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AUGUST 19, 2021
Highway Renaming Panel Narrows Options BY AILI HOU
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Judge Lorrie Sinclair Taylor, the first Black judge in Loudoun, swears her oath at an investiture ceremony Friday, Aug. 13.
Sinclair Taylor, Loudoun’s First Black Judge, Celebrated BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
Loudoun’s first Black judge was celebrated at a formal investiture ceremony packed with friends, family and other judges in the old Loudoun County courthouse on Friday. Lorrie Sinclair Taylor, a daughter of
Jamaican immigrants, became the first Black judge in Loudoun history when the General Assembly elected her to District Court bench in 2020. Although she has been hearing cases since then, her formal investiture ceremony waited until Aug. 13, and was the kind of packed celebration unthinkable a year ago at the height of the pandemic.
She was welcomed to the judge’s bench by an assembly of judges that included her colleagues from the Loudoun courts, state Supreme Court Justice William C. Mims, Judge Reba Page of the U.S. Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals speaking
The Renaming Rt. 7 and Rt. 50 Task Force has narrowed the list of potential new names for the two roads down to a handful of options for the Board of Supervisors to consider. After collecting suggestions from the public, the committee on Aug. 11 selected seven potential names for Rt. 7 and five for Rt. 50. The options for Rt. 7 are: Loudoun Heritage, Potomac Gap, Piedmont Gateway, Virginia Piedmont, Catoctin Valley, Loudoun Trail, and Potomac Heritage. Rt. 50’s name options include: Virginia Piedmont, Loudoun Heritage, Middleburg, Piedmont Gateway, and Piedmont Heritage. In addition to those, the Task Force will send a supplementary memo to the board, asking supervisors to consider two names that were previously used for sections of the roads but could not be voted on by the Task Force: Leesburg Pike and Little River Turnpike. Throughout the voting process, lively debate over the name options ensued. Several names of individual people were brought up for discussion, including Charles
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AUGUST 19, 2021
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PAGE 3
Loudoun Posts 35% Growth in Census Count
School Board Approves Policy 8040, Granting New Protections to Trans Students
BY RENSS GREENE AND NORMAN K. STYER rgreene@loudounnow.com nstyer@loutounnow.com
Loudoun County continued to set the pace for growth in the commonwealth during the past decade, adding enough population to rank as Virginia’s fourth most populous jurisdiction. And where that growth happened will guide electoral politics in Loudoun for the next decade. According to U.S. Census figures released Aug. 12, Loudoun’s population increased from 312,311 to 420,959 since the 2010 county—a state-leading 35% growth rate. While adding an average of just over 900 new residents per month during the decade, Loudoun surpassed Chesterfield County to rank as the commonwealth’s fourth largest county, trailing on Fairfax, Virginia Beach and Prince William. Overall, Virginia’s population grew by 7.9% during the past decade. The national average was 4.7%. The census population counts will be used by Virginia’s newly created redistricting commission to draw new district lines for the House of Delegates, state Senate and U.S. House of Representatives. The panel has 45 days to create the state district boundaries and 60 for the federal seats. In Loudoun, that work will fall to the county Board of Supervisors. Here, much of the growth is focused in southeastern Loudoun, where large planned communities like South Riding and Brambleton now eclipse all but the largest towns in population. Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), whose district encompasses Dulles Airport and the southeastern corner of the county, said that will mean changes in the way Loudoun government thinks about its priorities. “I do think that the part of the county that I have represented is underrepresented in terms of focus on the board,” Letourneau said. “That’s not necessarily anybody’s fault, but the population now is such that there’s going to have to be more attention paid to how those districts are drawn.” Demographers are still sorting through the latest information from the U.S. Cen-
BY HAYLEY MILON BOUR hbour@loudounnow.com
Loudoun Geohub
A map of areas with the highest growth in Loudoun from 2015-2020, according to Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments estimates. Darker shades of red indicate faster growth.
sus Bureau, but so far it has held no surprises. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s estimates for Loudoun show that from 2015 to 2020, while no part of the county shrunk in population, many areas of Ashburn and Sterling showed basically no growth, and the part of Loudoun in the southeast and near Dulles Airport grew the most quickly by far. The county’s new election districts will have to be roughly equal in population. That’s far from the case today. The Blue Ridge District, considered a western district, in fact reaches from Loudoun’s western border to the edge of Dulles Airport and encompasses half the county by acreage. It is also the largest district by population, with an estimated 86,000 people, more than twice as many as the least populous district, Sterling, with 41,000 people. Those population changes and the new districts that follow, Letourneau said, will have to be reflected in how the county spends its money—such as on road projects. While the county has completed a long-running project to convert intersections on Rt. 7 to interchanges, relieving traffic through the northern part of the county, Rt. 50 in the county’s south remains snarled in long backups.
“It made sense to do that at the time— that’s where the population was, and that’s where we had traffic congestion,” Letourneau said. “The only thing that concerns me is that I don’t want the board to now lose focus on the fact that we have the same problem on Rt. 50, except arguably it’s worse.” And for residents of the Dulles District today, he said, the county’s services are hard to find—they are centered in Leesburg and Sterling. “It’s great to have a wonderful trail network, I’m all for it, but we have people with mental health needs in the South Riding area that we’re not meeting, because we’re not anywhere near them,” Letourneau said. Current districts can look very odd to anyone going by their names. The Blue Ridge District includes voters living near Dulles Airport. The area most people would consider “Ashburn” is in fact divided up between the Ashburn, Broad Run, Algonkian and even Dulles districts. And the Catoctin District, the county’s other western district, wraps all the way around the Leesburg District to River Creek. State and federal guidelines for drawing new districts hold that communities with similar interests should be kept toCENSUS continues on page 31
After hours of public comments Tuesday forced its meeting to carry over to a second day, the School Board last night adopted the controversial Policy 8040, protecting the rights of transgender and gender expansive students, on a 7-2 vote. Jeff Morse (Dulles) and John Beatty (Catoctin) opposed the measure. The policy was drafted to comply with the General Assembly mandate that was passed in March 2020 requiring school districts implement such protections before the start of the 2021-2022 school year. School districts that do not adopt such a policy will be held liable for any incidents or litigation against the school districts in consequence of not providing the protections. Under the policy, transgender students have the right to be addressed by their chosen names and pronouns, and to use facilities such as locker rooms and bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity. The public comment portion of the meeting saw over 150 people sign up to speak. The procedure for comment was revised, limiting the public’s access to the board room. The changes to procedure were a response to the June 22 meeting, when an unruly crowd during public comment was cleared after being declared an unlawful assembly. Numerous parents had expressed their discomfort with the prospect of their children being exposed to members of the opposite sex in bathrooms. Morse, who has been vocal about his concerns of the policy for months, explained that he felt ill at ease with several stipulations in the 8040 POLICY APPROVED continues on page 31
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
AUGUST 19, 2021
Loudoun
ON THE Agenda
Annual Report Shows Differences Between Planning Commission, Supervisors BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
The Loudoun Planning Commission’s annual report to the Board of Supervisors showed a commission more circumspect about development than the county board. In most land use and development planning applications, the Planning Commission makes a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which makes the final decision. And in many years, to a great extent, the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission vote completely in line with one another. Out of 42 applications the commission heard in 2020, the Board of Supervisors approved two developments and one set of land use policy revisions that the commission recommended denying, and conversely denied one application the Planning Commission had recommended approving. One of those applications, MC Dean, proposed several zoning exceptions on an 11.4 acre lot at the corner of Rt. 50 and Pleasant Valley Road to allow building of an auto service station, retail space, restaurants and drive-throughs. County planners recommended denying the application, since it does not fit with the suburban mixed-use vision for the area and is expected to further exacerbate traffic congestion in the area. The Planning Commission recommended denying that application by a vote of 6-1-1-1, with Commissioner Jeff Salmon (Dulles) opposed, Mark Miller (Catoctin) abstaining, and Michelle Frank (Broad Run) absent. The Board of Supervisors went on to approve it anyway 7-1-1, with Supervisor Juli M. Briskman (D-Algonkian) opposed and Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin) absent. Another, JK Technology Park, proposed rezoning 71.6 acres on Arcola Mills Drive between Briarfield Estates and The Grange at Willowsford, from a mix of residential and general industrial uses to an industrial park, as well as increasing the allowable density and lot coverage. That was to permit up to a million square feet
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Planning Commission Chairman Forest Hayes (Catoctin).
office, up to 3.1 million square feet of data centers, and open-ended other industrial uses so long as they did not exceed office space for traffic generation. County planners opposed that application, pointing out it was not consistent with the planning in that area for suburban neighborhoods. The application was narrowly voted down at the Planning Commission 5-4, with Commissioners Roger Vance (Blue Ridge), Frank, Miller and Salmon opposed, but easily cleared the Board of Supervisors 8-1, with only Briskman opposed. And a comprehensive plan amendment to extend public water and sewer into the western Rural Policy Area, targeted at a new school site on Evergreen Mills Road, was voted down in the Planning Commission but approved by the Board of Supervisors. The commission voted against it 8-1, with only Vance in favor, but the Board of Supervisors approved it 8-1 with Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) opposed. It was the first time the county has chipped away at its rules limiting central water service, which is seen as a precursor to intensive development, since the water service area was expanded in 2004. That year, supervisors voted to permit central water service in the Transition Policy
Area, which divides the Rural and Suburban Policy Areas; before that, it was allowed only in the Suburban Policy Area. There was one instance where supervisors were more hesitant about development than the Planning Commission. In the case of Goose Creek Overlook, a proposal to build 238 new homes on land along Goose Creek at the Sycolin Road bridge, supervisors at first agreed with the commission’s recommendation to approve, then reversed course and denied the application. All three votes were close – the Planning Commission voted 5-3-1 in favor, with Commissioners Ad Barnes (Leesburg), Jane Kirchner (Algonkian) and Roger Vance (Blue Ridge) opposed and John Merrithew (Sterling) absent. Supervisors then voted 5-4 to approve the development, before at the next meeting Supervisors Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) and Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) reversed their votes to defeat the application 6-2-1, while Supervisor Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin) switched his earlier yes vote to an abstention. More splits between the two panels could emerge; a number of applications the Planning Commission voted on in 2020 have not yet reached a decision point at the Board of Supervisors. n
Residents Encouraged to Take Hazard Survey County officials are encouraging Loudoun residents and business owners to help build community resilience to disasters by participating in the Northern Virginia Hazard Mitigation Survey. Loudoun County and its towns are part of a regionwide effort to update the Northern Virginia Hazard Mitigation Plan. The plan identifies strategies for reducing or eliminating loss of life, injury, and property damage caused by disasters as well as the long-term risks that result from hazards such as floods, severe storms, tornadoes, wildfires and winter weather. In addition to preventing loss of life, injury and damage to buildings and infrastructure, hazard mitigation can prevent damage to a community’s economic, social and environmental well-being. The survey asks questions about natural hazards they are concerned about or have directly experienced in the past five years, as well as for opinions on proposed mitigation strategies. The survey is open through Sept. 15, and is online at surveymonkey. com/r/NorthernVirginiaHazardMitigationSurvey.
Rt. 15 Lane Closures Planned During Testing Between now and the end of October, Loudoun County will be periodically closing one lane along Rt. 15 between Battlefield Parkway and Montresor Road to conduct soil testing associated with the planned widening of the road to a four-lane, median divided highway. Drivers will be funneled through alternating one-lane traffic through the work site. Dates and times of upcoming closures will be posted prior to each planned lane closure at loudoun. gov/route15northwidening. Drivers should expect delays and use extra caution when traveling through this area and follow all directions from the posted signs and road crews.
