessibility and Inclusion Moving toward Equity or FAIME awards in February 2022, among other work.

First-Half Real Property Tax Due Monday

The deadline to pay the first-half real property tax is Monday, June 5. Payments received or postmarked after June 5 will incur a 10% penalty and interest. The due date will not be extended for bills where assessment questions have been filed with the Board of Equalization. Taxpayers who are having financial difficulties may contact

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 6

Lorenzo Salas/Loudoun Now Loudoun Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) delivers her eighth State of the County address Tuesday, May 24.

Terrys Named Foster Parents of the Year

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Garrett and Synovia Terry have been named Loudoun County’s Foster Parents of the Year.

According to a county Board of Supervisors resolution honoring the couple, they became approved foster parents with the Loudoun Department of Family Services in 2019, and since then have served as foster parents and respite providers for 11 children and adolescents. The resolution notes their patience and flexibility, meeting the varied needs of each child.

“Our foster parents are really the heart and soul of our organization, making sure that children who come into our care are loved, are safe, are able to enjoy family, and able to live and grow in a safe environment,” Department of Family

Flight rules

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and passengers and upsets the operational and financial balance of the airport system, eroding the airports’ contribution to the regional economy,” the resolution warns.

The Maryland and Virginia Congressional delegations are also arguing against the proposed new exemptions.

“This is a dangerously misguided bill that would cripple both DCA and Dulles airports—causing severe congestion and delays as well as cancelling service options that make it harder for Americans to come to our nation’s capital region,” Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) said. “Changes to the perimeter rule are counterproductive and unnecessary, squandering significant investments of taxpayers dollars including in Metro’s Silver Line extension to make this regional airport partnership even more convenient and complementary for all travelers. A few Members of Congress have no business meddling with the business operations of our local airports for their own personal benefit.””

The group lobbying for the exemptions, the Capital Access Alliance, is led by Delta Air Lines. The new legislation as proposed would more than double the number of daily perimeter rule exemptions, with 20 of the 28 new round trips reserved for Delta.

The alliance argues the perimeter rule

Services Director Ina Fernández said at the Board of Supervisors meeting May 16. “Without our foster parents, we don’t know what we would be able to do, because there are so many kids who need this home, this family, this service.”

“I just want to say, thank you God for putting us in a position to be used to care for these lovely kids,” Garrett Terry said.

The Foster Parents of the Year are announced each May, National Foster Care Month. They were also recognized by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, saying they consistently answer the calls in the middle of the night and change their plans to welcome a child into their home. They have also joined the Fostering Futures program of the Virginia Department of Social Services, a voluntary program for teens and young adults who turn 18 and wish to stay with their foster parents a few years longer. n

blocks access to the national capital region. It backs legislation from Georgia Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA-4) and Utah Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT-4). Both represent states with Delta hubs—Georgia’s Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Utah’s Salt Lake City International Airport.

A growing number of business organizations from outside the region have joined the push for more exemptions, including the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Salt Lake Chamber, Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce. One local group, the Northern Virginia Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, has also joined the group.

“We’re proud to have a diverse and growing number of organizations from around the country supporting this critical effort as we encourage Congress to modernize the DCA perimeter rule to provide more affordable access to our nation’s capital,” alliance spokesperson Brian Walsh stated in a press release.

“The lack of accessible air travel to Washington, D.C. significantly harms the local economy and Northern Virginia businesses that depend on tourism and business travel. Additionally, it makes traveling to the western part of the country difficult for Virginia business leaders, their employees, and their families,” Northern Virginia Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Susana Marino stated. n

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State of Loudoun

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Loudoun, and in Loudoun we do hard things,” Randall said.

She noted the tumultuous period of history during the board’s term, which began in January 2020.

“Over the course of this term, we have dealt with a one-hundred-year pandemic, a reckoning on race in America, an economic downturn, an explosive rise in housing costs, and unfortunately, the first insurrection in over a century,” Randall said.

Of the pandemic, she said, “Loudoun weathered the storm with strategic calmness and sound economic policies that allowed our county to remain strong, and even flourish.”

She also celebrated the passage of the county’s Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan, the beginning of Metrorail Silver Line trains to Loudoun, and a Board of Supervisors vote to allow county government employees to unionize. And she said the county will do all it can to advocate for funding for a Crisis Receiving Center in Loudoun to address mental health emergencies.

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With a sister city agreement recently signed with Canelones, Uruguay and another expected next month with Tema, Ghana, Randall welcomed Ghanaian ambassador Alima Mahama and Uruguayan Deputy Chief of Mission Gerardo Ruiz in attendance. She also recognized the first two Ryan Bartel Heart of Humanity Award winners Gabby Guambo and Katelyn Lanham. The award, created by the youth suicide nonprofit Ryan Bartel Foundation, grants a $2,500 scholarship for graduating seniors who have gone out of their way to help a peer going through mental health struggles.

She thanked senior county government leadership and told stories about three retiring public servants: Deputy County Administrator Charles Yudd; Treasurer Roger Zurn, Loudoun’s longest-serving

Although the previous county chair, Scott York, gave a muted, business-focused annual State of the County address at the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, the event as it exists today—with fanfare, ushers, two introductory speakers and several musical performances leading up to Randall’s speech—is something Randall created when she came to office.

This year, the ushers were members of the Young Kings Movement, a nonprofit focused on building leadership and providing support and mentorship for young men, launched by Harriet “Doode” Summers at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event also once again featured other exceptional young people, including Loudoun Valley High School junior Logan Buckley singing the National Anthem, Leesburg resident and performer Derrick Pough Jr. singing “Rise Up” by Andra Day, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by James Butler, who Randall highlighted as a rare Eagle Scout of color. n

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the Office of the Treasurer’s Collections Team at 703-771-5656 for assistance.

Payments can be made online at loudounportal.com/taxes, by phone to 1-800-269-5971, or to a Treasurer’s Office or by mail: County of Loudoun, P.O. Box 1000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177-1000.

With questions, call the Loudoun County Treasurer’s Office at 703-7770280 or email taxes@loudoun.gov. For information about Real Property Tax Relief for the Elderly or for Disabled Persons, contact the Tax Exemption and Deferrals Division of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at taxrelief@loudoun. gov or by phone at 703-737-8557, or go to loudoun.gov/taxrelief. n

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“Loudoun weathered the storm with strategic calmness and sound economic policies that allowed our county to remain strong, and even flourish.”

— Loudoun Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large)

Leesburg

Stalled Construction Irks Tuscarora Village Residents

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

In late 2016, the Leesburg Town Council approved the conversion of a longplanned—and long-dormant—office park to a mixed-use project that would include 475 residential units.

A key element in the developer winning approval of the rerezoning for the 77-acre Leegate project was a phasing plan that would ensure that at least some of the long-promised commercial development would be realized.

Now, that requirement is at the root of an uprising among the residents of the rebranded Tuscarora Village community.

Because no commercial development has occurred in the project—even a long-touted plan for a Lidl grocery store is still slogging through the review process— the developer of the residential section, Stanley Martin, is unable to start work on the next phase of home construction.

A few weeks ago, residents were told that, because of that roadblock, construction of the neighborhood’s most anticipated amenities would also be delayed—possibly for five more years.

Residents said they were given false hope or misled about when the amenities would be provided.

One of the community’s earliest buyers now sits on the Town Council.

This month, Todd Cimino-Johnson called out the developer from his seat on the dais about the “feeling of betrayal and disappointment” he and other residents feel.

“It is time for Stanley Martin to take responsibility for their actions and be honest with their clients. Start building amenities today and stop with the lies and excuses,” he said. “The Town of Leesburg is not stopping you from building these. We need to hold Stanley Martin accountable for their lack of transparency and honesty. We cannot let them get away with promising one thing and delivering nothing.”

Other residents are also voicing their frustrations.

Rebecca Tyler and her husband bought into the development three years ago, but they’ve since moved to Lucketts and now

AROUND Town

Re-paving Season Opens in Town

Several areas of town will be getting fresh pavement this month as part of the annual re-surfacing program. That means there will be night work on the Leesburg Bypass, Battlefield Parkway, and in some downtown neighborhoods.

The work is scheduled through June 22.

On the work list this year are the southbound lanes of the Bypass in the area of Edwards Ferry Road, Battlefield Parkway between Kincaid Boulevard and Russell Branch Parkway, the northbound lanes of Battlefield Parkway from Potomac Station Drive to Fort Evans Road, Loudoun Street between West Market Street and Dry Mill Road, and Ayr Street between West Market Street and Cornwall Street.

Work will take place Sunday through Thursday, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

rent out their Tuscarora Village home.

“They made so many empty promises when we purchased in early 2020. It feels like they just threw phase one of our neighborhood together, complete with overgrown empty fields on all sides, only to abandon us,” she said. “We are supposed to have a trail directly connecting us to the W&OD trail, a pool and clubhouse, as well as pickle ball/tennis courts and a tot lot. Now they are telling us that will take six years to complete, and that’s if they started today. All of those things were huge selling points for my husband and I when we purchased the home.”

Shaina Mufti and her husband moved in in December 2020 after looking at homes in other, more established neighborhoods. They were drawn to Tuscarora Village by the promise of an abundance of amenities.

“People used their hard-earned money and invested in this neighborhood and were misled and lied to. If my husband and I knew then what we know now, we would not have purchased our first home in Tuscarora Village,” she said. “Something has got to give here as the unfulfilled promises and never-ending cycle of false hope have become tiring and insulting to our intelligence. We all deserve better.”

Al Frioni noted that while there is substantial frustration among the residents

about the delays in the amenities, they do find it to be a great place to live.

“I very honestly and truly love living here, and although Stanley Martin has been incredibly frustrating to deal with, my day to day in this community is wonderful and I would not trade it for any other location,” he said.

Under the Leegate phasing agreement, the neighborhood is limited to construction of 165 residential units until 45,000 square feet of commercial development— including 19,000 square feet of office space—is complete.

Perhaps conveying a different message than that employed by the sales staff, the phasing plan was called out in a disclosure that each purchaser was required to sign at closing. In that, Stanley Martin stated it did not intend to move forward with the construction of the larger amenities until the second phase of residential construction is underway and until “there are a sufficient number of homeowners to support the pool. Accordingly, construction on the pool and related amenities may not start for a number of years.”

The phase proffer mandates that the pool and the clubhouse be complete prior to the issuance of the 320th residential occupancy permit.

The neighborhood is halfway to that trigger point. n

Plans Finalized for King/ Market Intersection

The Town Council last week approved one more design change for the King Street/Market Street intersection improvement project, which is expected to be under construction next month.

The $311,488 change order shifts the installation of a power conduit system planned for an upcoming street light program into the $2.8 million intersection project, an effort to avoid having two periods of construction there.

Madigan Construction was awarded the $1.7 million construction contract in January. The project includes replacement of the stormwater inlets, updated pedestrian signals and installation of new streetlights. The work, which is expected to require nighttime street closures, is expected to start in July and be complete by the end of October.

AROUND TOWN continues on page 9

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

A tot lot at the Tuscarora Village neighborhood was constructed last year, the first of many amenities promised to residents who started moving in three years ago.

AROUND Town

continued from page 8

Ryan Honored as Fitness Example

The Town Council last week adopted a special proclamation to honor Nancy L. Ryan for her 25 years as a fitness instructor at the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center. The recognition comes as she prepares to celebrate her 80th birthday Aug. 7.

Ryan has been a certified fitness instructor for almost 40 years and holds a master’s degree in exercise science from George Washington University.

