BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
Local, state and government elected officials gathered with representatives from Dulles Airport and Dominion Energy on Tuesday, Aug. 22 for a ceremonial groundbreaking on plans for what Dominion says will be the largest renewable energy project at an airport in the country.
More than 83,000 Loudoun students report for classes Thursday to start a school year that features a new superintendent and potentially larger class sizes amid what some have called a teacher shortage.
This year also marks the second year many of the county’s youngest students are starting school at 7:30 a.m.
It’s also the first time since 2006, that the county isn’t opening a new school. That will change next year when two schools—Henrietta Lacks Elementary School and Watson Mountain Middle School open fall 2024.
Since an Aug. 8 report to the School Board meeting when Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith stated there were 212 unfilled licensed teacher positions—128 at the secondary level and 84 at the elementary level—the division has closed the
BACK TO SCHOOL continues on page 33
Dominion and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority plan an 835-acre, 100-megawatt capacity solar array on the western edge of airport property, along with a 50-megawatt utility-scale battery facility. Based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s most recent 2021 figures for average U.S. household consumption and how much of their capacity solar arrays generate, the array will generate enough to power just over 18,500 homes. The 2020 U.S. Census counted just under 142,000 households in Loudoun County.
As part of their agreement, Dominion is also providing the airport with 18 electric buses, 50 electric fleet vehicles, EV charging stations,
DULLES SOLAR continues on page 32
45% of Loudoun renters are spending more than 30% of their monthly income on housing.
More housing options for Loudoun’s workforce are essential to the future of Loudoun.
Workforce Housing Now is not an issue about charity. It’s about the future economic prosperity of Loudoun.
Let’s shape Loudoun’s future. WON’T YOU JOIN US? workforcehousingnow.org
The debate over the future of Loudoun County’s 250 miles of gravel roads is returning to the spotlight as the Board of Supervisors considers five new candidates for paving through the Rural Rustic Road program.
The Board of Supervisors in July was poised to authorize the additions but held off as residents raised objections during the public hearing.
Last week, Supervisor Caleb Kershner (R-Catoctin) met with Canby Road residents to hear more about their views on a proposal to extend a paved portion of their road by 300 feet. The project is among the smallest of the four under consideration, but sparked alarm among residents and gravel road preservation advocates.
The extension was requested by residents on Longview Crest Place, a subdivision cul-de-sac serving a dozen house lots just beyond where the pavement ends on the eastern end of the road, which links Business Rt. 7 with Harmony Church Road.
During the community meeting, the Longview residents said the extension was needed as a safety improvement, especially for their children’s bus stop. Critics of the request dismissed the concern as part of life in the country and worried that soon county leaders could be seeking to pave more of their road.
Such neighborhood disagreements between dirt road newcomers and gravel road preservation advocates have been part of the fabric of western Loudoun
for decades—including on Canby Road. However, a key element in the latest debate was the process used to put the road segment on the paving list.
Residents opposing the paving said they were unaware of the proposal until it was almost too late, with the Board of Supervisors poised to approve the updated
project list in July. County staff members sought input before putting the Canby project on the list, but only from those few property owners along the affected 300 feet. Critics said the road paving would impact more than just those residents.
Kershner said there was miscommunication and misunderstanding about
the proposal.
“A lot of people think we’re turning the whole Canby into the Rural Rustic Road [program] but that is not the case at all,” he said. “The only proposal that is currently on the table is just that one section of 300 feet. It has no other impact on the rest of the road whatsoever, which will remain unpaved, and there’s nothing in the future that would impact that or not impact that in this particular proposal, if indeed that happen.”
While objecting to criticisms that the selection process was “haphazard,” Kershner said he wants to propose new procedures for evaluating paving project.
“One of the things I’ve discovered throughout this whole process is that the kind of system that we have, honestly, in my opinion is kind of broken. A lot of why roads end up on our Six-Year Plan is because it’s largely complaint-driven. Some of that is because we’re unable to do the kind of maintenance really that we want to,” he said.
He said he wants to push for a new gravel road strategy that should include a look at maintenance procedures, including some new pilot projects being done by VDOT; increased maintenance funding; new criteria to evaluate for when paving should be considered; and an improved process for neighborhood involvement.
“I do believe that we need to preserve most of our rural roads, but there are places and there are points that may not be appropriate for that for whatever reason.
The School Board’s adopted $1.67 billion fiscal year 2024 budget includes 5.8% districtwide average pay increase for all eligible full-time employees, according to administrators. But some employees, hourly cafeteria monitors, instead got about a 13% pay cut.
Korrie Tosh, a substitute cafeteria monitor, said she was shocked when she and her colleagues found out about the pay cut last week—13 days before school starts—when a newly hired cafeteria monitor got her letter of employment
with a $15.65 hourly pay rate, a $2.39 reduction following years of raises.
That was followed by an email to cafeteria monitors on Aug. 16, officially notifying them of a drop in hourly rates and drop in pay for the 2023-24 school year. In fiscal year 2023, cafeteria monitors made $18.04 an hour. The letter told them they would be dropping from band five to band two in the system’s pay structure, an hourly pay of $15.65.
And shortly before 10 a.m. Aug. 17, cafeteria monitors got a second email informing them the pay cut was delayed until July 1, 2024. It also noted that next year’s lower rate of $15.65 is subject to
change pending the adoption of the FY25 budget.
The email cited “multiple factors, including the delay of this year’s budget process.”
“Cafeteria monitors provide an essential service to their school,” Tosh said. “They ensure that any potential disruptions to the lunch hour are handled quickly before there is a possibility of escalation.”
Tosh said neither the pay decrease nor the lack of notification was acceptable and said many cafeteria monitors reached out to the division’s Human Resources and Talent Development to get
information. Some even reached out to School Board members. Tosh said she reached out to both Denise Corbo (AtLarge) and Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn).
“I was confused on the reasoning as I had recently read a news article and a message from the acting superintendent that most of the staff employed by LCPS received a 5% raise,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting a pay raise, but neither was I expecting a decrease in pay.”
Sandi Long, a cafeteria monitor for
CAFETERIA CUTS
continues on page 33
BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
Sticker shock slowed a push to replace streetlight bulbs in Loudoun with more efficient LEDs during a county finance committee meeting July 11.
Supervisor Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling)
Dozens of people gathered in the county government center for former Deputy County Administrator Charles Yudd’s retirement party Aug. 16.
The crowd included generations of government and community leaders stretching across Yudd’s 26-year career with the county government, including
YUDD continues on page 6
led the push, one of several initiatives in county government to decrease its contribution to climate change. Supervisors in 2019 directed county staff members to come up with plans for a Countywide LED Streetlight Program based on service districts—special tax districts around where those streetlights would be in-
stalled. That program would only apply to installing new streetlights, not replacing existing lights.
Under the program they devised, communities would be able to opt in to create
STREETLIGHTS continues on page 6
Loudoun County Animal Services will offer free pet adoptions on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2627 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. as part of the nationwide “Clear the Shelters” event.
Adoption fees will be waived for all available cats, kittens, dogs, rabbits, small pets and livestock. Loudoun Animal Services conducts a standard adoption screening process and most adoptions can be completed in the same day.
The free adoption event comes as Loudoun Animal Services has seen a substantial increase in animal intakes.
“So far this year, we have received over 170 animals through Humane Law Enforcement animal welfare investigations, and our overall owner surrenders are up 42%,” Shelter Operations Manager Melissa Heard stated. “The increase is staggering, and with many of those animals needing additional medical or behavioral intervention prior to placement, our team is challenged to keep up with the volume.”
All dogs, cats and rabbits adopted from Loudoun Animal Services are spayed or neutered and receive a microchip registered to their adopter. Dogs and cats also receive age-appropriate vaccinations.
The Clear the Shelters event also will feature a kids’ craft station and
ON THE AGENDA
continues on page 6
“It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light.
I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them but I couldn’t. I couldn’t feel my foot.
The car kept moving forward and I just couldn’t get my foot on the brake. And CRUNCH!
I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me.”
