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VOL. 6, NO. 31
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Independence Day celebrations started early in Loudoun, with Hillsboro putting on a concert and fireworks show Sunday. The first major Fourth of July celebration without COVID-19 pandemic restrictions brought out one of the biggest crowds the Old Stone School has ever seen for an afternoon of music, food trucks, local wine and beer, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, a performance of the National Anthem by Malcom Fuller, and a fireworks show. —Renss Greene
The Digital Pandemic? Guarding Against Ransomware BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
With the COVID-19 pandemic heading into the rearview mirror, security prognosticators are warning about a “pandemic” that could last considerably longer. “This is a digital pandemic,” said local security expert Morgan Wright, who currently serves as the chief security officer for Sentinel One. “It’s spread beyond borders, it’s global at this point and it’s hurting everybody.” Ransomware attacks are nothing new. In fact, said Wright, they’ve been around about 15 years. But the phenomenon is on everyone’s radar screen, at least on the East Coast, following the May Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. In response, the oil re-
finery halted pipeline operations, creating a minor panic that quickly affected the East Coast gas supply. “Colonial Pipeline was a watershed moment,” Wright said. “This was criminal ransomware operating with the implicit approval of Russia that was able to attack and affect the critical infrastructure of the U.S. without crossing our borders. I do a lot of stuff for national and cable news. Some things are just a story here and now, and some things make the news cycle. This is one of the first times ransomware became part of the news cycle.” But a quick internet search shows that ransomware is much more prevalent than Colonial Pipeline or the Solar Winds’ supply chain attacks of late 2020. Lately, everything from public school systems and uni-
versities to the New York City Subway and Martha’s Vineyard Ferry, to unemployment offices, healthcare systems, even your runof-the mill small business, have been the victim of a ransomware attack. Ransomware is quickly becoming its own industry, and more of a guaranteed get-rich-quick scheme that’s as simple as reaching out to a site on the dark web. The industry is unfortunately fast-growing, doubling in 2020 following explosive growth in 2018 and 2019. “In the last two-and-a-half years it went from kind of a marginal technique to being the number one problem, and it’s costing people billions of dollars,” said John Gilmore, the director of research for Abine, a data privacy company. It’s evolved from a simple consumer scam, where hackers convince members
of the public to send them money via gift cards to pay fake outstanding fines, or purchase products that don’t exist. Now, ransomware attacks can be highly complex. “Unlike in the past, the people that wrote the ransomware code itself and the people doing the scam emails were all the same people. What happened in the last two years is that the industry has become specialized. The people that actually write the code are not the ones who execute the attacks,” he said. “They can license the software to anyone that wants to use it, so you have this proliferation of potential attacks. It’s a real franchise model. Criminal organizations are collecting money but don’t have to attack anyone. It’s a great way to make a RANSOMWARE continues on page 38
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Delta Variant Arrives in Loudoun LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Aili Hou/Loudoun Now
Local elected leaders celebrated the arrival of the new Battlefield Parkway interchange with a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 28.
Leesburg’s Newest ‘Gem’ Elected Leaders Celebrate Battlefield Interchange Opening BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
Monday’s daunting heat did little to damper the enthusiasm of the crowd gathered to celebrate the county’s newest transportation enhancement—the completion of the interchange at Rt. 7 and Battlefield Parkway in Leesburg. The ceremonial ribbon was cut June 28 on the $77 million interchange, which opened to traffic after the evening rush hour along with the decommissioning of the Cardinal Park Drive traffic light nearby. Those in attendance to celebrate the completion of the 20-month-long construction project were elated that the arrival of the interchange will allow the removal of the last Rt. 7 traffic signal between Sterling and Clarke County, giving commuters 30 miles of signal-free driving. Supervisor Kristen Umstattd (D-Leesburg) noted that the removal of the signal will enable 80,000 motorists a day to enjoy the signal-free drive, with 20,000 cars a day estimated to use the new Battlefield interchange. “This takes transportation in Leesburg to a whole new level,” said Bill Cuttler, VDOT’s Northern Virginia district construction engineer, in kicking off Monday’s ceremony. Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk, a more than 40-year town resident, recalled when she was a teacher at Seneca Ridge Middle School in Sterling. Then, there was one traffic signal between Leesburg and Sterling, but many would sprout up along Rt. 7 over
the years as the area’s population grew. She said she was thrilled to once again be at a point of a signal-free commute along the highway. She said the project “represented the culmination of a decade of transportation planning,” that began in earnest not long after the Rt. 7 link between nearby Kincaid Boulevard and Battlefield Parkway debuted in 2008. Burk also thanked area residents for putting up with the inconveniences caused by the project, including an almost yearlong closure of the parkway link between the Marketplace at Potomac Station shopping center and Russell Branch Parkway. County Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) had the unique role of both overseeing the county board and chairing the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority when the project secured $58 million in NVTA funding, the lion’s share of the cost of the project. Randall heaped praise on both county staff and NVTA staff for educating her on the importance of the project, and on NVTA leadership for seeing its value to the region as a whole. She said the NVTA is always looking to support transportation projects that bring congestion relief relative to cost that will help to move the region’s commuters. The new interchange will essentially help move traffic in a tristate area, Randall said, as many commuters from points east and west, as well as from Maryland and West Virginia, are likely to use it on a daily basis. “This particular interchange will save 2.4 million hours of driving between now and 2040,” for area commuters, Randall
said. “It’s probably the gem of everything we’ve done over the past few years.” Both Del. Wendy Gooditis (D-10) and Del. Dave LaRock (R-33) applauded the interchange for giving commuters a much more affordable alternative to the Dulles Greenway. “Does some of my pleasure derive from the fact that I can skip travel on another beautiful yet expensive highway? Perhaps,” Gooditis said to laughs. Umstattd, who served as the town’s mayor when Battlefield Parkway arrived on the transportation network, said the project was another byproduct of decades of regional collaboration on transportation. She and others who spoke Monday also took time to thank the men and women behind Wagman Construction, the contractor for the project, who built the interchange under particularly difficult circumstances. Wagman President and COO Gregory Andricos applauded his team for completing the job, in the midst of a pandemic and with spells of material shortages. Work was largely wrapped ahead of the July 4 holiday target, despite losing 400 man days to COVID-related quarantines, he said. While the interchange is wrapped up, some work associated with the project will continue through the fall. That includes the addition of auxiliary lanes on Rt. 7 eastbound from the Leesburg Bypass to the new interchange, and from the interchange to River Creek Parkway; and a shared-use path along northbound Battlefield Parkway and a sidewalk along southbound Battlefield Parkway. n
The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed three cases of the potent Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 in Loudoun County. Statewide, 48 cases have been reported, according to the latest data. The Delta variant was first detected in India, where a huge wave of infections hit the country over the past two months. In Loudoun, none of the individuals infected with the Delta variant, also known as B.1.617.2, has required hospitalization. Overall, community spread of the virus has been curtailed in the county since vaccinations became widespread. The number of new daily cases is trending at fewer than five and the testing positivity rate holding under 1%. According to the Department of Health’s latest weekly report, released June 25, the most common variant detected in Loudoun is the Alpha variant, B.1.1.7, which is found to be 40% to 80% more transmissible than the original virus. Ninety-eight cases of that variant have been recorded in Loudoun. There also have been 11 cases of the Brazilian variant, P.1; three cases of the South African variant, B.1.351; and two cases each of the two Californian variants, B.1.427 and B.1.429. According to the CDC, these variants spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to more cases of COVID-19, put more strain on healthcare resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more deaths. n
Correction The June 24 article “Political Divide Boils Over at School Board Meeting” incorrectly identified Ted Sjurseth as the person saying, “We came here to dissent, and this is our house, we’re going to dissent,” and as having been issued a trespassing summons. Loudoun Now regrets the error.
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
JULY 1, 2021
Loudoun
Lingering Distrust Fells AT&T’s Short Hill Cell Tower Plans BY RENSS GREENE
rgreene@loudounnow.com
Distrust and opposition from people living around Short Hill Mountain has thrown up a stumbling block to AT&T’s plans for a cell tower on top of the mountain, with the Planning Commission voting down the telecom giant’s application June 22. The company has applied for permission to build a 125-foot-high tower at its secretive facility on top of the mountain. That, they say, would not only improve AT&T wireless service in one of the least-connected areas of the county, but also provide space for other cell phone and wireless broadband carriers on the same tower. They also said the tower would expand FirstNet, a separate wireless network dedicated to first responders. But county staff members advised against approving the tower request, which is in direct opposition to the county comprehensive plan’s protections for ridgelines, and neighbors continued their opposition to building on the mountain that reaches back to 2016, when the company came close to winning approval to build an apparent data center on top of the mountain. The company denied the 160,000-square-foot, 35-foot-high facility would have been a data center, although local experts disagreed. Then, too, the company said the new facility would improve communications networks in the county; the county’s Commu-
nications Commission found no evidence that was the case. Lingering distrust from that ordeal has carried over into neighbors’ opposition today. “They were trying to build a data center up there, which they still deny it was a data center, but it totally was,” said Sam Kroiz, one of the leading opponents to the previous application. “So, if you want to see how honest they were, you can ask them if that was a data center or not, because everyone knows it was, but they still deny it.” He said there are still “a lot of hard feelings in the Lovettsville area.” He also questioned the company’s claims about improving wireless service. “The coverage map doesn’t make any sense, because if you look at the coverage map, there’s an existing tower that’s right in the middle of a supposed dead zone,” Kroiz said. “I get my service from it currently.” Others worried that allowing the tower would set a precedent for more towers on ridgelines going forward. “I’m particularly concerned that if this goes forward, it could really begin to damage the entire future of the mountains, with other alternative uses saying ‘this was approved, therefore we should be approved,’” said former Planning Commission chairman Al Van Huyck. He said he opposed the proposal, but if it is approved, it would need to be using specific language to make it clear to future applicants the Short Hill
site was a unique circumstance. That reflected an argument by AT&T’s representatives that a tower on top of the mountain was the least-bad option, since the site has already been cleared and graded for a facility dating to the 1960s. “The ridgeline prohibition, to the extent that that exists and that applies here, is specifically to protect views,” said Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr attorney Greg Rapisarda, representing AT&T. “You cannot protect the views by moving this downslope, the views are what they are here.” Planning Commissioners voted 6-3 to oppose the application, with commissioners Jeff Salmon (Dulles), Michelle Frank (Broad Run) and Mark Miller (Catoctin) opposed to the denial. “You can say you don’t want a tower here, and then they come in with another application somewhere else, and the same people will come out and say they don’t want it there, and then someone else will say they don’t want it there, and in the end you don’t get what is a utility, in my mind,” Salmon said. “What troubles me, the people that we are trying to help, the community, they are all opposed to it,” said Commissioner Ad Barnes (Leesburg). “Now we are forcing this coverage on them when they don’t want it. So we are telling them, hey, whether you want it or you don’t want it, we’re going to shove it up your throat.” “Clearly this is in violation of a very im-
Worries, Divides Remain on Rt. 15 Plans BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
A virtual public meeting June 23 on the county’s plans for Rt. 15 north of Leesburg showed the divides that remain among people living nearby. The county has begun work amending the Countywide Transportation Plan on Rt. 15 between Montresor Road north and the Point of Rocks bridge. It is the latest in ongoing work on the road. The county in 2018 approved a comprehensive plan amendment covering Rt. 15 from Leesburg to Montresor, upgrading plans for the road from a two-lane, local access, undivided rural road to a four-lane median, divided road. The new proposed plan would see shoulders and a shared-use path added to Rt. 15 between the bridge to Chestnut Hill Lane; a
median, shoulders and path added between Chestnut Hill Lane to the village of Lucketts; and a four-lane, median-divided road with shoulders and a path between Lucketts and Montresor. The county also is planning on a bypass around the Lucketts core along with traffic calming and streetscaping measures in the village and roundabouts at Montresor and Spinks Ferry Road, with New Valley Church Road being realigned to connect to the Spinks Ferry roundabout. Those plans got very different reactions from those participating in the virtual meeting last week—ranging from individuals asking for less or even adding toll plazas to Rt. 15, to people asking for a road that looks more like a highway. And some argued county planners have not done enough to gather public input. “There’s low-income communities in that area which you seem like you are not
planning to engage,” Martha Polkey said. “It certainly seems that there is a theme this evening about more involvement with the village of Lucketts,” said Gem Bingol of the Piedmont Environmental Council. “The idea of a comprehensive look at the land use and transportation issues is really critical, and it hasn’t really been done.” She warned widening the road could invite unwanted development, as well as impacts to Lucketts businesses. But County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (DAt Large), who was in attendance, pointed to the long process of meetings on Rt. 15 so far. “I don’t think it’s fair to say or correct to say that there hasn’t been just huge amounts of public involvement,” she said. For now, Randall said, it appears that Rt. 15 will remain one of the few ways to cross the Potomac River, and Maryland officials
portant element in our comprehensive plan to protect the ridgelines, plain and simple,” said Commissioner Roger Vance (Blue Ridge). He also pointed out there are other options for getting broadband service into northwestern Loudoun—work that is ongoing with the Board of Supervisors’ plan to expand broadband throughout the county. He said a tower on Short Hill should not be a “foregone conclusion.” “I consider myself a public servant sitting up here, and when the community is split, then I think we have a decision to make,” said commission Chairman Forest Hayes (At Large). “When the community is firmly opposed to something—if there are people who are for it, they didn’t show up tonight—it makes our job easy, particularly when the law and policy is very clearly stated.” For legislative purposes, the application is in three parts—a commission permit, which the Planning Commission can approve or deny; a zoning special exception, on which the Planning Commission advises the Board of Supervisors; and a zoning minor special exception, which goes straight to the board. The Planning Commission’s action denies the commission permit, and recommends the Board of Supervisors deny the special exception. Supervisors have the authority to overturn a Planning Commission decision on a commission permit. All three must be approved for the tower project to proceed legally. n have historically shown little interest in widening the road on their side of the river. Randall said she has gone to Maryland to meet with officials four times to ask about studying a new bridge, “and it has been a consistent and incredibly loud no.” And, she said, although there have been possible indications of changing attitudes on that among some Maryland residents and chambers of commerce, “if that change is real, it has not reached the elected officials in Maryland.” “What the chair has heard from Maryland officials is consistent with what others of us have heard: Maryland is so far not budging in its opposition to another river crossing and there has been no advocacy from Maryland’s local officials to widen or replace the Point of Rocks bridge,” agreed Supervisor Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg), who also attended. More information on the ongoing comprehensive plan amendment is at loudoun. gov/route15CPAM. n
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JULY 1, 2021
Leesburg
Third-Grader Becomes Leesburg’s ‘Mayor for the Day’ BY AILI HOU
On Monday, there were not one but two mayors of Leesburg: Mayor Kelly Burk and “Mayor” Amelia Brown—a nine-year-old third-grader at Loudoun Country Day School. Brown won the chance to be “Mayor for the Day” through an auction at her school, and accompanied Burk on a tour of some of the most important venues in town through the day. Although many other prizes were available at the auction, ranging from birthday celebration baskets to poetry books, Brown was solely interested in the “Mayor for the Day” experience. Her mother, Amanda Felts, said Brown is a curious student who loves to ask questions and learn about how things work. Brown’s term as mayor began with a tour of Leesburg’s Town Hall. The next stop was the Leesburg Water Treatment Plant, where Brown was able to get an inside look at the water filtration processes that help keep the town’s water supply safe and clean. Afterward, the mayoral pair headed over to the new interchange on Rt. 7 and Battlefield Parkway for its ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony. Among a host of other elected leaders and local officials, Brown stepped up to the podium to introduce herself and Burk before Burk gave her remarks.
Aili Hou/Loudoun Now
Mayor-for-a-Day Amelia Brown and Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk enjoy a tour of a Cessna Skyhawk parked at Leesburg Executive Airport Monday, June 28.
Shortly after the dedication ceremony, the two visited the Leesburg Executive Airport for lunch and several aviation-associated activities. With the guidance of airport staff, Brown sat in the pilot’s seat and explored the controls of a helicopter as well as practiced flying a plane on a flight simulator. Throughout these activities, Brown
piped in with a variety of different questions—from whether licenses are needed to fly aircraft to where the pilots who work 24-hour shifts at the airport sleep at night. Lastly, Brown and Burk finished their day together with an aerial tour of downtown Leesburg in Cessna Skyhawk. Leesburg Executive Airport, in particular, was chosen as a stop on the “Mayor for the Day” tour because of its importance to the county and its operations, Burk said. Although Brown’s day was packed with numerous activities, she highlighted the ribbon-cutting ceremony and Water Treatment Plant tour as her favorite parts of the day because they were “the most fun.” Just before their plane took off for the aerial tour, she added that their flight would likely end up as her favorite experience. As for the real mayor’s take on their time together, Burk said that she was “really impressed by [Brown’s] questions” as well as the way she spoke. After a full day of exploring the ins and outs of Leesburg, what could possibly be next for Brown? Soon she will embark on a two-week sleepaway camp in Pennsylvania, where she will participate in a range of activities from horseback riding to visiting a blueberry farm. While she may be trading in her mayoral duties for hiking, farming, and fishing, the young “mayor” remains eager for new opportunities and to learn as much as she can about the world. n
AROUND town Town Green Renovations Set for Late Summer The Town Green in front of Leesburg Town Hall will undergo a bit of a transformation, following the council’s award of a construction contract last week. The council approved a $174,725 construction contract with Sagres Construction Corporation for the renovation project, which is part of phase one of the Town Hall campus improvements project. According to a staff report, the Town Green project was initially implemented to replace aged and dying trees that were planted with the construction of Town Hall in 1990. Those trees had been cared for by the Parks & Recreation Department and had reached the end of their healthy life span. The tree roots had also begun to create trip hazards in the hardscape area and maintenance was becoming challenging. The project will replace the four large trees with an updated landscaping area that will include new trees and improved soil for healthy long-term tree growth, along with landscaped beds and seating areas. The existing hardscape will also be removed and replaced, to do away with the trip hazards.
Construction is expected to begin in mid- to late-August, and wrap up before Thanksgiving.
Leesburg Terminates State of Emergency Starting July 1, the Town of Leesburg, like the Commonwealth of Virginia, will no longer be under a state of local emergency. The Town Council voted last week to terminate its state of local emergency to coincide with the Commonwealth’s rescission of its state of emergency, effective at 11:59 p.m. June 30. The council first declared a state of local emergency March 18, 2020, just six days after Gov. Ralph Northam enacted emergency measures for Virginia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Northam has rolled back most mitigation measures, with rising vaccination rates and declining positive cases, most localities have begun to resume normal, pre-pandemic operations. The council also last week repealed its continuity of government ordinance, which was set to expire July 12. The ordinance put temporary regulations in place to ensure that government operations would not
be impacted by the pandemic, suspended some deadlines, and also put standards in place for allowing both members of the council and its advisory bodies to virtually attend meetings. Both actions passed on the council’s consent agenda by a 6-0-1 vote. Councilwoman Kari Nacy was absent for the meeting.
