Loudoun Now for June 22, 2023

Primary Voters Pick Biberaj, Subramanyam, Srinivasan, Perry

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Voters in Loudoun’s four Democratic primary races Tuesday largely went for party establishment candidates, picking as their November nominees incumbents Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj and Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87), financier Kannan Srinivasan to run for an open House seat, and Leesburg attorney Russet Perry for the state senate.

Biberaj’s race, against challenger Elizabeth Lancaster, drew unusual national attention for a local primary.

That countywide race saw both the most votes cast and the closest results of the night in Loudoun. Biberaj won the nomination with 56% of the vote, 13,044 votes to Lancaster’s 10,347, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

In the closing days of the primary race, well-funded conservative political action committees had stepped into the race to campaign for Lancaster.

“We had this crazy Republicans coming in to try to vote in our election. You need to stay in your lane,” Biberaj said during an election night party at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn. “We said that to the governor, we said it to the Attorney General, we now say it to the Republicans, stay in your lane. We get to pick our Democratic nominee. You want to run your people, you run them in November.”

And she called for voters to replace county Republican Sheriff Mike Chapman.

Ballot Set for Local Elections

More than 60 Candidates Vie for County, Town Seats

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The ballot is set for Loudoun County’s local elections in November that will feature another threeway contest for the county chairmanship and a School Board race that will have no more than two incumbents returning.

Tuesday night was the deadline for candidates to qualify for the ballot in the races for the Board of Supervisors, School Board, constitutional offices, town council seats, and for Soil and Water Conservation District board of directors.

“We need to elect a new sheriff. I’m saying it on the record now,” she said. “And the reason why I’m saying it is because I spent three and a half years unnecessarily fighting somebody who does not see the success of safety. I’m calling it out because now is the time to do that. If he wants to ever come to the table and be a partner, I welcome him.”

She said the Sheriff ’s Office is “hit or miss” in sharing timely information with prosecutors, especially in less-serious crimes.

“We want to be partners in their decision making. We want to be partners in their evidence gathering. We want to be

partners so that we can prosecute a case. When we get the case, the case is pretty much done based on their perspective. What we want to do, we want to be part of that process so the right information is gathered so that when we go to court, it’s ready to be presented,” she said.

In a statement Tuesday night, Lancaster congratulated Biberaj.

“Our campaign was one of competence and progress, and I am both overwhelmed and humbled by the number of Loudoun citizens who came out to support me,”

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Eighteen candidates are vying for the nine seats on the Board of Supervisors, with Vice Chair Koran Saines (D-Sterling) and Kristin Umstattd (D-Leesburg) running unopposed for re-election.

For her third consecutive race, incumbent County Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) will face multiple challengers. She won the seat during a four-way race in 2015 and had two challengers in 2019. This fall, Republican Stephen Karbelk of Ashburn and independent Sam R. Kroiz of Lovettsville have joined the race.

In the Algonkian District, LOCAL BALLOT continues on page 36

We’ve got you covered. In the mail weekly. Online always at LoudounNow.com

PRIMARY

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj speaks at an election night party at Old Ox Brewery after winning her primary race Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

INMED Shuts Down; Nonprofits Scramble to Fill Gap

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

INMED Partnerships for Children, a Sterling-based nonprofit that served thousands of people in Loudoun and internationally, abruptly closed its doors June 7.

The Loudoun Human Services Network went to work immediately to fill the gap.

The nonprofit was founded in 1986, and had a range of programs, including its aquaponics education and investment in South Africa, Jamaica and Peru. INMED USA’s Opportunity Center in Sterling hosted a range of programs including Healthy Families Loudoun, the local implementation of the nationwide Healthy Families early childhood program to support parenting skills, safe homes, healthy child development and nurturing relationships between parents and children. It also hosted academic support and tutoring for at-risk students, skills training for adults like financial literacy and parenting education, and resources for families like diapers, clothing, and hygienic supplies.

The need for essentials like food, diapers and clothing only became more acute during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Opportunity Center also served as a

COVID-19 vaccination clinic. INMED

Communications Director Nancy Baker said over the past year, INMED served 2,500 vulnerable individuals.

All that suddenly vanished two weeks ago after the nonprofit’s staff was informed

that INMED would close two days later.

“We are heartbroken over the decision to close our Opportunity Center, but the burdensome expenses to keep it open made it cost prohibitive to continue,” founder and CEO Linda Pfeiffer said in a

statement dated June 16.

Pfeiffer said the COVID-19 pandemic hit INMED unexpectedly hard.

continues on page 34

NAACP Marches, Union St. School Lease Signed on Juneteenth

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun NAACP again led a march through Leesburg to mark Juneteenth on Monday, walking to the memorial of a 14-year-old Black boy lynched in 1889 in Leesburg and concluding with signatures on a lease to preserve a former segregated school building as a museum and place of learning.

The holiday marks the day June 19, 1865, when Major General Gordon Granger issued an order notifying the people of Texas that the enslaved people had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation two and a half years earlier. It was one of the last states to see enslaved people freed under the law.

Monday’s march featured Loudoun living Black history—among them Loudoun’s first Black judge, District Court Presiding Judge Lorrie Ann Sinclair Taylor; Virginia’s first Black elected county chair, Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large); and Loudoun’s first Black secondary school-level princi-

pal, Josephine Hamilton Stewart. The march began at the county courthouse.

“It is fitting today that we are actually beginning our march here, because this is the place where historically good news

is always delivered,” Sinclair Taylor said. It was on the courthouse steps that the Declaration of Independence was read in Loudoun, and it was inside that Charles Hamilton Houston—for whom the courthouse is now named—led a team of attorneys that included future Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall, was the first Black legal team to argue a case in a southern state, and argued a case that resulted in Black people being allowed to serve on juries.

During the march, Loudoun NAACP first vice president and chair of education Robin Burke called on marchers to “honor the past, confront the present, shape our future.” She repeated that theme at the Orion Anderson memorial near Leesburg’s Raflo Park.

“This sacred space serves as a poignant reminder of injustices that have been inflicted upon individuals in our community, and today we come together

JUNETEENTH continues on page 34

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now The plaque outside INMED USA’s Opportunity Center in Sterling. The nonprofit closed its doors abruptly earlier this month.

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now Scouts and the Loudoun NAACP lead a Juneteenth march through downtown Leesburg Monday.

Planning Commission Reports 2022 Work

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The county Planning Commission in June reported on its work during 2022, which in addition to work on the county’s Zoning Ordinance Rewrite included decisions on 66 legislative cases, comprised of 112 separate applications.

The commission reported holding 12 public comment sessions, hearing from 207 speakers, and 15 work sessions.

Notable cases included Rivana at Innovation Station, 1,745 new units at One Loudoun, the Rt. 15 North Widening and Safety Improvements plan, the Airport Overlay Impact District update, and the Red Hill Community comprehensive plan amendment to allow central water and sewer there.

The Board of Supervisors was friend-

FAA Bill Delayed as National Groups Join Fight Over Dulles, DCA Flights

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

More organizations and lawmakers are joining a battle between local and national groups over proposed changes to the region’s flights that airports experts say would hurt service and drive up prices at Dulles and Reagan airports.

The U.S. Senate has postponed a markup session on a routine bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration as lawmakers from the region push back on pressure from across the country to change the perimeter rule over the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates both airports.

“This is a dangerously misguided bill that would cripple both DCA and Dulles airports—causing severe congestion and delays as well as canceling service options that make it harder for Americans to come to our nation’s capital region,” Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) stated last month. “Changes to the perimeter rule are counterproductive and unnecessary, squandering significant investments of taxpayers’ dollars including in Metro’s Silver Line extension to make this regional airport partnership even more convenient and

lier to developers than both the Planning Commission and county planners, the report shows. While the board typically votes in agreement with the commission’s recommendation, in the three cases in which they differed the county board approved projects the commission had recommended denying. That included Innovation Multifamily, a proposal to build 415 apartments across Innovation Avenue from the Rivana project, which both the commission and county planners recommended against; plans for a 132-foot cell tower at Mickie Gordon Memorial Park near Middleburg; and part of the proposal to build a 100-megawatt, 835-acre solar array at Dulles International Airport.

The Planning Commission recommended approving a request to rezone land at Dulles International Airport to an industrial district, but not amending that

industrial district to permitting solar arrays by-right. That would have required the airports authority and Dominion to apply for a zoning special exception, an attempt to give the county more oversight over the project’s environmental impacts through that application.

The Board of Supervisors, after deliberating in committee, decided to instead approve both applications, clearing the way for the project.

The commission consists of nine members, one appointed by each county supervisor, and advises the board on land use policy and decisions. Its votes on most legislative applications, such as rezoning requests, are advisory to the board. It can also grant certain requests on its own authority with a commission permit, which stands unless overturned by the Board of Supervisors. n

legislation reserves most of those new long-haul flights from Reagan, 20 of 28, for Delta itself, allowing those flights to take off and land closer to Washington, DC, and muscling out airlines that today mostly fly their long-haul flights out of Dulles.

The legislation was first introduced by Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA-4) and Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT-4). Both represent states with Delta hubs—Georgia’s Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Utah’s Salt Lake City International Airport. They’ve since been joined by Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock (D), Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) and others.

Mickie Gordon Park Public Meeting Scheduled

Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services has scheduled a June 29 public meeting to discuss the plans for the proposed improvements to Mickie Gordon Memorial Park.

The session will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at American Legion Post 295, 111 The Plains Road in Middleburg.

The parks department has filed a special exception application to add a cricket pitch and other amenities to Mickie Gordon Memorial Park to accommodate the growing demand for cricket facilities across the county. In addition, the plans envision additional lighting, trails, increased open space, improved access and updates to parking.

The application will be subject to review and public hearings by the county Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors.

Review of the application was paused after area residents raised concerns about the scale of the project and questioned whether the rural park was the best location for a cricket complex. Anyone who has questions about the meeting may contact PRCS by phone at 703-777-0343 or by email to prcs@loudoun.gov.

complementary for all travelers. A few Members of Congress have no business meddling with the business operations of our local airports for their own personal benefit.”

The House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Thursday unanimously passed that chamber’s version of the bill without the proposed changes, sending it back to the House floor.

Since 1966, the perimeter rule has restricted flights from Reagan to within 1,250 miles, an area that covers all of the East Coast and as far west as Kansas. The rule reserves transcontinental and international flights for Dulles Airport.

The Capital Access Alliance, a group backed by Delta Airlines, is pushing legislation that would more than double the number of exemptions to that rule. The

Reagan’s main runway is the busiest in America. It’s also one of only three airports in the country with runway slot controls in place, intended to address capacity constraints. The other two are New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

The FAA has warned that, contrary to the Capital Access Alliance’s claims, Reagan is already at capacity and sees among the most delays of any airport in the country. An FAA memo on the proposal notes Reagan is the 10th most delayed airport in the country this year, sends arrivals on a single loop hold more than any other airport, and is third in the nation for airborne holds over 15 minutes. Meanwhile, it has the fifth-most ground delays and stops in the nation and more than Dulles and Maryland’s Baltimore-

County Opens WIC Office in Leesburg, Resumes In-Person Services

The Loudoun County Health Department has opened a second office for the Women, Infants, and Children Program, in Leesburg. The department is also phasing back in in-person services for the program, which had closed the office in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new Leesburg office is at 50 Sycolin Road. The existing Ashburn office is at 45201 Research Place, Suite 120.

Virtual services remain available as in-person appointments are phased in. Select in-person services will be available on Tuesdays

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 7

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now An airplane departing from Dulles International Airport flies over power lines at Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park.

FAA BILL DELAYED continues on page 43

Irreversible is not a word you want to hear from your Doctor but it’s a common one if you’ve been diagnosed with ChemotherapyInduced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN.

John T. of Leesburg survived testicular cancer only to be living life in constant pain. He felt as though he were walking on pins and needles, becoming weaker and weaker every day. “I was beginning to be worried that one day I would be wheelchairbound.”

Nearly half of the patients who undergo chemotherapy will develop Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN.

Chemotherapy meds travel throughout the body and attack cancer cells; sadly they can also cause severe damage to healthy nerves. CIPN can begin within weeks of starting treatment and can worsen as treatment continues. A high number of really unfortunate people will be forced to endure the symptoms associated with CIPN for months, or even years after they’ve completed chemo.

When asked how CIPN was affecting his quality of life, he responded, “It was difficult to even walk up and down stairs and do other things we usually take for granted.”

IT'S LIFE CHANGING

Finally! A local Doctor is helping cancer survivors live lives free from the constant pain and suffering associated with Peripheral Neuropathy!

The most common symptoms include:

pain, tingling, burning, weakness, or numbness in arms, hands, legs or feet sudden, sharp, stabbing or shocking pain sensations loss of touch sensation clumsiness and trouble using hands to pick up objects or fasten clothing loss of balance and falling

For some, their nerves will recover over time. For most, the nerve damage is ‘irreversible.’ John had been told just that by a series of Doctors and specialists. Essentially they could cure his cancer but couldn’t fix the damage done by the drugs used to cure his cancer.

Then John made a call to Rachal Lohr of FIREFLY|Acupuncture & Wellness right here in Ashburn. Rachal and her team are using the time tested science of Acupuncture and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.

After a series of treatments John was taking stairs with stride!

“We have a beach house and it’s up stairs. This morning I walked right down the stairs and got in the car,” John shared.

“I remember thinking ‘that’s become mighty easy for me’, I didn’t have to hold on to the hand rail or anything! It’s life changing to have this mobility back!”

Again and again, we meet with patients who were once diagnosed as "untreatable” or “incurable” but after receiving Rachal Lohr’s treatments are now living lives free from pain and suffering. For almost 16 years she has been reversing the effects of CIPN and other varieties of Peripheral Neuropathy, including that caused by diabetes without invasive surgeries and medications that come with uncomfortable side effects.

If you’ve recently beat cancer only to find that you’re living a life in constant pain and discomfort or you’re struggling with the same symptoms as a result of either Idiopathic Neuropathy or Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Rachal and the incredible team at FIREFLY can help!

Rachal Lohr is now accepting new patients but only for a limited time. In an effort to protect her patients, both current and future, she has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in her clinic.

Only 10 new neuropathy patients will be accepted monthly so call (703)263-2142 now to schedule a consultation.

Community Meetings Set on New Power Line Plans

Dominion Energy is planning for a major new electric transmission line to power the continued growth of data center development.

The proposed Aspen to Golden 500/230 kV line would connect two planned substations flanking Ashburn, following a route along Rt. 7. The Aspen substation is under construction along the W&OD Trail just east of Crosstrail Boulevard. The Golden substation is located on the east side of Pacific Boulevard just north of the W&OD Trail.

The utility’s planners have been studying route options for months and are now ready to collect public input during a pair of information sessions. On Thurs-

day, June 22, Dominion plans a virtual community meeting from noon to 1 p.m. A Webex link will be shared at dominionenergy.com/NOVA. Next week, on Thursday, June 9, the planners will be at Broad Run High School from 5 to 8 p.m. for an in-person open house.

While the Dulles Greenway and the W&OD Trail appear to provide the most direct routes to connect the stations, planners have found concerns with the available right-of-way and the number of homes that would be impacted in those corridors. The two preferred routes generally follow Loudoun County Parkway, Rt. 7, and Belmont Ridge Road. n

Supervisors to Seek Voter Approval for $579M in Bonds

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

County supervisors on Tuesday were expected to vote to put $578,904,000 in government-backed general obligation bonds to a voter referendum on this November’s ballot.

The relatively routine vote allows the county to use debt financing to fund county and school capital projects, and bond referenda typically pass easily. Loudoun typically is able to sell bonds at low interest rates thanks to its triple-triple-A credit rating. With many capital projects costing tens or hundreds of millions, paying for those projects with cash up front would likely result in delaying and canceling major portions of the county capital budget.

The bonds will help finance projects together budgeted to cost almost $2 billion.

Of the proposed bond issue, up to $216,193,000 would be for county government capital projects, and up to $362,711,000 would be for school district projects. Some projects have already seen voters authorize bond financing but now require more funding, and some others

are recurring projects.