This tragic story was shared with us by Dan S an Ashburn resident who has peripheral neuropathy. And while no one was hurt in this accident, Dan S had suffered almost everyday of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot
“The first stage is pain ” shares Rachal Lohr, Acupuncturist of FIREFLY Acupuncture & Wellness “You feel burning, tingling, sharp pains, or you feel like you’re walking on tacks or marbles This pain eventually subsides and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately the numbness brings with it a whole other host of problems.”
This was the case with Dan. “I said I wasn’t going to drive again What if that had been a pedestrian?”
It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to live their life Dan was now reliant on his wife to drive him around, even the simple pleasure of cruising down to play golf or taking her out to dinner was outside his capabilities. And even more common, Dan’s general practitioner and several specialists told him there was nothing they could do other than prescribe him pills that would ease the pain of his neuropathy.
That’s where Rachal Lohr and her staff at FIREFLY come in.
“About 75% of our current patients come to us suffering from the same condition as Mr. Dan,” tells Rachal.
“They’re in constant pain from neuropathy and it prevents them from not only living their lives but more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it.
Depending on the severity of their nerve damage, we typically see tremendous progress in 3-4 months of treatment. I like to say we’re in the business of making your golden years golden.”
“I can’t lie,” confides Dan. “I was skeptical at first. The folks down at my pain center told me there was nothing that could be done and then there’s a doctor right here in Loudoun who tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments!
My wife and I celebrated by buying ourselves a new car! It’s hard to put into words how incredible this is, quite frankly [Rachal] gave me my life back.”
While FIREFLY specializes in acupuncture and it’s definitely part of their protocols in treating neuropathy, the real secret is in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. “This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite healing and recovery” shares Ann, a Senior Patient Care Coordinator at the clinic. “It’s like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provide them the proper nutrients to heal and repair.”
You can learn more about Rachal Lohr and FIREFLY at FIREFLYAcuAndWellness.com. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation call (703)263-2142 and do so quickly.
FIREFLY is a very intimate clinic and the staff takes pride in their ability to take their time with each patient so they are very limited in their ability to take on new patients
Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy and is seeing incredible results!
continued from page 4
giveaways for all adopters.
The shelter is located at 42225 Adoption Drive south of Leesburg. Learn more and see available pets online at loudoun.gov/animals.
Fort Johnston Road’s name will officially change on Oct. 26, as part of Loudoun County’s ongoing work to rename public facilities named after segregationist or Confederate symbols. The county announced it is notifying property owners along the road by mail.
The road is just west of the Town of Leesburg, accessible from Rt. 7 westbound from Alysheba Drive.
The segment of Fort Johnston Road between Alysheba Drive and Leeland Orchard Road will also be named Leeland Orchard Road. The rest of the road, from the intersection with Leeland Orchard Road to its cul-de-sac, will be named “Fort Star” in recognition of the fort’s starshaped construction.
Loudoun’s Fort Johnston was a Civil War, Confederate earthen fort near the road built after the Battle of Balls Bluff. Confederate forces abandoned the fort when the U.S. Army entered Loudoun in 1862, and American troops renamed it Fort Geary in honor of their commander.
More information about the county’s road renaming effort is online at loudoun.gov/roadrenaming. n
continued from page 4
a service district, although homeowners associations would not be eligible. However, the costs of those streetlights and the limits on eligibility gave supervisors pause.
In one theoretical example prepared by a county consultant, a community of 102 parcels putting up 26 LED streetlights, or one every 170 feet, would pay around $397 a year per parcel in fiscal year 2024, with a 20-year payoff. After those 20 years, the average additional tax would be $300 per parcel per year to cover service and maintenance fees.
At the committee meeting July 11 Saines proposed instead a different program through which communities could apply to the county for funding for specific streetlight projects, where there is “ob-
continued from page 4
current and former elected officials from state, county and town governments.
Yudd’s boss, County Administrator Tim Hemstreet, recalled rehearsing for his first budget proposal presentation after becoming Loudoun County government’s chief executive, by which time Yudd had already risen to assistant administrator.
“I look at the talking points and I don’t really like it, and so I start changing it,” Hemstreet said. “We’re in the boardroom
jective evidence” of a higher-than-normal rate of accidents and crime that would be positively impacted by adding streetlights. But that, too, gave supervisors pause.
Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) said she sees communities in the county that need streetlights and have no HOA, but “it’s a tough ask, I think, for somebody to pay another 300-some dollars a year, every single year, for 20 years.”
Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said the consultant’s projections also showed why many HOAs, especially smaller HOAs, can’t afford to build streetlights either.
“If we are able to identify any intersection that is a consistent problem because of lack of lighting, I think we’ve got to go to VDOT with this, and not just make a request for maintenance which we know is going to be denied,” Letourneau said. “We have to have a policy discussion with VDOT over this issue.”
doing a rehearsal, and Charles is taking the perspective of the chair, and he just hits the gavel and he says ‘stop right there! I don’t know where you came from, but we don’t do it like that here.’”
Hemstreet said after that, although he changed the script, he stuck to the script.
“You have had many opportunities and choices to pick somewhere else to go and to provide your talent somewhere else. So, thank you for choosing to stay here and to work with me, and I’m grateful to you for making that choice,” Hemstreet told Yudd. “As I said before, you’ve been my go-to person for a number of years now.
Meanwhile county staff warned the new idea also presents problems.
“As opposed to being a service district where the users that are impacted would be paying for the service and those streetlights, it now becomes a general fund expense,” County Administrator Tim Hemstreet said. “And so the issue with having HOAs be able to apply is, it now means that those HOAs that have streetlights that are now paying for them out of their homeowners dues would now be able to come to the county and have the county take it on.”
Rather than choose a model to send to the full Board of Supervisors for consideration, supervisors opted to keep the discussion in committee longer. The committee voted 5-0 to direct staff to conduct research and analysis on safety concerns and crime in lit and non-lit areas, in consultation with the Sheriff’s Office and Virginia Department of Transportation. n
You’ve handled a number of the county’s high-profile projects, many of which were complex or challenging for any number of reasons. So, thank you for being that person, and for being willing and able to tackle each challenge.”
Yudd, whose last day with Loudoun County government was Aug. 15, handed his position to new Deputy County Administrator Erin McLellan. Hemstreet also credited Yudd with taking a professional interest in some staffers and helping develop their careers; McLellan said she was one of those. n
Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Blue Elegance, a gift shop launched by ECHO, is set to open Aug. 24.
ECHO’s Blue Elegance Celebrates Grand Opening
The store, which offers a variety of jewelry, apparel and home décor items including soy candles, soy wax melts and soaps, also provides a source of jobs for ECHO’s clients. They handcraft sets of earrings, necklaces, bracelets; weave hats and shawls; and hand pour candles and wax melts.
ECHO provides vocational training, job placement, day support, and transportation to adults with disabilities in Loudoun and Fairfax counties. Blue Elegance is the latest of three small business that ECHO has launched since the pandemic created new challenges for the organization.
Director of Community Outreach and Fundraising Todd Goldian said the idea for Blue Elegance was sparked during 2020 when the pandemic caused many of the businesses that the organization partnered with to employ its clients shut down.
“Prior to [COVID] we had 96 jobs out in the community,” he said. “The pandemic hit and we lost 72 and they never came back.”
That loss resulted in many of ECHO’s clients still wanting to work but not having the opportunity to. It was then that the organization decided to launch three of its own businesses: Inclusive Solutions, ECHO Barkery, and, now, Blue Elegance.
“Never again will we be in that spot
where we have nothing to do,” he said. “We still need those partnerships, but we are a much more diverse organization.”
He said the Blue Elegance team began making jewelry two years ago, but the product wasn’t a quality that could be sold. Then they hired General Manager Howard French to help guide the team to produce a higher quality product and improve the business’ branding.
“It was kind of like a hobby [at first],” Goldian said. “There was really no revenue generated. It was really about keeping people busy, and we had a long-term vision of something more like this but we just didn’t have the resources or the abilities or the know how to just jump in and do this. It was just sort of a gradual build out.”
Goldian said the team members now pride themselves on the level of product that they are able to provide. Even more than that, he said the skills that they are learning throughout the process—craftmanship, inventory tracking, and customer service—will benefit the team for the rest of their lives.