Leesburg Moving to Monthly Meals Tax Collection The Town of Leesburg will follow the example of its neighbors and, in 2022, will begin collecting meals tax from its food and beverage establishments on a monthly basis. During last week’s meeting, Town Council members adopted a series of batch amendments to its Zoning Ordinance. Among those is a move to require monthly, rather than quarterly, filing of meals taxes from its businesses. Meals taxes represent more than $8 million in annual revenue for the town government, said Lisa Haley, the town’s treasurer and the deputy director of Finance and Administrative Services. The move to monthly filing will help the town streamline its operations and, perhaps most notably in the
wake of COVID-19, provide a timely and key business economic indicator for the town government. The change could be just as helpful for businesses, she added. “One of the main lessons learned from the pandemic is that the trust tax that businesses manage on behalf of the town is a bit burdensome,” she said. “Moving to monthly collection can reduce that burden.” Haley said monthly filing could also allow more businesses to take advantage of a 5% discount given to businesses who file their taxes in a timely manner. For those businesses that are struggling, it also allows town staff to intervene more quickly if they are having trouble paying on time, and potentially offer a payment plan. The town will also move its deadline for collection of the Business, Professional and Occupational License tax from May 1 to March 1 beginning in 2022. The annual filing is based on a business’ prior calendar year gross receipts. In both changes, Leesburg will mirror its neighbors. Purcellville, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Vienna, and Herndon already collect AROUND TOWN continues on page 7
JULY 1, 2021
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Council Approves Floor & Decor Store BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The former Walmart store in Leesburg is in for a serious makeover. The Town Council on June 22 approved a special exception permit for Floor & Decor Outlets America. The national retailer will take over the vacant 97,000-square-foot storefront off Edwards Ferry Road and Rt. 15 in the Shenandoah Square shopping center. Although Floor & Decor’s proposed use is allowable under the existing B-3 zoning, the proffers associated with the site prohibit lumber and building materials sales, which is how the new use for the site has been classified. Senior Planning Projects Manager Scott Parker emphasized that only the five acres of the site that include the building will be rezoned to the B-3 use. The remainder of the property will still be subject to the existing proffers on the site. As part of its application, Floor & Decor proffered out certain uses on the site, including a funeral home, commuter parking lot, and a club. The applicant also proffered to upgrade landscaping and make other site improvements, including enhancements to vehicular travel ways within the shopping center and a pedestrian connection to Heritage Way near the store’s new customer service section, replacing Walmart’s former garden center. Traffic into and out of the shopping center is expected to be less than when Walmart
AROUND town continued from page 6
meals taxes on a monthly basis, and all but Lovettsville also have a BPOL filing date of March 1. That is also when Loudoun County collects its BPOL taxes. The vote to approve the changes passed by a 6-0-1 vote, with Councilwoman Kari Nacy absent.
Council Leery Over Code Changes Relating to Car Sales It will no longer be against the rules to park your car on a street in Leesburg to advertise it for sale. It’s a move that has some Town Council members nervous about the consequences. Last week, as part of its annual batch of Town Code amendments, the council removed a prohibition on parking cars on town streets for the purpose of advertising them for sale. The move was clearly not one the council wanted to make, but it was required to comply with federal law. Deputy Town Attorney Christine Newton said repealing that code section was one
was in operation. Brad Lauth, of CenterPoint Integrated Solutions, representing the applicant, noted that at peak times there are only 80 to 100 customers in the store. The Leesburg store will be the first Floor & Decor shop to debut its new “shop in shop” center, a more enhanced design center. Its exterior architectural features will require approval by the Board of Architectural Review as the property falls within the Gateway District. Prior to the vote, Mayor Kelly Burk acknowledged that “ideally” it would have been nice for the former Walmart store to have been converted into a new store that also provided groceries and other essentials to nearby residents. “We recognize that that area really needs a food store, but we can’t dictate that,” she said. “We are delighted this project is going in there. It will no longer be an abandoned site.” Councilman Zach Cummings, while equally supportive of Floor & Decor’s arrival to town, also voiced concerns that the highly pedestrian-trafficked area was becoming a “food desert” in an area where many residents do not have access to vehicles to drive to other grocery stores. “I would hope that in the future someone can bring forward groceries to residents of that neighborhood,” he said. The vote to approve the special exception application passed 6-0-1, with Councilwoman Kari Nacy absent for the meeting. n of the first things Town Attorney Christopher Spera brought to staff ’s attention when he began his work at Town Hall last August. Spera represented his former employer, the City of Alexandria, when it was challenged in court by a city resident who said its city code section that prohibited parking vehicles on city streets for the purpose of advertising their sale was unconstitutional. Scott McLean argued that prohibiting the displaying of a sign listing the vehicle for sale was a form of content-based restriction of his First Amendment right to commercial speech. The court agreed. The town government will still be able to prevent for-sale cars from flooding the streets for an indefinite amount of time, as cars are prohibited from being unattended on streets for 10 days or more, Newton said. In response to a question, Spera said he believed that commercial establishments placing for-sale cars on town streets without a permit would be a violation. Council members asked for further clarification on the length of time cars could be parked on public streets, but did approve the change as part of its batch amendments.
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JULY 1, 2021
Education
Embark Center Offers Reprieve from Conventional Schooling BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
On weekday mornings, bells buzz in classrooms across the district to convene classes, just as roughly a dozen children settle onto couches in a cozy living room in downtown Leesburg to begin a day of “unschooling” at Embark Learning Center. Course offerings range from “Bread” to “Crazy Crimes,” but sometimes learners opt to read, relax, or socialize instead. “There are no rules, nothing we do is compulsory,” said Andrea Cubelo-McKay, a mother of three and former Montessori schoolteacher. She founded Embark Learning Center in 2017 after researching self-directed learning. Her oldest child went through the Loudoun County school system with relative ease, going on to earn a bachelor’s degree and start a career. Her younger daughter, Cate, though, just didn’t jive with conventional schooling. “She was a square peg in a round hole,” Cubelo-McKay remembers. The family watched as Cate torturously progressed through the school system. “Around middle school is when she started being more aware of other peoples’ opinions of her. She started experiencing anxiety and depression. We went through suicidal ideation,” said Cubelo-McKay. Cate ultimately graduated from Loudoun County High School and
Hayley Milon Bour/Loudoun Now
Embark Program Advisors Catina Sweedy (left) and Andrea Cubelo-McKay (right)
opened a massage therapy business. Her mother, though, knew that children like her daughter needed an alternative to traditional learning. She founded Embark using the “unlearning” model created by North Star Center for Self-Guided Education in Massachusetts. Cubelo-McKay recruited learners from
elementary to high school age to join the center by pitching a crazy idea: “Unschooling”. “Unschooling” is antithetical to conventional classroom learning. Students, or “members,” as they’re known at Embark, determine how they want to spend their day-to-day.
School Board Nears Deadline on Transgender Policy BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
Parents and activists across the county remain divided over the proposed Policy 8040, which provides protections for transgender and gender expansive students, as the School Board’s August deadline to implement the rule approaches. Last week’s School Board discussion of the policy occurred in a largely empty meeting room after a raucous public comment session led to the arrest of one man and an order to clear the boardroom. The policy is intended to comply with the Virginia state mandate that school districts enact protections for trans-
gender and gender expansive students no later than the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Asia Jones, the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Services, reminded board members that policy 1040, Equal Opportunity for Equitable, Safe and Inclusive Environment, already provides many protections for transgender students. She said that there are transgender students in the school system, and to date there have not been any issues accommodating the needs of those students. “We work very diligently to provide very affirming, welcoming, and safe learning environments for all of our children,” Jones said. Under the policy, transgender stu-
dents have the right to be addressed using their chosen name and gender pronouns. However, students’ gender identities are not shared with teaching staff publicly. Jeff Morse (Dulles) noted that, without that knowledge, some teachers might mistakenly address students by the wrong pronoun. Ziegler responded that it hasn’t been an issue so far. “Not knowing the child’s gender status, having the occasional slip or not knowing the correct pronoun, staff would have the opportunity to correct that. It’s not going to be published, there’s not going to be a list of students saying, ‘these are your transgender students,’” Ziegler said. The policy also allows students to
“Embark is for anyone who is looking for a place where they are trusted in creating their own learning path. … We like to take labels out,” said program advisor Catina Sweedy. “Our members decide what they’re going to learn about.” Classes are created based on group interest. “Crazy Crimes” came to fruition when members bonded over their love of true crime podcasts. Embark isn’t an accredited school, so members have to register as homeschoolers to avoid violating truancy laws. Homeschooling in Virginia only requires families to declare intent to homeschool, and to demonstrate yearly academic progress. Embark guides members through the process. The Embark experience is unlike other learning environments in Virginia. With no math requirements, no labs, no curriculum to follow, members learn far more essential life skills. The tight-knit community fosters interpersonal relationships and teaches conflict resolution. “Academics are important, but they are not as important as being a human being in society. When issues arise here, that is where our true growth comes from,” said Cubelo-McKay. Many families arrive at Embark with a sense of desperation, after homeschooling, public school, and private school EMBARK CENTER continues on page 9 participate in gender-segregated extracurricular activities that align with their chosen gender identity. That includes clubs and intramural sports. The policy does not apply to interscholastic athletics, which are governed by the Virginia High School League. VHSL has specific requirements regarding participation of transgender students in athletics. VHSL only allows transgender students to partake in athletics that align with their preferred gender if they have undergone sexual reassignment surgery and are undergoing hormone replacement therapy. All school mental health professionals are required to complete training on topics relating to LGBTQ+ students, including training in response to bulling. The School Board is off during July and is scheduled to take up the issue again at its Aug. 10 meeting. n
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JULY 1, 2021
Embark Center continued from page 8 prove to not suit their child. Nichole Lee, a Leesburg mother of a special needs student found that public schools weren’t serving her son’s needs. She advocated for him in Individualized Education Plan meetings, trying to get him proper classroom support. Still, he loathed school. “The system is overwhelmed and can’t do what the kids need. The therapies are training him, not for him, but for the teachers or for the system,” Lee said. While at first, the “unlearning” concept seemed bizarre, Lee realized that her son could learn practical skills once he gained direction and self-awareness. “My child knows how to do basic math, and when he decides what he wants to do, we’ll look up a math class,” Lee said There is no graduation date, and members decide when they’re ready to move on from the center. Meghan Sutter finished up at Embark last year. She is taking college courses at Northern Virginia Community College, and in her free time she volunteers with
Loudoun Spelling Superstar Advances to Finals of National Spelling Bee Ashrita Gandhari, a 14-year-old Stone Hill Middle School graduate, advanced to the championship round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee after her fourth career semi-final appearance Sunday night. She will join 10 other finalists to compete for the national title on July 8 in Orlando, FL. Gandhari, a rising ninth grader, competed against 30 spellers in the virtual semifinals that was broadcast live to a national audience on ESPN2. She successfully navigated the words
the Embark community. Sutter, who joined Embark following her sophomore year of high school after struggling with the stress of conventional schooling, said that adjusting to the lack of structure was like falling down the stairs. She and Cubelo-McKay laugh about her frustrations without structure during her early days at Embark. “It was more existing in a community and how to unapologetically be yourself and be comfortable with yourself even
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“quondam,” “cataplexy,” and “asterixis.”
if that’s not what other people think it should look like,” Sutter said. She’s still close friends with fellow alumna Grace Shaffer, who also found conventional school unnatural. Shaffer despised school so much that on her birthday, her mother would gift her a “Get Out of Jail Free Card” to play hooky for the day. “In school you don’t have time to learn how to exist in the world, it’s very stressful,” Shaffer said.
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Shaffer said that her time at Embark empowered her to be more independent and adventurous. Shaffer is also taking college courses. She emphasized that she’s pursuing education because she wants to, not because it’s expected of her. Embark typically has about 20 members at a time. Membership is $13,100 a year for full-time enrollment, and $9,400 a year for part-time enrollment. The center also offers learners need-based assistance. n
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“I was super proud of myself and all of the hard work I put into this. I know my hard work paid off,” Gandhari said. Gandhari prepared for the competition with 10-hour practice days, flashcard drills, and quizzing with the help of her family members. She qualified for the national bee in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and has been spelling competitively since she was five years old. In the final rounds, she’ll be vying for the Scripps Cup and more than $50,000 in cash prizes. n
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JULY 1, 2021
Public Safety
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Assault Charges Against Former WFT Running Back Dismissed LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office on June 23 dismissed criminal charges against former Washington Football Team running back Derrius Guice at the request of the victim. Guice, 23, was charged in February 2020 with three Class 1 misdemeanors, along with a felony strangulation charge, after his girlfriend accused him of assaulting her on three separate occasions. In January, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office agreed to not prosecute Guice’s felony strangulation charge. In a case filing at that time, prosecutors said proceeding with the misdemeanor cases was appropriate to hold Guice accountable and give his girlfriend the chance to let her voice be heard. In the June 23 appearance in Loudoun District Court, Guice and the victim pre-
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sented an accord and satisfaction agreement that was accepted by the judge. The remaining charges of assault and battery and destruction of property were dismissed. The agreement was made under a state law that allows the victim to request the criminal case be dismissed after the accused has performed certain acts that render the victim satisfied. Under Virginia law, a Class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by no more than 12 months in jail, no more than a $2,500 fine or both. The former LSU standout was the Washington Football Team’s second round draft pick in 2018. Because of knee injuries he played in only five games before the team released him after the criminal charges were filed. He remains unsigned. n
Driver Faces Felonies after Hit and Run A Sterling man faces a slew of criminal charges after his car struck multiple vehicles in the area of West Holly Avenue and Alder Avenue in Sterling. According to the Sheriff ’s Office, Misael Diaz Chavez, 26, hit the vehicles around midnight June 28 and then fled the scene. Investigators found him at a
hotel, where he was arrested. Chavez is charged with five counts of hit and run, four counts of felony destruction of property, a misdemeanor count of destruction of property, and a count of reckless driving. He was released on a $5,000 bond. n
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The Sheriff ’s Office has arrested a 47-year-old Sterling woman in connection with a stabbing early Saturday morning. Deputies were called to a home on Emory Drive in Sterling around 4:23 a.m. June 26 after the victim called 911 saying she had been stabbed. Detectives located and arrested the suspect, Shonte Hamilton. She was
charged with aggravated malicious wounding and held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. The victim was admitted to an area hospital for treatment of injuries described as serious. A preliminary hearing on the felony charge is scheduled for Aug. 4 in Loudoun County District Court. n
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PAGE 11
July 1 Brings New Laws, Ends Declared Emergency LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
After a historic 2021 legislative session—not to mention a historic pandemic—Virginians will be seeing some major changes starting July 1. Some of those have been much talked-about and argued-over in Virginia for years, such as the state’s decision to do away with the death penalty, the first southern state to do so, or the decision to legalize recreational marijuana. Others have flown under the radar— figuratively—such as a new law banning the release of balloons, under penalty of a fine of $25 per balloon, or another requiring motorists to change lanes when passing bicyclists. Yet others are of particular local concern, such as new laws tightening oversight of tolls on the Dulles Greenway, allowing for staggered terms for Loudoun County School Board members, and allowing Loudoun to administer its Health Department locally rather than under contract with the state. A new law removes the prohibition on covering abortion for health insurance plans sold through a health benefits exchange in Virginia. Another outlaws dis-
crimination on the basis of disability under the Virginia Human Rights Act. Some of the changes that were made on an emergency basis during the COVID-19 pandemic have now been codified into lasting law, including loosened ABC regulations, expanded telemedicine policies and new options for elected bodies to meet electronically.
State of Emergency to End Virginia’s State of Emergency, in place since March 2020, will be allowed to finally end on July 1, another signpost as the state emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a declaration that would be renewed several times to avoid the automatic time limits on emergencies, as a law typically used for shorter-term disasters such as storms and riots was adapted to the long, grueling fight against a once-ina-century pandemic. The end of that emergency will also allow a law to go back into effect making it illegal in some circumstances to wear a mask in public. State law chapter 18.2-422 prohibits people over 16 years old from wearing face coverings “with the intent to conceal his identity.” The law specifically
allows masks under “the declaration of a disaster or state of emergency by the Governor in response to a public health emergency where the emergency declaration expressly waives this section.” While the Northam administration had previously indicated it may need to address that law to allow continued voluntary mask wearing for health reasons, legal experts more recently have said prosecution may be unlikely because of the intent clause of the law.
Marijuana Virginia’s decision to legalize marijuana came somewhat suddenly. The drug was only decriminalized in 2020, subjecting people with found with small amounts of marijuana to lower penalties. In February 2021, the General Assembly voted along party lines to fully legalize cannabis beginning 2024—which Northam amended to begin instead on July 1, 2021, to which the General Assembly agreed. Adults will be able to possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and grow up to four plants per household. Other provisions of the bill, if reenacted next year, will also allow the retail sale of marijuana in Virginia. That makes the Commonwealth the
first southern state to legalize marijuana. But that was not all Virginia’s legislation this year did. The General Assembly also created a variety of new organizations and programs to oversee, advise on and implement Virginia’s new legal framework for marijuana. The law creates the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, the Cannabis Oversight Commission, the Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, the Cannabis Equity Reinvestment Board and Fund, and the Virginia Cannabis Equity Business Loan Program and Fund, as well as sending support and resources to communities that have been historically and disproportionately affected by drug enforcement. The state has also launched a website, cannabis.virginia.gov, with information about the new laws, and more informational resources are expected.
Education While the most attention-getting of state education laws in Loudoun has been one adopted last year requiring protections for transgender students, the state passed many more educations NEW LAWS continues on page 12
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July 4, 2021 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Refreshments, including free ice cream, will be provided.
Thiss event is free and open to all. 312 E Market St, Suite C, Leesburg, VA 20176 • 703.777.1301 • georgecmarshall.org
Voting The 2021 General Assembly session was also another year of working to expand and protect voting. New laws this year entitle disabled voters to curbside voting, permit absentee voting on Sundays if local registrars or boards of election choose to offer it, and outline new procedures for absentee voting. That includes providing voters an opportunity to correct ballots that have been filled out incorrectly in some circumstances, requiring drop-off locations for absentee ballots, and requiring officers of election to begin processing absentee ballots before the close of polls on Election Day, while also prohibiting reporting those results until after polls close. Another bill prohibits any voting qualifications, standards, or procedures from being imposed or applied in way that impedes the right to vote of anyone based on race, color, or language. This year also saw a proposed state constitutional amendment setting forth that any person who meets the qualifications for voters in the state constitution
JULY 1, 2021
shall have the fundamental right to vote. It adds that, upon being released from incarceration for a felony, a person’s right to vote is automatically restored. That must pass again next year to be added to the state constitution.