As the senior fitness instructor at the recreation center, she helps her senior clients recover from illness and replacement challenges.

The proclamation lauds Ryan for her dedication to her students as a fitness professional and congratulates her for her example as a senior citizen. n

Obituaries

James Robert Wynn

JAMES ROBERT WYNN, 83, of Leesburg, VA, passed away on May 22, 2023. James was born on May 15, 1940, in New Jersey, to James Franklin Wynn and Mary L. Tindal. His service in the United States Army and subsequent employment as a government contractor took him around the world—from Vietnam to Europe to Africa and the Middle East. James ultimately settled in Leesburg with his wife Kristine and some of his happiest moments were supporting Loudoun County High School sports and volunteering in the community. He served on the Building Committee of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church and the Economic Development Commission for the Town of Leesburg. James is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Kristine B. Wynn; son James Franklin Wynn II; daughter-in-law Danielle Wynn; as well as three grandchildren: Gregory,

Logan, and Taylor Wynn. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oakcrest Manor Drive NE, Leesburg, VA 20176, at 10am. Interment will follow at St. John the Apostle Cemetery in Leesburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Share condolences with the family at www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov

Erica, Ryan, Eve, Mike, & Jessica

School Division, Law Enforcement Agreement Heads to Final Vote

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The school division’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Sheriff ’s Office and Leesburg Police Department will likely be finalized in June.

The division’s Chief Human Resources Officer Lisa Boland presented the final draft to the School Board during a May 23 work session and said she was proud of the work that had been done on it.

The MOU is an agreement between the School Board, LCSO and LPD to “promote a positive relationship between students, staff and law enforcement and to maintain a safe, supportive and secure school environment,” according to the MOU. It clarifies the role and scope of the authority of the School Resource Officers, school administration and teachers.

Work to revise the MOU began Jan. 19 and consisted of weekly meetings between designated members of the division and the agencies, according to Boland. She said the groups met with a common goal to provide “a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.”

According to Chair Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge), work to update the current MOU really began in 2022 when the School Board released a statement about the 2021 sexual assaults and committed to update its MOU. According to Virginia Code,

Pride Month Proclamation Passes with Controversy

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN alexisgustin@loudounnow.com

A Pride Month resolution was approved by the School Board on Tuesday night, but not without controversy and debate.

Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) read the proclamation that states the School

PRIDE MONTH continues on page 12

the MOU needs to be updated every two years, the most recent MOU was from 2021.

Boland said all parties involved agreed to make edits together in the meetings. After five meetings a first draft was ready Feb. 16 and a second draft later in March.

Additional recommended changes made by the Joint School Board and Board of Supervisors were added to the draft during the May 9 School Board meeting. Those changes were discussed

and approved by the group May 11 and it was presented to the School Board during last week’s work session.

Jeff Morse (Dulles) said he appreciated the updates asked if Boland believed the document as it stands now could have affected the division’s response to the assaults in 2021.

Boland said she was hesitant to respond to the question because she wasn’t

Harvest Ridge Name Proposed for Dulles South

A School Board-appointed naming committee voted April 26 to recommend the name Harvest Ridge Elementary School for a Dulles South elementary school that is under construction and scheduled to open fall 2024.

The school is being built on a 117-acre site shared with Lightridge High School and Hovatter Elementary School.

Other names that were under consideration included Hovatter Primary School, Sibyl Hovatter Elementary School, and Henrietta Lacks Elementary School.

The School Board is expected to vote on the name at its June 13 meeting.

Leesburg Development Assigned to Tolbert ES

The School Board on May 23 approved an elementary school attendance zone change for Tuscarora Crossing, a 250-acre mixed-use development outside of Leesburg currently in the marketing phase. Students there will be assigned to John W. Tolbert Elementary School.

The area had been zoned for Cool Spring Elementary, Harper Park Middle School and Heritage High School.

The Department of Support Services recommended the change, noting that moving the elementary attendance zone before homes are built and students move in would address future capacity concerns.

About 142 elementary school age children are expected to live in the development once its complete.

Students Win Awards at International Science Fair

Junior’s Zoe DeWitt, of Stone Bridge High School and the Academies of Loudoun, and Jagadeepram Maddipatla, of Rock Ridge High School, were given special awards at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, TX.

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 11

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now School Board Chair Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) and Vice Chair Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) at the May 23 meeting.

ENFORCEMENT AGREEMENT continues on page 12

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

An attendee at the May 23 School Board meeting holds a Pride flag in support of the LGBTQ+ and Pride Month proclamation.

Board Adopts New Student Protective Order Policy

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

In a 7-0-2 vote Tuesday, the School Board enacted a new policy that outlines guidelines for student protective orders and the duty of school administrators when one is received.

There are three types of protective orders—emergency protective orders that expire after three days or at the next court day, preliminary protective orders that last 15 days or until a full hearing is held, and protective orders that can last up to two years.

The policy outlines student support plans to be implemented by administrators if a student has a protective order, what schools should do when they receive a protective order, and procedures for investigation and potential discipline of students who are subject to protective orders as a result of actions that happen “under school authority or otherwise impacted the educational environment,” according to the policy.

Director of the Office of School Administration Douglas Fulton told the School Board that the policy follows a state code change in 2019 that puts the responsibility of a protective order and the implementation of a comprehensive student support plan on the principal of a school if it’s brought in voluntarily by a parent.

The policy states the school will “maintain a hard copy of the protective order in the student’s cumulative folder and forward a copy of any active protective order

SCHOOL notebook

continued from page 10

DeWitt won first place from the Central Intelligence Agency in the Behavioral and Social Sciences category for her research on the effect of Lion’s Mane mushrooms on socially isolated fruit flies.

Maddipatla won second place from the National Security Agency in the Embedded Systems category for designing and developing a computer chip that operates on light energy.

Aryaa Agarwal and Samantha Brown, seniors from Broad Run High School and the Academies of Loudoun, and Tyler Smith, a senior from Heritage High

if the student transfers to a new school.”

“If a student were to transfer, it’s not the protective order that is the most important piece, it’s the comprehensive student support plan,” Fulton said. “So, in the Phoenix system [the division’s student management system] an icon would pop up on a student’s name if they move to another school letting staff know there is a protective order in place and a comprehensive student support plan in place for them to look at.”

That was an area that generated a lot of discussion as the Student Behavior and Accountability Committee, formerly known as the Discipline Committee worked through the draft, according to committee members Erika Ogedegbe (Leesburg) and Vice Chair Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn).

Fulton said often a protective order is for a short period of time and referenced a recent one received by a principal that was for four days. He said it meant the principal had four days to put something together as quickly as possible to make sure all who needed to be aware of it were notified.

Fulton noted that the information in a protective order is confidential, and it is up to the parents or guardians to determine what information is shared with others.

The policy was open for public feedback March 2-16. The policy was clarified after the March 27 committee meeting and then forwarded to the full board as an information item May 9.

Denise Corbo (At-Large) and Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian) were absent for the final vote. n

WORKFORCE HOUSING IS ABOUT LOUDOUN’S FUTURE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

45% of Loudoun renters are spending more than 30% of their monthly income on housing.

More housing options for Loudoun’s workforce are essential to the future of Loudoun.

Workforce Housing Now is not an issue about charity. It’s about the future economic prosperity of Loudoun.

Let’s shape Loudoun’s future.

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45% of Loudoun renters are spending more than 30% of their monthly income on housing.

School and the Academies of Loudoun, also competed in the Regeneron ISEF finals. n

Workforce Housing Now is an initiative of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.

Loudoun County Public Schools Tyler Smith, Aryaa Agarwal, Samantha Brown, Zoe DeWitt and Jagadeepram Maddipatla at the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, TX.

Loudoun Teachers Commended for CyberSlam

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Two Loudoun County teachers were presented a commendation from the Virginia General Assembly on May 23 for developing the 2023 Virginia CyberSlam conference, a cybersecurity event geared to high school students.

Loudoun County High School cybersecurity teacher Jen Marden and Briar Woods cybersecurity teacher Chris Starke were recognized for their work in developing the cybersecurity conference for more than 400 high school students in January.

The CyberSlam event was born from a conversation with Loudoun Economic Development Advisory Commission Executive Committee Chair James Leach during a Loudoun County Economic Development Cyber Meetup event. Leach is also vice president for marketing and communications for Telos Corporation. That conversation led to the first CyberSlam event in 2022 at Briar

Enforcement agreement

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involved in that process or how things happen with law enforcement, but said, “I do believe that this clearly identifies our responsibility as well as law enforcements responsibility. It also clearly identifies the acknowledgment that although law enforcement has to investigate, LCPS also

Pride month

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Board’s support for June being LGBTQ+ and Pride Month and read statistics citing harassment by others toward LGBTQ+ students and lower suicide rates with LGBTQ+ youth if they live in an accepting community.

“This is the fourth time this has come before the board and it really is a testament to this School Board during this term that we have brought this forward four times, and I encourage the members to support it,” she said.

John Beatty (Catoctin) proposed an amendment to the proclamation to add “whereas male bodies and female bodies are different, Loudoun County Public

Woods High School for 175 Loudoun County cyber students.

“The first CyberSlam was a hit, but we knew we wanted to make it bigger and better. We engaged the help of Dr. Peggy Brouse from GMU who agreed to host CyberSlam 2.0 and the event grew to over 400 students,” Starke said.

Del. David Reid (D-32), who presented the commendation last week, said schools and the community need to support cybersecurity education regardless of whether a student goes on to higher education or straight into the IT workforce. He said events like Virginia CyberSlam allow students to get hands-on experience from industry experts and professors.

In Virginia alone there are over 60,000 open cybersecurity jobs, according to George Mason University associate provost Liza Wilson Durrant, who quoted the statistic at the January conference.

Virginia Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security and Assistant Homeland Security Advisor Aliscia Andrews also highlighted the importance of the Virgin-

has a requirement under Title IX, which was not in the MOU previously.”

“I also think outside of this document the relationship LCPS now has with the LCSO and LPD is very different than it was at that time and only say that’s getting better. So I would say yes, but I hesitate to say yes,” she said.

Morse asked for clarification in the document about what the division’s actions will be when a joint Title IX inves-

Schools recognizes the need for separate bathrooms to provide for privacy and safety.”

Beatty said he felt adding the line was important since the proclamation references two school division policies dealing with equal opportunity for a safe and inclusive environment, gender neutral bathrooms, lockers rooms and athletic teams and transgender and gender expansive students. He said the amendment was in line with current projects going on within the division to add single user bathrooms and he felt it was important “to crystalize that.”

“We talk about all students, and we should mean all students and right now we don’t because we are telling our girls they need to be OK with boys coming into

ia CyberSlam event for engaging students at the high school level as being critical to fulfilling cybersecurity needs. She thanked Marden and Starke for the number of volunteer hours they put in to make the event a success and encouraged Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith and Reid to continue their support of cybersecurity education.

“We volunteered thousands of hours and raised over $10,000 to make this event possible for cybersecurity students from five different Virginia counties,” Marden said. “It was worth all of the time and ef-

tigation can’t occur and to define what an administrative review is, and what the steps are when one is done.

“In the event of concurrent investigations involving employee or student misconduct of a criminal nature that is school-related, the [Sheriff’s Office and Leesburg Police Department] may collaborate, to the extent permissible under their own respective policies and regulations,” according to the MOU.

their bathrooms and if they aren’t then they aren’t being allies,” Tiffany Polifko (Broad Run) said.