For the schools, the bond issue would support renovating and adding to Banneker and Waterford elementary schools, building the planned HS-14 Dulles North high school, replacing Park View High School, and school facility renewals and school security improvements.

For the county, it would support construction on Crosstrail Boulevard, Dulles West Boulevard and Westwind Drive; Evergreen Mills Road bridge and safety work at Hogeland Mill Road and a turn lane at Revolution Sportsplex; the county’s intersection improvements program; the linear parks and trails project and shared use paths at Harmony Middle School and on Rt. 7; roundabouts at Rt. 9/Rt. 287 and Rt. 15/Braddock Road; and building the Fields Farm Park sports complex, a Leesburg South fire-rescue station, Dulles Adult Day Center, and Sterling Neighborhood Park.

Once supervisors vote in favor of a bond referendum on the ballot, the county will file an order with the Circuit Court, which can then order the question placed the question on the ballot. n

A Dominion Energy simulation depicts the view of proposed power lines along the north side of Rt. 7 as would be seen from Russell Branch Parkway looking south to Ashburn Village Boulevard.

A map showing two route options for the proposed Aspen to Golden transmission line under development by Dominion Energy to get more power into Loudoun’s core data center development area.

ON THE Agenda

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through June 27, with in-person services expanding to Thursdays on July 6, and full services available in-person Monday-Thursday starting Aug. 9. Fridays will remain reserved for virtual appointments.

All services are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 703777-0239.

WIC offers food assistance and nutritional counseling and education to pregnant or lactating women, infants, and children five years old and younger who meet income, medical and/or nutritional eligibility requirements. More information is online at loudoun.gov/wic.

Master Gardeners Host Invasive Plants Primer

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Loudoun Master Gardeners will host a free online lecture on invasive plants at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 13.

VCE Frederick Consumer Horticulture & Invasive Species Program Associate Joanne Royaltey will answer questions

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

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

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

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

about the harm in invasive plants, whether they’re really a problem, and whether there are good invasive plants. She will examine the differences among native, non-native, and invasive plants, and how best to manage invasive plants in Northern Virginia.

“Nuisance of Nonsense: What’s the Harm in Invasive Plants?” is hosted by the Loudoun County Public Library.” Learn more about the Virginia Cooperative Extension Loudoun and find the full calendar of events at loudoun.ext.vt.edu.

County Issues RFQ for Affordable Housing Loans

The Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development has issued a Request for Qualifications for one of its affordable housing financing programs for developers, the Rental Housing Acquisition and Preservation Loan Program.

The program seeks to preserve affordable rental apartments by making loans available for developers seeking to buy and preserve those units. To accommodate faster turnaround time when a prop-

erty goes in the market, the county loans to a pool of annually-certified developers.

Interested developers must submit required documentation by Aug. 1. Program requirements and guidelines are online at loudoun.gov/5705/Rental-Housing-Acquisition-Preservation.

For questions or more information about the RHAP program, email housing@loudoun.gov.  n

fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov • www.fairhousing.vipnet.org

Leesburg

Loudoun Freedom Center to Preserve, Reopen Union St. School

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun Freedom Center will take over the historic Union Street School property in Leesburg, with plans to return it to its original purpose: educating young people.

The two-story school building, formerly known as the Leesburg Training Center and the Leesburg Colored School, was opened in 1884 in the Jim Crow era as an elementary school for Black children. It closed as a school in 1958 with the opening of Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Leesburg. Loudoun County Public Schools then used the Union Street School building for storage for 60 years. It was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register last year, and is also on the National Register for Historic Places and the Historic African American Sites in Virginia Register.

The Loudoun Freedom Center, collaborating with the Loudoun NAACP and members of the Douglass Alumni Association, has plans to renew and reopen the property as a living museum, cultural resource, civic hub and education center. Under that plan, Loudoun Freedom Center founder and Loudoun NAACP President Michelle Thomas said, the school will again be “a great place for people to thrive.”

During its decades as a storage facility the all-but-abandoned building and the wealth of historic records it contained— some dating back as far as the 1840s—became the seed of the Edwin Washington Project, a volunteer project to document and understand what school was like for Black students during more than a century of segregated schooling in Loudoun. It was also during that time in 2016 that the Loudoun Freedom Center and the Douglass Alumni Association, a group of alumni and relatives of people who attended the segregated Douglass High School in Leesburg, pushed the School Board to lease or sell the property back to the community it once served. Already, Thomas had a vision for a STEM preschool and historic research center at the building.

The School Board in 2019 transferred the property to the county government,

with the idea that the county would give or lease it to the Loudoun Freedom Center. But that idea would then stall for years, with the county first issuing a Request for Proposals for the property, then considering it for the new resident curator program.

And it is through the resident curator program that, seven years after first approaching the School Board, the Loudoun Freedom Center will take over the property. County supervisors on June 14 agreed to lease the property to the Loudoun Freedom Center for $1 a year.

It’s the first lease through the county’s Resident Curator Program, which leases publicly owned historic properties for low prices but with requirements to maintain or renovate the property and make it available to the public. In the case of Union Street, the county agreed to a five-year, $1 annual lease, with the Loudoun Freedom Center responsible for day-to-day maintenance and operations and taxes.

Plans for the site include historic, educational and professional development programs, research, a STEM preschool, STEM learning and vocational training, and a museum space with exhibits, programs lectures, community discussions and collaboration among minority small

business owners, agribusiness, and horticulture programs.

Thomas signed the lease alongside Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) at a Loudoun NAACP Juneteenth celebration Monday, June 19.

During a public hearing Wednesday, Thomas said for the past eight years, the Loudoun Freedom Center has been helping teachers tell Black history in a more competent, authentic way, “and there’s no better place to do that than here at the Union Street School, especially while we have those who were forced to endure this segregated education still with us.”

“Union Street is just not a place to visit, it’s going to be the home of the first African-American museum in Loudoun County. That is going to drive visitors to the county and it is also going to set the stage for what we’re going to do educationally in Loudoun County,” Thomas said. “There’s also another component that we cannot forget, that there are under-represented people among us who really need a gateway or a bridge, if you will, to get into IT. The Loudoun Freedom Center has spent the last year and a half

FREEDOM CENTER

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Stinger Celebrated for 33 Years of Service

First Mount Olive Baptist Church will be celebrating Pastor Harold S. Stinger’s 33rd anniversary and the church’s 139th anniversary on Sunday, June 25.

“New Horizons” is the theme of the Day of Jubilee. Rev. Dr. Vincent Jackson of Ewing, NJ, will deliver the pastor’s anniversary message during the 10 a.m. service. A luncheon will be served at noon, followed by Songs of Worship by the Spiritual Harmonizers of Northern Virginia from 2 to 3 p.m. The celebration will continue with a 3 p.m. service that will culminate with the 139th church anniversary message delivered by Rev. Dr. Jerry Bryant of Chantilly Baptist Church.

The church is located at 216 Loudoun Street, SW. All are welcome to attend any part of the anniversary celebrations.

Vendor Applications Open for TASTE Leesburg

Organizers are gearing up for the next edition of TASTE Leesburg, which will return to downtown on Saturday, Aug. 12. The town is accepting applications from businesses to participate in the event as a food vendor, business vendor, or food truck. The deadline is Wednesday, July 5.

For more information, go to tasteleesburg.com or call the Ida Lee Park Recreation Center at 703-777-1368.

Mobile Portrait Gallery Rolling Into Town

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ traveling museum and art studio will visit Leesburg on Saturday, July 1.

The 53-foot, climate-controlled Volvo trailer will feature the exhibition “Revealing and Obscuring Identity: Portraits from the Permanent Collection.” The exhibition features paintings, photographs, and prints by more than 10 artists exploring portraiture through

AROUND TOWN

continues on page 9

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now Loudoun Freedom Center founder Michelle Thomas and Loudoun County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) sign the lease for the Union Street School during a Juneteenth celebration in Leesburg Monday, June 19.

Trask Promoted to Assistant Town Manager; Planning Departments Merged

Leesburg Town Manager Kaj Dentler on Tuesday announced a series of organizational changes, including the appointment of an assistant town manager, and the merger of the departments of Planning & Zoning and Plan Review.

Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation Kate Trask was promoted to assistant town manager. A Leesburg native, she has been a town employee since 2004 when she started as recreation and events manager. She served as the assistant director of recreation from 2008 to 2010. Since 2018, she also has served as a certified ADA coordinator, ensuring the town’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In her new role, effective Aug. 7, Trask will report directly to the town manager to help provide management oversight of the town’s 14 departments while continuing as the town’s ADA coordinator. She will also focus on enhancing the town’s community engagement efforts and provide centralized coordination between town departments and organizers of the community events, according to the announcement.

“Kate will play an instrumental part in leading the organization forward as we look to the next five to 10 years in planning Leesburg’s future,” Dentler stated. “Kate’s record in Leesburg is one of demonstrated excellence, and she will continue to be a

AROUND Town

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a variety of periods, cultures, and styles. Themes include nature of art, the perception of beauty, and the cultural influences on identity.

The exhibit will be open to the public,

valuable member of town government in this new role.”

With Trask’s promotion, Parks & Recreation Department Director Rich Williams is restructuring his management team. Katey Jackson, who joined the town staff in 1996, has been named the assistant director of Recreation. Jon Cleaves, a town employee since 2003, is the new assistant director of parks.

In merging the departments of Planning & Zoning and Plan Review, Dentler is putting all planning and zoning functions together in a new Department of Community Development.

The Department of Plans Review was created in 2008 by then-town manager John Wells, who pulled those services from the Engineering & Public Works Department as part of an effort to streamline the land review process.

Dentler said his goal is to continue the focus on customer service while gaining organizational efficiencies and improving processes.

Planning and Zoning Director James David will take over as director of the new department of Community Development. David joined town staff in 2022 following six years working for Loudoun County government.

The new department will officially debut later this summer. n

at Virginia Village, 1 Fairfax Street, SE, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Members of the Commission on Public Arts and Friends of Leesburg Public Art will also be in attendance to provide information on the Arts & Cultural District, as well as upcoming events.  Learn more at vmfa.museum/exhibitions/ exhibitions/vmfa-on-the-road. n

Loudoun Ideal Chiropractic

Miok Hyoun, D.C., is a holistic chiropractor and health care practitioner serving patients at Loudoun Ideal Chiropractic in Lansdowne, Virginia.

Her specialties include treating poor posture, scoliosis, whiplash, herniated discs, chronic back pain, sports injuries, and prenatal chiropractic care.

Dr. Miok has made caring for people through comprehensive chiropractic care a life-long study.

She graduated Magma Cum Laude from the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, and has attended numerous trainings and seminars to build her practice and create a holistic wellness clinic for her patients.

Dr. Miok also specializes in advanced chiropractic techniques such as Gonstead and Chiropractic Biophysics. She focuses on nding and treating the root cause of the problem rather than covering the pain and symptoms.

Her ability to connect and analyze the patient’s body and provide the relief from pain extends to other so tissue treatments modalities such as Dry Needling, Graston and Functional Movement Pattern analysis which she uses in tandem with chiropractic

care to o er the best possible individualized treatment plan for her patients.

Dr. Miok is also a certi ed Yoga instructor and frequently incorporates Yoga Asana, breathing methods (Pranayama), and Meditative Mindset to help patients to understand their body and mind connection through their spinal posture rehabilitation protocols to create the long-lasting spinal health and wellbeing in their lives.

No matter the technique, Dr. Miok’s goal is always the same for her patients: To express the best version of themselves ful lling goals and purposes in life with freedom and con dence in their health to create Transformations through the spark of lifeforce in their spine.

www.LoudounIdealChiropractic.com

19301 Winmeade Dr. Suite 214, Lansdowne, VA. 20176

571-707-8639

Clinic Hour: Mon, Wed, and Thurs, 8:30am to 12:00pm, and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Corbo Files $2M Lawsuit Against School Board, Chair and Division

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Denise Corbo, the At-Large School Board member, is suing fellow board members, Chair Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge), the county and the school division alleging discrimination, retaliation and failure to accommodate her disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The federal lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court on June 13.

Corbo is suing because her School Board colleagues have repeatedly denied her requests to remotely participate in meetings as a reasonable accommodation for a disability.

“Ms. Corbo suffers from multiple physical impairments including chronic Lyme disease and autoimmune diseases that substantially limit her major life activities and impact her neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory and lymphatic systems, and especially when triggered by stress and other factors,”

Education Board Approves Revised Law Enforcement Agreement

according to the complaint.

Her attorney, Matt Hughes, said she filed the suit as a last resort after taking other courses of action and that she wants to resolve the matter, put it behind her and get back to representing her constituents.

“What it comes down to is she has a valid medical condition. A lot has been made out of, ‘I saw her outside’ or ‘she left the house, how is that possible?’ In all cases, she complied with the recommendations of her medical provider,” Hughes said. “She doesn’t go anywhere or do anything or engage in any activity unless her medical provider deems it acceptable.”

Hughes said the board failed to follow up and ask for additional information, instead voting to not allow her to participate and assuming she wasn’t being truthful.

School Board policy allows for remote participation under three circumstances: when a member is absent for a personal matter, absent for a temporary or permanent disability or medical condition and when they are absent to provide care for a family member. The policy doesn’t state time limits for requests because of a temporary or permanent disability or other medical condition but does state the chair may request updates from the member.

For more than a year, Corbo has

repeatedly tried to request remote participation for a medical exemption. She said she was told in November 2021 by division counsel Robert Falconi that she could attend remotely if the board or committee she was on approved. Board members discussed the accommodation to allow her to participate remotely during a closed session Nov. 22, 2021, according to the complaint.

In late December 2021, Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) recommended the board approve her remote participation through March 30, 2022, if Corbo would agree not to travel during that period unless absolutely necessary and that she would attend committee meetings in person to help the panels achieve a quorum. Sheridan proposed in-person accommodations be provided to her during that period.

Corbo has been denied remote participation since October 2021, with a few exceptions.

Each remote participation request requires support from a majority of the board. Five members have routinely abstained from the vote or voted no over the past year, with Serotkin issuing

CORBO LAWSUIT

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Henrietta Lacks’s Story Highlighted with School Naming

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The School Board voted 6-1-2 June 13 to select Henrietta Lacks as the name for a new Dulles South elementary school under construction next to Hovatter Elementary School.

This selection was a change from a naming committee’s April 26 recommendation to name the school Harvest Ridge Elementary School.

Henrietta Lacks was born in Roanoke and died of cervical cancer at the age of 31. Cell tissue removed from her body by Johns Hopkins University Hospital without her permission or her family’s knowledge became known as the HeLa immortal cell line. The cells were widely

used in labs on viruses, cancers, infectious disease, and human genetics. Her story has prompted legal and ethical debates over individuals’ rights over their genetic material as well as incidents of racial

injustice and medical practices infringed on Black populations.

LACKS ELEMENTARY continues on page 13

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The School Board last week approved revisions to the division’s Memorandum of Understanding with the Loudoun Sheriff ’s Office and Leesburg Police Department.

Chair Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) pointed out two changes: the ability for the division to conduct Title IX investigations parallel to law enforcement investigations—something the previous agreement did not forbid, but the new agreement explicitly permits—and additional language that law enforcement is to report to the division supervisor and the principal or their designee as required by Virginia code.

Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith said the revisions were a collaborative effort and that no changes were made to the document without representatives from all three organizations discussing it. Once it was ready for feedback, Smith said he reached out to every advisory committee chair to let them know they could access it to leave feedback.

“We have many MOUs with organizations throughout Loudoun County and I don’t remember any other ones that have gone through this level of feedback and process,” he said.

“Certainly not all MOUs are created equal so it’s absolutely appropriate and necessary for this one to have gone through the level of scrutiny and feedback and public input it has,” Serotkin said.