Gun Safety A new law this year prohibits people from purchasing firearms for three years after being convicted of assault and battery of a family or household member. Another allows school boards to designate non-school buildings and properties they own as gun-free zones, and another prohibits bringing guns into or within 40 feet of polling places.
ABC Laws Many of the changes to alcohol laws in Virginia are carried over from pandemic rules designed to help restaurants and other businesses survive. Those include laws that will continue allows restaurants to continue selling cocktails to go, and allowing on-premises wine and beer licensees to continue selling and delivering their products for off-premises consumption. Another authorizes the ABC to grant special event licenses more often and for longer, renaming that license the “designated outdoor refreshment area” license—“outdoor refreshments areas” having been an important part of the survival of many wineries, breweries and restaurants while indoor gathering was limited or prohibited.
Data Protection The new Consumer Data Protection Act is one that has two local sponsors, Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-33) and Del. Suhas Subramanyam (D-87), and will affect what personal information is stored in Ashburn’s data center alley. The bill outlines restrictions on tech companies doing business in Virginia that deal in the personal data of at least 100,000 people or get more than half of their revenues from that personal data. It gives consumers rights to access, correct, delete, and obtain a copy of personal data, and to opt out of the processing of personal data for purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling of the consumer. But this one that doesn’t go into effect yet—it has a delayed effective date of Jan. 1, 2023. And, dealing in privacy and technology, House Bill 2031 prohibits local law enforcement agencies and campus police from using facial recognition technology. n
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Nonprofit
Veterans Moving Forward Lands $10K Grant NORMAN K. STYER
nstyer@loudounnow.com
The board of Veterans Moving Forward logged in for an online meeting June 24 to witness the transition of another of its service dogs from training to serving a disabled veteran. But they also got a surprise: A $10,000 grant from RingCentral. The employees of the cloud-based communications provider selected the Sterling nonprofit as one of five grant winners nationally, chosen from among hundreds of applications. VMF provides service dogs and canine therapy services to veterans with physical and mental health challenges. The free services are available to any veteran of any generation, who served honorably, has physical and/or mental challenges resulting from military operations and/or accident or disease experienced during or subsequent to military service. De’Anelo Wynn, of Winchester, served eight years in the U.S. Navy, assigned to work as a bodyguard for chaplains on
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
De’Anelo Wynn and his new service dog, Harry, provided by Veterans Moving Forward.
MOVING FORWARD continues on page 15
ARPA Funding to Open for Nonprofits, Faith-Based Organizations LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
We Grow Community Giving CommunityFoundationLF.org | (703) 779-3505
Loudoun County government has encouraged nonprofits and faith-based organizations serving Loudoun to apply for financial assistance available through the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funding. This funding will support organizations that are working to mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications opened this week at loudoun.gov/grantopportunities. The Board of Supervisors recently approved a spending plan for the county’s ARPA funding that includes a variety of programs to help the county recover from the effects of the pandemic, including support for the business community, the tourism industry, the county’s ongoing vaccination efforts, telehealth and broadband services. In
addition, the plan includes $2.5 million for nonprofits assisting the community with COVID-19 response and recovery. Priority will be given to those organizations that continue to experience and demonstrate COVID-19-related changes in services that provide direct, life-sustaining assistance, with a focus toward recovery and sustainability. Those priority areas include rental assistance to those not eligible under the state’s Rental Relief Program, utility assistance, food assistance and health and wellness support. Organizations must describe their long-term recovery plan, including steps taken to promote long-term stability as well as innovations and adaptations made in response to the pandemic and plans to enhance future service delivery. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 28. n
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Snyder Named Commander at American Legion Post 293 Robert J. Snyder is the new commander of the American Legion Post 293, Shelbourne Parish, in Purcellville. Snyder succeeds Blaine Anderson, who has overseen the transformation at the post since 2016. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s larg-
est wartime veterans service organization aimed at advocating patriotism across the U.S. through diverse programs. “I consider it an honor and privilege to lead Post 293 as a resource for veterans and their families and survivors,” Snyder said. A native of Lancaster, PA, and a retired U.S. Navy veteran, Snyder has lived in Northern Virginia for 11 years. n
New American Legion Post 293 Commander Bob Snyder, left, poses with outgoing commander Blaine Anderson.
Contributed
Moving Forward continued from page 14 Hero Flights to give last rites to fallen service members. He suffered from bipolar and post-traumatic stress disorders, which, along with an Achilles rupture that required a year and a half of recovery, led to a medical discharge. He lived with anxiety, night terrors and lots of medication until Veterans Moving Forward partnered him with Jug, a yellow lab from Short Hill Mountain Labradors near Purcellville. Over the past five years, they’ve been inseparable, with Jug able to detect and help Wynn through manic situations. Now 10 years old, Jug is being retired from service. Enter Harry. The stubborn 2-year-old chocolate lab was about to wash out of the training program when he took a liking to Wynn during a chance meeting. They began training together and this week celebrated their graduation. While Harry already has a good understanding of his responsibilities, he’ll have a good role model at home, as Jug will serve his retirement years with Wynn, as well. Wynn is the first VMF client to receive a second dog. It is success stories like Wynn’s that won over the RingCentral selection committee during the inaugural round of grant-giving, said RingCentral Manager of Marketing Operations and Business Development Bay Nixon, who was on hand to make the surprise announcement. She said VMF was one of nine finalists to be voted on by the company’s employees; five were selected to receive grants. “I was so moved by y’all’s story. All of our employees were, and there are thousands of them,” said Nixon, who also promised to return to the Mercure Circle facility as a volunteer in the future. n
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Business
Silver Diner Opens First Loudoun Location LOUDOUNNNOW STAFF REPORT
Silver Diner opened its newest restaurant in Ashburn this week. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant—the 19th for the popular chain—is located in Commonwealth Center at the corner of Loudoun County Parkway and Russell Branch Parkway, close to One Loudoun. It is open 7 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekends. The design at the Ashburn restaurant, located at 20530 Heron Overlook Plaza, is in keeping with the new architectural design “Silver Diner 2.0” that was created by the company’s architectural partner, CORE architecture + design. It is similar to the design used for the Gaithersburg, MD, and Columbia, MD, locations. The menu was developed by executive chef and co-founder Ype Von Hengst, and includes choices from diner classics to vegan, plant-based, gluten-free and low-calorie dishes. Many of the ingredients used are sourced from local farms. Von Hengst, who is known for his win on “Chopped” and other television food competitions, has won national awards for his healthy menu. The first Silver Diner opened in 1989
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
The latest Silver Diner restaurant opened June 30 along Loudoun County Parkway in Ashburn.
in Rockville, MD, and four new restaurants have opened during the past two years with more planned. “We’ve adapted our restaurants to meet various architectural retail opportunities and we’ve adapted to best meet our customer demands and needs,” stated co-founder and CEO Robert Giaimo. “The key to our success has been adaptability and evolution. Not only have we adapted our architecture and evolved our menu, but we have also now created mul-
tiple dining options—indoor, outdoor, curbside carhop, takeout and delivery. We want our customers to be able to enjoy our food in whatever environment best suits them.” During the pandemic, Silver Diner pivoted to a more robust takeout and delivery plan and added outdoor seating at all its restaurants. In addition to practicing all the standard pandemic protocols, SILVER DINER continues on page 17
Falcons Landing Celebrates New Living Spaces Falcons Landing celebrated the fruits of a decade of planning on Friday with the formal ribbon cutting on two new residential options at the continuing care retirement community in Cascades. The center is owned by the Air Force Retired Officers Community and serves retirees from the military and government service on a campus that offers a range of independent living options and a nationally recognized skilled nursing center. Two new Terrace Home buildings offer spacious independent-living townhomes, and The Hillside House is a stand-alone memory care assisted living facility with 18 private rooms dedicated to seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. During the June 25 ribbon-cutting ceremony, residents and community leaders highlighted the visionary effort to develop a new master plan for the community,
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
At center, Falcons Landing CEO Gary Handley, former CEO Barbara Brannon and County Chair Phyllis Randall join in cutting the ribbon marking the opening of the retirement center’s new Terrace Home buildings on June 25.
praised the residents who gave up their cottages to make room for the new buildings, county supervisors who provided the
needed approvals, and the design and construction crews who worked through the pandemic to complete the projects. n
BUSINESS announcements Allegiant Air Coming to Dulles with Florida Routes Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air plans new year-round nonstop service from Dulles Airport to Jacksonville International Airport and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport in Florida, with flights slated to begin this fall. Both routes will be served with Airbus A320-family aircraft. “Welcoming Allegiant Air as the newest addition to the Dulles family means more options than ever for nonstop service to popular leisure destinations,” said Carl Schultz, acting vice president of airline business development for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. “Allegiant Air’s new service from Dulles International to these sunny Florida hotspots will be a boon to National Capital Region residents seeking a convenient and affordable getaway.” The airline will launch its flights from Dulles to Jacksonville on Nov. 19 and will operate on Mondays and Fridays. Its service from Dulles to Sarasota will begin Dec. 18 and will operate on Thursdays and Sundays. For details go to allegiant.com.
StoneSprings Adding Ambulatory Surgery Center Construction has begun on an ambulatory surgery center affiliated with StoneSprings Hospital Center near Aldie to provide outpatient care for orthopedic patients. The $6.8 million center is jointly owned by 16 physician partners and construction is expected to be complete by the fall. The surgery center is being built on the site of StoneSprings Hospital’s former freestanding emergency room at 24570 Medical Drive. The 18,630-square-foot facility will provide surgical services for general orthopedics, total joint replacement, and spinal procedures. “We are proud to invest in our community, which continues to grow at a phenomenal rate,” StoneSprings Hospital Center CEO Nathan Vooys stated. ANNOUNCEMENTS continues on page 17
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Announcements continued from page 16
Four Small-Market Routes Added at Dulles The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on Monday celebrated the launch of Southern Airways Express’ new Essential Air Service providing flights to Dulles Airport from four small Mid-Atlantic airports. The Pompano Beach, FL-based sched-
uled service commuter airline, which serves more than 30 cities across the country, will operate up to 12 daily flights to Dulles from Bradford Regional Airport, DuBois Regional Airport and Lancaster Airport in Pennsylvania, as well as Morgantown Municipal Airport in West Virginia, under an Essential Air Service agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The federal EAS program was established to ensure small communities served by certificated air carriers before
airline deregulation maintain a minimal level of scheduled air service. The Department of Transportation subsidizes commuter and certificated air carriers to serve approximately 60 communities in Alaska and 115 communities in the lower 48 contiguous states that otherwise would not receive any scheduled air service. The airline will operate nine-seat Cessna Caravan aircraft on its Dulles routes. For schedule details, go to iFlySouthern.com. n
Silver Diner continued from page 16 TM
Silver Diner installed a hospital-grade HVAC/UV light system that increases air flow and forces air over UV light coils. At night, when the restaurant is closed, the interior is bathed in UV light to help kill bacteria and germs on surfaces. All Silver Diner restaurants have the system, including Ashburn. The organization partners with area schools in each of its communities. Silver Diner’s Eat Well Do Well program has given more than $1 million to area schools for nutrition and fitness programs. The restaurant also partners with Real Food for Kids, an organization dedicated to ensuring that children throughout the area have healthy nutrition options in school and outside of school. During the pandemic, Real Food for Kids partnered with Silver Diner and other restaurants in a program called Chefs Feeding Families that provided more than 150,000 free meals for families throughout the DMV. In celebration of the Ashburn opening on June 30, Silver Diner and Real Food for Kids hosted a Summer of Giving Campaign. For every online $10 donation to Real Food for Kids, guests will receive a certificate for up to $10 off their next dine in visit at Silver Diner. Funds raised will go towards the Chefs Feeding Families campaign to be able to continue to feed families in need through the summer. Real Food for Kids is also hosting a five-week virtual raffle which began June 28 where every donation will provide a chance to win a prize. The goal for the overall campaign is to feed at least 10,000 families this summer. For more information, go to realfoodforkids.org/ silverdinerashburn. Learn more about Silver Diner at silverdiner.com. n
THE STANDBY POWER PEOPLE
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TM
Contributed
Southern Airways Express will use nine-seat Cessna Caravan aircraft on its new routes between Dulles Airport and four municipal airports in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
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Our Towns
TOWN notes
Purcellville Church Celebrates 150 Years BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Purcellville will celebrate its 150th birthday this year, but that is far from what makes it most notable. For one, its rector, Fr. Tom Simmons, is as much responsible for the beauty within the church building as he is for the biblical knowledge he imparts to his congregants each Sunday. On a recent tour, Simmons showed off his woodworking skills that are on display throughout the church building, from its lectern, to the panels on the altar, to the doors that lead into the chapel. He has a mental to-do list of more projects that could use his skills in the building; all he needs is some spare trees and, what is most elusive, time. Simmons is far from the only talented member among the church’s typical 200 attendees at its weekend services. Much of the labor needed for the church’s renovation projects over the years, as well as metalwork and windows, has come from the hands of its faithful and skilled congregants. The in-house talent even helped install a camera system when the church, like others globally, began to stream online services last year at the height of the pan-
YouTube/St. Peter's Episcopal Church
Fr. Tom Simmons stands on the altar of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Purcellville, in front of many of the many examples of his woodworking prowess.
demic. In its 150th year, Simmons, who has served as rector since 2002 and has raised his own family in Purcellville, looks back on how the church came to fruition. There was enough “critical mass” in the community to begin an Episcopal church in western Loudoun back in the 1870s, with
the arrival of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hamilton, now the Hamilton Baptist Church. The Round Hill community would soon find support to save themselves the long ride to Hamilton and founded Mount Calvary Episcopal Church in 1892. St. Paul’s ST. PETER'S continues on page 21
Lovettsville May Offer DMV Select Services BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
The Town of Lovettsville may step up to offer vehicle owners an alternative to typically long lines at area DMV offices. Vice Mayor Christopher Hornbaker has been leading the exploration of establishing a DMV Select service at the newly expanded Town Office. Western Loudoun’s current DMV Select office in Purcellville closed June 30. For the past 18 years, the service has been hosted by Virginia Regional Transit. However, VRT is expected to move its operations out of Purcellville later this year. With the new U.S. Census figures, Loudoun County is unlikely to continue to qualify for rural transit funding provided by the federal government. That would force the nonprofit to halt most of its Loudoun operations and likely to move its headquarters into its core service area to Loudoun’s south. Hornbaker said that, so far, no other
town has shown interest in keeping the service going. Operating the DMV Select office in Lovettsville would require the conversion of a room, currently planned for a supply room/copy center or a future planning and zoning office, into an office with two customer windows. The office would be staffed by three part-time employees. Hornbaker said the project would cost about $12,800 for set up and have an annual expense of $53,000. However, first-year revenues are projected at $60,000, providing a profit that would augment the town’s General Fund. Town Manager Samuel Finz said such an operation would be outside the typical municipal government activities. “We are starting a business here,” he said. “Overall, this is a business venture.” Council members expressed support for the idea. “This is a service the town wants to offer,” Mayor Nate Fontaine said.
Councilwoman Renee Edmonston warned that a Lovettsville location might not draw as much traffic as Purcellville, but even if it generated only a small profit, it would be a great service for residents. Councilman Tony Quintana said they could be underestimating the potential of the service, noting that in the past he has driven as far as McLean for DMV services. Hornbaker said he would want assurances that no other office could be set up nearby, suggesting the town seek a 25-mile radius exclusivity guarantee. The council voted unanimously to direct the staff to negotiate an agreement with the DMV, subject to favorable terms for the town. DMV Select offices typically offer titling services, registrations, license plates, trip or overload permits, handicapped parking placards, voter registration applications, driver transcripts and address changes not requiring the issuance of a driver’s license or ID card. n
LOVETTSVILLE Century Ride Cyclists Welcomed to Town Office Planning is underway for the 38th annual Reston Century bicycle ride, to be held Aug. 22. Typically, cyclists passing through Lovettsville stop at the community center for breaks and refreshments. However, that’s not an option this year during construction of the new building. Last week, the Town Council approved the use of the Town Office for that rest stop. The event is open to 1,200 cyclists following routes of 33, 60, 80 or 100 miles, largely on Loudoun’s scenic rural roads. Lovettsville is at the 56th mile on the large circuit. Organizers said only about 400 riders take the long route and they would be coming through town in small groups during the day, rather than all at once. In addition to allowing use of the Town Office property, the council plans to use the event as an opportunity to promote bicycle safety.
Legion to Honor Hometown Heroes Residents can expect to see some new banners flying on town lightposts this fall. American Legion Post 1836 last week secured the Town Council’s approval of its request to display hometown heroes banners throughout town. The national program features photos of local military veterans and first responders. The post will purchase the banners, but will rely on the town to hang and store them. This year, the plans are to display the banners after Oktoberfest. Going forward, the post would like the banners to be displayed from Memorial Day through Patriots’ Day.