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AUGUST 19, 2021
PAGE 5
Chambers Plan Regional Elected Leaders Summit LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The 6th annual Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit will take place Aug. 24 at George Mason University’s Van Metre Hall in Arlington, and will include Loudoun Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and be co-hosted by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. The event also will feature elected representatives from Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties and the City of Alexandria, with co-hosts the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, and Northern Virginia Regional Commission. The event offers Northern Virginia’s business leaders the chance to hear from those officials about the economic climate in the region, new and ongoing initiatives aimed at bolstering economic growth, and how the jurisdictions can work together
for the betterment of the regional econo- dria Mayor Justin Wilson. Drew Wilder, a to support our communities. I am gratemy, particularly during recovery from the reporter for NBC Washington, will serve ful for the strong partnerships among the COVID-19 pandemic. as the moderator. chambers of commerce in the region, and Local leaders will discuss topics like “Regional collaboration across the our elected leaders.” workforce, housing, and the transporta- public and private sectors continues to The event will be held on Tuesday, tion network. be of utmost importance as we move into Aug. 24 from 8-10 a.m. Attendees have “Collaboration and regional problem pandemic recovery,” stated Kate Bates, the option of joining virtually on Zoom or solving are needed now more than ever president and CEO of the Arlington in person. Registration closes at noon on to address Northern Virginia’s workforce, Chamber of Commerce. “This summit Aug. 23. For questions about registration, housing attainability, and transportation will allow Northern Virginians to under- contact chamber@arlingtonchamber.org challenges,” stated Tony Howard, presi- stand how the region is working together or 703-525-2400. n dent and CEO of the Loudoun Chamber. “This event will provide an opportunity for our region’s elected officials and busiWelcoming Welcomingallallnew newpatients! patients! ness leadership to connect and proactively 2020 Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at 2021 seek holistic solutions.” Welcoming allallnew patients! Welcoming new patients! 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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
AUGUST 19, 2021
Leesburg
America’s 9/11 Ride Rolls Through this Friday
Options for Liberty St. Lot Get More Study BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ
krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The Leesburg Town Council appears to be keen on transforming one of its downtown parking lots. The future of the Liberty Street parking lot was back before the council at its Monday night work session. The council had previously discussed the matter in May, after local attorney Peter Burnett brought forward an unsolicited proposal for a public-private partnership that would bring a conference center, performing arts space, senior housing and structured parking to the site. At its May 10 meeting, the council had indicated support for issuing a Request for Proposals to solicit ideas for development on the site. This week, council members heard from Town Attorney Christopher Spera, who offered examples of what other localities have done in considering public-private partnerships for development. The Town of Herndon used what Spera described as a “hybrid approach”—the town government identified the specific five-acre parcel it was entertaining development ideas for in the RFP and set parameters. The offer they ended up accepting was a redevelopment proposal that included multi-family units, ground-level retail and an arts center. The development also included both private parking for the retail and residential uses, as well as dedicated public parking for the arts center. At the end of construction, Spera said, the town is to own the arts center and the parking associated with the arts center. The land was recently conveyed to the successful PPP partner, and the project has started site work, according to a staff report. Another example comes even closer to home. Spera pointed to Loudoun County’s RFP for its Ashburn North parking garage to serve Metro’s Silver Line. In that deal, the developer acquired and conveyed the necessary real property to the county government and is leasing it back over a 40year term. The developer built and will operate the parking garage adjacent to the Metro Silver Line with approximately 1,500 parking spaces when complete. The project also includes a ground floor retail component, a staff report said. Finally, Spera offered an example of an unsolicited proposal received by Fairfax
Loudoun Now File Photo
The Leesburg Town Council continues to weigh development options for the town’s Liberty Street parking lot.
County government. A company submitted a proposal to develop a former landfill near the old Lorton prison into a year-round, indoor winter sports complex. That project is in the early stages and the county government is holding an open process to accept other proposals for the site, as is required by law. From start to finish, Spera warned, these type of partnership projects are a long road. Mayor Kelly Burk noted that the Herndon project took more than 10 years and is not yet completed. Like the Fairfax County site, the Liberty lot is also the site of a former landfill. Spera suggested that, because what lies underneath the surface of the parking lot is not completely known, it may not be a bad course of action initially to investigate the costs of a soil analysis. That information would be shared with any potential development partner, he said. In addition to pricing out a soil analysis, the council also expressed support for Burk’s suggestion of scheduling a community meeting to hear ideas of what types of uses residents would like to see on the site. While council members will wait to hear from the public before deciding how to move forward, some offered their own hopes for the property during Monday’s work session. Councilman Zach Cummings, a Realtor, said he would like to see affordable housing for seniors age 55 and over. This
type of housing would particularly serve those looking to downsize from a single-family home, but unable to find options. Having an affordable option for this segment of the population to move into age-restricted housing would free up their single-family homes for eager young families looking for options in that market, he said. “If we’re really serious about affordable housing and attainable housing, we need to help to eliminate the mushy middle,” he said, using a real estate industry term. Vice Mayor Marty Martinez said he wants to see the council take the bull by the horns. He pointed to his almost two decades on the council dais, with different development ideas for the Liberty Street lot floated by individuals from time to time, but nothing ever coming to fruition. One idea worth considering, he said, is using the property to put an expanded headquarters for the Leesburg Police Department—a project that is currently under design—and using the existing space on Plaza Street for an annex or community center. “The Liberty parking lot is our property. We should be doing something,” he said. “I am not ready to wait again and again and again for a [public-private partnership]. I think we as a council should take the initiative and do something with that property. It’s our property; the vision is only limited by what we can think of.” n
Hundreds of motorcyclists participating in the annual America’s 9/11 Ride are expected to roar through Loudoun on Friday afternoon. The America’s 9/11 Foundation’s annual commemorative riders start from Shanksville, PA, the site of the Flight 93 plane crash, and stop at the Pentagon before ending at the World Trade Center site in honoring the memory of the heroes, volunteers and victims who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The route cuts through Loudoun County, entering on Rt. 15 from Maryland and heading east on the Dulles Greenway toward the Pentagon. The event typically draws a large crowd of spectators in Leesburg’s historic district. The group is expected to enter Leesburg around 1:15 p.m. and will travel down King Street to the Leesburg Bypass and then to the Greenway. King Street will be closed to traffic as the motorcycles pass through town. The road closures are expected to last 30 to 45 minutes until the motorcycles are clear of town. Anyone wishing to come downtown, watch, and cheer on the riders as they pass through Leesburg are encouraged to arrive no later than 1 p.m. Spectators are asked not to hand anything to the motorcycle riders or passengers for safety reasons. For more information, go to americas911ride.org.
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
TASTE Leesburg Returns One of downtown Leesburg’s most flavorful events returned after a 2020 pandemic hiatus Saturday, Aug. 14. TASTE Leesburg featured more than 50 booths with restaurants, games, and vendors, along with 19 local breweries and wineries offering samples of beer, wine, cider and mead. The crowded downtown streets also featured live music on the Center Stage at the corner of Market and King streets, and music, comedy, and karaoke at the North Stage at the corner of North King and Cornwall streets.
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Transportation Concerns Cited in Joint Council, Commission Meeting BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
How to plan for transportation and minimize congestion in the commonwealth’s largest town was the main concern cited by Planning Commissioners during a joint meeting with the Town Council on Monday. The commission continues with its work to update the Town Plan, known as the Legacy Leesburg project, which has been ongoing at the commission since the spring. The council called for the joint meeting after commissioners cited several areas that were still holding the panel back from making its final recommendations to the council. Following COIVD-related delays in 2020, the town staff hoped to have the document finalized by year’s end, but that timeline looks now to be in jeopardy. At the start of Monday evening’s meeting, Commission Chairwoman Gigi Robinson laid out the remaining issues with which the panel is grappling, including in the areas of affordable housing, traffic and transportation, commercial/residential ratios, density in the Crescent Design District, and parking. The concern that commanded most of
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Members of the Town Council and Leesburg Planning Commission meet Monday night for a joint meeting to discuss the timeline for adoption of an updated Town Plan.
the attention during Monday’s meeting was the town’s transportation network, gridlock in congested areas, and how detailed the plan should be in looking at existing and future road conditions. Robinson previously called for a townwide transportation study, something the staff has said would both add significant cost and delay the project. She pointed to transportation plans and traffic studies that the town requires of applicants for land de-
velopment projects, but said those do not tend to go more than one-eighth of a mile outside the project’s radius, and thus provide an incomplete picture. She said the traffic study that had been conducted in fulfilling a requirement of the plan update focused only on Rt. 7 and Rt. 15, the town’s only VDOT-maintained roads. Robinson clarified that she believed further study only needed to be done on Leesburg’s major thoroughfares—which she identified as Edwards Ferry Road, Market Street, King Street, and Catoctin Circle— and not on the town’s entire road network. She also asked for analysis on changing certain downtown streets to be one-wayonly, but Planning and Zoning Department Director Susan Berry-Hill said there would be no way for the staff to complete that research by the end of the year. Robinson and others also called out the need to study the timing of traffic lights at certain intersections along East Market Street. After Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel noted that the town’s Capital Improvements Program includes a $250,000 future town-wide transportation study, Robinson said if the commission could at least be provided the level-of-service data at major town intersections it would be helpful in moving toward a
recommendation. As the commission continues its review, Mayor Kelly Burk asked that its members make a recommendation on a definition for affordable housing, a topic cited by local elected leaders in both the town and county as an area of high priority, although opinions on what such housing would entail vary significantly. If the commission can help to define it, Burk said, the job of the council will be to determine how to implement that vision. Several council members and commissioners hit on the word “flexible” in describing a comprehensive plan. Such a plan, they said, needed to be able to adapt to both new market conditions and changes in development sites and the road network. “The concern that I have with the Town Plan is we need to make sure that we don’t box ourselves into a corner when we write it,” Vice Mayor Marty Martinez said. At the conclusion of Monday’s meeting, a new goal was set of acquiring Planning Commission certification of the Town Plan by December. That would likely mean the council will not begin its own review until the New Year. For more on the project, go to legacy.leesburgva.gov. n
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AUGUST 19, 2021
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Teachers Kim Wright (left) and Monica Gill (right) have joined Byron “Tanner” Cross in a lawsuit against the school district.
