Loudoun Now for June 20, 2024

Class of ’24 Celebrates Resilience

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnnow.org

The final commencement ceremonies for Loudoun County seniors wrapped up after over two weeks of graduations held on school campuses, at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, and the Ion International Training Center in Leesburg.

Among the last to celebrate were graduates at Loudoun County High School where students, family and friends gathered on the front lawn Tuesday morning.

“My hope is that you’ve discovered your why during your time as a Captain, and that you were able to leave a piece of yourself behind to become part of a fabric that makes Loudoun County High School so unique and special,” said Principal

Michelle Luttrell “Every Captain leaves a legacy for future generations to get inspired from and create their own destinies and ultimately, their own legacies.”

Loudoun County High School, which opened in 1954 to consolidate the county’s four high schools for White students, is celebrating its 70th year.

“I think it’s only fitting that our class marked this monumental occasion, considering our high school years were anything but normal,” Student Council President Madison Ruff said.

In addition to the traditional challenges of high school life, the Class of ’24 endured the pandemic school disruptions

CLASS OF ’24 continues on page 41

Subramanyam Tops Democratic Field; Cao, Clancy Take GOP Nominations

BY HANNA PAMPALONI & NORMAN K. STYER

hpampaloni@loudounnow.org nstyer@loudounnow.org

The ballot is set for Loudoun’s congressional races with Republican Hung Cao easily winning his bid for the U.S. Senate nomination and Mike W. Clancy overwhelmingly selected as the GOP’s candidate in the 10th Congressional District on Tuesday night.

In the crowded field of Democrats in the 10th House District race, Suhas Subramanyam won in a close contest over Dan Helmer. The two state delegates led a roster of 12 candidates to replace Jennifer Wexton, who is not seeking election to a fourth term as she continues to cope with

Parkinson’s disease.

All three winning candidates are Loudoun residents.

Cao, who gained 47% of the vote in a challenge to Wexton two years ago, will take on two-term incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine in a statewide race in November. In Tuesday’s primary, he was the clear choice, amassing more than 63% of the vote. Scott Parkinson was second among the six candidates in the Republican primary with just over 10% of the vote.

Cao thanked supporters in a posting on X Tuesday night that focused on campaign issues of border security, abortion, Medicare and Kaine.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Mortarboards decorated by members of Loudoun County High School’s Class of 2024 displayed students’ college plans, tributes to friends and family, and words of inspiration.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

State Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-32) celebrates after preliminary results show he beat Del. Dan Helmer (D-10) for the 10th District House seat on Tuesday night.

PRIMARIES continues on page 40

FRIDAY

Community Leaders Celebrate Juneteenth with March

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Community leaders gathered in front of the county courthouse Wednesday morning before marching through downtown Leesburg to commemorate Juneteenth.

The holiday marks 159 years since 2,000 Union troops landed in Galveston Bay, TX, to announce that the more than 250,000 enslaved people in the state had been free by executive order.

NAACP Loudoun President Pastor Michelle Thomas led a group of approximately 75 residents to a historical marker remembering the lynching of 14-year-old Orion Anderson in Leesburg on Nov. 8, 1889.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) celebrated the changes the Black

community has seen since she moved to Loudoun 30 years ago.

“I got here my first year I said, ‘where are the Juneteenth celebrations?” I was absolutely shocked that there wasn’t a Juneteenth celebration,” she said. “Then I went to the courthouse grounds and I said, ‘why is there a Confederate courthouse grounds?’ And then we rolled around in January and I said, ‘how is there a Lee Jackson/King Day? Those things do not belong together.’ … So much has changed. And what I say all the time is that Juneteenth is not an African American holiday; Juneteenth is an American holiday.”

Randall read a Juneteenth Proclamation signed by the Board of Supervisors commemorating the holiday.

continues on page 40

Setting the Stage for Revolution:

250th Anniversary of the Loudoun Resolves Celebrated

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Area residents gathered on the courthouse lawn Saturday to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Loudoun Resolves, a declaration by Loudoun County colonists that helped to set the stage for the Revolutionary War and the nation’s independence.

The Resolves were signed by 59 Loudoun men on June 14, 1774, two weeks after the British crown imposed the Boston Port Act, one of five measures, the Intolerable Acts, enacted to punish Massachusetts colonists following the Boston Tea party seven months earlier. While declaring support for those suffering in Boston, the group also called for a boycott of tea and other products from the East India Company until the acts were repealed and pledged to fight back against any British military action to enforce the acts.

“What Loudoun citizens declared that day was not chiefly a complaint of Britain’s unjust actions, but rather a statement of hope and determination designed to protect and extend their natural God-given rights,” historian David Walker said during the program. “Loudoun’s 59 loyal British subjects declared that they were

ish subjects to becoming American citizens. And in two years’ time, these steps would lead all 13 colonies to declaring their independence, striking a blow for freedom that continues resonating across our land and across the very world to this day,” Walker said.

As part of the commemoration, participants were invited to re-enact the event by writing the names of the signers on a parchment using a quill and ink.

The program was organized by the Sons of the American Revolution in conjunction with the LoudounVA250 committee, which is developing a years-long program to highlight historic events leading up to and during the Revolutionary War in preparation for semiquincentennial celebrations in 2026.

willing to risk everything—even their very lives—to protect those rights, and although they did not seek war, Parliament’s actions had taken the first step down that path. And if war came, Loudoun citizens

would respond in kind.

“By signing their names to the Loudoun Resolves, issued 250 years ago, our local forebears took the first daring open steps down a path from being Brit-

The next program will be held Saturday, June 22, again on the courthouse lawn, to unveil a Lafayette Trail marker. The marker highlights the Marquis de Lafayette’s Aug. 9, 1825, visit to Loudoun and his attendance at the baptism of two daughters of William Temple Thompson Mason at his Temple Hall farm north of Leesburg. President John Quincy Adams and former President James Monroe also attended. The program begins at 10 a.m. Learn more at visitloudoun.com/loudoun250. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

As part of the Saturday’s commemoration of the signing of the Loudoun Resolves, participants were invited to sign the names of Loudoun patriots on parchment using quill and ink.

JUNETEENTH

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Musicians from Sierra Leone, Africa play during the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration hosted by the Loudoun Freedom Center and the NAACP Loudoun Chapter.

Loudoun

County Supervisors Approve Prime Farmland Preservation Ordinance

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

There is one thing that farmers in Loudoun County can agree on—they want to continue farming and they want their children to have the option to do so, as well. But they disagree on which path county leaders should take to ensure, as best they can, that agriculture will continue to be a part of Loudoun’s future.

Supervisors on June 12 approved a Zoning Ordinance amendment with the goal of preserving the county’s prime agricultural soils and regulating rural cluster subdivisions after 40 community members spoke both supporting and opposing the change.

The project started in 2020 amid concerns that the goals of the cluster ordinance to create larger out lots for rural economy purposes were largely unmet. The lots were often unusable for farming because they are located on steep slopes, wetlands or poor soils, critics said.

The adopted revisions will apply to properties with at least five acres of prime soils, requiring that at least 70% of those soils be preserved in agricultural lots. According to the county planning staff ’s research, 705 parcels covering 54,000 acres meet that criteria and the proposed regulations would protect 12,250 acres of prime soil.

During Wednesday night’s meeting, County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At

Supervisors Approve Mars Substation North of Dulles Airport

The Mars utility substation, which is planned for just north of Dulles International Airport and is crucial to a 500 and 230 kV transmission line project planned by Dominion Energy, is moving forward after receiving a vote of approval by the Board of Supervisors June 13.

Dominion is requesting a commission permit to allow the substation on the roughly 17-acre parcel, a use not permitted by-right in the Planned Development-General Industry Zoning District.

Large) unsuccessfully made a motion to increase the five-acre trigger to 10 acres. Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony (D-Little River) succeeded with an amendment to reduce that number back to five acres.

“Our objective is to preserve prime agricultural soils and it meets the 2019 Comprehensive Plan objective,” TeKrony said. “… We save more prime land, prime soils than we do with 10 noncontiguous acres. We save an additional 194 parcels and an additional 1,450 acres of prime agricultural soils.”

Many of the county’s small farm owners

spoke in support of adopting the amendment, specifically mentioning the five-acre trigger.

“Last time we came before you, we detailed the ineffective nature of the current ordinance and how woefully inefficient it is at preserving working [agricultural] lands, how it fails to create and protect lots capable of supporting the desired rural economic uses and how it invariably aims to maximize

PRIME AG SOILS continues on page 7

Fast-Tracked Affordable Housing Project Receives Rezoning Approval in 6 Months

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A 100% affordable housing project was approved by the Board of Supervisors last week—a mere six months after beginning its legislative review process.

The application has been informally fast-tracked as a pilot project to see how quickly it could be expedited through a review process that typically takes two years.

The project rezones just over three acres along Atlantic Boulevard from Planned-Development Housing 6 to Multi-Family Residential to provide 80 housing units for residents earning up to 80% of the area’s median income.

The units will be between 650 and 1,225 square feet in four-story buildings.

In April, the Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of the proposal.

Good Works LP partner Kim Hart, whose company is developing the project, said during the June 12 meeting that this application is important because the traditional strategy of requiring developers to commit a few affordable units with each project is not adequately addressing the housing crisis.

“The Zoning Ordinance rewrite will not solve the problem either,” he said of recently adopted development rules that increased the level of affordable housing required in big rezonings. “Increasing the

percentage of ADUs required is just making the stick bigger. There’s still no carrot. And so, what incentive really works? That, my friends, is expedited review.”

Hart said the six-month timetable was able to be met for three reasons—the application had no complications because it is 100% affordable housing units, there was mutual respect between the county staff and the applicant, and the timetable was agreed to, and kept, through open communication by both parties.

The application includes a special request to reduce the number of parking spaces per unit to 1.3 regardless of how many bedrooms an apartment may have.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING continues on page 6

McGuire Woods Senior Land Use Planner Sheri Akin said the substation is part of the Wishing Star to Mars transmission line project necessary to meet grid load need recognized by PJM Interconnection by summer 2025. The board approved the Wishing Star substation in February.

“We really can’t find a better location for this substation,” Akin said. “… The surrounding area, the majority of it is Dulles Airport.”

It is also planned to be developed in conjunction with a by-right data center.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) agreed.

“If there is to be a substation, and we have lots of concerns about substations and data centers and all that. But this is an appropriate location,” she said.

Lafayette’s 1825 Courthouse Visit to be Commemorated Saturday

A ceremony celebrating the Marquis de Lafayette’s contributions to the Revolutionary War and his stop in Loudoun County in 1825 will take place on Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m. at the Loudoun County Courthouse.

The marker, which will be installed on the north side of the historic Charles Hamilton Houston Courthouse, recognizes Lafayette’s stop in Leesburg during his farewell tour of the United States.

on page 5

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now A farmer in Loudoun County shows a basket of locally grown products to the Board of Supervisors to emphasize the importance of preserving prime agricultural soils June 12.

Supervisors Consider Admissions Tax for Sporting Events

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A vote on whether to implement a 10% admissions tax on professional sporting events was delayed by the county finance committee last week after discussion on whether or not it is necessary.

As part of the county’s lease agreement with the DC Soccer Management Company at Segra Field, the county agreed to “cooperatively pursue” an admissions tax. The revenue would help offset the annual base rent due from the tenant until the debt is paid off. After that, the tax would be directed into the county’s General Fund.

The average ticket price for a Loudoun United soccer game is $25. With the 10% tax, $60,000 to $150,000 a year is estimated to be gained toward the 30-year debt. Management and Budget Analyst Thomas Prior said while the tax would have to be implemented to all professional sporting events, the primary venue would be Segra field. Other potential locations impacted by the tax could be the Ion International Training Center, RavenTek Park, US Tennis Association Mid-Atlantic, Morven Park, and Trump National Golf Club Washington, D.C. It would not

ON THE Agenda

continued from page 4

The Loudoun marker is one of many being installed throughout the country to educate the public about the national significance of Lafayette’s tour and to promote a broader understanding of his contributions to American history. In addition to the ceremony, the Charles Hamilton Houston Courthouse will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with exhibits on display, including the 1825 Court Minute Book with an entry about Lafayette’s visit.

The celebration is part of the Loudoun Virginia 250 Committee’s commemoration of the American Revolution. More information about the initiative is online at loudoun.gov/loudounva250.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Planned Saturday

The next Household Hazardous Waste collection event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at

apply to high school sporting events, concerts or museums.

“Pursuing the admissions tax is a way for the county to provide revenue that will go towards the debt service payments that the team owes the county. So, it’s not a payment to the team, it is an offset,” Deputy County Administrator Erin McLellan said.

Supervisors questioned if it was part of the contract to implement the admissions tax or just to pursue it.

“Are you saying that we’re obligated to create this tax to offset their debt?” Vice Chair Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) asked.

McLellan said the language in the contract is “pursue” but that the board is not mandated to adopt the tax.

“In pursuing the legislative change, I think we also essentially implied that if we pursued the legislative change, we would also bring it forward to the board for consideration. You do not have to do anything. The contract cannot mandate a change,” she said.

Committee Chair Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said he had

ADMISSIONS TAX

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Freedom High School in South Riding.

Resident can bring HHW from their homes to the event, free of charge.

Accepted waste includes: fluorescent light bulbs, dry-cell batteries, oil-based paints and stains, varnish, paint thinner, mineral spirits, metal polish, rust remover, wood strippers and preservatives, furniture polish, waxes, sealants and solvents, bleach, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizer, pool chemicals, muriatic acid, sulfuric acid, ammonia, mercury, mercury thermometers and thermostats, gasoline, expired fuel, auto cleaners and flushes, brake and transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, fire extinguishers, moth balls, flea and tick products, photographic chemicals and other hobby chemicals.

The limit per household is 15 gallons of liquid HHW, and 40 pounds of solid HHW. Participants should be able to provide proof of Loudoun County residency such as a driver’s license or utility bill.

For more information about the Loudoun County Household Hazardous Waste Program, call 703-771-5500 or go to loudoun.gov/hhw.  n

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Historic Douglass School Honored in Signatures of Loudoun Awards

The county’s Department of Economic Development and the Design Cabinet on Tuesday announced the winners of the 2024 Signatures of Loudoun Design Excellence Awards.

The program was established to recognize the outstanding buildings, interiors, places, and details that make Loudoun County unique.

DED Executive Director Buddy Rizer said the cabinet, an all-volunteer group of design professionals, was formed over 20 years ago.

“Over the years we’ve done some great, great things,” he said. “One of the things that I’ve been very excited about is the way that we’ve impacted the way the county looks. I think if you don’t travel a lot, you don’t recognize how beautiful Loudoun really is. When we have people come in from other parts of the country, they’ll inevitably say what a beautiful community it is. And part of that is that commitment to design, that commitment to quality,

Affordable housing

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Project Manager Allison Britain said the parking demand study provided by the applicant to justify the reduction request was not verified and, because of that, the staff would be unable to recommend approval by the board.

“While the applicant’s potential scenario may be accurate as one option for development, it is unverified and does not reflect the maximum development that may be possible as the proffer statement is written,” she said.

The proffer statement commits to a number of minimum and maximum unit types but does specify the specific number of each unit size.