Town’s Emergency Ordinances Repealed The town government will return to normal operations following the formal repeal last week of two ordinances that provided for special authorizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Town Council and other TOWN NOTES continues on page 20
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Obituaries BETTY “PATSY” BALLENGER died June 20 in Leesburg. She was the wife of the late Edward Russell Ballenger, Jr. She is survived by her children Debra Hutton, Donna Johnson, James Ballenger, and Shannon Graves; brothers Richard and George Shaffer; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. She also was predeceased by her son Edward Lee Ballenger. Services were held June 25 at Loudoun Funeral Chapel. Interment was at Lovettsville Union Cemetery. [Loudoun Funeral Chapel] PATRICIA ANN EDWARDS, 66, died June 18. She was born April 24, 1955, to Hubert and Amanda Edwards. She spent 24 years on the staff at Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Chester Mitchell Jr. and Eli Mitchell, and sisters Reva Mae McAdams and Ardelia Mitchell. She is survived by her brothers Jonah Mitchell of Nicholasville, KY, Arthur Edwards of Aurora, IN, and Hubert Edwards Jr. of Aurora, IN; and sisters Caroline Detmer and Amanda Joe Jackson, both of Madison, IN. Services were held June 23 at Cornerstone Chapel. [Colonial Funeral Home] CATHERINE BELL FOX, 91, a life-long resident of Loudoun County, died June 19. She was born in Waterford on Sept. 14, 1929, to the late Charles Roger Fawley and Mabel Catherine Fawley. She is survived by her children, Rudolph C. Fox Jr. and Wendy Rutherford; grandchildren, Jordan Rutherford and Kara VanDenburgh; step-grandchildren, Paula Lupino and Cristy Rutherford; four great-grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; and two step-great-great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Harmony United Methodist Church. [Hall Funeral Home] ELINOR C. HILLER, 79, died June 17. She was born Feb. 15, 1942, in New York City. She was married to Lt. Col. Herbert L. Hiller. She was a member of the Waterford Quilters Guild, and worked at the Farmer’s Market in Middleburg. She is survived by her sister, two daughters, and three grandchildren. Funeral services were held at June 24 at Union Cemetery in Leesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Loudoun Hunger Relief or Loudoun County Animal Services. [Colonial Funeral Home] MARGARET JANET KIRKWOOD, 88, of Franklin, TN, and of Sterling, died June 16. She was born in Sterling to Raymond Thomas Beavers and Ruby Virginia Hanback Beavers. She worked in health care administration until her retirement at age 83. She was predeceased by her husband James David Kirkwood. Margaret is survived by her children, Susan Kirkwood-Koenig, Kathleen Jeffries, Barbara Trask, Nancy Kaukeinen, Linda Montoya and James David Kirkwood, Jr.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. There will be a viewing at Loudoun Funeral Chapel on July 2, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and the funeral will follow immediately. Interment will be
at Chestnut Grove Cemetery. [Loudoun Funeral Chapel] MICHAEL JOSEF REGER, 61, of Ashburn, died June 22. He was born on Sept. 26, 1959, in Aurora, IL, to Josef Reger and Wilma Reinhardt Reger. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Grace Wolicki Reger; son Christopher Reger; daughters Julie Mills and Lisa Reger; grandchildren, Abigail Mills and Peter Mills; and sister, Monica Czupryn. A memorial service will be held on July 6 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Loudoun Funeral Chapel in Leesburg. [Loudoun Funeral Chapel] MARY RIGAS, 95, died June 21, at her home in Leesburg. She was born in Athens, Greece, to Peter and Eriette Halkias-Sklavakis on July 28, 1925. She is survived by daughters Etty Jones and Alice Busch; grandchildren Renee, Jim, Nikki, Matt, Philip, Adam, Luke, Anja, Sharon; and 16 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held on July 17, from noon until 2 p.m., followed by a service at Colonial Funeral Home. [Colonial Funeral Home] STEPHEN ANTHONY RUMENTS, 53, died June 21. He was born to Barbara and Andris Ruments on Aug. 23, 1967, in Hinsdale, IL. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Heather Askelson Ruments; daughters, Riley Biemiller and Kaitlyn Ruments; brother, Brian Ruments; and sister, Laura Ruments. A memorial service and reception will be held at 1 p.m. July 6 at Purcellville Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to a college fund for daughter Kaitlyn or to Mosaic-Virginia. [Hall Funeral Home] CLAYTON DEAN TURNER, 47, died June 22. Born March 18, 1974, in Louisville, KY, he is survived by his parents William D. and Mary H. Turner of St. Simons Island, GA; his former wife, Stacey Bothe; sons Dean H. Turner and Pence E. Turner of Purcellville; sister, Ginny Turner of Plano, TX; and brother, Paul T. Turner of Washington, DC. A memorial service was held June 26 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Purcellville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Loudoun County and/or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Purcellville. [Hall Funeral Home] BARBARA VICTORIA WILHELM, 67, died June 22. She was born Feb. 2, 1954, in Washington, DC. She was a health and PE teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools for 35 years while coaching track and field, gymnastics, and volleyball at Loudoun County High School. She is survived by her husband Dick; children Trip and Courtney; stepdaughters Kimi and Kelley; brother Chipper; sisters Linda, Tobi, Debbie, and Adrienne; and 10 grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. July 7 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Purcellville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. [Hall Funeral Home]
Maria Virginia Dorsey
Age 91 Passed on Thursday, June Daniel Howard Dorsey, Jr.; four grandchil24, 2021, at the Stone Springs dren, Don Won Tines, Triffney Mercado Hospital Center in Dulles, VA. (Freddie), Daniel Scott (Nicole) and Sharae Ferebee; five great grandchildren and She was born February 1, 1930 to Fannie two great, great grandchildren. and Nathaniel Scott. Maria worked for Paul and Bunny Mellon of Upperville, Viewing and visitation will be held at Virginia for over 63 years, until her retire10:00 am until time of funeral service at ment in 2014. 11:00 am on Friday July 2, 2021 at the Faith Christian Church and International She is survived by her husband of 65 Outreach Center, 6472 Duhollow Road, years, Daniel Howard Dorsey, Sr.; four Warrenton, VA 20187. Interment at the children, Dorothy Ann Foust, Maurice Westview Cemetery, Upperville, VA. Delbert Scott (Pauline), Teresa Elaine Dorsey, and Edgar Matthew Dorsey and Arrangements by LYLES FUNERAL SERtwo godchildren, Delores Newcomb (Tom) VICE, Serving Northern Virginia and Eleanor Jackson. and surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA/MD/DC, She was preceded in death by her son, 1-800-388-1913
Martha Jane Mitchell
Age 78 Departed this life on Thurssor and Carolyn Robinson; brother, Kevin day June 10, 2021 at Sentara Mitchell; seven nephews, nine nieces and a Northern Virginia Medical host of great nieces and nephews. Center in Woodbridge, VA. Martha was loved by so many and will be Martha was born to the late Norman and forever missed. Louise Mitchell on May 18, 1943. Martha Viewing and visitation was held on Thursattended Carver Elementary in Purcellville, day, June 24, 2021 at 1:00 pm until time of VA and graduated from George Mason service at 2:00 pm at the Mt. Zion United High School. She also attended Lehman Methodist Church, 250 W. Virginia Avenue, College in the Bronx, NY. She retired from Hamilton, VA 20158. Followed by interthe Metropolitan Hospital. ment at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, HarmoIn addition to her parents, she was ny Church Road, Hamilton, VA 20158. preceded in death by her younger brother, Arrangements by: Lyles Funeral Howard. Service, Serving Northern VirginMartha is survived by her son, Christian ia, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic VA, Mitchell (Alexandra), grandchildren, Justin DC, MD. 1-800-388-1913 and Jaelyn Mitchell; sisters, Claudia Wind-
George F. Martel
George F. Martel died peacefully on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at the Adler Center in Aldie, Virginia. He was born on June 5, 1935 in Baltimore, MD. A graduate of Patterson Park High School in June 1953 he then served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 2 years. After graduation from the Commercial Radio Institute in Baltimore, he briefly worked for IBM and WBAL. Most of his life was spent as a computer technician and assistant systems engineer at the Federal Aviation Agency where he retired after 39 years of service. In 1961 he married the former Dorothy Baer and they moved to Middleburg, VA in 1965. While living in Virginia he was active in the Loudoun County Jaycees serving as president and being awarded a life membership. George volunteered for 27 years with the Middleburg Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad serving as an EMT. His most memorable call was bringing Elizabeth Taylor home from the hospital and carrying her up to her bedroom. He was an active member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 180 and served as treasurer of Post 295 of the American Legion . George was also a member
of the Mid-Atlantic Germanic Society. George loved classical music, attending concerts, doing genealogy on his family, feeding the birds and after retiring he liked to read. He also liked to travel around the U.S. and visited all states except Hawaii, and also visited Mexico and Canada. He also spent time transporting friends and neighbors when they needed it, and helping people whenever he could. He was a worker at the Ladies Board Rummage Sale for many years and also enjoyed the bargains he found there. George was predeceased by his parents George W. Martel and Edith Smith Martel, also sister Dorothy V. Hibbard and brother William W. Martel. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Dorothy M. Martel, sister Joan L. Schmitt, brother Kenneth S. Martel and many devoted nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held at Royston Funeral Home, 106 E. Washington St in Middleburg on Friday, June 25 at 12 noon with visitation at 11 a.m. Contributions in George’s memory may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 605 W. Market St. Leesburg, VA 20176 or the American Legion Post 295, P.O. Box 4, Middleburg, VA. 20118.
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Lovettsville Denounces Vandalism Targeting LBGTQ Residents BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
A week after pride flags displayed in the yards of multiple Lovettsville homes were ripped up and stolen, the Town Council on June 24 condemned the conduct. Deputy First Class Joshua Edney told the council that the Sheriff ’s Office continues to investigate the crime, but that no suspects have been identified. During the meeting, council members joined with several speakers in calling for residents to respect their neighbors and join in building a stronger community. For some, that means showing respect, also for those with differing political views. One resident said it was uncivilized to destroy other people’s
TOWN notes
continued frokm page 18 town boards and committees will return to in-person meetings, town leaders said they want to explore options for members of the public to continue to be able to participate virtually in town activities if they wish. Mayor Nate Fontaine said it was an issue the Virginia Municipal League was working through.
MIDDLEBURG Bank Offers More Parking Starting July 1 there will be some extra public parking spaces in town. The Town Council last week signed off on an agreement with Atlantic Union Bank to lease two dozen parking spaces in the lot behind its Washington Street building. The deal comes with favorable terms, including a $10 per year fee and no town obligation for maintenance.
Go Green Panel Renamed Middleburg’s innovative Go Green Committee has a new name, although its mission will remain unchanged. The Town Council on June 24 agreed to the panel’s request to rebrand the volunteer advisory panel as the Middleburg Sustainability Committee. The name change required a town ordinance amendment. The committee’s mission is to increase community awareness about environmen-
property, including his Trump flag that was vandalized previously. Councilwoman Renee Edmonston said that no one was exempt from hostile behaviors, pointing to an incident when her campaign sign was defaced with the words “hate slate.” She said many cases of willful destruction of property had been reported in town over the past six to nine months. She urged residents to stop demeaning their neighbors and fueling the flames of conflict, and said all residents should be able to live without fear of discrimination. “We are better than this, Lovettsville,” she said. While condemning violence against residents, Councilwoman Joy Pritz refuted claims by critics that the Town Council has contributed to a hostile climate. She said justice will be served
on the perpetrators. “I believe all the residents of Lovettsville are good people and we will show that.” Vice Mayor Christopher Hornbaker said it was similar attacks a decade ago that prompted him to get involved in the town. Those responsible, he said, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. “I condemn these and all acts of hatred to our neighbors,” Councilman David Earl said. He said tearing up a flag is more personal than just destruction of property. A flag represents what that person stands for, he said. “I really like the outpouring of support in this community. … All of this crap has to stop.” Councilman Tony Quintana said the actions were not reflective of the inclusive town Lovettsville is. The town and the Town Council are striving to be
better, he said. “We’re learning and will continue to listen.” Mayor Nate Fontaine noted that the destruction and theft of pride flags was not a crime on the same level as tromping on Trump flags or vandalizing campaign signs. It wasn’t done by someone who is against rainbows, he said. The mayor pointed out that the LBGTQ community is a protected group under federal law, raising the actions to hate crimes. While noting that the town’s comprehensive plan calls for Lovettsville to be a loving, inclusive community, town leaders and residents need to move beyond declarations and proclamations to ensure residents feel valued in the community. “Lovettsville is love and that’s what we need to be.” Fontaine said. n
tal issues, such as the value of recycling, the importance of preserving water quality, and methods for conserving energy. It meets on the first Wednesday of each month in the Town Office, starting at 6 p.m.
Meals Tax Rebounding Town Manager Danny Davis last week gave the Town Council some good post-pandemic news: Middleburg is seeing a strong recovery in its meals tax revenue. Collections reached $107,000 in May. While that is still lagging behind 2019 levels by 7%, it represents a huge increase over 2020. Mayor Bridge Littleton noted while that was welcome news, the town’s restaurants and other businesses still need community support as they try to recover from COVID-related losses.
PURCELLVILLE Council Seeks ARPA Input The Town of Purcellville is seeking community input on how to spend $10.5 million it was recently awarded through the American Rescue Plan Act. ARPA provided $1.9 trillion nationwide to address the continued impacts of COVID-19 on the economy, public health, individuals, businesses, and state and local governments. The town expects to receive the first installment of $5.2 million from the state within the next few weeks, and the second installment no earlier than
Contributed
Oversize Truck Load Shuts Down Rt. 9 Roundabout Just days after a community celebration of the completion of the town’s traffic calming project, a truck pulling an oversize load shut down Rt. 9 through Hillsboro around 10 a.m. June 25. The driver attempted to navigate the newly installed roundabout at Stony Point Road but became stuck on the circle. Traffic was delayed for around two hours as it was cleared.
May 2022. The Town Council has created a survey to receive community feedback. The survey will remain open through July 8, and can be found on the town’s website through the Coronavirus Information link located at the top of the webpage in the Alert Center. A paper copy of the survey is available
at Town Hall. Town Council and staff plan to work with residents, businesses, nonprofits, and other community stakeholders to ensure a transparent process. The results of the survey will be shared with the public at the July 13 Town Council meeting.
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St. Peters continued from page 18 established its own presence in the early 1900s, and was formerly located on Main Street before moving to its current location in 1962. The nave, chapel and sanctuary were added in the late 1980s to accommodate the growing congregation. Potential land acquisition is eyed in the church’s strategic plan to allow for further growth of the church. All these years later, it appears the welcoming attitude that brought the community together to build the church still persists. St. Peter’s even leases out space to a Baptist church for its own services, and a Catholic school. Those decisions may seem surprising to some, but not anyone that knows Simmons, whose good neighbor attitude spreads throughout his flock. Simmons describes his church as “a via media,” a settlement between Catholicism and Protestantism. “We’re Catholic in how we worship, but we preach the Bible like Baptists,” he said. Not unlike its leader, the congregation at St. Peter’s is known to be a welcoming one. “To me [the congregation is] remarkably cohesive and loving and faithful,” Simmons said. “We are good at welcoming strangers and turning strangers into friends and into followers of Jesus.” “This is a place where Jesus is proclaimed,” he continued. “People here are worshiping together and opening the doors for others to join, and having a lot of fun doing it.” While the official 150th birthday celebration is not until September, anyone looking for a church home, or just some free homegrown community fun, is encouraged to come spend July 4 with St. Peter’s. The Independence Day celebration will be vintage Victorian era, with several costumed participants coming in period dress. Fun games, live Bluegrass music and free Monks BBQ will be available from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be a reading of The Declaration of Independence and prayer service from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. All activities will be held outdoors, rain or shine, and will wrap up in time for attendees to get in line for the fireworks at nearby Franklin Park. Donations will be accepted to offset the cost of food and performers. “After a year of isolation, we offer this chance for our friends and neighbors to get out and get together for a block party celebration of our nation’s independence. If you are new to the area, this is a great way to get to know your neighbors, turning strangers into friends,” Simmons said. St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is located at 37018 Glendale Street in Purcellville. For more information, go to stpetes.net. n
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 Position
Department
Salary Range
Closing Date
Accounting Associate III
Finance
$52,446-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Communications Technician (Police Dispatcher)
Police
$45,136-$75,961 DOQ
7/13/2021
IT Systems Administrator
Utilities
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$53,233-$89,590 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Buyer/Contracts Administrator
Finance
$67,175-$115,044 DOQ
Open until filled
Systems Analyst/Infrastructure & Asset Management
Public Works & Capital Projects
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Training and Development Coordinator
Utilities
$52,446-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utilities Project Manager
Utilities
$76,941-$131,689 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Inspector II
Utilities
$56,956-$97,512 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE
HELP WANTED
Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa
Pearson Construction Carpenters and helpers wanted $16-20hr Call Tim Pearson: 540-244-4018
FULL TIME FLAGGER Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up and control traffic around construction sites. A valid drivers license is a must, good pay, and benefits. If interested please fill out an application at 7855 Progress Court Suite 103 Gainesville, VA on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 pm or online at www.trafficplan.com
DRIVERS NEEDED Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011
See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com
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JULY 1, 2021
Loco Living
‘Getting the Job Done Together’
THINGS to do
Growth Continues at Legacy Farms
BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com
Things are growing at Legacy Farms. And it’s not just beautiful beets and fabulous flowers. The nonprofit is on a mission to build confidence and job skills in neurodiverse teens and young adults. The Leesburg-based nonprofit was launched in 2012 by a group of parents and teachers to help neurodiverse students transition from school to the workforce. In recent years, it has transitioned from a job skills program to a mentor apprentice program that focuses on creating foundations for all kinds of employment. “We’re serving as a bridge between the therapeutic and educational environments and a job out in the world where the employer may not know anything about neurodiversity,” said Legacy Farms Executive Director Laurie Young. Legacy Farms now operates a vegetable garden at Temple Hall Regional Park and a new flower garden at Fabbioli Cellars just down the road north of Leesburg. Using a mentor/paid apprentice model, the program offers flower and culinary CSAs. The program teams up neurodiverse young people with agricultural experts and other mentors with a background in occupational therapy and special education to learn to plant, cultivate, market, and sell agricultural products. For Young and her team, teaching valuable agricultural and entrepreneurial job skills is an important part of the program but is secondary to fostering skills and
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Leesburg Independence Day Parade
Sunday, July 4, 10 a.m. King St. from Ida Lee Park to Fairfax St. Details: leesburgva.gov Leesburg’s Independence Day parade is back with the beloved American Originals Fife and Drum Corps and community organizations.
Claude Moore Park Ol’ Time Fourth of July
Sunday, July 4, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Claude Moore Park, 21544 Old Vestals Gap Road, Sterling Details: facebook.com/claudemoorepark Celebrate with music, crafts, nature exhibits, historic tours, carnival games, and more. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is $5 for ages 5 older.
Independence Day at Franklin Park Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
John Nerantzis and Legacy Farms Executive Director Laurie Young work at the flower gardens at Fabbioli Cellars.
self-knowledge that participants can take with them to any job environment. “[Apprentices] need that space to learn more about themselves and find out what they want to do and gain confidence in their skillset and their ability to communicate their particular areas of talent or particular areas of need when they go out into the workforce,” Young said. Using moments of mindfulness throughout the day, apprentices learn skills
Ice Cool Treats BY VISIT LOUDOUN
On a recent hot summer Saturday, a 10-strong team of cyclists parked their bikes outside King Street Coffee in downtown Leesburg and lined up to order. It turned out they all wanted the same thing: a large scoop of hazelnut gelato topped with a shot of the popular café’s rich, locally roasted Lone Oak espresso. The dessert – or is it a drink? – is a refreshing Italian classic called the affogato, and according to King Street Coffee owner Abbie Whitehurst, word of it has spread like wildfire. “We’ve had it on the menu for years but
Credit: Visit Loudoun
The Affogato at King Street Coffee.
suddenly everyone wants it,” she said. “We get the gelato from Dolci Gelato in D.C., pour a double shot of espresso over it and serve in a 12 oz. cup. It’s incredible.” This writer concurs. And while we like
for self-regulation and navigating a work environment. “We do teach skills, but the way we look at it, that’s secondary,” Young said. “We really want to work on the foundation, which is that when you’re in a calm and organized and alert state, it’s much easier to learn a skill. We think that the ability to self-regulate and say who you are and what you LEGACY FARMS continues on page 26
it with vanilla gelato, you can order it in chocolate, salted caramel, cinnamon, chai tea and the aforementioned hazelnut. Fortunately, the affogato is not the only tasty way to cool down in Loudoun this summer. From custard and ice cream to wine slushies, iced lattes and frozen hot chocolate, Loudoun has you covered. Did we say frozen hot chocolate? “It sounds like an oxymoron, but it makes perfect sense,” said Santosh Tiptur, chef-owner of chocolate forward fine dining restaurant The Conche in The Village at Leesburg. “We use our house hot chocolate, blend it over ice and then add a S’more – toasted house marshmallow and COOL TREATS continues on page 23
Sunday, July 4, 5-10 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Celebrate with outdoor activities, music, food trucks and fun. Fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m.