Two Teachers Seek to Join Lawsuit Challenging Transgender Policy HAYLEY BOUR
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The legal team representing Byron “Tanner” Cross, the teacher placed on leave after criticizing the Loudoun County Public Schools’ transgender protections, is asking the Circuit Court to add two more teachers to the lawsuit and to halt the school district’s implementation of Policy 8040. Alliance Defending Freedom filed a request Monday to add Monica Gill, a history teacher at Loudoun County High School, and Kim Wright, a Smart’s Mill Middle School English teacher, to the suit. The request to change the suit will need to be approved by a Circuit Court judge. The controversial Policy 8040, which was adopted by the embattled School Board last week, complies with a Virginia mandate that school divisions enact protections for transgender and gender expansive students by the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Under the policy, students are entitled to be called by their chosen name and pronouns, and to use facilities that correspond with their gender identities. The policy, as well as other initiatives to protect marginalized students, have been viewed by some parents in Loudoun as divisive, and have spurred on a recall effort against six members of the School Board. Gill has been vocal about her opposi-
tion to the district’s equity work. She has appeared on Fox News to discuss the influence of Critical Race Theory on teacher trainings, and spoke during the “Education not Indoctrination” rally in Leesburg on June 12. Cross was placed on administrative leave after he told the School Board during its May 25 meeting that he would not affirm transgender students with their chosen pronouns because it would be against his religion. “It’s lying to a child, it’s abuse to a child, and it is sinning against our God,” Cross said. The School Board, after receiving a flurry of complaints from parents of Cross’ students at Leesburg Elementary School following his remarks, placed Cross on paid administrative leave on May 27. Cross and ADF sued for his reinstatement, and Judge James E. Plowman granted an emergency injunction to reinstate Cross to his position. The division appealed the decision, arguing that it overlooked schools’ responsibilities to protect students. The appeal will now be heard in Virginia Supreme Court. “Teachers shouldn’t be forced to promote ideologies that are harmful to their students and that they believe are false,” ADF Senior Counsel Tyson Langhofer TRANSGENDER LAWSUIT continues on page 10
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Judge Denies Injunction in Case Alleging Discrimination Against White Students HAYLEY BOUR Hbour@loudounnow.com
A federal District Court judge on Friday denied a request for an injunction in a class action lawsuit filed by five families against Loudoun County Public Schools over the district’s Student Equity Ambassador Program and the Bias Incident Reporting System, both initiatives of the school district to combat the reported racial inequity in schools. Pattie Menders, Scott Mineo, and three other unnamed families alleged that the SEA program discriminates against white students and violates their First Amendment rights, and that the reporting system “chills protected speech in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments,” according to the complaint. Menders has been a vocal critic of the alleged influence of Critical Race Theory in Loudoun schools, and is the president of the Loudoun County Republican
Women’s Club. “Culturally responsive training, diversity, equity, whatever you want to call it, they’re all components of Critical Race Theory. That’s exactly what it is—a theory,” Menders said to the School Board during its Aug. 10 meeting. The complaint was filed June 2 in the Eastern Virginia District Court in Alexandria. Menders, Mineo, and the other families are represented by the Liberty Justice Center, a conservative nonprofit based in Chicago. The group sought damages for the alleged harm to students caused by having their First Amendment infringed upon, as well as an order that the school district shut down both programs. The Student Equity Ambassadors Program elevates the concerns about racial equity in schools. Each middle and high school has an ambassador who meets several times a year with the school division’s equity director and the equity supervisor. While there is no requisite race for a student to become an
ambassador, the district describes the ambassadors as “a racially diverse group of students with a collective passion for social justice.” The group, Parents Against Critical Race Theory, shared a document from the school district about the program, stating that only students of color may participate. The final iteration of the school’s notice shows that all students may participate in the program regardless of race. It was unclear from the filing whether any of the plaintiffs’ children wished to participate in the program. Judge Anthony J. Trenga concluded that the case failed to establish that the ambassadors organization was created to discriminate against white students. The Bias Incident Reporting System allows students and staff members to anonymously inform administrators of incidents where they’ve experienced bias or discrimination. A reported incident may be investigated by school administrators. Menders said that her children are
censoring themselves in school because they do not wish to be punished by the reporting system. The plaintiffs also said their children “would like to discuss various views on race relations, gender identity, and other controversial political issues from the premise that ‘everyone is equal and we should strive for a colorblind society.’” The judge ruled that the bias reporting system discourages free speech no more than the school division’s current harassment policy does. “This case is in the very early stages. We look forward to following the roadmap laid out in the judge’s opinion and believe the facts will confirm our arguments,” Daniel Suhr, managing attorney at the Liberty Justice Center, said. At this point, both sides will continue to gather evidence on the matter. The school district must file an answer to the complaint or a motion to dismiss the case. The school district, represented by Stacy Haney, declined to comment on the matter. n
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AUGUST 19, 2021
Federal Program Will Provide Free Meals to All Loudoun Students BY HAYLEY BOUR
hbour@loudounnow.com
All Loudoun County Public Schools students can receive breakfast, lunch, snacks, or supper meals free of charge this year regardless of income eligibility, thanks to an extension of a U.S. Department of Agriculture program that reimburses schools and childcare centers for meals. Prior to the pandemic, only students who qualified as low-income could re-
ceive free and subsidized meals. Each student, 18 years old or younger, may receive one free meal daily, on school days only. Second meals will cost $4.10. Distance learners may pick up meals on Monday mornings at area high schools starting Aug. 30. Distance learners will receive seven days of breakfast, lunch, or supper. Free meals for all students began in March 2020 when schools went virtual because of COVID-19. The program continued through the 2020-2021 school year, and into the summer.
During the summer, Loudoun saw a significant increase in food insecurity among children; in 2019, the nonprofit Feeding America Action reported that 1.9% of children in Loudoun County were food insecure. By 2021, that rate has nearly doubled, to 3.6%. The number of Title I eligible and served schools in the district has grown by 33.3% since the 2020-2021 school year. There are now 20 Title I eligible and served schools, meaning 40% or more of students qualify to receive free or reduced meals. After spending most of her career in school buildings, School Board member Denise Corbo (At Large), a former teacher, sees the importance of free meals for all students while many families endure dire financial times. She recalls monitoring elementary school breakfast. “Several students would enter the building and one would enter the cafeteria, and the others would stand by the
door because they didn’t receive free meals. Even if I’d try to encourage them to come in and sit with the friend, they wouldn’t feel comfortable,” Corbo said. “Free meals for all removes this barrier. All are welcomed and encouraged to eat.” In the Leesburg District, several schools edged into the Title I eligible category during the pandemic. Still, with a Title I designation, some children remain hungry. “The increase in hungry students is real. I appreciate that we’re able to provide this because children learn best when their physical needs are met. It’s difficult to learn when you’re hungry. We’re supporting the whole child,” School Board member Beth Barts (Leesburg) said. Barts said free meals for all will also eliminate the stigma students from low-income families may feel. The free summer meal walk-up service ended on Monday. School begins in Loudoun County on Aug. 26. n
Transgender lawsuit
Morse’s comments sparked an impassioned response from Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge), “I hope this is not the case, but it sounds as if you think bullying of LGBTQ students in LCPS is a thing of the past and it doesn’t happen today, and if you believe that, I would encourage you to speak to more gay and transgender students, because I don’t know how you could say that with a straight face,” Serotkin said. The meeting featured two student representatives to the School Board. Jamie Kaine, a Heritage High School senior, shared her support of the policy. “I have been able to use the girls’ bathrooms and the girls’ restrooms freely, and I would feel no fear and no intimidation from transgender women being in the same bathroom, as well, because transgender women are women,” Kaine said. “These are not people that are coming into the bathroom to look at us or creep on us, that is not the goal of this movement and I think that often gets confused and I understand the fear but that’s not realistic.” Other teachers have criticized the policy. Laura Morris, a Lucketts Elementary School teacher, gave her resignation to the School Board during her public comment. “This summer I have struggled with the idea of returning to school, knowing that I’ll be working yet again with a school division that, despite its shiny tech and flashy salary, promotes political ideologies that do not square with who I am as a believer in Christ.” The trial is scheduled for Sept. 7-8 in Loudoun County District Court. n
continued from page 8 said. “Public employees cannot be forced to contradict their core beliefs just to keep a job. Freedom—of speech and religious exercise-—includes the freedom not to speak messages against our core beliefs.” Langhofer said that the teachers would use whatever name a student wishes to be called, but not the pronoun that does not correspond with their biological sex. During last Tuesday’s meeting, ahead of the vote on the policy, the School Board fielded a swarth of public comments from parents both in support of, and against, the transgender protections. The public comment portion of the meeting lasted hours, and the board ultimately voted to delay the vote until Wednesday. Prior to the vote, School Board members weighed in on the Policy. Only Jeff Morse (Dulles) was highly critical of the policy. Morse said that he felt ill at ease with several stipulations in the policy. He delivered a lengthy speech, arguing that such policies don’t exist to protect all marginalized groups, and passing Policy 8040 would necessitate passing similar protections for other groups. He pointed to Policy 1040, which already provides students with an equal opportunity for a safe, inclusive learning environment. “Teachers are not monsters who pick on at-risk kids, and they don’t need to be told to love their students. They already do,” Morse said.
AUGUST 19, 2021
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The Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department Our Sponsors: Country Buick GMC Power Home Remodeling Heartland Foods LeafGuard Polaris Financial Strategies Group C2 Operations Loudoun Mega Events Wegmans Food Markets Our Entertainers & Vendors Residents, Businesses, and Attendees
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Public Safety
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The man who found himself splashed across TV screens and newspaper pages, being dragged from the Loudoun County School Board meeting with a bloody lip and in handcuffs, on Tuesday was found guilty of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. Scott Smith was dragged to the ground by county deputies as tempers flared at the June 22 School Board meeting, egged on by protests against new state-mandated protections for transgenSmith der students. According to testimony in the Aug. 17 District Court trial, Smith was arrested during an argument with a woman for whose daughter Smith’s wife had been a Girl Scout leader. Deputies dragged him to the ground, then outside, where he continued struggling and arguing with them, threatening to kick their teeth out. He was taken to the Adult Detention Center and charged with the two misdemeanors. Smith’s attorney, Elizabeth Lancaster of Leesburg firm Whitbeck Bennett, argued his actions up to that point—arguing loudly, clenching his fist, leaning toward and swearing at the woman—did not constitute disorderly conduct. Therefore, she argued, he was unlawfully detained, which is not illegal to resist, and all
“I look at that and I go, why would anybody want to be on a School Board?” — Judge Thomas J. Kelley, Jr. charges should be dropped. “I was in a state of shock when they took my husband down to the floor,” said Smith’s wife, Jessica. “There’s nothing in the law nor in common sense that says an officer should wait for someone to punch someone else before calming things down,” argued Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj. Smith was sentenced to 10 days in jail, all suspended, contingent on a year of good behavior. Biberaj also pushed for a fine and a requirement for anger management training; Lancaster argued for a moderate fine and no jail time, pointing to Smith’s largely clean record, his long residency as a small business owner in Leesburg, and his anger about an alleged assault of an immediate family member inside a bathroom by a person identifying as gender fluid. Smith indicated he will likely appeal the decision. “I look at that and I go, why would anybody want to be on a School Board?” said Judge Thomas J. Kelley, Jr., a retired judge who ruled on the case. n
SAFETY briefs Bicyclist Injured in Ashburn Hit-and-Run Crash The Sheriff ’s Office is investigating a hit-and-run that left a bicyclist seriously injured early Saturday morning in Ashburn. The victim, an adult male, was riding an electric bicycle at the intersection of Farmingdale Drive and Ashburn Farm Parkway at 1 a.m. Aug. 14 when he was hit
by a vehicle. A neighbor heard a loud noise and found the victim. The victim was taken to Reston Hospital for treatment. The Sheriff ’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of the car. While there is not yet a vehicle description, the suspect vehicle possibly has a damaged windshield and hood. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Investigator T. Alpy at 703-777-1021.
AUGUST 19, 2021
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Local Attorney Elected to State Court of Appeals LOUDOUN NOW STAFF
Dominique Callins, a family law attorney based in Leesburg, has been elected by the General Assembly to the Virginia Court of Appeals. The appointment comes as the assembly is expanding the court Callins from 11 to 17 judges starting next year as part of an effort to increase the court’s role to become the intermediate appellate court for all criminal and civil cases. According to an announcement by her law firm, Simms Showers, she is expected to fill the seat of Judge William G. Petty, who is retiring after two eight-year terms. “Dominique is the leader of the Family Law Section at Simms Showers and is uniquely qualified to sit on the Court of Appeals, whose jurisdiction includes review of Circuit Court decisions in domestic relation matters,” stated Caleb Kershner, partner at Simms Showers and the Catoctin District representative on the Loudoun Board of Supervisors. “Her solution-oriented advocacy on behalf of our clients
will serve her and the commonwealth well during her tenure. She has been a valuable, smart and dynamic attorney during her tenure with our firm and we wish her continued success in this incredibly important new position.” Callins earned her law degree from the College of William and Mary’s Marshall-Wythe School of Law. She began her legal career as a judicial law clerk for the Henrico County Circuit Court and later to Appeals Court Judge James W. Benton. For the past 14 years, she has worked in family law in Northern Virginia., the past five years in Loudoun County. “I am both honored and humbled to have the opportunity to bring my years of expertise to the Virginia Court of Appeals,” Callins stated. “Serving on the Court of Appeals with the expanded jurisdiction to hear appeals of right in every civil case is a welcome change and I look forward to serving the Commonwealth of Virginia in this capacity.” Other judges elected to eight-year terms were: Doris Henderson Causey of Richmond, Junius Fulton of Norfolk, Vernida Chaney of Fairfax, Lisa Lorish of Charlottesville, Frank Friedman of Roanoke, Daniel E. Ortiz, of Fairfax, and Stuart Raphael of Arlington. n
Town of Hillsboro
A high-speed chase on Aug. 17 ended when the suspect crashed into a pickup at the eastern roundabout on Rt. 9 in Hillsboro. The suspect fled on foot from State Police troopers. He was apprehended a short time later.