Admission tax

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worked on the agreement years ago with Director of Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer.

“My recollection very clearly is that we asserted that this was part of the agreement and that the board would enact an admissions tax and that was then baked into their financial model,” he said.

Rizer agreed saying “it was always part of the plan.”

The 2024 winners in each category are:

Details: Migration Spring/Fall Mural

Contextual Design: Elsass Furnishings and Purcellville Group House

Infrastructure: Loudoun’s Gravel Roads

Interiors: Hanley Energy

Historic Innovation: Waterford Mill

and the commitment and place that has always been so important in Loudoun County.

The Historic Douglass High School received the Pace Setters Award and the Students’ Choice Award, which was decided by five high school students in collaborating with the Design Cabinet.

Cabinet Chair Al Gooden said partnering with the students is a great way to

Hart said the parking is not going to be an issue.

“At 1.3, we’re still overparked. I don’t need more than 1.0,” he said. “… I’m going to have 20 or 30 empty parking spaces at this property.”

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) asked why the applicant wasn’t proffering a specific number of each unit type.

Hart said he needed a little bit of “wiggle room” to negotiate the unit mix as part of his application with Virginia Housing. He said their ideal mix would easily fit parking in the 1.3 slot per unit ratio.

The project is planned to be funded partially by the Affordable Multi-family Housing Loan Program to the tune of $5.4 million planned to be paid back over 35 years. Supervisors are expected to vote

County Administrator Tim Hemstreet said he had not asked the soccer team to attend the meeting to answer questions because he had not anticipated the supervisors having concerns with a contract they had agreed to previously.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) said she wanted to hear from the team and other organizations that would be impacted by the tax.

Briskman asked if, instead of implementing a tax, the board could offset the debt with money from the fiscal year’s unallocated remaining balance, adding

Pace Setters: Douglass Community Center Playground, The Barn at Brambleton,

The Historic Douglass High School Education and Development Campus Renovation

Public Spaces: Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park

Students’ Choice Award: The Historic Douglass High School Education and Development

involve the next generation in Loudoun’s architectural and interior design.

“If you start them young, believing that this is a great place to live, when they go off to college, they’re going to come back and work here and be part and build their own families,” he said.

Gooden said the awards were created to recognize what a special place Loudoun is to live and to encourage more economic

for final approval of the loan during their June 18 meeting.

Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) cast the lone vote against approving the application, citing concerns about the cost to taxpayers and the impact on nearby schools.

“Unfortunately, Potomac Falls High School, which is over capacity right now, will become even more over capacity in the 2029-30 projected enrollment. And Riverbend Middle School which is approaching capacity now is going to be over capacity in 2029-30,” she said.

The Atlantic Boulevard development is expected to add 12 elementary-aged students, seven middle school-aged students, and 10 high school-aged students, according to the staff report.

“This development will add an addi-

she was concerned about burdening ticket buyers with a higher cost.

Hemstreet said the county should not be paying for the organization’s debt obligation.

Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) said he was worried that increasing the ticket costs with a tax would cause attendance at the games to drop.

“There’s not stipulation [in the contract] that says in the year 2024, we have to do this. So, we could, in theory, wait another year or two if possible?” he asked.

McLellan said the board could, but that

development in the county. “Good design is good business,” he said. n

tional annual operating cost burden of $573,000 and a requirement for an estimated capital cost of $2.3 million,” Umstattd said.

The board voted 7-1-1, with Umstattd opposed and Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin) absent, to approve the application.

“[100% affordable housing] is something that we desperately need in this county,” Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) said. “Not just for our employees that work in this building, our LCPS employees, our sheriff department, firefighters, but those who are working various restaurants, service industry and other jobs within the county that might be traveling near and far to get here every single day to provide service to us and our families.” n

the agreement also stated that it would be pursued when possible.

County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) asked why the tax needed to apply to all sporting events instead of just Loudoun United games.

Assistant Director of Management and Budget Nikki Speight said the opinion received from the Attorney General was that any tax had to be uniformly applied.

A motion by Letourneau to forward the item to a future meeting to learn more information from Loudoun United passed unanimously. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Renovations to the Douglass School in Leesburg won two Signatures of Loudoun awards that highlight important examples of community architecture.

Prime Ag Soils

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the residential base at a steep cost to all other concerns,” Lincoln-area beef cattle farmer Sarah Brown said.

Others said good farmland is getting harder and harder to come by in the county.

But some in the county’s farming community said enacting the change would affect their property values and discourage use of conservation easements.

“The county is not helping farmers,” one farmer said. “It is hurting us. What you are doing will devalue the farm and hurt me financially. Now, I may not be able to retire. This is so very wrong.”

JK Land Holdings representative Charles Yudd said the company, which has placed hundreds of acres under conservation easements, supports conserving farmland but disagrees that the proposed ordinance is the right way to do it.

“We do not support the ZOAM because of the disincentives that it delivers to property owners,” he said. “As of 2022, approximately 72,000 acres have been placed in conservation easement in the AR-1 and AR-2 district; of that, 20,000 acres were prime [agricultural] soils. That can be contrasted with cluster subdivisions consisting of about 3,600 acres of which 1,100 were prime [agricultural] soils. … Conservations are probably more effective.”

In an effort to mitigate those concerns, supervisors adopted a “savings clause,” which allows county planners to administratively reduce the 70% prime soil preservation requirement to no less than 30% if the regulations would result in a reduction in the number of developable house lots.

“When we started this, for a couple of years I thought there is no way that you can preserve 70% of prime farmland and preserve the value of the land and I think that’s exactly what this clause does,” Supervisor Michael Turner (D-Ashburn) said.

Supervisor Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin), whose district contains much of the county’s existing farmland, opposed the ordinance amendment but said he was glad that if it did pass, it included the savings clause.

“I think this is language that really does help those seeking to do conservation easements,” he said.

Kershner unsuccessfully attempted to have any parcels of prime agricultural soils that are less than 2 contiguous acres excluded when reaching the 70% threshold. Only he and Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) supported the proposal.

“This is what I’m really calling the practical farming amendment to the ZOAM,” Kershner said. “… Under the current system that we are about ready to adopt as a board, you have to preserve 70% of every

single prime ag soil unit on there. And you have to build your cluster or farm around perhaps these very isolated pieces of prime [agricultural soils] that are really not usable or farmable.”

Working around small pockets of prime farmland could result in misshapen housing developments or wasted space, he said.

Other supervisors said that approach would decrease the amount of prime farmland preserved and that they felt it was unnecessary, given the already adopted “savings clause.”

In an attempt to address concerns from residents who said they would lose value on conservation easements once the amend-

ment was enacted, Randall proposed a ninemonth delay start time for the changes. That would give residents enough time to put their properties into easements before the ZOAM could potentially affect their values, she said.

“You now have nine months from today to put land in conservation easement, and nothing we would do tonight, one way or the other, will affect that,” she said. “So, in nine months, if that has not happened then that’s a different issue.”

Umstattd disagreed, saying the effect on property values would be immediate once the amendment was adopted even if the implementation was delayed.

“The loss of tax benefits starts tonight,” she said.

The final motion to adopt the Zoning Ordinance amendment with a nine-month delayed start time passed on a 7-2 vote with Kershner and Umstattd opposed.

Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said he didn’t think anyone knows for sure what impact the amendment would have but reminded his colleagues that none of the changes have to be final.

“As I said earlier, the law is moving. If there are massive unintended consequences, it can be adjusted,” he said.

The changes will go into effect March 12, 2025. n

Animal Welfare Day Celebrated at County Shelter

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

Several Democrat members of the Loudoun delegation June 13 gathered at the Loudoun County Animal Shelter to celebrate animal welfare day and to recognize the progress made in animal welfare in the state with the passage of 10 bills.

Speakers included Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) and Laura Tekrony (D-Little River), who spoke about her experience with fostering animals, State Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) and Del. Marty Martinez (D-29) who sponsored a bill that prohibited cat declawing.

“The reason fostering is so important is its actually saving two animals. Every time someone fosters an animal, it leaves room in the shelter that heretofore wouldn’t have been there. And for the animal it’s the difference between staying in a hotel or staying in a jail and I don’t mean that begrudgingly about the shelter,” Founder of Virginia Animal Protection Bob Tubbs said.

Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk, an ardent cat fan, read a proclamation from the town council recognizing June 13 as animal welfare day and recognizing Loudoun County Animal Services, Canines and Kitties Rescue Loudoun, Community Cat Coalition and the Humane Society of Loudoun County for their work to advance animal welfare efforts across the state.

Burk noted that over the last four-years LCAS has taken care of 8,700 animals, welcomed over 4,000 visitors a month and has a combined adoption and reclaim rate of 90%.

“I was very grateful to Mr. Martinez’s efforts to end this cat declawing that many of us at one point thought was a good thing. So, it’s good that we realize now that it’s bad and we aren’t going to do it anymore,” Burk said.

Martinez said the bill was brought forward a year ago but didn’t go anywhere. He said it had special meaning to him because he was a cat owner.

He said he always regretted declawing the first cat he and his wife had when they first got married.

“I swore that if I could ever do something about stopping it I would. And lo and behold here I am elected to the House of Delegates, and I got an opportunity to push this bill through,” he said adding a thank you to delegates and senators who supported the bill including members of the Loudoun delegation Russet Perry (D-31), Suhas Subramnyam (D-32) and Boysko.

Martinez said every time he talked about this bill in the House, the Republican side of the house would begin meowing.

“I said I don’t care as long as that meow is a vote, and this bill got bipartisan vote,” he said.

The bill passed the House 59-41 and passed the Senate 25-13-1.

Martinez said the cat declawing bill was just the beginning and that he plans to craft more legislation to protect animals.

Virginia is the third state to have a bill that bans cat declawing. New York banned it in 2019, followed by Maryland in 2022.

According to the Humane Society declawing a cat changes the way a cat’s feet meet the ground and can cause paw pain, back pain, infection, tissue necrosis and lameness. Improperly removed claws can grow back, causing bone spurs and nerve

damage, according to the society.

Randall praised LCAS and Director Nina Stively for their work to save animals at the no kill shelter and their law enforcement efforts to report incidents of animal cruelty.

Other animal welfare bills passed in the 2024 Legislative session include a bill that exempts ownership tax for a retired police or military dog, a local animal cruelty registry that contains the names of persons convicted of certain felonies for animal

cruelty for 15 years and a bill that prohibits the use of pain inflicting tools, like a bull hook on elephants.

“I think it says a lot about Virginia and our delegate and how much we care about animals in the state,” President & Executive Director of Loudoun Community Cat Coalition Tom Bove said.

Other legislators in attendance included Atoosa Reaser (D-27) and Kannan Srinivasan (D-26) and Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg). n

Data Centers Eyed for Commanders’ Training Center Land

While the future home of the Washington Commanders remains uncertain, the team’s training center at the heart of Ashburn’s Data Center Alley is moving toward its own future.

The owners on Monday filed a site plan that envisions construction of three data centers on 34.2 acres of the 162-acre property at the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway and Gloucester Parkway. Most of the training center property is in the Broad Run floodplain.

The property, which has served as the team’s headquarters since 1992, is zoned PD-IP (Industrial Park), which permits construction of data centers and power substations. The filing of a site plan would retain the ability to develop data centers as a by-right use even as the Board of Supervisors moves to impose special exception review requirements. Prior to being taken over by new ownership last summer, the Commanders had been looking at options to devel-

op a new stadium for the team, including options with an integrated training complex as part of a larger mixed-use development. One of those sites was the Waterside development, the Loudoun Quarries property near the Rt. 28/Old Ox Road interchange. The leader of the new ownership group, Josh Harris, has indicated the team is looking at potential stadium sites in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now LCAS Director Nina Stively pets a dog at the shelter. The no kill shelter has taken care of 8,700 animals and welcomed over 4,000 visitors a month in the last four years.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Once the Washington Commanders find a new home, the team’s Ashburn headquarters is expected to be sold for data center development.

Leesburg

Ballot Set for November Election

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

Mayor Kelly Burk will be unopposed in her bid for re-election to a fifth term and November’s ballot will have five candidates running for three Town Council seats.

Tuesday was the deadline for candidates to submit their paperwork to the Office of Elections.

Incumbent Kari Nacy and Zach Cummings are seeking re-election to their second four-year term. Ara Bagasarian is not

seeking re-election; his term ends Dec. 31.

Three newcomers are putting their hats in the ring.

Nicholas Krukowski, a Loudoun County Fire-Rescue captain and U.S. Air Force veteran who lives in Exeter, previously announced his campaign.

Also on the ballot seeking council seats are Branon Garay, an operations manager who lives in the Meadowbrook neighborhood, and Robert Mays, who lives in Greenway Farm.

The top three vote-getters among those five candidates will win four-year council

terms starting Jan. 1.

It will be Burk’s first unopposed election.

After serving as a Town Council member and county supervisor, she was first elected mayor in 2016, defeating incumbent Dave Butler and Council member Kevin Wright in a three-way race. She won another three-way race against Ron Campbell and Tom Dunn in 2018, outpaced Campbell again in 2020, and turned away a challenge by Suzanne Fox in 2022. The mayor serves a two-year term. n

Council Member Cites LGBTQ+ Concerns in Opposing Salvation Army Contract

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

A staff recommendation that the Salvation Army of Loudoun County be selected to manage Leesburg’s new $100,000 utility assistance program was overruled by a Town Council majority on June 11.

Council member Todd Cimino-Johnson won support for his motion that the contract be awarded to the alternate bidder, Loudoun Cares, instead.

He objected to awarding the contract to the Salvation Army, citing the lingering controversy over the organization’s history of opposing gay rights and allegations of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

The program was proposed earlier this year when the Town Council increased utility rates by 4.1%. The council set aside $100,000 from the budget surplus to provide grants to residents struggling to pay their water and sewer bills. Under the proposal, customers with household earnings not over 50% of the area median income level could receive help with two quarterly bills per year, up to a total of $650. For a family of four, an income of $77,350 or below would qualify.

While both the Salvation Army and Loudoun Cares manage community assistance programs with public funds, the staff recommended awarding the contract to the Salvation Army because it did not

plan to charge fees to manage the program. Loudoun Cares projected $13,400 in administrative costs.

Cimino-Johnson, who is gay, asked whether the town staff considered “the history of the Salvation Army being homophobic and transphobic” when making the recommendation.

Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel said those social issues were not discussed in the staff ’s evaluation and that the management of the town assistance program would be required to be separate for the organization’s religious activities. “Obvi-

AROUND town

Commission Backs Revised Brandon Playground Design

The Parks & Recreation Commission on Monday endorsed the updated design for the playground at Brandon Park.

The new design takes into account public feedback after an earlier plan sparked objections from parents. Responding to public concerns, the new design includes lower deck heights, ramp access; and expanded shade structures—elements viewed as more friendly to toddlers.

The new playground will replace equipment that was installed in 2008. That work was scheduled to begin in March but was delayed pending additional input collected during public meetings and a community survey.

Police Dept. Adds 9 Recruits

The Leesburg Police Department celebrated its largest ever recruit class, with nine graduating from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy last week.

