Loudoun Now for Aug. 1, 2024

County Eyes Drought Relief for Farmers

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

As the regional drought worsens, the county’s Department of Economic Development is gearing up a program to help farmers facing significant crop losses and challenges caring for livestock.

Loudoun County was designated as an area experiencing drought starting June 18. As of last week, 86% of the county was declared to be in extreme drought, a condition last experienced in 2007, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor project.

Executive Director Buddy Rizer told the Board of Supervisors’ Finance and Government Services Committee on July 25 that the county staff is working with the farmers to identify ways to provide meaningful assistance.

“Producers are having to truck in water and install alternative water sources since creeks and stock ponds are drying up,” Rizer said. “One farmer we spoke with is spending money

DROUGHT SUPPORT continues on page 25

Water Conservation Push Expands as COG Declares Regional Drought Watch

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

The Drought Coordination Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments on Monday issued a call for voluntary water conservation measures as flows in the Potomac River con-

tinue to slow.

The Drought Watch impacts nearly 6 million residents who are being asked to reduce the demand on the region’s water supply. Under the regional plan, water restrictions are requested, but could become mandatory should conditions worsen.

Three Loudoun County towns that rely on

groundwater wells already have imposed mandatory conservation requirements.

Potomac River flows, as measured at Point of Rocks, fell below 1,300 million gallons per day in late June. On Tuesday,

WATER

continues on page 25

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Potomac River flows at Point of Rocks have declined by more than 200 million gallons per day since June 30 as the region experiences an extreme drought.

Supervisors Prepare for Personal Property Tax Rate Debate

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

While only four weeks into the new fiscal year, county supervisors already are looking ahead to the next budget cycle.

The Board of Supervisors’ finance committee last week received its first briefing on the economic forecasts that will form the foundations of next spring’s debate. Supervisors also are floating ideas for new programs, ranging from providing more money to support affordable housing to providing child-care services for county government employees.

Director of Management and Budget

Megan Bourke provided an overview of economic conditions. According to the report, the continuation of high mortgage rates is expected to tamp down increases in home prices, but commercial land values are expected to increase 13% this year—driven by the anticipation of another $1 billion in data center construction. During 2023, there was $3.3 billion in new construction, mostly in data centers.

In the commercial sector, office space values are dropping, a reflection of postCOVID reductions in demand. However, that trend—which has provided a significant budget hit to other local governments in the region—has relatively little impact in Loudoun where the office sector represents only 6% of the commercial tax base and 1.6% of the overall real estate

portfolio, according to the report.

Another key element of the government’s revenue stream is the personal property tax collected on data center equipment. In fiscal year 2024, which ended June 30, the $665 million in revenue from data center equipment taxes exceeded the budget by nearly 20%. However, the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office is predicting that fiscal year 2025 collections will be close to the $670 million budget forecast. The report also noted that concerns about the power supply capacity needed to support the data center sector have “not resulted in any downward surprise” in revenue and are not expected to impact the current budget cycle.

The Board of Supervisors last year established a revenue stabilization fund to insulate the budget against any sharp downturns in data center revenue. Bourke said county leaders should continue with that program.

The fund’s target is 10% of annual data center-related real property and personal property tax, a target that is expected to grow to $80-100 million. Last fall, the board set aside $15 million from the fiscal year 2023 budget surplus and earmarked another $40 million in this year’s budget.

“Our recommendations will be continuing to add funding to that fund so you

TAX DEBATE continues on page 25

County Planners Recommend Approval of 81-acre Data Center Campus

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounno.org

The county Planning Commission on Tuesday voted to recommend approval of an application to permits 2.1 million square feet of data center and utility substation use on land south of Leesburg between Sycolin Road and the Dulles Greenway.

The application would rezone the 81acre parcel from Transitional Residential-10 and Joint Land Management Area20 to Industrial Park.

JK Land Holdings, which owns the property, has agreed to provide a traffic signal and traffic impact study, a $342,000

cash contribution to the county to construct a shared use path, and improvements to Sycolin Road.

The rezoning was not supported by county planning staff amid concerns that the design was inconsistent General Plan policies for the Transition Light Industrial Place Type and with the natural, environmental and heritage resource polices in the plan.

Project Manager Marchant Schneider said the plan envisions buildings limited to three stories, which staff has consistently interpreted as 36 feet.

Law Enforcement Activity Closes Portion of Appalachian Trail

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

FBI agents working with local law enforcement have closed a portion of the Appalachian Trail near Bear’s Den as part of an investigation.

The FBI referred inquiries to the Leesburg Police Department.

LDP spokesperson Michelle Bowman said the operation began Tuesday. She declined to disclose the nature of the activity but said there was no threat to the public and the response was planned.

The National Capital Park Service is assisting.

A law enforcement command post was established in the parking lot near the trail’s Rt. 7 crossing in Bluemont. n

County of Loudoun

Plans to build 2.1 million square feet of data center space on an 81-acre tract between Sycolin Road and the Dulles Greenway has been recommended for approval by the county Planning Commission.

DATA CENTER CAMPUS continues on page 27

Hannah Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

A portion of the Appalachian Trail was closed Tuesday during an investigaton by law enforcement.

Loudoun 5 More Info Signs Coming to Rt. 7

The county government is working with VDOT to install five more electronic messaging board along Rt. 7.

The work is part of an effort to create an intelligent transportation system, a project launched in 2017. Previously five signs and traffic cameras were installed on Rt. 50, Rt. 606 and on the Leesburg Bypass.

In the $1.3 million next phase, the signs are planned along Rt. 7 west of Dranesville Road, between Ashburn Village Boulevard and Loudoun County Parkway, between Belmont Ridge Road and Crosstrail Boulevard, between Berlin Turnpike and Ivandale Road, and near Simpsons Creek Road in Round Hill.

The signs will be installed and operated by VDOT, with the agency’s McConnell Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center in Fairfax providing real-time information on road conditions and travel times. n

Lucketts CC Eyed for $2.9M in Repairs

Basement leaks first detected in 2022 will require significant repairs to the Lucketts Community Center.

According to the briefing prepared for the Board of Supervisors’ finance committee last week, architects hired to assess the water damage are developing a $2.9 million remediation plan.

The project envisions nine months of design work followed by eight months of construction. Under the plan, the center’s office activities will be moved into a modular trailer complex during construction.

The former Lucketts School was built in 1913 and housed students until 1971. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. n

Loudoun Legislators Rank 100% on Conservation Scorecard

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters released its annual scorecard for state lawmakers and celebrated in Leesburg on Thursday with the four members of the Northern Virginia delegation who received 100% scores.

Sen. Russet Perry (D-31) and delegates Marty Martinez (D-29), Atoosa Reaser (D-27) and Kannan Srinivasan (D-26) gathered at Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen with league leaders to celebrate the scores and conservation legislation passed earlier this year.

The scorecard ranks all state 140 lawmakers base on their votes on environmental policy and legislation the organization deemed would protect clean air and water, address climate, safeguard greenspace and secure a healthy democracy.

“This year’s scorecard evaluates kind of the first proactive agenda we’ve had since the Northam administration,” Deputy Director Lee Francis said. “… We got a lot done. We didn’t get everything we wanted to get done, but we’ve got a lot of time and all the lawmakers here in this room are a big part of how we made that progress.”

Perry said with the organization’s help,

the delegation was also able to help stop some laws from getting approved.

“These folks come and sit in my office and give me weekly briefings or multiples of them and it’s very important to me. They take the time so that when I sit on the dais, I know exactly what I’m talking about,” she said.

Reaser, Srinivasan and Martinez agreed the organization is crucial to keeping them informed on conservation issues.

Sen. Suhas Subramanyam (D-32) and

Del. David Reid (D-28) also received 100% ratings from the VLCV. The loan Republican member of Loudoun’s delegation, Geary Higgins (R-30), was given a 32% score.

The scorecard rated lawmaker’s votes on 21 bills on a variety of topics including energy and climate, good government, land conservation, land use and transportation and water quality. All representatives assigned a 100% rating by the organization were Democrats. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Virginia League of Conservation Voters leaders and Democrat members of the Loudoun delegation gathered in Leesburg to celebrate the release of the league’s annual scorecard which gave the lawmakers a 100% ranking.

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Motorists traveling on the Leesburg Bypass are alerted to traffic conditions ahead through an electronic messaging board. Five more are coming to the Rt. 7 corridor.

File Photo

Public Safety

Sterling Drug Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

A Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge sentenced a Sterling man found with more than 3,600 fentanyl pills and 170 grams of cocaine to 12 years and 10 months in prison during a hearing on July 25.

Christian Murrell Adlam was charged with three counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm while in possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance, one count of abduction, one count of simple robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit abduction.

The charges stemmed from an April 1, 2023, incident in Sterling. Sheriff ’s Office deputies responded to a reported robbery. During the investigation, they determined that Adlam and an accomplice abducted and robbed the victim over a payment dispute involving the exchange of a pill from Adlam to the victim. Deputies recovered approximately 36 grams of marijuana, approximately 170 grams of cocaine in both crack and powder form, approximately 3,612 fentanyl pills, a firearm, and $6,678 in cash during searches of vehicles and a residence belonging to Adlam.

In addition to the active prison term,

Judge Matthew P. Snow sentenced Adlam to an additional 23 years of suspended time conditioned upon the satisfactory completion of 10 years of probation after his release.

During the sentencing hearing, Snow described the case as having the “most extreme and jaw-dropping drug dealer facts that this court has seen,”

“We know that one pill can kill. You chose to be a drug dealer, destroying our community in the process,” Snow said.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Jason Faw.

“We hope that this sentence sends a strong message that dealing fentanyl and other drugs will not be tolerated in Loudoun County. I would like to thank the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office for their diligent investigation, and for taking thousands of deadly fentanyl pills out of the community” Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson stated in an announcement. “It is unimaginable what the damage to the community would have been if this individual was allowed to continue providing these lethal narcotics into our community.” n

Leesburg Man Sentenced in Child Sexual Abuse, Pornography Case

Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge Stephen E. Sincavage last week sentenced a 19-year-old Leesburg man to serve at least 11 years and 11 months in prison for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in 2023.

The crime was uncovered by Leesburg Police investigators who were searching for a runaway juvenile in April 2023. Brandon Adrian Estrada Deleon was found to be harboring the girl. He admitted to detectives to having sexual intercourse with the child on three occasions. Detectives also found a pornographic picture of the child saved on his phone.