Polifko supported Beatty’s amendment and spoke of girls at schools who are being told to use the single-user bathrooms or see a counselor if they don’t like boys coming into the girl’s bathroom.

Sheridan objected, saying, “quite frankly the language proposed by Beatty is just the bastardization of what the proclamation states.”

Beatty’s amendment failed 3-4-2 with Polifko, Beatty and Jeff Morse (Dulles) voting for it.

Beatty proposed another amendment to add “whereas male bodies and female bodies are different Loudoun County Public Schools recognizes the need for

fort to see these students engaged and excited about cybersecurity and wanting to learn more. That’s why we do this.”

Starke and Marden are planning to hold Virginia CyberSlam 3.0 at George Mason University on Jan. 19, 2024. They are looking for community and business support through mentoring, sponsorships, funding, and increasing the number of girls, women and people from under-represented populations attending. To donate to CyberSlam 3.0 go to lcps.schoolcashonline.com. n

Boland said she hesitated to define the steps because they change depending on the circumstances. She said there is a goal for the order in which an investigation is conducted but said there is “no guarantee.”

Morse asked that a definition of what an administrative review is be added to the MOU.

The finalized draft of the MOU will be an action item June 13. n

separate sports leagues to provide fair competition.”

Beatty said it was important to add the line to promote fairness and a safe environment for female athletes.

Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) said sports are guided by the Virginia High School League and not by the School Board and are unrelated to the proclamation.

Polikfo said it mattered because the proclamation included a reference to Policy 8040, which states boys and girls may play on the same team.

The amendment failed on the same 3-4-2 vote.

The proclamation passed 4-2-1-2 with Beatty and Polifko opposed, Morse abstaining, and Denise Corbo (At-Large) and Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian) absent. n

Photo by Jen Marden

From left, Virginia Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security and Assistant Homeland Security Advisor Aliscia Andrews, Rock Ridge High School cybersecurity teacher Roxana Cromwell, Jen Marden, Del. Dave Reid (D-32), Chris Starke and Laurel Ridge Community College professor Melissa Stange display the proclamation at Loudoun County High School on May 23.

Public Safety

3 Die in Weekend Motorcycle Crashes

The Sheriff ’s Office is investigating two Memorial Day weekend crashes that took three lives. Both crashes involved motorcycles.

The first crash happened in Ashburn on Friday afternoon. Deputies were called to the scene on northbound Claiborne Parkway near Harry Byrd Highway just after 2:30 p.m. May 26. The preliminary investigation found that the

Construction Begins on Lovettsville Fire and Rescue Station

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Members of Loudoun County’s Board of Supervisors, county staff, Lovettsville’s mayor and town staff, members of Loudoun County Fire and Rescue and community members gathered at the construction site of Lovettsville’s future fire station for a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning.

Supervisor Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin) spoke on the service that Lovettsville Fire and Rescue provides to residents. He said they are responsible for over 50 square miles and have operated out of the same building since 1974.

The planned 19,200-square-foot building is being built adjacent to the current station and will have four apparatus bays, bunk rooms, administrative offices, showers and lockers, and a kitchen and dining area. Currently, a trailer is parked behind the fire station to provide adequate sleeping quarters for the firefighters and

rider lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into the guardrail. Erik E. Grier, 34, of Ashburn, was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The second crash happened Sunday afternoon on Rt. 15 at Tail Race Road near Aldie.

At approximately 3 p.m. May 28, deputies responded to that location for a

rescue members.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said when she was first elected, she toured the county’s fire stations and noticed that Lovettsville’s needed some work.

“I immediately kind of said, ‘This is not what our firefighters deserve. They deserve a nicer facility than this,’” she said. “In 2016 during our budget deliberations, it was put before us to put the money for us for this facility. And so, I was thrilled with that.”

Lovettsville Mayor Christopher Hornbaker said he was pleased to be able to be part of the process since his time on the town’s Planning Commission and thanked the volunteers for their willingness to participate and help during town events.

“The last vote that I had as part of the Planning Commission was to approve the annexation for this property and this building,” he said. “One of the first votes that I had as a member of the Town Council was to approve this annexation and this building. And so, I am more than thrilled that this short time later I am here today.”

In December, Carlton Brothers, Inc. of Joliet, Illinois was awarded a $16 million contract. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. n

vehicle crash involving a motorcycle, a pick-up hauling a horse trailer, and an SUV. According to the preliminary investigation, the motorcycle crossed into oncoming traffic and struck the truck, causing the truck to lose control and strike the SUV.

The operator of the motorcycle, Thomas A. Miller, 61, of Charles Town, WV, and the driver of the SUV, Pedro

J. Sera-Leyva, 68, of Leesburg, died at the scene. The operator of the pick-up truck was transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening. The horses were not injured, according to the report.

The Virginia State Police and Loudoun County Animal Services assisted at the scene.

Both crashes remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff ’s Office at  703-777-1021. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, Loudoun County government staff, Lovettsville Mayor Christopher Hornbaker, Lovettsville government staff and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue leaders take part in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Lovettsville Fire and Rescue station Tuesday morning.

Politics

State Senate Candidate Pitches Online TDR Marketplace

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Juan Pablo Segura on Thursday addressed the Middleburg Town Council to introduce his idea to substantially increase the use of transferable development rights in Loudoun County and in other areas of the commonwealth through an online sales platform.

The Republican candidate in the 31st Senate District described the concept as a “supercharged TDR exchange,” the cornerstone of his “contact for conservation” that he is urging other candidates to sign onto. Geary Higgins, the Republican candidate in the 30th House District, joined Segura at the meeting pledging his support for the program.

Loudoun County does not have a TDR program, but supervisors are beginning talks on the issue. A transferable devel-

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opment right is a real estate asset that can be moved from property in designated sending zones to property in designated receiving zones. One concept under consideration is to permit greater density for data centers if they purchase development rights of rural land, which would then be preserved.

Segura said that zoning restrictions and other conventional approaches are not adequately protecting open spaces. Conservation was not a Republican or Democratic, or east versus west issue, but one that benefits all Virginians, he added.

Pointing to his work to push innovation in the healthcare industry with his company, Babyscripts, that provides virtual maternity care, Segura said he envisions the program being operated by a newly created office of innovation within the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Segura said he planned to meet with each town council in Loudoun to introduce the program.

He also plans a June 1 campaign event at the Middleburg American Legion Post to publicly sign the contract. n

Hodges Announces Broad Run School Board Run

Chris Hodges, a 17-year Broadlands resident, has entered the race for the Broad Run District Seat of the Loudoun County School Board.

Hodges announced his candidacy after current Broad Run School Board member Tiffany Polifko said she would not seek re-election.

“We have great schools, great teachers, and phenomenal kids. However, we must resist the temptation to lower standards and divert focus from core academics,” Hodges said in his announcement.

Hodges said he plans to meet with community members over the next five months to hear their concerns. His platform is built on five key priorities: academic excellence, safety, parental rights, teacher support and tax dollar efficiency.

Hodges said he believes the Loudoun County school system is at a critical juncture.

“We have witnessed considerable change since the onset of the pandemic, and unfortunately, much of it has been politically driven and detrimental to our

children’s education and mental health. As a common-sense and levelheaded candidate, I am committed to providing the absolute best education and support that our tax money can buy for each and every child,” he said.

Hodges graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1985. He has been married to his wife for 38 years and together they have raised three children, two of whom graduated from Briar Woods High School. He has four grandchildren.

“I have no other political aspirations than joining the School Board and doing the best job I can for as long as I can,” he said. “My goal is to re-establish LCPS as one of the top school districts in the country.”

Learn more about the campaign at hodgesforschoolboard.com.

Linda W. Deans, an education consultant and grant writer for the Loudoun Freedom Center, also is a candidate for the Board Run District seat. Her campaign website is lindadeansforbroadrun.com. n

Segura

Purcellville Council Adopts FY ’24 Budget

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Purcellville Town Council on Tuesday voted to adopt the fiscal year 2024 budget totaling $27.8 million.

The approval passed narrowly with a 4-3 vote with council members Mary Jane Williams, Ronald Rise Jr. and Erin Rayner opposed.

The budget represents a 16% increase over the previous year and includes a 5% increase in water rates and a 7.5% increase in wastewater rates—a reduction of 1.5% in utility rates from the budget proposed by former Interim Town Manager John Anzivino.

“The average residential account will see a $7.89 increase in their utility bill per month with this change,” Director of Finance Elizabeth Krens said.

The budget is supported by a real estate property tax of 20.5 cents per $100 of assessed value, a half-cent decrease from FY 2023. Existing real estate valuations rose by 9.3% resulting in an average household increase in 2023 of $7.25 per month. Personal property tax rates were unchanged.

The budget also includes a 4% cost of living adjustment and a one-time bonus of

2% for town staff. This is a reduction from the 5% cost-of-living adjustment and performance raises of up to 4% proposed in Anzivino’s budget. The decrease came after conflict between council members and Anzivino’s resignation following a surprise motion by council member Mary F. “Boo” Bennett to reduce the cost-of-living raise to 2%.

The budget also includes an increase for the town’s council, committees and boards’ stipends by 4%, three additional

full-time employees and the discontinuation of town staff ’s credit monitoring. The town has provided that identify theft protection for employees since losing control of more than 9 gigabytes of personal information during its last management scandal. Originally planned for five years, the council ended that protection for employees a year early.

“I will not be voting for this budget for multiple reasons,” Williams said listing the reduction in cost-of-living adjustment for town staff, the increase in salary for the council, commissions and boards, the removal of staff ’s credit protection and the water and wastewater rates.

“[The rates] are not meeting our final goals of repaying the debt for the wastewater treatment plant,” she said. “We advertised an increase of 6.5%, 9%, without much of a public uproar. Thus, why are we changing this?”

“A lot of people talk about fiscal responsibility, right?” Rise said. “And there’s two parts to fiscal responsibility. The first is, some people might say slashing where you need to slash and in some cases where you

PURCELLVILLE BUDGET continues on page 32

Middleburg Council Nixes Inn Options

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

There will not be a 20-room inn coming to Washington Street in Middleburg—at least not anytime soon.

The Town Council last week voted to reject a proposed zoning ordinance change to add inns as a special exception use in the C-1 zoning district.

The Planning Commission proposed the change after reviewing a proposal by Marc Chretien, the owner of Mount Defiance Cidery & Distillery, to convert the former Washington Fine Properties building to an inn and restaurant. The panel proposed the use be allowed, but subject to case-by-case special exception review by the commission and council.

Neighbors strongly opposed the inn project raising concerns that the intensity of the use would dramatically change the character of their neighborhood and

potentially lead to an expansion of the downtown business district.

During its May 11 meeting, council members indicated they were unlikely to move forward with the ordinance change. Chretien subsequently withdrew the applications for his project.

The ordinance amendment was up for a public hearing at the May 25 meeting, with several neighbors repeating their concerns and thanking the council for halting the change.

The council voted 4-2 on May 25 to not approve the amendment, with Vice Mayor Peter Leonard-Morgan and Council member Morris “Bud” Jacobs opposed. They raised concerns that the council was moving too quickly to dismiss the work of the commission.

Leonard-Morgan said the proposal was well thought out and provided a process for careful review of any inn proposal. He said that an inn was not more

intrusive than some of the other commercial uses already permitted in the C-1 District.

Jacobs, who serves as the councilmanic representative on the commission, said the panel worked to separate the zoning ordinance change from the specific inn proposal, but feared the two remained “muddled.”