“Skill building is really what the program is about,” he said.
In addition to providing jobs, helping coordinate jobs, and day programs, Goldian said a significant service that ECHO provides is transportation for clients to and from their jobs, with the organization’s vehicle fleet traveling 34,000 miles a month.
The store is located at 71 Lawson Road SE in Leesburg and will be open to shoppers from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays. n
Empower your child with vital social and communication skills needed to succeed now and in the future
Cotillion Students learn:
• Vital etiquette skills — introductions, table manners, conversation tips, leadership skills, and self-confidence.
• Social Media and cell phone etiquette — “Net-iquette”.
• How to show honor, dignity, and respect for others.
• Social dance — swing, cha cha, foxtrot, line dances!
Manners that last a lifetime!
Our program is based at Belmont Country Club in Ashburn.
Learn more about our program —
We offer K-12 classes!
For class schedules and to register visit loudouncotillion.com
Join
For more information contact Director Lisa M. Hale at loudounlovescotillion@gmail.com or (703)814-3496.
A pioneer of Leesburg’s park system again was recognized for his contributions Monday as the town unveiled a new display at the 10-acre park already named for him.
Ken Robinson was the first chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission upon its founding in 1986. He served seven years in that post during a pivotal time in the town’s history when several new developments were being planned or built and as the Rust family donated 138 acres that became Ida Lee Park. Robinson’s commission, together with the Town Council led by then-mayor Bob Sevila, established the design of the Ida Lee Park that continues to be a community centerpiece three decades later.
A year following his retirement from the commission, the town renamed Exeter 12 Ball Field—another project championed by the advisory panel—as Kenneth W. Robinson Park. The dedication occurred April 23, 1994, during the Central Loudoun Little League’s 30th Opening Day ceremony.
In that ceremony, Robinson threw out the first pitch to Jeremy Huber. On Monday, that now-grown Little Leaguer returned to the ballfield, where Robinson presented Huber with the same ball they shared 29 years earlier.
Brody McCray, today’s Parks and
Recreation Commission chair, said that honoring the community’s past leaders is a priority for the panel.
“This project has been a labor of love for this commission for several years. It is a great feeling to finally see it come to fruition,” he said. “Many of our amenities were formed and named in a previous generation. Today’s users may not—and the next generation will not—know the significance of the names and the history behind the names and the places. That changes today.”
“Under his leadership, Leesburg saw a tremendous expansion of park resources and he and his team set the standard for
America’s 9/11 Foundation’s annual commemorative motorcycle ride once again rolled through downtown Leesburg Friday.
Hundreds of motorcyclists made their annual trek from Somerset, PA, where a hijacked Boeing 757, United Flight 93 crashed on Sept. 11, 2001 following a passenger revolt, killing everyone aboard and averting a planned attack on the U.S. capitol. From the Flight 93 National Memorial they rode down King Street on their way to the Pentagon, before turning north again to New York City and the site of the former World Trade Center, both sites that were struck by hijacked airliners during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The annual ride is organized by Loudoun resident Ted Sjurseth, who also founded the nonprofit America’s 911 Foundation to support first responders and their families. For more information, go to americas911ride.org. n
the department—making it the jewel that it is today,” McCray said of Robinson.
After telling Robinson’s story on a display at the Plaza Street ballfield, McCray said more displays are planned this year and the treatment is expected to be a part of any future town amenity as well.
McCray recalled that at the time they were planning Ida Lee Park, only the farmhouse stood on the property.
“We started the life of Ida Lee in that building. It took us nearly nine years,” he said.
Robinson also praised the work of today’s parks and recreation staff for their work to maintain of the facilities. n
The Leesburg Police Department will host its fifth annual Fiesta Latina at the Ida Lee Park soccer fields from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday.
The free community event is part of the department’s efforts to engage with community members, to hear the residents’ perspective on the department’s operations and to hear their concerns.
The event will include a soccer tournament, snacks and drinks, and informational and recruiting kiosks from the police department and community organizations. Spanish speaking officers will be present to answer questions. A trophy will be awarded to the winning soccer team.
Those attending should park in the Ida Lee Festival Field parking area, which is accessible from North King Street.
Ida Lee Park will hold its 15th annual Dog Swim at AV Symington Aquatic Center on Saturday, Sept. 9. The pool will be open for the dog-only swim for two sessions from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The event provides a safe, enclosed area for dogs to swim offleash with other dogs. All dogs must be six months old, legally licensed, vaccinated, and wearing a visible dog license. All exits will be gated and a veterinarian will be onsite as a precaution.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required with a two-dog maximum per person. The cost is $5 per person. Walk-up registration will not be available. Those attending must be at least 12 years of age with dog handlers being 16 years or older.
Registration is available through the park department’s WebTrac system or by visiting the front desk at Ida Lee Recreation Center. For more information, go to idalee.org or call 703-777-1368. n
Republican nominee Stephen Karbelk has dropped his electoral bid for county chair, leaving only the incumbent Democrat and independent challenger still in the race.
“It’s with a very heavy heart that I have decided to withdraw from this exciting race,” Karbelk stated in the Aug. 22 announcement. “Since being nominated on June 16, I have enjoyed significant support from my friends, fellow Republicans, and citizens of Loudoun County. However, for personal reasons related to the recent developments regarding the deteriorating health of my mother-in-law, I have decided that I cannot continue with the race. I need to support my wife and her family in South Carolina during this time of need.”
In the statement he thanked donors, supporters and campaign staff. He said in the next few weeks the campaign will reach out to donors to see whether they prefer to have their donations returned or redirected to other Republican
candidates.
“I really encourage all voters to be engaged in the election process, especially the School Board,” Karbelk said in a brief interview following the announcement. “I know the news can sometimes be difficult to follow because it’s so contentious, but
there are important issues on the ballot in November. I certainly hope that all citizens, before they vote, really research the candidates and their positions.”
Karbelk’s withdrawal leaves the race with two candidates: two-term incumbent Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) and independent Sam Kroiz.
The Loudoun Office of Elections confirmed Karbelk’s name will not appear on the November ballot. n
Lovettsville resident Daniel Brubaker is stepping out of the race for Catoctin District seat on the Loudoun County School Board after failing to secure the endorsement of the Loudoun County Republican Committee in June.
“That endorsement is not the be all and end all of endorsements, but it is very important,” he said in a video announcement.
Brubaker said he would support Kari LaBell, a retired school division special education teacher who won the Republican committee’s endorsement.
“We have been very prayerful about this process, and I’ve been asking God for direction and trying to discern what he wants me to do and there were a couple points earlier on the way where I felt very strongly that he was telling me no I can’t get out yet,” he said. “So, at this moment I believe that it is time for me to step aside.” n
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.
All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”
This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.
fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov
www.fairhousing.vipnet.org
Some of the county’s favorite people, as selected in Loudoun Now’s annual readers poll, celebrated Thursday at a reception hosted by one of the contest winners.
Loudoun’s Favorite contest winners and runners up gathered at Loudoun’s Favorite Catering Company Savoir Fare’s new C’est Bon events venue in Round Hill. They represented the people, businesses and organizations Loudouners recommended with their votes.
This year, there were nearly 3,500 nominations in the poll’s more than 200 categories. More than 180,000 votes were cast in the contest’s single round of voting.
“The people and companies selected by our readers each year should be proud of the positive impact they have on our community. It was a great night to celebrate those who make our county a great place to live and work,” Loudoun Now publisher and editor-in-chief Norman K. Styer said.
Winners at the celebration reflected the wide range of services, professionals, nonprofits and community leaders in the contest—from Loudoun’s Favorite Plumber and Loudoun’s Favorite Plumbing Company Dave Adams of Artisan Plumbing, to
The Loudoun County Brewers Association has hired Kevin Anderson as its first executive director.
A native of Herndon and a graduate of George Mason University, Anderson began working with the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control in high school, serving in the under-age buyer program, and went on to work as an ABC special agent. In 2015, he left government service to work as an industry consultant with ABC Consulting and BreweryCompliance.com.
In this new role, Anderson will foster collaboration, spearhead strategic initiatives, and champion the interests of LCBA members.