The Memorandum of Understanding is an agreement between the School Board, LCSO and LPD that is meant to “promote a positive relationship between students, staff and law enforcement and to maintain a safe, supportive and secure school environment,” according to the MOU. It clarifies the role and

ENFORCEMENT AGREEMENT

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Corbo

Screen Shot/LCPS

A rendering of Hovatter elementary School and Henrietta Lacks Elementary School in Aldie Virigina.

Student Designs Tapped for Schools Branding

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Loudoun County Public Schools has selected several original student-made designs to use in its branding and marketing. The works were submitted as part of the 2023 Design Challenge as the division works toward adopting a new logo.

School administrators chose a design by Riverside High School rising junior Shreya Deshpande featuring four students from different backgrounds, cultures and ability levels and uses the words “engage, empower, enrich,” from the division’s Strategic Plan. It was chosen to be the cover for division guidebooks, including the parent handbook and the students’ rights and responsibilities guidebook.

Designs submitted by Briar Woods High School and Academies of Loudoun rising senior Melissa Cho, Lightridge High School and the Academies of Loudoun rising senior Faun Erbe, and Loudoun Valley High School and the Academies of Loudoun rising senior Asher Brennan also were chosen for possible future division branding.

Several other student submissions were chosen for greeting cards, thank you cards, and to be displayed in buildings throughout the division.

The division received 115 submissions from every grade level including one from kindergarten, 13 from fourth graders, 10 from eighth graders and 23 from high school juniors.

“There were so many great submissions from every grade level, and we couldn’t possibly pick one,” Division Spokesperson

Corbo lawsuit

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a statement May 10, 2022, that he refers to before the vote on each remote participation request. In his statement, Serotkin lists a time in August 2021 when Corbo attended a closed session and noted remote requests thereafter. He also stated times she traveled to other states and attended school events unmasked during the fall of 2021.

“At this point it was impossible for me to draw any conclusion other than that I had been intentionally mislead,” Serotkin said. “You can’t just go from saying ‘it’s Russian roulette to leave the house,’ to traveling all the way to North Dakota and walking around schools maskless over the

Dan Adams said. “What we found was some of the submissions fit into things that you would look for in a logo, while others were great pieces of art and we wanted to celebrate those and lift them up.”

Deshpande, who moved to Loudoun from California five years ago, said she was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the challenge.

“The schools here are comparatively different from schools on the West Coast and every single school in LCPS I have been in, made me feel welcome, included, and respected and I wanted my design to reflect that,” she said.

Erbe said they moved here three years

course of a month.”

More recently, Corbo has attended hearings on Circuit Court cases involving the school division, appearing in the courtroom wearing a mask.

Serotkin said her absence had caused issues with the board reaching quorum and had raised concerns among staff members that work in her committees wasn’t being done in a timely manner.

The board had been meeting remotely in 2021 without needing approval because of the state of emergency declared during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although that was lifted in June 2021, Corbo continued to participate remotely.

So far this year, Corbo has participated in only seven School Board meetings, each time joining remotely. For six meetings, she used a personal exemption. For one meeting, she used a medical

communication, said the different color pages of the book in their design not only represent education but also everyday life at school.

“It’s a big part of your life, a big part of your foundation for the rest of your life,” they said.

Cho said she experienced the division’s mission statement of “empower, engage, enrich” firsthand as a student. She said it was the primary inspiration for her design and that she wanted to represent that experience. She said the lightbulb in her design symbolizes enrichment, the glow of the lightbulb represented empowerment, and the swoosh represents engagement.

Brennan, who is also studying graphic communication, said he chose a simple logo so people could identify it easily. He said the orange color in his design represents enthusiasm and creativity.

Adams said administrators would continue to look through the submissions to select a new logo and said there may be elements of student designs incorporated into the final logo. He said, as of now, there is no specific deadline for a new logo.

ago and created the design that stood out, reflected their experience and represented the division well.

“Through COVID and everything we’ve all struggled, but LCPS has helped me not only by having the teachers help me, but also peers and friends that I’ve met and also the counseling department, and I wanted to make something that represented not just the teachers and education but also everyone in Loudoun,” Erbe said.

“I feel like the incorporation of the book in my design represents that we all have a place and a part to play.”

Erbe, who is studying graphic

exemption.

Corbo filed a discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Sept. 28, 2022.

The complaint stated no other board members had been denied remote participation to board meetings and committee meetings for any reason.

“By denying Ms. Corbo’s requests to appear and participate remotely in Board and Committee meetings, Ms. Corbo was prevented from carrying out her job duties and her responsibilities as an elected member of the School Board and representing the interests of her constituents,” the complaint stated.

The suit also claims Corbo’s right to privacy has been violated by public comments made by board members either in meetings or on social media.

Hughes also said she has been retaliated

“This will be our first logo in 150 years, and we want it to be one that will last another 150 years, so we are going to be very intentional,” he said.

The 2023 Design Challenge was an open call for student-created original work to update the division’s 150-year-old brand. Students submitted work March 29 through April 29 that represented their idea of the division. Artwork will be used in buildings across the division, used to inspire a new logo design, and appear on the website and social media sites, business cards, letterhead, digital communication, posters, promotional materials and anywhere else the division chooses. n

against and harassed by the board by their repeated denial of remote participation and comments.

“By discussing and making public comments regarding Ms. Corbo’s medical conditions and her requests for a reasonable accommodation, Defendants failed to properly maintain the confidentiality of her disability status and information related to her disability,” according to the complaint.

Corbo’s suit lists Serotkin as a defendant because he is the current chair of the School Board and because he is responsible for overseeing the board’s activities and for providing disability-related accommodations for board members.

Corbo is asking for a jury trial and is seeking $2 million, as well as attorney fees. n

Loudoun County Public Schools

A design submitted by rising junior Shreya Deshpande that was chosen to be on the cover of division guidebooks.

Lacks Elementary

continued from page 10

Chair Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) said he was floored by Lacks’ story and said it was possible some of the students who would be attending the school may not be there if it weren’t for the research and scientific advances her cells made possible.

Serotkin said it’s a story that was nearly lost to history because her identity was kept secret for over two decades. He said he hoped her story inspires the students to learn more about science.

Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian) agreed. She said in the past when she served on a school naming committee, members were encouraged to stay away from a name with the word “ridge” in it because there were already many schools in the county with that as part of their name.

“Besides the fact that this story is so inspiring … it helps solidify a place in history so there are many positive reasons for doing it, but also reasons for choosing this name over the other suggestions the committee made,” Reaser said.

Jeff Morse (Dulles) agreed the story was amazing, but said he felt it wasn’t the

right name for an elementary school but might be more suited for a high school or an Academies of Science wing.

“There is a place in history for the story. I just don’t think it’s in the name of an elementary school,” he said. “I have difficulty trying to explain to elementary school children just the significance of what all of this means. I think it’s a bit overwhelming for a young child to understand.”

Morse made a substitute motion to name the school Harvest Ridge Elementary.

John Beatty (Catoctin) agreed with Morse. He said it would be doing a disservice to name the elementary school after Lacks because the students wouldn’t understand the significance. He felt it should be a name for a school for older students.

Morse’s motion failed 3-4-2, with Tiffany Polifko (Broad Run), Beatty and Morse in support and Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) and Denise Corbo (At-Large) absent.

Serotkin said he didn’t want to use “ridge” because it is in the names of seven other county schools.

Reaser argued Lacks’ story could be inspirational to students, winning support from Beatty when the final vote came.

Only Polifko voted against the name.

The school, which will open Fall 2024, is being built adjacent to Hovatter Elementary School on the Lightridge High School campus.

The school will serve students in kindergarten through second grade, while Hovatter Elementary School will serve students in third through fifth grade. Students will transition from Henrietta Lacks to Hovatter.

Alternative name recommendations were Hovatter Primary School and Sibyl Hovatter Elementary School.

The School Board on Tuesday also heard the proposed meeting calendar for the Henrietta Lacks Elementary School attendance zone change process that will begin in October. The schedule includes public hearings and work sessions and will end Dec. 12 with the board adopting an attendance zone for the school.

The attendance zone change could affect the following elementary schools: Aldie, Arcola, Buffalo Trail, Cardinal Ridge, Elaine E. Thompson, Gosen Post, Hovatter, Hutchison Farm, Liberty, Little River and Pinebrook. n

Enforcement agreement

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scope of the authority of the School Resource Officers, school administration and teachers.

According to Virginia Code, the MOU needs to be updated every two years. The most recent one was from 2021.

“Collaboration with our school partners has improved, and the new MOU demonstrates the critical importance of working together for a common purpose,” Sheriff Mike Chapman stated in a press release announcing the new agreement. “LCSO will continue to enhance the resources we dedicate to school safety and SROs, who are among our most experienced and well-trained deputies.”

The Sheriff ’s Office and Leesburg Police Department provide school resource officers for every high school and middle school in the division.

The agreement will go into effect once it is signed by all parties.

The agreement was approved on a 7-02 vote, with Vice Chair Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) and Denise Corbo (At-Large) were absent. n

School Division Thanks First Responders with Lunch

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

First responders from the Leesburg Police Department, Loudoun Fire and Rescue, Purcellville Police Department and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office were served lunch by school division staff to say ‘thank you’ for their work in keeping students and teachers safe.

The June 14 lunch, held at Heritage High School, was organized by Assistant Director for Career and Technical Education, Computer Science and Community Connections Renee Dawson along with support from the Loudoun First Responders Foundation, a nonprofit that helps emergency personnel through donations when a need arises.

It was the second year the division held the lunch.

Dawson, a former division principal, first organized a lunch at Brambleton Middle School in 2021 to say thank you to first responders, but decided it needed to be a division-wide effort.

“I thought it was important. I think we have these really strong partnerships with our first responders, and I thought it was really appropriate to thank them,” she said. “They support us in protecting our schools and taking care of our students and all of the groups here today participate in Job for a Day and they host students, so it is a partnership and its one that has meant a lot to me since I was a principal and I just really wanted to say thank you.”

Dawson said there have been great relationships built with first responders over the years.

“Many of the people here have become friends because we’ve worked together as partners for so many years,” she said.

Dawson said she leaned into the community connections piece of her title to partner with organizations that wanted to recognize and celebrate first responders.

She said the Loudoun Education Foundation introduced her to the Loudoun First Responders Foundation, which was happy to partner with her in providing the lunch.

Dawson said she was pleased to see the event grow this year.

“It’s an opportunity to say, ‘thank you’ and that is it, it’s just thank you, we appreciate you,” she said.

First responders were fed hamburgers grilled by Heritage High School Principal Jeff Adam with help from assistant principals Ross Armstrong and Kim Turner

who helped Dawson plan the event. Sides were provided by Monk’s barbecue in Purcellville. Each attendee was given a gift— an insulated lunch bag with snacks.

Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith, Deputy Superintendent Ashley Ellis and Acting Chief of Staff Neil Slevin attended, with Smith sharing remarks and thanking first responders.

“It is a true partnership and this is just a small way to say thank you and that we

appreciate your partnership, we appreciate being able to work side by side with you,” Smith said. “Our kids and our families and our county is better because of our partnership, so I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for being here today and receiving our thanks and being part of our partnership.”

Representatives from each of the different first responder organizations spoke about the partnership with Sheriff’s Office

Lt. Col. Christopher Sawyer noting the “huge accomplishment” of the recently updated memorandum of understanding that was approved by the School Board on June 13.

The MOU is an agreement between the School Board, the Sheriff’s Office and the Leesburg Police Department that is meant to promote a positive relationship between students, staff and law enforcement, and clarifies the role and scope of the authority of school resource officers, school administrators and teachers.

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue Chief Keith Johnson thanked the school division for all it does.

“It’s ironic the school division is honoring us when all of us have kids or grandkids that attend schools whether public or private and they are honoring us,” he said. “We should be honoring them for being probably the hardest working people in America—teachers and school administrators—and what you put up with every day. We think we have politics, right? Thank you for all you do for our children and grandchildren for teaching them and keeping them safe.”

“What I love about first responders is they are thanking us and it’s really about them. That is what makes them so incredible, they are selfless. I think they are heroes, and they protect and serve us all,” Dawson said.

Dawson then honored three retiring school resource officers—Deputy J.J. Merchant, Deputy Diron Adams and Deputy Steven Epple—presenting them with desk flags donated by Flags of Valor, a veteran-owned company from Winchester.

Dawson, who worked with Eppel and Merchant, called them “friends and family.” n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Deputy Steven Epple receives a hug and a desk flag donated by Flags of Valor from Renee Dawson June 14. Epple and Deputies J.J. Merchant and Diron Adams all retired as School Resource Officers this year.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now Oliver, 8, and Gus, 7, stand ready to pass out insulated lunch bags to first responders at the June 14 lunch.

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now The crowd at the First Responders lunch on June 14 provided by the school division and the Loudoun First Responders Foundation.

School Board Backs Health, Medical Sciences Academy

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The School Board on June 13 voted to support the concept of developing a Health and Medical Sciences Academy, but the program’s details are still to be determined.

The proposal presented by Deputy Superintendent Ashley Ellis included how the program will be structured and a promise of updates as division staff goes through the process of curriculum development. Other details, like which schools will house it, are yet to be determined. The proposal calls for two host sites.

The HAMSci Academy is “designed to expand learning opportunities for students in health science literacy through a curriculum that develops critical thinking skills,” according to Ellis’s presentation. The curriculum combined with industry credentials is geared to prepare students for healthcare workforce careers. Assistant Director of CTE, Computer Science and Community Connections Renee Dawson is slated to supervise the program.

The proposal points to staffing shortages in the medical field and the division’s health science pathway at the Academies of Loudoun being at capacity. It notes the HAMSci Academy would not replace existing health science programs, but would add to what the division already has in place. The Academies of Loudoun’s health science pathways is at full capacity, with 304 students enrolled during the 2022-2023 school year and almost 300 on a waiting list, according to division staff.

Any student would be able to join in the program via a lottery system, expressing interest in eighth grade and starting the program in ninth grade. That lottery system is expected

to open this fall.

The Virginia Healthcare Advisory Council’s 2020 Report projects shortages of registered nurses, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, addiction counselors, mental health counselors and physicians. Another report released in fall 2022 by Mason Center for Health Workforce found over 30,000 healthcare job postings in Northern Virginia between April 2021 and April 2022.

Surveys were sent to students and families in February 2021 to gauge interest in a health and medical science program. Forty-four percent of respondents said they were interested.

A sample schedule puts the program starting in the fall of the 20242025 school year with 75 Biomedical Sciences students. It shows the program doubling in the 2025-2026 school year, with more students being added during the 2026-2027 school year and a total of 300 students by the 2027-2028 school year. The end goal when the program is fully implemented has 600 students split between two host sites.

The proposal states more staff would be needed for the 75 students during the first year, with additional staffing increases each year until it’s fully implemented, including possibly adding additional administrative support and counselors.

Ellis said the division received grant money to fund a staff member to help in the planning of the program and said the fiscal year 2024 budget impact would be minimal, costing the division about $12,500.

She noted that future years of the program will have budget impacts as the program gets up and rolling. The estimated annual cost once the program is fully implemented in fiscal year 2028 is about $650,191.

The board voted 6-1-2 to support the project, with Tiffany Polikfo (Broad Run) opposed, and Vice Chair Harris Mahedai (Ashburn) and Denise Corbo (At-Large) absent. n

Ellis

The Heart Of Your Home

Perjury Trial Opens for Schools Spokesman

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The perjury trial of longtime Loudoun County Public Schools Public Information Office Wayde Byard opened Tuesday.

He is charged with a felony based on allegations that he lied to the special grand jury that was convened last year to investigate the school division’s handling of two sexual assaults committed by the same student at two high schools in 2021.

During her opening argument, prosecutor Theo Stamos read the transcript from Byard’s August 2022 testimony to the jury, in which he said he was unaware of the allegation of the first sexual assault that occurred inside a girl’s bathroom at Stone Bridge High School on May 28, 2021, until months after the second assault.

Stamos recounted a timeline of events that took place that day, including what steps school Principal Tim Flynn took after learning of the assault from the student. Flynn alerted law enforcement and called Byard, according to Stamos.