Other council members said there may be reason to bring the issue back in the future, but said more study was needed about the demand for additional hotel rooms in town and about the scale of inns that should be considered.

Mayor Bridge Littleton noted that recent ordinance changes aimed at limiting redevelopment in the R-1 District took two years of commission work. The inn policies were not yet ripe, he said.

“The public was very clear that they do not want this,” Council member Philip Miller said. n

LOVETTSVILLE County Changes Election Polling Location

The Loudoun County General Registrar’s office has changed the polling location for the upcoming November General Election for Lovettsville residents to the Lovettsville Community Center.

In March 2020, the polling location was moved to the Lovettsville Fire-Rescue Station because of construction at the Community center.

The Town Council will be considering an ordinance to amend the Town Code to, “use the polling places established by Loudoun County for all November elections,” at its June 8 meeting.

MIDDLEBURG Council Adopts $6.5M Budget

The Town Council last week wrapped up three months of budget review, adopting a lower real estate tax rate and increased the utility rate by 3%. The budget totals $6.5 million.

The budget represents a 12.2% increase in the General Fund and a 6.4% increase in the Utility Fund. The budget includes a 4% cost of living adjustment for employees along with an average 2% performance-based raises.

Among the new initiatives in the budget are adding more community events. The town is planning to take over operations for the annual Independence Day activities, to add a Founders Day or Middleburg Day event in March and to bring back the Wellness Fair that previously was organized by the town’s Sustainability Committee. Also, $1 million to support the renovation of the town’s historic Asbury Church property pending the results of an ongoing needs assessment.

The real estate tax rate of

AROUND TOWNS continues on page 17

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Purcellville Mayor Stanley J. Milan speaks with town staff at a council meeting May 23, 2023.

Purcellville Again Attempts to Sell Pullen House

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Purcellville Town Council on Tuesday voted to begin the process of selling a property owned by the town, known as the Pullen House, located next to Bush Tabernacle and Fireman’s Field.

The town purchased the 0.49-acre property in 2010 because of its location as a neighbor to Bush Tabernacle. However, the building on the property has been deteriorating since the town purchased it and is on its way to becoming a safety hazard according to a staff memo dated May 23, 2023.

Town staff presented the council with three options to avoid that. The first involved demolishing the house at a cost of $77,803, budgeted from the Parks and Recreation Fund. The second option would have the council directing staff to solicit proposals for sealed bids to sell the property. The third would have the council directing staff to procure a real estate firm to sell the property.

The council voted to hire a real estate firm 4-1-1-1, with council member Erin Rayner opposed, Mayor Stanley J. Milan abstaining and Mary Jane Williams absent.

Prior to the vote, the council weighed the benefits of keeping the property versus selling it.

AROUND towns

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12.76 cents per $100 in assessed value is a reduction from the current 13.69 rate. With increasing real estate values, the tax bill for the average single-family detached home is expected to increase $61 for the year, according to the town calculations. Tourism-related taxes on hotel stays and meals provide most of the town’s operating income and those tax rates are unchanged.

The budget was adopted unanimously. The utility rate increases were approved on a 5-1 vote, council member Philip Miller opposed.

Police Officers Promoted

Following the selection of Lt. Shaun

Loudoun United Signs

10-year-

old Before Heart Surgery

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun United signed Elijah Harmelech of North Potomac, MD, to the team roster before Sunday’s match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Milan said paying to demolish the property would result in a loss of funds, whereas selling the property would bring in revenue. He asked Asset Management Coordinator Joshua Goff if there was an option to use it for something useful for the town.

“We’ve talked internally about utilizing it for a park, a pavilion, a tot lot,” Goff said. “We’ve had plenty of ideas that we’ve discussed internally to use the property for.”

He said the space could also be used for the town’s farmers market, which was discontinued this year, but Goff said they are in discussions with a vendor to bring it back.

Milan said he would like to see a skate park built in the town and proposed the

D. Jones to take over as chief of the town Police Department, two other officers received promotions during the May 25 Town Council meeting.

Corporal Mark Putnam was promoted to lieutenant, serving as the department’s second in command. Jason Davis was promoted to Putnam’s corporal slot.

The change in leadership posts follows the retirement of A.J. Panebianco, who retired last month after serving 11 years as chief.

PURCELLVILLE

Emerick Principal Dawn Haddock Honored

Emerick Elementary Principal Dawn Haddock and Girl Scout Troop 70005 was recognized by the Town Council for their

space could work for that.

Director of Administration Hooper McCann said building a pavilion on the lot to be used for farmers markets and other events would provide a greater source of revenue for the town than a skate park.

“Having the amenity of a covered facility where a farmers market could operate from, it is a potential for greater revenue because they wouldn’t have the need necessarily to set up tents and things like that,” she said.

“From my own experience with the farmers market, moving to the parking lot by Bush Tabernacle was the end, because

PULLEN HOUSE continues on page 32

efforts towards installing a wheelchair-accessible playground at the school on Tuesday, May 23.

“This was surely no small feat on [Haddock’s] part, but her humble nature always made it appear so,” Mayor Stanley J. Milan said.

“Now you can take a wheelchair onto the playground, climb up part of the playground,” Haddock said. “There’s musical instruments on the playground now to play there. So [there is] access for everybody.”

Scout Leader Kristen Shields and Troop 70005 were recognized specifically for their efforts toward fundraising for an adaptive swing for the playground.

“They drafted a plan, proposed it to Ms. Haddock, helped fundraise and had it installed,” Milan said. “Now children with disabilities or limitations are able to swing along with their friends.” n

The 10-year-old’s season with the red-and-white was a short one—he was signed to a one-day contract, and he has an open-heart surgery in June to correct a rare heart condition. The procedure has an expected six-month recovery, keeping him out through the end of the season.

But Elijah, wearing number 43, took the field as honorary captain for the coin toss on Sunday. That followed a press conference for his signing, a trip to the locker room to meet the rest of the team, and leading them out of the tunnel onto the pitch following a pre-game pep talk. His father said it was their first time at a Loudoun United game. One of the team’s owners is a family friend.

“We couldn’t be more excited to have you sign with us and on our team,” Head Coach Ryan Martin said during the press conference. “We need a left winger to get us some goals.”

Executive Business Officer Doug Raftery said Elijah’s teammates— from his other team back home— were also joining him for the match. He said that support “speaks volumes.”

Loudoun United fell to Pittsburgh 0-1 and have a 3-1-8 record this season.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

The property owned by the Town of Purcellville, known as the Pullen House, is located at 301 South 20th Street.

Mary Everett/Loudoun Now Loudoun United Assistant General Manager Clarens Cheridieu and Head Coach Ryan Martin welcome 10-year-old Elijah Harmelech to the team for a one-day contract May 28.

GETOUT

LIVE MUSIC

FILTER WITH ANOTHER DAY DAWNS AND UNCURED

Thursday, June 1, 8 to 10 p.m.

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

CHRIS BOWEN

Friday, June 2, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

TRAVIS ELLIOT

Friday, June 2, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

SUMMER & ERIC DUO

Friday, June 2, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

JIM STEELE

Friday, June 2, 6 to 9 p.m.

Flying Ace Farm, 40959 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

Friday, June 2, 6 to 10 p.m. Belly Love Brewing Company, 725 E. Main St., Purcellville. bellylovebrewing.com

TEJAS SINGH

Friday, June 3, 8 to 11 p.m.

Nick’s Taverna, 42395 Ryan Road, Ashburn. nickstaverna.com

DYLAN WOELFUL

Friday, June 2, 8 to 11 p.m.

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

JACKYL WITH VOODOO

Friday, June 2, 8 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $30 to $65. tallyhotheater.com

PC415

Friday, June 2, 8 to 11 p.m.

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

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 20

Wineries Team Up to Wave the Welcome Flag

BY NORMAN K. STYER Nstyer@loudounnow.com

When you drive by the Forever Farm & Vineyard or visit Two-Twisted Post Winery near Hillsboro the displays of rainbow flags are likely to catch your attention. This month, you’ll see more Loudoun wineries flying the LGBTQ+ welcome signs.

Fifteen wineries, with support from Visit Loudoun and the Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association, are teaming up for a month-long Pride in the Vines campaign that celebrates inclusiveness.

The program builds on the work of three wineries that have hosted weekend pride promotions over the past three years.

Forever Farm co-owner Teri Riggs said she got the idea shortly after opening the Hillsboro-area vineyard in 2019.

“I had noticed that Two Twisted

Post always did something during Pride Month. Three years ago, I asked is it OK if we kind of send people back and forth between the two of us? So we did,” Riggs said.

Last year, she reached out to Bridgette Smith, the tasting room manager at Williams Gap Vineyard just down the road near Round Hill, and all three wineries joined in the promotion last June. All three have ties to the LGBTQ+ community. Riggs’ son is gay and Two-Twisted and Williams Gap are operated by lesbians.

During their review of last year’s event, they wondered if other wineries would be interested in joining. Riggs, the vice president of the wineries association, took it to her board.

“We ended up with 15 wineries this year, and more of them calling after I had printed everything,” Riggs said.

The discussion resulted in planning for a month-long Pride in the

Vines event that includes a passport program designed to encourage visitors to explore at least 10 wineries with prizes awarded at the end of the month. Many of the wineries will have special pride programs—from drag show brunches to live music. National Taste of Rosé weekend, June 10-11, will be a particularly big time, with visitors earning double stamps for their passports.

“We’re having LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ ally vendors, food, music, and then a portion of proceeds from our rosé sales for the whole month as well as from selling shirts will go back to an LGBTQ+ charity, which is Equality Loudoun,” Smith said of the programs planned at Williams Gap.

The goal of the program is to highlight the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere offered by Loudoun’s wine

PRIDE IN THE VINES continues on page 21

Photo by Norman K. Styer Forever Farm and Vineyards co-owner Teri Riggs, left, and Williams Gap Vineyard tasting room manager Bridgette Smith are the organizers of Pride in the Vines campaign that will run throughout June at 15 Loudoun wineries.

Best Bets

JACKYL

Friday, June 2, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Jackyl, with lead singer Jesse James DuPree, fuses heavy metal, hard rock and southern rock—and weaves in a bit of chainsaw. Tickets start at $30.

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 18

TITO AUGER

Friday, June 2, 8 to 11 p.m. House 6 Brewing Co., 44427 Atwater Drive, Ashburn Village. house6brewing.com

RODNEY DUNTON

Friday, June 2, 8 to 11 p.m.

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza #145, Ashburn. socialhouseashburn.com

SHAG

Saturday, June 3, 1 to 4 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Leesburg. vanishbeer.com

JASON MASI

Saturday, June 3, 1 to 5 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

WILLEM DICKE

Saturday, June 3, 1 to 5 p.m. Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

DAVE MININBERG

Saturday, June 3, 2 to 5 p.m.

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

ANNIE SIDLEY

Saturday, June 3, 2 to 5 p.m.

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, 18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont. twinoakstavernwinery.com

FREDDIE LONG

Saturday, June 3, 3 to 6 p.m. Flying Ace Farm, 40959 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

Saturday, June 3, 6 to 10 p.m. Morven Park International Equestrian Center polointhepark.org

Get the party started with the opening night of Morven Park’s fast-paced arena polo series. Reserve your car pass and bring your picnic.

Tarara Summer Concert Season Kicks Off

The Tarara Summer Concert Series, one of the region’s most popular concert series, once again kicked off the summer on Saturday evening. More than 2,000 people again came out to dance the night away to ‘80s hits performed by Reflex.