The new officers are Jesse Ault, Laura Bramhall, Carlos Diaz Villatoro, Conor Faron, Cameron Jones, Jorge Montero, Jocelyn Pittelkau, Melvin Shannon, and Rebecca Sosa Orellana.

Shannon was selected for the Thomas L. Shaw Award for trainee excellence by the basic training staff.

ously, plenty of nonprofits are faith-based nonprofits that distribute these funds and it’s very clear and they’re well aware that there can be no commingling of what the religious side does versus the community support side,” Markel said.

Cimino-Johnson also raised concerns about the lack of overhead costs in the Salvation Army’s bid, saying governments are required to reimburse nonprofits for their work.

“This is a momentous occasion for our department. The graduation of the largest academy class in our history is a testament to our commitment to public safety and the future of law enforcement in our town,” Police Chief Thea Pirnat said. “Each of these new officers has shown remarkable dedication and resilience, and we are confident they will make substantial contributions to our community.”

The new officers will begin their

AROUND TOWN continues on page 11

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Council member Todd Cimino-Johnson speaks during the May 29 State of the Town address.

SALVATION ARMY continues on page 11

Salvation Army

continued from page 10

Salvation Army Major Robin Hackbath said administration of the program would not require any additional expenses and would use staff members who already manage community assistance programs.

Loudoun Cares projected $13,400 in administration costs with a $100 fee per transaction.

Mayor Kelly Burk said both the Salvation Army and Loudoun Cares do good work in the community.

“I have a brother who’s gay and I talked to him about this,” Burk said. He noted that through history many charity organizations “have not been kind to the gay community,” but some have changed over time.

“In looking in their mission statement and looking into research, there was nothing I could find that would prohibit us from having this organization that has a track record of working with our community members to be able to achieve this

AROUND town

continued from page 10

field training by working with experienced officers, build on their 700 hours of academy training in criminal law, community policing, defensive tactics, de-escalation techniques, and emergency response.

Supervisors Nix Request for Interchange Study

The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to deny the Town Council’s request to add a congestion study at the Rt. 7 Bypass/South King Street interchange into the county’s project to widen the highway. The county is working up plans to wid-

goal, so I don’t have a problem with it,” Burk said.

Vice Mayor Neil Steinberg also said he could not find fault with the local Salvation Army chapter.

“I also have a concern for some of the opinions expressed by the LGBTQ community. There have been problems there,” he said. “I did some research on Salvation Army and honestly, I couldn’t find anything more recent than 2019 or 2020 in the references when what I’ll refer to as bad behavior by the Salvation Army was directed toward LGBTQ community.”

“If we continue to hold organizations to past actions and don’t reward them for good behavior in the present or the future, then I’m not sure we’re serving the community well,” he said.

Rather than follow the staff recommendation, Cimino-Johnson made a motion to award the contract to Loudoun Cares. That motion passed on a 4-3 vote, with Burk, Steinberg and Patrick Wilt opposed.

Markel said the staff expects to have the program up and running by July. n

en Rt. 7 to six lanes between the Dulles Greenway and Rt. 9. During a briefing on traffic concerns at the South King interchange in January, the council agreed to request that the county expand its project to includes a more detailed look at traffic flow in that area.

During a follow up meeting in May, the county staff advised the council that work on the Rt. 7 project had already passed that study stage and that the town’s request should be treated as an independent project. Nevertheless, the council sought a formal response from the county board. That response came June 18, when the motion to deny the request was approved unanimously without debate. n

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Parents Want More in Schools’ New Diabetes Management Policy

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

The School Board’s Student Services Committee is expected Thursday to vote on a new policy that outlines staff train-

ing for diabetes management. However, some parents say it doesn’t do enough to keep their kids with Type 1 Diabetes safe at school.

The one-page policy states between two and three employees at each school,

depending on the number of administrative staff, should be trained in administering insulin or glucagon if a child with

DIABETES continues on page 15

After School Board Closed Session, No Formal Action Taken Against Griffiths

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow. org

The School Board held a closed session

Monday to discuss the “performance and discipline” of board member Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) after comments she made to a reporter last week were viewed as breaking the board’s confidentiality policies and potentially violating the superin-

tendent’s contract.

Griffiths sought to have the discussion held in an open session, saying the draft motion for the closed session failed to comply with the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

“The motion for the closed meeting fails to identify any subject matter for the meeting beyond a mere statutory recital,” she said. “Also, the implication of [Virginia Code] relates only to public officers of a public body and not a publicly elected member of that body.”

Griffiths said holding the meeting in “secret” would violate “its duty for public

Willard Students on a Mission to Make ‘Play for All’ at Loudoun Parks

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

Five Willard Middle School sixth graders are on a mission to bring inclusive playgrounds to Loudoun County.

Play 4 All, a group made up of Gabriela Torres, Siri Gudi, Pareen Sandhu, Hanna Stolle, and Manasvi Theetla were challenged with finding a solution to a local problem in Spectrum, their middle schools gifted class. They decided to figure out a way to make a local park more inclusive after remembering a wheelchair bound classmate from elementary school trying to navigate the playground.

“He would be in his wheelchair but he would park it next to the playground and he would kind of sit there and watch all the other kids play. And we thought ‘hey maybe that is a problem we can solve.’” Torres said.

The group began researching possible solutions and fundraising ideas and created a presentation for the Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition. Step Up Loudoun encourages middle and high school students to identify an issue in their neighborhood, school or community and create and implement a plan to address it.

disclosure under Virginia FOIA.”

After seeking advice from Division Counsel Wesley Allen, the board voted 3-5-1 on Griffiths’ motion to hold the meeting in open session. Linda Deans (Broad Run), April Chandler (Algonkian), Melinda Mansfield (Dulles), Anne Donohue (At Large) and Sumera Rashid (Little River) opposed the motion. Arben Istrefi (Sterling) was absent.   Kari LaBell (Catoctin) defended Griffiths, saying board members are allowed

GRIFFITHS continues on page 14

Inclusive playgrounds are intentionally designed for all ages and abilities, allowing for play and engagement without limitation. Accessible playgrounds mean kids with disabilities have access to the playground, meaning a child in a wheelchair can easily move between pieces of equipment and access the playground without issues.

The girls wanted to provide a playground that would allow for an experience that would make someone feel included.

“I’ve seen children in parks and at my elementary not playing because they couldn’t and I felt bad an wanted to include them,” Sandhu said.

PLAY FOR ALL continues on page 14

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Lauren Valentine checks her son’s numbers on a continuous glucose monitor app. Parents are asking that a new division policy on diabetes management in schools add a section that allows school nurses to monitor students levels through the app.

Griffiths

Rock Ridge Teacher Receives Honorable Mention from Tony Awards

Rock Ridge High School theatre teacher Anthony Cimino-Johnson was recognized Sunday as an honorable mention for the 2024 Excellence in Theatre Education Award by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Melon University.

The award celebrates exceptional K-12 theatre educators every year in the U.S. who have significantly impacted students’ lives and their communities through theatre education. Mr. CJ, as he is affectionately known, was one of 18 teachers nationwide to be recognized, is the only teacher in Virginia to be recognized this year and is the first in Loudoun County.

As part of the application process, over 400 students and community members signed a community letter of support.

“Mr. CJ champions equity and inclusivity and creates a safe, welcoming environment in [Rock Ridge Performing Arts] for all students regardless of race, gender, or ability. He works closely with student leaders to create an atmosphere where teamwork is valued, and everyone’s contribution matters,” one student said.

Former Executive Director of the Educational Theatre Association Julie Cohen Theobald and current Executive Director of the Virginia Thespians endorsed his nomination saying he creates a culture of safety and makes everyone feel welcome.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my students, colleagues, and community. Most importantly, I thank my incredible students for their unwavering commitment to storytelling and creating a brave, accepting space. This award is as much theirs as it is mine,” Cimino-Johnson said.

Under Cimino-Johnson’s leadership and Fresh off the heels of the State Premiere of “Frozen: The Broadway Musical,” RRPA has been selected as a pilot school for Music Theatre International and will be producing “The Prince of Egypt”

Schools to Again

Provide Free Summer Meals

The school division will again provide free meals over the summer to students 18 years old and younger at eight locations throughout the county.

Through Aug. 9, lunch will be served Monday through Friday at the Sterling Library from 12-12:30 p.m. Beginning July 8-26 breakfast and lunch will be

this fall.

In addition to this recognition, Cimino-Johnson has been actively involved in the LCPS Equity Committee. His accolades include being named in Loudoun’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 and receiving the Premiere Community for Theatre Education award from the Educational Theatre Association.

The Tony Awards, founded by the American Theatre Wing in 1947, honor excellence in live Broadway theatre. The Excellence in Theatre Education Award, established in 2014, recognizes teachers who have impacted their students and community through theatre education.

Pittsburgh based Carnegie Mellon University, is a global research university known for its arts and technology programs.

For more information about Anthony Cimino-Johnson and his work, visit www. tony-cimino.com.

For more details about the Tony Awards and the Excellence in Theatre Education Award, visit tonyawards.com. n

provided Monday through Friday on a first come, first serve basis at Forest Grove, Frederick Douglass, Guilford, Meadowland and Sully elementary schools and Sterling Middle School. Breakfast will be served at each school from 7:30-8 a.m., lunch will be served from 12-12:30.

Families interested in additional food assistance over summer break may go to loudounfeeds.org to find a list of other community resources.

For questions email cafe@lcps.org. n

VETERANS LAND RESCUE

Contributed/Scott Sikes Anthony Cimino Johnson sits with some of his theatre students at Rock Ridge High School.

Griffiths

continued from page 12

to talk to the media as long as they made it clear they were speaking for themselves and not the board.

Chandler said it was important that the board members respect and follow policy just like they expect students and staff to follow them.

“[W]e are asked to respect the stated purpose for and maintain the confidentiality of discussions that are held pursuant to the Code of Virginia as closed meetings,” Chandler said about the policies that govern the board.

“I want the public to know, they may know already, there’s nothing to see here. There was no scandal here,” Griffiths said. “This shows dysfunction in private and public by this board. This was a waste of my time and the public’s time for the people that attended today. The School Board are civil servants elected to serve the community and their constituents. All meetings should be open to the public since the

Play for All

continued from page 12

During their research they found two different pieces of inclusive equipment, a merry-go-round and a swing that a child could use without being removed from their wheelchair. They settled on the more budget friendly swing, costing around $25,000.

They reached out to the staff at Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park—a 257-acre park in Aldie that features a skate park, splash pad, nature center, multiple ponds and athletic fields— about raising funds for the equipment and put the wheels in motion.

The girls then got busy with a fundraising blitz that started in February and has continued up to now. They’ve hosting bake sales and fundraisers at different local restaurants and ice cream parlors. At their bake sales they have sold homemade brownies, cupcakes and cultural desserts.

To date they have raised over $6,000 for the project and plan to keep fundraising until they’ve reached the $25,000 goal. Their request to add the equipment made its way through the proper channels within Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services with the staff determining Hal and Berni Hanson Park would be the best location to accommodate the swing according to Commu-

community are the ones whose interests we are talking about. A closed meeting implies the board is doing something illegal or nefarious and not in the interest of the community or the constituents they represent.”

“I should not be penalized or reprimanded for letting the community know what’s going on. It is my job and why I was elected by the people of Ashburn,” Griffiths said.

After about 90 minutes in closed session, the board returned and took no formal action, other than issuing a verbal reminder that School Board members “reaffirm the confidentially of individual ratings and all aspects of such evaluations.”

Donohue raised concern with language in Spence’s contract that states all aspects of the discussion around Spence’s performance are to be “treated with confidentiality by the Board, individually and collectively, and the Superintendent to the extent permitted by law.”

“I have been frustrated by the language in contract that limits what we can discuss because the language in the superinten-

dent’s contract ... states very clearly that all aspects of the evaluation process are to remain confidential,” she said. “That was a contract that was approved by the previous board before we got on the dais. We had no part in approving the language, but we are constrained by it. Because to violate it could open the division up to lawsuits and plays into our responsibilities under policies 1030 and 1035.”

Griffiths left the meeting with her attorney and gave no further comment.

The closed-door meeting was spurred by comments made by Griffiths to a reporter about Spence’s recent performance evaluation.

“I did not vote proficient. We gave our last superintendent a raise and then he was subsequently fired. But no there is a lot of inadequacies going on here and I do not agree with the over $20,000 bonus,” Griffiths said in a television interview June 11.

School Board members approved his evaluation the first week of June.

According to his contract, as long as Spence gets at least a “proficient” performance rating by the board he is entitled

to an annual “salary increase equal to the average annual cost of living adjustment and the average step increase given to all employees.”

The adopted fiscal year 2025 budget included a 4% cost of living adjustment and 2.4% step increase. If Spence’s raise is based on that it could mean he gets a $24,000 increase, bringing his salary to $399,000.

Additionally, his contract states if he is employed on June 30, 2024—and June 30 of each succeeding year during his contract—he gets $20,000 that he may either take as taxable income or defer to different accounts he owns.

Griffiths isn’t the first board member to share publicly how they rated the superintendent. Both former School Board members Denise Corbo and Andrew Hoyler in 2022 shared on social media that they didn’t rank then-Superintendent Scott Ziegler proficient and said why. Ziegler was fired Dec. 6, 2022, following a special grand jury investigation into the school division’s handling of sexual assaults committed by the same student at two schools.  n

sive, it means everyone can use it, kids, adults, those in wheelchairs and those without. It’s meant to bring everyone together to play.

“[Inclusive equipment] makes a huge difference in their lives, adults who couldn’t play with their kids at the park now can,” Briggs said.

Troxell said it will be similar to the Liberty Swing, at Clemyjontri Park in Fairfax County. The Liberty Swing, installed in 2010 was the first of its kind in Virginia that allowed a user the experience of swinging without being removed from their wheelchair.

Meantime, the girls presented their project to Step UP Loudoun and learned in mid-March they made it to the top 10 in the competition. But that wasn’t the end for them.

“At first it was a Step Up Loudoun project but then it became more than that. We wanted to help the community,” Gudi said.

nications Manager Kraig Troxell.

Troxell said the swing requires it be placed at a staffed park or facility to manage and operate it.

The county is working with the original playground consultant, Sparks@Play to get the swing.

Sparks@Play sales manager Sean Briggs said the swing, called the We-Go-Swing, was still pretty new when the park first opened in 2022. He said it’s on the cutting edge of inclusive playground equipment.

“It allows kids and adults of any level of ability to play and socialize with each other,” he said. “Another big difference is the kids or adults in the wheelchair can control the motion of the swing. That is a rare thing with a piece of equipment, that it allows them to take part to control the play involved.”

The swings handlebars move it so users are actively contributing to the motion.

Briggs said because the swing is inclu-

“We celebrate Play 4 All’s dedication to raising funds to help make playgrounds in Loudoun County more inclusive,” Troxell said.

There is no set timeline for the installation as the project is still in what is known as a discovery phase, where they are researching and doing site visits, but Torres said that isn’t stopping them. They are in full fundraising mode, hosting their next bake sale June 30 at Hal and Berni Hanson Park from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Pareen Sandhu, Gabriela Torres and Siri Gudi are three middle schoolers raising money to get an inclusive swing installed at a Loudoun County Park.