The father of the victim arrived at the school and became upset when he learned what had happened, shouting, swearing, and eventually being escorted out.

Stamos said in that phone call Flynn told Byard what had happened and said, “this is bad.” She said Flynn also told Byard about the behavior of the father.

Stamos said Byard then worked with his supervisor Director of Communications & Community Engagement Joan Sahlgren, former superintendent Scott Ziegler, and Deputy Superintendent Ashely Ellis to craft an email message to be sent to the school community about what had happened with the father.

Stamos said the email was a “there’s nothing to see here, move on” message. It addressed the incident with the father but did not address the sexual assault.

The next school year, 2021-22 the student was transferred to Broad Run High School where he sexually assaulted another female student on Oct. 6, 2021.

Stamos said the second assault put Loudoun County in the epicenter of the national story and led to the empaneling of a special grand jury in March 2022.

Stamos said initially Byard testified that he was aware there was a boyfriend/ girlfriend situation that went sideways but said as he testified more he “resolved to lie willfully and knowingly” that he was unaware of the sexual assault until after the second one. She stated that the evidence prosecutors plan to present shows the lies were material and “went to the very heart of why the special grand jury was convened.”

Byard’s attorney, Jennifer Leffler, told the jury the case was about common sense. She said Byard only had one phone call with Flynn in 2021, about 14 or 15 months before he testified before the special grand jury, to jog his memory.

Leffler said there were no emails that included Byard that discussed the alleged sexual assault from the time it happened until the second assault. She said Byard, as the public information officer, was not in charge of student discipline or student placement and was therefore not included on emails about the student or the sexual assault.

She said the email sharing information about the disturbance in the school office was standard procedure from the division, but sending an email about an alleged rape was not because it hadn’t been investigated.

She suggested Byard, the spokesperson and face of the division, was being made to be the fall guy.

A jury of nine men and four women were selected to hear the trial with Judge Douglas L. Fleming Jr. reminding them to listen to the evidence presented in this case and to not seek advice or opinions from outside sources or each other.

Fleming on Tuesday also approved a motion to declare Sahlgren an adverse witness, allowing prosecutors to ask leading questions.

Stamos’s team had sought the declaration because of her professional relationship as Byard’s supervisor. Special Assistant to the Attorney General Jason Faw said they did not believe she would be untruthful, but wanted to be able to ask leading questions. He noted Byard has been on leave since the charge was filed and said there is an assumption he may come back to the position if acquitted.

“There is no one else in this trial, in the county, or on the planet in the same position,” Faw said Tuesday regarding Sahlgren’s relationship with Byard.

The trial is scheduled to continue through Wednesday. n

Byard

Towns

Purcellville Rejects County Request for Hearing on Rt. 690 Interchange

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Purcellville Town Council last week voted against a request by both the town staff and county officials to schedule a public hearing and begin the process of vacating a floodplain easement on the west side of town.

The easement is restricting the county’s ability to build one of the ramps on a planned Rt. 7/Rt. 690 interchange. The county has been working with the town on the project for years, with the floodplain emerging as a point of contention last year.

Purcellville Director of Engineering, Planning and Development Dale Lehnig on June 13 told the council that the county had simplified its request for vacating the floodplain easement.

The original request submitted in 2022 was a three-party easement between Loudoun County, the Catoctin Meadows Homeowners Association and the Town of Purcellville. The council sent the issue to be examined by the town’s Planning Commission, which in March recommended denying the request or conditioning approval on the county fully addressing a list of concerns.

Loudoun County Director of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure Nancy Boyd submitted revised easement documents to the town June 6. The revised plat shows the requested easement of vacation of a portion of the existing floodplain easement that was dedicated to the town, no longer seeking to encroach on the easement held by the HOA. Vacation of the easement would require a public hearing.

“The original easement was pretty complicated, and it had a lot of negotiation with the Catoctin Meadows HOA,” Lehnig said. “So, it was felt that this was a simpler way to have the town look at just this easement request for vacation rather than having it muddled up with all of the other vacations and requests for right-ofway and requests for other easements and temporary construction easements.”

“While I’m normally in favor of simplifying matters, I think that taking the HOA out of this process is, frankly, an abdication of our responsibility to the citizens of that HOA,” Vice Mayor Chris Bertaut

Town Council Delays Woodgrove High School Road Plan

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Purcellville Town Council last week delayed a decision on the county government’s request for easements needed to build a new entrance to the Woodgrove High School campus, Fields Farm Park Road.

The county government has negotiated with three property owners to acquire easements, and the county Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure has handed the road project to Loudoun County Public Schools.

The land subject to the easements is owned by the private property owners and council approval under those circumstances is typically routine.

However, council members expressed concerns at their June 13 meeting, citing worries about future expansion, pedestrian safety, and legal liability.

Purcellville Director of Planning, Engineering and Development Dale Lehnig said the road is included in the town’s Comprehensive Plan and townwide transportation plan.

“There is, in the comprehensive plan, a note on there that does say the town does not approve of the northern collector road. But this portion of the road was not taken out of the comprehensive plan. It is clearly in there. Also, the Mayfair annexation, the rezoning and the proffers all indicate that this was to be a through road,” she said referencing the road’s connection to Mayfair Crown Drive.

“During the review of the rezoning

said. “And for that reason, I don’t favor moving forward with a public hearing at this time until they’ve finished polling the residents, or at least have two-thirds of them.”

“They have to resolve their issues with the HOA before I can agree to a public

[to develop Mayfair] both VDOT and the county fire protection officer noted that there should be a second entrance or a second way of getting out of Mayfair and the answer that came back was, ‘Oh well, there will be because this is the road that is going west,’” Lehnig said.

She said the easements being requested by the county are for drainage only.

“It does not mean that you couldn’t close off the road and not have it go through,” Lehnig said. “We did have a preliminary discussion with LCPS. They would like to have the road put in. They are very concerned about having another way in and out of Woodgrove and Mountain View.”

Council member Mary F. “Boo” Bennett said there are four other neighborhoods in town that also have a single point of ingress and egress.

“One of those was built after Mayfair. So, if it’s so much a concern, why

ROAD PLAN DELAY continues on page 18

hearing,” Mayor Stanley J. Milan said. “Because what would we be having a public hearing on if there’s outstanding issues that haven’t been resolved? … I, as one

LUCKETTS

Lucketts Ruritans Award Scholarships

The Lucketts Ruritan Club this year presented scholarships totaling $21,000 to seven area students: Malachi Bailey, Mariah Goodwyn, Madison Grove, Elma Hajric, Alisa Hart, Lanie Landavere, and Georgia Malick.

In their 35th year, the Lucketts Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually to graduating seniors who have chosen to extend their education and have excelled in their academic and service endeavors. This year, the Club expanded the scholarship categories to include those students planning to attend community college. Of the seven scholarships awarded, three of them were in the community college category.

Awardees are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, school and community service, the student’s essay on his/her future goals and plan to achieve them, and letters of recommendation.

Ruritans Offer Re-Usable Tote Project

To support the environment and to encourage families to bring reusable bags when shopping, the Lucketts Ruritan’s Environmental Committee partnered with area businesses to co-sponsor the printing of reusable tote bags.

Lily Frankenfield, a 16-yearold student at Tuscarora High School, designed the bags using the theme of change: Families can both keep change in their wallets by avoiding the county’s plastic bag tax and change their mindset to support a healthy planet. She highlighted the flowering dogwood, the state tree of Virginia, to remind residents of the natural beauty in their backyards.

Roots 657, Vanish, Fabbioli Cellars, Barnhouse Brewery, Eagle Tree, Lucketts Store, Loudounberry, and Hope Flower Farm and

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File photo

A view from the western terminus of Mayfair Crown Drive in Purcellville.

Road plan delay

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do we let the developers keep doing this?” she asked.

She said that if it was in the comprehensive plan the town should change the plan. Mayor Stanley J. Milan agreed.

Vice Mayor Christopher Bertaut said the road was in the comprehensive plan because of the Northern Collector Road, which a previous council removed from the plan.

“In my mind, its continued presence in the comprehensive plan was because it was predicated on the county removing the Northern Collector Road from their plans and is therefore not desirable if the county will not remove the Northern Collector Road from their plans,” he said. “Because any extension of Mayfair Crown Drive westward creates one more leg in that Northern Collector Road which will turn Mayfair Crown Drive into a thoroughfare and completely wreck that community both from a public safety standpoint and from a noise standpoint as well.”

Bertaut said the second entrance is a recommendation and not a requirement.

Council member Erin Rayner, who lives in the Mayfair neighborhood, said she was in favor of an emergency connection, with bollards set up to discourage non-essential traffic.

“I’m against extending Mayfair Crown Drive even on an emergency basis because it only takes a little bit of take to turn those bollards into a flat surface once again,” Bertaut said. “It’ll become a thoroughfare if you build that road extension.”

Milan said he was concerned about the town being liable for damage to property or injuries to members of the community. He said he had received letters from Mayfair residents who said their homeowners’ association had agreed to easements without their collective support.

“I’m concerned that if we vacate or approve this easement for this drainage, we may be tied into a legal battle,” he said. “I don’t know, I’ll defer that to our attorney and his legal expertise. But if we abandon the citizens, will we be liable for retribution for anything that happens to them and their properties?”

He said that he was worried that an increase in traffic would pose safety concerns to children entering and exiting school buses on the roads.

“I’m concerned that someone might get hurt and I don’t want that on my conscience. I don’t want it to happen. And I’m only one vote, and I’m not going to approve this easement until I find out what

Interchange

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vote on the council, feel that I am being bombarded with complicated decisions for a dangling issue that has not been resolved. So, I cannot make an intelligent decision on this until all its cards have been laid out and all the issues have been addressed.”

The council held a straw poll to determine whether they would schedule a public hearing on the matter. It failed 2-3-1, with Milan, Bertaut and council member Mary F. “Boo” Bennett opposed and Ronald Rise Jr. abstaining because he is a member of the Catoctin Homeowners Association.

the county’s doing with this HOA, what the HOA is doing with their citizens and members of the HOA, if they will seek some kind of action to rescind what was done. And I don’t want to be a part of that,” Milan said.

Lehnig asked whether the council would like to revisit the discussion at a future meeting or were declining to approve the easements.

“I’d like to see it come back to the council because I’m waiting for, like I said … the citizens may have an action against their HOA,” Milan said.

The road also has impacts on the town’s plans to build a water tower and police station in the vicinity.

The town is using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to design and build the tower—putting the project on a tight deadline. A June 13 staff report said that to stay on the critical path, the town needs to acquire the site for the tower by Sept. 4.

The town’s plans for the water storage tank envisioned the construction of Fields Farm Park Road. The county’s decision to move the sports complex outside of town following years of town government delays meant the town needs to build a temporary road for the construction and maintenance of the water tank.

“The transfer of the property that was intended to occur has been delayed in part because of changing plans that may affect the final configuration of the parcels included in the real estate transfer,” the report said. “In addition, Loudoun County has agreed to mitigate existing conditions prior to the property transfer. In order to continue toward final design, Loudoun County has agreed to work with the town

to put in place a land lease agreement for the water storage tank site.”

Lehnig told the council that it has two options: an approximately 1,200-foot access road from Mayfair Crown Drive, with an estimated construction cost of $85,000; or an approximately 3,200-foot access road from Rt. 690, with an estimated construction cost of $200,000. Those estimates do not include design, plat or deed costs.

“The county, who under a consent agreement that was crafted 15 years ago, 20 years ago in the wake of a lawsuit that they lost, [was required] to deliver to the town five acres of land and they’re still dragging their feet on this, and their proposed remedy is to lease us some of that land for some period of time?” Bertaut asked. “… When are they actually going to give us the land?”

Lehnig said the proposed lease is free, and that the original contract was for two parcels, with the second being a presumed location for a future police department.

“That second parcel is adjacent to where the north-south access road goes,” she said. “We would not be able to define that parcel until we actually get to a definition of where that north-south access road is going. They have said that they would be willing to shift that access road.”

The access road was also planned to be built with the Fields Farm sports complex and designed with a buffer between it and the Mayfair Crown neighborhood to accommodate concerns by residents about noise and light pollution.

Purcellville Attorney John Cafferky is working with the county to bring a land lease agreement to the council before recess in August, he said. n

However, some county officials have said they can move ahead with the interchange project even if it means building the interchange with three ramps instead of four. The project is under a tight deadline to comply with the funding requirements of the state’s SMART SCALE program.

Boyd on March 21 told county supervisors the Virginia Department of Transportation has said it would not adjust the timelines around that funding, and that county staff has reached out to Commonwealth Transportation Board members to explain the delays.

“Our goal there is to help ensure that future SMART SCALE applications are not viewed in a negative light due to the delays on this project and other SMART SCALE projects within the town,” she said at that meeting. Another long-delayed project for which the county had won SMART SCALE funding, a commuter park-and-ride lot, was canceled after the Purcellville Town Council first voted to approve the project, then reversed that vote at a subsequent meeting. The delays and cancellations raised concerns among county staff about not using grant funds in a timely manner, and possibly damaging the county’s ability to win those grants for other projects in the future.

The county has held multiple public meetings in Purcellville about the project with residents voicing both support and opposition.

Catoctin Homeowners Association Board member and Planning Commission member Ronald Rise Sr. spoke during last week’s council meeting and voicing concern about the construction of the ramp affecting the South Fork Catoctin Creek.

“No one can build this [eastbound ramp] without having additional area for construction equipment to go in and move that dirt and get it straightened out. We’re going to be into the stream quite a bit,” he said. n

Loudoun County

A revised plat was submitted by Loudoun County Director of Transportation and Capital Infrasture Nancy Boyd to the Town of Purcellville.

Purcellville Welcomes New Police Officer

The Purcellville Police Department on Thursday held a swearing-in ceremony for its newest officer, Larry Michelli Jr. The ceremony took place at Town Hall and was attended by members of the Purcellville Police Department, town staff, and Deputy Clerk of Loudoun Circuit Court Kimberly Walker.   Michelli just completed training at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, graduating June 16. The six-month-long academy program for police officers and sheriff deputies covered law enforcement principles and procedures, including criminal investigation, legal, patrol, and practical skills. Major components of the perfor-

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Winery line up to help sponsor the project.

Learn more at luckettsruritan.org.

Yong-In, starting at 11 a.m.

The town was awarded $328,734 for the project from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Federal Highway Administration through the Recreational Trails Program in 2021.

This trail is intended to help improve access to the nature preserve for recreation, fitness, and environmental education; provide those using the W&OD Regional Trail with a loop through the town along the South Fork Catoctin Creek; and create connections to schools, neighborhoods, other trails, and to the historic downtown business district.

Troop 1910 Celebrates Silver Anniversary

Contributed

Troop 1910, sponsored by the Lucketts Ruritan Club, held its 25th anniversary celebration June 4 at the Lucketts Community Center.  The troop was founded by Matt and Kay Quitter, center. Since 1998, the troop has produced 70 Eagle scouts, recorded 4,000 community service hours, camped for 13,000 nights, and hiked 35,000 miles, according to troop tallies.

PURCELLVILLE

Ribbon Cutting Planned for Multi-Use Path

The town plans a June 24 ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new multi-use path through the Suzanne R. Kane Nature Preserve.

It will be held at the North 21st Street entrance to the preserve, next to Dragon

The project includes a paved 2,100-foot-long path, additional parking spaces with two ADA-accessible spaces at the entrance off of North 21st Street, wayfinding signs designed for increased visibility and readability and two rest areas along the path with benches located near the creek.

Registration Opens for Parade

The Town of Purcellville is accepting applications to participate in the annual Purcellville Independence Day Parade. There is no cost to participate.

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4.

Residents, businesses, and community organizations are invited to show their patriotic pride.

Those who wish to participate mush complete the online application by Friday, June 23. Details and rules for participants are included on the application form.