On July 25, Sincavage sentenced Estrada Deleon to 54 years and 11 months in prison with 43 years suspended for convictions on charges of rape of a child younger than 13 years old, and possession of child pornography. The suspended sentence is conditioned upon the satisfactory completion of 10 years of supervised probation. Upon release, Estrada Deleon is

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required to register as a sex offender for life.

“In our society, adults protect children ... what stands out is that after you knew that this young girl was only 12 years old, you continued to have sexual relations with her,” Sincavage said during the sentencing hearing. “It is beyond comprehension that you made the decision that you did. Instead of protecting the child, you did what you did. This is the type of case, not only to deter you, but to prevent others in the community from doing what you did—a significant price must be paid.”

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Anthony Needham.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family. I would like to thank the Leesburg Police Department who found the child and ensured that justice would be served,” stated Commonwealth’s Attorney Bob Anderson. n

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Leesburg

Town Council Approves Westpark Tech Project

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.org

The Leesburg Town Council last week approved the rezoning of the former Westpark Hotel property, clearing way for construction of a business park.

The action closes a seven-year debate over the future of the 142-acre Westpark Golf Club property that was put up for sale in 2017. Golf operations there ceased two years later after more than 50 years.

A developer’s plan in 2019 to build 96 townhouses on the land was opposed by area residents and town representatives.

Chuck Kuhn then bought the Clubhouse Drive property in 2020. He offered to sell most of the land to the town government for park use, but the Town Council declined. He then placed the former golf course property under conservation easement and sold that to the county government. The park opened to the public last year.

Kuhn’s company retained ownership of the 7.58-acre commercially zoned portion of the property. Based on prior town actions, use of the land largely was limited to a hotel. The rezoning appli-

AROUND town

Council Creates Performing Arts Commission

Acting on the request of Council Member Todd Cimino-Johnson, the Town Council last week advanced plans to create a Performing Arts Commission.

During its budget work in March, the council earmarked $11,000 to provide stipends and operating expenses for a seven-member panel. Since then, staff members have been researching the need for a new advisory committee by meeting with council and community members and looking at other area jurisdictions.

Last week, Assistant Town Manager Kate Trask presented four options: to create a new commission, to expand the Commission on Public Art to take on the work, to ask COPA members to develop a recommendation, or to defer a decision until a performing arts venue is established in town.

cation sought to broaden the list of permissible uses and proposed construction of an 86,400-square-foot flex industrial building.

The town Planning Commission in April recommended denial of the application amid neighborhood fears the property would be developed as data center. Before the project arrived on the Town Council dais, the developer agreed to a condition that excludes data centers on the property.

During the July 23 public hearing, the debate centered the extent of buffering that should be required around the property and how quickly the former hotel building would be razed.

Town planners recommended extensive buffering for the project, including a masonry wall. The developer sought flexibility to adequately screen the project using existing trees and new plantings on the property and on the adjacent county parkland.

While some area residents pressed for the immediate demolition of the building, citing concerns about vandalism, thefts and vagrancy, the developer has held off. A previously issued demolition permit ex-

Cimino-Johnson said past efforts to promote performing arts activities through COPA had not been successful and the two panels would have different missions.

Formed in 2008, COPA has focused on the display of visual arts by promoting exhibits, sculptures and murals.

Under Cimino-Johnson’s proposal, the Performing Arts Commission would focus on providing performances of theater, music, dance and spoken word; and helping to develop local talent.

Establishing the new panel requires a Town Code amendment, including a public hearing. The council initiated that process July 23.

Town Seeks $2.3M Grant for Catoctin Circle Turn Lane

The Town of Leesburg is applying for a $2.3 million grant through VDOT’s SMART SCALE funding program to construct a turn lane and extend a trail along Catoctin Circle south of West Market St.

pired without action.

In the final rezoning agreement, the developer committed to apply for new demolition permits within 14 days of site plan approval for the project and to commence demolition within 90 days of the final required approvals.

Council members pressed Kuhn’s representatives for options to raze the building sooner, but the debate ended with commitments from the developer that a site plan would be submitted as soon as

The overall $2.5 million project is slated for construction in fiscal year 2028. Plans call for the addition of a right turn lane to move traffic from northbound Catoctin Circle to eastbound West Market St. It also will build a 500-foot trail from the intersection to connect with the existing path in the Ashton Downs neighborhood on the east side of Catoctin Circle. It also will upgrade the pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection.

Brandon Park Playground Switch Costs $60K

The Town Council last week approved a second change order of the Branon Park playground replacement project.

The council approved an additional $37,781 for equipment changes that stem from a new round of community input into the upgrades.

The town was set to install new equipment last spring when the project was put on hold after parents raised concerns about the design of the new playground, seeking to ensure it would be toddler

possible and from planning town staff members that the submission would be reviewed promptly. However, even at an accelerated pace, those steps are expected to take 10 months to compete, they said.

The Town Council voted 6-2 to rezone the property to the Planned Employment Center District and to approve a special exception permit to allow an 86,400-square-foot flex industrial building. Vice Mayor Neil Steinberg and Kari Nacy opposed the applications. n

friendly. The town previously approved a change order of $22,516 for the project to cover a restocking fee for the returned equipment.

The new total project cost is $200,655.

Town Cats Featured in Pop Up Exhibit

Those visiting downtown Leesburg during the First Friday events can learn more about the life of cats in town as part of an exhibit at the Donaldson Log Cabin.

The staff at the Thomas Balch Library assembled the exhibit as a follow up to its popular feature on dogs last summer. Documents and photographs from the library’s archival collections will highlight the history of keeping pets in Leesburg, including how cats shaped the life and laws in the community.

The exhibit will be open 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at the cabin, located at 14 Loudoun St. SW. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

The last remaining building of the former Westpark Hotel complex will be coming down as part of plans for a newly approved business park development, but that demolition will not happen immediately

Leesburg Movement Lands Grant for Alley Improvements

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Lassiter Way along the Town Hall parking garage will be getting a facelift thanks to a state grant secured by Leesburg Movement, the town’s new Main Street organization.

The group in June was awarded a $15,000 Community Vitality Grant through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for the project. The grant requires a $7,500 match in cash, in-kind services and volunteer work. The town’s Department of Economic Development has committed $1,000.

The goal of the project is to add planters, hanging baskets, benches, murals, and lighting to transform the alley into

a more mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly area—providing a more welcoming introduction to town for visitors who park at Town Hall. The group also wants the work to set the stage for to hold small street festivals in the space. Work on the designs is continuing with construction planned next spring.

The Town Council voted to pursue the creation of a Main Street program in January 2023 and this year allocated $30,000 to support it. Leesburg Movement is working through the Tier 1 stage of the program, including securing a nonprofit tax status, developing a formal working agreement with the town government, and preparing to hire a parttime director.

Leesburg Movement hopes to apply for Tier 2 status this fall, beginning a multiyear process to become a fully accredited program in Tier 3. n

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

A state grant looks to spruce up Lassiter Way.

Education

Scissortail Farm Camp Helps Kids Get Dirty and Learn New Skills

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.org

There is no shortage of summer camp offerings in Loudoun County. From full day to half day, parents can choose from camps where children visit a new place every day, to art, video games, music, sports, theatre, educational camps and camps where they learn about the history of the county to name a few. But there aren’t many like Scissortail Farm’s camp.

At Scissortail Farm, campers come to learn how to work on a farm, doing just that. They feed, water and groom animals, learn about where their food comes from while learning gardening skills, get hands on experience fixing fences and doing other needed maintenance work and get some play time on moon bounces and water slides.

Farm and camp owner Alexandra Ardelean said working a ranch and being around animals is in her blood.

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Ardelean said she has always been around livestock or horses in some form or another. She grew up riding horses, then worked with children with disabilities in therapeutic riding from age 13-20, started ‘cowboying’ at dude and cattle ranches during the summer while in college where she received her wrangling certification that allowed her to do back country horseback trail rides in Colorado and eventually went into ranch management.

SCHOOL notebook

Students Stand Out at National Competition

Academies of Loudoun students attended the state and national SkillsUSA conferences this year, with many achieving recognition for leadership, communication and service.

Attending the 59th annual SkillsUSA Virginia State Leadership Conference and Skills Championship in the spring were one welding student, seven administration of justice students, and 34 graphic communication students. The Academies delegation received 13 banners, a gold chapter of excellence, 18 gold medals, 15 silver medals, two bronze medals, two state officers and a trophy for most medals with five or fewer programs represented.

Eight students competed in the National Leadership and Skills Conference

The Ardelean’s bought the farm in Round Hill in February 2021, and upon the suggestion of a friend opened it up later that summer for camps.

“When I moved here, I took my girls out to the farms around and they were wonderful and they had animals but it was always through the fence and I thought ‘can’t we do better?’” she said.

She decided to give it a try and after putting out feelers on Facebook she

in Atlanta, GA, in the categories of Career Pathways Showcase in Arts and Communication, Graphic Sublimation and Graphic Communications.

Four students joined The National Courtesy Corps, a group of high school and post-high school students, advisors and chaperones delegates; with two students serving as national delegates representing Virginia.

State officers were Maryam Baroka, the 2024-2025 president and Abbe Hardin, state secretary for 2024-2025.

Nathan Sallee placed third in the nation in the Graphic Communications competition.

Joey Cotsimopouls participated in the Courtesy Corps.

Thomas Mazeika, Ayan Chohan, and Amy Tran were the Arts & Communication Team in the Career Pathways Showcase.

Madeline Rhodes participated in Graphic Imaging Sublimation.

Thomas Mazeika, Ayan Chohan, and

had 100 inquiries in 24 hours the first summer.

Now in its fourth year, she has never looked back.

“I’ve always loved bringing children into nature and around animals. It’s very healing for everyone but especially for children with disabilities,” she said. “And especially putting them in a barn and having them work hard using their hands and knowing what that feels like

Amy Tran, Madeline Rhodes and Nathan Sallee participated in the Community Service Competition.

4 Students Receive Dunkin Scholarship

Four Loudoun students have been announced as recipients of the annual Dunkin’ Regional Scholarship Program which awarded $125,000 in scholarships to 50 students in the Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia area.

Saoirse O’Hair of Stone Bridge High School, Jainil Modi and Prisha Singh of Freedom High School and Lima Naimi of Loudoun Valley High School each received a $2,500 scholarship to pursue an undergraduate degree this fall.