Diabetes

continued from page 12

diabetes attends. It also states only a nurse or nurse practitioner may give insulin or glucagon unless a parent says otherwise.

Some parents are asking administrators to expand the treatment, including to allow school nurses to monitor their child’s blood sugar levels through continuous glucose monitoring apps.

Jen McLaughlin spoke to the committee at its May 16 meeting. She told them of an incident that happened at school with her daughter who has Type 1 Diabetes. McLaughlin said her daughters’ numbers got too low and she refused to eat lunch. She had a substitute classroom assistant who didn’t know it meant something was wrong. She said she had to leave a meeting to call the school to alert them that her daughter was in a life-threatening situation.

“And this is just one example of many of the scary situations myself and other students, staff and parents experience because our nurses are not given the resources to safely care for our children,” she said. “Our nurse really wants to do the right things and be there to help her, but she is not able to. Our children’s lives should not be put in jeopardy or under the reliance of parents having to be the middle person between individuals within the school especially when they are miles and miles away in the middle of work.”

Lauren Valentine, another parent who addressed the committee, said she has been trying to get the division to monitor her sons blood sugar during the day with a CGM app for two years. It started when he entered kindergarten and she asked the school to do it. They referred her to central office administrators who declined the request.

When her son entered first grade, she requested an aide to help him monitor his blood sugar and provided a note signed by his doctor. She said that request was also denied.

She says her son is fully reliant on an adult for his diabetes care.

“There have been many times and at no fault of our school or our health aide, who we love. He’s been on the playground and no one has a reading on hm, no one has seen it, and I had to call frantically and be transferred to the nurse to tell them to check on him,” she said. “This policy is more reactive than preventative. If we can prevent this from happing and be on the front end of it, isn’t’ that better for everyone?”

She, and other parents believe if CGM apps were allowed to be monitored at

ucation record” under FERPA.

School Board members pushed to get more information and to see what other school divisions were doing.

“Personally, I would really like you guys to figure this out for the parents and for the kids. It is a heavy lift … but we are talking about a child who could, it could be dangerous and we just heard from the parents and its concerning to me,” Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) said. “I guess I’m just not comfortable signing off on any of this without a little bit more something. A pilot study, something.”

The staff members said surrounding counties don’t allow CGM apps in their schools.

Prince William County Public Schools regulation on managing diabetes does not address CGM and CGM apps. One attachment in the regulation acknowledges the usefulness of CGM but does not specifically say if school nurses are allowed to monitor students, but a division spokesperson said they are.

school it would provide greater safety, fewer visits to the nurse, more time in the classroom, and more peace of mind for them and the nurse.

The parents argue it’s a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, with which the division should comply.

The division has said it won’t allow the apps and posted a statement on its student services website.

The statement cited “known vulnerabilities” within the apps and technology infrastructure within the schools and it prohibited employees from downloading the apps on division devices, employees’ personal devices or even gifted devices. Instead, employees are to follow the established Diabetes Medical Management Plan signed by the parents each year.

It goes on to say there is no guarantee the apps would be compatible with division devices and the division couldn’t guarantee they would work at all times throughout the campus. They don’t want staff members to become “over-reliant on a potentially unreliable mechanism to manage a student’s diabetes” and stated that continuous monitoring in a clinic or class is not feasible.

It also cited the American Diabetes Association guidelines for the use of CGMs in schools that warn of the possibility that data and service could malfunction or be disrupted.

Valentine said those reasons don’t hold water.

“It’s ridiculous. So should we not have

“It’s ridiculous. So should we not have smoke detectors or fire extinguishers in schools because those might not work?”

— Lauren Valentine,

smoke detectors or fire extinguishers in schools because those might not work?” she said.

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Tedra Richardson brought up those concerns at the May 16 meeting and asked how a school would accommodate multiple students on an app and if it were possible. She also asked if there were any HIPAA or Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or confidentiality considerations to consider with having multiple students monitored on one app. She said they found one platform that could potentially work, but it was rejected because it was not HIPAA-compliant.

Parents point to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services statement that elementary and secondary schools are not HIPPA-covered entities and in cases where HIPPA is applied students’ health information is protected as an “ed-

“Division nurses and trained designated school staff respond to all audible alarms from the CGM. Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) provides various support to our students with Diabetes. Services provided are on a case-by-case basis based on advice from the students’ medical providers. PWCS is committed to supporting every child and working with their families to ensure students receive the support while in school,” Meghan Silas said in an emailed statement.

Kerry Murphy, a Prince William County parent, and founder of followt1ds.org —a nationwide organization working to get CGM apps in schools—said after several years of work, she was finally able to get a CGM app on a device for her daughter. She said they don’t have severe emergencies because the app is monitored daily by her and the nurse. She said her daughter’s device is an old iPhone with the app downloaded.

Murphy said there are several apps that monitor CGM and said Dexcom, one of the most popular, allows up to 10 people on an account and the names can be changed to a classroom teacher, room number, initials or nicknames so that no personal information is shared.

“Anyone can download the app, but no one’s blood sugar information will come up until the owner of that data, the parent, sends an email invitation to view the data. So, you are giving permission as the parent for someone to view that information,” she said.

“No one is trying to make this more difficult; we are trying to make this easier,” Valentine said.

The Student Services Committee take up the policy June 20. n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

A continuous glucose monitor attached to the back of a young boys arm. The device monitors glucose continually rather than monitoring it periodically by drawing blood. Many people with diabetes use the device and an app that alerts them or their family that their levels are too high or too low.

Public Safety

Homeland Security Unit Opens Ashburn Operation Center

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has opened an Ashburn operations center for its Air and Marine Operations Center Capital Region Unit.

The program was established in 2003 as part of the response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists’ attacks. The unit is responsible for protecting designated airspace in and around the National Capital Region and other designated special flight zones. It conducts air surveillance, detection, identification, monitoring, coordination, and reporting as part of its Domain Awareness Security Operations mission.

“We’ve moved facilities, we’ve changed names, but we have a new facility that is going to continue to enhance domain awareness in the air for the National Capital Region,” stated AMOC Director Clark Lanzendorf. “The new AMOC CRU facility allows for growth for new missions and increases Air and Marine Opera-

Leesburg Man Faces Arson Charges in 2023 Fires

The Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Fire Marshal’s Office on Friday arrested a Leesburg man for his alleged involvement in two incendiary fires that happened April 5, 2023, on Thistledown Terrace in Ashburn.

Austin Bostic, 31, is charged with burning or destroying a dwelling and setting fire to woods, fences and grass. He was held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center pending arraignment in Loudoun County District Court.

According to the agency, crews were called to a residential building where the remnants of a fire were found in a stairwell area. Firefighters also located a second area where personal property items were burned in front of the building. Investigators determined both fires were intentionally set.

The charge of burning a dwelling carries a sentence of five years to life in prison. The charge of burning grass is a Class 6 felony with a potential sentence of one to five years in prison.

tions’ ability to meet new threats as they emerge.”

Overall, the Air and Marine Operations unit has 1,800 federal agents and mission support personnel, 240 aircraft and 300 marine vessels operating throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands. The agency safeguards the nation by anticipating and confronting security threats through its aviation and maritime law enforcement expertise, innovative capabilities, and partnerships at the border and beyond. In fiscal year 2023, its enforcement actions resulted in 1,004 arrests and 89,909 apprehensions of undocumented individuals, as well as the seizure or disruption of 256,883 pounds of cocaine, 2,049 pounds of fentanyl, 4,050 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,200 weapons, and $15.3 million, according to the announcement. n

SAFETY briefs

Thieves Hit Leesburg Phone Repair Shop

The Leesburg Police Department is investigating a burglary at the i-Fix Cellphone Repair store in the Battlefield Shopping Center.

Just before 6 a.m. Monday, officers responded to the Edwards Ferry Road store and found the front glass door was broken and items were taken. The suspects fled the scene before the officers’ arrival.

Investigators have released images of two suspects who were dressed in black clothing. One or both may have been injured during the burglary.

Anyone in the area at the time of the burglary or who may have seen anything suspicious is asked to call Detective J. Carter at 703-771-6417 or 703-771-4500 / jcarter2@leesburgva.gov

DNA Ties Man to 3 Sex Offenses Over 20 Years Ago

A Loudoun County man has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies for sex offenses dating back to 1998 after DNA evidence collected those cases years ago was re-tested.

On Sept. 9, 1998, the 48-year-old victim was jogging on a bike path in the Fair Lakes area when she was assaulted. The suspect implied he had a knife, sexually assaulted her, then ran from the area.

Again on Aug. 3, 2000, a suspect forced entry into a home on Parkside Drive in Fairfax. A sleeping 66-year-old victim was awoken by the suspect assaulting her. The victim fought the suspect and escaped by jumping from a second story balcony and running away.

On Dec. 6, 2004, a 51-year-old victim was in the basement of her Whitewater Drive home in Burke. She observed a man exposing himself outside her sliding glass door. The victim yelled and

the man ran away.

In all three cases, detectives recovered forensic evidence from the scenes and submitted the samples for analysis upon collection. Because of advancement in DNA testing, detectives submitted the DNA to Othram Inc., a modern forensic company, which developed a comprehensive profile that was then used for Forensic Genetic Genealogy research.

DNA analysis linked all three cases and potentially identified Edward Eugene Pottmyer, 58, of Chantilly, as a suspect.

Detectives obtained Pottmyer’s DNA, which positively identified him as the suspect. Detectives obtained warrants for forcible sodomy and abduction with the intent to defile. On June 5, with the assistance of the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, Pottymer was taken into custody and taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he is being held without bond.

Anyone with information about these cases or believe they had unlawful contact with Pottmyer is asked to call the Fairfax Cold Case Squad at 703-246-7511. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone at 866411-8477. n

Contributed

From left, Edward J. Mays, executive director of CBP Office of Information and Technology; Neil Clark Lanzendorf, director of the Air and Marine Operations Center; and Executive Assistant Commissioner

Jonathan P. Miller at the AMOC Capital Region Unit pose during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new facility in Ashburn.

Leesburg Police Department

The images of two suspects released by the Leesburg Police Department in relation to a June 17 burglary at the i-Fix Cellphone Repair store in the Battlefield Shopping Center.

Giving Back

Four Loudoun Nonprofits Receive Funding from Inova

Loudoun Hunger Relief, the Ryan Bartel Foundation, The Links Incorporated Loudoun Chapter and Women Giving Back recently received funding from Inova’s Division of Community Health and Health Equity.

Every year Inova provides over $1 million to nonprofit organizations working to address health equity and social drivers of health in Northern Virginia. This year 23 community partners were celebrated for providing services to under-resourced communities.

“The Inova Health Equity Opportunities reflects our commitment to not only recognize but invest in nonprofit community partners,” Inova President and Chief Executive Officer J. Stephen Jones said. “These colleagues have aligned with us to

Healthworks Opens Radiology Suite in Leesburg

HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, a federally qualified health center serving Loudoun and Fairfax counties expanded its services with the opening of new radiology unit at its Leesburg clinic.

The new equipment is expected to help the medical staff provide early detection of cancers and offer patients the greatest chance for successful outcomes.

“Providing diagnostic and screening mammograms and ultrasounds will expand access to many HealthWorks patients,” stated CEO Dr. Tonya Adkins. “Even with the discounted

Chamber Opens Nominations for Small Business Awards

The Loudoun Chamber has opened nominations for its 30th annual Small Business Awards.

The finalists and winners will be announced Friday, Nov. 8 at The National Conference Center.

reduce health disparities for communities throughout Northern Virginia and address individuals’ social drivers of health. We thank and support each for their commitment and service.”

Inova asks for proposals for Health Equity Opportunities every year and encourages nonprofit organizations to expand services to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the communities. Applicants are required to propose impactful projects that address issues identified in the Inova Community Health Needs Assessments and demonstrate good stewardship of resources, according to an announcement.

For more information on the Health Equity Opportunities and other Inova community programs, go to  inova.org/ inova-community n

rates offered by local radiology providers, a large number of patients were unable to afford these screening and went without them for many years.”

Through a partnership with Assured Imaging, the center will provide 3D screening mammography, 3D diagnostic mammography, and advanced diagnostic ultrasound. To start, HealthWorks is focusing its appointments for patients who have been unable to obtain mammograms and ultrasounds. HealthWorks will accept patients with private and public insurance.

HealthWorks’ Leesburg Center is located at 163 Fort Evans Road NE. It provides medical, dental and behavioral healthcare for patients and offers a sliding-scale fee program. n

“Loudoun’s small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs have incredible stories to tell. They are why Loudoun enjoys a world-class business climate and a vibrant quality of life for all who live, work, and visit. Please help the Loudoun Chamber celebrate these community heroes by nominating them for a 2024 Loudoun Small Business Award,” Chamber President Tony Howard said.

Companies may be nominated online in eight industry categories including 2024 Loudoun Exceptional Entrepreneur of the Year, Main Street Business of the Year, Loudoun Destination Business of the Year, Consumer Service Business of the Year, Professional Service Business of the Year, Virtual Business of the Year, Health & Wellness Business of the Year, and Nonprofit Organization of the Year.

Awards also will be presented for Small Business of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year.

Nominations are open until Friday, July 19. n

Business

City Girl Floral Opens in Purcellville

BY JORDAN MONROE

Another new business has opened in Purcellville’s downtown 21st Street. City Girl Florals is a one-stop flower shop for everything from birthdays to weddings.

Owner Elizabeth Chand said the store’s name pays homage to her St. Louis, MO, roots and her city-girl-at-heart spirit.

Chand said she has always had a passion for flowers and saw an opportunity when she moved to Purcellville.

“I felt this town has so much potential and I thought a fun little flower shop would add to that potential and just wanted to open something fun for the community,” she said.

Prior to opening City Girl Floral, Chand was a stay-at-home mother, but also has been doing weddings and events for about 10 years.

She said City Girl Floral is a one stop shop for whenever someone is in a pinch or planning for any special occasion. Inside guests can purchase custom flower arrangements, cards, small gifts, small house plants, and hand-wrapped flower bouquets. Or they can make their own arrangements with roses, peonies, gerbera daisies, and much more. Chand eventually plans to add balloons and gift boxes to the shop, as well. She said she is also planning a flower arrangement service for large events and weddings within the next few months.

It is her first time being a business own-

er and she takes pride in providing something pretty and fun for the community.

The new addition is the fourth woman-owned business on North 21st Street.

“I love this community we created. Women-owned businesses are super supportive of each other, and it means a lot to have that support,” Chand said. The other women business owners, like her, have spouses who served in the military. She said that also makes a difference because they share an understanding of what it is like to be a military wife and support each other. n

Inova

Several recipients of Inova Health Equity Award funding June 11. Four Loudoun nonprofits received funding for proposals they submitted that will impact the underserved in the community.

Jordan Monroe/Loudoun Now

From left, Council member Erin Rayner, owner Elizabeth Chand and her husband, Josh, and Mayor Stanley Milan celebrate the opening of City Girl Floral.

How Do I?

Ask a Local Expert

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Towns

Town Council Races Set

Mayoral Challenges Emerge in Purcellville, Hillsboro

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The deadline for residents interested in running for one of Loudoun’s western towns’ council seats was Tuesday.