The route is close to 2.5 miles long, starting at Blue Ridge Middle School,

mance-based training include first-aid, CPR, crisis intervention, control tactics, firearms training, and driver training. Michelli will undergo three more months of field training with the Purcellville Police Department before being released as a solo patrol officer.

He joined the Purcellville Police Department after recently moving from New Jersey, where he was previously a CVS manager specializing in customer service. He enjoyed the community engagement and was intrigued when assisting officers regarding loss prevention initiatives and assisting with both deterring theft and providing information to apprehend individuals involved in criminal activity. n

then right onto A Street, right onto 20th Street, right onto Main Street, right onto Maple Avenue, right onto A Street, and returning to Blue Ridge Middle School.

The parade route will be closed to traffic from approximately 10:40 a.m. until 2 p.m. and parking will be prohibited on streets along the parade route from Monday, July 3 at 9 p.m. through Tuesday, July 4 at 2 p.m. The Purcellville Police Department will manage closures and re-opening of roadways.

Tickets Available for Wine and Food Festival

Tickets are available for the town’s annual Wine and Food Festival, which will be held Saturday, July 22 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This year’s festival features nearly 40 vendors with wineries, breweries and cideries, food and snack vendors, and exhibitors and nonprofits. The live music line-up features Drivin’ South, Julianna

and The Agreeables and the Franklin Park Big Band. Artists will create works of art in the “Arts in the Garden” section hosted by the Purcellville Arts Council. Other activities include face painting and caricature drawing.

General admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the gate. Drink tickets for beer and wine will be sold at a central location on-site and will cost $6 each plus tax. Bottles of wine will cost $36 plus tax.

Individual drink tickets and tickets for a bottle of wine may be purchased on-site. If purchased in advance, tickets for drinks and bottles of wine may only be used at the festival after the general admission has been paid.  A souvenir glass will be provided with the purchase of the first drink ticket.

To purchase admission tickets and drink tickets, or a VIP table, go to  purcellvillewineandfood.com. n

Purcellville Police Department

The Purcellville Police Department’s newest officer Larry Michelli Jr. poses for a photo with Chief Cynthia McAlister after his swearing-in ceremony on June 15.

GETOUT

LIVE MUSIC

TEJAS SINGH

Thursday, June 22, 5 to 8 p.m.

MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg. macsbeach.com

JUSTIN SUEDE

Thursday, June 22, 7 to 10 p.m.

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

DAN FISK

Friday, June 23, 5 to 8 p.m. Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

DYLAN WOELFEL

Friday, June 23, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

LENNY BURRIDGE

Friday, June 23, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

CARY WIMBISH

Friday, June 23, 5 to 8 p.m.

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

PANIC FOR THE VIBE

Friday, June 23, 6 to 10 p.m.

MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg. macsbeach.com

ACOUSTIC MOOSE

Friday, June 23, 6 to 9 p.m. Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

NATE DAVIS

Friday, June 23, 6 to 9 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

TRAVIS TUCKER TRIO

Friday, June 23, 6 to 9 p.m. Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. villageatleesburg.com

BOZA

Friday, June 23, 9 to 12 p.m. Rio Cantina, 21800 Towncenter Plaza, Sterling. facebook.com/RioCantinaSterling

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Waldo Comes to Leesburg—Somewhere

BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Keep a careful eye out in downtown Leesburg businesses this July, and you may just catch sight of a familiar red-and-white shirt and round glasses.

Twenty-five downtown businesses, selling everything from books to beads to beer, will have a familiar visitor for families to find in a townwide game of Where’s Waldo. Find him in at least 10 different stores, and shoppers can earn fun, family-friendly prizes like temporary tattoos and a $1 off a Where’s Waldo book, plus be entered into a drawing for more prizes donated from local businesses like Where’s Waldo books.

It’s something Birch Tree Bookstore founder Leah Fallon hopes will not only be fun for visitors, but also will build community and bring more traffic to Leesburg’s downtown small businesses.

“During the summer, we’ve been getting a lot more tourists, and that is what we see primarily in the

summer. And I know that a lot of the local community, they see a lot of roadblocks to visiting downtown,” Fallon said. “A lot of people that I talk to don’t know what’s downtown, they don’t know where to park, so I want to give local people a reason to come downtown, some kind of game or activity for their kids and for even adults.”

Fallon brought Waldo to Leesburg through the annual Find Waldo Local event offered by Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association. Waldo is an in-demand guy—there are only 300 openings across the country for businesses like Birch Tree to participate, she said.

She thinks Waldo is the right guy for the job—since Waldo’s first appearance in 1987, the books by Martin Handford have sold more than 80 million copies, been translated into more than 30 languages, and become a mainstay on bookstore shelves, including at Birch Tree. And more than 30 years after the first “Where’s Wally?” book published— the character’s name in the UK where

he first appeared—a generation of Waldo seekers have grown up and had their own kids to whom they can pass down their books.

Fallon said she expects the Where’s Waldo event to bring out all ages.

“When I started this business, I saw it all over Instagram and I was like, ‘what is this?’ And I started Birch tree really wanting to connect with the community, and it seems like such a cool community event,” she said.

And she hopes it will drive shoppers to businesses off the beaten path—like hers. While Birch Tree is located on Market Street, one of Leesburg’s main thoroughfares, it’s a little off the usual pedestrian path along King Street. The businesses in that building, 9 and 11 West Market St., have started what they call the West Market collective to support one another.

“I see a lot of the struggles,

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now Waldo, the iconic character from the Where’s Waldo books, will be visiting 25 downtown Leesburg businesses this July.

Hillsboro Fireworks Fly Sunday

Hillsboro again gets a head start on America’s birthday celebration with its annual free music festival and fireworks show on Sunday, June 25. This year’s Independence Day the Hillsboro Way! Event on the grounds of the historic Old Stone School kicks off at 3 p.m. with a lineup of musical performances on The Gap Stage, featuring Joey & The Waitress Band, Circa Blue, and Calgary.

Onsite food will be offered by Ford’s Fish Shack, Hog It Up BBQ, Pattie Party and Kovi Kitchen, and Moo-Thru Ice Cream. Beers and wine will be offered by Old 690 Brewing Company, Doukénie Winery, Two Twisted Posts Winery and Walsh Family Wines. Kids’ activities will include pony rides by Dark Springs Stables.

“We expect another large crowd

for this year’s event,” said Hillsboro Mayor Roger L. Vance. “As always, it’s our great team of volunteers, generous sponsors and terrific partners that make this such an outstanding and beloved celebration year after year. And, American Fireworks has once again customized another spectacular fireworks display especially suited for the Hillsboro venue, guaranteed to wow.”

While admission is free, some lawn and verandah tables remain available and may be reserved at oldstoneschool.org.

A special Independence Day Eat, Drink & Be Literary! lecture, The Declaration v. The Constitution, will be held on Saturday, July 1, featuring Constitutional scholar Ben Lenhart. Tickets and information can be found at oldstoneschool.org. n

Roger Vance

The Town of Hillsboro again gets the jump on the Independence Day fireworks scene this year with a display scheduled to go up Sunday night behind the Old Stone School.

Best Bets

SPAFFORD

Friday, June 23, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Fresh off the release of a new album, “Live from Nashville,” powerhouse jam band Spafford brings a mix of rock, funk, jazz, reggae, ska, and electro-pop to Leesburg.

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MICHELLE HANNAN & ONE BLUE NIGHT

Friday, June 23, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

FAITH DICKERSON

Friday, June 23, 6 to 9 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing, 33665 Bear Chase Ln, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

MELISSA QUINN FOX

Friday, June 23, 6 to 10 p.m. Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com

TEJAS SINGH

Friday, June 23, 7 to 11 p.m. Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhousesouthriding.com

SPAFFORD

Friday, June 23, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. tallyhotheater.com

SKRIBE

June 23, 8 to 11 p.m. Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. Monksq.com

SPAFFORD

Friday, June 23, 8 to 9 p.m., Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20 to $45. tallyhotheater.com

JUMPTOWN WITH SPECIAL RYAN JEWEL

Saturday, June 24, 1 to 4 p.m.

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

DUCK CHUCK GOOSE

Saturday, June 24, 1 to 4 p.m. Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbioliwines.com

PEBBLE TO PEARL

Saturday, June 24, 1 to 4 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing 33665 Bear Chase Ln, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

BEN REICHARD

Saturday, June 24, 1 to 5 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

JOE DOWNER

Saturday, June 24, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. 8 Chains N. Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

SCOTT KURT

Saturday, June 24, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

DAVE MININBERG

Saturday, June 24, 2 to 5 p.m. Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

DEANE KERN AND ERIC SELBY

Saturday, June 24, 2 to 5 p.m. The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

DOC MARTEN AND THE FLANNELS

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 9 p.m. Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com

Doc Marten and the Flannels is billed as the nation’s premier tribute to music of the ‘90s. Touring the East Coast of the US since 2008, the band has played over 500 shows and has developed a truly unique show for diehards and casual fans alike.

RICHARD WALTON

Saturday, June 24, 2 to 5 p.m. Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

GARY SMALLWOOD

Saturday, June 24, 2 to 5 p.m. Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

DARRYL MARINI

Saturday, June 24, 2 to 5 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

CARY WIMBISH

Saturday, June 24, 2 to 5 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. Harvestgap.com

ALEX THE RED PAREZ

Saturday, June 24, 2 to 6 p.m. Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, 18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont. twinoakstavernwinery.com

HILARY VELTRI

Saturday, June 24, 3 to 6 p.m. Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

THE CREAKY BONES

Saturday, June 24, 5 to 8 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

JASON & MICHELLE

HANNAN

Saturday, June 24, 5 to 8 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

BRISK BAND

Saturday, June 24, 5 to 8 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138

POLO IN THE PARK

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 10 p.m. Morven Park International Equestrian Center polointhepark.org

Pack a picnic and join the Saturday night party watching Morven Park’s fast-paced arena polo series. Reserve your car pass.

John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

MICHELLE HANNAN & ONE BLUE NIGHT

Saturday, June 24, 5 to 9 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

WILL BASKIN

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 9 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing, 33665 Bear Chase Ln, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

ANOTHER FINE MESS VA

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 10 p.m. 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

POINT OF ROCK

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 10 p.m. MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg. macsbeach.com

SIDETRACKED

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 9 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

RICK REAVES BAND

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 9 p.m. Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. villageatleesburg.com

DOC MARTEN AND THE FLANNELS

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts. $12 to $60. tararaconcerts.com

ROBBIE LIMON

Saturday, June 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

ROBBIE

LIMON

Saturday June 24, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Leesburg Town Green idalee.org

The Town of Leesburg’s free Summer Jams concert series continues with singer/songwriter Robbie Limon. Picnics welcome. No alcohol or pets.

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

AUSTIN JAY

Saturday, June 24, 7 to 11 p.m. Brambleton Community Association, Brambleton. brambletonhoa.com

MIGUEL AUBERTIN

Saturday, June 24, 8 to 11 p.m.

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

HOMEY DON’T PLAY DAT

Saturday, June 24, 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E Market St, Leesburg. spankyspub.com

LYNCH MOB

Saturday, June 24, 8 to 9 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $35 to $75. tallyhotheater.com

JOSH CREWS AND FRIENDS

Sunday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com

STEEL DRUMMIN’ ON THE BEACH, Sunday, June 25, noon to 3:30 p.m. MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg macsbeach.com

JIM STEELE

Sunday, June 25, 1 to 4 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

KIMBERLY BURKE

Sunday, June 25, 1 to 5 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing, 33665 Bear Chase Ln, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

Sunday, June 25, 1 to 4 p.m. Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbioliwines.com

DAVE GOODRUM

Sunday, June 25, 1 to 4 p.m. Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

BRENT FUNKHOUSER

Sunday, June 25, 1 to 5 p.m. Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

SHANE GAMBLE

Sunday, June 25, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. 8 Chains N. Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

JASON MASI

Sunday, June 25, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

JANINE WILSON

Sunday, June 25, 2 to 5 p.m. The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com

JAMES STEVENS

Sunday, June 25, 2 to 5 p.m. Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 25

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

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Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

THE BRISK BAND

Sunday, June 25, 2 to 5 p.m.

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

JASON TEACH

Sunday, June 25, 2 to 5 p.m.

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

ANDREW ODAY

Sunday, June 25, 2 to 5 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

ASHLEIGH CHEVALIER

Sunday, June 25, 3 to 7 p.m.

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

ROBBIE LIMON

Sunday, June 25, 5 to 8 p.m. MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg. macsbeach.com

TODD BROOKS

Sunday, June 25, 6 to 9 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

CHRIS TIMBERS MUSIC

June 25, 9 to 12 p.m.

Red Horse Tavern, 118 W. Washington St., Middleburg. redhorsetavern.net

MATT BURRIDGE

Sunday, June 25, 2 to 6 p.m. Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

TEJAS SINGH

Sunday, June 25, 4 to 8 p.m. The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com

CHRIS TIMBERS & MIKE

ECHOLS

Wednesday, June 28, 6 to 10 p.m. City Tap Loudoun, 20376 Exchange St., Ashburn. citytap.com

LUCAS MASON

Wednesday, June 28, 6 to 9 p.m.

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

HAPPENINGS

COFFEE WITH A COP

Thursday, June 22, 9 to 11 a.m. Leesburg Police Department, 65 Plaza St. NE., Leesburg. leesburgva.gov

LEESBURG COMMUNITY

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Friday, June 23, 4 to 5:30 p.m. The Clay and Metal Loft, 27 Fairfax St. SE., Leesburg. theclayandmetalloft.com

FUN AT THE FOUNTAIN WITH ROCKNOCEROS!

Tuesday, June 27, 10 to 11 a.m. Lansdowne Town Center, Belmont Ridge Road, Leesburg. shoplansdownetowncenter.com

WESTPARK IMPROVEMENTS DESIGN

PUBLIC MEETING

Tuesday, June 27, 6 to 7 p.m. Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, 742 Miller Drive SE., Leesburg loudoun.gov

HAPPENINGS

continues on page 27

Waldo

continued from page 20

especially with the side streets, that are newer businesses trying to get people on our street. And it is a struggle,” she said. “So, we’re always trying to come up with creative ways to bring people down here—just turn the corner.”

She’s brought together a broad range of businesses all across downtown. Coffee shops like Goosecup and King Street Coffee, Leesburg Beads, eateries like Mocatinas and Buford’s Biscuits, boutiques like Madisonbelle and Ashby Mae Children’s Boutique, shops like Sunflower Shack or Plum Grove Cyclery and the Saturday farmers market are all taking part.

“I remember Where’s Waldo books when they first came out,” Black Hoof Brewing founder Bill Haase said. “I always had fun with those books, and I think it’s a good way to pass that on to other generations and other people.”

He said he also wants to bring more people to town.

“We definitely want a vibrant community that draws people from outside of this area to show them what Leesburg’s all about, and what we have to offer them,” Haase said.

Catty Corner Café founder Heather Donahue said her four kids grew up with Where’s Waldo books.

“He’s a good attraction for children, and we try and attract children and family members here.” she said. “It’s a good place to come, it’s a fun environment, and I think the cats might have fun playing with Waldo.”

And she said Leesburg’s local small businesses are a collaborative group.

“With Leesburg, a lot of them are of course small businesses, but women-owned businesses, so we definitely look out for one another and support one another and try and keep each other swapping business and telling everybody about the other businesses out there,” she said.

Fallon said they see that what helps one downtown business helps all the businesses.

“I’m just slowly trying to find the local people and give them a reason to come downtown. Oftentimes, they come down here they eat before they come to the book club, and then

they go to get drinks afterwards,” she said. “…I think the more that we can do that and be supportive of one another and know what’s going on, the stronger we’ll all be.”

She has a vision for downtown Leesburg, its community, and its locally owned small businesses.

“I want it to be a destination, not just for local people, but I want it to get on the map,” she said. “It’d be so cool that to have people coming from Chicago to visit downtown Leesburg. We have a lot of history in this area that people should know about. The more you support down-

Where’s Waldo?

town, the more it supports the local community and the local economy.”