O’Hair received the Outstanding Delegate Award at the Loudoun International youth Leadership Summit, participated in the Virginia Music Educators Association Choir and was recognized as a National Merit Scholar

and knowing what it feels like to have something depend on them, otherwise that animal will not make it. And seeing their smiles when they complete the job, it’s very rewarding.”

She said there hasn’t been a week where they haven’t had campers. Ardelean said on average each week there is about 15 kids in her camp. There is no age limit, but she said if a child is under three she asks parents to stay.

She said as soon as campers check-in they start on the farm chores. That usually involves feeding the horses, then the 100 chickens, followed by the goats. After the animals are all fed, they then muck out any stables.

“They get the buckets, they scoop the feed, they add the water and the medicine,” she said.

Each day has a theme that begins after the chores are done. Monday is all about learning what the chores are and what type of feed each animal gets and getting acclimated to the chore list. Tuesday they learn about where their food comes from by working in the garden and orchard.

“I think it’s really important that they see all the different stages of the fruit trees and the vegetables,” she said adding that this week the kids took home peaches and cucumbers they had harvested.

Wednesday they work with the cattle

SCISSORTAIL FARM continues on page 9

Commended Student.

Modi participated in an international Research Program with South Korea, completed a research internship at Virginia Tech and was active in Model United Nations.

Singh serves as the Communication Chair for the GW Production Club as recognized as a GW Dean’s List recipient in 2023 and is a GW Presidential Academic Scholarship recipient.

Naimi earned co-valedictorian status and was an exchange student at Ady Endre School in Debrecen, Hungary.

The goal of the regional scholarship is to recognize hardworking students in the DMV and to help ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. To date, the Dunkin’ DMV Regional Scholarship nProgram has awarded $350,000 in scholarships to 140 students in the DMV. n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Scissortail Farm owner Alexandra Ardelean talks about taking care of horses to camp participants. Aredelan’s camp teaches children how to work on a farm by introducing them to various farm chores like feeding and grooming animals and working in a garden.

Probation Ends for Student Convicted of 2 Sexual Assaults

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The probation term for a Loudoun County Public Schools’ student convicted of two sexual assaults in 2021 ended with his 18th birthday July 24.

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Chief Judge Pamela L. Brooks closed the case after a hearing last Wednesday. She ruled at the time of the student’s conviction in 2022 that he would remain under supervised probation until he turned 18.

The student, who was 15 at the time, sexually assaulted a female student at Stone Bridge High School on May 28, 2021. He was then transferred to Broad Run High School where he sexually as-

Scissortail Farm

continued from page 8

and learn about taking care of them and how they can be used for food. Thursday is horse day, where they get to learn how to brush and saddle a horse as well as how to properly take care of their hooves. They also get to ride a horse.

“I really feel like the basics of life is just lost and it’s sad and I don’t think that is right and I really believe that being on a farm and working with your hands will teach you a lot of life lessons. and I truly believe that children can do everything that I can do and if something is too heavy you ask someone to help you,” she said.

Afterward the kids get downtime to play or do crafts.

Ardelean has help from both volunteers and paid staff. She said she knows the families of her employees first before hiring them so she can vet them and gauge where their strengths are to determine where best to place them at camp.

Nine-year-old Michael “Rowdy” Nicholson has a background working with livestock and helps Ardelean with the cows and horses. His little sister, eight-year-old Lively helps keep the kids, many right around her same age, on task with chores. Lively knows her way around a horse too, she barrel races while Rowdy competes in roping and goat tying—a competition where a person on horseback rides to a tethered goat, dismounts, catches, throws and ties three feet of its legs together.

“I like teaching the kids about the cows and like how the bulls get cut into

saulted another student in October. He pleaded no contest to charges of abduction and sexual battery in November 2021.

Scott Smith, whose daughter was assaulted during the May incident, said he continues to be frustrated with the situation.

He said the student was mandated to attend a residential treatment facility as part of his supervised probation, which the family expected to last until his 18th birthday. However, the student was released from the program in November.

“Nobody notified us,” Smith said.

“[He] yesterday became 18 and got to walk away with his record sealed and no limits. My daughter is left here still without a voice because of litigation and she’s scared and she’s left with scars that will always be here,” Smith said. n

steers and how heifers become a cow,” Rowdy said.

Twelve-year-old Henrietta Thompson said she loves working the camps and said she wished when she was their age she had the opportunity to attend a camp like this.

“it’s just so much fun and our age we love helping out but then also it’s just so enjoyable to work here,” Thompson said.

Eighteen-year-old Avery Garnett has been helping with camp for two summers.

She said she became interested in helping because she grew up on a farm and was raised around animals. She also has experience working with children with special needs.

“I love that this job includes working with kids with special needs and involves the farm aspect,” she said.

She said one day she wants to own her own farm.

Year round the farm is a working farm and Ardelean raises and sells grass fed beef and sausage, teaches English and Western riding lessons and holds therapeutic riding lessons for people with disabilities. Additionally, she visits schools with chicks and does educational talks.

Camp is held Monday through Thursday and usually runs from the end of May through the first week of August. Half day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and costs $225, while full day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $325.

Ardelean said for now people interested in camp can contact her through their Facebook page but said a website will be coming soon. n

Pisierra Retires as Loudoun Cares Executive Director

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

During the Loudoun Cares Awards Ceremony earlier this year, organization Executive Director Valerie Pisierra announced she was retiring from the role she has held for the past seven years. Now, she’s ready to hand over the torch to Jenny Tomlinson.

The nonprofit is both a vastly different place and, in some ways, very much the same place that it was in 2016 when Pisierra began working there.

Married to a military man, she was used to moving around a lot, so she often found a nonprofit to volunteer or work at wherever she lived. When she and her husband left England and landed in

Loudoun County, she began looking for a new opportunity and found that Loudoun Cares was hiring a parttime position.

However, a year later found the organization in a difficult position facing both financial hardships and, Pisierra said, an identity crisis.

“We had to lay off a lot of people, and I was kind of the only person in the organization that knew all the programs at the time,” she recalled.

As a result, the board of directors offered her the executive director role to help the nonprofit continue, leaving only her and one other parttime employee on the payroll.

“We had those conversations of: Are we relevant anymore? Is what we do that special? And it always came back to look, nobody does what we do in the county,” she said, adding that the organization had lot trust with the community and finding its way back would be an uphill battle.

Loudoun is home to many nonprofits

that provide direct services to county residents, but Loudoun Cares is the “hub” that help coordinates between organizations, she said.

Then in 2020, COVID happened and suddenly everything the organization was already doing became more important than ever.

“When everyone else became still, we in the nonprofit world were working 15hour days,” Pisierra said. “Now you have all these people that need all these things that never needed these things before, because you’ve got people that aren’t getting paid. And all of the sudden everybody that does direct service was being bombarded.”

Pisierra led the way in partnering with Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington to create a COVID relief fund and helpline.

“It became very much of out of that tragedy or desperation, builds these relationships,” she said.

Fast forward four years and the organization has helped to distribute over $2.7

million in rent and utility assistance for more than 1,200 families since the beginning of COVID, guide over 3,000 families to the appropriate direct services, connect 1,376 volunteers with the right nonprofit for them since 2022, and manage a directory of 271 volunteer opportunities.

Those achievements were hard fought, not just by Pisierra but by her team and the nonprofit’s board members.

“I remember sitting here and thinking, ‘OK, I can just get through today. If we can just get through today.’ I remember doing cash flows and realizing we were going to run out of money in three months,” she said.

But she persevered with the organization’s hard work culminating in 2021 when Loudoun Cares was awarded both Small Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year by the Loudoun Chamber.

PISIERRA continues on page 11

Pisierra

Housing Alliance, Community Foundation Announce Partnership

The Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties formed new partnership to support advocacy efforts for affordable housing in Loudoun County.

In 2022, the Loudoun Community Cabinet, a component fund of the Community Foundation, provided seed funding to launch Workforce Housing Now. The community-wide public awareness campaign highlighted the need for more workforce housing production, diversity,

Pisierra

continued from page 10

Pisierra was also named Community Leader Nonprofit Executive of the Year the following year.

“It’s obviously not about awards or anything like that, but it’s sort of that benchmark saying, ‘oh, we must have done something right,’” she said.

Despite the growth that the organization has seen over the years, Pisierra said at its core, Loudoun Cares has remained the same—a place to help those who need it.

“It’s changed, but it hasn’t. I feel like it’s just gotten better. It’s just been enriched,” she said.

Now, her husband is retiring and Pisierra said it’s time to step back and get some hard-earned rest. But she won’t be going too far and said she’s looking forward to volunteering at some of her other favorite Loudoun nonprofits.

Tomlinson, who has been working as program development coordinator for the past three years will be stepping into the role Aug. 1. She has served alongside Pisierra as the Loudoun Cares Director of Programming and Operations for the past three years.

“She has seen the ups the downs, the pretty, the ugly, … She has seen it all and she keeps coming back for more. So, that says a lot about her,” Pisierra said of Tomlinson. “She has a huge heart for helping people.”

“As today’s economic issues continue to impact the stability of our residents, our mission ‘to connect those who serve with those in need to build a stronger community’ takes on new importance,” Tomlinson said. “There are folks struggling in our own backyards and we cannot let them fall through the cracks.”

Learn more about Loudoun Cares at loudouncares.org.n

and affordability in the county.

Recently, the Loudoun Community Cabinet awarded a $50,000 grant to NVAHA to launch a new alliance in Loudoun to advocate policies and resources that would advance the availability of affordable housing. Grant funding from the cabinet will support the hiring of a Loudoun affordable housing policy director position within NVAHA.  The candidate search for the position is underway.

“NVAHA is an experienced affordable housing advocate and leader in our re-

gion, and we are thrilled that our Workforce Housing Now campaign has evolved into this next stage,” Community Foundation President and CEO Nicole Acosta stated in the announcement. “NVAHA has been a great partner to us throughout the campaign, and we’re excited that they are expanding their work here in Loudoun.”

“We are grateful for this partnership with the Community Foundation and the Loudoun Community Cabinet,” NVAHA Executive Director Jill Norcross stated.

“Earlier this year, we merged with the Arlington-based Alliance for Housing Solutions, which gave us the template to start other local alliances in Northern Virginia jurisdictions to meet the diverse housing needs of Northern Virginia communities by being locally responsive and regionally united. We are thrilled to launch our second local alliance in Loudoun, where there are many opportunities to partner with County stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan.”