High-Speed Chase Ends in Hillsboro A state police chase that began as a stop for speeding on the Dulles Greenway ended on the eastern edge of Hillsboro on Tuesday afternoon. According to the State Police, shortly before 2 p.m. on Aug. 17 a trooper initiated a traffic stop on a westbound Chevrolet Silverado traveling at 83 miles per hour on the Dulles Greenway. The driver pulled onto the shoulder and stopped. During the traffic stop, the driver put the vehicle back in gear and sped away. A pursuit was initiated. The pickup continued west on the Greenway and continued onto Rt. 7 and
then Rt. 9. The pickup struck two other vehicles during the chase. After striking the second vehicle at the roundabout on the eastern end of Hillsboro, the driver fled into a field behind the Stoneybrook Farm & Market. He was apprehended with the help of the Sheriff ’s Office a short time later. The driver, a 28-year-old man from Harpers Ferry, WV, was transported to the Inova Loudoun Cornwall Emergency Room for a mental health evaluation. There were no injuries reported in the other two crashes. n
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AUGUST 19, 2021
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Pooja Aggarwal for years. The treatment has been life-changing. “We are lucky to have one of the best experts in the nation right here in Ashburn. … Huxley is well-aware his words are bumpy, they get stuck, and he can’t say nearly as much as he would like to,” Mason said. Huxley went from not speaking at all as a 3-year-old, to a thriving kindergartener speaking in full sentences. “These children spend countless hours in various therapies, working tirelessly to find their voice. The Walk for Apraxia is a day when we come together as a community to celebrate the mountains these amazing children have and continue to climb,” she said. Mason is organizing this year’s event alongside fellow Apraxia parent, Jennifer Thompson, of Ashburn. For details go to apraxia-kids.org/ walk-for-apraxia-splash-page. n
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• College degree in construction management or relevant field. Years of experience in a similar or related position will be considered in lieu of degree. • Strong knowledge and understanding of construction field preferred • Ability to work in an office environment as well as in the field as requested. • Intermediate to advanced skill level in Microsoft Office products including MS Project. • Familiarity with Procore construction management software preferred, not required. • Ability to learn company specific software as needed or required. (Familiarity with Procore preferred, but not required) • Prior experience in construction or relative field preferred. • Proven track record working with people, teams, and projects. • Ability to work independently, within a team and in a diverse workforce. • Ability to travel as needed • Must be able to pass a background check for clearance to Federal buildings CONTACT INFO
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Kathy Hicks 208 South King Street Suite 303 • Leesburg, VA 20175 www.meridiengroupllc.com khicks@meridiengroupllc.com Office: (703) 777-8285
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AUGUST 19, 2021
PAGE 15 NHLEmployerCard2.pdf
Town of Leesburg Employment Opportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA. Regular Full-Time Positions
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10:58 AM
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Position
Department
IT Systems Administrator
Utilities
Maintenance Worker I
Public Works & Capital Projects
CMY
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Salary Range
Closing Date
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
$40,000-$65,186 DOQ
Open until filled Open until filled
Police Officer
Police
$53,233-$89,590 DOQ
Project Manager
Utilities
$76,941-$131,689 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Buyer/Contracts Administrator
Finance
$67,175-$115,044 DOQ
Open until filled
Senior Zoning Analyst
Planning & Zoning
$61,857-$105,896 DOQ
Open until filled
Systems Analyst/Infrastructure & Asset Management
Public Works & Capital Projects
$70,374-$120,339 DOQ
Open until filled
Training and Development Coordinator
Utilities
$52,446-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility Plant Technician: Trainee, Technician or Senior
Utilities
$44,905-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Utility System Trainee or Technician
Utilities
$41,353-$76,882 DOQ
Open until filled
Wastewater Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior
Utilities
$41,353-$89,790 DOQ
Open until filled
Bonus paid upon completion
Regular Part-Time Position Position
Department Outreach Program Coordinator
Hourly Rate Parks and Recreation
$23.03-39.43 DOQ
Closing Date Open until filled
Flexible Part-Time Position Position
Department Customer Service Representative III
Hourly Rate Utilities
$23.03-39.43 DOQ
Closing Date Open until filled
To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35.
No experience necessary. Will train. Free classes starting Sept. 6th. Day and evening classes available. Small fee for books
Call or text 571-306-1955
HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE
FULL TIME FLAGGER
DRIVERS NEEDED Regular & CDL Call 703-737-3011
Traffic Plan seeks FT Flaggers to set up and control traffic around construction sites. A valid drivers license is a must, good pay, and benefits. If interested please fill out an application at 7855 Progress Court Suite 103 Gainesville, VA on Wednesdays from 9 am to 12 pm or online at www.trafficplan.com
See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com
Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to: lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa
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AUGUST 19, 2021
Business
Loudoun Brewers Score Big at Virginia Craft Beer Cup Competition LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild on Monday announced the 2021 Virginia Craft Beer Cup winners, with several Loudoun breweries bringing home medals. This year’s competition was managed by Head Judge Charlie Harr and featured 283 beers entered by 95 independent craft breweries in 20 categories. Judging took place last month at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn. It was a record number of entries for the largest statewide competition in the U.S. “The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild and Virginia Craft Beer Cup’s 10th Anniversary is an amazing milestone,” said Guild Chairwoman Janell Zurschmeide, of Bluemont’s Dirt Farm Brewing. “Celebrating the 2021 Cup competitors and winners with friends and colleagues is a fitting
tribute to our members’ commitment to amazing independent craft beer.” The top award for a Loudoun Brewery went to Dynasty Brewing Company, which placed third overall in the Best of Show Category with its 838 Stout after winning the top prize in the stout category. Where Loudoun brewers really excelled was in the pale ale category— sweeping the top prizes. Newcomer Lost Barrel Brewing took first place with its Farm Ale. Wheatland Spring Farm+Brewery’s Westerly took second place. Old Ox Brewery’s Ernest Cream Ale won third.
• Dirt Farm Brewing, second place for its Fluster Cluck
Other Loudoun winners were:
• Sweetwater Tavern, third place stout for its High Desert Imperial Stout
• Sweetwater Tavern, first place amber ale for its Great American Restaurants Pale Ale • Sweetwater Tavern, first place bock for its Sidewinder Bock
• Bear Chase Brewing Company, second place Kolsch for its Kodiak Kolsch • Wheatland Spring Farm+Brewery, second place pilsner for its Found Artifacts • Rocket Frog Brewing Company, third place pilsner for its Zaba • Black Hoof Brewing, first place porter for its Duck Blind Baltic Porter • Old Ox Brewery, third place porter for its Black Ox
• Beltway Brewing Company, second place strong ale for its Art in Execution Learn more at vacraftbeer.com and vacraftbrewersguild.com. n
RoadRunner Celebrates New Leesburg HQ BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com
The new home of Road Runner Wrecker Service is the culmination of five years of planning, and almost 30 years of hard work. Owner David Butcher recalled how he started his business in 1992 with one used tow truck and a cell phone. Fast forward 29 years, Road Runner now boasts 65 employees, with plans to hire 10 to 15 more once the company settles into its new headquarters at 19431 Samuels Mill Court in Leesburg. The 20,000-square-foot facility sits on four-and-a-half acres, and will consolidate the company’s operations from Sterling and Purcellville into one location. In addition to housing its towing fleet, the property will house a truck wash, the first of its kind in Northern Virginia, Butcher said. He pointed to the winter months, when pretreatment on roads can wreak havoc on trucks. The truck wash process includes an undercarriage wash to treat the wear and tear, and a reverse-osmosis
trucks, and fleet trucks will all be able to be washed and serviced at Road Runner’s new digs. Road Runner also operates two service trucks for roadside truck repair. Butcher said the location is an ideal spot for Road Runner. “We can respond anywhere in Loudoun County in less than 30 minutes,” he said. The company has earned a reputation in the area for its ability to provide specialized services, with three rotator trucks, nine heavy wreckers, and five tractor trailers for moving specialty equipment. The Wreckmaster 8/9-R certification is considered elite in the industry, Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now and Road Runner boasts four of the state’s David Butcher, president of Road Runner Wrecker five operators among its employees. Service, stands in front of his company’s new The company is inviting the public to headquarters just outside of the Town of Leesburg. check out its new headquarters during a process that provides a spot-free rinse. grand opening celebration Saturday, Aug. The center also will be equipped to 21, from 9:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day’s fesperform preventative maintenance and tivities will include a ribbon-cutting cereVirginia state inspections on large trucks. mony at 10 a.m.; self-guided tours; truck “Like the Jiffy Lube of big trucks,” and equipment displays; food trucks; and Butcher said, ideal for work on large giveaways. trucks from a Ford F350 with dual rear For more on the company, go to wheels on up. Tractor trailers, dump roadrunnerwreckerservice.com. n
Aili Hou/Loudoun Now
Loudoun’s second Crumbl location, in Ashburn, is now open for business.
It’s Cookie Time:
Second Crumbl Location Opens BY AILI HOU
“Welcome to Crumbl!” is the first thing guests will hear as soon as they walk through the front doors of the newest location of the cookie franchise that celebrated its grand opening in Ashburn Village Shopping Plaza on Aug. 13. It is Loudoun’s second Crumbl, following a location in Leesburg—meaning area residents have already had the chance to sample some of Crumbl’s fresh hand-made cookies, ranging from flavor combos like Hazelnut Sea Salt to classic staples such as Milk Chocolate Chip. Crumbl’s menu rotates flavors each week to give customers a vast array of choices to explore. This Ashburn location is owned by Virginia native and former history teacher Joel Frary, who was inspired to open a Crumbl in the area after first getting a taste of their cookies in Texas. His wife and his brother, who serves as the store manager, also work with him to manage the enterprise. Although they have just opened shop, Frary and his team have big ambitions for how Crumbl will continue to grow. They are looking to offer catering for large parties as well as local events, to name a few. “Especially as a franchise, we’re always looking to partner with people in our community,” Frary said. “Whether it’s businesses here or just around the community that have events they want cookies at.” Crumbl is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 8 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information or to place an order, go to crumblcookies.com. Aili Hou is a rising sophomore at Columbia University interning at Loudoun Now. n
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AUGUST 19, 2021
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LOUDOUNNOW.COM
AUGUST 19, 2021
Our Towns
Katharine DeRosa/Loudoun Now
Lovettsville Square is anchored by Velocity Wings and Anytime Fitness.
Lovettsville Square Sells for $6.1M LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Courtesy of NOVA Parks
Chris Brown, assistant director for Civil War Trails, Inc., lifts the new directional sign in place at Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park.
2 Loudoun Stops Added to Civil War Trail LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
NOVA Parks has installed two new Civil War Trails signs in Loudoun County, at the Aldie Mill Historic Park and Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park. The new sign at Aldie Mill orients visitors to the fighting which took place along Rt. 50 between Aldie and Upperville as part of the Gettysburg campaign in 1863. It is part of a series of Civil War Trails sites stretched across 15 miles that help visitors follow the troop movements and engagements that occurred during three days of engagements known as the Battle of Middleburg. “This mini-Civil War trail is immensely popular with travelers as they traverse not only the history but enjoy some of Virginia’s most beautiful downtowns, shops and landscapes,” said Drew Gruber, executive director of Civil War Trails, Inc. “Mt. Defiance Cidery, Hunter’s Head Tav-
Courtesy of Civil War Trails, Inc.
The inset map on the new sign at Gilbert’s Corner helps connect guests with the other resources in the region.
ern, and the Little River Inn make this an ultimate destination for couples looking for a weekend retreat.” The sign at Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park, titled “Neighbor Against Neighbor,” tells the story of Alexander “Yankee” Davis and how his vote in May 1961 to stay in the Union led to his harassment by neighbors and his ultimate role as a guide for Union troops in the area. It is located at the trailhead for the 150-acre park. The Civil War Trails network is designed as an open-air museum for visitors to explore by diving, cycling, or hiking. Loudoun County is home to more than two dozen Civil War Trails sites, linked to 1,350 other locations across six states. For more information about Aldie Mill Historic Park or Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park go to novaparks.com. For more information about Civil War Trails or to request a brochure go to civilwartrails.org. n
Lovettsville Square commercial complex is under new ownership. Built by Elm Street Development and NV Commercial as part of a 210-home planned community, the 17,381-square-foot retail property was sold to James Properties III of Hyattsville, MD, on July 22 for $6.1 million. According to an announcement by Marcus & Millichap, which handled the sale, the property first was put on the market in March 2020 at the outset of the pandemic. A marketing campaign was relaunched in April and resulted in a quick sale. “We are seeing pent-up demand from buyers to transact, and assets that retained tenants through COVID are in elevated demand. Lovettsville Square’s tenant roster is mostly local tenants, but its developer was selective in the merchandizing mix. Tenant strength was evident in those challenging months,” Marcus & Millichap investment specialist Dean Zang said. Lovettsville Square tenants include Velocity Wings and Anytime Fitness. A second planned phase of the retail center was sold to an unrelated developer that is planning a coop market concept with additional commercial space. n
AUGUST 19, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 19
Purcellville Sets Sept. 13 Deadline for Pullen House Purchase Bids LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
The Purcellville Town Council is taking offers to buy the Pullen House. After years of discussion, the council in January voted to put the property, at 301 S. 20th St., on the market. The formal bid solicitation was posted Aug. 16. The town will accept sealed bids until 10 a.m. Sept. 13. Interested bidders will be permitted to participate in a site visit Aug. 23, starting at 9 a.m. The property, located adjacent to Firemans Field and across the street from Town Hall, is comprised of two separate lots, with one 15,661 square feet and the other 5,831 square feet. As a whole, the property consists of .51 acres.