“Kevin’s appointment is a significant milestone for LCBA,” Board Chair Chris Suarez stated. “His depth of industry knowledge, his passion for our local brewing community, and his proven leadership make him uniquely qualified to guide our organization into the future.”
Learn more about the association at loudounbeer.org. n
Loudoun’s Favorite Optician and Eyetopia founder Paige Buscema.
For someone looking to move, winners in attendance included both Loudoun’s Favorite Moving Company JK Moving & Storage and runner-up My Guys Moving & Storage. Or for anyone just looking to clean their current place up, Loudoun’s Favorite Cleaning Service You’ve Got
Maids attended after years as runner-up.
For the people just looking to clean up their looks, Loudoun’s Favorite Barber Shop Darrell’s Barber Shop was on hand. For someone looking to move their feet, Loudoun’s Favorite Dance Instructor Geralyn Ward also picked up awards for Loudoun’s Favorite Dance Studio and Loudoun’s Favorite Performing Arts
Group, The Dance Academy of Loudoun. Or for someone who prefers to catch a polo match, ride a horse or just enjoy acres of parkland, Loudoun’s Favorite Equestrian Facility and Favorite Historic Site runner-up Morven Park joined the reception to mix and mingle.
Find your neighbors’ favorite dentist, midwife, event planner, funeral home, hair salon or almost anything else in the 2023 Loudoun’s Favorites special section at loudounnow.com/favorites. n
The governing body of high school sports in Virginia said it does not plan to change its policy on the treatment of transgender students to match new model policies set forth by the Virginia Department of Education in July.
Meanwhile, Loudoun County Public Schools remains undecided.
In an emailed statement, Virginia High School League spokesperson Mike McCall said the VHSL and its member schools follow Virginia Code on the treatment of transgender students that was adopted in 2014, and pointed out athletics are excluded from the 2020 law that directed the VDOE to develop model policies.
“It’s important to note that the VDOE model policy is not a law, but provides guidance on treating transgender students in schools,” he said.
VHSL Executive Director John D. “Billy” Haun said in a July 24 advisory sent to schools, superintendents, and school board members that their current policy addressing transgender students has met the needs of the league’s member schools and student athletes, and that he recommended the league stay with the current policy “which has served us well.”
Haun pointed to a portion of the sam-
ple policy that states “for any athletic program or activity that is separated by sex, the appropriate participation of students shall be determined by sex rather than gender or gender identity. [School Division] shall provide reasonable modifications to this policy only to the extent required by law.”
League policy grants waivers for students who underwent sex reassignment
before puberty, have been medically verified as having a consistent identity different than the gender listed on their birth certificate or in school records, or who have hormonal therapy for a sufficient length of time to minimize gender-related
TRANGENDER POLICY
continues on page 14
Mercer Middle School sixth grader Justinn Tong-On and Belmont Station Elementary School fourth grader Olivia Chen won first and second place in the NOVEC Summer Children’s Art Contest.
Tong-On earned first place with a self-portrait created on a computer. Chen created a picture that showed her family enjoying multiple appliances, tools and entertainment devices powered by NOVEC.
Children were encouraged to submit drawings about how their family uses electricity. Twenty-four children submitted artwork. n
Briar Woods High School and Tuscarora High School will be host schools for the new Health and Medical Sciences Academy slated to begin next school year.
The announcement was made by Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Neil Slevin during the Aug. 15 meeting of the School Board’s Specialized Program and Centers Committee.
Slevin said five schools showed interest in hosting the program.
He outlined the process for how the two schools were selected, which included a survey sent to families in February
2021 to gauge interest in the program, followed by a principal information session, a school interest form that allowed principals to express interest in hosting, and finally a committee met to review the data.
According to the data, 44% of respondents expressed interest.
Each school under consideration had to meet four criteria: principal interest in hosting the program, capacity within the school to house more students, transportation, and demonstrated community interest from the survey.
Renee Dawson, the director
continues on page 15
Megan Tucker, a STEAM specialist and dean of curriculum at Hillsboro Charter Academy, was named the A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Educator of the Year by the National Aviation Hall of fame.
Founded in 1986 by NAHF-enshrined test pilot, research pilot and aerospace researcher A. Scott Crossfield, the award is given annually through a juried competition to recognize a teacher for their “exemplary use of aerospace in their classroom curricula,” according to the announcement.
Tucker was nominated by Susan Mallett, the aerospace/STEM education outreach coordinator for the Civil Air Patrol and the 1992 Crossfield Educator of the Year.
“Megan is one of those unique treasures who never stops thinking of ways to help others understand, feel valued, and seek to accomplish great things. She is the epitome of a teacher who Scott Crossfield was speaking of when he looked for teachers ‘who possessed those honorable attributes we expect from American teachers,’” Mallett said.
The judges agreed.
“Ms. Tucker’s nomination was unanimously selected for the 2023 Crossfield Award. After reviewing her extraordinary list of career accomplishments, previous Crossfield winners were truly impressed. Megan’s addition brings honor to this already prestigious group of educators,” said Frank Craven, who chairs the awards program.
Tucker has been instrumental in the development of the Hillsboro Charter Academy’s programming.
“As well as being at the forefront of building an award-winning STEM-based curriculum, Megan has infused aviation and aerospace education into a wide spectrum of the school’s teaching regime that enriches traditional subjects and creates an extraordinary level of awareness and knowledge among the young scholars,” Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance said in support of Tucker’s nomination. “Megan has ensured that the themes of aerospace engineering are key components in the classroom, and she has demonstrated boundless creativity in activities and projects to encourage and enhance the teaching of aerospace,”
Tucker’s teaching career spans almost 20 years in elementary and middle schools in Florida, California and Virginia. Her accomplishments include developing engaging science and space curricula and programs for her schools, students and other educators, as well as national organizations, according to the announcement. That has continued at Hillsboro
Charter Academy where she has taught all aspects of STEAM with an emphasis on aerospace, technology and engineering to the school’s K-5 students.
Tucker created a club called Girls in Gear (Guiding Engineering, Aerospace and Robots) and several other special programs for students in collaboration with organizations including NASA, CAP, AIAA, Project Lead the Way, Girls Who Code, SeaPerch, the Space Foundation, and The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she developed online classes
that continued hands-on learning with materials commonly found in homes
In 2022, Tucker was one of 20 chosen internationally for the initial group of the Limitless Space Institute’s Educator Program. She was the 2021 National AFA/ Rolls Royce Aerospace/STEM Teacher of the Year, the 2020 Virginia State Air & Space Forces Teacher of the Year, and the recipient of Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Grant in 2020.
Tucker will receive the award Sept. 21 at the President’s Reception as part of the National Aviation Hall of Fame’s 59th Enshrinement events in Washington, DC. n
Students and families attending Evergreen Mill Elementary School, J.L. Simpson Middle School and Loudoun County High School enjoyed music, food, free school supplies, books, face painting and school swag during the Aug. 18 “Stampede into the Community” event.
In its seventh year, the popular backto-school event hosted by the three schools was held at the Historic Douglass High School Education and Development Campus.
Stampede founder and former Simpson principal Lenny Compton said teaming with Loudoun County Parks Recreation and Community Services to use the Douglass building gave them a central location for the cluster to meet. It also provided air conditioning and a great new playground. The event in the past had been held in a Plaza Street neighborhood.
Compton said the event was created in 2017, when, as a new principal, he noticed a large group of parents didn’t make it to sixth grade orientation. He decided the school should go to them, so they started going out into the community to invite them to school events. He said their goal then and today is to bring the community into the school.
Compton said he invited the principals of Evergreen Mill and Loudoun County High School to join during the third year
continued from page 12
advantages in sports.
Haun said in the advisory that Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration’s document is a “model policy that provides guidance for school divisions as they align with statutory provisions of the Code of Virginia.”
“When the 2021 Model Policies for the treatment of Transgender Students in Virginia’s Public Schools were adopted, the VHSL continued to use the adopted League policy without change,” he said. “We certainly will respect the decision of any school division as they address their policies and will continue to review this matter as we move forward and the new school year begins.”
“Our policy serves as a guide for our
of the event. He said both were thrilled to participate.