JULIET LLOYD TRIO

Saturday, June 3, 5 to 8 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

KELLY JEANNE

Saturday, June 3, 5 to 8 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

CROSSTOWN FUNK

Saturday, June 3, 6 to 9 p.m.

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

BRIAN JOHNSON

Saturday, June 3, 4 to 8 p.m.

The Lost Fox Hideaway, 20374 Exchange St., Ashburn. lostfoxhideaway.com

DEF LEGGEND

Saturday, June 3, 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg. $12 to $60. tararaconcerts.com

Saturday, June 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Leesburg Town Hall idalee.org

The Town of Leesburg’s free summer concert series opens with Lenny Burridge performing, folk, Irish tunes, country and jazz—all infused with some blues. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Picnics welcome. No alcohol or pets.

DEF

Saturday, June 3, 6 to 9 p.m. Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com

The Dallas, TX-based band brings the most authentic Def Leppard tribute show to the grove stage at Tarara Winery. Tickets are $20.

ANNE ELIZA

Sunday, June 4, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Blend Coffee Bar, 43170 Southern Walk Plaza #120, Ashburn. blendcoffeebar.com

SHANE CLICK

Sunday, June 4, 1 to 4 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

STUART FRYE

Sunday, June 4, 2 to 5 p.m. Flying Ace Farm, 40959 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

THE COLD NORTH

Sunday, June 4, 2 to 5 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

ACOUSTIC MOOSE

LENNY BURRIDGE TRIO

Saturday, June 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. Idalee.org

POINT OF ROCK

Saturday, June 3, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

RIKI J AND BLUE RHYTHM

Saturday, June 3, 8 to 11 p.m.

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

THE REAGAN YEARS

Saturday, June 3, 8 to 10 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20 to $55. tallyhotheater.com

MICHAEL MULVANEY

Sunday, June 4, noon to 3 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

Sunday, June 4, 2 to 5 p.m.

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

EVAN ROSS DUO

Sunday, June 4, 3 to 6 p.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

ZAC QUINTANA

Sunday, June 4, 1 to 5 p.m. Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

ANOTHER FINE MESS

Sunday, June 4, 2 to 6 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX DUO

Sunday, June 4, 2 to 6 p.m. 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 22

POLO IN THE PARK

LENNY BURRIDGE TRIO

LEGGEND

Photo by Mary Everett

Pride in the Vines

continued from page 18

community.

“The first thing I found when I started posting my flags was that people who were just driving down the road would say, ‘you know, it just feels so good to know that we’re welcome here.’ And so many people will stop because they feel welcome and that’s a big thing. I think it’s something that’s almost subliminal that people don’t realize—they’re not sure where they’re welcome. So we’re trying to tell them that Loudoun welcomes you,” Riggs said.

The passport includes a history of the 1969 Stonewall riots that formed the foundation of the gay rights movement and Pride Month.

“It was very important to both of us that it was it was part of what people are receiving when they come to the wineries. It’s not just a gay day; there’s a reason behind this and it’s something that at least the 15 wineries that are participating, stand for and believe in and want to put a focus on for the entire month,” Smith said.

PASSPORTS MAY BE PICKED UP AT THE FOLLOWING PARTICIPATING WINERIES OR AT THE VISIT LOUDOUN OFFICE:

8 Chains North Winery

868 Estate Vineyards

Bleu Frog Vineyards

Bozzo Family Vineyard

Carriage House Wineworks

Fabbioli Cellars

Forever Farm & Vineyard

Good Spirit Farm

Hillsborough Winery

October One Tasting Room

Two Twisted Posts Winery

Walsh Family Wine

Williams Gap Vineyard

Wine Reserve at Waterford

Zephaniah Farm Vineyard

For more details, go to the “Events” section of the Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association webpage: loudounwine.org.

“What all of this is about is educating people and making sure people know that there are places that every single person is welcome, no matter what your beliefs, no matter what your political stance, no matter what your sexuality,” she said.

Why I

LO VE Loudoun

TONIA CRAWFORD

CHALK ARTIST, CHALKOHOLIC

A native of Altoona, PA, chalk artist Tonia Crawford moved to Loudoun 19 years ago to raise a family. She creates extremely detailed large-scale chalk drawings that can be seen at multiple public spaces in Loudoun including Lost Rhino Brewing Co and The Buffalo Wing Factory as well as on Instagram at @Chalkoholic and her website linktr.ee/Chalkoholic.

FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN LOUDOUN?

There are so many. If I must choose one, I love the sushi at Passion Fin in Goose Creek Village in Ashburn.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A CRAFT BEVERAGE.

Ocelot, a small craft brewery in

GET OUT COMMUNITY

continued from page 20

ECHO’S BIG DAY OUT

Friday, June 2, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The National Conference Center, 18665 Conference Center Drive, Leesburg. $50. facebook.com/ECHOLeesburg

JK BLACK OAK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY WORKDAY

Saturday, June 3, 8 to 11 a.m.

JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary, 14570 New Valley Church Road, Lucketts. loudounwildlife.org

JOB SEARCH & RESOURCE FAIR

Saturday, June 3, 9:30 a.m. to noon

Banneker Elementary School, 35231 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg. nvfs.org

LOUDOUN COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE

Saturday, June 3, 4 to 10 p.m. Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market

Sterling. Amazing people, wonderful atmosphere and great beers named after song lyrics from some of their favorite artists.

BEST KEPT SECRET IN LOUDOUN?

World’s Okayest Trivia – absolutely the most fun and funny trivia I’ve ever experienced. The host is Chris Drummond who started doing it when he was manager at House 6 Brewing Company in Ashburn. Now he hosts it at breweries throughout Loudoun such as Lost Rhino and Bear Chase. It’s wonderfully entertaining.

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

My family loves Leesburg Animal

Blvd., Leesburg. facebook.com/RFLLoudounCounty

POLO IN THE PARK

Saturday, June 3, 6 to 10 p.m. Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg. $40 to $250. polointhepark.org

LOUDOUN PRIDE FESTIVAL

Sunday, June 4, 1 to 7 p.m. Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. $5 eqloco.com/pride

LOUDOUN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY ANNUAL MEETING

Sunday, June 4, 3 to 6 p.m. Ida Lee Park Recreation Center, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW., Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

COLONEL JAMES MONROE: A LIVING HISTORY PRESENTATION

Sunday, June 4, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aldie Mill Historic Park, PO Box 322 John Mosby Highway, Aldie. novaparks.com

Park south of Leesburg and Franklin Park near Purcellville. We roller skate in the outdoor rink and go to exhibits at the Visual Arts Center. Seeing Bob Ross’s paintings there a few years ago was something I’ll never forget.

FAVORITE EVENT IN LOUDOUN?

Lot Con at Comic Logic Books and Artwork, the comic shop in Ashburn Village. Usually taking place on a Sunday in spring and summer, it’s an amazing event at which local artists, authors and creators show their work. I’m super lucky to be part of it a couple times a year. They are a big group of fun, creative people who make you feel like family.

WHAT’S A FUN FACT TO SHARE ABOUT LOUDOUN?

I thought it was neat that the movie Foxcatcher with Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, and Channing Tatum was filmed at Morven Park.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE ART SCENE IN LOUDOUN?

I see more and more art-related events every year. I love festivals in the summer and the craft fairs during the holidays. So many awesome local creatives!

HOW DID YOU START DOING CHALK ART?

I worked at Brewer’s Alley in Frederick, MD, in the early 2000s. We needed chalk signs for events and they were very well received by

everyone who saw them. I knew then that I wanted to do more.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR ART AND WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE?

From feedback I have gotten, I would say the extreme level of detail I put into my pieces, plus the large-scale size of them. I am always inspired by the excitement of my clients and the reactions of people who see my work.

WHAT MAKES LOUDOUN APPEALING TO ARTISTS?

It’s a fun, busy place filled with so many clients that have a need for and appreciate all types of art.

WHERE SHOULD LOCALS GO TO CELEBRATE THE ARTS IN LOUDOUN?

There is art just about everywhere in Loudoun. A lot of businesses in the area have murals and framed work by local artists. Anyone can support local artists, not only by purchasing their work, but also by following them on social media and sharing their art with others.

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.

ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS FOR 16TH ANNUAL TOUR

This weekend’s Western Loudoun Art and Studio Tour offers three days of art, shopping, and relaxation in the scenic countryside. In its 16th year, the June 2-4 event features more than 40 artists showcasing their paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, fiber, sculpture, and more. Artists will demonstrate their creative processes and have works for sale. The Franklin Park Performing Arts Center near Purcellville will host five artists.

Tour hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The event is free.

A complete tour guide and an interactive map of the locations are available at the tour website: wlast.org.

FAIRWAYS FOR HOPE GOLF

TOURNAMENT

Thursday, June 8, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Loudoun Golf & Country Club, 36967 W. Main St., Purcellville. $200 to $775. ryanbartelfoundation.org

BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Thursday, June 8, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road NW., Leesburg. peopleinc.net

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.

responsible to prep

for use by kitchen production staff as needed and to assist in various kitchen responsibilities as directed by Deli/Kitchen manager. Competitive wages, benefits including paid time off, 401k and store discounts. Send your resume to employment@ lovettsville-grocery.com

To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.

Legal Notices

TOWN OF HILLSBORO, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Proposed Operating & Capital Budgets for Fiscal Year 2024

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 FY2024. 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, June 8, 2023, 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 2024

GENERAL FUND-OPERATING BUDGET

Utility Fund Summary

Economic Development Fund Summary

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104

Case No.: CJ22-126 through CJ22-128; CJ22-130 & CJ22-131; CJ22-133 & CJ22-134; CJ22-136 & CJ22-137; CJ22-139 & CJ22-140; CJ22-142 & CJ22-143;

Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

/v.

Allison Fluke-Ekren

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of foster care plan with a goal of adoption, pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Zubayer, Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren; and Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Unknown Mother and Unknown Father of Zubayer Ekren, and Allison Fluke-Ekren, mother of Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren, pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-283. Unknown Mother and Unknown Father of Zubayer Ekren, and Allison FlukeEkren, mother of Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren, are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of residual parental rights with respect to Zubayer, Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren. Unknown Mother and Unknown Father of Zubayer Ekren, and Allison Fluke-Ekren, mother of Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren, 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 children, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Zubayer, Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren, any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Zubayer, Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren, or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Zubayer, Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren.

Further, Unknown Mother and Unknown Father of Zubayer Ekren, and Allison FlukeEkren, mother of Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Zubayer, Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Zubayer, Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren for adoption and consent to the adoption of Zubayer, Sumeyyah, Asiyeh, Khadija, Fatima and Osama Ekren.

It is ORDERED that Unknown Mother, Unknown Father and Allison Fluke-Ekren appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before July 10-11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. 5/18, 5/25, 6/1 & 6/8/23

Legal Notices

CONTINUED FROM LAST PAGE

INFRASTRUCTURE CAPITAL BUDGET

TOWN OF HILLSBORO TAX RATES AND FEES, VA. CODE AUTHORITY

PROPOSED FY

No FY2023 increases to drinking water rates are proposed; future years may have an inflation adjustment. Fixed charge $38.20 per month includes 2000 gallons; monthly consumption 2,001-3000 gallons $5.50 per 1000 gallons, 3001-4000 gallons $8.60 per 1000 gallons, over 4,000 gallons $13.00 per 1000 gallons. (Virginia Code §15.2-2111, 15.2-2143)

Title 58.1, Chapter 37)

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104

Case No. CL23-3025

LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

18 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re

MICHELLE LYNN BAIDOO-DAVIS V.