Seventeen residents registered to run for the 20 seats on the ballots in Hamilton, Hillsboro, Lovettsville and Purcellville.

Five seats are up for election in Purcellville.

First-term Mayor Stanley J. Milan faces a challenge from council member Christopher Bertaut.

On the Town Council, four seats are on the ballot, including one in a special election to fill an unexpired term.

Council Member Mary Jane Williams told Loudoun Now she will not be seeking reelection for her term that expires Dec. 31. Kevin Wright, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Mary “Boo” Bennett earlier this year, also said in an email that he will not be running.

“There were several factors that influenced my decision,” he stated. “The primary reason is my inability during the next two years to commit the time this position is deserving of. My hope is that I will be able to revisit this decision in the future.”

Council Member Caleb J. Stought, Purcellville Police Officer Carl B. Nett, Planning Commissioner Brian C. Green, Susan F. Khalil, Brian D. Dean and John Mark E. Gardner are all vying for three seats. Stought beat Christopher Reed in a special election in November for the term that expires Dec. 31. Green was appointed to the Planning Commission in January last year for a term that expires Sept. 30, 2026.

So far, Jonathan Arnburg is running unopposed in the special election to complete Bennet’s term. However, candidates have until Aug. 16 to file in that race.

Three seats are open in Hamilton, but only Heather Beardsley and Chris Shumaker, who both currently serve on the council are running. Greg Wilmoth,

whose term expires at the end of the year, has not registered to run.

In Hillsboro, all five town council seats and the mayoral seat are up for election. Traditionally, in Hillsboro candidates are chosen through write-in votes, but Lisa K. Franke has registered to run for mayor challenging Roger Vance, who has held the position for the past 18 years.

In Lovettsville, all but one council seat will be on the ballot. Brandon Davis is the only council member not running for reelection, while Mayor Christopher Hornbaker, Vice Mayor Joy Pritz, David Earl and Tom Budnar are all running unopposed for the seats they currently hold. Stuart Stahl who was appointed to fill a vacancy left by Bobby Merhaut, is running unopposed in the special election to fill the term which ends Dec. 31, 2026. Mark Jones, who was appointed to fill a vacancy left by Jennifer Reed, has not filed to run for the term, which also expires in 2026. Special election candidates for that seat have until Aug. 16 to file. n

Round Hill Approves Budget, Utility Rate Increases

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Round Hill Town Council last week approved the general fund and utilities system budgets for fiscal year 2025, reducing the real estate tax rate to 6.6 cents and increasing utility rates by 15%.

The action followed four months of council budget work sessions.

In reducing the real estate tax rate from 6.9 cents, the council adopted the equalized tax rate aimed at keeping tax bills level on average despite increasing property values. The $1.08 million general operations budget is a 7.3% increase over fiscal year 2024.

Most of the council’s work focused on the utility system, which represents the vast majority of the government’s expenses.

In the wake of public opposition last year, the council abandoned a plan to adopt a 24% utility rate hike, opting instead to split the increase over two years

by boosting rates 15% in FY24 and 15% again in FY25. The higher rates are needed to cover increasing capital costs as the town undertakes a series of major utility construction projects intended to provide additional operational safeguards and update aging systems.

As the council entered its budget talks in February members faced the possibility of even higher rate increases as inflation continues to drive up construction costs. However, actions by the Board of Supervisors to provide more than $5 million in grant funding helped buffer those inflationary trends. The vast majority of the town’s utility costumers live outside the town boundaries in developments approved by county leaders starting in the 1990s.

The June 12 budget public hearing lacked the standing-room-only crowd of utility customers who filled the Town Office last year. But the few speakers who signed into the meeting’s video broadcast to speak objected to the high increase, raised concerns that many customers were

AROUND towns

LOVETTSVILLE

Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Set for Thursday

The town’s Ad Hoc Committee, charged with reviewing the Town Charter and Rules and Procedures, is set to meet for the second time Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall chambers.

The committee is made up of council members Brandon Davis, Mark Jones, Stuart Stahl and Mayor Christopher Hornbaker, who serves as a non-voting member.

During the first meeting council members focused on whether to implement a residency requirement for elected officials and Board of Zoning Appeals members, whether to remove the mayor’s veto power and exchange it for a regular vote, notification requirements for special meetings, council member input on non-officer staff hirings, requirements for subcommittee chairs and whether to prohibit subcommittee chairs from leading more than one subcommittee.

MIDDLEBURG

Juneteenth Celebration Planned on Sunday

unaware of the plans and questioned the town’s management of the system.

Council members said the rate increases were needed for critical system upgrades, including a larger treatment plant that will maximize the benefits of a new high-yield well and a second water storage tank to provide additional capacity and system redundancy.

The town got some welcome news on Tuesday when construction bids on the water tank project, which largely will be built using funds provided by the county government, came in within the town’s budget. The Town Council will renew those bids in July, with plans to be under construction later this year.

The town has more than $9 million worth of utility construction projects during the next five years.

The new utility rates take effect July 1.

Under the town’s utility planning model, rates are expected to increase in more modest 5% increments over the next three years. n

The town is hosting a Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Town Hall on West Marshall Street.

Breakfast and coffee will be provided by Side Saddle Bistro and Cuppa Giddy UP.

PURCELLVILLE

Second Western Loudoun Rec Center Meeting Set

Loudoun County planning staff will host a second community input meeting for the planned Western Loudoun Recreation Complex next week at Harmony Middle School.

The project includes the design

AROUND TOWNS continues on page 25

Dillon Presented with Spirit of the Horse Award

First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin presented the “Spirit of the Horse Award” to Nancy Dillon during last week’s Upperville Colt & Horse Show.

Dillon is a Hunt Country legend. A member of the hunt since age 8, she has taught thousands of children to ride and introduced many to foxhunting and has trained countless ponies.

The award, in its third year, was established in partnership with Youngkin to recognize a woman and resident of Virginia who demonstrates exceptional

AROUND towns

continued from page 24

and construction of a 83,000-squre-foot recreation facility with an aquatics center and a park with up to 10 athletic fields on a 142.71 acres west of Purcellville.

The meeting will be held Thursday, June 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. Attendees will review new site design concepts based on feedback received from residents during the May 6 public information meeting.

More information, including a link to sign up for email and text updates on the project, is posted on the Loudoun County website at loudoun.gov/westernloudounrecreation.

ROUND HILL

Fire Hydrant Flushing

Scheduled for Next Week

The town will be flushing fire hydrants

service or dedication to, or promotion of, the equine industry. It is given annually at the Upperville show and includes an engraved bowl, a gift certificate to a Virginia Governor’s Cup award-winning winery, a reception for family and friends, and a $1,000 donation to an equine charity of choice.

The event is the oldest horse show in the U.S., founded in 1853. This year’s show culminated June 9 with the $226,000 Upperville Jumper Classic CSI4* featuring some of the world’s top riders. n

from Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28.

The town’s utility system includes 289 fire hydrants and roughly 30 miles of water lines. Water mains are flushed by opening fire hydrants and allowing them to flow freely for a short period. The flushing cleans out sediment, which accumulates in the water mains. Water is safe to drink during the flushing. However, during the process, residents may experience air in the water lines, a decrease in water pressure, and/or some discoloration or sediment in the water. If discoloration or sediment is evident, residents may want to avoid doing laundry.

To clear the water lines in a home after flushing has been completed, run an outside spigot or faucet on the lowest floor of the home until the water runs clear.

Resident may call the Utility Department at 540-338-4772 ext. 2 if any problems occur. n

Contributed

First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin presented the Spirit of the Horse Award to Nancy Dillon during the Upperville Colt & Horse Show.

LIVE MUSIC

WILL BARKLEY & ZACK MAULELLA

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

TEJAS SINGH

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 20 Velocity Wings Potomac Falls, 20789 Great Falls Plaza, Sterling. velocitywings.net/sterling

JUSTIN SUEDE

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 20

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

MARK CULLINANE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21

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

JASON & MICHELLE HANNAN

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21

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

SHANE GAMBLE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

PART OF IT ALL

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21

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

LILLIAN HACKETT

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 21

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

DEANE KERN & ERIC SELBY

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 21 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

SHARIF

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 21 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

SELA CAMPBELL

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 21

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

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 28

Fest Less Ordinary Concert Benefits Community Farm

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

A Farm Less Ordinary’s Greg Masucci and Maya Wechsler have wanted to host an event on their 12-acre Purcellville-area property since moving there in the middle of the pandemic. So, when an opportunity presented itself for the owners to host a music festival to benefit their nonprofit farm that employs adults with intellectual, developmental and cognitive disabilities they took it.

Masucci said they decided on a bluegrass festival because they both loved the genre.

“Bluegrass music was one of the few things musically we agree on,” he said. “It’s cool and uniquely American with an improvisational aspect.”

Masucci said he became familiar with bluegrass music in college when he was recruited to drive his friends to Grateful Dead concerts. At first, he wasn’t much of a fan of the band but eventually became familiar with the Jerry Garcia Band—a side project of Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia.

“Jerry Garcia grew up in Kentucky and played a mean bluegrass,” he said. “I liked it a lot better. Garcia was famous for his improvisational style and that came as a direct result from his bluegrass stuff.”

They planned the inaugural Fest Less Ordinary fundraiser to include a day filled with music, games, food and fun.

Masucci said the event will have food trucks, including Moo Thru, Bomburger, and The Frothy Mug. Beer and wine will be on hand from Williams Gap Winery,

Adroit Theory Brewing Company and Dynasty Brewing. There will be games on hand as well, including corn hole and badminton.

“It’s going to be a great event for the community and is going to support a very good cause,” he said.

The music lineup includes Justin Trawick and The Common Good, The Short Hill Mountain Boys, The Furnace Mountain Trio, Josh Grigsby and County Line and Moose Jaw Bluegrass.

Masucci said there may be a dad joke competition thrown in the line-up of the day’s events and said attendees would get a chance to hear from some of the growers who work on the farm and their families.

FEST LESS ORDINARY continues on page 30

Contributed/Maya Wechsler Saturday’s A Fest Less Ordinary day of bluegrass music will support workers hired at the nonprofit’ farms near Leesburg and Lovettsville.

CANCELED FOR WEATHER

DEF LEGGEND

Saturday, June 22, 6 p.m.

Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts. Rock at the vineyard with the most authentic Def Leppard tribute band.

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 26

GARY SMALLWOOD

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 21 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

LEVI STEPHENS

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 21 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

THE POP CHICKS

7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 21 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. $20. oldoxbrewery.com

LAND OF OZ

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 21 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20. tallyhotheater.com

TEJAS SINGH

7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 21

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

DAVID DAVOL

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Cana Vineyards, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. canavineyards.com

HILARY VELTRI

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

ZACH JONES

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellar.com

BEST BETS

POLO IN THE PARK

Saturday, June 22, 6 to 10 p.m.

Morven Park International Equestrian Center polointhepark.org

Enjoy the cool evening outdoors watching Morven Park’s fast-paced arena polo series. Reserve your car pass.

DAVE MININBERG

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com

WEEKEND @ BERNIE’S

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

JOEY & THE WAITRESS

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

TRAILIN SMOKE

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

DAVE GOODRUM

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

ROB HOEY

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

SCOTT KURT

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22

50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com

STANLEY WHITAKER

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com

JASON TEACH

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22

8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

SEVERAL SPECIES

Saturday, June 21, 7 p.m.

Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Tim Morrison leads this tribute to Pink Floyd with a special night of music and lights.

JOHNNY KASUN TRIO

Saturday, June 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Leesburg Town Green, 20 W. Market St. Leesburg idalee.org

A fingerpicking guitar prodigy, Kasun returns to his Leesburg roots with his band for a night of ‘70s and ‘80s hits.

TJ SIMPSON

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

MICHELLE LOCKEY

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

DAVID THONG

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

JASON MASI

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

STEVE BOYD AND FRIENDS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

CALLER N’ DOC

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

ANTHONY SEMIAO

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chysaliswine.com

LEVI STEPHENS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

CHEVRE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com

A FEST LESS ORDINARY

2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22 17281 Simmons Road, Purcellville. $40.

ADAM KNUDSEN

3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Old Farm Winery, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwinery.com

SELA CAMPBELL

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

DAVE MININBERG

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery, 13274 Sagle Road, Hillsboro. notaviva.com

ELEMENTS OF KINDRED

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

HOWLING AT THE EARTH

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. Harpersferrybrewing.com

HAND PAINTED SWINGERS

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

ALL JAMMED UP

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

JAZZ NIGHT

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

DEAD ON THE MOUNTAIN

6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy

Bottom Road, Bluemont. $20. dirtfarmbrewing.com

LEROY BURKS BAND (DUO)

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

ON EASY STREET

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

DEF LEGGEND

6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Tarara Summer Concert Series, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts. $25. tararaconcerts.com

THE JOHNNY KASUN TRIO

7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. idalee.org

SEVERAL SPECIES

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25. tallyhotheater.com

TORRY B

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22 The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com

MACKENZIE RYAN

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

JORDAN SOKEL

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

HUGH AND THE LOST CORNER VAGABONDS

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255

Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

ANNIE STOKES

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarm.com

TRAIN WRECK ENDINGS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23

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

AGAINST THE GRAIN

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

DOIN’ TIME 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

RICHARD WALTON 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com

DAVID ANDREW SMITH

1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

KNOX ENGLER

2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwinery.com

CARLY ROSE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Old 690 Brewing Company,

HAPPENINGS continues on page 29

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 28

15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

FENDER RIDGE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23

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

THE CLENDENEN BROTHERS

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

ZACH JONES

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

DEANE KERN & ERIC

SELBY

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

DAVE GOODRICH

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23

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

ROBBIE LÍMON

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysaliswines.com

ANDY CARIGNAN

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

ADRIEL GENET

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

JOSEPH R.

MONASTERIAL

4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 23

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

MARS RODEO

4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 23

The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. thebungalowlakehouse.com

L ‘TANYA MARI’

6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 Cascades Celebration and

Corporate Event Center, 21453 Epicerie Plaza, Sterling. phillipsedison.com

JASON MASI

6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 26

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

CONNOR DALY

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27

Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

JOJO BAYLISS

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, June 27

Rebellion Bourbon Bar, 1 N. King St., Leesburg. eatatrebellion.com/leesburg

HAPPENINGS

LONGEST DAY ART SHOW

4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20

Tribute at One Loudoun, 20335 Savin Hill Drive, Ashburn. cogirusa.com/communities/ tribute-at-one-loudoun

BUTTERFLIES IN VIRGINIA

6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 20 Rust Library, 380 Old Waterford Road NW., Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

FARMER FOR A DAY

1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 21

1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27

Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. novaparks.org

BACKYARD BIRDING

3 to 4 p.m. Friday, June 21

Temple Hall Farm Regional Park, 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

KARAOKE WITH MICHELLE

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 21 Ion International Training Center, 19201 Compass Creek Parkway, Leesburg. ionarena.com

MOVIE NIGHT: SUPER MARIO BROS.