“The benefit is the connection with families,” Compton said. “Letting them know we are here for them, bringing them resources like Loudoun County Parks Recreation and Community Services and Family and Community Engagement—
member high schools, and each local school division can choose to follow the new model policy guidelines or stay with their current policy,” McCall said.
Loudoun County Public Schools so far has not decided whether it will follow the latest VDOE model policies.
Incoming Superintendent Aaron Spence said during an Aug. 8 press conference that he has had conversations with the division staff about the policies and said the division’s intention would be to make sure it is following the law.
“What that means is, we are going to look at the model policies and make sure that we understand their impact on state and federal law,” he said adding that they would implement what is in compliance, making sure it is not in conflict with state or federal laws.
Last week, both Fairfax County Public Schools and Prince William County
FACE—through LCPS. Really it’s letting parents and families know this information is here for you and we want to partner with you to make sure you are taking advantage of it.”
Simpson’s new principal Tripp DiNicola said he was excited to be part of the event Friday and in the coming years.
Public Schools announced they would continue using their current transgender policies, rather than adopting the state’s new model policies.
Both counties stated in online announcements that their current policies are “consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws,” which is required by the new model policies.
Fairfax County currently allows students to choose their pronouns, which bathrooms or locker rooms to use, and to participate in activities and sports based on their gender identity.
The decision was posted Aug. 15 in a message from Superintendent Michelle Reid who said the division would continue to provide the right to privacy for students.
Prince William County Public Schools announced it would continue using its current policies and regulations that ad-
“This is truly Lenny and his team’s dream and project, so to come in as the new principal and see the greatness of the community makes it that much more exciting,” he said.
Compton and DiNicola have been working together to make the transition seamless.
DiNicola has been with the division for 22 years in different capacities including a teacher, middle school dean, assistant principal and world language specialist. He speaks French, Spanish and Japanese and said he looks forward to starting a Japanese Club and Running Club at the school this fall.
“When you make a connection with those who speak a language other than English, it immediately warms the heart, and the students eyes light up when they realize it’s a connection you have with them,” he said. “For me to have that opportunity to do that with many of our students, it just allows that community to get closer and that is a huge goal of mine and part of the beauty of what we are doing here today.”
DiNicola said he couldn’t wait for school to start and that he was more excited to be part of the Simpson team than he had ever been in his life.
Compton was recently named the principal of Watson Mountain Middle School, which will open next fall.
The first day of school for Loudoun County Public Schools is Thursday, Aug. 24. n
dress the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming students on Aug. 17 and said employees will continue to follow them. Current policy allows students to choose their pronouns, name, bathrooms, and locker rooms based on their gender identity.
Arlington County Public Schools made the decision July 20, two days after the 2023 model polices were updated, to continue using its current transgender polies which protect the rights of transgender students.
Meanwhile, the Spotsylvania County Public Schools School Board voted Aug. 14 to follow the state guidelines followed by a vote by Roanoke County Public Schools to adopt them.
McCall said since the policy was created in 2014 there have been 38 appeals following the VHSL’s criteria for transgender rule appeals, 35 of which were granted.
continued from page 12
Community Connections and Programs in the Division of Teaching and Learning, introduced the newly hired HAMSci resource teacher Dr. Jane O’Connor.
O’ Connor completed her undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University, her post graduate degree at Rowan Uni-
versity, and her medical school education from the American International Medical University. After med school, she was a plastic and reconstruction surgeon at Providence Hospital, then an orthopedic surgeon at Howard University Hospital. She developed several formal research fellowships at different hospitals and served as the academic research coordinator for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Howard University College of Medicine.
The School Board voted June 13 to implement the program but at the time a lot of details including which two schools would host it were unknown.
The HAMSci Academy’s goal is to expand learning opportunities for students in health science literacy through a curriculum that develops critical thinking skills, Deputy Superintendent Ashley Ellis told the School Board at the June meeting. Ellis said the program, combined with industry credentials, is
geared to prepare students for healthcare workforce careers.
The program was created after research showed shortages in the medical field and the division’s health science pathway at the Academies of Loudoun at capacity. Students will be accepted into the program based on a lottery system expected to open this fall. The curriculum will be the same at both schools.
Dawson is slated to supervise the program. n
The Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office is working to determine the cause of a Monday night house fire that caused nearly $1 million in damages, displaced a family of six, and sent two firefighters to the hospital.
According to Loudoun County Fire-Rescued, at 6:49 p.m. Aug. 21, dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting a house fire with people possibly trapped inside a home on Smokey View Court near Round Hill.
Fire and Rescue units from Round Hill, Philomont, Purcellville, Hamilton, Loudoun Heights, Leesburg, Moorefield, and Mt. Weather were dispatched to the scene. Additionally, a Tanker Task Force was requested to transport water.
The occupants were outside the home.
Upon arrival, firefighters found fire at the front of the house, smoke from the
eaves, and requested additional resources. While most of the fire was involving the garage area, it extended into home and attic.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office. Six residents were displaced and are staying locally with family. Two firefighters working at the scene were transported to area hospitals for evaluation.
The damage was estimated at $999,000, including $624,500 in structural damages and $375,000 in contents.
The home’s smoke alarms worked as designed, alerting those inside and neighboring homes, according to the agency. Learn more about smoke alarms, home escape planning and other fire safety information, go to loudoun.gov/fire or call the LCFR Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-737-8600. n
A Leesburg man was sentenced Friday to serve 20 months in prison for selling at least nine firearms for a profit and without a license.
According to court documents, from June 17, 2021, through June 25, 2022, James Banville, 33, purchased 18 firearms from licensed dealers in Loudoun County and illegally sold at least nine of them.
Law enforcement recovered three firearms originally purchased by Banville from crime scenes.
One, a Glock 19, 9mm pistol was recovered by DC Metro Police in May 2022 and had been loaded with an extended magazine containing 26 rounds of ammunition. Banville bought the weapon at Bullseye Guns in Leesburg.
In May 2022, Metro Police officers located a loaded Glock 22, .40 caliber pistol, which Banville had purchased from Loudoun Guns in July 2020, during the search of a suspect’s vehicle.
The third weapon recovered in June 2022, in New York City following a pursuit of a suspect by police officers. The Glock 19, 9mm pistol was purchased by Banville at Loudoun Guns in September 2021.
Banville initially told investigators that he sold or gave weapons to family members and also had lost several while drunk. However, investigators learned he had sold weapons to other individuals, including a known drug dealer, turning $150 profit on the transactions, according to an affidavit filed in the case.
In addition to a sentence of 20 months in prison, U.S. District Court Judge T.S. Ellis III ordered Banville serve three years of post-release supervised probation with a requirement that he obtain a general education diploma, complete mental health and substance abuse counseling and complete vocational training. n
Clerks at four Leesburg businesses face fines after they allegedly sold tobacco vaping products to customers under the age of 21 during an undercover investigation by the town police department.
According to the report, the department’s school resource officer and members of the Special Investigations Units on Aug. 16 conducted an underage vaping operation at 29 tobacco retail establishments throughout town.
Clerks at the Sheetz on California Drive, Jock’s Exxon, Tobacco King and Vape and Leesburg Tobacco & Vape were
cited for underage sales. If they are convicted as first-time violators, they face fines of up to $100 or requirements to perform up to 20 hours of community service. Under state law, the punishment increases for subsequent violations.
“Operations like these send a clear message to retail establishments in town, that they are responsible for training their staff to properly follow the law to ensure that age restricted products are only sold to those of legal age,” Leesburg Police Captain David Smith stated. “For this reason, the Leesburg Police Department pe-
riodically conducts operations relating to the sale of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages to underage persons.”
The Leesburg Police Department School Resource Officer Unit in partnership with the Loudoun County Sheriff ’s Office provides education on the dangers of vaping through the D.A.R.E. program to students at both the elementary and middle school level. Parents seeking additional information and resources should talk with their child’s school resource officer. Parents may also find more information at cdc.gov/e-cigarettes. n
The Sheriff ’s Office is investigating a fatal crash that happened last Wednesday night in the Chantilly area.