Look for a Waldo float in Leesburg’s Fourth of July parade, and for six-inch cutouts of Waldo peeking out from local shelves. Participating shops will have a “Shop Local, Find Waldo Here” sticker in the window. n

This July, he’ll be somewhere in these Leesburg businesses:

Birch Tree Bookstore/Foliage Plant Shop

Goosecup

Zest Clothing & Co./Brick and Mortar Mercantile

Muz & Rose

Leesburg Farmers Market

Buford’s Biscuits

Range Global Goods

Gruto’s Soft Serve

Madisonbelle

Leesburg Beads and Studio

Black Hoof Brewing Company

Mocatinas

Neighbors: A Local Market

Finch Knit & Sew Studio

Very Virginia Shop

27 South Interiors

SimplyBe Coffee

Ashby Mae Children’s Boutique

Books and Other Found Things

Catty Corner Café

Sunflower Shack

Plum Grove Cyclery

District Hemp Botanicals

Gvino Enoteca

King Street Coffee

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now

Birch Tree Bookstore founder Leah Fallon and Foliage Plant Shop founder Ami Mason will hide Waldo—and a pair of his circular black-rimmed glasses—somewhere in their shared space in the month of July as shoppers try to seek him out.

Crossroads Music Festival Set for Sept. 16 in Downtown Leesburg

Over 30 musicians and bands will be performing original music for BENEFIT’s 2023 Crossroads Music Festival. The event will be held at 12 different venues in downtown Leesburg from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.

Established in 2017, BENEFIT is a coalition of musicians and community leaders uniting people with music to raise funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations serving children in Loudoun County.

BENEFIT awarded $25,000 in grant funding among eight nonprofits from the proceeds of its 2022 Crossroads Music Festival.

Performances will take place at multiple venues allowing festival attendees to customize their own evening of music entertainment. Each artist will perform a 60-minute set at their designated venue.

“This is the fourth year BENEFIT’s Crossroads Music Festival will be held at venues in downtown Leesburg,” Ara Bagdasarian, BENEFIT co-founder, said. “We are excited to be able to showcase the amazing musical talent in our region at an event that was created to help make a difference for our community.”

Passes for BENEFIT’s 2023 Crossroads Music Festival are available online at CrossroadsMusicFest.org. Passes will also be available for purchase at each performance venue on Saturday,

GET OUT HAPPENINGS

continued from page 25

CRESCENT DISTRICT MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING

Wednesday, June 28, 10 a.m. to noon and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg. leesburgva.gov

SCIENCE ON TAP

Thursday, June 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewery.com

BIRDING SWEET RUN

Saturday, June 24, 8 to 11 a.m.

Sweet Run State Park, 11661 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. loudounwildlife.org

Sept. 16. Festival passes purchased in advance online are $20 and those purchased on-site will be $30.

With purchase of a festival pass, attendees will receive a 2023 Crossroads Music Festival T-shirt and a wristband at check-in. Wristbands will provide attendees access to event-day specials at participating music venues.

Passes are not required for entry at any venue participating in BENEFIT’s 2023 Crossroads Music Festival. However, proceeds from festival pass sales benefit nonprofit organizations that serve children in Loudoun County.

“We are so grateful to these nonprofit organizations for all their work serving our community,” Amy Bobchek, BENEFIT co-founder, said. “We hope that through events like our Crossroads Music Festival, we are not only able to raise funds to support nonprofit organizations such as these, but that we are also able to bring attention to all that they do to serve children in Loudoun County.”

Funds raised from proceeds of BENEFIT’s 2023 Crossroads Music Festival will be distributed in spring 2024 to nonprofit organizations through a grant application process.

Festival pass, performer and venue information for BENEFIT’s 2023 Crossroads Music Festival can be found at CrossroadsMusicFest.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. n

INOVA LOUDOUN HOSPITAL NICU REUNION

Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. to noon

Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville. inova.org

LANSDOWNE WOODS BOOK FAIR

Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lansdowne Woods of Virginia, 19375 Magnolia Grove Square, Lansdowne. lwva.org

CROOKED RUN FERMENTATION 10 YEAR

ANNIVERSAY

Saturday, June 24, 12 to 10 p.m.

Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling. crookedrun.square.site

SHOW & TELL SPEAKER SERIES: ARTIST CHRISTA STERN

Saturday, June 24, 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Sterling Library, 22330 S. Sterling Blvd., Sterling. library.loudoun.gov

AMATEUR RADIO FIELD DAY

Saturday, June 24, 3 to 5 p.m. Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office-Eastern Loudoun Station, 46620 E. Frederick Drive, Sterling. qsl.net/sterling

POLO IN THE PARK

Saturday, June 24, 6 to 10 p.m.

Morven Park International Equestrian Center, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane, Leesburg. $40. morvenpark.org

BOOK DISCUSSION: OPENING CLOSED DOORS

Sunday, June 25, 2 to 3 p.m. Thomas Balch Library, 208 W. Market St., Leesburg. leesburgva.gov

10:00AM INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE

travels through Historic Downtown from Ida Lee Park to Fairfax Street with a prelude by American Originals Fife & Drum Corps sponsored by Toth Financial.

6:00PM GATES OPEN

at Ida Lee Park, with festival food vendors.

6:30PM CONCERT

80’s & 90’s hip hop band OLD SKOOL CLEVELAND take the stage.

9:30PM FIREWORKS

One of the Region’s Largest Fireworks Display.

THE EXPERTS Ask

How Do I? Ask a Local Expert

These days, when you’re faced with a new project or want to tackle a long-procrastinated task, the tendency is to turn to your keyboard. It’s remarkable that we’ve grown to put so much faith in the far-off, unsubstantiated resources of the internet.

Unfortunately, we too often overlook the trusted experts much closer to home. Some of those ready to help answer your questions are featured in this special section—at your service and close to home. n

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Ask the Experts at Mountcastle Med Spa about Sculptra!

SCULPTRA: ENHANCING BEAUTY WITH LONG-LASTING RESULTS

In the quest for eternal youth and beauty, cosmetic procedures have become increasingly popular. One such treatment that has gained significant attention in recent years is Sculptra. Sculptra is an injectable dermal filler that stimulates collagen production, providing a natural and gradual enhancement to the face. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of Sculptra, discuss its best utilization, delve into its history, address frequently asked questions, and compare it to other dermal fillers.

THE PROS OF SCULPTRA:

1. Long-lasting results: Unlike traditional fillers that provide immediate but temporary results, Sculptra stimulates collagen production, leading to gradual and long-lasting improvements. The effects can last up to two years, making it an excellent option for individuals seeking a more sustainable solution.

2. Natural-looking outcomes: Sculptra works by stimulating the body's natural collagen production, resulting in a subtle and natural enhancement. The gradual nature of the treatment ensures that the results appear natural and blend seamlessly with the surrounding tissues.

3. Versatile application: Sculptra is primarily used for facial rejuvenation, treating areas such as the cheeks, temples, and jawline. However, it can also be utilized for body contouring, addressing concerns like volume loss in the buttocks or correcting skin depressions caused by scars.

4. Non-surgical procedure: Sculptra is a minimally invasive treatment performed in-office. It involves a series of injections over a few sessions, making it a convenient option for those seeking aesthetic enhancements without the need for surgery and extensive downtime.

THE CONS OF SCULPTRA:

1. Gradual results: While some individuals prefer the gradual transformation offered by Sculptra, others might desire more immediate changes. It is important to have realistic expectations and understand that the full effects of Sculptra will take several months to become apparent.

2. Potential side effects: As with any cosmetic procedure, Sculptra carries some potential side effects. These can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or itching at the injection site. These effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within a few days.

3. Cost: Sculptra can be more expensive than traditional fillers due to the number of treatment sessions required for optimal results. However, when considering its longevity, some individuals find it to be a worthwhile investment.

4. Best Utilization and Age for Sculptra: Sculptra is best suited for individuals who are experiencing volume loss in specific areas of their face or body. It is particularly beneficial for those with sunken cheeks, hollow temples, or a sagging jawline. Sculptra can also address skin depressions caused by scars. While it is suitable for various age groups, individuals in their late 30s to early 50s often seek Sculptra treatments to combat signs of aging and maintain a youthful appearance.

5. The History of Sculptra: Sculptra, also known as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), was originally developed to treat facial lipoatrophy (fat loss) in people with HIV. Its ability to stimulate collagen production and restore facial volume led to its expansion into the cosmetic realm. Sculptra received FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2004 and has since gained popularity worldwide as a reliable and effective aesthetic treatment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SCULPTRA:

1. How much does Sculptra cost? The cost of Sculptra varies depending on the number of treatment sessions required and the geographic location. On average, a Sculptra treatment can range from $800 to $3,000.

2. How much is 1 vial of Sculptra? The cost of a single vial of Sculptra can range from $500 to $1,500, again depending on the location and healthcare provider.

3. Is Sculptra really worth it? The worth of Sculptra depends on individual preferences and goals. If you value natural-looking results and long-lasting improvements, Sculptra can be a worthwhile investment.

4. Is Sculptra better than fillers? Sculptra and traditional fillers serve different purposes. Traditional fillers provide immediate results but are temporary, while Sculptra stimulates collagen production and offers gradual and long-lasting enhancements. The choice between Sculptra and other fillers depends on individual needs and preferences.

In conclusion, Sculptra offers a unique approach to facial rejuvenation and body contouring with its long-lasting and natural-looking results. While it may not provide immediate transformations, its collagen-stimulating properties and versatility make it a valuable option for those seeking sustained improvements. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss individual goals, expectations, and potential risks before undergoing treatment.

Water Safety tips for a Safe & SplaSh-taStic Summer

for a Safe & SplaSh-taStic

Vacation!

While “no running” and “no diving in shallow water” are common pool rules to discuss with your kids, the following pool rules are particularly for adults.

drain the pool

Be sure to drain plastic or inflatable kiddie pools and water stations when they’re not in use. All it takes is two inches of water for a child to drown.

don’t Store toys in the pool area

Children might be tempted to reach for a toy in the pool and accidentally fall in.

use a fence

Put a four-sided fence with safety latches around backyard pools and install pool alarms to prevent unsupervised access and accidental falls into the pool.

Build in Breaks

Swimming is tiring and you can get dehydrated or fatigued without realizing it. Taking a 15-minute break each hour to drink some water and relax can help you and the kids stay refreshed and recharged for a fun (and safe) day ahead.

While drowning prevention requires layers of protection, swim lessons help children develop a healthy respect for water and have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by 88%

4 TIPS FOR PLANNING THE PERFECT WINERY OUTING

LESS IS MORE. If you try to hit too many wineries in one day, you'll forget the most important part - relaxing!

FIND THE HIDDEN GEMS. Loudoun is full of amazing wineries

Sometimes the best wineries may not have the biggest names

EAT HYDRATE Food and water are your friends during a winery day

TRUST THE EXPERTS. DiVine Wine Tours would love to plan your next day at the wineries Allow us to take care of your plans, reservations, include your tastings, lunch, and even take professional-grade photos throughout your day!

DIVINEWINEVA.COM

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CEO Consulting Group is passionate about helping women business owners build a successful business that leads to financial empowerment.

Tina R. Johnson, CEO & Certified Business Growth Strategist of CEO Consulting Group, a serial entrepreneur, who has been in business for over 30 years, wants to help women business owners learn from her experience and thrive in their business endeavors so they can make their business dreams a reality.

Do you ever struggle with managing your time? There are so many things to accomplish in the day and it can be overwhelming to stay on task. Time blocking is a great tool that helps you visualize what tasks you want to complete in each section of the day, that way you aren't getting overwhelmed by the whole picture. We have created a digital worksheet that will help you with this!

Juneteenth

continued from page 3

to honor their memory and recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice,” she said. “As we stand here today on this significant day, Juneteenth, not only do we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved individuals in Texas, but we also acknowledge the ongoing struggle for equality and justice that continues to shape our society. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder that freedom must extend to every corner of our nation, and it’s our duty to ensure that no one is denied their basic rights and dignity.”

Stewart, born in 1936 and now 87 years old, also told marchers about her remarkable life. The youngest of 10 surviving children, her parents were sharecroppers in Walls, MS. She and her oldest sister left to seek education in Memphis, TN, where she finished high school, then earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education at Tuskegee University, at that time the Tuskegee Institute, and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Memphis State University. She and her husband, an electrical engineer, and Air Force major, went on to travel the world, from a divided Germany to skiing in the Swiss Alps.

“Even in the midst of all the adventures and blessings, I, too, have had to endure the pain and humiliation on many levels of injustice that have arisen because I am a woman of color,” she said. “Because of this one fact, I have had to sit at the back of the bus on public transportation, felt the pain of the murder of Emmett Till, had to drink from only the public water fountain that had the sign ‘colored’ above it, live through the drama of the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King. I had to work twice as hard as white people just to earn a passing grade.”

INMED closes

continued from page 3

“Unfortunately, we sailed into a perfect storm of financial challenges coming out of the pandemic,” Pfeiffer stated. “We are grateful that the Loudoun [Human] Services Network and other community partners are stepping up to ensure that vulnerable families served by INMED do not fall through the cracks–and we will help in any way possible to facilitate the process.”

Immediately after learning of the nonprofit’s closure, the Loudoun Human Services Network, a coalition of around 50

She also faced discrimination in her career. She said when she applied for a job with the Colorado Springs, CO, school system, she was required to include a photo, and despite her qualifications did not get the job. The NAACP, seeing racial discrimination, sued the school district and won.

“My personal main problem throughout my working years was the continuous racial discrimination battles against school systems that did not know what to do with an educated woman, a well-traveled woman, and well-rounded Black woman,” she said.

In 1977, she and her husband came to Loudoun, where schools had been desegregated for less than a decade. She started as a substitute teacher and rose to become principal of Seneca Ridge Middle School, retiring in 2001 after 10 years in that job.

“This is certainly a day to remember and cherish. However, we as people of color cannot just sit back. We, especially you, the younger people, you must study our past,” she said. “Always believe in that

Loudoun nonprofits, and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties swung into action.

“As soon as we heard about the closure the Community Foundation convened nonprofit members of the LHSN, funders, and community partners like St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church to figure out how we can all work together to continue supporting these families,” Community Foundation President and CEO Nicole Acosta said. “We all rolled up our sleeves and got to work sharing resources and ideas. We want the families to know our community is here for them. It’s been remarkable how quickly our nonprofits and funders have

more change for the better is possible. Young people, you must position yourselves to be voices of change. That will yield policies and give Black Americans and other people of color equal opportunities throughout this nation. You must develop and maintain a strong faith in God, get as much education as you possibly can, become and remain active in your community affairs, work to strengthen your own family bonds, and you must register to vote.”

“Juneteenth doesn’t just belong to African-Americans,” Randall said. “Juneteenth is an American holiday. If you love freedom, if you love peace, then Juneteenth is your holiday too.”

And at the event, Randall and Loudoun NAACP president and Loudoun Freedom Center founder Michelle Thomas signed the lease agreement giving the Loudoun Freedom Center custody of the historic Union Street School.

The school was opened in 1884 in the Jim Crow era as an elementary school for Black children, and closed as a school in

mobilized.”

She said the Community Foundation is working with other major nonprofit funders including the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation and 100WomenStrong to identify and fund possible solutions to bridge that gap and resume some services for those families. That includes a resource fair for the families INMED served to help them learn where else they can find help.

“The Family Resource Fair is a special opportunity for the families impacted so that they can connect with other human services nonprofits that are part of LHSN, see that their community is here for them,

1958 with the opening of Frederick Douglass Elementary School in Leesburg. Loudoun County Public Schools used the building for storage space for 60 years before turning the property over to the Board of Supervisors in 2019 with the idea that it would then go to the Loudoun Freedom Center. That didn’t happen until this month, when supervisors voted to lease the property to the center for $1 under the county’s resident curator program.

The county also will go ahead with a renovation of the school building, and the freedom center has plans to reopen the property as a museum, cultural resource, civic hub and education center.

Thomas celebrated the county’s first museum of Black history.