9 to 10:45 p.m. Friday, June 21 Lansdowne Town Center, Belmont Ridge Road, Leesburg. shoplansdownetowncenter.com

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22 Freedom High School, 25450 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly.

loudoun.gov/hhw NATURE PLAYTIME

10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Morven Park, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

TROTTIN’ OXEN DONUT RELAY

11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22

44652 Guilford Drive, Unit 114, Ashburn. $100. oldoxbrewery.com

SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

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

HILLSBORO FARMERS MARKET

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 23

Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. oldstoneschool.org

AMATEUR RADIO FIELD

DAY

2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Sheriff’s Office Eastern Loudoun Station, 46620 E. Frederick Drive, Sterling. qsl.net/sterling

POLO IN THE PARK

6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg. $40 to $250.

morvenpark.org

MASTER SINGER OF VIRGINIA AUDITIONS

3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 23

St. David’s Episcopal Church, 43600 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. msva.org

FUN AT THE FOUNTAIN WITH THE GREAT ZUCCHINI

10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 26

Lansdowne Town Center, Belmont Ridge Road, Leesburg. shoplansdownetowncenter.com

PRESCHOOL

WEDNESDAYS - ANIMALS ON THE FARM

10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 26

Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling. $5. heritagefarmmuseum.org

Celebrate July 4th

Enjoy

the

day with family, friends, and neighbors in Leesburg, Virginia

Fest Less Ordinary

continued from page 26

In addition, attendees will be able to purchase some of AFLOs “punny T-shirts,” featuring phases including Romaine Calm and Carrot On, and I Drop Mad Beets.

Proceeds from the festival will support the operation of the nonprofit’s two farms.

Masucci said between the two sites— Lovettsville and Leesburg—they employ 35 growers, most of whom have intellectual, developmental and cognitive disabilities. He said donations from the fundraisers go to pay the growers.

Their other annual fundraiser is Feast in the Field—a farm-to-table experience each September where guests eat a meal on the farm prepared by Chef Erik Foxx, of the Polished Foxx, using produce

grown at the farm and proteins sources from Loudoun.

“If you are looking for something that is unique, that is Loudoun-centric, and that is supporting a great cause, come out. This is the first of what will be an annual event and you’ll be able to say you came to the first one and it’s going to be a cool thing,” he said. “It’s going to the be the Woodstock of bluegrass festivals.

The Fest Less Ordinary takes place Saturday, June 22 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Masucci’s property, 17281 Simmons Road near Purcellville. Tickets are $40 in advance, and $50 at the door. Kids 10 and under are free.

A Farm Less Ordinary is a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to provide employment and a welcoming community to adults with developmental, intellectual disabilities, and cognitive disabilities.

For more details and tickets, go to afarmlessordinary.org/aflo-music-festival. n

Contributed/Maya Wechsler

A grower from A Farm Less Ordinary shows off some radishes. The farm’s first annual music festival is a fundraiser for the farm that hires adults with intellectual, developmental and cognitive disabilities.

Louiza Nerantzis, 85,

Long-Time Resident of Takoma Park, Maryland

Louiza Nerantzis, age 85, a long-time resident of Takoma Park, Maryland, peacefully passed away in her sleep in Leesburg, VA on June 10, 2024. After the death of her husband Gregory in August 2003, Louiza continued to lead a productive and thankful life. Remembered for her unwavering faith and dedication, she was an active member of her church, participating in the choir and actively volunteering in her church community and at the local hospital. When she could no longer live independently, she was lovingly cared for by her four children over the past 4.5 years. She was kept comfortable and died peacefully in her sleep.

Louiza was born on February 16, 1939, to Greek Orthodox Christians, Gregory and Athina Priftis, in the town of Pikeras, located in southern Albania or Northern Epirus, Greece. Following the end of World War II, when Albania was under strict communist rule, her father Gregory, a veteran who fought for Greece and the Allied forces, orchestrated the rescue of his wife and children (Eleanor, Louiza, and Constantine) in coordination with the Allied forces. After a successful escape and brief stay in Greece, the family emigrated to the U.S. and settled in the Washington D.C. area. Her twin sisters, Bess and Ellie, were born in America. Louiza held her brother and sisters and their families close to her heart, cherishing time spent with them. She lost her own mother, Athina, and became more of a surrogate mother for her younger teenage siblings. Her presence in their lives was precious, providing them with a sense of comfort, love, and belonging that was deeply valued.

On July 13, 1958, Louiza married Gregory Nerantzis, a fellow compatriot from southern (Himara) Albania. In the years that followed, they were blessed with four children: Katina, Gregory Jr., Jimmy, and Tony, and was a doting YiaYia to 12 grandchildren. Louiza was a devoted wife and mother, putting the needs of her husband and children before her own. She loved to cook many of the traditional Greek foods and pastries, but more importantly, she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was self-sacrificing, committed, energetic, and fun-loving. She was a devout Christian, a wonderful mother and grandmother, and a deeply grateful American. She will be missed by all.

Joseph Fasceski

April 20, 1942 – Nov. 12, 2022 (Sterling) – Joseph (Joe) Fasceski, LTC, retired US Army of Sterling VA, passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2022. Funeral services will be held on July 16, 2024, at 10:45 am at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA. Internment services with full military honors will follow in Arlington National Cemetery. Share condolences with the family at www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com

Legal Notices

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR:

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR VIRGINIA INITIATIVE FOR EDUCATION AND WORK (VIEW) CLIENTS, RFP No. 656820 until prior to 4:00 p.m., July 16, 2024.

Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/procurement . If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT

6/20/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION

TLREZN2023-0004 AND SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION

TLSPEX2023-0005

MEADOWBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER, LAND BAY F

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, June 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLREZN2023-0004 and Special Exception application TLSPEX2023-0005, Meadowbrook Neighborhood Center, Land Bay F.

The entirety of the subject property consists of approximately 23.56 acres of vacant land located at the intersection (southeast corner) of South King Street (Route 15) and Evergreen Mill Road. The property is zoned Planned Residential Neighborhood (PRN) and Community Retail/ Commercial (B-3). and is further identified as Loudoun County Property Identification Numbers (PINs 232-15-2692, 272-109222, 273-40-7863). The property also lies within the Gateway District (Overlay).

Rezoning Application TLREZN2023-0004 is a request by Traditional Land, LLC to amend the Concept Plan and Proffers of approved rezoning TLZM-2021-0002 to convert Land Bay F (approximately 8.62 acres), which is an undeveloped portion of the subject property, from open space to a childcare center (12,000 SF), Continuing Care Facility (CCF) (175,000 square feet/175 dwelling units), retail (5,000 SF), and office (14,300 square feet) uses. The childcare center is the subject of a separate special exception request.

Special Exception Application TLSPEX2023-0005 is a request by Traditional Land, LLC for a childcare center within the Planned Residential (PRN) district of 12,000 square feet pursuant to Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO) Sec. 8.4.3.

The subject 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 LLTP as a “Neighborhood Center” on the Character Areas for Preservation and Change Map (LLTP pg. 76). There is no recommended density for residential use or a Floor Area Ratio (F.A.R.) for commercial uses associated with a Neighborhood Center within LLTP. The requested density for the residential units associated with the CCF portion of the PRN is proposed to be 34 dwelling units per acre. The proposed commercial F.A.R. of Land Bay F is .33.

The application includes five (5) requested modifications to the requirements of the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO) regulations which include maximum square footage of a neighborhood retail convenience center, maximum density of a continuing care facility, required amenity spaces for a continuing care facility, play equipment setbacks for a childcare facility, and the number of required loading spaces.

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

06/13 & 06/20

PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

LEGI-2023-0023, GOOSE CREEK CLUB II: ZMAP-2021-0020, ZMOD-2022-0056, & ZMOD-2023-0040 (Zoning Map Amendment & Zoning Modifications)

Kettler Goose Creek Commercial LLC, has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment and zoning modifications for approximately 23.86 acres of land located south of Leesburg Pike (Route 7) on the east and south sides of Golf Club Road (Route 653) and east side of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) in the Leesburg Election District (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as 43001 Golf Club Road, Leesburg, Virginia, PIN#: 150-40-5648-000, Tax Map # /61/////////3A. For ZMAP-2021-0020, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property to the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) Legacy Zoning District administered as the R-8 ADU (Single Family Residential, inclusive of Affordable Dwelling Units) Legacy Zoning District in order to develop up to 90 single-family attached residential dwelling units at a density of approximately 3.77 dwelling units per acre, For ZMOD-2023-0056 & ZMOD-2023-0040, the applicant seeks zoning ordinance modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property, including but not limited to: reducing the required minimum size of the PD-H4 zoning district from 25 to 23 acres, and to allow single-family residential dwelling units to front onto and to be accessed from private roads instead of public roads. The application is being processed under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance pursuant to the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution, dated December 13, 2023.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, or amendments for each item listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications and land use ordinances may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703777-0246 (option 5).

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

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

Regularly scheduled Planning Commission public hearings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. In the event the public hearing cannot be conducted on that date due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the hearing, the public hearing will be continued to the next day (Wednesday). In the event the public hearing may not be held on that Wednesday due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the hearing, the public hearing may be continued to the first Thursday of the next month.

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

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

6/13 & 6/20/24

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, July 10, 2024, in order to consider:

PROPOSED SALE OF COUNTY-OWNED AFFORDABLE DWELLING UNIT

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800, the conveyance of the following County-owned Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) to an ADU qualified certificate holder:

ADDRESS PIN #

44693 Collingdale Terrace, Ashburn, Virginia

058-29-8493-000 Broad Run District Approximately 1,800 square feet, 3 bedroom, Single Family Attached Unit (Townhouse)

$219,513

Copies of the plat(s) illustrating the property proposed to be conveyed and associated documents are 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 by calling the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200 to request hard copies or electronic copies. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.

AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 1480, SECTION 1480.02 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY

Affordable Housing Land Development Application and Development Permit Fee Waiver Program

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapter 1480.02, Affordable Housing Land Development Application and Development Permit Fee Waiver Program of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. On September 14, 2022, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors enacted Chapter 1480 of the Loudoun County Codified Ordinances (the “Ordinance”) to establish the Affordable Housing Land Development Application and Development Permit Fee Waiver Program (the “Program”). Section 1480.02 of the Ordinance contains the definition of key terms used in the Program. Due to an inadvertent error, the definition of “Moderate Income” in the Ordinance encompasses, for rental units, a household income higher than 50% Area Media Income (AMI) and “lower than 60% AMI” and, for purchase units, a household income higher than 70% AMI and “lower than 100% AMI”, which excludes household incomes at 60% for rental and household incomes at 100% for purchase, respectively.

The Program proposed by County staff on September 14, 2022, and the intention of the Board when approved , was to include in the definition of Moderate Income for rental units, household incomes up to 60% AMI, which would include a household with an income at 60% AMI, and to include for purchase units household incomes up to 100% AMI, which would include a household with an income at 100% AMI. However, by an inadvertent error Section 1480.02 of the Ordinance refers to a maximum threshold of “lower than” 60% AMI for rental, and of “lower than” 100% for purchase. This amendment seeks to correct the typo to include household incomes “at or lower than 60% AMI” for rental and household incomes “at or lower than 100%” for purchase.

As Chapter 1480 was enacted on September 14, 2022, the amendment will be retroactive to the date of the original approval, i.e. September 14, 2022. The amendment will also grandfather any fee waiver approved by the County pursuant to Chapter 1480 through the date of the approval of the amendment.

Copies of the above-referenced amendment are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, Front Desk, 1st Floor, 106 Catoctin Circle, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 737-8213; and full text of the proposed amendment are on file and may be examined at the Office of the County Administrator 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 the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200 to request hard copies or electronic copies. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun. gov/bosdocuments.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PUBLIC USE AND NECESSITY OF ACQUIRING CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION BY EMINENT DOMAIN

Route 7 and Route 690 Interchange Project

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1901 et seq. and 25.1-300 et. seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider the adoption of a resolution approving the public use and necessity for the acquisition of real property for the Route 7 and Route 690 Interchange project in Purcellville, Virginia, by eminent domain (condemnation and “quick take”). The subject real property consists of portions of two parcels located along the planned roadway corridor. The property interests to be acquired include public street fee simple right-of-way, various permanent easements, temporary construction easements, and removal of covenants to unencumber property for the construction and acceptance of the project located on the following properties:

522-10-6773-000 Catoctin Meadows Homeowners Association Catoctin

*Public Right of Way Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Catoctin

*Formerly known as PIN 522-10-8098 but subsequently dedicated as public right of way.

A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed resolution, as well as plat and vicinity maps further identifying the subject property to be acquired are on file and available for public inspection 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. Project details may also be viewed at the County’s Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure website link: https://www.loudoun.gov/5179/Route-7-690-Interchange

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

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

203-37-7428-000 N/A

100/B/1////20/

203-37-9642-000 42112 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA 100/B/1////18/

203-38-0747-000 42120 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1////17/ 203-38-1952-000 N/A

203-38-3156-000 42140 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1////16/

100/B/1////15/ 203-38-4261-000 N/A

100/B/1////14/ 203-38-5465-000 42160 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1////13/ 203-38-6670-000 42172 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1////12/ 203-38-7775-000 42186 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1////11/ 203-38-8980-000 42206 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1////10/ 203-39-0184-000 N/A

100/B/1/////9/ 203-39-1290-000 42224 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1/////8/ 203-39-2395-000 42234 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1/////7/ 203-39-3598-000 42240 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1/////6/ 203-49-4606-000 42258 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

203-49-5711-000 42268 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

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

100/B/1/////4/ 203-49-6816-000 42274 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA

100/B/1/////3/

203-49-8021-000 42292 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA 100/B/1/////2/ 203-49-9224-000 42298 Hiddenwood Lane, Aldie, VA 100/B/1/////1/

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

Legal Notices

LEGI-2023-0027, INNOVATION GATEWAY: ZMAP-2022-0001, SPEX-2022-0002, ZMOD-20220005, ZMOD-2022-0006, ZMOD-2022-0007, ZMOD-2022-0008, ZMOD-2022-0009, ZMOD-20220010 & ZMOD-2023-0071 (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception, & Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

FRH REALTY, LLC and BCG JV STERLING, LLC submitted applications for: a zoning map amendment, a special exception, and zoning modifications for approximately 29.13 acres of land located west of Shaw Road (Route 636), east of Sully Road (Route 28), and south of Old Ox Road (Route 606) in the Sterling Election District (the “Subject Property”) and more particularly described as:

035-45-7494-000 N/A

034-16-0552-000 N/A

/94////////33E

/94////////33B

For ZMAP-2022-0001, the applicants seek to rezone the Subject Property from the PD-RDP (Planned Development – Research and Development Park) under the 1972 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance to the PD-TC (Planned Development – Town Center) and PD-OP (Planned Development – Office Park) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 425 multifamily attached (MFA) dwelling units at a density of approximately 40 dwelling units per acre within the proposed PD-TC zoning district and to develop 700,000 square feet (SF) of data center and office uses within the proposed PD-OP zoning district. For SPEX-2022-0002, the applicants seek to increase the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in the PD-OP district from 0.6 to 1.0. For ZMOD-2022-0005, ZMOD-2022-0006, ZMOD-2022-0007, ZMOD-2022-0008, ZMOD-2022-0009, ZMOD-2022-0010, and ZMOD-2023-0071, the applicants seek zoning ordinance modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property including but not limited to: to allow a PD-TC District of a minimum of 12 acres, allow a Town Center Fringe without a Town Center Core in the PD-TC district, allow a minimum five foot setback between the parking spaces within the PD-TC district and the eastern boundary of the PD-OP district, to allow for 100 percent of the total gross floor area within the PD-TC district to be devoted to residential use; to eliminate the requirement for a minimum 3 percent of total gross floor area used for civic uses and/or other public uses, educational uses, cultural uses, or community rooms and buildings in the PD-TC district; to allow a block perimeter of a minimum of 3,200 feet without a through-block pedestrian linkage in the PD-TC district, to allow a minimum five foot setback between the parking spaces within the PD-OP district and the northernmost drive aisle of the PD-TC district, to allow a building height of up to 110 feet if it is set back from streets or from lot lines that do not constitute boundaries of districts with lower maximum height restrictions, in addition to each of the required minimum yard dimensions, a distance of not less than one foot for each one foot of height that it exceeds the 60 foot limit in the PD-TC district; and to eliminate the requirement for a Type B Buffer Yard for the south side of Land Bay 1 adjacent to open space. These applications are being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL OF LAND BELONGING TO THE GORDON C. KEYS LIVING TRUST, FROM THE BEAVERDAM VALLEY AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICT

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-4314 and the Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District Ordinance, G. Chandler Keys, III, and Robin Garwood Keys trustees for the Gordon C. Keys Living Trust, of Middleburg, Virginia, have submitted an application to withdraw a 138.32-acre parcel from the Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District. The subject property is located on both sides of Newlin Mill Road (Route 790) at 21795 Newlin Mill Road, Middleburg, VA, between Quaker Lane (Route 630) to the north and Snake Hill Road (Route 744) to the south, in the Little River Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN 620-27-2371-000.