ISACC BAIDOO

The object of the suit is to file for divorce. It is ORDERED that Isacc Baidoo appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before July 21, 2023 at 2:00:PM.

6/1, 6/8, 6/15 & 6/22/23

ABC LICENSE

Sungwon Sterling LLC trading as Lotte Plaza Market, 30 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Sterling, Virginia 20165.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a RETAIL OFF PREMISES WINE AND BEER license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Sang Min Lee/Member & Christine Eunsook Lee/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.

5/25 & 6/1/23

TOWN OF ROUND HILL, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing on June 7, 2023, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia, to consider the adoption of an ordinance for the issuance of bonds in the estimated maximum principal amount of $2,600,000. Such bond proceeds are proposed to be used for financing capital improvements to the Town’s water and sewer systems and paying related issuance costs. The bonds will be issued as general obligation bonds secured by the full faith and credit and full taxing power of the Town. The net revenues of the Town’s water and sewer utility systems may also be pledged to the repayment of such bonds. The public hearing is being held pursuant to the Code of Virginia, Section 15.2-2606 A.

Interested persons may appear at such time and place and present their views. Written comments may also be dropped off at the Town Office, 23 Main Street; submitted by mail to PO Box 36, Round Hill, VA, 20142; or emailed to hwest@roundhillva.org. Comments received by Noon on the day of the hearing will be distributed to the Mayor and Councilmembers and made part of the public record.

All documents may be viewed in the Town Office between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, or on the Town website at www.roundhillva.org. Anyone needing assistance or accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act should call the Town Administrator’s Office at (540) 338-7878. If the June 7, 2023 meeting is rescheduled, the Public Hearing will be held at the next regularly scheduled meeting on June 14, 2023.

Scott Ramsey, Mayor Town of Round Hill 5/25 & 6/1/2023

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISISON PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE

ARTICLE 18 PURPOSE OF REVISING THE DEFINITION OF

“INN”

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, JUNE 15, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLZNOA-2023-0004, a revision to the following articles of the Zoning Ordinance:

1. Article 18 Definitions – to revise Section 18.1.86, the definition of “Inn”.

Copies and additional information regarding this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2765 and asking for Mike Watkins, Zoning Administrator. Mr. Watkins can also be reached by email at mwatkins@leesburgva.gov.

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 Commission at (703) 771-2434, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

Legal Notices

Round Hill Town Council Notice of Public Hearing

Proposed FY2024 Budget, Tax Rates, Fees and Charges (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024)

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2506, -2111, -2119, -2143, -2122, -2241, -2286, Section 46.2-752 and Sections 58.1-3007, -3703 and -3840 of the Code of Virginia: the Round Hill, Virginia Town Council hereby publishes its proposed budget, tax rates, fees and charges for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 ending June 30, 2024. A public hearing on the proposed budget, tax rates, fees and charges will be held on June 7, 2023 at 7:30PM in person at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia. Participation via Zoom can be accessed at the link posted on the Town’s website, www.roundhillva.org. Any person interested in the FY2024 Budget may attend the public hearing electronically (or in person) and present his or her views. The Town Council intends to adopt a budget, tax rates, motor vehicle license fee, utility/land use fees/charges and funds appropriation by ordinance at its June 14, 2023 special meeting. Written comments regarding these matters 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 Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 7:30PM, with Town Council action on the ordinance scheduled for June 21, 2023.

PROPOSED FY2024 TAX RATES AND FEES (July

- June 30, 2024)

Legal Notices

PROPOSED FY2024 UTILITY RATES AND FEES (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024)

NOTICE OF 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, June 14, 2023, in order to consider:

ORDINANCE CREATING THE RIVANA AT INNOVATION STATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-5152, et. seq., and Chapter 1098 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors intends to consider a petition and proposed ordinance to create the “Rivana at Innovation Station Community Development Authority” (the “CDA”). DWC Holdings LLC and Origami RE Growth GP LLC have submitted a petition to establish the CDA for the purpose of financing various public infrastructure, facilities and services (“Improvements”) in connection with the development of a high-density, transient oriented, mixed-use project featuring hotel, retail, office, residential, parking, recreational and entertainment components. The proposed CDA district would encompass approximately 79.33 acres to include properties more particularly described as PIN: 035-25-8897, 035-26-4587, 035-25-7745, 035-26-2113, 035-17-3774, 035-26-7139 and 035-16-7202. The subject area is located south of Innovation Avenue (Route 209), east of Sully Road (Route 28), north of the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267), and west of the Fairfax County line. The proposed ordinance will (a) create the CDA; (b) establish the initial boundaries of the CDA district; and (c) approve in general terms a plan of financing for the Improvements, subject to further approval by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. Potential nominees to serve as initial board members of the CDA will be considered during the public hearing.

Copies of the above-referenced petition and the full text of the proposed ordinance and exhibits (excluding names of the potential nominees to serve as initial board members of the CDA) are on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).

Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Public input may be provided by electronic means at Board public hearings. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, will be accommodated without advanced sign-up during the hearing, however, members of the public are strongly encouraged to sign-up in advance. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on June 2, 2023, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on June 14, 2023. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 7770200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.

BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LVZA 2023-0002 AMEND SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE Article V, Blocks and Lots; AMEND UTILITIES ORDINANCE Article II-3, Meter Sizing; AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE Article I, In General, Article VI, Residential Districts, Article VI-2, Standards for Specific Uses, and Article VI-3. Specific Districts.

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1117, 15.2-2253, 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing at its meeting on Wednesday June 7, 2023 at 7:00pm, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the Planning Commission is to consider amendments to Chapter 42, Zoning, to define affordable housing, add language to residential zoning districts allowing building and lot standards to be modified, add accessory apartments as permitted uses, and modify the standards applicable to accessory apartments; amendments to Chapter 30, Subdivisions, to allow a single lot in a subdivision to be designed with less than the required street frontage; and amendments to Chapter 38, Utilities, to remove mandatory water meter upgrades when an accessory apartment is added to a residence or commercial building.

All people desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.

Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. The proposed zoning amendment and meeting links are available for review on the Town website at: www. lovettsvilleva.gov/government/planning-commission/

You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened at the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

5/25, 6/1/23

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO THE 2021-2025 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND THE FY2024 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.

On April 14, 2021, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2025 Five-Year Consolidated Plan (Consolidated Plan) which requires the submission of an Annual Action Plan (AAP) for each year. A substantial amendment to the FY 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan is now required to consider the HOME Investment Partnership Fund (HOME) grant award and to amend high priority funding activities, and to the CDBG Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 AAP to enable reprogramming of funds.

On February 3, 2023, the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) was notified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Loudoun County has met the congressional appropriations to receive HOME funds in the amount of $750,000 for FY 2024. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households and is regulated in Title 42 of the U.S. Code section 12701 (42 U.S.C. §12701), and Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations (24 CFR Part 92), as amended.

The proposed substantial amendment includes changes to the following components of the FY 20212025 Consolidated Plan:

• The Strategic Goals

• Project and activity descriptions

• HOME and CDBG Budgets

• Citizen Participation Plan

• Adding The Loudoun County Fair Housing Plan

Funding priorities include:

• Projects that are shovel ready for affordable housing construction

• Acquisition (long-term lease)

• Projects that promote energy efficiency and conservation through rehabilitation or retrofitting of existing buildings

• Tenant Based Rental Assistance

Copies of the draft Substantial Amendment to the FY 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan and the FY 2024 Annual Action Plan will be available June 9, 2023, through July 12, 2023, and may be examined at the offices of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), 106 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175, Monday – Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm. The same Substantial Amendment will be available June 9, 2023, online at www.loudoun.gov/cdbg through July 12, 2023.

All citizens and organizations are invited to present their views and comments. Written comments may be submitted to the attention of the CDBG Program Manager at the Department of Housing and Community Development, P. O. Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177 or by e-mail at housing@loudoun.gov by not later than 5:00 p.m. on July 12, 2023.

A Board of Supervisors Public Hearing to approve the Substantial Amendment to the FY 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan and the FY 2024 Annual Action Plan will be held on July 12, 2023, at the Loudoun County Government Center Board Room, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia at 6:00 pm.

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 703777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.

6/1 & 6/8/23

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

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

COUNTY OF LOUDOUN

FIRST HALF REAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE

H. Roger Zurn, Jr., Treasurer

JUNE 5, 2023

The deadline for payment of the first half real property tax is June 5, 2023.

Payments received or postmarked after June 5, 2023, 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. The due date will not be extended for bills where assessment questions have been filed with the Board of Equalization. Taxpayers who are having financial difficulties should contact our Collections Team at 703-771-5656 who stand ready to assist.

For your safety and convenience, please consider making payments online, by phone or mail.

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 HOURS AND LOCATIONS

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW STERLING OFFICE LOCATION

1 Harrison Street, S.E. 46000 Center Oak Plaza 1st Floor 1st Floor Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Sterling, Virginia 20166

24-hour depository boxes are located outside each office.

Regular Hours 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

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 Tax Relief for the Elderly or for Disabled Persons, please contact the Tax Exemption and Deferrals division of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at taxrelief@loudoun.gov by phone 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief

5/25 & 6/1/23

TOWN OF LOVETTSVILLE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LVZA 2023-0003: AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE

SECTION 42-297 Bed And Breakfast Homestays, Bed And Breakfast Inns, Country Inns And Limited Residential Lodging

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on Wednesday June 7, 2023 at 7:00pm, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the Planning Commission is to consider an amendment to Chapter 42, Article I, Section 42-2 to revise the definition of Limited Residential Lodging, and Article VIII, Section 42-297, Bed And Breakfast Homestays, Bed And Breakfast Inns, Country Inns, And Limited Residential Lodging, to remove a requirement that the property owner occupy the limited residential lodging residence in certain circumstances, and in such cases, require the owner or a manager be able to respond to guests and be onsite within specified times.

All people desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.

Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00pm on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. The proposed zoning amendment and meeting links are available for review on the Town website at: www. lovettsvilleva.gov/government/planning-commission/

You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened at the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.

6/1/23

Legal Notices

PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2023, in order to consider:

ORDINANCE CREATING RIVANA AT INNOVATION STATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 15.2-5152, et. seq., the Board of Supervisors will consider a petition and proposed ordinance to create the “Rivana at Innovation Station Community Development Authority (CDA).” A separate notice describing the purpose and location of the proposed CDA, and the location where relevant documents may be examined, has been published on May 18, May 25, and June 1, 2023.

PROPOSED LEASE OF COUNTY PROPERTY

Resident Curator Lease Agreement - Loudoun Freedom Center Inc.

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider a lease agreement with the Loudoun Freedom Center Inc., for the purpose of Curatorship of the historic Union Street property under the terms of the County’s Resident Curator Program. The property is located at 20 Union Street N.W. Leesburg, Virginia within the Leesburg Election District and is more particularly described as PIN: 230185465000.

A copy of the proposed lease is available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”)

LOUDOUN COUNTY REGIONAL FAIR HOUSING PLAN

The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development has participated in a regional effort to create a Regional Fair Housing Plan pursuant to the Department’s obligation to affirmatively further fair housing pursuant to Section 808(e)(5) of the Federal Fair Housing Act. The purpose of the hearing is to share the Regional Fair Housing Plan, obtain the public’s feedback, and to respond to questions. Members of the public are invited to present their views and comments.