Middleburg Ups Payments for UMC Parking Lot The Middleburg Town Council on Tuesday agreed to a new lease for public use of the Middleburg United Methodist Church parking lot. In addition to increasing the annual payments for the use of the 26 parking spaces, the town agreed to front the cost needed to complete repairs to the lot. The town has leased the property for public parking for several years, typically paying $4,000 to $5,000 per year. The new five-year contract increases the base rent to $8,000 per year. As part of the agreement, the town will pay for repairs needed immediately, not expected to exceed $6,680. That expenditure will be deducted from rent payments on a pro rata basis during the term of the lease. The town recently entered an agreement with Atlantic Union Bank to allow public use of its lot at no cost. In the long term, the town is planning its own 40-space parking lot, expected to be complete within the next two years. n
The town purchased the property in 2011 for $175,00 with plans for overflow parking, development of a pocket park, a storage location for special events equipment, or other income-generating opportunities. This year, the property was assessed at $264,300. The council in January stated an intent to get at least $330,000 for the property, but no minimum bid was included in the final bid solicitation. n
Loudoun Now File Photo
The purchase of the Pullen House at 301 S. 20th St. was once envisioned as an investment in the future needs of the town. Now, the Town Council sees the revenue that can be generated by its sales as its best attribute.
PAGE 20
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
AUGUST 19, 2021
THINGS to do
Loco Living
SUMMER TUNES Music In The Gap: Mostly Fab
Friday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro Details: oldstoneschool.org This beloved Beatles tribute band fronted by Cal Everett brings back favorite Lennon and McCartney tunes. General admission is free. Tickets for verandah seating are $20 for a table of four.
Della Mae’s FamFest
Saturday, Aug. 21, 4 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com Celebrate community with the Grammynominated, all-woman string band Della Mae, joined by Dori Freeman, AJ Lee & Blue Summit and other musical guests. Tickets are $35 in advance.
Tarara Summer Concert Series: The New Romance
Saturday, Aug. 21, 6-9:30 p.m. Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg Details: tararaconcerts.com Think of The New Romance as your favorite mixtape from the ’80s coming to life. Tickets are $20 for adults 21 and over, $10 for people under 21. Admission for children 7 and under is free.
Acoustic On The Green: Julia Kasdorf Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
Illustrator Serena Parrish and author Kashvi Ramani with Ramani’s debut novel, ‘Kofi Chronicles.’
High School Author Offers Inspiration with ‘Kofi Chronicles’ to go for or do what I actually want to do, where I feel like I can make the biggest difjmercker@loudounnow.com ference.” “Kofi Chronicles” mirrors Ramani’s Kashvi Ramani is one of those kids who seems to be good at just about everything. own career as an actor: falling in love with Smart, beautiful, and communi- craft, figuring out her path and overcomty-minded, she’s an academic achiever, ing insecurities. The book follows Kofi student athlete, professional actor and from her first summer camp production of “Aladdin” as an elementary schooler now a published author. The Ashburn high school student just (when getting cast as the comic relief charpublished her first middle-grade novel, acter Iago instead of the lead role turns out to be a blessing in disguise) to landing “Kofi Chronicles.” Ramani said she created the book in her first professional theater role in a DC hopes of inspiring younger kids to follow production of “A Christmas Carol.” Young their dreams—even if they don’t com- readers follow Kofi’s nervousness and triumph through a talent showcase in New pletely mesh with expectations. The novel follows Ramani’s main char- York that lands her an agent to a screen acter and alter ego Kofi (pronounced like audition in Los Angeles. Ramani, now 15 and a sophomore at coffee), a high-achieving tween who unRock Ridge High School and the Acadexpectedly falls in love with acting. “I always loved performing more than emies of Loudoun, started the novel in anything else,” Ramani said. “It’s always 2018 as a middle schooler—a year after been a constant struggle: whether I should her professional acting debut at Ford’s go for the route that everyone expects me Theatre in DC. She returned to writing BY JAN MERCKER
during the pandemic and wrapped up the novel as a high school freshman. Ramani pitched the novel to the Bangalore, India-based publisher Timbuktoo Young Authors Publishing, and it turned out to be a perfect fit. In real life, Ramani earned the role of Belinda Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol” at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC, in 2017, a professional acting debut that changed her life. That production was also where she met her novel’s illustrator—the Loudoun-based teen actor Serena Parrish, who was also in the Ford’s production. The young actors hadn’t met in person since “A Christmas Carol” wrapped up but have kept in touch online over the past four years. Parrish, now a senior at Woodgrove High School, has appeared in several big off-Broadway roles in recent years and draws cartoons and illustrations as a hobby. When Ramani caught some of KOFI CHRONICLES continues on page 21
Saturday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Leesburg Town Green, 25 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov Kasdorf’s exceptional voice, top-notch guitar skills and catalog of standards, pop hits, folk and rock ‘n’ roll set her apart on the local music scene.
LOCO LIVE Live Music: Will Shepard
Friday, Aug. 20, 5-8 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Catch singer/songwriter Will Shepard at a favorite venue.
Live Music: November Morning
Friday, Aug. 20, 5 p.m. Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com This acoustic duo brings a unique blend of Motown, blues and pop soul.
Live Music: Hilary Veltri
Friday, Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Veltri’s repertoire of covers and originals spans generations and genres from Bob Dylan to Beyonce.
Live Music: Yoko Says No
Friday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg
THINGS TO DO continues on page 22
AUGUST 19, 2021
Kofi Chronicles continued from page 20 Parrish’s images on Instagram, she knew they were the style she wanted for her book. “Serena was the first person who came to mind,” Ramani said. Parrish also has a cameo appearance as a character in the book, inspired by Ramani’s 2017 Ford’s audition. In the novel, Kofi meets a young actor at the audition who seems to have it all together, inspiring the nervous and unprepared Kofi with her organization and sense of calm. While Ramani gears up for her sophomore year at Rock Ridge and has college plans down the line, Parrish has scored a top talent agent and plans to move to New York next fall to start auditioning and acting full time. Starting her senior year as a published illustrator was an unexpected and joyful development after a crazy pandemic year. Ramani’s parents moved to the U.S. from India, and her novel also celebrates her heritage with educational tidbits for young readers through Kofi’s love of Indian food and Hindu festivals. It also explores her occasional discomfort at being the only Indian-American kid at auditions and classes and efforts to gently educate peers about her background. “I’ve always wanted to promote diversity and lack of stereotypes and more authenticity. Who better to do that than someone who’s grown up so invested in Indian culture?” Ramani said. The novel also tackles Ramani’s take on academic expectations in Northern Virginia’s Indian-American community. She says many of her peers are encouraged to excel in STEM fields, but there should also be a place for pursuing careers in the arts and humanities. “Often there are not a lot of role models, and that was hard for me growing up,” she said. “I really hope that if this book reaches a kid who’s battling the [issue of] ‘Should I go for stability in STEM or should I go for my dream?’ it will help them.” Like Kofi’s supportive parents in the novel, Ramani’s parents have helped her pursue her artistic dreams. But for Ramani, balancing her interest and aptitude for STEM, a challenging course load and her passion for writing and performing takes great time management skills and lots of Post-it notes. Like Kofi, Ramani has also had to work through insecurities as a child actor who got into the game on the late side going
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
into auditions with kids who have been performing since early childhood. “When you go into an audition room, they don’t know how long you’ve been acting. It’s what you bring in the moment— the passion and the ability to be someone they can work with,” Ramani said. “I just put everything I have into whatever I do, and Kofi’s the same.” In the past few years, Ramani has been involved with DC-based Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Shakespeare Everywhere program and online programming with Signature Theater, and she recently
got involved with a professional teen improv troupe in McLean. As a freshman during the last school year, she got involved with Rock Ridge’s award-winning drama program. And, while Ramani said her interest is shifting to writing and directing, the arts and media are where her career interest lies. Meanwhile, she hopes to inspire younger peers across cultures in competitive, tech-oriented Northern Virginia with her novel and its message that it’s okay to dream and pursue a career in the arts. The novel ends where Ramani’s professional
PAGE 21
career took off: with the joy of the successful DC audition. “I like happy endings,” she said. And she’s already fleshing out ideas for the second volume of “Kofi Chronicles.” “I’m someone who never likes to stop,” Ramani said. “Once I have a trajectory, I want to keep going.” Kashvi Ramani’s “Kofi Chronicles” is available at amazon.com. Follow the author on Instagram and Twitter at @ kashviramani. Follow actor, singer, and illustrator Serena Parrish on Instagram at @serena_parrish. n
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PAGE 22
AUGUST 19, 2021
BEST BETS
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MOSTLY FAB Friday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. Hillsboro’s Old Stone School oldstoneschool.org
EXSURGO STRONG AND FIT GRAND OPENING Saturday, Aug. 21, 2-4 p.m. 21730 Red Rum Dr. #107 exsurgo.us
THINGS to do continued from page 20
Details: spankyspub.com Regional favorites Yoko Says No play rock, country, blues, pop and ’80s hits.
TAB BENOIT
W/ALASTAIR GREENE
08/26/21 | DOORS: 7PM | SHOW: 8PM
IDLEWILD SOUTH:
THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND TRIBUTE 08/27/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
THE BODEANS 08/28/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
CARL PALMERS ELP LEGACY 09/03/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
SISTER HAZEL 09/04/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
THE WAILERS 09/05/21 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM
Live Music: Dan Cronin
Saturday, Aug. 21, 1 p.m. Maggie Malick Wine Caves, 12138 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville Details: maggiemalickwinecaves.com Cronin serves up ragtime and country blues on guitar and harmonica.
Live Music: Chris Bone
Saturday, Aug. 21, 1 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Enjoy an afternoon of great tunes from western Loudoun singer/songwriter and one-man band Chris Bone of the Bone Show.
Live Music: Freddie Long
THE NEW ROMANCE Saturday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com
Live Music: Sidetracked
Live Music: Fork In The Road
Live Music: High Maintenance
Live Music: Gary Smallwood
Saturday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com High Maintenance brings popular covers and powerful vocals to Vanish.
Sunday, Aug. 22, 2 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Gary Smallwood brings his locally famous classic rock, country rock and blues rock to Flying Ace.
Live Music: Moxie
Live Music: Josh Sowder
Saturday Aug. 21, 6 p.m. Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro Details: harvestgap.com Celebrate Saturday with guitar-driven rock ‘n’ roll featuring hits and B-sides from the 60s through the 90s.
Saturday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Saigon Outcast, 44921 George Washington Blvd., Ashburn Details: saigonoutcastva.com Moxie returns to Saigon Outcast with uplifting acoustic favorites.
Saturday, Aug. 21, 1 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Long is part introspective singer/songwriter, part bluesy classic rocker for a perfect brewery afternoon vibe.
Live Music: Emma Bailey
Live Music: Greg Ward
Live Music: John 5
Saturday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Social House South Riding, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, Chantilly Details: socialhousesouthriding.com This DMV favorite puts her mark on pop, rock, country and beyond from oldies to the current charts.
Saturday, Aug. 21, 2-5 p.m. Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn Details: lostrhino.com Solo reggae artist Greg Ward returns to Lost Rhino for an afternoon of great tunes.
Saturday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com The legendary guitarist for Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson brings his shredding skills to Leesburg. Tickets are $20.
Live Music: Nicole June
Live Music: Acoustic Ayre
Saturday, Aug. 21, 2-5 p.m. Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville Details: flyingacefarm.com Singer/songwriter Nicole June’s move from Philly to Harpers Ferry means more great music for Loudoun.
Sunday, Aug. 22, 1 p.m. Bear Chase Brewing Company, 18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont Details: bearchasebrew.com Classic rock and folk covers from a DMV favorite.