Leesburg Independence Day Concert and Fireworks
Sunday, July 4, 6 p.m. Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov Celebrate America’s big day at Ida Lee Park with music, food, fireworks, and fun. Gates open at 6 p.m., and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
LOCO LIVE Live Music: Chris Devine
Friday, July 2, 4-7 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Kick off the holiday weekend with high-energy acoustic covers from Chris Devine.
Live Music: Hard Swimmin’ Fish
Friday, Jul 2, 5:30-9:30 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Hard Swimmin’ Fish hits Mac’s beach with a versatile blues sound covering everything
THINGS TO DO continues on page 24
JULY 1, 2021
Cool treats continued from page 22 graham crackers – as garnish.” The drink has been around since The Conche opened, but in summer it flies off the shelf. Over in Ashburn, Meadows Original Frozen Custard at One Loudoun is a huge hit and open until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights in summer. You can cool down with classic products – frozen custard, Italian ice and yogurt – but the shop recently added a range of sweet Arctic Swirl Slushies in a variety of flavors. New to One Loudoun is The Yard Milkshake Bar featuring over-the-top specialty milkshakes that mix ice cream with toppings like cookie crisp, marshmallow cream and even New York Cheesecake. Of course, ice cream is the ultimate cool summer treat, and while Loudoun has multiple soft serve locations (hello Gruto’s!), farm fresh artisanal ice cream parlors are almost as ubiquitous as wineries. Tipped Cow Creamery next to Monk’s BBQ in Purcellville is a must, while the scoops at Parisian-style dessert house
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Mocatinas in Leesburg are so large they should be illegal. Mocatinas also has something rather intriguing for adults: Sorbetto e Vino, which is a mango, apricot or lemon sorbet infused with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc wine. Talking adult drinks, many Loudoun wineries offer wine slushies in summer: cups of crushed ice mixed with wine, made by hand or machine. Bluemont Vineyard uses its signature Farm Table White for slushies, 868 Estate Vineyards does a delicate Peach Slushie and Dry Mill Vineyard & Winery has just reintroduced a range of slushies to the menu. After an afternoon of wine slushies though, we all need a pick-me-up, which means cold coffee. You can’t go wrong with the iced latte at Common Grounds in Middleburg or the nitro cold brew on draft at Happy Creek in Purcellville, but why not join the line for that affogato at King Street Coffee in Leesburg? Stay cool, people! n
WE’RE BACK!! Friday Nig hts o n Hil lsbo ro’s GAP STAGE
Lawn opens at 6 p.m. • Local Beer, Wine, Food
For more information visit w w w.oldstone school.org
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THINGS to do continued from page 22
TICKETS ON (703) 777-1665 SALE NOW! wwww.TallyHoTheater.com
COWBOY MOUTH
FEB 1
A TRIBUTE TO IRON MAIDEN: EYES OF THE NILE
THE WAILERS
UFO
07/02/21 FEB 13 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
FAREWELL TOUR
FEB 21
PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM: A TRIBUTE TO ELTON JOHN SOUL ASYLUM WITH LOCAL H
FEB 22
UNCLE 007/09/21 KRACKER
CARBON LEAF BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR
DOORS: FEB 28 7PM SHOW: 8PM
19 W Market St., Leesburg, VA For a full schedule please visit
www.TallyHoTheater.com
FEB 29
ND 2/7 COBS BA CHRIS JA FIRE 2/8 TRIAL BY 2/14-15 o Nights ANIA Tw EAGLEM ARS 3/6 YE AN THE REAG
from Mississippi country blues to the urban Chicago sound and beyond. Friday, July 2, 5:30 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Sly 45 covers six decades of rock ‘n’ roll with energy and fun.
Live Music: Side Effects
Friday, July 2, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Black Walnut Brewery, 212 S. King St., Leesburg Details: facebook.com/blackwalnutbrewery Celebrate First Friday with classic rock from NOVA’s own Side Effects.
Music In The Gap: Born Cross-Eyed
Friday, July 2, 7 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School Details: oldstoneschool.org Hillsboro’s summer concert series kicks off with the return of a favorite Grateful Dead tribute band. General admission is free. Tickets for veranda seating are $20 for a table of four.
COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG
PRESENTED BY DC IMPROV 07/10/21 DOORS: 7PM | SHOW: 8PM
FASTER PUSSYCAT, ENUFF Z’NUFF 07/14/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
SHOT THRU THE HEART-THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE 07/16/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
SUPERVANA: A TRIBUTE TO NIRVANA 07/17/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
MY KID BROTHER WITH PALMYRA 07/23/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
THE #1 CARS EXPERIENCE: BEST FRIENDS GIRL 07/24/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
BEST BETS
Live Music: Sly 45
Live Music: Brahman Noodles
Saturday, July 3, 1-4 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Enjoy an afternoon of jug funk and “jamcoustic” sounds from the Brahman Noodles with new songs along with old favorites from Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and more.
Live Music: Steve George and Friends
Saturday, July 3, 1-4 p.m. The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Rock, country, blues and beyond from a local favorite. Their Barns shows always draw a crowd with plenty of space to spread out.
Live Music: Matt Mills
Saturday, July 3, 2-5 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Kick back with awesome acoustic tunes from guitar virtuoso Matt Mills.
Live Music: Jake Phillips
Saturday, Jul 3, 2-5 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com With a powerful voice and dynamic guitar skills, Jake Phillips’ repertoire includes original music and an eclectic set of classic folk and alternative covers.
Born Cross Eyed Friday, July 2, 6 p.m. Music at the Gap Concert Series Hillsboro Old Stone School oldstoneschool.org
July 4th Bash w/ Raised on Analog Sunday, July 4, 5-8 p.m. MacDowell’s Beach macdowellsbrew kitchen.com
The Reflex Saturday, July 3. 6 p.m. Tarara Concert Series Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com
Live Music: Greg Ward
Saturday, July 3, 2 p.m. Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Solo reggae artist Greg Ward returns to Lost Rhino for an afternoon of great tunes.
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Sela Campbell opens for Vanish favorites Rowdy Ace for an Independence Day afternoon full of great rock and country tunes.
Live Music: Sam C. Jones and the Sinners
Live Music: Andy Hawk and the Train Wreck Endings
Live Music: Yonder Mountain String Band
Sunday, July 4, 1-4 p.m. The Barns At Hamilton Station, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton Details: thebarnsathamiltonstation.com Celebrate the Fourth with some of Loudoun’s Americana favorites.
Saturday, July 3, 6 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Check out rock ‘n’ roll, classic country, originals and beyond from Sam C. Jones. Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4, 6 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com This innovative Colorado-based band known for fusing bluegrass with influences from punk rock to the Grateful Dead has sold out the hallowed Red Rocks Amphitheater. Now they’re in Loudoun for two shows. Tickets are $40 per show.
Live Music: Jimmy Lee Sunday, July 4, 2-5 p.m. 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: 868estatevineyards.com Celebrate Independence Day with rock, country and Americana tunes from Jimmy Lee.
Tarara Summer Concert Series: The Reflex
Live Music: Raised on Analog
Concert in the Pines: Rob Cheatham & Friends
Sunday, July 4, 5-9 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Celebrate Independence Day with a dance party on the sand with Raised on Analog playing favorite hits of the ’80s, ’90s and beyond.
Saturday, July 3, 6-9:30 p.m. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts Details: tararaconcerts.com One of the region’s favorite ’80s tribute bands returns to Tarara’s summer stage. Tickets are $20 for adults 21 and over, $10 for attendees age 8 to 20. Admission for children 7 and under is free. Saturday, July 3, 7 p.m. Walsh Family Wine, 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville Details: walshfamilywine.com Walsh’s Concerts in the Pines series continues with Charlottesville-based Rob Cheatham. Tickets are $25, free for youth 15 and under.
Live Music: Rowdy Ace Band with Sela Campbell Sunday, July 4, 1-5 p.m.
Live Music: Something’s Brewing Sunday, July 4, 6-9 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing Company, 18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont Details: bearchasebrew.com Folk, Americana, reggae and rock from some of Loudoun’s top musicians.
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Legacy Farms continued from page 22 need will put everyone in a position to go out and learn more skills in different types of jobs.” On a recent beautiful Thursday morning, Caleb Dickey was at the Legacy Farms flower garden while his brother Xavier worked at the vegetable garden. Both of the Dickey brothers are rising seniors at Loudoun County High School. Caleb said that like many teens, he was craving the structure of a summer job. “We’ve been using this time to be more productive. During the pandemic there was a lot of downtime. It’s helped us kind of get structure,” Dickey said. “My goal was problem solving and [the program] helped me with that.” Caleb is planning to go to college and views his Legacy Farms experience as a résumé builder, but more importantly as a positive and supportive work environment. “The people here are very kind. Even though we work hard, we don’t even realize we’re working half the time because we connect so well together,” Caleb said. The program also focuses on develop-
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Legacy Farms volunteer Kate Sulek works in the flower gardens at Fabbioli Cellars.
ing leadership skills with apprentices often becoming mentors of sorts for other young people. Ethan Roe of Reston also is an apprentice at the Fabbioli site. Having a chance to work outside is a plus, but the leadership skills are also key, with a focus on “being able to get direction and follow through with it and finding ways to take initiative.” Young said Legacy Farms apprentices include people on the autism spectrum and individuals with severe ADHD and anxiety,
JULY 1, 2021
traumatic brain injury and other diagnoses. But the team uses the word neurodiversity to focus on the talents and unique abilities of team members. “The reason we very consciously use the term neurodiversity is because we feel it’s an empowering word,” Young said. And those apprentices get support from both neurodiverse and neurotypical mentors. Leah Foster, who runs the Fleur de Leah flower design business, is a mentor at the Fabbioli garden, where she helps apprentices create bouquets for Legacy Farms’ sold-out Legacy Blooms CSA program. The program delivers 30 bouquets a week to members who pick up at local businesses in Leesburg, Ashburn and Reston. “I’ve learned a ton and I love working with the young people,” Foster said. Ian Shanholtz, owner of Shanholtz Farm and Gardens near Hillsboro, is a mentor at the Temple Hall garden, where he passes on his trade secrets to young people at Legacy Farms’ bountiful vegetable garden. “This is a great fit for me and I jumped in with both feet,” said Shanholtz, who is also neurodiverse. Tuesdays and Thursdays are bustling at both gardens, with Young and a team of ap-
prentices working at the flower garden and Legacy Farms Operations Manager Billie Jo Bevan and her team at the veggie operation. In addition to agricultural experience, apprentices can also specialize in areas of interest including product assembly, sales and delivery and design. Rachel Ramos, a rising senior at LCHS, wasn’t initially interested in an agriculture-focused program but was drawn into a Legacy Farms apprenticeship by her love of art. Ramos created a vibrant wooden sign at the vegetable farm with fellow apprentice Quinn Demcsak and designed colorful garden markers for both farms. Photography apprentice Heather Overheu helps document her teammates’ work and provide content for the program’s marketing efforts. For Young, helping young people identify and cultivate their strengths and talents is as important as cultivating produce. “We’re a community of equals—we’re all there getting the job done together,” Young said. For more information about Legacy Farms, including applications for apprenticeships and mentorships and flower and culinary CSAs, go to legacyfarmsvirginia.org. n
Legal Notices TOWN OF LEESBURG
TOWN OF LEESBURG
NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID IFB NO. 100313-FY22-01 SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL SERICES **NOTE: The Town of Leesburg has implemented revised procurement procedures during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Effective January 1, 2021, and for the duration of the Emergency or until further notice, all bids and proposals in response to a formal solicitation issued by the Town will be securely received via eVA, the Commonwealth’s eProcurement website. Additionally, during this time the Town will not conduct in-person public bid openings. ** SEALED BIDS to construct the above project WILL BE RECEIVED by the Town of Leesburg, electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), UNTIL BUT NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021. Bids shall be submitted electronically using the following naming convention: the IFB number and the name of the bidder (i.e. “IFB No. 100313FY22-01_Your Company’s Name”). All questions regarding this bid must be submitted in writing via email to OpsBids@leesburgva.gov until but no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. Bids will be publicly opened via Cisco Webex using the eVA e-Procurement website at the due date and time listed above. The bid opening will be livestreamed via Cisco Webex and made available to the public. Cisco Webex conferencing information will be available, including instructions to join the meeting via computer and/or phone, from the Town’s Bid Board. Work includes providing labor, equipment, and materials necessary to clear snow and ice from Townowned property, public streets and right-of-way and all incidentals related thereto. The Town reserves the right to perform all, part, or none of the work. This is a renewable contract for up to nine (9) additional one-year periods. The initial one-year contract is estimated to begin in September 2021. Bid Documents are available for download from the Town’s Bid Board at http://www.leesburgva.gov/ bidboard. Any addenda issued for this project will be posted on the Town’s Bid Board and eVA (https://eva.virginia.gov) with a courtesy email to those firms who have registered on the Town’s Bid Board. It is the bidders’ responsibility to provide a correct email address and to be aware of any addenda. Renée LaFollette, Director Department of Public Works and Capital Projects
07/01/21
TO CONSIDER ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TLOA-2021-0007 AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENT TLZM-2020-0005 TO EXPAND THE H-1 OVERLAY, OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT, TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRETY OF THE PROPERTY AT 20 UNION STREET NW 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 15, 2021 AT 7:00 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2020-0005 and Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLOA2021-0007 to include the entirety of the property at 20 Union Street NW, in the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District while removing portion of the same property from the Gateway District (Overlay). The subject property consists of 0.84 acres. That portion affected by the proposed amendment is zoned R-6, Moderate Density Residential District, and further described as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 230-18-5465. Rezoning/Application TLZM-2020-0005 is an amendment initiated by the property owner (Loudoun County Board of Supervisors) to amend the official zoning map to extend the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District, to include approximately 0.60 acres of the subject property. The Town Plan designates this property as “Downtown” on the Land Use Policy Map and specifically identifies the property as one that may be eligible for inclusion in the H-1 Old and Historic District Overlay. Zoning Ordinance Amendment Case Number TLOA-2021-0007 is an amendment to the text of Section 7.5.3 to add a description of the land proposed for this addition to the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District. Additional information and copies of these applications 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, at 703-737-7009 or cmurphy@leesburgva.gov. At these hearings, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 771-2434 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 07/01 & 07/08/2021
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Legal Notices
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TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15.2-2507 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, 1950, AS AMENDED, TO CONSIDER A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION
Town of Round Hill, Virginia Request for Proposals 2021-01: Round Hill Farmers Market Management The Town of Round Hill (“Town”) is issuing a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) from qualified persons for the operation, management and marketing of the Town of Round Hill Farmers Market to be held at Niels Poulsen Park, 17325 Greenwood Dr., Round Hill, VA 20141. The Town will accept proposals for the remainder of the 2021 season and/or for the 2022 market year. Extensions may be awarded by the Town of upon satisfactory performance of the operator and negotiation of terms with the Town. Such extensions will be at the discretion of the Round Hill Town Council.
Pursuant to Section 15.2-2507 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on July 13, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chamber, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia to consider the following budget amendment: A supplemental appropriation of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding in the amount of $2,963,836.50 to the Fiscal Year 2022 budget, which exceeds one percent of the total expenditures shown in the Fiscal Year 2022 adopted budget.
All inquires should be directed, in writing, to Danni Albright, Town Planner, at PO Box 36, Round Hill, VA, 20142, or by email at dalbright@roundhillva.org.
A copy of any additional information regarding the proposed amendment is available in the office of the Clerk of Council located at 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or by calling (703) 771-2720 and asking for Clark G. Case, Director of Finance and Administrative Services.
Sealed proposals will be received at the Town Office by mail at PO Box 36, Round Hill, VA 20142 or by hand-delivery to 23 Main St., Round Hill, VA 20141, until 3:00 p.m., Friday, July 23, 2021. All proposals must be sealed and marked: RFP-2021-01: Farmers Market Management.
At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views regarding these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2733, three days in advance. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.
The Town of Round Hill does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age and disability in employment or provision of services. The Town of Round Hill reserves the right to accept proposals individually or collectively, to accept or reject any or all proposals, waive any informalities, and take whatever action is to the best interest of the Town.
07/01/2021
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
07/01/21
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TLOA-2020-0004 REVISING DENSITY/INTENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS IN THE GC-GOVERNMENT CENTER ZONING DISTRICT 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 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLOA-2020-0004 to amend the following sections: 1.
Sections 7.3.3.A, 7.3.3.C, and 7.3.3.E to revise the density/intensity and dimensional standards in the GC, Government Center Zoning District.
Additional information including copies of the full text of this proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the 2nd floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Christopher Murphy, Senior Planning Project Manager, via email at cmurphy@leesburgva.gov, or via telephone 703-737-7009. This Zoning Ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2020-0004. 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 Commission at (703) 771-2434, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 7/01 & 7/08/2021
BOARD OF EQUALIZATION NOTICE is hereby given that the Loudoun County Board of Equalization of Real Estate Assessments (BOE) will hear appeals for 2021 Real Estate Assessments at Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, between 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. beginning on August 12, 2021 and continuing through December 31, 2021, with the exception of September 6, October 11, November 2, November 11, November 24, November 25, November 26, December 23, December 24, and December 31, 2021. The BOE scheduled hearings will be posted on the County calendar at www.loudoun.gov. Hearing dates are subject to change. Please also refer to the County calendar for cancellations. The BOE will sit and hear all appeals timely presented for consideration. Following the hearing, the BOE shall equalize the taxpayer’s assessment by increasing, decreasing, or affirming such assessment. The BOE will continue to hear appeals until the last day needed to complete all necessary action regarding such appeals, or December 31, 2021, whichever comes first. If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Board of Equalization at 703-777-0289. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. Michael Krueger, Chairman Board of Equalization
07/01/21
TOWN OF LEESBURG
NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLZM-2021-0001, 20 UNION STREET NW 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 15, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2021-0001 20 Union Street NW.