For more information about the new position, go to nvaha.org. n

Business Rosa Bakes Brings Vegan Sweets to Loudoun

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Rosa Lepelch started her bakery – Rosa Bakes – in 2020. But the story of how it all began, starts years before when her mom was diagnosed with cancer nine years ago.

The news started Rosa and her mom on a journey to healthier eating – one that eventually led to both of them and four of Rosa’s siblings turning to the vegan lifestyle of eating.

But that lifestyle change came with challenges, not the least being where to find a decent, vegan bakery item.

“My mom and I have the biggest sweet tooth and we didn’t want to satisfy our sweet tooth by always going to DC, because that is where you find all the options,” Rosa said.

And so, she began studying how to make her own sweets, starting with donuts, without the two main challenging ingredients – eggs and milk. After some trial and error, Rosa’s desserts started picking up momentum.

With her mom’s encouragement – and honest feedback – Rosa began selling her desserts to friends and family. Then, she graduated high school and attended Northern Virginia Community College with plans to transfer to Virginia Tech and study specialized nutrition.

A few years in, Rosa decided to take a different direction and go back to her baking businesses, which had taken a back seat to classes.

At first, she was baking out of her home, with limited supplies and space. As her business grew, she transitioned her headquarters to Frontier Kitchen, a shared commercial kitchen space in South Riding.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride. Sometimes I hate it and sometimes I love it,” she said.

One of the biggest challenges she faces is exposure, getting the word out so people who want vegan baked goods can find them.

“There really is a demand for my product. The majority of my customers aren’t even vegan; they have an egg or dairy allergy,” Rosa said.

Even sweets lovers who consume eggs and dairy love her cupcakes, donuts, cookies and cakes, she said.

“I like to sometimes not even mention that my dessert is vegan. If I’m going to a party or networking event, I let them try it

out and then tell them after, ‘Oh, there’s no dairy or eggs in it,” Rosa said adding that people are always surprised.

But the goal isn’t just vegan desserts, Rosa said. She wants to make delicious, healthy sweets that can nourish people’s bodies even when they’re struggling with health concerns – like her mom was so many years ago. Now, her mom is her biggest fan.

“I’m definitely very mindful of the American diet and what is not good for us,” she said. “I try to stay away from artificial flavors and use whole foods.”

That’s a process she’s always leaning in to improve, trying out beet powder or other natural colors to replace artificial food coloring, experimenting with more gluten free alternatives and working her way away from refined sugars and oils.

“I’m aware that more and more people are becoming conscious about their health,” Rosa said.

She just doesn’t want them to sacrifice their sweet tooth to get there.

Rosa Bakes offers six different cake flavors in a variety of designs including a traditional circle or vintage heart shape, which Rosa said is becoming more popular. She also offers gluten free cake, cupcakes and cookies.

Orders can be placed online and must be made at least one day in advance. They can be picked up at Frontier Kitchen at 25387 Pleasant Valley Rd. Suite 110 in Chantilly.

Learn more at rosabakes.com n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Rosa LePelch, owner and founder of Rosa Bakes, holds a finished vegan cake at Frontier Kitchen in South Riding before it’s delivered to a happy customer.

BUSINESS briefs

Lennar Plans New Kincora Project

Lennar has purchased another 9.2 acres at Kincora after its first project of luxury townhome-style condos there quickly sold out.

In the new section, Lennar plans 248 two-over-two townhome condos. Site work is expected to begin this summer.

Kincora is a 424-acre mixed-use development offering a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Upon completion, it is planned to have 2,400 residential units, 4 million square feet of office space, 500,000 square feet of retail space, 570 hotel rooms, and two museums.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Lennar and see their vision for this new residential development come to life,” stated Dan Coughlan, principal of TRITEC Real Estate Company. “Lennar’s investment reflects the growing appeal and potential of Kincora as a dynamic place to live, work, and play.”

Learn more at kincora.com.

Farm Credit Announces Patronage Dividend

The Leesburg branch of Farm Credit of the Virginias paid just over $2.9 million in cash to its customer-owners in the form of a patronage dividend.

Farm Credit returns a portion of its profits back to customer-owners on an annual basis. Although its agricultural producers and rural homeowners faced another year of challenges during 2023 with inflated input costs and interest rates, the organization’s financial position remained strong and the Board of Directors elected to return 81% of the net profits to help the customer-owners navigate continued economic uncertainties.

The patronage program effectively lowers the cost of borrowing from Farm Credit of the Virginias. This year’s combined $32 million distribution equates to having an interest-free loan for more than three months and represents approximately 27% of the interest accrued on loans.

The Leesburg branch is located at 27 Ft Evans Road, NE. Learn more at farmcreditofvirginias.com.

BCT Parent Declares Dividend

The Board of Directors of Potomac Bancshares, the holding company for Bank of Charles Town, declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share.

The dividend is for shareholders of

Dulles Gymnastics Academy Expands at Arcola Center

Dulles Gymnastics Academy is moving to St. John Properties’ 34-acre Arcola Center.

Owners Deborah and Jeffrey Walk signed a lease for 17,040 square feet and plan to move from Sterling upon completion of the new flex/R&D building early next year.

Founded in 1972, Dulles Gymnastics Academy provides a range of exercise and fitness classes and training sessions, for boys and girls ranging from those just walking to individuals in their 20s. The group’s Development, XCEL and Trampoline and Tumbling teams are consistently nationally ranked and compete across the country.

“The new location is a game-changer for us in so many respects,” Deborah Walk said. “We maxed out our potential in our existing building given space restraints and over time realized that we missed opportunities given the poor visibility of our site and the relative lack of amenities nearby. The Arcola Center

record as of Aug. 5, and will be paid Aug. 12.

Founded in 1871, BCT is a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares with approximately $855 million in assets as of March 31. In Loudoun, the company operates office in Leesburg, Middleburg and Purcellville.

For more information, to to mybct.bank.

CAVA Group Presented Legendary SWaN Award

Leesburg-based SWaN & Legend Venture Partners, a multi-stage venture capital firm that invests in high-growth, high-quality organizations, has recognized CAVA Group CEO Brett Schulman and his partners with its “Legendary SWaN” Award for leading the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand through one of the most successful consumer IPOs in a decade. As of July 15, CAVA’s market cap is more than $9 billion.

The award was presented by SWaN co-founder and managing director Fred Schaufeld during the recently held Annual Partner’s meeting.

Schulman acknowledged the support and advisement CAVA received from SWaN over the past few years. CAVA opened its original full-service restaurant in 2006 and its first fast-casual restaurant in 2011, offering diners the opportunity to build customized bowls, pitas, and salads.  As of June, CAVA operates 337

location corrects each of these issues, significantly elevates our brand and will enable us to introduce additional programming and classes to take Dulles Gymnastics to the next level. More importantly, the move benefits our students and their families.”

restaurants in 25 states and the District of Columbia.

CAVA built a loyal customer base by positioning itself as a healthy alternative to fast food and now has two manufacturing facilities that produce tzaziki, harissa, salad dressing and crazy feta for its restaurants and for sale through select grocery chains.

CAVA joins previous Legendary SWaN Award winners Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND Healthy Snacks; Marc Katz, founder of Custom Ink; and Jay Tapper, co-founder of DuraStat and La Lumiere LLC.

Inova Among Forbes’ Top Employers for Women

Inova Health System has been named one of America’s Best Employers for Women in 2024 by Forbes.

“Being named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers for Women is a testament to our ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all of our team members,” Inova Chief People Officer Terri Feely stated in an announcement. “At Inova, we prioritize not just the professional growth of our team members, but also their personal well-being and creating a workplace where women can thrive and succeed.”

At Inova, women comprise 80% of the staff, including 74% of its leadership positions, 55% of its CEO’s executive cabinet

Plans for the

include four buildings comprising 130,000 square feet of flex/R&D space at the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway and Dulles West Boulevard.

For more information about the company, go to sjpi.com. n

seats, and 70% those at the director level and above.

Forbes made the selections based on an independent survey from a sample of over 150,000 women working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the country from all industry sectors. Respondents were asked about their company’s atmosphere and development, diversity, image, salary/wage, workplace and working conditions, as well as pay equity, discrimination, flexibility, family support and parental leave.

Fenig Joins Sterling Lighting

Tom Fenig is the new head of sales development at Loudoun County-based Sterling Lighting.

Fenig has more than 40 years of experience in the lighting industry. In 1995 he founded Outdoor Lighting Perspectives in Charlotte, NC. The company grew to 79 locations before its sale in 2008. He established Imagine Outdoor Lighting in 2018. In the position, Fenig reunites with Sterling Lighting CEO Patrick Harders, a long-time collaborator. They plan to extend Sterling Lighting’s market reach and enhance the company’s reputation as an innovator in the outdoor lighting industry. n

Arcola Center

Contributed

Dulles Gymnastics is the newest tenant planning to expand in St. John Properties’ Arcola Center.

Fenig

Towns

Split Purcellville Council Seeks More Details on Annexation Request

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

A divided Purcellville Town Council voted to move forward with a memorandum of understanding to evaluate an annexation application as members of the neighboring Wright Farm community voiced opposition to the proposal during a meeting July 23.

JK Land Holdings submitted the application in March that requests to move 117 acres along Purcellville Road into the town limits. Owner Chuck Kuhn envisions a project, known as the Valley Commerce Center, to have 1.3 million square feet of business park/flex industrial space.

During a meeting last month, council members said they would need more information especially regarding the utility and traffic impacts on the town before making a decision.

Town Planner Jordan Andrews told the council last week that the next step would be to give approval for town staff to proceed with a memorandum of understanding with JK to learn more about the project’s impacts.

Town Attorney John Cafferky said the vote was not a decision to annex the land and the council and Kuhn were free to stop the process at any time.

Residents who live in the neighboring Wright Farm subdivision voiced concerns about the impact the commerce center would have on Purcellville’s small-town charm.

“It’s a project that really will have far-reaching, very negative impacts for the

AROUND towns

LOVETTSVILLE

Special Meeting Planned for Vacancies, Blocktoberfest

The Lovettsville Town Council has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday to make appointments to the council and Planning Commission and hear a presentation about a community Oktoberfest celebration.

The council voted July 16 to cancel the event scheduled for September after the third-party contractor hired to run the event backed out due to health issues.

Instead, several local businesses are joining together to put on an independent Blocktoberfest celebration Sept. 27-29. The group is asking the town to provide space for vendor tents and activities, allow and assist with road closures, allow use of materials such as tables and chairs and financial assistance.