Live Music: The Pool Boys
Sunday, Aug. 22, 1 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Fun covers and originals from a longtime winery/ brewery favorite.
Saturday, Aug. 21, 6 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com It’s an evening of alt rock from the 90s and early 2000s with The Pool Boys.
JULIA KASDORF Saturday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m. Leesburg Town Green idalee.org
Live Music: Jim Steele
Sunday, Aug. 22, 2 p.m. 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: 868estatevineyards.com Fork In The Road brings country and classic rock covers and originals to 868.
Sunday, Aug. 22, 1 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Sowder returns to Breaux with tunes from a range of genres from the ’50s through the 2000s.
Live Music: Robbie Limon
Sunday, Aug. 22, 5 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Robbie Limon returns to the beach with favorites from ’70s-era songwriters including The Eagles, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Roy Orbison, The Doobie Brothers, Jim Croce and Willie Nelson.
LOCO CULTURE World Heritage Festival & Festival of Kites
Saturday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Ida Lee Park, 60 Ida Lee Drive NW, Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov Enjoy folk dance performances, kites, games and children’s activities and shop for treasures from 50 local artists and vendors. Admission is free.
Vino Bistro Summer Wine Festival
Saturday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Vino Bistro, 1605 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg Details: www.vinobistroonline.com Sample 20 wines from around the world for $25 at Vino Bistro’s summer wine festival.
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
AUGUST 19, 2021
“One of the Summer’s best concert lineups.” -The Washington Post
The Town of Leesburg’s Award Winning Free Summer Concert Series
2021
Washingtonian Magazine’s Best Bet for Summer Concerts.
Official Radio & Social Media Partner
Official Media Partner
Town Hall Green 25 West Market Street
Presents:
Julia Kasdorf Saturday, August 21 7:00 - 8:30 pm Lawn chairs and blankets are advised. No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or pets allowed. In case of inclement weather, the show will be cancelled. For more information, visit www.idalee.org
FREE CONCERT FRIDAY, AUGUST 20! LAWN OPENS AT 6 P.M.
Mostly Fab Beatles Riot
British Invasion Comes to The Gap Stage! Dance and sing-a-long to all your favorite Beatles tunes!
Local Beer, Wine, Food
Don Sebas Tacqueria • Moo Thru Ice Cream Old 690 Brewery • Two Twisted Posts
Walsh Family Wine
•
Doukénie Winery
For details or to reserve a table visit oldstoneschool.org
PAGE 23
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 24
PoloInThe Park!
Come to Morven Park for the final match of the season! t of Polo
i
N
Augus t
21!
he Park! nt
Final
igh
Arena polo on Saturday night in Leesburg August 21, 2021 Gates open at 6:00 p.m. First match at 7:00 p.m.
For car pass and event details, visit
PoloInThePark.org
2021 Gold SponSorS
AUGUST 19, 2021
Death Notices DOROTHY FOX IDEN, 86, of Aldie, died Aug. 1. She was born on April 30, 1935, to John and Desola Fox. She owned and operated Humpty Dumpty Nursery School from 1968 to 1988 and taught kindergarten at Aldie Elementary for 10 years, retiring in 1999. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Rosser Iden. She is survived by her daughter Beverly Iden Tate; grandsons Samuel and Jack Tate; brothers James Fox, David Fox and Elmer Fox; and sisters Betty Monroe, Molly Cordaro and Linda Flynn. A private graveside service is planned at Ebenezer Cemetery. A celebration of life for both Dot and Rosser will be held in the fall. [Royston Funeral Home] JOSEPH BARNETT PAUL LL, 72, of Ashburn, died Aug. 9. He was born May 16, 1949, in Leesburg to John and Betty Paul. He owned the Paul Brothers automobile dealerships in Washington, DC,
You are invited to our Virtual Community Meeting Hear from project experts about new electric transmission infrastructure being built south of Dulles Airport near Route 50 in Loudoun County. This project will improve electric reliability for all customers in the region.
Use your phone’s camera or QR reader app to visit the project page directly.
Join us live online on Tuesday, August 24 at 5 p.m. You can find event details at DominionEnergy.com/aviator
and Herndon. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Ginny; daughter Amanda Heller, and grandchildren Celia and Davis. He was predeceased by his son Michael Barnett Paul. A memorial service will be held Aug. 19 at Vienna Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Erica Gough Paul and Michael Paul Scholarship Fund at Northwood University at northwood.edu/give. [Adams-Green Funeral Home] LOGAN LEE SADLER, 4 MONTHS OLD, of Sterling, died Aug. 6. He was the son of Arthur Lee Sadler II and Holly Elizabeth Sadler. He also is survived by his twin brother Zachary, and grandparents Danny and Sara Sadler and David and April Wilson. Services were held Aug. 13 at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg. Interment was at Ketoctin Church Cemetery near Purcellville. [Colonial Funeral Home]
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
AUGUST 19, 2021
PAGE 25
Legal Notices
ABC LICENSE
NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES Notice is hereby given that the bicycles described below were found and delivered to the Office of the Sheriff of Loudoun County; if the owners of the listed bicycles are not identified within sixty (60) days following the final publication of this notice, the individuals who found said bicycles shall be entitled to them if he/she desires. All unclaimed bicycles will be handled according to Chapter 228.04 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.
Description
Case Number
Recovery Date
Red/black BCA FS Pro bicycle
SO210011560
7/18/21
Gray GT bank bicycle
SO210011560
7/18/21
Black/green Schwinn Sidewinder bicycle
SO210011560
7/18/21
Black Mercier Galaxy ST
SO210011560
7/18/21
Recovery Location Minnieland Academy Kirkpatrick Farms Aldie, VA Minnieland Academy Kirkpatrick Farms Aldie, VA Minnieland Academy Kirkpatrick Farms Aldie, VA Minnieland Academy Kirkpatrick Farms Aldie, VA
Phone Number 703-777-0610 703-777-0610 703-777-0610 703-777-0610
Massaya LLC, trading as Massaya, 21000 Sycolin Rd Ste 100, Ashburn, Loudoun, VA 20147-4032 The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine and Beer On and Off Premises, Mixed Beverage Restaurant license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages. Mina Bebawy, Member Magby Farhan, Member Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
08/19 & 08/26/21
County of Loudoun, Virginia Availability of COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) AMENDMENTS to the FY2019-2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN The CDBG FY2019-2020 Annual Action Plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors (Board) on March 13, 2019 and amended by the Board on May 13, 2020. Due to the CARES Act, the County is receiving additional CDBG funds to address the community impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Staff is proposing that the Board allocate the CARES Act funds to the CDBG FY2019-2020 budget. The County seeks community comments to modifications of the: 1)
CDBG FY2019-2020 Annual Action Plan to enable additional CARES Act funds to be used to address the critical COVID-19 related needs.
HUD has designated Loudoun County as qualified for Urban County participation in the CDBG program and entitled to receive CDBG funding directly from HUD. HUD regulations require the adoption of the above referenced Action Plan which outlines the County’s housing and community development needs, priorities and objectives, and proposed use of the federal funds for the ensuing CDBG program year. Components of the proposed amendments to the FY2019-2020 CDBG Annual Action Plan include, without limitation, descriptions of: • Resources and proposed activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19; • Federal and other resources expected to be available; • Leveraging of resources and how match obligations will be met; • The activities to be undertaken; • The geographic distribution of investment; and • Planned homeless and other special needs activities. Copies of the approved FY2019-2020 CDBG Annual Action Plan and the proposed amendments to the FY2019-2020 CDBG Annual Action Plan are available and may be examined online at www.loudoun.gov/cdbg. Written comments on the Plan may be submitted via email to Courtenay. Belchik@loudoun.gov through September 13, 2021. 08/12 & 08/19/21
08/19 & 08/26/21
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ROUND HILL BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS Round Hill Town Board of Zoning Appeals
The Round Hill Board of Zoning Appeals will hold an in-person public hearing on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at 7:30 p.m. at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia 20141, to consider an application for a variance, on property owned by Marc and Linda Renner, located at 39 New Cut Road, Round Hill, Virginia, PIN 585-40-7384. All interested persons should appear and present their views at the above time and place. For interested persons who wish to attend remotely, instructions for remote participation can be found on the Town website at roundhillva.org. Written comments may be submitted by mail to PO Box 36, Round Hill, VA 20141; or emailed to mhynes@roundhillva.org. Comments received by noon on the day of the hearing will be distributed to the members of the Board of Zoning Appeals and made a part of the public record. All information concerning the variance application is available for review at the Round Hill Town Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and on the Town website. 08/12 & 08/19/21
ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104
Case No. CL-21-2965 LOUDOUN COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT 18 EAST MARKET ST., LEESBURG, VA 20176 STEPHANIE VILLALOBOS v. FRANKLIN O. CORDOVA The object of this suit is to: UNCONTESTED DIVORCE - SIX MONTH SEPERATION It is ORDERED that Franklin O. Cordova appear at the above-named court and protect his/her interests on or before 9/17/2021 at 2:00 PM. 07/29, 08/05, 08/12, & 08/19/21
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned”, as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice. YR.
MAKE
MODEL
VIN
STORAGE
PHONE#
1999 2010 2001
HONDA DODGE VOLVO
CRV NITRO V70
JHLRD186XXC013358 1D4PT5GK3AW103277 YV1SZ58D311033731
AL’S TOWING BATTLEFIELD D&M TOWING
703-435-8888 703-378-0059 703-471-4590
08/19 & 08/26/21
loudounnow.com
PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION FOR BID (IFB) The Town of Leesburg will accept bids electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia.gov), until 3:00 p.m. on September 9, 2021 for the following:
IFB No. 500630-FY22-14 Water Storage Tank Cleaning and Inspection Services The Town of Leesburg is accepting bids for cleaning, inspection, and disinfection services on a Tri-Annual Basis and cleaning and disinfection services on an as needed basis for distribution system water storage tanks. The object of this tank cleaning and inspection bid is to determine the extent, priority, and scheduling of water tank rehabilitation needs and to secure tank cleaning and disinfection services for routine tank draining and refilling events. For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard 08/19/21
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
PAGE 26
Legal Notices
AUGUST 19, 2021
VIRGINIA IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY ABIODUN OTARU Plaintiff,
TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
v.
TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE ARTICLES 3, 9, 10, 15 AND 18 Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LEESBURG PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing on THURSDAY, September 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 to consider the following amendments to the Zoning Ordinance: 1. Section 3.4.16 Termination of Use, to extend validity periods of special exceptions from three (3) years to five (5) years. 2. Sections 3.7.3 Application Submittal and Section 11.12.1 Floor Plans, to consolidate zoning permit application requirements in one section. 3. Section 9.4.1 Accessory Uses creating Section 9.4.1.1 Accessory Kitchen, establishing use standards for accessory kitchens. 4. Section 9.4.7 Family Day Home, to conform the Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance requirements to those in the Code of Virginia regarding the permissible number of children allowed by-right, and establishing an appeal process when an application is denied. 5. Various subsections of Section 10.4.5.C Extensions into Required Yards: a. Sec. 10.4.5.C.1.a, to reduce the separation of an accessory structure to the principal structure from 10 feet (10’) to five feet (5’). b. Sec. 10.4.5.C.5.a and Sec 10.4.5.C.5.b, to clarify enclosed decks cannot encroach into a required yard. 6. Various subsections of Article 15 Sign Regulations: a. Sec. 15.3 Definitions, to add a definition for ATM Sign b. Sec. 15.8.10, to add a subsection for Bank Signs, clarifying maximum number, type, and size due to the addition of ATM sign. 7. Various subsections of 18.1 Terms Defined: a. Add a definition for ATM Sign b. Add a definition for Enclosed Deck c. Add a definition for Porch d. Revised the definition for Accessory Kitchen Copies and additional information regarding each of these proposed Zoning Ordinance amendments are available at the Department of Planning & Zoning located on the 2nd floor of Leesburg Town Hall, 25 W. Market Street, Leesburg VA 20176 during normal business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or by contacting Michael Watkins, Zoning Administrator, via email at mwatkins@leesburgva.gov, or via telephone at 703-737-7920. This zoning ordinance amendment application is identified as case number TLOA-2021-0001. At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations should contact the Clerk of the Commission at (703) 771-2434, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.