A complete copy of the full text of the proposed Regional Fair Housing Plan is available and may be examined at the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, 106 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Plan is also available online at www.loudoun.gov/cdbg. Written comments on the Plan may be submitted to the attention of the CDBG Program Manager at the Department of Housing and Community Development, Post Office Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20177.

REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL OF LAND BELONGING TO GUINEA BRIDGE, LLC, FROM THE NEW MOUNT GILEAD AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-4314 and the New Mount Gilead Agricultural and Forestal District Ordinance, Guinea Bridge, LLC, of 44112 Mercure Circle, Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application to withdraw a 119.47-acre parcel from the New Mount Gilead Agricultural and Forestal District. The subject property is located west of Lancer Circle (Route 1148) and south of Hughesville Road (Route 725), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 457-261326. The New Mount Gilead Agricultural and Forestal District currently has a four-year period that will expire on December 6, 2025, and is subject to a subdivision minimum lot size of 20 acres.

In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (2-27-2023 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).

SPMI-2022-0007 & SPMI-2022-0008

SHADOW CREEK BANQUET FACILITY

(Minor Special Exception)

River Bottom Land Trust of Purcellville, Virginia, has submitted an application for the following Minor Special Exceptions: 1) to modify the Additional Regulations of Section 5-642(A)(5) of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance regarding Banquet/Event Facility Uses, in order to increase the maximum number of attendees allowed on site in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural – 1) zoning district; and 2) to permit the expansion of a previously approved banquet facility. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is listed as a permitted Minor Special Exception use in Table 2-102. The

modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed use is authorized by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-600, Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following modification(s):

Zoning Ordinance Section

§5-642(A)(5), Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, Banquet/Event Facility, Intensity/Character, Number of Attendees.

Proposed Modification

Increase the maximum number of attendees for a 25.2 acre portion of a 234.5 acre site from 210 to 350 attendees.

The subject site is located partially within minor and major floodplain in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) and has areas of Moderately Steep and Very Steep Slopes. The subject property is approximately 25.2 acres in size and is located southeast of Silcott Springs Road (Route 690), at 18090 Silcott Springs Road, Purcellville, Virginia, in the Catoctin (formerly Blue Ridge) Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 526-40-9376. The area is governed by Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North Place Type)) which designate this area for agricultural, agricultural supportive, and limited residential uses at a recommended density of up to one dwelling unit per 20 acres or one dwelling unit per five acres equivalent for optional residential clustering in large-lot subdivisions.

ZRTD-2022-0004

INTERRA SKY TRANSDULLES

(Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District)

Davis Drive PropCo. LLC, of Excelsior, Minnesota, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 8.83 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit certain principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception). The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and the AIOD (Airport Impact Overlay District), within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 8.83 acres in size and is located on the north side of Davis Drive (Route 868) and east of South Sterling Boulevard (Route 846) at 22630 Davis Dr #225, Sterling, Virginia, in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PINs: 033-39-2929. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which designate this area for Office, Production, Research and Development, Flex Space, and Contractor without outdoor storage uses at a FAR of up to 1.0.

SPEX-2022-0031

DULLES TRADE CENTER WEST (Special Exception)

10 Trade West Drive, LLC and 11 Trade West Drive, LLC, of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit an increase in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 0.4 to 0.6 on two parcels located within the PD-GI (Planned Development – General Industrial) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed modification of the FAR is listed as a Special Exception under Section 4-606(C). The subject property is located within the AIOD (Airport Impact Overlay District), Ldn 65 or higher, aircraft noise contour and in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 14.8 acres in size and is located within the Dulles Trade Center West industrial park north of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621) and west of Arcola Road (Route 842) in the Little River Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PINs: 161-17-2615 and 161-17-0879. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Industrial/Mineral Extraction Place Type)), which designate this area for large manufacturing, contractor with outdoor storage, and other productive uses at a FAR of up to 0.6.

ZRTD-2022-0005

OPPIDAN INVESTMENT COMPANY

(Zoning Conversion in the Route 28 Taxing District)

Oppidan Investment Company, of Fairfax, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 6.99 acres from the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and PD-IP under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to PD-IP under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to permit all principal and accessory uses permitted in the PD-IP zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.6 (up to 1.0 by Special Exception). The subject properties are located within the Route 28 Taxing District, within the Route 28 Optional Overlay district and the AIOD (Airport Impact Overlay District), within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60, aircraft noise contour. The subject properties are approximately 7.09 acres in size and are located east

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Legal Notices

of Route 28, on the south side of South Sterling Boulevard (Route 846) and north side of Davis Drive (Route 868) with site access off of Davis Drive in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PINs: 033-38-7850 and 033-38-5671. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which designate this area for Office, Production, Research and Development, Flex Space, and Contractor without outdoor storage uses at a FAR of up to 1.0.

CMPT-2022-0004 & SPEX-2022-0040

INFRA TOWERS – EVERGREEN MILL

(Commission Permit & Special Exception)

Infra Towers LLC, of Alexandria, Virginia has submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 130-foot-tall Telecommunications Monopole with a six-foot-tall lightning rod at the top of pole inside a 50 by 50 square-foot related equipment compound in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural) zoning district; and 2) a Special Exception to permit a 130-foot-tall Telecommunications Monopole with a six-foot-tall lightning rod at the top of pole inside a related equipment compound in the AR-1 zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The proposed use requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 6-1101 and is listed as a Special Exception use in Table 2-102 of Section 2-102 and under Section 5-618(B)(2). The subject property is approximately 3.14 acres in size and is located west of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621) and south of Battlefield Parkway (Route 627), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 27420-4037. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North Place Type)), which designate this area for rural economy uses and limited residential development at a recommended density of up to one dwelling unit per 20 acres or one dwelling unit per five acres equivalent for optional Residential clustering in large-lot subdivisions.

Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. The opportunity for public input via this link

will be temporarily unavailable during the upgrade of the County’s online land management system. However, other opportunities for public comment remain available as described below. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun. gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5).

Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Public input may be provided by electronic means at Board public hearings. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, will be accommodated without advanced sign-up during the hearing, however, members of the public are strongly encouraged to sign-up in advance. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on June 2, 2023, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on June 14, 2023. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.

BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

PUBLIC NOTICE

&

APPLICATION

TLZM-2021-0006; HAMBLET PROPERTY

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 JUNE 13, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2021-0006, Hamblet Property.

The subject property consists of approximately 6.44 acres of vacant land located along Route 7, with property access provided from Bow Lake Place, N.E. within the Potomac Station neighborhood. The property is zoned R-E, Residential Estate and is further identified as Loudoun County Property Identification Numbers (PIN), 149-38-2764 & 149-38-3136. The property also lies within the Gateway District (Overlay).

Rezoning Application TLZM-2021-0006 is a request by Carrhomes, LLC to rezone, subject to a Concept Plan and Proffers, approximately 6.44 acres from R-E, Residential Estate to R-8, Medium-Density Attached Residential District.

The application requests 25 single family attached residential units. The application also proposes rehabilitation of an existing structure referred to as “the Stone House” located on a .42- acre parcel that is part of the site. The Hamblet property is located in what the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan (LLTP) describes as an “Area to Enhance” on the Area Based Land Use Initiatives Map (LLTP pg. 72). The property is further designated within the LLTP as a “Residential Neighborhood” on the Character Areas for Preservation and Change Map (LLTP pg. 76). There is no recommended residential Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.). The proposed density is approximately 3.89 dwelling units per acre.

The subject property is further identified as “Opportunity Area Number 3, Eastern Gateway District” on page 200 of the LLTP. This subjects the property to further guidance by the Eastern Gateway Small Area Plan (EGSAP) of the Town Plan. The property is also part of the Gateway Design District (Overlay) for architectural control.

Additional information and copies of the application are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, AICP, at 703-771-2771 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 Council at (703) 771-2733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.

6/1 & 6/8/23

AT&T proposes to modify their existing facility (new antenna tip heights 117’ & 118’) on the 125’ water tank at 14A Quarter Branch Rd, Lovettsville, VA (20230349). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

6/1/23

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING

Independent report

continued from page 1

privilege in withholding the report from the public.

Judge James P. Fisher said the school division’s Nov. 5, 2021, public announcement that an independent report would be created, and that the school division would keep the public up to date, was in conflict with the attorney-client privilege claim. He said such clients typically don’t publicly announce they have hired an attorney and say they will keep the public updated.

Ziegler in the Nov. 5 announcement said the independent review “is only one step in moving forward to heal our school community. We will keep you up-to-date about the steps we take and the progress we make.”

Fisher also agreed with prosecutors’ argument that attorney-client privilege does not apply because the School Board was not the client—the investigating law firm, Blankingship & Keith, was hired by School Board counsel Robert Falconi. Fisher said Falconi failed to show he hired Blankingship at the direction of the School Board.

William Porter, the report’s author, testified April 6 that he didn’t speak to any School Board members for the report and said he advised those in the division

Pullen house

continued from page 17

it wasn’t visible,” council member Carol Luke said. “And I don’t think Pullen House will be any improvement on that. What the farmer’s market did well at was when it was on Main Street, because everybody drove by it.”

Rayner said the Pullen House property provides value because of its proximity to Bush Tabernacle, Fireman’s Field and Dillon’s Woods.

“I think we could do something really great with that property, even if we don’t

Purcellville budget

continued from page 16

talk about government, yeah, that’s true. But I think fiscal responsibility is also, the money that you’re going to spend, spend it wisely. … That’s the reasoning for my vote for the budget tonight.”

Rayner said she was disappointed that some council members were supporting a budget against what was recommended by

whom he interviewed that he did not represent them.

Fisher also said the School Board and Ziegler were given copies of the final investigative report on Jan. 4, 2022, to review, but that only Ziegler was allowed to keep one. He agreed with special prosecutor Theo Stamos’ team that the report contained communication between third parties and an attorney who did not then represent the School Board— undermining the claim of attorney-client privilege.

In the end, Fisher said the report was never intended to have attorney-client privilege and ordered a subpoena be issued and that it be turned over to Stamos in seven days.

In an earlier hearing, Fisher ordered that a copy of the report be made available to him to review in private. However, he said May 5 in a motion that he had not viewed the report and no longer found it necessary to do so.

And Fisher said of the seven exhibits presented as evidence of attorney-client privilege protecting the report from disclosure, four were of records for closed meetings with the School Board and its legal counsel that appeared to violate the Freedom of Information Act, on Oct. 27, 2021; Jan. 4, 2022; Feb. 9, 2023; and Feb. 14, 2023.

He cited the justification for the Feb.

do it tomorrow … I think it would be a great loss to us to sell the actual property, but the house does need to go,” she said.

Residents also voiced support for and opposition against selling the property during the citizen comment portion of the meeting.

“We have been delaying this project since 2017,” Christa Kermode said. “My opinion is we move forward with selling the property via bid as there will be no additional outside costs to town residents.”

“For $75,000 we can keep the property for our future needs because, like the old town office, there’s no going back,” Beverly Chiasson said. “Looking back, most every

town staff.

“We need to listen to our experts—our expert financial staff and now three town managers who have stated that we need to raise rates at the recommended levels in order to not cause a financial crisis,” she said.

Mayor Stanley J. Milan, Vice Mayor Christopher Bertaut and council member Carol Luke defended the budget.

“We’re all in this together, and I think it makes it extremely difficult and it increases the opportunity for contention,”

9 closed meeting, for consultation with legal counsel pertaining to “probable litigation” and “regarding a matter related to Loudoun Circuit Court matter” and citing the special grand jury case.