The Beaverdam Valley Agricultural and Forestal District currently has a 4-year period that will expire on June 19, 2026, and is subject to a subdivision minimum lot size of 50 acres.

In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications 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 by calling 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (4-8-2024 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.

LEGI-2023-0085, EAST GATE MARKETPLACE PROFFER AMENDMENT: ZCPA-2023-0003 (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment)

East Gate Partners II, LLC. has submitted an application for a zoning concept plan amendment for approximately 26.6 acres of land south of Route 50, north of East Gate View Drive (Route 3010), and west of Tall Cedars Parkway (Route 2200) in the Dulles Election district (the Subject Property). The Subject Property is more particularly described as:

097-36-5968-000 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly, VA 107////////46/ 097-36-6339-000 25330 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly, VA 107//16/////F/ 097-26-8853-000 25410 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly, VA 107//16/////K/

097-26-9469-000 25400 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly, VA 107//16/////J/ 097-26-8130-000 25420 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly, VA 107//16/////L/ 097-26-5238-000

The applicant seeks to amend ZMAP-2005-0002, East Gate Two, Proffer VII.A., Landscaping, Buffering and Design Guidelines, to eliminate a 35-foot setback, Type 3 Rear Yard Buffer, and 8-foot-high brick pillar fence on two offsite parcels more particularly described as:

097-26-2158-000 43655 Tall Cedars Parkway, Chantilly, VA

097-15-8631-000 43659 Tall Cedars Parkway, Chantilly, VA

The Subject Property is zoned Planned Development - Commercial Center (Small Regional Center) (PDCC(SC)) under the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance. The application is being processed under the land use and development regulations of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in accordance with the Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance Grandfathering Resolution dated December 13, 2023.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each land use application listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center; Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications for public hearings may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. In addition, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: loudoun.gov/bosdocuments

Board of Supervisors public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Meetings are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. Meetings also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings.

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on June 28, 2024, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on July 10, 2024. Members of the public may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@ loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun. gov/landapplications.

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory, or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.

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

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ045449-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Mackenzie Berenize Membreno Membreno Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Cristino Membreno, putative father

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant, Cristino Membreno, putative father, appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before June 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. (Adjudicatory); and July 10, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Dispositional).

6/6, 6/13, 6/20 & 6/27/24

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENT:

CHAPTER 20 (LICENSES, TAXATION AND MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS); ARTICLE II (TAXATION GENERALLY); AMENDING SECTION 20-22, CREATING A NEW SECTION 20-31 (PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX - COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND PERIPHERALS USED IN A DATA CENTER), AND AMENDING APPENDIX B (FEE SCHEDULE) ESTABLISHING TAX RATE ON COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND PERIPHERALS USED IN A DATA CENTER

In accordance with Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§15.2-107, 15.2-1427, 15.2-1433, 58.13506(B), the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:

Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA at which time the public shall have the right to present oral and written testimony on a proposed ordinance amending Town Code Chapter 20 (Licenses, Taxation and Miscellaneous Regulations) by amending Section 20-22 (Annual Levy and Rate of Taxes) and adding new Town Code Section 20-31 (Personal Property Tax - Computer Equipment and Peripherals Used in a Data Center). The proposed ordinance will create a separate classification of tangible personal property for computer equipment and peripherals associated with the operation of a data center located within the Town. In addition, the proposed ordinance would amend Appendix B to the Town Code to set a tax rate for this classification of personal property.

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

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

6/20/2024, 6/27/2024

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENTS:

CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION); CHAPTER 20 (LICENSES, TAXATION AND MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS) CHAPTER 22 (NUISANCES); CHAPTER 28 (SOLID WASTE); CHAPTER 30 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES); CHAPTER 32 (TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES); CHAPTER 34.1 (UTILITIES); and APPENDIX B – FEE SCHEDULE OF THE TOWN CODE

In accordance with Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-1427; 15.2-901; 15.2-913; 15.2927, 15.2-928, 15.2-967.2; 15.2-1100, 15.2-1107, 15.2-1114, 15.2-1115, 15.2-2009, 46.2-1219.3, 46.21220 and Section 3.2 of the Charter of the Town of Leesburg, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:

Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA at which time the public will have the right to present oral and written testimony on proposed amendments to Town Code Chapters 2, 20, 22, 28, 30, 32 and 34.1, and Appendix B – Fee Schedule. The Town Code amendments will make technical corrections, clarify language and reduce confusion, conform the Town Code to State Code, correct inconsistencies and errors, update commission composition, effectuate board and commission compensation changes, authorize town remediation of certain yard waste disposal violations at owner expense, and enact provisions authorizing public use of town-owned electric vehicle charging stations consistent with, and as enabled by, State Code. The amendment to Appendix B – Fee Schedule will specify the electric vehicle charging fee for public use of Town-owned electric vehicle charging stations.

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

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

6/13/24, 6/20/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ048585-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Carlton Platt

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Sabrina Whitney, Mother

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1281 for Carlton Platt.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Sabrina Whitney, mother appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before June 25, 2024 at 2:00pm 5/30, 6/6, 6/13 & 6/20/24

ABC LICENSE

Allgorhythms, LLC, trading as AllGoRythms, 21035 Dulles Town Cir., Sterling, VA 20166

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for Mixed Beverage Restaurant. Bhaskar Burra, Owner

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. 6/20 & 6/27/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: 24-0188

Loudoun County Circuit Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Buket Demirci v. Abdulhamid Fatih Ozen

The object of this suit is to dissolve parties’ marriage via divorce.

It is ORDERED that the Abdulhamid Fatih Ozen appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before August 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

6/6, 6/13, 6/20 & 6/27/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047045-05-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Maria Jose Nunez Torres Loudoun County Department of Family Services v.

Mario Obel Nunez, putative father, and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Maria Jose Nunez Torres.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Mario Obel Nunez, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before July 30, 2024 at 10:00 am.

6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER MINOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION TLSPEX2024-0007 HUNN HOMESTAY, 221 N KING STREET

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Minor Special Exception application TLSPEX2024-0007, Hunn Homestay, 221 North King Street.

The subject of the application is an existing Single Family Detached with a non-conforming accessory structure addressed as 221 North King Street, Leesburg, VA 20175.

Minor Special Exception Application TLSPEX2024-0007 is a request by property owner to allow a homestay within a non-conforming accessory structure pursuant to Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO) Section 9.3.11.3, Use Regulations. The property is zoned Historic Residential District (R-HD) and Old and Historic District Overlay (H-1) and is further described as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 230-18-6010.

Additional information and copies of this application are available at the Department of Community Development located on the second floor of 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Shelby Miller, Planner at 703-737-7183 or samiller@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.

6/13 & 6/20/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION

TLZM-2021-0012 AND SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION TLSE-2021-0005

RUSSELL BRANCH RETAIL

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2021-0012 and Special Exception application TLSE-20210005, Russell Branch Retail.

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

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

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

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

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

Additional information and copies of these two applications are available at the Department of Community Development 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, AICP, at 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 the Council at (703) 771-2733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 06/13 & 06/20

Legal Notices

TRUSTEE’S

SALE OF

Lot 258, Phase 2, “WOODSTONE”, located at 46706 Bullfinch Square, Sterling, Virginia 20164

Loudoun County parcel identification number (PIN): 014-36-2708-000 Loudoun County tax map number: /81/Q/2///258/

In execution of a Deed of Trust dated December 6, 2023 from Evelyn M. Drouot and Brian D. Nguyen, securing the original principal amount of $200,000.00, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia as Instrument Number 20231227-0051197, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction to the highest bidder, on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., on the steps of the Historic Courthouse of Loudoun County, Virginia, the property described as follows:

Lot 258, Phase 2, “WOODSTONE”, as the same appears duly dedicated, platted and recorded in Deed Book 1098 at Page 1883 and corrected in Deed Book 1125 at Page 798, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia.

Street address: 46706 Bullfinch Square, Sterling, Virginia 20164

Sale will be made subject to the lien of a prior Deed of Trust dated August 13, 2018 from Evelyn M. Drouot and Brian D. Nguyen, to Long and Meyhart P.C., as Trustee, for the benefit of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as beneficiary, recorded in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia as Instrument Number 20180814-0047633, securing obligations in the original principal amount of $294,500.00, the said prior deed of trust having been assigned to Barclays Mortgage Trust 2022-RPL1, by US National Bank Association, as Indenture Trustee, and Equity Trustees, LLC having been appointed as Substitute Trustee.

Terms: A deposit of Ten Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($10,000.00) shall be required of any bidder, other than the holder of a note secured by either Deed of Trust referenced above, before such bidder’s bid is received. The deposit shall be paid by cash or by certified or cashier’s check payable to Moyes Hanssen Overson, PLLC, Escrow Agent, and shall be refunded to the bidder unless the property is sold to such bidder, in which case it will be applied to such bidder’s credit in settlement. Should purchaser fail to complete the purchase promptly, the deposit shall be applied to pay the cost and expense of sale, and the balance, if any, shall be retained by the Trustee as such Trustee’s compensation in connection with the sale, and the property shall be resold at the risk and costs of the defaulting purchaser

The successful bidder shall be required to close within fourteen (14) days from the date of sale. Time will be of the essence as to the closing date and the payment of the purchase price. Settlement shall be at the office of the Trustee or other mutually agreed location. The balance of the purchase price shall be in cash or its equivalent.

Once a bid has been accepted during the auction, it cannot be withdrawn except by leave of the Trustee. Any bidder who attempts to withdraw such bidder’s bid after it has been accepted by the Trustee may be required to forfeit such bidder’s deposit.

The property and any improvements thereon shall be sold in “AS IS” condition, with all faults and without warranties or guarantees either express or implied. Prospective bidders should investigate the title to the property prior to bidding. The sale of the property is not subject to, or contingent upon, the successful bidder’s ability to obtain title insurance. The successful bidder shall assume all loss or damage to the property from and after the time of sale. Purchaser shall be responsible for all costs of the conveyance, which shall be by special warranty deed, including, but not limited to, the preparation of the deed and the grantor’s tax. Real estate taxes shall be adjusted as of the sale date. The sale is subject to such additional terms as the Trustee may announce at the time of sale. The purchaser will be required to sign a Memorandum of Sale incorporating all the terms of the sale. The Trustee shall not be required to take possession of the property prior to the sale thereof or to deliver possession of the property to the purchaser at the sale.

The Trustee reserves the right to withdraw the property from sale and to reject any bid by declaring “NO SALE” after the last bid received on the property. In the event of postponement of sale, which postponement shall be at the discretion of the Trustee, advertisement of such postponed sale shall be in the same manner as the original advertisement of sale.

Michael J. Overson, Trustee

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Michael J. Overson, Trustee Moyes Hanssen Overson, PLLC 21 N. King Street

Leesburg, Virginia 20176

Telephone: (703) 777-6800

6/13 & 6/20/24

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LEESBURG TOWN CODE AMENDMENTS:

CHAPTER 2 (ADMINISTRATION); CHAPTER 20 (LICENSES, TAXATION AND MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS) CHAPTER 22 (NUISANCES); CHAPTER 28 (SOLID WASTE); CHAPTER 30 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES); CHAPTER 32 (TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES); CHAPTER 34.1 (UTILITIES); and APPENDIX B – FEE

SCHEDULE OF THE TOWN CODE

In accordance with Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 15.2-1427; 15.2-901; 15.2-913; 15.2927, 15.2-928, 15.2-967.2; 15.2-1100, 15.2-1107, 15.2-1114, 15.2-1115, 15.2-2009, 46.2-1219.3, 46.21220 and Section 3.2 of the Charter of the Town of Leesburg, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:

Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA at which time the public will have the right to present oral and written testimony on proposed amendments to Town Code Chapters 2, 20, 22, 28, 30, 32 and 34.1, and Appendix B – Fee Schedule. The Town Code amendments will make technical corrections, clarify language and reduce confusion, conform the Town Code to State Code, correct inconsistencies and errors, update commission composition, effectuate board and commission compensation changes, authorize town remediation of certain yard waste disposal violations at owner expense, and enact provisions authorizing public use of town-owned electric vehicle charging stations consistent with, and as enabled by, State Code. The amendment to Appendix B – Fee Schedule will specify the electric vehicle charging fee for public use of Town-owned electric vehicle charging stations.

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

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

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

must be made within 15 days of the notice.

Misc.

VEHICLE AUCTION

MD Repo Vehicles For Public Sale at ADESA Washington, DC. All Makes and Models Running Weekly Details can be found at www.adesawashingtondc.com

Terms: State and local orders will be strictly enforced at the sale, including social distancing and limits on the number of people permitted to gather in certain areas. All attendees must comply with such procedures or will be required to leave the premises. We strongly recommend that all attendees wear face coverings for the protection of themselves and our staff. Bidder agrees to register and pay a refundable $500 cash deposit plus a non-refundable $20 entry fee before the Sale starts. The balance of the purchase is due in full by 5:00pm on sale day. vehicles are AS-IS and are subject to a buy fee based on the sale price of the vehicle. Only cash or certified funds will be accepted. No vehicle will be released until Payment is made in full. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted.