TOWN OF HAMILTON, VIRGINIA FY2022 Council Meeting Schedule The Hamilton Town Council has set the following dates for Council Meetings for the 2022 fiscal year and first meeting of the 2023 fiscal year: August 9, 2021 September 13, 2021 October 18, 2021 (2nd Monday is Columbus Day) November 8, 2021 December 13, 2021 January 10, 2022 February 14, 2022 March 14, 2022 April 11, 2022 May 9, 2022 June 13, 2022 July 11, 2022 All Town Council Meetings will begin at 7:00pm. Public Hearings, if scheduled, will also begin at 7:00pm, with the Council Meeting beginning immediately after. If the scheduled Town Council Meeting is canceled due to inclement weather or other emergency, the meeting will be rescheduled for the following Monday at the same time. 07/01/21
The subject property consists of 0.84 acres situated at 20 Union Street NW at the intersection of Union Street NW and Wirt Street NW. The parcel is split-zoned, with a portion zoned R-HD, Historic Residential District, and a portion zoned R-6, Moderate Density Residential District The property is further described as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 230-18-5465-000. Rezoning Application TLZM-2021-0001 is a request by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to rezone the entire subject property to the GC, - Government Center District and H-1, Overlay, - Old and Historic District Overlay. The purpose of the rezoning is to preserve the c. 1880’s former AfricanAmerican Douglass School and to allow its possible conversion to a museum that honors the AfricanAmerican heritage and education in Loudoun County. The site is located in the Central Planning Area of the Leesburg Town Plan, and the Planned Land Use Policy Map further designates the Subject Property as “Downtown.”. The recommended density range is 0.35 to 1.0 FAR whereas the existing density of 0.21 in two separate buildings is intended to remain. The Heritage Resources Chapter specifically identifies the Subject Property for preservation through inclusion in the H-1, Overlay, Old and Historic District. 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, at 703-737-7009 or cmurphy@leesburgva.gov. At this hearing, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 771-2434 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711. 07/01 & 07/08/2021
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JULY 1, 2021
Legal Notices PUBLIC HEARING The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, July 14, 2021 in order to consider:
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY Grant of Temporary Easements to MetroDuct Systems VA LLC Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider granting a 10-foot-wide 465-foot-long temporary fiber utility easement and a 10-foot-wide 380-foot-long temporary fiber utility easement to MetroDuct Systems VA LLC for the purpose of constructing, installing, operating, maintaining, repairing and replacing underground fiber cables and related facilities for the transmission and distribution of telecommunications through certain County-owned property. The subject property is located at 42953 and 42687 John Mosby Highway and the proposed easement area will eventually become part of the John Mosby Highway right-of-way. The subject property is located on the south side of and abuts John Mosby Highway (Route 50) and lies to the east and west of and abuts Loudoun County Parkway (Route 606) in the Dulles Election District. Copies of the plat(s) showing the location(s) of the above-listed conveyance(s) and associated documents are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY Grant of Easement to Lumos Networks, Inc. dba Segra 41975 Loudoun Center Place
sage amendments to Chapter 490, Residential Permit Parking Districts, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments would comprehensively revise the regulations applicable to Residential Permit Parking Districts, and include without limitation amendments that would establish new, and clarify, revise, and/or delete existing: (i) definitions; (ii) criteria for the establishment of new districts and temporary districts, and amendment of existing districts; (iii) regulations in regard to residence eligibility for inclusion in a district or temporary district; (v) procedures for the establishment of new districts and amendments to existing districts; (ix) regulations in regard to administration and issuance of parking permits and parking passes for residents, and short term visitor parking passes and thirty-day parking passes; (xi) regulations in regard to enforcement and penalties; and (xii) procedures for removal of blocks from a district, and termination of districts and temporary districts. Copies of a map illustrating the property proposed to be conveyed are on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 825 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Changes to C-PACE Program
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800 et seq., the Board of Supervisors shall consider granting a 10-foot wide easement to Lumos Networks, Inc. dba Segra through and across a portion of County property known as the Phillip A. Bolen Memorial Park for the purpose of constructing, installing, maintaining, inspecting, repairing replacing and removing a communications system that will service the DC United Training Facility at 42470 United Drive. The subject property is located on the east side of Sycolin Road (Route 625) and north of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) near the intersection of Kincaid Boulevard and Crosstrail Boulevard and is addressed at 41975 Loudoun Center Place, Leesburg, Virginia, in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 191-16-9866.
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 15.2-958.3, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Sections 825.02, Definitions; 825.05, C-PACE Loan Requirements; Program Fees; Reporting; Program Administration; Program Guide; 825.06, Levy of Assessment; Recordation; Priority; Amendment; Enforcement and Collection Costs, of Chapter 825 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments to the County’s C-PACE Program include amending the definition of eligible property; removing the definitions for stabilized value and stabilized occupancy; removing the reference to maximum loan amount that can be financed with a C-PACE Loan; revising the procedure for setting Program Fees revising the Program Guide to allow for applications to be approved within two years of a certificate of occupancy or other evidence of completion of Eligible Improvements; providing that a voluntary lien shall not require a reassessment of property; and adding a reference to resiliency and stormwater improvements to the Program Agreement.
Copies of the plat(s) showing the location(s) of the above-listed conveyance(s) and associated documents are available for review and may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed amendments to Chapter 825 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 872 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly or Totally and Permanently Disabled
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 878 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Transient Occupancy Tax
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-1427 and 58.1-3210, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapter 872, Real Estate Tax Relief for Elderly or Totally and Permanently Disabled, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments would have an effective date of January 1, 2022, and include, without limitation, the following:
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage, amendments to Chapter 878 Transient Occupancy Tax, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments, consistent with the changes enacted by the 2021 General Assembly, will require persons or entities offering room rentals to calculate the transient occupancy tax based on the total charge to the customer, including accommodation fees charged to the customer by online travel companies. Prior to this update, transient occupancy tax was calculated based on the total charge for the room collected by the lodging establishment. There are also administrative updates in the proposed ordinance to reflect that payments should be collected by the Treasurer’s Office.
• Increase the annual qualifying household income from $72,000 to $77,000 for a full or a prorated exemption. • Increase the annual qualifying household income in each bracket for a 50% exemption to: · · · ·
Annual income does not exceed $70,000 (previously $65,000) and net worth $440,000 but does not exceed $560,000; or Annual income does not exceed $63,000 (previously $59,000) and net worth $560,000 but does not exceed $680,000; or Annual income does not exceed $56,000 (previously $52,00) and net worth $680,000 but does not exceed $800,000; or Annual income does not exceed $49,000 (previously $46,000) and net worth $800,000 but does not exceed $920,000.
is greater than is greater than is greater than is greater than
• Exclude Disability Income of relatives living in the home in the annual qualifying household income calculation. • Establish a review of the program by the Board of Supervisors every four years beginning in 2024 to review the qualifying criteria. A complete copy of the full text of the above-reference proposed amendment(s) is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/ bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 490 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Residential Permit Parking Districts Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for pas-
A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www. loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH A NEW CHAPTER OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Cigarette Tax Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427 the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an ordinance to establish a new Chapter, Cigarette Tax, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed new Chapter would impose an excise tax of 40-cents ($0.40) on each package containing twenty cigarettes and two cents ($0.02) for each cigarette contained in packages of fewer or more than twenty cigarettes, sold, stored, or received within the County. The proposed tax would be effective November 1, 2021. A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.
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Legal Notices CHAPTER 1410 VIRGINIA UNIFORM STATEWIDE BUILDING AND HOUSING CODE
loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
AMENDMENT TO CHAPTERS 1096, 1220 and 1410 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY FEE SCHEDULE Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-107, 15.2-1427, 36-105, and 62.1-44.15:28, and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on March 16, 2021, the Board of Supervisors (Board) gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapters 1096, Stormwater Management; 1220, Erosion Control; and 1410, Virginia Uniform Statewide Building and Housing Code, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County in order to establish new, and clarify, revise, and/or delete existing, regulations in regard to fees, and the duration and renewal of various permits. The general purpose of the proposed amendments is to revise (increase) various fees collected pursuant to the above-listed chapters of the Codified Ordinances to reflect a 100 percent cost recovery and set forth such fees in an Appendix to each of the above-listed chapters, to update the procedure the Board uses to set the amount of fees, and to add language regarding collection of fees. The amendment proposes revisions to Section 1096.06, Fees; Section 1220.06(k), Duration of Permit, and (l) Renewal of Permit; Section 1220.08, Fees, and Section 1410.09, Fee Schedule. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with DOAM-20210001. The revised fees proposed by the amendments to the Codified Ordinances are as follows:
PROPOSED REVISED FEES CHAPTER 1220 EROSION CONTROL Fee Name Current New Fee Grading Permits - Land Disturbance (3-Year Initial Permit) Single House/Single Lot $2,100 $2,380 1 Acre or< n/a $4,025 1-5 acres n/a $4,080 6-10 acres n/a $5,410 11-25 acres n/a $6,940 26-50 acres n/a $9,545 51-75 acres n/a $10,680 75-100 acres n/a $25,045 101+ acres n/a $25,555 Renewal Application 1-Year Renewal 1/3 of original bond fee Grading Bond Fees Reduction Re-Inspection Release
$285 $200 $500
$400 $285 $400
Fee Name Mechanical Permit (2 Inspections) Central Heating 1&2 Family Dwelling Central Heating Commercial Commercial Duct Installation Only Motor Fuel & Fuel Oil Storage Tanks Additional Reinspections per Inspection
New Fee
$70 $125 $180 $150 $25
$70 $105 $170 $155 $30
$70.00 $95.00 $30.00 $70.00 $95.00 $45.00 $35.00 $15.00 $65.00 $25
$70 $100 $40 $70 $100 $55 $40 $25 $70 $30
Comercial Plan Review (Per Review) up to 50,000 sf 51,000 -250,000 sf 251,000 - 350,000 sf >350,000 sf Individual Trade Review for new, alterations & additions
$275 $395 $430 $470 $60
$425 $580 $820 $1,220 $65
Residential Plan Review (Per Review) New Construction, 1 & 2 Family Dwelling R-3, R-4 and R-5 additions and alterations
$60 $50
$170 $130
Electrical Permit (2 Inspections) Service Equipment 0-400 amps Service Equipment >400 amps Sub-Panels Fixtures, Receptacles Circuits 1&2 Family Dwelling Fixtures, Receptacles Circuits Commercial Electric Signs Motors & Generators Electric Heating & Air Conditioning Miscellaneous Additional Reinspections per Inspection
Fee Name Plumbing Permit (2 Inspections) 1&2 Family Dwelling Commercial Water Service (new or replacement) Sewer lines (new or replacement) Additional Reinspections per Inspection Gas Permit (2 Inspections) 1&2 Family Dwelling Commercial Propane Tank & Piping 1&2 Family Dwelling Propane Tank & Piping Commercial Additional Reinspections per Inspection
Fire Permit
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Current
Fire Alarm System Sprinkler System Kitchen Hood/Wet Chemical System Dry Chemical Systems Fire Extinguishers Fire Lanes (FMO FEE) Foam, CO2, Clean Agent
Current
New Fee
$70 $95 $70 $70 $25
$70 $105 $70 $70 $30
$70 $95 $70 $90 $25
$70 $105 $70 $70 $30
$200.00 $190.00 $200.00 $335.00 $70.00 $95.00 $285.00
$250 $240 $250 $420 $90 $120 $360
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JULY 1, 2021
Legal Notices CHAPTER 1096 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT VSMP Permit Modification
New Fee
Current
New Fee
Disturbed area:
Current
or Transfer
Annual VSMP Permit Maintenance
New Fee
Initial VSMP Permit*
Current
Loudoun County VSMP Permit Fees
Single-family detached residential Separately built or part of a common plan of development that disturbed less than 1 acre2,6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Part of a common plan of development that disturbed 1 acre or more6
$209
$405
$20
$40
$50
$100
Other Separately built or part of a common plan of development that disturbed less than 1 acre2,6
N/A
Part of a common plan of development that disturbed 1 acre or more6
$209
N/A
$405
N/A
$20
N/A
$40
N/A
$50
N/A
$100
≥1 acre, < 5 acres $209
$405
$20
$40
$50
$100
$1,944
$3,890
$200
$390
$400
$775
$2,448
$4,900
$250
$485
$500
$975
≥10 acres, <50 acres
$3,240
$6,480
$300
$585
$650
$1,265
≥50 acres, <100 acres
$4,392
$8,780
$450
$875
$900
$1,750
$6,912
$13,820
$700
$1,360
$1,400
$2,700
Other ≥5 acres, <10 acres
≥100 acres
Amendments to Chapter 1242, Amendments and Enforcement: • Establish a new Appendix A containing a fee schedule for all fees collected pursuant to the LSDO. • Under Section 1242.12, Fees, clarify, revise, and/or delete existing standards in regard to what activities conducted by the County are to be compensated through fees. • Under Section 1242.12, Fees, clarify, revise, and/or delete existing standards in regard to how the amount of fees are set.
Proposed Revised Fees
less than 1 acre
Single-family detached residential3
Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed text amendments to the LSDO that are under consideration include, without limitation, the following:
A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed amendments is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
DOAM-2021-0001 AMENDMENT TO THE LOUDOUN COUNTY LAND SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A NEW FEE SCHEDULE
Application Type Construction Plans & Profiles (CPAP & CPAR) (2 Reviews) Residential and/or Roads Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Residential and/or Roads CPAR Industrial or Office Park Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Industrail or Office Park CPAR
Current New Fee
Application Type Facility Standard Manual (FSM) Waiver Request
Current New Fee $1,190 $610
$8,295 $3,540 $3,540 $3,870 $1,660 $1,660
Rural Economy Site Plan (REST) (2 Reviews)
$2,300
$6,600
Site Plans (STPL) (2 Reviews) Site Plans > 1 acre Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Site Plans 1 acre or < Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$7,605 $3,225 $4,800 $900
$8,670 $3,470 $5,200 $1,000
Site Plan Amendment (SPAM)
$3,405
$3,190
Application Type As Built Submissions for Occcupancy As Built Submissions for Bond Release
Current New Fee $300 $60 $300 $185
Preliminary Soils Report
$1,450
$1,795
Flood Plain Alteration (FPAL Type 1) Flood Plain Alteration (FPAL Type 2) Base Fee FPAL2 + $100 per 300' linear feet of stream in study area Flood Plain Study (FPST Type 1) Flood Plain Study (FPST Type 2) Base Fee FPST2 + $100 per 300" linear fee of stream in study area
$500 $2,500
$715 $4,000
$500 $3,525
$500 $5,115
Boundary Line Adjustment (BLAD) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$1,750 $275
$3,495 $525
Dedication of Right-of-Way (DEDI) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$2,445 $520
$4,920 $1,075
Easements (ESMT) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$1,880 $465
$3,630 $545
(Development Ordinance Amendment – Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance)
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-107, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2253 and 15.2-2241(A)(9), and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) on March 16, 2021, the Board hereby gives notice of proposed amendments to the Land Subdivision and Development Ordinance (“LSDO”) in order to establish new, and clarify, revise, and/or delete existing, regulations in regard to fees. The general purpose of the proposed amendments is to revise (most fees will increase) certain existing fees collected pursuant to the LSDO to reflect a 100 percent cost recovery, remove such fees from the Land Development Application Fee Schedule and incorporate them into a new fee schedule that will be Appendix A to the LSDO, to update the procedure the Board uses to set the amount of LSDO fees, to add language regarding collection of fees for inspection of facilities required to be installed by the LSDO, and to exempt certain governmental entities from the imposition of LSDO fees. The amendment proposes revisions to Section 1242.12, Fees, and to such other Chapters, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the LSDO as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typographical errors, section and subsection numbering, and formatting within, update cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned section of the LSDO. The amendments are proposed in conjunction with amendments to Chapters 1096, 1220, and 1410 of the
$7,085 $2,535 $2,535 $2,575 $850 $850
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Legal Notices Application Type Family Subdivision (SBFM) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
Current New Fee $2,860 $5,545 $465 $855
the Loudoun County Department of General Services, have submitted applications for the following: 1) Commission approval to permit a 132 foot tall (130 foot tall with a 2 foot lighting rod at the top) Monopole and a related equipment compound in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural - 1) zoning district; and 2) A Special Exception to permit a 132 foot tall (130 foot tall with a 2 foot lighting rod at the top) Monopole and a related equipment compound. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use pursuant to Section 5-618(B)(2)(a) and requires a Commission Permit in accordance with Section 5-618(B)(3)(j). The subject property is approximately 13.26 acres in size and is located north of Charles Town Pike (Route 9) and the west side of Hamilton Station Road (Route 704), in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN 344-45-5673. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural North)), which designates this area for rural economy uses and limited residential development is envisioned with a target density up to 1du/20ac and cluster development with target density up to 1du/5ac. The proposed use is specifically governed under the policies of the Telecommunication Plan.
Plat of Correction (POCO) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$1,890 $315
$3,560 $625
Preliminary Record Subdivision (SBPR) (2 Reviews) Non-Residential Rural Residential (septic and well) Urban Residential (public water and sewer) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$3,750 $3,750 $3,750 $1,195
$6,075 $6,075 $6,075 $1,930
Preliminary Subdivision (SBPL) (2 Reviews) Non-Residential Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Rural Residential (septic and well) Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Urban Residential (public water and sewer) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$4,518 $6,790 $1,430 $2,290 $4,905 $7,860 $1,650 $2,645 $7,630 $12,430 $1,890 $3,000
Record Subdivision (SBRD) (2 Reviews) Non-Residential Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Rural Residential (septic and well) Each Additional Review Beyond 2 Urban Residnetial (public water and sewer) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$2,395 $750 $2,545 $1,080 $3,740 $1,540
$6,075 $1,070 $6,075 $1,070 $6,075 $1,070
The Board of Supervisors acting through the Department of General Services of Leesburg, Virginia, has submitted an application to expand the Aldie Historic District. The procedure to expand historic districts is established by Section 6-1806 of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is currently zoned RC (Rural Commercial), AR-2 (Agricultural – Rural 2), and A3 (Agricultural – Residential 3) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located within the VCOD (Village Conservation Overlay District) and partially within the MOD (Mountainside Development Overlay District) and FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) – major floodplain. The subject property is approximately 3.71 acres in size and is located on the south side of Route 50 and west of New Mountain Road (Route 631), at 39483 and 39469 John Mosby Highway, Aldie, Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 361-45-8246 and PIN: 361-45-5744. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Rural Policy Area (Rural Historic Village Place Type)) and the Loudoun County Heritage Preservation Plan, which designate this area for traditional small-scale residential and commercial development which maintains the distinguishing features of individual rural historic villages at no more than four dwelling units per acre.