Fisher said the School Board did not have any litigation or any dealings with the special grand jury, and therefore that closed meeting was held in violation of FOIA laws. Other motions to go into closed session, he said, were too vaguely worded.

Fisher said those exhibits were “unpersuasive”.

The Virginia Attorney General’s Office asked the court March 2 to subpoena the independent report saying it was “material to criminal charges that are now pending” against Ziegler.

Ziegler’s trial on a charge of false publication is set for Aug. 14-15 and his trial on charges of prohibited conduct and penalizing an employee for a court appearance are Sept. 25-26. All three are misdemeanors.

After the hearing, School Board member Jeff Morse (Dulles) said it was a relief to have the report released and said it feels like a burden has been lifted.

Tiffany Polifko (Broad Run) said she has always supported releasing the report even as she campaigned for the seat.

“I trusted my gut then, I trust it now and I am truly grateful that the judge, in

time we have sold real estate, we have regretted it. There’s no urgent need to sell this one. We have the means to keep it. Let’s do it.” Chiasson served on the Town Council for 12 years and ran for mayor in 2020.

The council has tried to sell the property before. In 2021 the council received three bids to purchase the property, but only one was determined to be a qualified response. According to the town staff, the highest bid, $303,000, was submitted before the council issued a bid amendment requiring the preservation of a large oak tree on the property, and the bidder subsequently withdrew the offer. The

Luke said. “But we are in charge of this, as people, as humans in this town. We have a choice for how we deal with it. And I think we need to find a way that we both compromise to some degree.”

“Even with the changes that I’ve been supporting, this still represents the second consecutive year of double-digit increases in the town’s budgets,” Bertaut said. “Changes that I’ve supported will reduce the amount of that increase initially recommended by our utility rate modeler and with whom they do agree [Stantec

my opinion, believes in releasing the full truth,” she said. “I was elected to be a voice for the public and I will continue to be that voice as long as I serve on the LCPS board.”

“I firmly believe the only way to rebuild trust between the community and LCPS is through transparency and communication, and that is why I have consistently advocated for the release of the Blankingship & Keith report,” Denise Corbo (AtLarge) stated by email. “Releasing the report to the Attorney General’s office is the next step towards resolving this situation and holding the right parties responsible for what transpired. It is my hope that the end goal of these proceedings will be continued changes in policy, transparency, and communication in order to prevent situations like this from occurring in the future in our schools.”

Notably, Corbo attended Monday’s court hearing and the April 6 hearing in person, although she has cited health reasons for not attending School Board meetings in person since August 2021. She was wearing a face mask at both hearings.

Polifko, Corbo and John Beatty (Catoctin) were the only board members to vote to release the report Feb. 14, 2023.

Scott Smith, the father of one of the sexual assault victims, also attended the hearing.

“Accountability is coming,” he said. n

second highest bid came in at $233,950, but lacked the required deposit and was deemed unqualified. That left a bid of $101,000, which the council and the staff deemed insufficient.

In 2017 the Town Council and then-Mayor Kwasi Fraser had the property appraised and requested public input on ideas for the lot.

According to a town staff report, the town initially purchased the property for future use as overflow parking, development of a pocket park, a storage location for special events equipment, or other income-generating opportunities. n

consulting], that will also ultimately lead to less reliance on the citizens to pay full price for needed infrastructure.”

“When I ran with Vice Mayor Bertaut in 2020 we ran on slow growth, infrastructure improvement, and innovative solutions,” Milan said. “That was the mantra for the past eight years before I ran for mayor. Now that I ran for mayor I ran on similar debt reduction, controlled spending and slow growth. That is what I promised to the citizens when I ran, and that is what I’m accomplishing now.” n

Round Hill

Mayor Scott Ramsey and Lt. Col. Travis Ross place a memorial wreath at the Round Hill Town Park during the town’s annual Memorial Day service on Saturday. Ross was the keynote speaker during the program. Inset: Onlookers salute during the Town of Round Hill’s Memorial Day observance.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Loudoun Honors Heroes

Purcellville

A 21-gun salute is given at Purcellville’s Memorial Day Ceremony May 29, 2023.

Inset: ADAMS Scouts BSA Troop and interfaith youth offered a prayer at Purcellville’s Memorial Day Ceremony May 29, 2023.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Lovettsville

Mayor Christopher Hornbaker shakes hands with Retired United States Marine Corps Corporal Ronny “Tony” Porta at the town’s Memorial Day Ceremony, May 29, 2023.

Inset: A member of Lovettsville’s American Legion Post 1836 speaks at the town’s Memorial Day Ceremony, May 29, 2023.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Mary Everett/Loudoun Now

NORMAN K. STYER Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com

EDITORIAL

RENSS GREENE Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com

ALEXIS GUSTIN Reporter agustin@loudounnow.com

HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

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Next Up?

Announcements are expected as early as next week for the selections of the next-up leaders for two of the toughest public sector jobs in Loudoun.

The School Board spent much of last month evaluating the finalists for the superintendent post even as the controversy that cost the last superintendent his job continues into its third year. Not only will the winning candidate be stepping into a school division being held in the national spotlight on culture war issues and facing a credibility crisis locally, he or she will be working for a substantially—perhaps entirely—new School Board within a matter of months.

The Purcellville Town Council spent much of last month sparring with the interim town manager—continuing the behavior that drove away the

prior two men to hold the post—while also evaluating at least three candidates seeking to step into the job on a permanent basis.

Although these posts have acted more as revolving doors in recent years, both were once known for the stability and dependability of their leadership. Loudoun’s school district long had a national reputation for the high-quality education it offered; now that’s not the image being portrayed beyond the county borders. And Purcellville’s triple-A bond rating—a rarity among municipalities of its size—wasn’t achieved in an atmosphere of management chaos.

Under these circumstances, the possibility that there are qualified applicants seeking to be considered for the posts at all would represent some sort of accomplishment amid the dysfunction. n

LETTERS to the Editor

Essential Service

Editor:

After living in Leesburg for 20 years, I just attended my first ever tour of our wastewater facility here in town. I could not be more impressed by the volume of this operation: the plant, infrastructure, and technology that keep the operation moving; and most of all the people who oversee, manage, and keep this indispensable part of our town functioning 24x7x365.

Most of us don’t think twice when we wash our dishes or flush a toilet or get some chilled water from the refrigerator, that there is a huge utility behind the scenes making that modern miracle possible. But I’ve traveled to Honduras where indoor plumbing is the exception and not the rule. I have family in urban parts of West Virginia (not rural) who regularly receive “Boil Your Water” notices from their water utility. Can anyone reading this remember the last time we received such a notice? Not in my 20 years here.

We’ve heard a lot about essential

workers during the pandemic and the credit they deserve for keeping “things going” while most of us were in shelter-in-place mode. We also hear a lot of griping about how much we pay in taxes, which is a topic for another day. But I’ll implore anyone wanting to see their tax dollars at work to take a tour of this or another of our utilities and speak to the good people who keep them functioning, including our public servants in the police, fire, education, and emergency departments.

I realize it’s extremely expensive to live in Northern Virginia (sometimes prohibitively) however, for every dollar in taxes we pay, we get more than a dollar in service. To the men and women working in our wastewater facility, and all our public utilities, I want to say thank you for all that you do—including (but not limited to) staying overnight sleeping on cots when winter storms are forecast, your constant diligence and dedication to keeping our town running smoothly. You are essential and you are appreciated.

— Michael Scott, Leesburg

Eyesores

Editor:

I have lived in Loudoun County for five years. It is the richest county in the USA. Unfortunately, it has become a garbage can of data centers.

They are everywhere. Not only are they unsightly but the wires and large electronic terminal stations are an eyesore. These data centers are gigantic and can easily be a city block long.

Loudoun County used to be a gorgeous, forested area spotted with houses. There is no benefit to the people who live around these centers, and we certainly don’t need the money. I can’t help wondering who is approving them and if, somehow, there are donations by these companies to elected officials. The people who live there do not want them.

Please help stop this destruction of our once beautiful community. Only an investigation of this matter will help. If you think I am exaggerating, just drive

on page 35

mailed

to

READERS’ poll CHIPshots

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

What is the best part of the Memorial Day weekend?

• 66.2% Tributes to fallen heroes

• 10.8% Family cookout

• 10.8% Getting a short vacation

• 7.7% Small town festivals

• 4.6% Opening the pools

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

What’s in the future for this year’s high school graduates?

Loudoun Brewers Cut $32K Check for Suicide Prevention

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County brewers have made their largest charitable donation yet, cutting a check for $31,762 donation to the National Capital Area Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Loudoun breweries raised the money through a collaboration brew, You Are Not Alone session IPA, brewed with alldonated, often local ingredients. It was created with yeast from Jasper Yeast and hops from Fabbioli Cellars and other local farms and breweries. Loudoun artist Randy Krukles, who also designs artwork for Purcellville’s Belly Love Brewing

LETTERS to the Editor

continued from page 34

around Loudoun County Parkway and around Waxpool Drive and see for yourself.

— Charlene Wilson, Ashburn

What’s Their Vision?

Editor:

I received a flyer from Buta Biberaj entitled “FOOL ME ONCE SHAME ON YOU.” On one side there were scary pictures of Donald Trump and George Bush (who I didn’t even

Company, is donating a design for the cans. And the grains and malt were donated by BSG CraftBrewing, a national provider of bulk brewing supplies headquartered in Minnesota.

National Capital Area Chapter Executive Director Ellen Shannon

know are also apparently running for Commonwealth Attorney in Loudoun County). On the other side were various charges against Elizabeth Lancaster, her primary opponent, none of which had anything to do with her actual qualifications for the office, but focused on how she once worked with Republicans and even gave them money. So what? I’m a Democrat and I have done the same thing at the local level; we all should want the best person elected regardless of party.

To me the heading might better have read “Ms. BIBERAJ, SHAME ON YOU.”

It is the bigger picture that most

was at Old Ox Brewery on May 11 to accept the donation.

According to the AFSP, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the US, and almost 46,000 Americans died by suicide in 2020. There were 1.2 million attempts.

The American Foundation of Suicide

concerns me as our elections become more negative. Candidates should never forget that we all live and work together in Loudoun County. Your opponent may next be on a board or commission and you will need to work together. As a minimum you don’t want to have to run down an aisle at the grocery store to avoid having to look an opponent you slandered in the eye.

It does not have to be this way. In 1991 I ran, and lost, for chair of the Loudoun Board of Supervisors and my opponent was the late George Barton. We debated 28 times with our distinctly different visions for the future of the county and in the process became

Prevention is the largest funder of suicide prevention research in the world, National Capital Area Chapter Executive Director Ellen Shannon said. The nonprofit also provides education and community programs, advocates for laws that can save lives, and provides support for people who have lost someone by suicide.

Learn more about the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter and the services it offers, volunteer or donate at afsp.org/NCAC. To find local suicide prevention resources, visit loudoun.gov/suicideprevention. If you are in crisis, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. n

friends as we stood around waiting for parades to start and at other events. Even while we continued to disagree on issues. His campaign manager, the late Paul Ziluca, became a friend and colleague for 25 years on many important projects in the county.

The lesson here is that the political process should be based on each candidate’s vision for the future, not vague dirt on the opponent. In the process the voters get a clear choice. And the county can obtain the benefits of both candidates in the years ahead.

— Alfred P. Van Huyck, Round Hill

Members of the Loudoun County Brewers Association present a check for $31,762 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Photo: Erin Lombardi