The council will also appoint a resident to fill the council vacancy left by Mark Jones in June.

community,” Jonathon Young said.

Residents said they had moved away from more crowded areas in Loudoun County to Purcellville to enjoy the quiet and open spaces.

“Building a commercial development will be absolutely destroying the rural integrity of this area,” Joanne Braganza said.

Only Casey Chapman spoke in favor of the application.

“I’m a developer, I build things for profit, and I don’t view that as a negative thing. I don’t think it should be painted that way,” he said.

Moving forward with the MOU does not mean the council is supportive of annexation, he said. But it does signal to developers that the council is willing to look at the facts and consider them.

Council members Caleb Stought, Carol Luke and Christopher Bertuat opposed moving forward with the MOU citing increased traffic, utility demand, and the fiscal impact.

“My primary practical concern is traffic,” Stought said. “I’m concerned that the volume of traffic this project brings is such that multiple stoplights are being recommended as mitigation along Hirst Road and Purcellville Road. Hirst Road is already prone to significant traffic congestion issues and I don’t think that adding 3,500 trips per day is wise.”

Bertaut said the town’s comprehensive plan did not support new annexations and

ANNEXATION REQUEST continues on page 15

Purcellville Reallocates $2M to Cover Higher Water Tank Cost

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

The Purcellville Town Council last week voted to reallocate over $2.3 million from other town construction projects to build its new water tank.

Director of Engineering Andrea Broshkevitch told the council that the original cost estimate of $3 million was done in 2021.

“We did receive three bids for the project, and they were all very close in price,” Broshkevitch said.

The town is moving forward with lowest bid of $5.7 million.

In addition to the higher cost, the project is complicated by the town’s plans to use money from the American Rescue Plan Act, which must be

allocated by the end of the year.

Council Member Christopher Bertaut noted that the staff had used a three-year old estimate in the budget that the council had adopted earlier this year and asked why they were able to find extra funding in current projects.

WATER TANK continues on page 15

Interviews for the commission vacancy are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m. with a second meeting for appointments and the Oktoberfest discussion beginning at 7:30 p.m.

National Night Out Planned at Walker Pavilion

The town is celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the Walker Pavilion.

Members of the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office, State Police and Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad will attend.

Free food will be provided by the Lovettsville Lions Club and visitors can also take part in games, a pie eating contest and vehicle tours. At dusk the movie “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” will begin.

LUCKETTS

Lucketts Ruritans Award $25K in Scholarships

The Lucketts Ruritan Club this year presented scholarships totaling $25K to six Lucketts-area students.

The Lucketts Memorial Scholarships are awarded annually to graduating seniors who have chosen to extend their education and have excelled in their academic and service

AROUND TOWNS continues on page 15

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now JK Land Holdings CEO Chuck Kuhn speaks to the Purcellville Town Council on July 23 about an application by his company to annex 117 acres into the town.

Water tank

continued from page 14

Assistant Director of Finance Connie LeMarr said most of the money had come from the other projects’ contingency funds.

“Andrea has basically sacrificed a lot of her contingency money and left much less contingency money in hopes that we can get this priority project. We’ve got to get this done and completed since it represents the single [biggest] ARPA obligation we need to complete to get through our Dec. 31 deadline,” she said.

“I just want to make sure this does not come back to bite us later on projects that haven’t been completed. So, are we quite certain on the finance side that we are not going to need any of the funds taken from any of the other projects at a later date?” Bertaut asked.

Annexation Request

continued from page 14

stipulates if the council does decide to annex a parcel, it should be in line with its existing zoning.

Mayor Stanley J. Milan, Vice Mayor Erin Rayner and members Mary Jane Williams and Kevin Wright said they also were concerned about parts of the proposal but that they were willing to move forward and learn more about the traffic and utility impacts.

“I would like the opportunity … to approach an open-minded group of professional leaders running the Town of

AROUND towns

continued from page 14

endeavors. This is the 36th year the club has awarded scholarships.

This year’s recipients were Will Anderson, Elena Brunton, Andew Chandler, Claire Gibson, Mason Raborg, and Summer Schwedes.

MIDDLEBURG

Police Host National Night Out

The police department is hosting a National Night Out celebration at the Mid-

“. . . we don't have substantial funding in our water reserves account to offset what we need to do this.”

— Kevin Wright (Purcellville Town Council)

Broshkevitch said some projects would have to be defunded and delayed.

“One of the projects we are only doing design for it and we won’t have the money for construction,” she said, adding that there is a possibility that the reduced contingency funds would not be

Purcellville and share $300,000 worth of detailed professional studies that have been done that will benefit your water, that will benefit your traffic, that will help your revenue deficit,” Kuhn said.

JK Land Holdings also has a stalled rezoning application pending with the county government to build the commerce center property without annexation.

He also cited the county’s upcoming rural zoning and comprehensive plan amendments as offering the possibility that the land’s zoning would be changed anyway.

“This open space is getting developed,” Kuhn said. “Whether it’s a by-right devel-

dleburg Community Center Ballfield on West Washington Street.

Visitors can talk with their local law enforcement officers, climb a rock wall, jump on a moon bounce, eat free hot dogs and snow cones and try out for a bicycle giveaway.

The event will begin at 6 p.m.

It’s Summer Sidewalk Weekend

Middleburg’s eclectic collection of retailers join forces this weekend to welcome shoppers during the Summer Sidewalk Sale.

It is the 18th year for the townwide event offering special deals over three days. The sale runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri-

sufficient in the future.

“It was our professional opinion on how we can fund this number one water resource project, by balancing our priorities of what needs to come first,” Broshkevitch said.

Council Member Kevin Wright said he knows the water tower is a top priority but that it was important to understand that there will be an impact on other projects.

“This is a result because we don’t have substantial funding in our water reserves account to offset what we need to do this,” he said.

The total $2.3 million was reallocated from 19 projects with the single largest transfer coming from the phase one watermain project at $607,000. The motion to approve the transfers passed unanimously. n

Lovettsville Enacts Mandatory Water Conservation

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

Lovettsville is the third Loudoun town to enact mandatory water conservation measures as an extreme drought persists in the region.

Middleburg and Round Hill both implemented mandatory conservation earlier this month. On Thursday, the Town of Lovettsville on Facebook alerted residents to the decision.

Town Manager Jason Cournoyer said the move was mostly “precautionary” but that the residents had been advised to voluntarily conserve water for 60 days.

“It’s avoiding what could otherwise be a potential water supply emergency. I think putting the restrictions in place will curtail non-essential uses,” he said.

opment where you get no proffers, or we move forward with an annexation or a rezoning that land has to be developed. And in it will be developed as soon as we can move forward with either this application or another application.”

The motion to move forward passed 4-3 with Stought, Luke and Bertaut opposed. Milan said he wanted to make sure town residents understood that the council is not at a stage of approving the application.

“We are in a fact-gathering mode right now,” he said. “We’re in that gray zone where we don’t have enough information to make a decision.” n

day and Saturday, and as posted by individual stores on Sunday.

Learn more at visitmiddleburgva.org.

PURCELLVILLE

Police Department to Celebrate National Night Out

The Police Department is celebrating National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at three locations around town.

Beginning at 5 p.m. the department will host a free community picnic in the Giant Food parking lot. At 7 p.m. officers will move to the Purcellville Library for games and activities. Finally, at 8 p.m.

The town sources its water from three wells and Cournoyer said the town staff has been working to bring a fourth online. He said the staff will continue to monitor the wells’ levels and that he hopes the measures will only need to be in place for 90 days.

“I’m hoping that when we get to the fall we’ll get a little more rain,” he said Under the mandatory measures, watering outdoor plants or gardens and washing cars is prohibited except via a three-gallon bucket, washing streets or homes, operating ornamental fountains, filling swimming pools, using water from hydrants except to put out a fire and using a water-cooled air-conditioning unit without water conservation equipment is all prohibited. n

residents will have the opportunity to receive free ice cream at the Loudoun Valley Community Center on School Street.

“One of the best ways to build a safer community is to get to know your neighbors and be familiar with your surroundings,” Chief Barry Dufek stated in an announcement. “National Night Out provides a perfect opportunity to enhance relationships between both neighbors and law enforcement, while reinforcing a true sense of community. It also provides a chance to bring police and residents together under positive circumstances. We hope you can join us at one of the stops, and allow us the chance to build those relationships.” n

LIVE MUSIC

DOIN’ TIME

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

DANIEL MENSH

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1

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

GARRETT MABE

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1

Baker's Crust Artisan Kitchen, 19890 Belmont Chase Dr., Ashburn. bakerscrust.com

JIM STEELE

4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com

PALMER

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

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

LENNY BURRIDGE

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

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

BILLY & THE CURLEY BROTHER

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

BAILEY HAYES

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

JASON MASI

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

FALLING HOME

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewing.com

RYAN SILL

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

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

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 17

It’s Always Fun at The Fair

The Loudoun County Fair wrapped up Saturday after a week of carnival rides and games, community contests, concerts, rodeos, a demolition derby, and lots of farm fun.

Photos by Douglas Graham & Hanna Pampaloni

THE REAGAN YEARS

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

Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts. tararaconcerts.com

Celebrate the hits of the ’80s from pop to metal to new wave with the crowdpleasing tribute band.

POLO IN THE PARK

Saturday, Aug. 3, 6 to 10 p.m.

Morven Park International Equestrian Center polointhepark.org

It’s the finale of Morven Park’s summer arena polo season. Reserve your car pass.

BEST BETS

SMALLWOOD & FATH

Saturday, Aug. 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Leesburg Town Green, 20 W. Market St. Leesburg idalee.org

Loudoun guitar masters Gary Smallwood and Micheal Fath take the Town Hall stage for a free concert.

PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM

Saturday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com

Doug Delescavage pays tribute to Elton John, bringing his unlimited energy and unique fashions to the stage.

LOST CORNER VAGABONDS

Sunday, Aug. 4, 6 to 9 p.m. 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro 868estatevineyards.com

Enjoy an afternoon in the vineyard with Hubie G and the band.