“We still suffer because of the systemic social ills,” Thomas said. “We still suffer because they don’t want us to be free to vote, have freedom and agency over our bodies, to be free enough to love, to be free enough to be Black and comfortable in your own skin without being intimidated.” n

and have a fun night out with their kids,” she said. “We’re grateful to all the nonprofit partners who came together to plan the fair so quickly.”

The Loudoun Human Services Network, chaired by Loudoun Cares CEO Valerie Pisierra, also issued a statement saying its members were saddened to learn of the closure and that it is working with community partners to coordinate resources and services for those families.

“We are committed to working together to address service gaps today and in the weeks and months ahead,” the statement says. n

Renss Greene/Loudoun Now Loudoun’s first Black secondary school-level principal, Josephine Hamilton Stewart, left, and Loudoun’s first Black judge, District Court Judge Lorrie Ann Sinclair Taylor, right, speak at a Juneteenth march in downtown Leesburg Monday, June 19.

Town of Leesburg

Employment Opportunities

Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online.

Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA.

Regular Full-Time Positions

Summer Positions

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

Local ballot

continued from page 1

incumbent Juli E. Briskman (D) is being challenged by former School Board member Debbie Rose, the Republican nominee. Ashburn District incumbent Mike Turner (D) faces Republican Tumay D. Harding. Republican Michelle M. Suttle is challenging incumbent Sylvia Glass (D) in the Broad Run District. Independent John Griffin Ellis is challenging incumbent Caleb A. Kershner (R) in the Catoctin District. Three-term Dulles District incumbent Matthew Letourneau (R), the board’s longest-serving member, is challenged by Democrat Puja Khanna.

The newly created Little River District is an open seat. Democrat Laura TeKrony faces Republican Ram Venkatachalam in that race.

The School Board election features 19 candidates for the nine seats.

This year marks the transition to staggered terms for the School Board, a measure enacted after concerns about high turnover during the previous election in which only two experienced members returned. However, the results this year will be no better; only two incumbents are running.

Harris Mahedavi is challenged by Deana L. Griffiths in the Ashburn District. In the Leesburg District, Erika R. Ogedegde, who won a special election to fill a vacant seat last year, faces Lauren E. Shernoff.

The other seven seats will be open races.

Michael A. Rivera and Anne P. Donohue are campaigning countywide for the At Large seat. April M. Chandler and Viktoria Hunyadi are the candidates in the Algonkian District. Linda W. Deans and Christopher J. Hodges are running in the Broad Run District. It’s a three-way race in the Catoctin District, with Karen Lee LaBell, Daniel A. Brubaker and Megan E. Lockwood on the ballot. Melinda M. Mansfield is running unopposed for the Dulles District seat. Sumera Rashid and Joseph J. Smith are running in the Little River District. The Sterling District features another three-way race with Arben Istrefi, Sarath Kolla, and Amy M. Rissardi on the ballot. The winners in the Algonkian, Broad Run, Dulles, Leesburg, and Sterling districts will serve two-year terms.

Each of the five constitutional office seats are contested this year.

Incumbent Treasurer H. Rodger Zurn is retiring, ending a 33-year career in local government that started with a special election for a Board of Supervisors seat. He served seven terms as county treasurer. Seeking to take that seat are Republican Henry Charles Eckelberg and Democrat Robin A. Roopnarine.

Sheriff Michael Chapman (R) faces a challenge from Democrat Craig M. Buckley. Commissioner of the Revenue Robert Wertz (R) is being challenged by Democrat Sri S. Amudhanar. Clerk of the Court Gary Clemens (R) faces Independent Brian Allman in his bid for a third eight-year term.

With her primary win Tuesday night, incumbent Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj next will face Republican Robert D. Anderson, who held the seat from 1996 to 2003.

In another countywide race, six candidates are vying for five seats on the Soil and Water Control District board of directors. The roster includes Peter R. Holden, who retired from the district last year after 48 years of service. Incumbent directors John Flannery and Marina Schumacher are also joined on the ballot by Jonathan Keith Erickson, Derrick D. Clarke and Uzma A. Rasheed.

Middleburg and Round Hill have town council elections in November, and voters in Lovettsville, Purcellville and Hamilton will have special elections to fill vacant council seats.

In Middleburg, incumbent Mayor Bridge Littleton is unopposed for reelection. Incumbent council members John K. Daly and Chris W. Bernard are on the ballot with Pam A. Curran for three seats. Incumbent Phillip Miller, whose term expires Dec. 31, is not running.

Round Hill also has a full slate of candidates. Mayor Scott Ramsey is unopposed for reelection. Vice Mayor Mary Anne Graham is seeking another term. Isaac D. Pacheco, who was appointed to fill a vacancy, is running for a full four-year term. Jim E. Maulfair is on the ballot for an open seat, as Michael Hummel is not seeking reelection. Also, Dan Brzezynski, who was appointed to fill a vacancy earlier this month, was the only candidate to file for a special election for a term expiring in 2025.

Purcellville and Lovettsville both have town council vacancies resulting in a special election and giving candidates an extension until Aug. 18 to qualify for the ballot. Currently, in Purcellville Caleb J. Stought is the only candidate so far.

In Lovettsville, Tom Budnar is running unopposed to fill the remainder of the term left vacant by Buchannan Smith’s resignation in February. Budnar was appointed to fill the seat until the November election.

Hamilton has two council seats up for special election in November. The first was left vacant by Kenneth Wine’s election to mayor in November. The second became open with Elizabeth Gaucher’s recent resignation. Heather Beardsley who was appointed to Wine’s seat, has filed to be on the November ballot. The council has not yet appointed a resident to fill Gaucher’s seat until November. n

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES

Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.

with rust on handle bars

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned,” as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.

Public Notice

The Town of Leesburg Board and Commission Vacancies

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

TOWN OF HAMILTON TOWN COUNCIL VACANCY

The Town of Hamilton has a vacancy on the Town Council. All interested qualified Town residents are encouraged to submit a letter of interest or a resume to the Town Office, 130 E. Colonial Highway, PO Box 130, Hamilton, VA 20159, or e-mail to hamiltonva@hamiltonva.gov by the close of business, July 5, 2023. The Town Council will appoint a qualified candidate who will serve until a November 2023 special election. The appointed candidate may also register as a candidate for the special election. Candidates must be residents of Virginia for at least one year immediately preceding the appointment, a Town resident and registered to vote in the Town of Hamilton.

Hamilton Town Council 6/22 & 6/29

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLZM-2022-0006; VILLAGE MARKET BOULEVARD (VILLAGE AT LEESBURG)

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 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2022-0006, Village Market Boulevard (Village at Leesburg).

The subject property consists of approximately 1.16 acres of land within, and adjacent to, the existing “Retail Unit 1” land bay within the Village at Leesburg. The property is zoned PRC, Planned Residential Community, and is further identified as Loudoun County Property Identification Number (PIN), 14928-0225.

Rezoning Application TLZM-2022-0006 is a request by CRP/TRC Leesburg Retail Owner, LLC (applicant) to amend the approved Village at Leesburg Concept Plan to allow a new right-in only vehicular access point from Village Market Boulevard into the Retail Unit 1 land bay. This land bay is at the northeast corner of Russell Branch Parkway and Village Market Boulevard.

The Eastern Gateway District Small Area Plan designates this property as “Regional Retail” on the Planned Land Use Map with a recommended density of between 1.0 and 3.0 FAR (Floor Area Ratio). The proposed amendment for vehicular access redesign does not affect the existing residential and commercial densities on the property.

Additional information and copies of the application are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, AICP, at 703-771-2771 or sparker@leesburgva.gov.

At these hearings, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of 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.

6/15 & 6/22

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

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

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

On February 3, 2023, the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) was notified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that Loudoun County has met the congressional appropriations threshold to receive HOME funds in the amount of $750,000 for FY 2024. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households and is regulated in Title 42 of the U.S. Code section 12701 (42 U.S.C. §12701), and Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations (24 CFR Part 92), as amended. The proposed substantial amendment includes changes to the following components of the FY 2021-2025 Consolidated Plan:

• The Strategic Goals

• Project and activity descriptions

• HOME and CDBG Budgets

• Citizen Participation Plan

• Adding The Loudoun County Fair Housing Plan/Analysis of Impediments

High Priority Activities:

• Projects that are shovel ready for affordable housing construction

• Acquisition (24 CFR 570.201(a))

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

• Public Facilities (24 CFR 570.201(c))

• Tenant Based Rental Assistance (24 CFR 92.209)

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLES 5, 7, 8, 9, 11 AND 18 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING A CONTINUING CARE FACILITY DEFINITION AND REGULATIONS

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 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLOA-2023-0001 to revise the following articles of the Zoning Ordinance:

1. Article 5, Residential Zoning Districts: To establish Continuing Care Facility as a Special Exception use in the R-16, Planned Housing Development District and the R-22, Multi-Family Residential District.

2. Article 7, Special Purpose Districts: To establish Continuing Care Facility as a Special Exception use within the MC, Medical Center (Special Purpose) District

3. Article 8, Planned Development Districts: To establish a Continuing Care Facility as a permitted use within the PRN, Planned Residential Neighborhood District, and the PRC, Planned Residential Commercial District.

4. Article 9, Use Regulations: To create Use Standards for a Continuing Care Facility, and to amend the Use Table to include Continuing Care Facility, and to establish Continuing Care Facility as a Special Exception use in the R-16, Planned Housing Development District and the R-22, Multi-Family Residential District within the Use Table.

5. Article 11, Parking, Loading and Pedestrian Access: To create parking standards for Elderly Housing and Continuing Care Facility.

6. Article 18, Definitions: Establish a new definition for a Continuing Care Facility.

Copies and additional information regarding these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2771 and asking for Scott E. Parker, Senior Planning Project Manager. Mr. Parker can also be reached by email at sparker@leesburgva.gov. This Zoning Ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2023-0001.

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.

6/15 & 6/22

Unallocated CDBG funds to be reprogrammed to the following FY24 eligible high priority activities

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Notices

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047405-01-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Acquyea Najet Bettie

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

/v.

Jill Dann, mother and Richmond Bettie, father

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Acquyea Najet Bettie; 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 Acquyea Najet Bettie.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Jill Dann, mother and Richmond Bettie, father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before June 28, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. (Adjudicatory); and July 26, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. (Dispositional).

6/8, 6/15, 6/22 & 6/29/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046599-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Briston Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Shakita Love, Mother

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

It is ORDERED that the defendant Shakita Love, Mother appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before August 1, 2023 at 2:00pm 6/22, 6/29, 7/6 & 7/13/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046978-01-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jimmy Mendez Jr. Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.

Taya Selner, mother and Jimmy Mendez, father

The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing in Child in Need of Services matter pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-228 and 16.1-241 for Jimmy Mendez Jr.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Taya Selner, mother and Jimmy Mendez, father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before July 5, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

6/15, 6/22 & 6/29/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

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

Case No. CL23-3025

LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT

18 East Market St., Leesburg, VA 20176

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re MICHELLE LYNN BAIDOO-DAVIS V. ISACC BAIDOO

The object of the suit is to file for divorce.

It is ORDERED that Isacc Baidoo appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before July 21, 2023 at 2:00:PM.

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

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ041604-09-00; JJ043080-05-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Diana Gissel Medina Lainez and Gabriela Medina Lainez, Loudoun County Department of Family Services

The object of this suit is to hold a Permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Diana Gissel Medina Lainez and Gabriela Medina Lainez,

It is ORDERED that the defendant Jose Medina, Putative Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before August 2, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO LEESBURG TOWN CODE: CHAPTER 20 (LICENSES, TAXATION AND MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS), ARTICLE VI (TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX)

In accordance with Code of Virginia of 1950, as amended, §§ 58.1-3818.8 et seq. (Transient Occupancy Tax), 58.1-3840; 58.1-3916; 15.2-1102; 15.2-1104; and 15.2-1427, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on:

Tuesday, June 27, 2022, 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 proposed amendments to Town Code Chapter 20, Article VI (Sections 20-132 through 20-144), to update and conform the Town Code to State Code, and clarify and refine business processes for the reporting and remittance of the transient occupancy tax. No change in Town tax rates is included.

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. 6/15/23 & 6/22/23

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION TLSE-2022-0008 MEADOW GLEN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY EXPANSION

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, JULY 6, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Special Exception application TLSE-2022-0008, Meadow Glen Assisted Living Facility Expansion.

The subject of the application is the existing assisted living residence at 315 Dry Mill Road SE. The property is zoned R-4, Single-Family Residential and is further described by Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 217-20-6669-000.

Special Exception Application TLSE-2022-0008 is a request by Cali Meadow Glen Operations, LLC amending Special Exception application TLSE-1999-0001 to allow an overall total 1,850 square foot addition to accommodate an increase in the number of beds from 40 to 42, yielding 13.1 beds/acre pursuant to Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance Section 5.4.2 Use Regulations.

Additional information and copies of this application are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Christopher Murphy, Senior Planning Project Manager by telephone at 703-737-7009, or by email at cmurphy@leesburgva.gov

At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning this matter will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 771-2434 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 6/22 & 6/29/2023

Peoples’ Cons ution Fulfilling the Promise

BY BEN LENHART

This July 4 will be the 247th birthday of our Declaration of Independence and Sept. 17 will be the 236th birthday of our Constitution. While young compared to many nations, America is the world’s oldest republic and has the oldest written Constitution (with a few minor exceptions). These are no small achievements. While America faces many serious challenges as we try to live up to our founding documents’ promise of liberty and equality, America’s nearly 250 years under the same form of government is astounding when measured against the world scene, and should be a source of pride for all Americas. This article explores a small slice of our two founding documents and some striking connections between them. The History — July 2 or July 4?

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted Richard Henry Lee’s Resolution for independence, declaring that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.” With independence already declared on July 2, what happened on July 4? Why do we celebrate July 4 and not July 2? The answer: The July 2 Resolution was short and offered no explanation for our radical break from Britain. On July 4, Congress adopted what we now know as the Declaration of Independence, which was aimed at a world audience and provided a detailed justification for why the Colonies were revolting against their motherland.

But the Declaration did not arise out of thin air; a bit of history is needed for context. Although the roots go back even further, in 1763 Great Britain, then one of world’s great powers, emerged victorious from the French & Indian War, brimming with confidence but saddled with war debt. Britain wanted American colonies to help pay that debt, and enacted numerous

taxes for this purpose, such as the Sugar Act (1764) and the Stamp Act (1765). At a more basic level, Britain wanted American colonies to follow British orders and to “do what they are told” whether on taxes or any other isuse. Many in the colonies resisted these British laws, which they felt were unjust because the were imposed by a British parliament across a vast ocean, with scant knowledge of conditions faced by the colonies and without any colonial representation. Tensions between Britain and the colonies escalated slowly at first, and then exploded. Many great books are written on the revolutionary period, but here are just a few of the key events:

• 1766: LEEDSTOWN RESOLVES, where colonists in Virginia pledge loyalty to the King, but condemn British taxes imposed without their representation in Parliament (many similar resolutions are made by other Colonies in coming years)

• 1766: DECLARATORY ACT, where Britain claims it can issue any law it wants in order to govern American colonies

• 1770: BOSTON MASSACRE

• 1773: BOSTON TEA PARTY

• 1774: THE “INTOLERABLE ACTS,” as retribution for the Boston tea Party

• APRIL 1775: LEXINGTON & CONCORD and the “shot heard round the world”

• MAY/JUNE 1775: SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS convenes and names John Hancock as president of the Congress and George Washington as commander of the fledging army.