ADEWALE OTARU, et al Defendant
) ) ) ) ) ) )
ORDER OF PUBLICATION THE OBJECT of the above-styled suit is to partition real property located at 42577 Highgate Terrace, Brambleton, VA 20148; and IT APPEARING by affidavit filed according to law that the Defendant ADEWALE OTARU in the above-titled cause does not reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia; it is therefore ORDERED that the said ADEWALE OTARU, appear on or before the 1st day of October, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. in the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, located at 18 E. Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 and do what is necessary to protect his interests; and it is further ORDERED that this order be published once a week for four successive weeks in LOUDOUN NOW, a newspaper of general circulation in the County of Loudoun; that a copy of this order be posted pursuant to Virginia Code § 1-21 l .1. and a copy mailed to the Defendant at his last known address as stated in the affidavit filed herein. 08/05, 08/12, 08/19, & 08/26/21
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PAGE 27
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AUGUST 19, 2021
Opinion The Trickle Down Local government leaders are still working to get a full grasp of the trickle-down impacts of the enormous federal spending programs aimed at keeping the economy going amid the uncertainty of the prolonged pandemic. Funds have been pouring out of Washington for more than a year to keep governments and businesses solvent and families afloat on an emergency basis. Now Congress is rolling out additional longer-term handouts that governments will have years to spend. For most Loudoun localities, that program is expected to result in the feds picking up the tab for some of the most daunting capital projects—infrastructure it would normally take years to pay for. The question is: When will that windfall begin to trickle down to those paying the bills? While millions of extra dollars have been pumping into the school system, residents received no offset on their tax bills. If towns can use federal money to build new water towers or transmission lines, shouldn’t
LETTERS to the Editor
that be reflected with lower utility bills? And with growing uncertainties about the sustainability of the office and retail real estate markets—and indications of slowing growth in the massive data center market—the signs are there that the blank-check era of budgeting is coming to a close for the Board of Supervisors. Or it should be. When county leaders complete their next round of budget work, they should not find satisfaction with an “equalized” tax rate or brag about trimming still more pennies from the tax rate as house values soar. It’s time a lower tax bill becomes a priority. After all, these are the same taxpayers who are on the hook to replenish the federal coffers being drained to keep the handouts flowing. n
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC
EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com
15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176
Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com
PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723
Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Hayley Milon Bour, Reporter hbour@loudounnow.com ADVERTISING Susan Styer, Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com
Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.
Tonya Harding, Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com
One Nation Editor: If 2020 taught me anything it is that the two Americas, created when some children of God mercilessly and contemptuously purchased, oppressed, and sold other children of God, have persisted. Today, these two Americas may be less formidable and distinct than those of 1855 or 1925 or 1985—through the great suffering and sacrifice of humankind and the providence of God, progress has been made—but some of that “two-ness” remains. In my opinion, it is our shared burden to see the two become one. And so I write in support of the county school system’s efforts to eradicate any systemic racism they find using the tools available to them, including understanding critical race theory enough to utilize any of its ideas that may help. It is appropriate to acknowledge that the house we have inherited, built by others, has broken things and needs renovation. It does not follow that we must raze it or hate the builders; we are grateful for the shelter it has provided so far. I also urge the School Board to be professional, reasonable, transparent, and careful in this delicate work, and to remain open to revisions as they go so
that the solutions don’t contribute to the problem. We read of a prophecy to “make them one nation … and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided … any more at all”: God wants us to be of one heart and of one mind, which will necessitate imagining American lives we have not lived. Linking arms with each other we can cross the river together, and touch the promised land. — Chris Stevenson, Purcellville
For Our Neighbors Editor: We write to you as United Methodist clergy serving churches from Leesburg and western Loudoun. The communities we collectively serve reflect a diverse array of age, race, gender, economics and political ideology. We love our communities deeply and care for their health and wellbeing. The past year and a half of this pandemic has been heartbreaking for our communities. As clergy, we have grieved with family members who have lost loved ones, as we also have lost one of our own colleagues at Bluemont and Roszell Chapel UMC to Covid-19. Our food pantries and outreach programs have LETTERS TO THE EDITOR continues on page 29
AUGUST 19, 2021
LOUDOUNNOW.COM
Readers’ Poll
THIS WEEK'S QUESTION:
LAST WEEK'S QUESTION:
There are only a few summer days left before school starts. How will you use your time?
County leaders are starting their budget preparations for next year. What should the priorities be?
Share your views at loudounnow.com/ polls
Taylor celebrated
are some babies out here that will see this video, there are some babies out here that will encounter you in the Loudoun streets, there are some babies that will shake your hand in church and understand that because you did it, that they can do it.” Thomas recalled a battle to win Sinclair Taylor’s seat. “It wasn't as easily said as done. There were some back doors that we had to close,” she said. “There were some loop-
holes that we had to close, and so we needed the help of our legislators.” Two such legislators, state Sen. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-33) and Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) were also in attendance. Wexton, an attorney, recalled starting work in the Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office on the same day as Sinclair Taylor in 2001. “From day one, I knew that Lorrie was something special. I mean, she really, really was,” Wexton said. “She was always the most prepared in court. She was always the hardest working. She was thoughtful and deliberate, and so, so fair as a prosecutor, and I know that you'll be the same as a judge.” Sinclair Taylor’s nephew Brendan Hammond, who was among the many family members who traveled from across the country, Canada and Jamaica to attend the ceremony, also spoke. He recalled growing up visiting his aunt. “I just saw her passion for everything she did, her zeal for just every single thing she did,” Hammond said. Sinclair recalled her own path through Loudoun’s legal community.
“If statistics and naysayers could dictate someone’s path, I would not be here,” Sinclair Taylor said. “I stand here because God has blessed me.” Sinclair Taylor recalled coming to work under then-Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Anderson, and going on to work under his successor, now-Judge James Plowman. She also recalled being functionally homeless during that time, and two friends taking her in— her future law partners, Buta Biberaj and Matthew Snow. Now, all three partners at the former Leesburg law firm of Biberaj, Snow & Sinclair have taken public office, Snow as another District Court judge and Biberaj as the Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney. “Today I stand before you asking you to trust me—trust me knowing that I want nothing more than to serve the people of Loudoun County,” Sinclair Taylor said. “Service has been ingrained in me since I was a child. My mother was a woman of service. We didn't have much, but whatever she had, we shared. She taught me how to serve the community, serve others, and whatever you have was enough to share.” n
say that our community is hurting. Recently, there was a feeling that we were out of the woods, but new variants have caused the virus to once again surge to substantial levels even here in Loudoun County. This disproportionately affects those who have not been vaccinated. There are many who are not eligible at this time to receive the vaccine, in particular children. For others, the vaccine may not be a viable option at the moment for a myriad of reasons. For those who are able to receive the vaccine and have not yet done so, we urge you to consider the vaccine for the benefit of the community.
We do not write this as a political statement on governmental laws, mandates, or policies taken by employers or businesses. Instead, we write as a personal plea, that just as our Holy Scripture tells us to “love our neighbor as ourselves,” we may live into the words of our Lord Jesus by considering, faithfully, what is loving for our neighbors and communities and seek to act in love for the vulnerable, the frontline workers, the businesses and all our neighbors of our community. Blessings to you all, and thank you for being a wonderful community that loves and cares for their neighbors.
— Rev. Joshua King, Bethany UMC Rev. Hyunsik Kang, Bethel/ Rehobeth UMC Rev. Bruce Lugn, Bluemont/ Roszell Chapel UMC Rev. Ralph Carver, Ebenezer/ Hillsboro UMC Rev. Debra Lucas, Harmony UMC Rev. Jim Wishmyer, Leesburg UMC Rev. Heather Wray, Leesburg UMC Rev. Tracey Lyons, Mt. Zion (Hamilton)/Mt.Zion (Leesburg)/ Willisville Chapel UMC Rev. Daniel Wray, Round Hill UMC
continued from page 1 on behalf of the National Judicial College, and retired Judge Angela Roberts, the first Black woman appointed to the bench in Virginia. As Loudoun NAACP President Michelle Thomas pointed out, it was a celebration that at times felt like a church service, with prayer and song. She drew a line from Sinclair Taylor’s appointment to the history of Black people fighting for equality in Loudoun courts, like pioneering civil rights attorney Charles Hamilton Houston. The first special counsel for the national NAACP and a former dean of Howard University Law School, Houston played an important role in breaking down Jim Crow laws such as school segregation. Houston also led an all-Black legal team in fighting an important case in the Loudoun County courthouse, sparing a Black man the death penalty and laying the groundwork for future cases. “Lorrie, you may be the first, but you won’t be the last,” Thomas said. “There
LETTERS to the editor continued from page 28
seen increases of requests for assistance due to the economic downturn. We have seen a rise in cases of addictions and have worked hard to find ways to safely provide safe places for people to find support. We have walked beside people wrestling with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, sharing God’s presence with them in dark times and helping them to find the places in which they can receive the best help. Having witnessed this over the past year and a half we can
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“From day one, I knew that Lorrie was something special. I mean, she really, really was.” — Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10)
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AUGUST 19, 2021
PARENTING WITH A PURPOSE
Your Kids Are Listening BY NEIL MCNERNEY
Right now, it is especially important that we remember that our kids are listening to us. Children’s biggest influence is their parents, and how we deal with day-to-day life has a major impact on their emotions and how they deal with adversity. Although it pains me to say it, this year will bring even more uncertainty to the school year, and how we deal with it will directly affect how our children deal with it. It seems that very few people are happy with how the school year is beginning. Between in-person schooling, the mask mandate, policy 8040, and dealing with racial equity, our county has become extremely divided. Each of us, I am sure, has opinions on these issues. But I am asking each of us,
as parents, to consider how we talk about these issues in front of our children. For instance, your child might be anxious about returning to school due to worry about catching COVID or possibly bringing it home to a family member. They will be looking to you for both assurance on this issue and for guidance. For instance, you can remind them of the things that their teachers will be doing to assure safety and remind them of the importance of wearing masks and washing hands. Regardless of your level of anxiety about this issue, it is important to send a message of calm reassurance. If you have reluctantly decided to send your child to school, be careful about transferring your anxiety to them. If, on the other hand, you are not concerned about COVID, your child might
still be anxious about returning to school. Try to listen carefully and calmly about what their concerns might be, and gently reassure them about their concerns. Don’t dismiss their worries. The way to minimize worry in children is not to just minimize; it is to validate, then try to reassure. If they don’t think that their worries are legitimate, they won’t stop worrying, but they will often stop sharing them. Be careful about what they hear from you. I am stunned at what I see community members say about each other on social media, and I am worried that our children are hearing these comments. For our children’s sake, I believe it is important that we don’t denigrate those who hold different views than we hold, especially when they can hear us. There is a difference between helping our children understand
our beliefs vs. denigrating those who hold different beliefs. It can be very distressing for kids to hear their parents call other adults names. Yes, it is tiring to think about what we are saying all the time while at home, but I think it is an important leadership skill. We are leading our children every day, and we get to decide what lesson we teach them. n Neil McNerney is a licensed professional counselor and author of “Homework – A Parent’s Guide To Helping Out Without Freaking Out!” and “The Don’t Freak Out Guide for Parenting Kids with Asperger’s.” He can be reached at neil@neilmcnerney.com
Are Loudoun Kids Getting Very Sick from COVID-19? BY CHRIS CROLL
All over the country, COVID-19 cases are on the rise, and we are hearing that the virus is now attacking young healthy people, including children. The COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at reducing the severity of illness from the virus, but, according to the Virginia Department of Health, more than 35% of children in Loudoun County who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine have not yet been vaccinated. I asked Dr. Jill McCabe, Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency at Inova Loudoun Hospital, to talk about what is happening with pediatric COVID-19 cases in our local hospitals. Are you seeing an increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases here in Loudoun? Yes, over the past month we have seen an increase in numbers of serious COVID-19 cases in children, most of whom have not been vaccinated. The numbers we are seeing here in Loudoun reflect what the Virginia Department of Health is reporting state-wide, which is that unvaccinated people are more likely to contract, get sick from and die of COVID-19 than people who have been vaccinated. Have any children died from complications related to COVID-19? Since
the beginning of the pandemic about 130 children have been admitted to Inova hospitals with COVID-19. Of those admitted, more than a third required intensive care. Sadly, three children (at the time of this interview) have died from COVID-19 here in Northern Virginia. We worry that number will increase as the Delta variant continues to spread. This is why it is so important for adults and eligible children to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Are you seeing any children in the ER who are sick from the COVID-19 vaccine? We have seen a handful of older teens and young adults with mild myocarditis after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. All of them recovered quickly and cardiologists say that this rare side effect causes much less harm to the heart than a COVID-19 infection. Have you heard anything concrete about when the vaccine may be available for children ages newborn-11 years? The FDA requested that Moderna and Pfizer study the vaccines in a larger number of children and observe trial participants for a longer period than was done for adults. Current estimates are that the vaccine will be available for younger children in early 2022. This week, the American Academy of Pediatrics asked the FDA to release the vaccine
for younger kids because young children are getting infected with the Delta variant and are transmitting COVID-19 more than they have been in the past. When do you expect the COVID-19 vaccines to be fully approved by the FDA? The vaccines are approved under emergency use authorization and are continuously being monitored for side effects. We expect full authorization of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in mid-September. What would you say to a parent who is hesitant to get their child ages 12-18 vaccinated? The risk of serious illness or even death from COVID-19 in healthy teens is real. I have seen it first-hand. Please get yourself and your eligible children vaccinated as soon as possible. With school starting next week, we could see even more cases of serious illness and death in our community. Adults and teens getting vaccinated can help stop the spread to younger kids who are not yet old enough to be protected with a vaccine. Is there anything else that you think is important for people to know about COVID-19 in children? A subset of children and adults who contract COVID-19 are experiencing prolonged symptoms, even in cases when the initial infection was mild. These “long haul” symptoms
include difficulty thinking and learning. As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children’s brains by having them wear seatbelts, use helmets, and avoid concussions … we need to also protect our kids’ brains by making sure they do not contract COVID-19. Pregnant women should know that COVID-19 vaccination is safe during pregnancy. In fact, the COVID-19 virus can make pregnant women extremely sick and can result in preterm labor, preeclampsia, and other serious conditions. I also want to let people know that my team at Inova is working hard every day to fight this pandemic and to keep our patients at the hospital and in the community safe. I want to thank everyone in Loudoun for getting vaccinated, wearing masks, washing hands, and following other mitigation strategies. To find out where you can receive a free COVID-19 vaccine, go to loudoun. gov/covid19vaccine or vaccines.gov. n Chris Croll is a writer, empathy activist and communications consultant. She is a member of the board of directors for the Ryan Bartel Foundation and she is a 2021 Loudoun100 honoree.