Why We

GET OUT

MELISSA QUINN FOX TRIO

PETE LAPP

LO VE

Ronda Powell & Janell Zurschmeide

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 16

8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Monk's BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

FLASHBACKS

STELLER RIDE

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2

LIBERTY STREET

Loudoun

In 2014, legislation passed in Richmond that allowed the establishment of farm breweries in Virginia. Loudoun natives Ronda Powell of Old 690 Brewing and Janell Zurschmeide of Dirt Farm Brewing were pioneers of the Loudoun farm beer scene. We spoke to them 10 years later as Virginia Craft Beer Month gets underway.

FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN LOUDOUN?

Ronda: Market in the Gap has amazing pizza and the hummus will knock your socks off.

Janell: West End Wine Bar & Pub. I like sitting at the bar in the pub. I order a Vesper straightup then the mussels and Romaine Ceaser.

FAVORITE PLACE FOR A CRAFT BEVERAGE?

Ronda: Smokin’ Willy in Purcellville makes the best Cosmo ever. We call it the Cody Cosmo for the barman.

Janell: Belly Love Brewing Company is where I meet my girlfriends. I love IPAs so it’s “My Bitter X” for me. Tolga does it right.

BEST HIDDEN GEM IN LOUDOUN?

Ronda: Chunk of Happiness in Round Hill. It’s a great shop to grab pottery or a special gift

Janell: Great Country Farms added a craft coffee bar this year. I love the cold brew. What a bonus to rural Bluemont!

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

Ronda: The sunset at Bears Den Overlook.

Janell: I have to say Dirt Farm Brewing! It’s truly what our locals do with visiting family and friends.

FAVORITE EVENT IN LOUDOUN TO GO TO?

Ronda: The July 4 Fireworks in Hillsboro!

Janell: The Bluemont Fair every September. It has great energy and a pure sense of community.

WHAT'S A FUN FACT TO SHARE ABOUT LOUDOUN?

Ronda: Susan Koerner Wright, the mother of Wilbur and Orville Wright, was born in Hillsboro.

Janell: Loudoun has kept up with the craft beverage boom by planting the most grapes, hops and honey of any jurisdiction in the commonwealth.

WHAT EXCITING NEW BEERS DO YOU HAVE IN THE PIPELINE?

Ronda: An old standby will be coming back in September: our Wicked Old Lady Pumpkin Ale Janell: It’s peach season! We will release three craft beverages from our Homegrown series: Som’ Peach Ale, Peachy Mother Pucker sour and a fresh peach seltzer. So refreshing in the summer months!

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE LOUDOUN BEER SCENE?

Ronda: The variety of our breweries. Janell: The different brewery offerings. Whether industrial, downtown or in a rural setting, there’s something for everyone. Craft beer builds communities!

DID YOU FORESEE THE INCREDIBLE GROWTH OF THE BEER INDUSTRY 10 YEARS AGO WHEN THE FARM BREWERY LEGISLATION WENT THROUGH?

Ronda: We knew it would take off. So many of today’s breweries started on the porch at Old 690. We met with future brewery owners, they

LOVE LOUDOUN continues on page 19

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

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

LAURA CASHMAN

5:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, 38906 Mount Gilead Road, Leesburg. willowcroftwine.com

ALLYSON BELL

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

JAKE PHILLIPS

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

SHANE GAMBLE

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

MATT BURRIDGE

6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com

TOTALLY BOWIE

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com

TEJAS SINGH

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseashburn.com

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

THE BRUNO SOUND

9 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Aug. 3

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

DAVE GOODRUM

12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Cana Vineyards, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. canavineyards.com

FIDDLIN’ DAVE AND MORGAN

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery, 38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford. wheatlandspring.com

ZACH JONES

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbiolicellars.com

CARLY ROSE RATCLIFFE

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

JOEY HAFNER

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Stone Tower Winery, 19925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg. stonetowerwinery.com

MARION SHEAFFER

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

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

TODD BROOKS

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyards.com

DEANE KERN AND ERIC SELBY

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

MATT BURRIDGE

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 50 West Vineyards, 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com

DENNIS WAYLAND

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com

RAMAAN

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

DAN FISK

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

MEISHA HERRON

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

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

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 18

GET OUT

LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 17

MIKE CLEMENT

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

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

LENNY BURRIDGE

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauvineyards.com

STEVE GEORGE

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

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

LUKE ANDREWS

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

Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysaliswine.com

ADAM KNUDSEN

3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

LAURA CASHMAN

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

JESS PAULIN

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

STEVE BOYD & FRIENDS

4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

WAYNE SNOW

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

HALF PINT HARRY

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

BENJAMIN WEIMER

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

BILLY & THE CURLEY BROTHERS

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

JULIET LLOYD TRIO

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

THE REAGAN YEARS

6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts. tararaconcerts.com

HARMONY CHURCH

6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewery.com

PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM

7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

SHANE GAMBLE

7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

SMALLWOOD & FATH

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

CLENDENEN BROTHERS

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Monk's BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com

MICHAEL MULVANEY

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 Creek's Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

AGAINST THE GRAIN

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

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

GARY SMALLWOOD

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Lark Brewing Co., 24205 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. larkbrewingco.com

ADAM KNUDSON

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 Fleetwood Farm Winery, 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg. fleetwoodfarmwinery.com

SHANE CLICK

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

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

DYLAN PAGE & FRIENDS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

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

LENNY BURRIDGE

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Stone Tower Winery, 19925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg. stonetowerwinery.com

JASON MASI

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Mt. Defiance Cider Barn, 495 E. Washington St., Middleburg. mtdefiance.com

TRAVIS TUCKER

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

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

ALEX PEREZ

2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

Old Farm Winery at Hartland, 23583

Fleetwood Road, Aldie. oldfarmwineryhartland.com

LAURA CASHMAN

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

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

SCOTT KURT TRIO

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

ZACH JONES

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com

ROBBIE LÍMON

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

Chrysalis Vineyards, 39025 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg. chrysaliswine.com

LOST CORNER VAGABONDS, 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

KARAOKE WITH MICHELLE

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

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

JASON TEACH

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

Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 19

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 18

Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com

DAN CRONIN

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

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

CARLY ROE RATCLIFFLE

3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

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

TEJAS SINGH

4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4

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

MATT & MATT

5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

JASON MASI

6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7

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

RICH RIDGELL

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8

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

Love Loudoun

continued from page 17

JUST DOUG

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8

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

DAVE NEMETZ

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen Leesburg, 1 N. King St., Leesburg. eatatrebellion.com

STARLIGHT ANTHEM

7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 The Barn at Brambleton, 24439 Evergreen Mills Road, Ashburn. thebarnsatbrambleton.com

HAPPENINGS

EMMANUEL'S TREASURES

9 a.m. to Aug. 4, 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1

Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 105 E. Washington St., Middleburg. facebook.com/ emmanuelepiscopalmiddleburg

FARMER FOR A DAY

1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1 and Friday, Aug. 2

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

MIDDLEBURG SIDEWALK SALE

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4 Town of Middleburg visitmiddleburgva.com

LOUDOUN MINI

ATHLETES' TRI

8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Broadlands Community Center,

saw what we were doing and how they could improve upon it. We were trailblazers for the industry in Loudoun.

Janell: The growth in the craft beer industry was twofold. In 2012, the “Pint Law” SB604 was passed to allow onsite consumption at breweries. Prior to that, businesses could only offer samples. The beer scene exploded in Va creating the first wave. In 2014, SB430, the farm legislation passed and gave enormous opportunities for those on farms!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST POPULAR/ BIGGEST-SELLING BEER?

Ronda: Lucky Buck IPA

Janell: Tart 31, our Cherry Ale. We grow the sour cherries, harvest in June and freeze the fruit to allow availability year-round. Some say it drinks like wine.

WHAT IS THE BEST BEER SCENE IN A MOVIE

Ronda: Smokey and the Bandit - the movie is all about beer!

Janell: The Shawshank Redemption. I’m sure those beers tasted good for those men at 10 am.

43004 Waxpool Road, Ashburn. $45. trisignup.com

BUTTERFLY COUNT

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Loudoun County loudounwildlife.com

FAMILY FEST

12 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Dulles Town Center, 21100 Dulles Town Circle, Dulles. Free. thefamilyone.com

POLO IN THE PARK

6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

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

MIAMI FC AT

LOUDOUN UNITED FC

7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 Segra Field, 42095 Loudoun United Drive, Leesburg. loudoununitedfc.com

HILLSBORO

FARMERS MARKET

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. oldstonechool.org PRESCHOOL

WEDNESDAYS

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7

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

PERSEID METEOR

SHOWER WATCH PARTY

4 to 5:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, Aldie Mill Historic Park, PO Box 322 John Mosby Highway, Aldie. novaparks.org

Ronda Powell

Janell Zurschmeide

Legal Notices

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION

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

RUSSELL BRANCH RETAIL

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLZM-2021-0012 and Special Exception application TLSE2021-0005, Russell Branch Retail.

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

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

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

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

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

Additional information and copies of these two applications are available at the Department of Community Development 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, AICP, at 703-771-2771 or sparker@leesburgva.gov.

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

7/25 & 8/1/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ048304-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Gustavo Adolfo Constante Anaya

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

v.

Jose Ricardo Portillo Mejia, putative father, and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Gustavo Adolfo Constante Anaya.

It is ORDERED that the defendants Jose Ricardo Portillo Mejia, putative father, and Unknown Father, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 10, 2024 at 3:00pm.

8/1, 8/8, 8/15 & 8/22/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ048199-03-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Diana Aljanabi

Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Dalya Alkhkree, Mother

The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Diana Aljanabi.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Dalya Alkhkree, Mother, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 10, 2024 at 3:00pm.

8/1, 8/8, 8/15 & 8/22/24

LOUDOUN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLE

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

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

A

MESSAGE TO ELDERLY AND DISABLED

LOUDOUN COUNTY RESIDENTS FROM Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue

Residents 65 years of age and older OR totally and permanently disabled who wish to apply for 2024 Personal Property (vehicle) Tax Relief for the first time must submit an application to my office by the September 3, 2024, filing deadline.

Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.

Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor

Sterling Office 46000 Center Oak Plaza Internet: loudoun.gov/taxrelief Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: (703) 737-8557 Email: taxrelief@loudoun.gov

Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22 & 8/29/24

Legal Notices

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY

Case No.: CL24-3461

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT, VIRGINIA, Petitioner, v.