VEHICLE AUCTION

ADESA WASHINGTON DC 705-996-1100 44475 OLD OX ROAD, DULLES, VA 20166

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Primaries

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“For our win to coincide with the date of Joe Biden’s amnesty for illegal immigrants highlights the stakes of this November’s election,” he wrote. “… This campaign is as much about the things each man will NOT do. No matter what Tim Kaine and super PACs say, I will not vote for any federal ban on abortion and I will always protect Americans on Social Security and Medicare, Americans like my Mom.”

Clancy got more than 63% of the vote district-wide. Another Loudoun resident, Aliscia N. Andrews, was second among the four candidates with 22% of the vote.

“It’s an awesome victory,” Clancy said Tuesday night. “It’s a dominant win with over 60% of the vote. It shows that Republicans have coalesced behind a winning message to end Biden’s chaos and restore America.”

He said two of the key issues for his campaign were securing the boarder and improving the state of the economy.

“And the third issue, especially here in Loudoun County, is education, parents rights. Parents want an education system that will prepare their child for the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a competitive economy, and they want to have home schooling options and school choice options. And so, we need to address those education needs as part of our agenda,” he said.

In the Democratic primary, Subramanyam beat Helmer by 4% districtwide. That margin was built on a strong performance in Loudoun, where he has served

Juneteenth

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Thomas said, while things have changed over the years, there is still more work to be done.

“Freedom isn’t forever,” she said. “Freedom isn’t fair. We’re still fighting to be emancipated. If you think I’m lying, look at the human rights argument with women. There are women dying because they don’t have the right to health care. We’ve got a ways to go before we can scream freedom.”

She said the Black community is facing voter suppression and oppression, red lining, unfair hiring practices, unfair access to housing, inequitable schools, and lack

These are the unofficial vote totals reported by the Virginia Department of Elections on June 19.

Republican

as a state delegate and senator since 2020. Helmer outpaced him in the district’s other jurisdictions.

In Loudoun, Subramanyam got 39% of the vote to Helmer’s 19%. But in Fairfax County, Helmer got 67% and Subramanyam 11%. However, in Fairfax that difference gave Helmer just under 900 votes more than Subramanyam; in Loudoun the margin provided Subramanyam with a 5,000-vote advantage.

Helmer led his fellow Democratic candidates in fundraising, accruing over $1.5 million according to the latest campaign finance reports. However, his campaign was hit with an allegation last week by leaders in the Loudoun Democratic Committee. Former LCDC chairs alleged Helmer sexually assaulted a committee member in 2018; that allegation was not previously aired in Helmer’s three prior campaigns for the House of Delegates.

Subramanyam, who received an endorsement from Wexton last month, said he wishes she could still be the district’s representative, but he hopes to continue

Democratic 10th House District

the work she started.

“I don’t have a ton of eloquent words to say except thank you’s and I love you’s and this community means so much to me,” he told a room of supporters. “My kids are here. My wife is here. We got married in this community. My kids were born here. We want not just the next two years, the next 20 years and beyond, to be beautiful

and wonderful for the people in this community. That’s what this movement was about. That’s what this election was about.” Voter turnout for the primaries in Loudoun showed Democrats with a larger base of core voters. A total of 25,250 ballots were cast in the Democratic primary; just over 13,000 Loudoun votes were cast in the Republican primary. n

of access to challenging curriculum.

“We’re not free until all of us have been free,” Thomas said. “I want to leave you with this today. That freedom isn’t something that you just get automatically. It’s not going to happen by osmosis. It’s going to take all of us pulling in the same direction of justice. It’s going to take all of us pulling in the same direction of equity. It’s going to take all of us pulling in the same direction of love and humanity. Let freedom ring.”

The event was attended by members of the Board of Supervisors and the School Board, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10), Sherriff Mike Chapman, Treasurer Henry Eickelberg, and celebrity skater Kyle Kutcher. It also featured musical performances by Crush Funk. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Mike Clancy speaks with reporters after preliminary results show that Republican voters chose him to run against Democrat Suhas Subramanyam for the 10th District seat in the House of Representative in November.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Community members led by NAACP Loudoun President Pastor Michelle Thomas on Wednesday march through downtown Leesburg to commemorate Juneteenth.

Mail-In Ballots: How Are They Processed?

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Laws passed by the General Assembly in response to COVID-19 opened the door for “no excuse” absentee voting. Prior to 2020, absentee ballots comprised a tiny part of the election process; today they are a months-long focus of election officials.

In Loudoun, the Office of Elections has grappled with the increased number of mail-in ballots being submitted each year and worked to address concerns by some residents that the process is less secure then in-person voting.

Prior to the pandemic, the county typically only sent out 1,000 to 2,000 mailin ballots for a primary election. Before Tuesday’s primary elections, over 16,000 Loudouners had requested mail-in ballots, with nearly 7,000 returning them as of Monday at 5 p.m. Up to 25,000 are expected to be sent out ahead of the November election.

Elections and Voter Registration Voter Services Manager Nadia Booker said the office is committed to providing a secure process from sending out a mail-in ballot to receiving it and processing.

“When we talk about these processes, [we focus on] security. Ballots are secure. We keep them secure at all times. Accuracy—it goes from counting them downstairs, we can count them again upstairs, and count them one more time,” she said.

Any registered voter in the county may request a mail-in ballot to be sent to them for a specific election—or, more recently, indefinitely, if they find voting on their own timeline more convenient. To receive a mail-in ballot, residents must provide a

Class of '24

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and shepherded through a mascot change from the Confederacy-affiliated Raiders to the Captains.

“No Disney Channel TV show, movie or musical could have prepared me for the four years we have been through together. In life, you will be faced with many challenges or canon events. Considering what has happened in recent years, you probably won’t have to think too hard to come up with an example,” Ruff said.

But like Luttrell, she highlighted the resilience of her classmates.

home address within the county, contact information, and the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Elections and Voter Registration Outreach Coordinator Samantha Shepherd said before the absentee ballots are sent to voters, their information is confirmed in the statewide voter database.

After filling out their ballot and sealing it in an envelope, the resident must sign a statement with an oath certifying that they are the signee to whom the ballot was addressed.

Once the ballot is received at the Office of Elections, the Statement of Voter undergoes a series of checks to make sure the information is valid.

“Once we have it, we go through that process and we verify you are who you say you are, that you filled out all this information. We verify that we sent you a ballot and then we count them again,” Shepherd said. “… From there, they are boxed up. The date in which we received them and how many ballots are included are all on that box and they’re sealed and put into a secure storage room until it’s time to process them.”

Incomplete or incorrectly filled envelopes are set aside while the team reaches out to the voter via email, phone call, and physical letter to confirm the information.

At this point in the process, the ballots remain sealed and unviewed by anyone in the Office of Elections.

When it’s time to process the votes, a new group of workers arrive to verify the statement information again. After that, in teams of two—one Democrat and one Republican—the election officers open

the letters to verify the voter information again.

“They remove the ballot; they make sure only one ballot is enclosed and then the ballot is placed in a tray to be turned over to the co-chiefs. We have two very well-seasoned election officers who are bipartisan, who are going to actually do the processing. Once that’s done, these election officers will count and check the ballots one more time. So, this is the third time we’re checking everything, and they make sure that the cover sheet that was given to them matches the total number of ballots that they have,” Shepherd said.

The ballots are then scanned into an electronic ballot scanner, which is kept in a locked room. They then are boxed up, sealed and locked in a separate room. The number of ballots scanned is also confirmed with the number of ballots viewed by the election officers earlier in the day. After the election, the ballots are sent to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, who keeps them in secure storage.

If a resident who requested a mail-in ballot decides they want to vote in person on Election Day, they must take their mail-in ballot with them to the polls.

Shepherd said additional safeguards that the office has implemented during the absentee voting process include installing multiple cameras in the processing, scanning and storage rooms, locking each of the rooms and providing limited people with access, never allowing one person to be left alone with the ballots or scanner, and securing the boxes of ballots with a seal signed by two people and the number of ballots in it. n

“I know that we learned a lot in high school, but above all we learned how to perceive, persevere and overcome. We learned that we are stronger than we thought. We were smarter than we initially believed and more resilient and determined than anyone could have ever imagined. We learned that we can overcome any challenge if we put the work in and truly want to achieve that goal. We also learned how to lift each other up, cheer one another on, work together and rally support. We learned that we are not alone. Our teachers, our parents, our family members and friends have been there for us every step of the way, giving us the tools, the knowledge and the support that we needed to achieve our goals. They believed in us when it mattered most, in those doubt filled moments when we did not believe in ourselves,” Ruff said. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Workers at the county Office of Elections confirm information on the outside of mail-in ballots prior to Tuesday’s primary election.

Photo 2

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

A bi-partisan team of two at the county Office of Elections confirm information on mail-in ballots prior to Tuesday’s primary election.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Loudoun County High School graduates celebrate at the conclusion of their commencement ceremony Tuesday morning.

Published

by

Loudoun Community Media

15 N . King St ., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176

703-770-9723

KURT ASCHERMANN Executive Director kaschermann@loudounnow .org

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

EDITORIAL

ALEXIS GUSTIN Reporter agustin@loudounnow .org

HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow .org

ADVERTISING

SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow .org

TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow .org

VICKY MASHAW Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow .org

CRYSTAL MONNINGER

Account Executive cmonninger@loudounnow .org

Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun and Ashburn, and distributed for pickup throughout the county . Online, Loudoun Now provides daily community news coverage to an audience of more than 100,000 unique monthly visitors .

A Measure

Opinion

While the Board of Supervisors is pushing ahead with its latest rural land conservation strategy that seeks to minimize development on the best plots of agricultural soil, it also is hoping to encourage conservation easements on those properties by delaying implementation of the new restrictions.

With the delay, supervisors are acknowledging the concern raised by easement advocates that the new rules could undermine the land values that provide owners with economic benefits for foregoing development.

They are hoping the delayed implementation window provides the opportunity for a rush of additional easements that are based on the current development rules. But they also risk a rush of subdivision applications from property owners seeking to avoid the new restrictions, a common occurrence anytime the government moves to whittle away at property rights.

The county is seeing the same pressures in the data

center industry. As supervisors work to impose more controls over the location, size and design of new projects, landowners are moving to preserve their existing development permissions. An application filed this week by the owners of Commanders Park, perhaps the most obvious location remaining for data center construction, is among that wave.

But until the McMansions go up, preservation remains possible—even on farm tracts that have be carved up into house lots on paper. Supervisors will be measuring the success of their current initiative by tallying the acres of farmland where houses have been prohibited. A better measure would be the tally of land placed under easement during their tenure. Unlike zoning or subdivision rules, which can be changed on the whim of five county supervisors, conservation easements provide permanent protections against future politicians who may not recognize the value of open agricultural spaces. n

LETTERS to the Editor

Contract Review

Editor:

I am writing to express my thoughts regarding the Leesburg Town Council’s recent decision to award a contract to Loudoun Cares over the Salvation Army for the new $100,000 utility assistance program.

The concerns raised by Todd Cimino-Johnson about fairness and equity are indeed legitimate. However, the manner in which the Town Council addressed these concerns, as reported, appears to be inappropriate and counterproductive. It is imperative that the Town Council exercises its fiduciary responsibility when awarding contracts and avoids bringing in explicit or implicit biases for or against certain bidders. Doing so undermines the very fairness and equity they aim to promote.

Moreover, there is no clear evidence to suggest that Loudoun Cares would be any more equitable than the Salvation Army without additional information on how it plans to govern the program. Instead of

basing the decision on personal opinions about fairness and equity, the Town Council should have required all bidders to provide a detailed governance plan demonstrating how they intend to ensure unbiased and appropriate execution of the contract.

Transparency is also crucial. The Town Council should mandate that contractors provide anonymized reports on who has applied for and who has received relief. This transparency would enable the selection of contractors based on the merits of their program and overall cost, rather than on subjective opinions and feelings.

As it stands, awarding the contract to the higher-cost bidder without clear justification appears misaligned with the council’s fiduciary responsibilities regarding the town’s budget.

I hope the Town Council will reconsider its approach in the future and prioritize objective criteria and transparent governance in its decision-making processes.

— Keith Johnson, Leesburg

On-Site Solar Needed

Editor:

Loudoun Now’s June 11 article, “Community Groups Cite Priorities in Power Line Opposition,” takes as a given that new transmission lines are needed and that the choice is between above ground and underground lines. However, I question whether new transmission lines are needed at all.

The assumption that new transmission lines are needed seems predicated on the old model of centralized power generation (for economies of scale) and then distribution to consumers through a transmission and distribution network. But the economics of power generation have changed radically in the past 20 years.

The cost of solar power has declined so much over the last two decades that it is now the cheapest source of power. Furthermore, solar power generation can be

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 43

READERS’ poll CHIPshots

• 27.2% Fiscal Discipline

• 23.7% Immigration policies

• 15.1% Economic/Tax policies

• 12.5% Abortion policies

• 6.5% Environmental policies

• 4.3% Healthcare policies

• 4.3% Party loyalty

• 3.4% Firearms policies

• 2.6% Foreign policies

• 0.4% Education policies

THIS WEEK’S QUESTION:

LETTERS to the Editor

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decentralized to near to the point of use, thus lessening the need for transmission infrastructure.

Aside from environmental damage, transmission adds a few cents to the price of electricity. The first best option for Loudoun County would be for the largest users (data centers) to generate solar power on their rooftops and south-facing walls. This should be required in the approval of new data centers, while existing data centers could be incentivized to install solar panels through temporary exemptions from local taxes.

The interests of Dominion Power are not the same as the interests of Loudoun County residents. Dominion is a business that makes money by the old model: it generates and sells power. Consequently, it will always propose “more of the same” solutions.

Loudoun residents already suffer from one of the highest cost toll roads in the world. We do not need to be taken advantage of by another self-interested service provider.

— Dougal Martin, Ashburn

From The Executive Director

In my first column as the executive director of Loudoun Community Media, I outlined why I had decided to take on this challenge. I told you that we live in a great place, Loudoun County, and that alone made me want to be part of the community service that is Loudoun Now.

In the days and weeks following that column I have met with countless people—readers, donors, interested citizens.

So, what am I hearing?

First, and this may sound self-serving, there is great satisfaction with Loudoun Now, including the newspaper, the website, and our daily headlines email. People have told me they like that we concentrate on local news, but they also like the conciseness provided for some stories and in-depth reporting done on other stories. As one reader said to me, “Loudoun Now tells me all I need to

know about what’s going on in Loudoun County; and not more than I need to know. Unless I need to know it.”

We like that we are providing what you need in the format that works. I have also heard people say they want more. While this sounds like a contradic-

tion, it isn’t. The same people who say we give them what they want, also want us to have the resources we need to provide wider coverage, cover more topics, and provide more information from community sources. They have told me that Loudoun Now is good, but that they would welcome it getting better.

A newspaper that isn’t constantly trying to be better isn’t trying.

As a nonprofit, we now have the tools to garner those resources needed to add reporters to our newsroom and salespeople to our advertising staff. And, as a nonprofit we can ask you—the reader—to help us acquire those resources. As one of our ads says, “as PBS is viewer supported, NPR is listener supported, Loudoun Now is reader supported.

We’re proud to be your source of free, independent, and local news. With your help we will continue to provide that service for many years to come.

— Kurt Aschermann, Executive Director

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