According to the report, deputies were called to the area of Bull Run Post Office Road and Cedar Ridge Boulevard just after 8 p.m. Aug. 16 for a report of a car that overturned and struck a utility pole. The driver died at the scene. A passenger was transported to an area hospital for treatment of injuries described as non-life-threatening.
The driver has been identified as Angel Hernandez Perez, 22, of Manassas.
The Sheriff ’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit is investigating the crash. Witnesses who have not already spoken with law enforcement are asked to contact Investigator M. Lotz at 703-771-1021.
The Sheriff ’s Office has charged a Baltimore man with felony hit and run after he allegedly struck a jogger and left the scene.
According to the report, just after 1 p.m. Aug. 17, deputies responded to the 17700 block of Canby Road near Leesburg where the victim stated she was jogging on the side of the road when she was struck by the side mirror of a passing van. The driver reportedly stopped, apologized, and left the scene.
With the help of the Virginia State Police, the driver was found nearby. Jaden Hughes, 21, of Baltimore, was arrested and charged with driving without a license, hit and run, and use of a phone while operating a vehicle. He was released on a $5,000 bond.
The preliminary hearings for three Leesburg men originally scheduled for Aug. 16 have been delayed till Nov. 1.
Emerson Martinez-Alvarenga, 19, Marco Mendoza-Monjaras, 19, and Juan Cubillas-Rodriguez, 18, are charged in cases regarding four Leesburg shooting and threat incidents that happened in May and June. Leesburg Police have identified gang affiliations in the cases.
County prosecutors and defense attorneys jointly requested the delay, which was granted by Distrcit Court Judge Lorrie Sinclair Taylor. n
With the national COVID-19 Public Health Emergency officially over, medical experts say it’s time to address the health challenges that may have been neglected during—or created by—the pandemic.
“Making time for you and your family’s preventive medical care and investing in your mental health is essential right now,” said Dr. Jack Resneck Jr., president of the American Medical Association. “As you settle into old routines or find new ones, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anx-
ious, afraid or depressed. Give yourself permission to express these emotions, while taking steps to get needed care.”
For better health and wellness, the AMA offers these tips:
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the health consequences of isolation include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing demen-
tia for older adults. Spending time with loved ones, friends or community groups can quickly have a positive impact on mental and physical health.
Getting regular exercise, practicing gratitude and getting enough sleep are all forms of self-care that can improve mental health. Check out the National Institute of Mental Health’s resources, which include ideas for better understanding what caus-
es your symptoms and what coping techniques might help you manage your mental health.
Feelings of hopelessness or irritability, loss of interest in hobbies and activities, and decreased energy or appetite can all be signs of depression. If you are PRIORITIZE
continues on page 19
continued from page 17
experiencing signs of a mental health condition, speak to your primary care physician or a psychiatrist. Be aware of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a national hotline available 24/7. Anyone experiencing a suicidal, substance use or mental health crisis can call or text 988 to speak to trained crisis counselors.
Inova Loudoun Hospital needs adult volunteers to help at its Lansdowne and Cornwall campuses.
Volunteers can help answer phones, make copies, file, assist with data entry and provide clerical support; interact with visitors, patients, and guests; help with directions; help in the gift shop; help in clinical areas with stocking patient rooms with supplies and speaking with patients, families, and visitors, and making kits for team members.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old and commit to one shift of three or four hours per week for six months. Volunteers will be subject to background checks, screened for tuberculosis, have vaccination requirements, and must complete a training program.
Training sessions are being held this week for adults and set for Sept. 14-18 for high school students.
Learn more at inova.org/ILHvolunteers. n
It’s estimated that since April 2020, 3.9 million breast cancer, 3.8 million colorectal cancer and 1.6 million prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment.
Don’t wait: An estimated 41% of adults with one or more chronic health conditions reported delaying or forgoing health care since the pandemic started. Additionally, one in three of those adults reported that doing so worsened one or more of their health conditions or limited their ability to work or perform other daily activities. Whether you have a chronic health condition or not, don’t wait until something is wrong before seeing a doc-
tor. If something does feel off, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Adolescents and adult immunizations sharply declined during the pandemic and an estimated 26 million recommended vaccinations were missed in 2020 as compared to 2019. Make sure your family is up-to-date on vaccines, including the annual influenza vaccine and the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Your doctor can let you know if you’re due for a COVID booster. If you have questions, consult your physician and trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.
Track health data such as height, weight, body mass index and blood pressure to share trends with your doctor and take action if needed. Go to ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and how to get your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of Americans and can increase heart attack and stroke risk.
For more tips and information, go to ama-assn.org. (StatePoint) n
Candidates vying for special election vacancies had until Aug. 18 to submit paperwork for four town council special elections that will be held Nov. 7 in Hamilton, Lovettsville, Purcellville and Round Hill.
Hamilton has two seats up for special election after Kenneth Wine was elected mayor in November, leaving two years remaining of his council term, and after the resignation of Elizabeth Gaucher in June. Wine’s seat is currently filled by Heather Beardsley and Gaucher’s seat is filled by Chris Shumaker. They are both running unopposed in the special elections to complete those terms.
Beardsley works full-time as an ac-
countant for a small software company and puts making Hamilton safe for pedestrians and drivers as her top priority.
Shumaker, who was just appointed by the council last month, also said safety is a top priority, which he believes starts with a slower Colonial Highway.
Lovettsville’s special election follows the resignation of Buchanan Smith, and the seat is currently filled by Thomas C. Budnar, also the only candidate to file for the election. He is a two-year Lovettsville resident and also serves on the town’s Oktoberfest committee.
Purcellville will hold a special election—after an attempt by some council members not to hold one—to fill the town council seat held by Stanley J. Milan prior to his election to mayor in November. His council seat is currently held by Ronald Rise Jr., who is not seeking election to
keep it.
Two candidates filed to be on the ballot, Caleb J. Stought and Christopher G. “Chris” Reed. In his campaign announcement Stought said that he would work to build good relationships with town staff, the local business community and other local governments. Reed said in a press release that he supports the current council majority and commits to considering varying perspectives in keeping Purcellville a great place to live work and enjoy life.
Round Hill filed for a special election following the resignation of Jesse Howe, who moved out of town. The council in May appointed Dan Brzezynski to fill the seat until the November election. He is the only candidate to file for the special election. n
Hamilton resident Kasey Alexander has opened The Leeky Cauldron, an inhome bakery featuring Celtic cuisine including English style scones, Welsh cakes, and occasionally Guinness brownies.
While the business was soft launched last month, Alexander hosted an open house at her home Saturday, beginning with a cream tea and a chance for community members to try out her baked goods and ending with a vendor fair attended by Bobby G reptiles, Little Hands Pediatric Therapy, Allume Custom Education and more.
Alexander said the inspiration for the bakery came from her grandmother, a war bride who moved to the states from Wales and whose Welsh cake recipe is the center of her baked goods.
“We kind of grew up doing tea, and as I got older we would go to tea house for special occasions like Mother’s Day and birthdays and things like that,” Alexander said. “It’s just kind of a tradition for us to do that. And when Covid hit we couldn’t do that.”
She recalls taking a walk with her son and thinking, “I could do a tea to go. You can get everything you need for just a
cream tea and be able to do it wherever you can and still have that experience just not at a tea parlor.”
In between a full-time job and taking
care of three young children, Alexander takes pre-orders and offers once-a-week pick up time for customers. Options include scones, Welsh cakes, and monthly specials. Her signature cream tea kits to go include tea bags, four Welsh cakes, two scones, cream and sugar, strawberry jam, clotted cream, and disposable teacups and saucers. This month’s specials include honey pear scones and Guinness brownies.
Alexander said her grandmother died in 2019 but the business is still a family affair.
“My oldest son, he just turned five, loves helping me bake,” she said. “But I can’t let him help me bake for the customers. So, I’ll try different recipes and he can help me do the test bakes ... He seems to love that.”
She said her husband came up with the name for the bakery.
“It’s probably a nod to Harry Potter, but also the leek is one of the national symbols of Wales,” she said.
Alexander said in the future she would like to expand to a food truck or set up a booth at farmer’s markets.