UNKNOWN OWNERS who may include: HEIRS, AT LAW, DEVISEES OR SUCCESSORS IN TITLE OF THOMAS R. KEITH AND HEIRS, AT LAW, DEVISEES OR SUCCESSORS IN TITLE OF ANN KEITH DRAKE fka ANN GORDON KEITH and HEIRS, AT LAW, DEVISEES OR SUCCESSORS IN TITLE OF HANNAH MORRIS KEITH and HEIRS, AT LAW, DEVISEES OR SUCCESSORS IN TITLE OF MARGARET RANDOLPH KEITH and

5,638 square feet or 0.1294 acre, more or less, in fee simple over an existing private road known as Lenah Farm Lane, near Little River Turnpike (Route 50) located in the Little River Election District, Loudoun County, Virginia.

The object of the above-styled proceeding is to acquire, by condemnation, a certain portion of land in fee simple over an existing private road known as Lenah Farm Lane, near Little River Turnpike (Route 50) for the purpose of construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance and/or repair of a hybrid roundabout as part of the County’s Route 50 and Trailhead Drive Roundabout Project in the Little River Election District, together with all other purposes incidental to the project, and to apply for the empanelment of jurors, the appointment of commissioners, or the application to the Court to ascertain just compensation for the land in fee simple, all being more particularly described in the Petition for Condemnation filed in this Court on the 18th day of June, 2024. The property is owned by Uknown Owners, is not assessed for tax purposes, and has not been assigned a Loudoun County tax assessment parcel number. The property lies east of properties that have been assigned the following tax assessment parcel numbers: PIN 286-40-4789-000 and PIN 285-10-4331-000 and it lies west of properties that have been assigned the following tax assessment parcel PIN 286-40-6589-000, PIN 286-40-8479-000 and PIN 245-15-3140-000, among the Land Records of the Loudoun County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

And it appearing by affidavit filed according to law that the following owners are not residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia, or their names and addresses are not known and that diligence has been used by and on behalf of the Petitioner to ascertain such names and addresses without effect: Heirs at Law, Devisees or Successors in Title of Thomas R. Keith, Heirs at Law, Devisees or Successors in Title of Ann Keith Drake, fka Ann Gordon Keith, Heirs at Law, Devisees or Successors in Title of Hannah Morris Keith, Heirs at Law, Devisees or Successors in Title of Margaret Randolph Keith and the heirs at law, devisees or successors in title of and to any of the foregoing persons who may be deceased or may have conveyed their interest in the property, together with any persons unknown to Petitioner who owned an interest in the property or who may have a claim to compensation under the Certificate of Take recorded December 28, 2023 in the land records of this Court as Instrument No. 23231228-0051432, all of whom are collectively identified as “Unknown Owners.” Therefore, it is ORDERED that the aforesaid owners make an appearance in this matter within ten (10) days after due publication of this Order in the Clerk’s Office of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia and do what is necessary to protect their interests. It is further ORDERED that if the above named owners desire to assert any objection or defense to the taking of the property or to the jurisdiction of the Court to hear the case and to proceed with the empanelment of jurors, the appointment of commissioners, or the application to the Court to ascertain just compensation, they shall file their answer and grounds of defense designating the property in which they claim to be interested, the grounds of any objection or defense to the taking of their property or the jurisdiction of the Court to hear the case to proceed with the empanelment of jurors, the appointment of commissioners, or the application to the Court to ascertain just compensation within ten (10) days after due publication of this Order.

Shoud such owners fail to file their answer and grounds of defense as hereinabove provided within ten (10) days after due publication of this Order, such failure shall not preclude them from appearing on the date set for the empanelment of jurors, the appointment of commissioners, or the application to the Court for determining just compensation, nor from presenting evidence as to valuation and damage, nor from sharing in the award of just compensation according to their interest therein or otherwise protecting their rights, but such failure shall preclude such owners from any other defense by way of pleas in bar, abatement or otherwise.

And it is further ORDERED that pursuant to Va. Code §25.1-210, that this Order of Publication be published once a week for two successive weeks in Loudoun Now, and that within 10 days from entry of this Order the Notice by Publication be posted on the Circuit Court Clerk’s website as provided in Va. Code §1-1211.1.

7/18, 7/25, 8/1 & 8/8/2024

TOWN OF LEESBURG

NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING

TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLREZN2023-0005 SAFFORFD BROWN HYUNDAI AND TLSPEX2023-0007 SAFFORD BROWN VEHICLE SALES FACILITY

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Rezoning application TLREZN2023-0005 Safford Brown Hyundai and Special Exception application TLSPEX2023-0007 Safford Brown Vehicle Sales Facility.

The Subject Property is located at 165 Keystone Court, N.E. and consists of one parcel totaling approximately 5.6 acres (Loudoun County Property Identification Number (PIN) 148-16-9914). The Subject Property is zoned R-E (Single-Family Residential Estate District) and also lies within the Gateway District (Overlay).

Rezoning Application TLREZN2023-0005 is a request by Gramm SB Properties to rezone the subject property to the B-3 (Community Retail/Commercial District), subject to a Concept Plan and proffers. The application requests a 32,330 square foot vehicle sales and service facility. The site is located in what the Legacy Leesburg Town Plan (LLTP) describes as an “Area to Transform or Evolve” on the Area Based Land Use Initiatives Map (LLTP page 72). The property is further designated within LLTP as a “Neighborhood Center” on the Character Areas for Preservation and Change Map (LLTP pg. 76).

Special Exception Application TLSPEX-2023-0007 is a request by Gramm SB Properties for a Special Exception to allow a 32,300 square foot vehicle sales and service facility, pursuant to Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO) Section 6.5.2. Use Regulations.

The application includes five (5) requested modifications to the requirements of the TLZO regulations for buffers and setbacks.

Additional information and copies of these two applications are available at the Department of Community Development 222 Catoctin Circle, Suite 200, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176, during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, AICP, at 703-771-2771 or sparker@leesburgva.gov.

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

7/25 & 8/1/24

Loudoun County Public Schools

Proposed Elementary School Attendance Zone Change for Planning Zones DS08.4, DN36.17 and DN36.18

On June 25, 2024, the Loudoun County School Board initiated an abbreviated attendance zone process to change the elementary school serving three Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) planning zones – DS08.4, DN36.17 and DN36.18. The planning zones include the Parkside Village community (DS08.4), pending Fleetwood North development (DS08.4) and a section of the West Park at Brambleton community (DN36.17 and DN36.18). Within West Park at Brambleton, the recommendation specifically involves the Stratus at West Park and West Park IV single family homes accessed via Orchard Grove Drive.

The recommendation to assign the three planning zones to Sycolin Creek Elementary School would, upon approval, take effect in August 2024 - before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. No change is recommended for the secondary school attendance boundary.

Maps and information on this recommended attendance zone change are posted on the LCPS website (www.lcps.org/062524).

The School Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed elementary school zone change on August 13, 2024, followed by action later the same evening. The August 13 meeting will be held in the LCPS Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn), with the evening meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will also be broadcast live on Comcast channel 18 and Verizon Fios channel 43 and viewable via simultaneous webcast (https://www.lcps.org/webcast).

Persons who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully at the August 13, 2024 public hearing and meeting should contact the Clerk of the School Board at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Division of Planning & GIS Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148

Telephone: 571-252-1050

Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG

7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1 & 8/8/24

Legal Notices

ABC LICENSE

Nomad, trading as Nomad, 14 S. Madison St., Middleburg, VA. The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail Restaurant or Caterer Application - Restaurant, Wine, Beer, Mixed Beverages, Consumed On and Off Premises.

Bob Loonce, Owner

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

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

8/1 & 8/8/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ028308-07-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Emerson Lopez Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a status hearing in child in need of services’ matter pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-228 and 16.1-241 for Emerson Lopez.

It is ORDERED that the defendant Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 3, 2024 at 2:00pm.

7/25, 8/1, 8/8 & 8/15/24

ABC LICENSE

La Formula Del Sabor, trading as La Formula Del Sabor, 24 Plaza St. NE, Suite D, Leesburg, VA 20175.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Retail Specialty Establishment Application - Convenience Grocery Store, Wine, Beer, Consumed Off Premises.

Santiago Barrera y Barrera, President

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.

8/1 & 8/8/24

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ047165-02-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Ivory Green Loudoun County Department of Family Services v. Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a Foster Care Review hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Ivory Green.

It is ORDERED that the defendant, Unknown Father, appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 10, 2024 at 10:00am.

8/1, 8/8, 8/15 & 8/22/24

Misc.

VEHICLE AUCTION

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

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

VEHICLE AUCTION

ADESA WASHINGTON DC

705-996-1100

44475 OLD OX ROAD, DULLES, VA 20166

20+Chase repossessions will be offered to the public sale (monthly) on Wednesdays (8/14/24, 9/11/24, 10/9/24, 11/6/24, 12/4/24). Auction doors open at 8:00 a.m. Sale starts at 9:50 a.m. ET. Registered persons may preview/inspect vehicles on the day of the sale before bidding. Bids accepted only when a vehicle is presented for sale. The auctioneer will conclude the sale when bidding stops. All results will be final by 5:00 p.m. Terms: Cash or Certified Check.

Loco Service Providers

Please

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

Drought support

continued from page 1

on extra labor to fill wagons from their well on the farm to deliver it to the pastures and feed corn. Producers are in danger of losing significant portions of this year’s crop.”

Rizer said farmers could lose 50-60% of the corn crop because of this year’s stunted growth. Blueberry producers have seen a 25% decrease and honey produc-

Tax debate

continued from page 3

can reach your target,” Bourke said. “That will be a working reserve so in years where we miss our revenue forecast, we can draw on that Revenue Stabilization Fund and in years that we underestimated we can fill it back up.”

Supervisors also will face a decision on whether to decrease the personal property tax rate and whether to create a separate tax rate for vehicles.

County Administrator Tim Hemstreet recommended reducing the rate from $4.15 to $4.10 as part of the fiscal year 2025 budget to help reduce the county’s fiscal dependence on data centers. Supervisors opted not to follow that recommen-

tion is down, he said. It appears there will only one cutting of hay this year, making it likely hay will have to be imported for livestock this winter.

“We are currently putting the finishing touches on a plan for a drought relief program that will include education assistance and grant funding,” Rizer said. Details will be announced in coming weeks.

While farmers will likely qualify for federal drought assistance, that funding wouldn’t be disbursed until next year.

“We’re hoping to leverage some of the USDA money that’s out there and provid-

dation, pending a debate this fall on creating a separate rate for vehicles.

The county staff continues to recommend an across-the-board reduction in the personal property tax rate.