Subdivision Base Density (SBBD) (2 Reviews) Each Additional Review Beyond 2
$2,735 $440
$4,645 $715
ZMAP-2020-0010 & SPMI-2020-0013 ARCOLA GROVE COMMERCIAL
$230
$360
Subdivision Exception (SBEX) per submission
$1,490
$2,145
Subdivision Waiver (SBWV) (2 Reviews) Additional Reviews Beyond 2
$2,415 $430
$4,645 $715
Subdivision Extension
Application Type Performance Bond Fees Extensions Reductions Re-Inspection Release Public Bond Release SWM Release
Current New Fee $300 $785 $200 $500 $500 $500
$500 $1,215 $285 $1,645 $2,310 $850
The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes listed in Code of Virginia §§ 15.22200 and 15.2-2240 and to assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development.
SPMI-2021-0002 AMOR HOME CHILD CARE, LLC (Minor Special Exception)
Soraya T. Ramirez of Amor Home Child Care, LLC of Aldie, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Minor Special Exception to modify the Additional Regulations of Section 5-609(A)(14) of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance) regarding Child Care Home uses, in order to allow more than nine children in a townhome located on a lot that is less than 5,000 square feet in size, in the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4), administered as R-8 (Single Family Residential), zoning district. The proposed use is listed as a Permitted use under Section 3-503 of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is approximately .04 acres in size and is located on the south side of Bushclover Terrace, and west of Gum Spring Road, at 42021 Bushclover Terrace, Aldie, Virginia in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 205-17-2750. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)) which designates this area for predominantly residential uses with core uses including single family detached and single family attached residential with limited non-residential complimentary and conditional uses.
CMPT-2020-0009 & SPEX-2020-0026 MILESTONE TOWER – WATERFORD
ZMAP-2021-0002 ALDIE HISTORIC DISTRICT ADDITION (Zoning Map Amendment)
(Zoning Map Amendment and Special Minor Exception) Northpoint Investments I, LLC, of Bethesda, Maryland, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 23.44 acres from the RC (Rural Commercial) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop by right special exception uses in the PD-IP zoning district up to a 0.6 Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed PD-IP uses are authorized by Minor Special Exception under Section 5-1409(B)(1), Waivers and Modifications, Legislative Modifications, Road Corridor Building and Parking Setbacks, pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification: ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§5-1403(B) Road Corridor Buffer and Setbacks Matrix, Table 5-1403(B)
To reduce the road corridor setback from Arcola Boulevard for buildings from 100 feet to 75 feet and parking setbacks from 75 feet to 35 feet.
The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher aircraft noise contour. The subject property is approximately 23.44 acres in size and is located east of Stone Springs Boulevard (Route 659), south of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 621), and north of Route 50 in the Blue Ridge Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as: PIN
ADDRESS
162-15-1929
N/A
203-10-9057
N/A
162-15-4753
N/A
203-10-7367
N/A
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which supports primarily office, production, flex space, and warehousing uses as well as startups and established businesses with limited retail uses at a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.
ZMAP-2019-0010 & SPEX-2019-0022 SYCOLIN ROAD DISTRIBUTION FACILITY (Zoning Map Amendment Petition & Special Exception)
Scannell Properties, LLC, of Indianapolis, Indiana, has submitted applications for the following: 1) To rezone approximately 43.33 acres from the TR-10 (Transitional Residential – 10) and JLMA-20 (Joint Land Management Area – 20) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance (Zoning Ordinance) to
(Commission Permit & Special Exception)
Milestone Tower Limited Partnership IV of Reston, Virginia, and the Board of Supervisors, acting through
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JULY 1, 2021
Legal Notices the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the (Zoning Ordinance) in order to permit the development of an approximately 202,000 square foot (SF) regional distribution facility at a maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.60; and 2) a Special Exception to permit land disturbance of no more than 3,750 SF within areas classified as Very Steep Slope when associated with a permitted use in the PD-IP zoning district in accordance with Section 5-1508(D)(1)(d)(vi). These applications are subject to the (Zoning Ordinance), and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception under Section 5-1508(D)(1) (d)(vi). The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 and outside of but within one (1) mile of the Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours. The subject property is also partially within the QN (Quarry Notification) Overlay District – Luck Note Area and partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) – major floodplain. The subject property is located on the east side of Sycolin Road (Route 625) and south of Cochran Mill Road (Route 653) in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows: PIN
ADDRESS
193-26-8899
20226 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-26-8988
20244 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-26-9027
20280 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-26-9072
20254 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-46-2814
41087 Cochran Mill Rd., Leesburg, VA
193-36-8578
N/A
193-36-3375
N/A
193-36-9814
N/A
193-36-4150
N/A
193-36-6330
20210 Sycolin Rd., Leesburg, VA
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan. A portion of the subject property is within the Joint Land Management Area (Leesburg JLMA Employment Place Type), which designate this area for a range of light and general industry uses at a recommended FAR of up to 1.0. The remaining portion of the subject property is governed by the policies of the Transition Policy Area (Transitional Light Industrial Place Type) which designate this area for a range of low-traffic industrial and employment uses are at recommended FAR of up to 0.6.
ZMAP-2020-0002, SPEX-2020-0007, ZMOD-2020-0003, ZMOD-2020-0004 & ZMOD-2021-0001 BELMONT EXECUTIVE PLAZA (Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception & Zoning Modifications)
RP Belmont Land, LLC, of Arlington, Virginia, has submitted an application to rezone approximately 16.24 acres from the PD-OP (Planned Development – Office Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the R-16 ADU (Townhouse/Multifamily Residential-16, ADU Development Regulations) zoning district under the in order to develop 202 residential units, consisting of a maximum 142 multifamily units and a maximum of 60 single family attached units, at a density of approximately 12.43 dwelling units per acre. The applicant is also requesting a Special Exception to permit the modification of the minimum yard requirements for ADU (Affordable Dwelling Units) developments in the R-16 ADU zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed modification of the minimum yard requirements for ADU developments in the R-16 ADU zoning district is listed as Special Exception under Section 7-903(C)(3). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modification(s): ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION
PROPOSED MODIFICATION
§5-200(A)(6), Permitted Structures in Required Yards and Setbacks, in all yards or setbacks, including a front yard.
Allow for porches, enclosed, or unenclosed, to project a maximum of nine (9) feet, provided that such projection does not extend closer than nine (9) feet to a lot line.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MIDDLEBURG TOWN COUNCIL The Middleburg Town Council will hold a public hearing beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2021 to hear public comments on the following:
§5-1303(B)(4), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, for development requiring a plan of subdivision, but not a site plan, property not zoned A-3, A-10, AR-1, AR-2, i.e., single family and duplex dwellings.
Allow for the applicant to plant required street trees in alternative locations along Private Road C as shown on the Concept Development Plan, and not require the planting of trees in areas dedicated for vehicular access.
§5-1403(B) Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscape Plans, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks, Road Corridor Buffers and Setbacks Matrix, Table Section 5-1403 (B).
Reduce the required building setback from 75 feet to 35 feet along Russell Branch Parkway.
The subject property is approximately 16.24 acres in size and is located on the westside of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061), east of Belmont Ridge Road (Route 659) and south of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) in the Ashburn Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 083-26-6046. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Mixed Use Place Type)) which designate this area for a mix of Residential, Commercial, Entertainment, Cultural and Recreational uses at recommended Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.0. Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5). Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic this public hearing may be conducted as an electronic meeting. Members of the public are encouraged to view the public hearing electronically; however, the Board Room will be open for any members of the public who wish to attend in person with appropriate physical distancing. Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. Instructions for remote participation will be forwarded to all individuals who sign-up in advance and who would like to provide their comments remotely. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on July 2, 2021, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on July 14, 2021. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing. Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. BY ORDER OF:
PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
06/24 & 07/01/21
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.:
J044669-03-00 Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Special Use 21-01 Request of the Town of Middleburg for a special use permit for a front yard greater than 30 feet in the C-2 District at 10 West Marshall Street (PIN 538-27-9541).
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lucas Eduardo Ixcotoyac Castro
The request is in conjunction with the new Town Hall project. The new building is proposed to be set back approximately 75½ feet from the Marshall Street right-of-way. The Zoning Ordinance provides for a maximum of 30 feet or such greater maximum front yard as may be approved with a special use permit.
Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Catarina Castro Chiroy, mother, Lucas Ixcotoyac Itzep, putative father, and Unknown Father
The file for this application may be reviewed at the Town Office, 10 W. Marshall Street, Middleburg, Virginia from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Questions may be directed to Deputy Town Manager Will Moore at (540) 687-5152 or by email at wmoore@middleburgva.gov The Town of Middleburg strives to make its hearings accessible to all. Please advise of accommodations the Town can make to help you participate in the hearing. 06/24 & 07/01/21
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 Lucas Eduardo Ixcotoyac Castro. It is ORDERED that the defendants Catarina Castro Chiroy, mother, Lucas Ixcotoyac Itzep, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before August 4, 2021 at 3:00 p.m 07/01, 07/08, 07/15, & 07/22/21
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Legal Notices LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR: PURCHASE OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL POLES, IFB No. 416782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, July 27, 2021. Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/ procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT. 07/01/21
NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS July 1, 2021 County of Loudoun P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, Virginia 20177-7000 703-737-8323 These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the County of Loudoun.
Town of Leesburg Continues Water Valve Exercise and Maintenance Program Public Notification The Town of Leesburg is continuing a preventative maintenance program to protect the longevity and operation of the water system infrastructure and valves. This valve exercise program requires closing, then opening each main line valve and service line valves in specific distribution areas. The purpose of the program is to exercise main line valves throughout the distribution system to assure reliable operation and maintain water quality. During this program, crews will exercise the valves by operating each valve through a full cycle and returning it to its normal position. Where valves are exercised, a fire hydrant will be flowed to ensure that the water in the main remains clear. During the valve turning exercise, customers may experience some sediment or discolored water for a short period of time. Water is safe to drink and safe to use during this period. If this condition is noticed, we recommend running several cold water taps at full force for a period of 1-2 minutes. It may be necessary to repeat this process after 30 minutes. In addition, the closing and opening of valves may introduce air into water lines which can cause temporary erratic water flow. If this occurs, open your cold water tap until a clear steady flow of water is observed. The valve exercising will occur June through November during the hours of 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Town regrets any inconvenience the maintenance program may cause. If you have any questions regarding our valve exercising program, or have any concerns about water quality, please call the Utilities Department at 703-737-7075. For after-hour emergencies, please call the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500. 05/27/21 07/01/21
REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about July 19, 2021, the County of Loudoun will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Housing Choice Vouchers - Project Based, under Section 8(o) of the U.S Housing Act of 1937, as amended, to undertake a project known as Tuscarora Crossing Phase I, an affordable multi-family rental housing project in the County of Loudoun to serve households with incomes at 60 percent area median income and lower. The project involves the construction of 90 apartments built on a 2.3-acre parcel located at the intersection of Tuscarora Ridge Drive & Mattaponi Terrace in Leesburg, VA 20175. The project will be a four-story building that is part of a larger development and residents will have access to the community amenities provided by the larger Tuscarora Crossing homeowner’s association. Overall, the location provides good access to employment and other amenities for residents. The estimated project cost is $34 million. The project was awarded eight (8) Project-Based Vouchers with an estimated value of $2,401,114. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The County of Loudoun has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or call (703) 7770200. The ERR will also be made available to the public for review at: www.loudoun.gov/housing. PUBLIC COMMENTS Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Loudoun County Office of Housing, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177-7400, Attention: Housing Development Administrator. All comments received by 5:00 p.m. on July 16, 2021, will be considered by the County of Loudoun prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The County of Loudoun certifies to HUD that Mr. Tim Hemstreet, in his capacity as County Administrator of the County of Loudoun, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the County of Loudoun to use Program funds.
Loudoun County Public Schools
Proposed Middle School & High School Attendance Zone Change On June 8, 2021, the Loudoun County School Board initiated an abbreviated attendance zone change process that proposes to assign the Hartland and Lenah Circle East communities to the Mercer Middle School/John Champe High School attendance zone – prior to the start of the 2021-2022 academic year. Additional information on this proposed attendance zone change is posted on the Loudoun County Public Schools webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/236732). The School Board is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the attendance zone change on August 10, 2021, to be followed by action on the proposed change later the same evening. Persons may sign up to speak at the August 10 meeting by calling 571-252-1020. Written comment may be sent to lcpsplan@lcps.org; all correspondence and information received will be shared with the School Board. The August 10 meeting will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Comcast Channel 18 and Verizon Fios Channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www.lcps.org). Persons who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, in order to participate meaningfully in the August 10, 2021 public hearing and meeting, should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting. Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Department of Support Services, Division of Planning Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1050 Email: lcpsplan@lcps.org 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, & 08/05/21
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the County of Loudoun’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the County of Loudoun; (b) the County of Loudoun has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted via email until further notice in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to: HUD, Public and Indian Housing Program Center, Christine Jenkins, PIH_Covid-19EnvironmentalObjectionsDCFO@ hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact the Washington, D.C. HUD Public and Indian Program Center at (202) 275-6306 to verify the actual last day of the objection period. Tim Hemstreet, County Administrator Certifying Officer
07/01/21
ABC LICENSE
ABC LICENSE
EH 19, LLC, trading as Homewood Suites Ashburn, 44620 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Loudoun, VA 20147
EH 19, LLC, trading as Embassy Suites Ashburn, 44610 Waxpool Road, Ashburn, Loudoun, VA 20147
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On Premise, Mixed Beverage Restaurant (seating capacity over 150 seats) license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On Premise, Mixed Beverage Restaurant (seating capacity over 150 seats) license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Shoham Amin - Manager
Shoham Amin - Manager
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
06/24 & 07/01/21
06/24 & 07/01/21
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Misc.
Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
Case No.:
Case No.:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
JJ044085-04-00 JJ044085-05-00 JJ044085-06-00 JJ044085-07-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isaac William McClure Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Stephanie McClure, mother; Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father; and Unknown father The object of this suit is hold a permanency planning hearing and review of foster care plan with goal of adoption, pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Isaac William McClure and Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Stephanie McClure, mother, Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father, and Unknown father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Isaac William McClure. Stephanie McClure, mother, Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father, and Unknown father are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Isaac William McClure. Stephanie McClure, mother, Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father, and Unknown father are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Isaac William McClure; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Isaac William McClure; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Isaac William McClure. Further, Stephanie McClure, mother, Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father, and Unknown father will have no legal and /or financial obligations with respect to Isaac William McClure, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Isaac William McClure for adoption and consent to the adoption of Isaac William McClure.
JULY 1, 2021
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
JJ044218-03-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isabella S. Montenegro Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning review hearing pursuant to Va. Code Sections 16.1-282.1, 63.2-906 and 63.2-910.2 for Isabella S. Montenegro.
HORSE BOARDING
It is ORDERED that the defendant Jeffrey Wayne McGowan, putative father appear at the above named Court and protect his interests on or before July 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm.
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It is ORDERED that the defendants Stephanie McClure, mother; Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, putative father; and Unknown father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before July 20, 2021 at 2:00 pm.
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JULY 1, 2021
Opinion The Last Light In the late 1980s, the county government embarked on a Rt. 7 Corridor Study, settling on a vision for a limited-access highway with grade separated interchanges between Leesburg and CountrySide. The plan would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to fully implement—an ambitious goal for a county of fewer than 80,000 residents. It also may have seemed a bit of overkill then, given that there was only one stoplight, at the gas station in Ashburn flats. However, at the time, Rt. 7 was envisioned as a major employment corridor, with renowned architect I.M. Pei drawing up plans for IBM at Belmont, Xerox sitting on more than 2,000 acres on the other side of the highway, and George Washington University eyeing plans for a new graduate campus on Marcus Bles’ cattle farm. Loudoun never got those grand
LETTERS to the Editor
office campuses, but thousands of homes instead filled those properties. Over the decades, county leaders stuck to that vision. Not only did that mean holding fast against developer efforts to push for less costly options, but even putting up local funds to move the projects forward. Monday’s ribbon-cutting at the Battlefield Parkway interchange was a culmination of that more than 30-year effort. It serves as both an example and a reminder of the importance of long-term planning and the steadfast dedication required to move those visions to reality. In essence, it was the work of the Tatum board that started the process of removing the last light; you can thank them as you zip past Cardinal Park Drive on your next trip. You might also ask yourself, what visionary accomplishments will we be thanking our current Board of Supervisors for 30 years from now? n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC
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Growing Up Editor: I am a 2017 alumnus of Potomac Falls High School, writing this letter for Loudoun parents about last week’s unruly School Board meeting. By observing the impassioned speeches, righteous singing, and ugly violence at Tuesday night’s raucous meeting, you’d be forgiven for thinking that public school policy on gender and “critical race theory” is an extremely high-stakes issue that will determine how your children view the world. If it’s any consolation, teachers will not determine your children’s political views and personal beliefs. You can all calm down. Your child is flooded with political content from peers and media personalities that they hold more credible than school teachers—whether it be through their friends’ Instagram stories, YouTube lectures, or trendy Tik Toks. If they go to college, they’ll probably have to take some gen-ed social science class that’ll explore these issues anyway. Teachers cannot control the deluge of ideas kids are exposed to, but they can help them engage with it. Turn the conversation away from the content of teaching, and toward giving students the analytical tools to navigate different ideas critically and thoughtfully. Teach students that there are multiple lenses to look at history, some that focus on the advancement of our ideals and others on the reproduction of our deepest failures—namely racial discrimination.