She said she is still working on a website, but customers can order items through Facebook and Instagram when they search for theleekycauldronbakery. n
Vendor spaces for the town’s 20th annual tag sale will open for reservation at 8 a.m. Aug. 28.
Spaces are limited and prices range from $15 to $30. The event is scheduled for Oct. 7 and attracts 8,000 bargain shoppers each year, according to the event website.
More information can be found at purcellvillevatagsale.com.
The town Parks and Recreation Advisory Board invites businesses and organizations to register to participate in the third annual Celebrate Purcellville.
The week-long, town-wide event is designed to encourage people to visit Purcellville, shop at local businesses, enjoy local food and beverage options, tour the town, and enjoy live music and activities. Celebrate Purcellville will be held Oct. 2-8.
Businesses with a valid business license and nonprofit organizations located within the incorporated limits are welcome to register online for free. The deadline to register is Sept. 16.
Businesses and organizations that participate will be listed on the Celebrate Purcellville page of the town web site and in the Celebrate Purcellville passport. Residents and visitors will take their passports to participating businesses/organizations to get a sticker. During the event finale on Oct. 8, Celebrate Purcellville Passports with a minimum number of stickers may be turned in for a chance to win prizes.
The finale will take place from 12-5 p.m. in Dillon’s Woods. There will be live music, games, face painting and food and drinks.
Businesses and organizations may sponsor Celebrate Purcellville to get additional recognition. For more information go to purcellvilleva. gov/997/Celebrate-Purcellville.
Purcellville’s Southern States hosted community members and town and county officials on Saturday to celebrate the coop’s 100th year anniversary.
Store Manager Dan Virts said the Southern State Cooperative that began in Richmond was founded in 1923, while the Purcellville store joined forces with the brand in 1934—89 years ago. The store was founded as The Virginia Seed Service in 1927.
“It’s quite an achievement on both ends of that. It all comes from customers, having that customer support that we’ve had over that 100, and 89 years,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the patronage and loyalty of our customers of course we’d have never been able to withstand this.”
“Why we have enjoyed so much longevity … is because of the support from all our customers throughout the county and the support we’ve gotten from the Town of Purcellville, and the support we’ve gotten from all our employees who come out and give us their best every day,” Board of Directors President Edwin Potts said.
Purcellville Mayor Stanley J. Milan and Loudoun County Supervisor Caleb E. Kershner (R-Catoctin) said they were grateful for the service that Southern States provided to residents.
“They’re a tremendous partner with the
4-H Fair,” Kershner said. “…They sponsor that fair and really continue to ensure that the kind of lifestyle that we enjoy here in western Loudoun and the farming aspect of it and the open space continues to thrive because there is a place where people can come and get their product.”
As part of the celebration, the store
offered 15% off all items for shoppers as well as additional deals on feed and door prizes. They hosted a Kona Ice Truck and Duck Donut truck and a petting zoo.
Shenandoah Country Q102 broadcasted live from the location where community members had the opportunity to win tickets to Six Flags and other prizes. n
Lois Claire (Green) Kincannon, died August 9th, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was 83. Claire will be interred with her husband, Charles Louis Kincannon, at Congressional Cemetery, in Washington, D.C., a few blocks from where they met and fell in love. Claire loved beauty and hated litter. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Keep Knoxville Beautiful. From ‘borrowing’ her parents car in Dayton, Ohio, at age 15, to traveling solo in the USSR during the height of the Cold War, Claire never let conventions slow her down. At a time when banks wouldn’t approve loans to women unless their husbands co-signed, Claire started several successful businesses, including The Wooden Gate Confectionary in Leesburg, Virginia. From Paeonian to Paris, working as a radio reporter, theater critic, tennis player, community volunteer, and artist, Claire’s energy and creative spirit burned bright her whole life. Claire planned the family reunions, hosted memorable parties, set fabulous tables, and welcomed everyone to Thanksgiving - cousins, lost sheep, and international Census fellows. Most of all Claire (Lois) was a source of love and encouragement to her family near and far. Claire was predeceased by her husband, Louis Kincannon, and her daughter, Alexandra Poe Kincannon. She is survived by her daughter, Indya Kincannon (Ben Barton); son in-law, Paul Moorehead; brother, Vic Green (Linda Bailey); grandchildren, Dahlia, Georgia, Aidan, Patrick and Helen; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of Claire’s life is being planned for the Fall. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (6932273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.
To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email sstyer@loudounnow.com
”
SHANE & JACKSON
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
TED GARBER
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 SideBar, 24 S. King St., Leesburg. sidebarlbg.com
SCOTT KIRBY HOUSE CONCERT
7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
Villa on the Hilla, 39761 Thomas Mill Road, Leesburg. $25. julianamacdowell.com
MACH & DADDY/KALE LA EVOLUCIÓN
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 Rio Cantina, 21800 Towncenter Plaza, Sterling. facebook.com/RioCantinaSterling
STONEY CREEK BLUEGRASS BAND
6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 Greenhill Vineyards, 23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg. experiencegreenhill.com
MELISSA QUINN FOX
6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Belly Love Brewing Company, 725 E. Main St., Purcellville. bellylovebrewing.com
TEJAS SINGH
7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Social House Kitchen & Tap, 25370 Eastern Marketplace Plaza, South Riding. socialhousesouthriding.com
JACOB PANIC
7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
XCAL Shooting Sports and Fitness, 44950 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn. xcal.com
GARY SMALLWOOD
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com
CARY WIMBISH
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
LIBERTY STREET
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
LIVE MUSIC continues on page 23
From buttons dating back to the mid 1700s, to ammunition like Minie balls and a cannon ball used during the Civil War, to Spanish pistareens and reals, Barbara Cockerill has dug it up on her family’s 151-year old farm in Purcellville.
The Cockerill’s bought the property on Snickersville Turnpike from the Ewer family in 1872 and have owned it and added more acreage to it since.
The amateur archeologist and her husband raised their five children on the property. She began using a metal detector to find things 14 years ago after she bought one for her teenage son.
“I wanted a metal detector but I couldn’t justify getting it for myself, so I got it for my son Andrew and we went out,” she said. “He did it with me for a
while, but it was more of a passion for me.”
Cockerill said she learned a love of history and archeology from her father.
“My dad was an archeologist and I always liked digging up rocks and all that kind of stuff. I don’t know what age I was, but I used to hunt for fossils when I lived in Puerto Rico,” she said.
At first, she found a lot of shotgun shells, but it didn’t take long for her to find something interesting because, to her, most of what she finds is a piece of history.
Cockerill said you begin to recognize different tones when you use the metal detector and can tell if it’s something big—although often those big items are old beer cans.
“Beer cans and pop tops sound so good,” she said.
Through her years of digging and clearing out old trash where buildings used to be she has found shoe buckles from the 1700s, a Civil War spur, lots of silverware,
locks and keys, sleigh bells and more. She estimates the timeframe of what she has dug up to be between 1720 to now—just over 300 years of history.
Cockerill has found hundreds of old coins, including Spanish reals that date back to 1781 and her oldest coin, a King George II that dates to between 17201740. She found that coin close to her mailbox right near Snickersville Turnpike. She noted the road has been there for centuries and was traveled by George Washington on his way from Alexandria to Winchester. She said it was well documented that Washington stayed at Bacon Fort, which was on their property, because it was a midpoint in his travels.