“The most powerful tool in your toolbox of ways to maintain and bring back balance to the General Fund is, of course, that tax rate,” Bourke said. “If you can lower that rate that decreases the yearover-year increases in that revenue as a percentage of your whole budget and just continues to reduce the dependence on that revenue source, which is, at its core, what staff is concerned about.”

Looking ahead to next year’s spending list, the staff highlighted the Board of Supervisors’ plan to increase the budget earmark to support affordable housing from the equivalent of the revenue generated from a half-cent of the real estate property

“Producers are in danger of losing significant portions of this year's crop.

— Buddy Rizer (Executive Director,

Water conservation

continued from page 1

the flow was recorded at 1,034 mgd, according to data reported by the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, which is conducting daily monitoring. The region’s largest water utilities collectively withdraw approximately 430 mgd.

The Potomac River supply is supported by a series of three reservoirs that can release water to increase flows during emergencies.

Development)

Loudoun County Economic

ing some short-term relief for our farmers. This is something that we think needs to happen as quickly as possible and hoping to get money into the hands of our farmers by early this fall.”

Supervisors asked if the county should prepare for droughts to become more common.

Rizer said weather patterns continue to change.

“We haven’t had a drought like this in recent memory. I think back to 2019 when our problem was the exact opposite. We had so much rain that that we had too much water and we were losing especially the grapes, because it was too wet,” he said. “It’s a very cyclical thing and our goal is just to be able to react as quickly as possible to whatever situation is faced in front of us.” n

tax to a full penny. That plan will be incorporated into the draft budget unless that direction changes.

While inflation is showing signs of abatement, supervisors were told to expect continued increases in staff costs, with compensation increases of 4% to 5.5% likely. “A major component of the operating budget includes personnel costs with merit and step increases in pay driving year-over-year increases in personnel expenditures. Concerns regarding inflation and remaining competitive in the County’s comparator market exist but are less severe than in FY 2024 and FY 2025,” according to the report.

Another new cost may come from an idea raised by supervisors during their strategic planning retreat last month—to provide childcare service to county employees, with the goals of helping them

Loudoun Water and the Town of Leesburg use the Potomac River as the primary water source for their customers.

Loudoun Water withdraws about 13 mgd at its Potomac River treatment plant near Leesburg and also purchases water from Fairfax Water, which withdraws 122 mgd at its Corbalis plant near Sugarland Run. The Town of Leesburg withdraws 6 mgd.

As part of the regional drought watch, customers on systems fed by the Potomac River are being urged to reduce watering of lawns, plants and shrubs; avoid washing cars or use commercial car washes that recycle water; fix leaking toilets and faucets; reduce shower length to under five minutes; and only wash full loads of dishes and clothes. A detailed list of tips for wise water use can be found at mwcog. org/wisewater.

In Loudoun, the towns of Lovettsville, Middleburg and Round Hill, all of which rely on groundwater wells, have imposed mandatory water restrictions, prohibiting most outdoor water use. n

offset the significant expenses and to encourage more women to join or return back to the workforce. The program could include offering the services at the 125,000-square-foot, $110 million government office building planned to be built at the Government Support Center south of Leesburg.

Bourke said how best to tackle the concern is still being worked out and that she would report the recommendations to the finance committee.

The committee will get its first look at fiscal year 2026 revenue estimates in October, after which it will be asked to establish the preliminary fiscal parameters for structuring the budgets for the general county government and the School Board. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

A field of corn on a farm near Hillsboro. Farmers are facing 50-60% losses in crop yield this year due to extreme drought conditions in western Loudoun County.

Published by Loudoun Community Media

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

703-770-9723

KURT ASCHERMANN Executive Director kaschermann@loudounnow.org

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

EDITORIAL

ALEXIS GUSTIN Reporter agustin@loudounnow.org

HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.org

ADVERTISING

SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.org

TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.org

VICKY MASHAW Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.org

CRYSTAL MONNINGER Account Executive cmonninger@loudounnow.org

Reality Check

Every now and then Mother Nature likes to throw in a little reality check. We appear to be having one this summer as utility providers across the region raise alarm over the possibility that a prolonged drought could severely impact their water supplies.

For many of Loudoun’s small towns that rely on groundwater wells, calls for conservation can be a viewed as just part of municipal life. They come with the turning of the seasons with some semblance of predictability. But an extreme early summer drought isn’t part of that expectation and prudent town leaders have moved quickly to prepare for worsening conditions.

For others in the region, the Potomac River seemingly provides an endless supply. Every decade or two, we’re reminded that’s not so. It’s far better to

LETTERS to the Editor Opinion

know you have the ability to open reservoir dams in the highlands to keep the taps flowing across suburban Washington than it is to actually have to do that.

Even unrelated to the drought, Leesburg’s leaders are learning that the town may be reaching the growth limits based on its water treatment capacity. Barring an expensive utility upgrade, future Town Council’s may be left with difficult decisions about which opportunities—homes, offices, shops, industries—represent the best use of that limited, but essential, resource.

On the broader scale, maybe the occasional threat of a water emergency provides others with the needed incentive to examine those same questions. n

Working the Polls

Editor:

Aug. 1 is Poll Worker Recruitment Day, a national day of action to recruit the one million temporary poll workers to staff polling places in communities nationwide so that our democracy runs efficiently and smoothly.

I’m happy to be a member of the nonprofit, non-governmental National Peace Corps Association, which is one of hundreds of organizations partnering with Power the Polls to promote Poll Worker Recruitment Day, and attract newcomers—including and especially a new generation of poll workers—to

this critical component to a functioning democracy.

Like so many others, I proudly served my country as a Peace Corps Volunteer. In my case, I served as a teacher educator in the Czech Republic 1992-1994. As Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, our community understands that our two years overseas marked the beginning— not the end—of our commitment to service. And, when it comes to our elections, there is no better, non-partisan, extension of that service than assisting with making sure all citizens have a simple and trouble-free experience when they cast their vote. I have been an election officer here in Loudoun County since 2019.

Our Loudoun County polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. Early Voting will start on Sept. 20 so that Virginia voters have expanded opportunities to vote. That’s all possible because poll workers help make sure everything runs efficiently and effectively. In recognition of the long hours on Election Day and during early voting, poll workers do receive financial compensation for their community service.

I hope that readers will visit powerthepolls.org to learn more and consider becoming a poll worker for the upcoming election.

— Miriyam Nitzberg,

Leesburg

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

READERS’

• 42 .5% Not on purpose • 21.2% Only a few favorite sports

• 19.8% As much as possible • 16.0% Maybe a little • .5% The opening/closing ceremonies

— By Chip Beck

Data center campus

continued from page 3

“The applicant has proposed to align with the IP District standard of 60 feet,” he said.

Schneider said the JK Land Holdings was proposing a “bubble plan” that did not include a specific site plan with the application but rather text that includes general limits of construction, design requirements and design parameters.

“Given the high-profile location along the Greenway and Sycolin, we encourage the applicant to provide elevations to better understand the scale and massing of the property,” he said.

Senior Land Use Planner for Walsh Colucci Michael Romeo said the buildings on site would be limited to three stories and pointed out that the language included in the General Plan does not reference how many feet are allotted to a single story. The proposed height is in scale with the surrounding properties, he said.

“Just to the immediate west of the site is the Orme property, which was recommended for approval by this commission, it is 60 feet in height. Further to the north is the Crosstrail property that is 60 to 100 feet in height. Immediately to the east is the Stonewall collection of properties— Stonewall Creek and Stonewall Secure Business Park. Those range in height from 60 to 100 feet,” Romeo said.

He said the reason they are taking the bubble plan approach is because they do not have an end user for the site yet.

Commissioners Robin-Eve Jasper (Little River) and Madhava Reddy Madireddy (Dulles) said they were concerned about

the lack of infrastructure available on the electric grid.

“There does not appear to be adequate infrastructure to support a development of this type and to not acknowledge that is really close to just insanity. Not recognizing the reality of what we have going on in the county,” she said.

Commissioner Clifford Keirce (Sterling) said the commission is not allowed, per the county attorney, to take power supply capacity into consideration when reviewing applications.

“So, from that aspect, the resources other than that are definitely available at the site,” he said.

Jasper said she also felt that a data center and substation use did not fit within the Transition Policy Area.

“Transition Policy Area policy four states that nonresidential uses will include uses that are compatible with the resource protection, desired development patterns, and the rural landscape,” she said.

But Commission Dale Polen Myers (At-Large) said a data center is considered a core use in this part of the transition area and that the location no longer resembled a rural area to be preserved.

“There’s not a thing of Sycolin Road that I would say is rural character left anymore. I mean, it’s really an industrial look and industrial corridor,” she said.

Commissioners James Banks (Algonkian) and Ad Barnes (Leesburg) agreed that the location was an appropriate one for a data center.

The motion to recommend approval passed 6-2-1, with Jasper and Madireddy opposed and Vice Chair Eric Combs (Ashburn) absent. n

Obituaries

Paul Bradshaw

Paul Bradshaw of Ashburn, VA, passed away peacefully at home on July 23, 2024, from extended health issues. He is survived by his children, Sandra Bradshaw, Susan Fox, and James Bradshaw (and Terrie). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Katie Nichols, Christie Bradshaw Wagner (Joel), Brooke Bradshaw Brylawski, Lydia Bradshaw Sergent (Josh), Kevin Michael Bradshaw, and Anna Elizabeth Bradshaw. Additionally, he is survived by five great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Cindy Bradshaw, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Paul grew up in Kentucky, Ohio, and Front Royal, VA. He moved to Middleburg, VA, at age 17 where he met his future wife, Rebie “Ellen” Bradshaw. They married a year later and were together 62 years before Ellen’s passing in 2021. Paul was a hard-working, ambitious, and self-taught businessman. Although he could not attend college, Paul owned four gas stations in the Fairfax area early in his career. He sold those businesses in the late 1960s to start building homes in Leesburg, VA. He eventually expanded his residential building to include building commercial office space. Paul was a shrewd businessman with a heart of gold. He was generous to others in need and looked out for others. Additionally, Paul loved to “wheel and deal,” tease, tell jokes, and laugh. One of his favorite accomplishments was obtaining his pilot and instrument license. While Paul achieved much, his greatest success and the most important part of Paul’s life was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving dad, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. A funeral service was held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, followed by interment at Union Cemetery of Leesburg, Virginia. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.loudounfuneralchapel.com. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Ashburn Fire and Rescue at www.ashburnfirerescue.org.