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AUGUST 19, 2021
Census
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In Loudoun, the two largest towns were not the fastest-growing, at least not on a percentage basis. Leesburg grew by 13.2%, adding 5,634
residents during the past 10 years to reach 48,250. The town has added 20,000 residents since 2000. Purcellville grew by 15.5%. The town added 718 residents to reach a population of 8,929. Lovettsville was Loudoun fastest-growing town over the past decade, according to the Census figures. The town grew by 67%, adding more than 1,000 residents between 2010 and 2020. Since 2000, Lovettsville has grown from 853 to 2,694 residents. Hillsboro—thanks to an expansion of its boundaries—posted the second highest growth rate at 42.5%. However, the accomplish that feat, the town added only
34 new residents since 2010. Hillsboro’s population was 96 in 2000 and fell to 80 in 2010. So, during the past two decades, the cumulative increase in population was 18. Round Hill, which expanded its southern boundary, added 154 residents during the past 10 years, reaching a population of 693. That’s up from 500 in 2000. Hamilton added 113 residents to bring its total to 619. That is a 22% growth rate since 2010. Middleburg posted only a 4% growth rate, adding 26 residents since 2010. Today’s population of 699 compares to 632 in 2000. n
“Colonial [history] is just one era of history within our history,” said Heritage Commission member Alicia Cohen. “I would look for something that’s a little more encompassing.” Loudoun Heritage was the most favored name suggestion for Rt. 7 by the Task Force, with a total of 13 votes of approval. “The whole idea is that for the purposes of our county, we have a lot of heritage—whether it’s colonial or civil rights,” Cohen said. “Going down Rt. 7, you’re going into Leesburg, and pow! You have all this heritage.” Several of the approved names appear on the final lists for both Rt. 7 and Rt. 50, including Loudoun Heritage, Piedmont Gateway, and Virginia Piedmont. Some Task Force members indicated their preference for the using such names for one road over the other. Virginia Piedmont, for instance, was said to be preferred for Rt. 50 over Rt. 7 because its is more closely aligned with “horse country,” while
Loudoun Heritage was preferred for Rt. 7. According to Heritage Commission member Cliff Keirce, simply using “Route 7” and “Route 50” as the highways’ official names has been a popular suggestion from the public. Task Force Chairman Mark Miller said state code requires roads to have separate names in addition to their numerical ones. However, Keirce said it is common nationwide for roads to solely have numerical names. “No matter what name we give these roads, everybody calls them Route 7 and Route 50, and I just can’t buy that somehow that’s too confusing to people, whether it’s safety or whatever,” Keirce said. “It is commonplace around the country. I just don’t see why Loudoun County is so difficult to do.” Kelly Griffin, a program manager in the Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure, said the county staff would review state code to verify Miller’s claim.
Following that meeting, the lists of names for both roadways are scheduled to be presented to and reviewed by the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 21. Afterward, the names will be made available to the public, who will rank them in order of preference. The board will then evaluate the public’s opinions in December and send the two new names to the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Commonwealth Transportation Board for final approval. The work is part of the county’s ongoing project to rename public property bearing Confederate or segregationist symbols. Rt. 7 is named for former lawmaker Harry S. Byrd, best known for leading “massive resistance,” shutting down Virginia public schools rather than allowing racial integration; and Rt. 50 is named after Confederate Col. John S. Mosby. n
on at-risk kids, and they don’t need to be told to love their students. They already do,” Morse said. continued from page 3 Morse’s statement prompted an impaspolicy. He delivered a lengthy speech, sioned response from Ian Serotkin (Blue arguing that such policies don’t exist to Ridge). protect all marginalized groups, and pass“I hope this is not the case, but it sounds ing Policy 8040 would necessitate passing as if you think the bullying of LGBTQ stusimilar protections for other groups. He dents in LCPS is a thing of the past and pointed to Policy 1040, which already pro- it doesn’t happen today, and if you believe vides students with an equal opportunity that, I would encourage you to speak to for a safe, inclusive learning environment. more gay and transgender students, beMorse also had pause with nebulous cause I don’t know how you could say that wording in the policy, suggesting that the with a straight face,” Serotkin said. lack of specificity could land the district in Many who oppose the policy see it as legal trouble. He argued that the protec- a way to undermine parents and divide tions were redundant, as teachers already families, because students are permitted treat students respectfully. to identify as a different gender while at “Teachers are not monsters who pick school, without parents being notified.
The meeting featured two student representatives to the School Board, who provided comment on the policy. Jamie Kaine, a Heritage High School senior, shared her support of the policy. “I have been able to use the girls’ bathrooms and the girls’ restrooms freely, and I would feel no fear and no intimidation from transgender women being in the same bathroom, as well, because transgender women are women,” Kaine said. “These are not people that are coming in to the bathroom to look at us or creep on us, that is not the goal of this movement and I think that often gets confused and I understand the fear but that’s not realistic.” The board amended the draft policy prior to the vote, to require schools to up-
date bathroom facilities to provide more privacy by adding stalls and gender-neutral bathrooms in coming years. Chairwoman Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) expressed her support of the policy prior to the vote. She addressed the vitriolic and hateful messages she and fellow board members received in months prior over their support of the policy. “I feel the responsibility to bear the burden of the negative comments and heinous emails, voicemails, and threats that I’ve received in order to see Policy 8040 passed and implemented to ensure a safe and affirming environment in Loudoun County Public Schools for our transgender and expansive students,” Sheridan said. n
continued from page 3 gether. Letourneau said that’s not the case today. “It’s always been preposterous that StoneSprings Hospital is not in the Dulles District, even though the people that it serves are across the street,” Letourneau said. County supervisors have already made one decision on the new districts—there will still be eight districts and one chairat-large voted on by the entire county. The county board plans to hear a report on the new census data in October, with a
Renaming panel continued from page 1 Houston, a prominent Black lawyer who fought against segregation in the 1930s, and George Marshall, the military leader and statesman who lived in Leesburg. However, some Task Force members expressed concern over voting for one specific person over another. Derrick Clark of the county’s Heritage Commission said he preferred “geographically-represented names.” None of the names referencing individual people passed through onto the final list. Other factors that the Task Force considered were whether a name both reflected the unique features of Loudoun County and were inclusive of all residents and cultures. One unpopular option, Colonial Gap, was dismissed partly because it was too “generic” and could be found anywhere else.
8040 Policy approved
publicly available mapping tool launching on Nov. 1 and taking public submissions until Nov. 30. Supervisors plan to see a summary of possible scenarios on Jan. 18, 2022, and on March 15 choose which to send to a public hearing on May 11. Although Loudoun led the state in percentage of growth, it recorded 34,000 fewer new residents than during previous decade. In the 2000 Census, the county’s population was reported at 169,599.
Town Growth
Aili Hou is a rising sophomore at Columbia University interning at Loudoun Now.
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MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE
AUGUST 19, 2021
ATOKA
PROPERTIES
S I M P LY B E T T E R .
UNDER CONTRACT
21167 TRAPPE RD | UPPERVILLE
7453 OPAL RD | WARRENTON
$3,750,000 | Absolutely stunning manor home w/ 4 bedrooms, 3 full/3 half bathrooms w/ a beautiful lake view on 166 lush acres. Light-filled home features exposed beams, exquisite hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, & custom cabinetry. Incl. 3 bed/2 bath guest cottage w/ 2- car garage, 9-stall barn w/ indoor arena, machine shed, & multiple paddocks w/ run-ins.
$2,000,000 | Located in Warrenton, with easy-access to Washington, D.C. This property boasts a custom built 4 bedroom main house, with attached 3 car garage, 15 stall center aisle barn, attached to indoor arena, viewing room, hay storage, shavings storage, jump storage, 2 wash stalls, 3 tack up areas, feed room, tack room, and a bathroom/laundry room combo.
Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835
Shannon Casey 540.222.2119
Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399
UNDER CONTRACT
UNDER CONTRACT
WYLD WOLF FARM | FAIRFAX STATION
82 THORNTON RD | BOYCE
$1,445,000 | Welcome to a suburban oasis on 5 acres! This stunning property has it all: 4 BR/4.5 BA/5,100+ finished square foot contemporary home with finished basement and 2 car attached garage, in-ground pool, detached studio/garage, 5 stall barn, paddocks, pond, and chicken coop, as well as multiple outdoor entertaining areas!
$1,399,000 | Built in 2019, this luxurious modern farmhouse situated on 10 peaceful acres offers 4,700+/- sqft of finished living space on 3 levels. The large windows, wood beams & flooring throughout, evoke a feeling of being in touch with nature. The thoughtfully designed home has multiple living areas for entertaining & daily living.
Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835
Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835
Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399
Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399
11131 BOLTON LN | BEALETON
20250 WOODTRAIL RD | ROUND HILL
$1,300,000 | Pine Brook is proudly offered for sale for the first time. Idyllic equestrian estate in the heart of Horse Country. From the stately brick home to the custom barn, you’ll find all your living, entertaining and equestrian needs in one place. You’ll find an inviting blend of traditional and modern luxury with Wofle appliances in the pristine kitchen, heated floors, extensive moldings and built-ins throughout.
$999,000 | Rare farmette just outside Middleburg overlooking large farms. Beautifully maintained property with extensive gardens, barn, space for family/friends and currently income producing. The main house offers expansive one-level living and was renovated in 2017. The large kitchen offers a stone fireplace, floor-to-ceiling glass doors on the deck, new appliances, backsplash, granite, and tile floor.
Shannon Casey 540.222.2119
Shannon Casey 540.222.2119
S I M P LY B E T T E R . | AT O KA P R O P E R T I E S . C O M MIDDLEBURG: 540.687.6321 | PURCELLVILLE: 540.338.7770 | LEESBURG: 703.777.1170 | ASHBURN: 703.436.0077 CORPORATE: 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDELBURG, VA 20117 | 540.687.6321 | LICENSED IN VA + WV