• JUNE 1775: DEADLY BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL

• JULY 1775: COLONIES SEND OLIVE BRANCH PETITION to King George III seeking peaceful resolution (the King refuses and largely ignores the petition, which was one of several sent by the Colonies in an effort find peace)

• DECEMBER 1775: BRITAIN ORDERS CLOSURE OF ALL TRADE WITH AMERICAN COLONIES

• JANUARY 1776: THOMAS PAINE PUBLISHES “COMMON SENSE;” the hugely popular pamphlet strongly supports American independence

• JUNE 1776: MASSIVE BRITISH NAVAL FLEET ARRIVES IN NEW YORK HARBOR, ready for war

• JUNE 7, 1776: RICHARD HENRY LEE PRESENTS A RESOLUTION FOR AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE TO CONGRESS

• JUNE 11: CONGRESS APPOINTS A FIVE-MEMBER COMMITTEE TO DRAFT THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; Thomas Jefferson takes the lead with edits from John Adams, Ben Franklin and others

• JUNE 28, 1776: CONGRESS RECEIVES THE COMMITTEE’S DRAFT OF THE DECLARATION AND MAKES FURTHER CHANGES (including removal of anti-slavery language inserted by Jefferson)

• JULY 2, 1776: CONGRESS VOTES IN FAVOR OF LEE’S RESOLUTION OF INDEPENDENCE

• JULY 4, 1776: CONGRESS ADOPTS THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (12 colonies approve it that day, and New York adopts it two weeks later)

For most of the time leading up to July 4, many colonists hoped that problems with Britain could be resolved peacefully, that the colonies could remain with Britain, and that war could be averted. But the events listed above, and many others, eventually persuaded the Colonies that independence was the only answer, even if it required war against the far stronger British Empire. And those events persuaded 56 men to sign the Declaration of Independence knowing that Britain would see it as treason, punishable by death.

The Declaration Simplified

With independence already declared by Congress on July 2, the job of the Declaration of Independence was to explain to the world why the colonies were taking this radical step. The explanation comes in two parts. The first lays out broad themes about government and revolution, and the second lists the Colonies’ specific

grievances against King George. In the first part, the Declaration’s most famous lines justify our revolution by presenting a new conception of government, inherent rights, and the power of the people, a view built on many earlier works, such as those by John Locke, Jean Jacques Rousseau and Thomas Paine, among others.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

In other words, the purpose of government is to serve the people. Full stop. When the government fails to do that, and violates the basic rights of the people over a long period—as Brittan was doing to the colonies—revolution by the people is not only justified but it is their duty. Because this core idea never dies, and applies with as much force today as it did in 1776, government never can, or at least never should, takes its people for granted, lest that government find itself toppled.

After setting out these broad principles, the Declaration then lays out 27 specific grievance against King George. Some of the key ones: King George has brought foreign mercenaries to wage war against us, he has incited slaves and Native Americans to fight against us; he has imposed unjust taxes; he has prevented the colonies from passing their own laws; he has denied us the right to a jury; he has cut off trade to the colonies; and he has “plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts,

FULFILLING THE PROMISE

continues on page 41

Freedom Center

continued from page 8

partnering with data centers and Microsoft to come up with programming that really takes the barriers out of learning IT, getting certified and then getting into the job market.”

She said already more than 100 students have gone through the programs that will be housed at Union Street. Thousands of students have taken part in the center’s “Journey to Freedom” history program, including some who went on field trips to the outside of the Union Street School.

One young student, Jackson Roberts, whose grandfather and great-grandfather attended the Union Street School, urged supervisors to approve the lease.

“It was a big part of the beginning of

Fulfilling the promise

continued from page 40

burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.”

Finally, echoing the June 2 resolution, the Declaration repeats for the world the main point:

“We, therefore … appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved.”

The Original Sin

There are many paradoxes in the Declaration. It praised the power of the people, but led to governments that denied most men and nearly all women the right to vote. But no paradox was greater than the enslavement of millions of people in America in 1776 while the Declaration proclaimed that “all men are created equal” and that “liberty” is an unalienable right. This profound “original sin” of America is reflected in different ways in the Declaration and Constitution. While there was no shortage in 1776 of colonists opposed to slavery, many of whom pointed out this paradox, they were outweighed by those on the other side. In the draft Declaration that Jefferson (himself a slave owner) sent

education in Loudoun County for Black people,” Jackson said. “My grandfather and great-grandfather attended school

to Congress late June 1776, he referred to the slave trade as a “cruel war against human nature itself, violating it’s most sacred rights of life & liberty.” Congress removed this language in the final draft. Eleven years later, the Constitution fared no better, including three clauses directly supporting slavery. It took another 80 years, and the violent convulsions of the Civil War, before Abraham Lincoln would issue the Emancipation Proclamation and refer to a “new Birth of Freedom” while honoring the dead at Gettysburg. Finally, two years later in 1865, the 13th Amendment officially ended slavery in America, although it would be another 100 years before the 1964 Civil Rights Act ended legalized segregation.

The Constitution Builds what the Declaration Dreams

At the same time they adopted the Declaration, the founders also recognized that the new nation—if we could win the war—would need a constitution. However, their first effort, the Articles of Confederation, was a miserable failure. The Articles provided that the 13 colonies—now called states—would retain most power, while the federal government would be small and weak. Our first Constitution was ill suited for the vast new nation of America and lasted only seven years. But the second attempt, our current Constitution drafted in 1787, has endured for more than 235 years. The new Constitution gave concrete form to the beautiful but abstract promises of the Declaration. The Declaration calls for liberty, and Constitution delivers by ensuring that our liberty not be taken except with due process of law (a concept that, ironically, we borrowed from Britain

there. Because of the history that is in this school, I think it should be preserved for future generations to love.”

Larry Simms is a lifelong Loudoun resident and retired schoolteacher of 44 years.

“The Board of Supervisors have the opportunity to make the Union Street School a valuable, proud asset to Loudoun County history, keeping the Union Street School’s ideals and original purpose alive,” Simms said. “This can and will be done through the Loudoun Freedom Center.”

The Loudoun Freedom Center won’t be able to move into the building right away. The county has plans to rehabilitate the school and site for museum purposes, scheduled to finish in 2025 or 2026. A second building on the property, which formerly housed school district offices, will be available for the center this year.

“Preserving the invaluable parts of

and the Magna Carta). The Declaration calls for power residing with the people, and the Constitution delivers by ensuring a republican form of government with leaders elected by the people (although the battle for the right to vote has been an epic struggle that remains ongoing). The Declaration condemns King George for quartering troops in our homes without consent, and the Constitution delivers by banning this in peacetime. The Declaration decries the tyranny of the King, and the Constitution delivers by forever banning any King, Queen or other royalty in America. The Declaration decries “taxation without representation,” and the Constitution delivers by allowing federal taxes, but only by a Congress made up a representatives elected by the people.

The Loudoun Connection

Virginia’s role in America’s founding is overwhelming, producing such central figures as George Washington, George Mason, Richard Lee, Patrick Henry, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson to name a few. But Loudoun County also has its claim to fame. While disputed, some argue that the first county-level reading of the Declaration in Virginia took place in Leesburg on Aug. 12, 1776. Then, with Washington, DC, facing an imminent invasion by the British during the War of 1812, some of our sacred documents, including the Declaration of Independence were brought to Loudoun County for safekeeping. Tradition says that the documents were kept in a brick vault at Rokeby farm near Leesburg, but others argue the location was in a vacant house in Leesburg itself, closer to the courthouse—a mystery that many never be fully solved.

Loudoun’s history, such as the Union Street School, was a driving force behind my motion to create the curator program,” Randall stated in a press release after the vote. “This collaboration is a win-win for the community, providing both historical preservation and ongoing education for Loudoun residents at this historically significant school.”

“We aim to honor the legacy of heritage, healing and hope, exemplified by our ancestors who fought and died for the equality of civil rights and educational freedoms that we all enjoy in Loudoun today,” Thomas stated in the press release, summarizing the center’s many partnerships and ambitious plans at the property. “… We look forward to reclaiming our history and reimagining our future together.” n

Conclusion

When asked by a citizen in 1787 what kind of government was created by the new Constitution, Benjamin Franklin was said to have replied “a republic, if you can keep it.” This remains the great question that America has always confronted. Franklin knew that keeping a republic “up and running” is no easy task. Since our founding in 1776, countless governments around the world have fallen—in Russia, China, France, Mexico, Japan, Germany, Italy and Greece, to name a few. A central paradox of the Declaration is that it justified the creation of a new America republic in 1776 but also contains the recipe for its downfall: If any American government fails to secure our rights to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” then it is the right and duty “of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles … as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” For far longer than most nations, we have kept our Declaration, our Constitution and our form of government in place, but this incredible record of success can’t be taken for granted, and depends on each American to watch over our government and ensure that it, and we, are always working towards those founding documents’ promise of a “more perfect Union.” n

A special Independence Day Eat, Drink & Be Literary! lecture, The Declaration v. The Constitution, will be held on Saturday, July 1. Tickets and information can be found at oldstoneschool.org.

“This collaboration is a win-win for the community, providing both historical preservation and ongoing education for Loudoun residents at this historically significant school.”

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

15

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

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At this point in the election cycle, it always is gratifying to see the number of community members who are willing to step up to take on the hard challenges our local government leaders face. That dedication is appreciated even more in this heated political climate where civility often is viewed as a weakness rather than an expectation.

But setting the ballot for November’s election is only the first step.

Over the next four months, voters have a lot of work to do to learn about the qualifications and priorities of the candidates. Each voter will have 11 races for state and county government posts to evaluate; very few are uncontested, and some have three candidates in the running.

Running for the School Board isn’t just about combating or promoting the next concept in

wokeness; it’s about setting bus schedules and reviewing construction plans and approving procurement contracts. Serving on the Board of Supervisors isn’t just about setting the tax rates and welcoming or repelling more data centers. It’s a lot of long land use hearings and debates over zoning mumbo-jumbo. The county sheriff isn’t as much about crime-fighting as it is managing a large workforce operating in dangerous conditions.

Those entering the race because of their passion for the latest political hot button may not have the slightest interest—or aptitude—for the other 99% of the job they’re signing up for. Or they just might be the community-oriented game-changers we’ve been looking for.

That’s what the voters need to know before they head to the polls. There are 138 days left to complete that assessment. n

Hand Counting

Editor:

I have no trust in the Loudoun County electoral system to produce a valid and reliable result.

On June 03, 2023, I attended the Loudoun County Republican Party’s Jamboree to observe and participate in a hand-counting ballot process to determine a preference for U. S. president and senate.

There were 455 ballots cast according to the following process:

The ballots were deposited in one ballot box. The ballots were delivered

in batches, under escort to the counting station. Six people staffed the counting station. One overseer, one intermittent random observer, one vote caller, one vote call validator, one recorder of the vote on a preprinted tally sheet, a second vote recorder recorded on an identical but separate tally sheet.

LETTERS to the Editor Online always at LoudounNow.com

Periodically the team stopped counting, comparing the two tally sheets via pattern recognition to validate the accuracy of the recorded count. The counting station was able to provide a valid winner for both the preferred presidential candidate and senatorial candidate in 34 minutes 12 seconds, for an average of 4.5

seconds per counted ballot.

What if this reliable system were applied during the next election in Loudoun County? Multiplying the average of 4.5 seconds by 5,000 ballots, the largest potential number of ballots in a precinct in Loudoun County, the precinct would need three teams of six people working two hours each to process 4,999 ballots.

It is easy and doable. Please contact your local elected officials and demand hand-counted paper ballots to restore trust in Loudoun County’s electoral system.

— Roy Mary, Ashburn

Have something on your mind to share with your neighbors? Send your Letters to the Editor to: Letters@LoudounNow.com

READERS’ poll CHIPshots

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:

What are your summer travel plans?

38.2% Will be buying groceries and gas instead

22.4% Heading to the beach

15.8% It’s another staycation year

11.8% It’s the year for a European vacation

11.8% Hoping for some day trips

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Primary

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Lancaster stated. “And while we were not successful at the ballot box tonight, I look forward to continuing to push for change, both inside of the courtroom and out, as I have done for the last 18 years.  I encourage our current and future elected officials to continue to move our county forward in a compassionate, safe, fair, and competent way.”

“Elizabeth Lancaster’s been in the community 15 years. I’ve been there for 30. So, she’s an integral part of our community and I welcome her contributions in thought or practice as to what we do,” Biberaj said.

Biberaj will now run against Republican nominee Robert Anderson. He served as commonwealth’s attorney from 1996 to 2003.

Subramanyam is running in a newly drawn 32nd Senate District in which Sen. John Bell (D-13) was previously considered the incumbent. But Bell announced

FAA bill delayed

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Washington International Airport combined.

And the airports authority has warned that with Reagan already at capacity, those flights would replace less-expensive shorter trips, reducing service within the perimeter. Dulles Airport has additional capacity with four runways and plans to add a fifth. And they have warned allowing those flights to move to Reagan would decrease

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:

Now that the ballot is set, how are you feeling about November’s election?

he would not seek reelection after a cancer diagnosis and endorsed Subramanyam, now in his second term in the House of Delegates, as his successor.

Sterling dentist Ibraheem Samirah entered the race soon after, triggering the primary. Samirah previously served in the House of Delegates as a Democrat after winning a special and then general election in 2019, but in 2021 lost the seat to a Democrat primary challenge from Del. Irene Shin (D-86).

Subramanyam fended off that challenge Tuesday with 74% of the vote, 10,090 votes to Samirah’s 3,574, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

“I love eastern Loudoun. It’s my home. It’s where I got married, where I have my kids. And I can’t wait to run in November and keep the seat blue and win this election,” Subramanyam said Tuesday night.

“In the end, this is about the people of eastern Loudoun. I feel like my life experiences and my view are similar to the community here. So, I love the fact that I can reach out to people and they can reach out to me. It’s

business at Dulles, causing prices per passenger to climb.

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

This time, with Delta seeking a legislative leg up on the region’s long-haul flights, the fight over the rule has becomes a clash

such a wonderful community.”

Subramanyam, too, said Republicans had sought to influence the Democratic primary.

“I was a little bit surprised that Republicans thought they could infiltrate our election, and I think it just shows that we are the stronger campaign and we will be the stronger campaign in November,” he said.

He now moves to a general election contest against Republican nominee Greg Moulthrop.

“My general election pitch doesn’t change from the primary pitch, which is I’m all about getting things done, even if it means working across the aisle,” Subramanyam said.

The 31st Senate District primary race between Perry and Cummings was more a contest between local and state or national Democrats. Cummings had endorsements from local Democrats including fellow Town Council members and county supervisors, while Perry had no endorsement from local elected officials but many from current and former state and federal of-

between other major air carriers, including United Airlines, which has a hub at Dulles, and American Airlines which has a hub at Reagan. United, American and Alaska Airlines have joined Washington, DC, region lawmakers, business groups, and the airports authority in opposing the changes. The Coalition to Protect America’s Regional Airports, which formed in response to the Capital Access Alliance, touts membership of Virginia airports and business groups locally and across the country. Locally, it includes the Committee for Dulles, the Loudoun Chamber, the Northern Vir-

ficeholders, including much of Loudoun’s state Democratic delegation, Congressional Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) and former Gov. Ralph Northam, along with regional, statewide and national political action committees.

Perry brought in 68% of the vote, 6,479 votes to Cummings’s 3,103.

She now enters what is expected to be one of the most competitive races of the year and one of a handful of races that could swing control of the Senate. She faces the wealthiest candidate in a Loudoun race, Juan Pablo Segura, the son of McLean billionaire Enrique Segura.

Srinivasan’s primary campaign posted a similar percentage, with 68% of the vote and 3,498 votes to challenger Sirisha Kompalli’s 1,680. He was the county Democratic committee’s 2019 nominee for treasurer, seeking unsuccessfully to unseat longtime Treasurer Roger Zurn. He also served as Loudoun Democratic party treasurer. He now enters a race for the 26th House of Delegates District against Republican nominee Rafiuddin Khaja. n

ginia Regional Commission, the Virginia Chamber, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber, the Washington Airports Task Force and the airports authority.

Meanwhile, the Capital Access Alliance’s effort, and the group boasts membership from chambers of commerce and business groups across the country.

Both organizations have brought money to the fight, with public relations firms and big ad buys putting their messages in print, radio, and digital ads and in front of passengers at other airports. n