Make sure students know there is a vigorous and open debate about gender, and create an environment where they can learn to talk about it with respect for one another. Part of that is making sure all kids feel safe in school—in their identities and in their bathrooms. Validating preferred pronouns, while encouraging gender non-conforming students to use single-use bathrooms and changing areas, is the most pragmatic and interest balancing policy-bundle here. If you think that public school curriculum determines what your child believes, you are delusional. Kids have their own agenda. Reflect: Was your vote determined by what you recited on your SOLs? Choosing the narratives and ideas that are “right” isn’t important; the kids will decide that themselves. Schools need pluralism, not partisan doctrine. Train students on how to have respectful and reflective discussions on controversial issues in the safety of a classroom, so they’re not only seeing the conversation play out in the angry and broken media environment your generation created, and are now bringing to our School Board meetings. We need our next generation of citizens to be smarter and kinder than the embarrassment we saw last Tuesday night. Parents and teachers, don’t worry too much about shaping your kids, they’ll be the ones shaping you and the world you live in. In the meantime, why don’t you worry about growing up yourselves. — Arjit Roshan, Sterling LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 37
JULY 1, 2021
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LETTERS to the Editor
continued from page 36
Deplorable Editor: As an ally, I try very hard to not speak for anyone but with and alongside. Two weeks ago, I attended a gathering hosted by our mayor, Nate Fontaine, and council members Chris Hornbaker and Renee Edmonston. This gathering was in direct response to vandalism to several neighbors in our town of LGBTQ+ flags and was and is being investigated as a hate crime. The mayor had this gathering to specifically ask how the town leadership could do better. The meeting was over an hour and a half and one of the items mentioned was a proclamation. This proclamation stated that the town would celebrate June 28 as Pride Day. This would happen at the next council meeting. I made sure to ask whether legally they could do this and was told yes. And honestly, I left under the impression that this would be done. I am beyond disappointed and disgusted that all of that was a lie because I sat in a Town Council meeting last week and listened to each member read statements, many laced with “all” statements and clearly using that political stance and hot button words. A proclamation was not made. It’s deplorable that the town leadership chose that moment to make statements, but not actually support the people in their town. The children of this town see you. The teens of this town see you. The adults of this town see you and we are ashamed. They let bigots and their own political ideals enter an arena that is supposed to be nonpartisan. It would have cost them nothing to make a proclamation for Pride Day. Instead, they lost my respect and trust. I know I am not anyone to the council and that’s fine but they should be
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Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls ashamed. I’m sorry to the local LGBTQ+ members of this community. I’m sorry that again this town leadership chose hate instead of love. I’m sorry that they listened to bigots and naysayers instead of following their hearts. I’m sorry they lied when they told me to my face, they would write up a proclamation and make it [Thursday] night. I’m sorry that again, you have to fight for your place in this town. I will continue to stand with and for you in every way I can. I’m devastated to be a part of a town whose leadership cannot see past their own property line and choose to live inside a bubble of hate. Shame on them. — Deanna Plebuch, Lovettsville
Thank you, Ann Robinson! Editor: On June 30 at 11:30 a.m. a new bus shelter will be dedicated in the Town of Leesburg on the corner of Edwards Ferry Road and Heritage Way NE. I am not sure when the last bus shelter was dedicated but in 2011 when I first met Ann Robinson, she invited me to speak before the Town Council to advocate for adding bus shelters and was meeting with resistance from the Town Council members—some of whom are still on the council today. Ann Robinson was a dedicated public servant and friend who passed away in 2016, right before I was elected to serve on the Leesburg Town Council. I have fought every year in her memory since 2016 to get new bus shelters built in Leesburg. This one new bus shelter that will be dedicated on Wednesday is a result of funding from Loudoun County and many hours of advocating for the least economically empowered in our community. The work and legacy of Ann Robinson is far from over and celebrating one new bus shelter is not a victory. There are over 63 bus stops in Leesburg and only 13 bus shelters. Bus shelters are a human necessi-
ty when the wind, sun and rain cause the most harm and protection is most critical. The Town of Leesburg has no bus shelter master plan or funding strategy except for asking for funds from the county government. Imagine if only one shelter is added every four years; it would take over 196 years before we had a shelter for every stop. Addressing the regional bus system is another issue. I just wanted to take a moment to recognize and say thank you to Ann Robinson for her work to serve our community and in her honor and memory I ask that her name be placed on this bus shelter. — Ron Campbell, Leesburg
Watching Editor: The Republican Party of Virginia is seeking a special exemption from the State Board of Elections for Delegate Dave LaRock (R-33) after his paperwork to run for another term was submitted two days after the filing deadline. In the past, the Elections Board has made special allowances for many paperwork errors. In April, after years of complaints about late filings, the State Elections Board barred eight potential candidates (six Democrats and two Republicans) from participating in the June primaries due to paperwork errors and/or late filings. Earlier this year, the State Elections Board gave explicit warnings to both parties that the June submission deadline would be enforced. Virginia election law gives no exception to the filing deadline. The GOP broke this law by not submitting LaRock’s candidacy by the deadline. However, on June 22, they made a request for a special exemption and the Elections Board has agreed to take up their case by the end of this month. The candidacy filing deadline requirement law was created to be applied to everyone regardless of party or affiliation. Like most election laws, its enforcement is
necessary to encourage and maintain a well-ordered democracy. It will be educational to see if the Elections Board upholds its current standard and rejects the LaRock request, or gives in once confronted with the influence and power of the Virginia Republican Party. One can hope that democracy will prevail but in America’s current political environment, nothing is assured, most especially our democracy. — Tammy Cummins, Leesburg
Take a Stand Editor: Clearly, Loudoun parents are frustrated with our school district embarrassing itself on a national stage, and they are looking for ways to express their disappointment and frustration. While there are no scheduled School Board elections this year to vent these frustrations, there is a school bond referendum. I encourage all Loudouners to vote against this year’s school bond and tangibly demonstrate their disappointment with LCPS. November has become the season for $100M+ school bonds in Loudoun and, this year, we need to shoot down the $159M school bond on the ballot. Year after year, the school administration makes overly rosy student enrollment projections that never materialize in order to substantiate their inordinate and undeserved budget increases. Year after year, the Board of Supervisors continues its “permissive parenting” and enables LCPS’s reckless and unwarranted spending and grants large budget increases. Especially this year—when several thousand students withdrew from LCPS—additional funding is not needed. This November, take a stand and vote against LCPS. Vote responsibly and vote against school bonds. — David Dickinson, Leesburg
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Ransomware continued from page 1 quick buck.” Another thing that has helped its growth is the move to more remote work since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he added, and it’s something to pay close attention to as the traditional workplace evolves. “The fact that 80% of the public suddenly had to start working from home helped this spread. It was like a gift from heaven to all of these guys. Suddenly everybody was using private or web-based email with none of the protections of typical corporate email. Everyone was using cloud-based storage, sharing their password over Slack, and over chat, texting each other the Zoom password or VPN. That sort of thing suddenly allowed these guys to collect massive amounts of worker credentials. It became 100 times easier overnight,” he said. The rapid rise of ransomware and the more widespread use of bitcoin are inextricably linked, as the new form of currency helps to further anonymize its user. “Ransomware is a problem because right now when ransomware is paid you often don’t know who you’re paying it to,” said John Wood, CEO of Ashburn’s Telos. “If you can’t target or attribute where an attack is coming from it’s very hard to figure out how to solve it.” There are several ways that ransomware attacks happen, the chance of which can be lessened if the private or public sector has its guard up. In the case of the Solar Winds attack, hackers got into the system due to a weak password. “I would make the argument that for a software company, their source code server, which is arguably their most important asset, needs a really strong password,” said Wood. “In the SolarWinds case it was solarwinds123. That’s not a strong password.” Wood said user access control should be set at the highest level possible to avoid hackers accessing dormant accounts via malware. Multi-factor authentication is also a tool that should be used to guard against attacks. Unpatched systems are also particularly vulnerable, Wright said, and that was Equifax’s downfall for its 2017 data breach. Zero-day exploits that expose a security vulnerability can also make an organization an easy target for hackers. Traditional phishing, or spear phishing, is the method still favored by many nation states, he added. By and large, hackers are looking for “low-hanging fruit” for easy access to disrupt systems and demand a ransom, Wood said. His advice is simple—practice good cyber hygiene by adopting the best cyber-
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
the easiest, quickest payment. In most cases they do not want to hit a Colonial Pipeline, or big public organizations. They want it to be low profile,” Gilmore explained. The Commonwealth’s largest town has not taken the prevalence of this type of news sitting down. Leesburg in recent years has invested heavily in an IT Strategic Plan, with a strong emphasis on robust cybersecurity measures. This investment is particularly remarkable because the county seat’s funding for new staffing positions or new programs in its General Fund has been almost flat. But Leesburg looks to the all too frequent examples of other localities who Renss Greene/Loudoun Now allowed their cyber defenses to be weak, or Jakub Jedrzejczak, Leesburg’s director of information technology, has worked to keep the out of date. commonwealth’s largest town guarded against “One of the major things identified [in ransomware threats by scheduling monthly training the strategic plan] was that we needed to for the town’s hundreds of employees. invest in strong cybersecurity defenses, security practices throughout an organiza- and we have set aside a significant amount tion. of the budget to do that,” said Clark Case, Gilmore said he doesn’t totally buy into director of the town’s Finance & Administhe angle of communist countries work- trative Services Department. “A lot of that ing through digital pipelines to take down was building stronger infrastructure. That America’s infrastructure. Instead, he be- requires money, that requires updating syslieves the greater and more prevalent threat tems and equipment as well, and investing is hackers targeting small businesses. in some services that make our cyber de“If you look at the data, 70% of all ran- fenses stronger. There are a couple of staff somware attacks have been happening to positions that are designed to help us be businesses with fewer than a thousand em- better positioned to be better defended and ployees. Thirty percent are with less than more resilient.” a hundred employees. The vast bulk of It has been a costly, but necessary, inwhat happens on a day-to-day basis is fair- vestment, he added. ly lowball. The median payout is $70,000, “We don’t regard it as an enhancement; but that’s about double what it was a year we regard it as essential base level spending ago. All we hear about in the media is big that’s being driven up by the cyber crimimulti-million dollar, very damaging attacks nals. We can’t afford not to. If you don’t on big corporate entities. The real story is [invest in cybersecurity] you will be locked it’s a problem for small and medium busi- down, you will be unable to provide essennesses and it’s growing very quickly,” Gilm- tial services. Our position has been to do a ore said. lot of planning and a lot of implementing In addition to demanding a ransom of cybersecurity infrastructure. That’s been payment that can have more sticker shock our number one emphasis, but it’s been exfor a smaller organization than a larger in- pensive for the town,” Case said. stitution, disrupting a business’s systems Jakub Jedrzejczak came onboard as the could represent a far higher loss in income. town’s director of information technoloIt’s also a big problem for the public sec- gy in the spring of 2019, and immediately tor, he said. In the spring of 2018, a major placed a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, ransomware attack on the City of Atlanta in concert with the strategic plan. He now disrupted its payment software systems runs monthly training for all of the town and compromised legal documents and government’s employees, across all departpolice dashcam videos. Millions of dollars ments. would be expended in the recovery effort. “When I got this job two years ago, in Countless other examples of state and local the first month the training program was government systems being targeted have the number one foundational piece,” he received mostly local media coverage over said. “I am personally a strong believer the years. that in the IT office, we design everything “People think of hackers targeting these around people, process and technology. organizations. That is not at all true. Or- You can’t separate one and forget about ganizations that are committing financial one. You have to have people following the scams...they’re opportunities. They throw process using the right technology. That is out bots that scan for opportunities. Once really the foundation for cybersecurity.” Healthcare organizations are also a parthey’ve infected a lot of organizations they look through and choose who is going to be ticularly vulnerable target, Gilmore said.
JULY 1, 2021
“By exploiting medical records, that’s pretty much the best data for robocall scammers. They can sell medical data or they can use it themselves to do other sorts of mass attacks,” he said. Both of Loudoun’s major hospital systems, Inova Health System and HCA’s StoneSprings Hospital, largely declined to comment for this story. A statement provided by StoneSprings noted its investment and focus on the best security practices. “StoneSprings Hospital Center has a number of robust security strategies, systems and protocols in place to help protect data. As you might imagine, not publicly discussing the details of our security measures is part of our overall protection strategy. Additionally, we follow federal, state and local requirements on reporting and notification,” the statement read. Wright said Loudoun’s reputation as the global epicenter of Internet traffic makes the county a prime target for ransomware attacks. Hackers would love to take down a data center, he said, but acknowledged they tend to be armed with the highest and best cybersecurity systems and practices. While they may not have the budgets of a data center provider, both public and private sector organizations need to invest heavily to defend themselves against ransomware, he said. For those organizations that deal with public infrastructure, the investment needs to be the greatest. “Companies need to spend proportionate to the threat they are facing,” he said. “You pay someone in proportion to the job they do. You need to spend the same way according to the threat.” There needs to be greater collaboration among law enforcement, the intelligence community, the military, and the commercial world in combating ransomware attacks, Wood said. “I’m seeing industries beginning to band together, even though they may compete at a high level. If they know this activity is occurring in [an] energy business, they’ve got to make sure all other energy businesses know this activity is happening. If they get hacked it’s bad for the entire industry,” he said. “It is causing alliances that in the past have not been quite there. I think these alliances are here to stay for some period of time.” The phenomenon is so widespread, Wright acknowledged, that taking out one cyber criminal organization will do little to topple the threat. The best offense is a great defense, security experts all agree. “Ransomware is like cartels or criminal organizations. You might take out one, but it’s like whack-a-mole. There’s 10 more to take their place,” he said. “We cannot arrest our way out of ransomware.” n
JULY 1, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
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The Peoples’ Constitution
Revolution and the Declaration of Independence, Part 2 BY BEN LENHART
It has been 245 years since America declared independence. How are we doing today in living up to the goals set out in the Declaration of Independence? The first part of this two-part article last week looked at the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and how they relate to the idea of revolution. Approaching July 4th, this second part focuses on how the Constitution succeeds—and sometimes fails—in carrying out the goals of the American Revolution laid out in the Declaration of Independence.
imposing taxes on colonists without their consent and quartering troops in their homes, to cutting off trade to the colonies and depriving the colonists of a right to trial by jury. The fourth and last part is the actual declaration itself: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America … 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.”
The Declaration of Independence – Made Simple
Scorecard: Is the Constitution Achieving the Goals of the The Declaration is short (just a few pag- Declaration of Independence?
es) and can broken into four parts. The first part states the purpose of the Declaration: “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another … a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” In other words, we want to explain to the world why we are having a revolution. The second part is the heart of the document. First, it declares certain fundemental rights. “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.” Next it explains the purpose of government. “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.” These famous lines can be summed up: 1) all people have certain core rights; 2) governments are created by the people to protect these rights, and 3) when the government fails in that duty, the people have the right to revolt and overthrow the government. Along with the more famous rights—“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”—this “right to revolt” is another fundemental right contained in the Declaration. The third part lists our grievances against England—27 in all. These are the reasons for the revolution. They range from
EQUALITY. We can grade the Constitution today by measuring it against three fundamental rights set out in the Declaration: equality, liberty and democracy. At its creation in 1787 the Constitution receives a F grade for equality. Not only did the original Constitution include four references supporting slavery (although the word itself does not appear), it also lacked any statement of equal protection under law. In the 245 years since the Declaration, the Constitution has moved much closer to this goal, but still has a good way to go. Some of the key landmarks in the march toward legal equality include: the 13th Amendment (1865) banning slavery; the 14th Amendment (1868) adding a Constitutional guarantee of equal protection under law; the 15th Amendment (1870) guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of race; the 19th Amendment (1920) guaranteeing the right to vote regardless of gender; Brown v. Board of Education (1954) banning school segregation based on race; the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, banning segregation in public places and prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin; US. v. VMI (1996) holding that VMI’s ban on female students violated equal protection; and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) holding that a ban on same-sex marriage violated equal protection. While profound challenges still remain if we are to achieve equal protection under law, measured over the past 245 years our Constitutional system has made huge progress toward that lofty goal. LIBERTY. On liberty, the Constitution gets a good grade but is still far from perfect. Americans have more liberty under law to
say and do things than people in many other nations. Our freedom of speech and religion, protected by the 1st Amendment, are stronger today than in the past. In the early 1900s, many were jailed simply for advocating socialism, but the Supreme Court (in cases such as Brandenburg v. Ohio in 1969) eventually ruled that such speech is a core liberty protected by the Constitution. Most Americans today have the constitutionally guaranteed liberty to move about as they want, say what they want, believe what they want, follow any religion they want, own guns if they want, and vote as they choose. These liberties are invaluable, and yet they are often taken for granted, and dangerously so given how many around the world lack them, and how easily these liberties can be lost. BODILY LIBERTY—that is, not being thrown in jail without due process of law —was a major concern of the colonists. Our criminal justice system today is far improved from 1776 but still gets a mixed grade. On the one hand, criminal defendants have many important Constitutional rights, such as the 5th Amendment right to remain silent, and the 6th Amendment right to a speedy trial and the right to counsel, to name a few. On the other hand, our criminal justice system continues to produce unequal results, with some innocent people still ending up in jail, and some people receiving a harsher sentence than others who committed similar crimes. Finally, ECONOMIC LIBERTY—having enough resources to exercise your liberties—is the subject of much debate. While room does not allow discussion here, suffice it to say that as the nation strives to improve economic opportunities for all Americans, our overall liberty can increase. In short, even as much work remains, the Constitution fiercely protects many of our fundamental liberties, and for this we can all be thankful, and should all remain ever diligent. DEMOCRACY. Finally, in one of its most radical features (radical at least in 1776) the Declaration states that the ultimate power lies with the people, not with a king, emperor or czar. The Declaration says that the main purpose of government is to secure the fundamental rights of the people, and when the government fails, revolution becomes an option. When Abraham Lincoln said at Gettysburg that we are “a government of the people, by the people, for the people,” he was not kidding. He was echoing the Declaration and the Constitution.
Another word for power residing with the people is “democracy.” For democracy to work, the will of the people must be heard, and the main way to achieve that is through voting. To grade our democracy, we could ask: 1) can every qualified voter cast his or her vote freely, easily, and safely, 2) are the election results tallied quickly and accurately, and 3) are the results of the election respected and followed? Compared to many places in the world today, America would get a high score on these measurers, but compared to the ideal, a gap remains. Champions of new voting regulations argue that they stop fraud, but others argue they dangerously weaken the core right to vote, and thereby weaken democracy itself. While the Constitution has many provisions about voting, it has a glaring omission—no actual statement of a guaranteed right to vote. Many believe a Constitutional amendment should be added that guarantees the right to vote, and bans any law that violates it. While these are important issues that remain to be addressed, many successes stand out. For example, we have had presidential elections every four years since 1789, with a peaceful transition of power every time (although this track record was imperiled in 2020, see article dated Jan. 14, 2021). This unbroken record is a strong indicator of the enduring health of our democracy.
Conclusion If those who declared independence in 1776 came to America today, they would be surprised by many things, like iPhones, cars and airplanes. But they would smile at our freedom of speech and religion, our protections for criminal defendants, our efforts (still incomplete) to secure equal protection under law, and our elections, as messy as they still are. They would see that the main goals of Declaration, which they risked their lives to adopt in 1776, are still present in America today, imperfect and still a work in progress, but still strong and enduring after 245 years. n Ben Lenhart is a graduate of Harvard Law School and has taught Constitutional Law at Georgetown Law Center for more than 20 years. He lives with his family and lots of animals on a farm near Hillsboro.
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