She said people used to drill holes in coins and sew them into their clothing to keep safe as they traveled, which also
LOST & FOUND continues on page 24
continued from page 22
NOAH FOWLER
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
SELA CAMPBELL
5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com
PAM BECKER
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
GARY JAY & THE FIRE
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com
JASON TEACH
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com
GUNNER HEATH
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrewing.com
STUART FRYE
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
JASON MASI
6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com
DON’T LOOK UP
7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 Hillsboro Old Stone School oldstoneschoo.org
EYES OF THE NILE
8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $15. tallyhotheater.com
DYLAN WOELFUL
8 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com
NEW DOMINION BAND
8 p.m. to 12 Friday, Aug. 25
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
ANDY B
1:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26,
8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com
DAVID DAVOL
12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg, 38600 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. canavineyards.com
JIM STEELE
12 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro breauxvineyards.com
ACOUSTIC MOOSE
1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Forever Farm and Vineyard, 15779 Woodgrove Road, Purcellville. foreverfarmandvineyard.com
LANA SPENCE BAND
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com
CLARK PEKLO
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbioliwines.com
PEBBLE TO PEARL
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrewing.com
DAVIS BRADLEY
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com
LINDA ANDERSEN
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com
CHRIS HANKS
1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com
MELISSA QUINN FOX
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville.
sunsethillsvineyard.com
ADRIEL GENET
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com
GARY SMALLWOOD
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com
DAVE MININBERG
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com
STEVE GEORGE AND FRIENDS
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com
6 SHADES BAND
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. Harvestgap.com
NAM KNIGHTS BASH ‘41 NORTH BAND
2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
JESSICA PAULIN
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Old 690 Brewing Company, 15670 Ashbury Church Road, Hillsboro. old690.com
SCOTT KURT
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com
DAN CRONIN
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com
LEVI STEPHENS
2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
DYNASTY BREWING COMPANY 5TH
ANNIVERSARY
3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Dynasty Brewing, 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn. facebook.com/brewdynasty
HILARY VELTRI
3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
HARD SWIMMIN FISH
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Leesburg. vanishbeer.com
ERIC ZATZ
5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
LIVE MUSIC continues on page 25
continued from page 22
made it easy for those coins to fall into the dirt or between floorboards of homes, all places she has found them.
She has found hundreds of buttons, too, including many from the Civil War from states like South Carolina and New York, along a cow path through her property. The Civil War buttons are inscribed with letters like “I” for infantry or “R” for riflemen. She also found a whole slew of buttons around the old bank barn that was on her property and wonders how many people passed through those doors, and if a seamstress lived on the property.
She likes to try to piece the history together as she finds items. She said she holds them and wonders: “Who did this belong to?”
She has several sites she continuously digs in in her backyard garden as she works to uncover the past—both her family’s and Loudoun’s—and build a peaceful shade garden among the remnants of an old stone structure she thinks may have been part of the original house owned by the Ewers or built when the Quakers came to the area. Cockerill said when she first
moved to her house from the larger farmhouse up the road three years ago, the old stone structure behind it had a mountain of trash in it. She worked for a year to clear it out. Then once she got to dirt she began digging until she found a treasure trove of artifacts that belonged to hundreds of years of residents. Those items she keeps in her basement collection in special cases and jars.
The family has reinforced the remaining walls with new mortar, and last year her children installed large slate stones on the floor of the three-sided building so the family could all gather and enjoy the garden.
She said sometimes her grandkids help her dig if it’s in an area where she hasn’t found a lot of glass. She said a lot of the glass bottles she finds date from the 1920s to more modern times. She has also found a lot of pottery around the old foundations and stone walls in her yard.
Cockerill said she wants to do some research to find out about the different patterns on the pottery to determine how old they are.
“I know the feather edge is supposed to be one of the older, first patterns used in colonial times. The red pottery is the oldest,” she said.
She wants to make something out of all the pieces of pottery one day, like a mosaic, to better display them.
One of her favorite finds was a rare belt buckle with an eagle over a rocky mountain. She said she has looked all over in books and online for information on the buckle and said there is only a brief mention of it in a book that says it dates to before the Civil War. But to her knowledge no one else has found one like it.
She has also found some items that belonged to her in-laws’ family, including broaches and compacts that belonged to her father-in-law’s five sisters.
“I’m pretty sure I found my father-inlaw’s wedding ring in one of the barns,” she said. “He was a big man and it’s a big ring and his kids always talked about how he never had one, so I am assuming he lost it pretty early on. He would be the type to say ‘don’t get me another one.’”
She said she also found his old pocket watch.
She compared what she finds and learning about it to a puzzle and finding all the pieces to make a complete picture.
“I just find it interesting, the history and putting it all together and figuring out who was where, when and how the timeline goes together,” she said, noting that
her in-laws bought more of the property at auction after the depression. She is interested to know how they were able to buy more land at that time.
Cockerill said she plans to keep digging and researching “until the story is finished or until there is no one left who wants to tell the story.” And with close to 300 acres, she said she’s just scratched the surface.
“There is less and less things I am finding with the metal detector because they are maybe too deep or because I’ve already been over it in the more concentrated areas, but there could be more down there,” she said.
She said people will show up and say they used to live on the property in one of the tenant houses. She hopes one day someone will come by and recognize one of the buttons she found.
As for what she plans to do with her collection of history, she said she hasn’t thought much about it.
“I think the kids enjoy seeing it and seeing me find things and enjoy the history,” she said. “I’m not sure anyone is going to want to keep it in their house, so I’ll leave it up to them to see if they want to keep adding to it.” n
TRAILIN SMOKE
3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
DAVE MININBERG
4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com
CECIL DELLOMA
7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30
DON’T LOOK UP
Friday, Aug. 25, 7 p.m. Hillsboro Old Stone School oldstoneschool.org
The quartet of DC-area music veterans will rock the Gap Stage with their blues-infused Americana. Bring a lawn chair. Free admission.
continued from page 23
THE LEGWARMERS
5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Loudoun Station Drive, Ashburn. loudounstation.com
DEAD MUSICIAN STEW
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com
BRAD DOGGETT
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrewing.com
THE AMISH OUTLAWS
6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Tarara Summer Concert Series, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts. $20. tararaconcerts.com
THE TALTON BROTHERS
6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com
FAVORITE CHILD
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
The Craft Of Brewing Brewery, Cidery & BOP, 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn. thecraftob.com
LAURA FARREL
7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
The Bungalow Lakehouse, 46116 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. bungalowlakehouse.com
SMELLS LIKE NIRVANA
8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $20. tallyhotheater.com
PICTROLA
8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
Monk’s BBQ, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville. monksq.com
THE AMISH OUTLAWS
Saturday, Aug. 26, 6 p.m. Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com
The band from the heart of Amish country in Lancaster, PA, bring a blend of pop, rock, country and hip-hop to Tarara Winery’s Saturday night party.
POINT OF ROCK
8 p.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
SHANE GAMBLE
1:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
8 Chains N. Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com
BILLY & THE CURLEY BROTHERS
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com
STEEL DRUMMIN’ ON THE BEACH!
12 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg. macsbeach.com
DANNY KENSY
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. Vanishbeer.com
BRITTANY FRAZER
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 Fabbioli Cellars, 15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg. fabbioliwines.com
GARY SMALLWOOD
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com
JULIANA MACDOWELL
1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com
ROBERT MABE & FRIENDS
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com
DAN CRONIN
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont
Overlook Lane, Purcellville. sunsethillsvineyard.com
SMELLS LIKE NIRVANA
Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
Composed of die-hard Nirvana fans, the band performs a haunting grunge tribute filled angst and pure rock prowess.
SCOTT KURT
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. 50westvineyards.com
STANLEY WHITAKER
1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com
TOMMY BOUCH
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation.com
CORY CAMPBELL
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro. breauxvineyards.com
MIKE CLEMENT
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Bozzo Family Vineyards, 35226 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro. bozwines.com
CHRIS ELLINGHAUS
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Flying Ace Farm, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville. flyingacefarm.com
TED GARBER
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. twotwistedposts.com
JULIET LLOYD TRIO
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com
LENNY BURRIDGE
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com
WAYNE SNOW
2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27
868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Loudoun Heights. 868estatevineyards.com
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
JUSTIN SUEDE
6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 31
Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com
TCOB THURSDAY POOL TOURNAMENT
7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
The Craft Of Brewing Brewery, Cidery & BOP, 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn. $5. thecraftob.com
STAGECOACH BANDITS IMPROV COMEDY
7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn. $10. stagecoachtc.com
ARTISAN MARKET & STUDIO GRAND OPENING
10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 25 34 Catoctin Circle SE. Suite D, Leesburg. artisanmarketandstudio.com
NYC COMEDY INVADES LEESBURG
7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25
Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. $12. vanishbeer.com
NOOKS & CRANNIES SPECIALTY TOUR
11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 26 The Davis Mansion at Morven Park, 17269 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Free to $20. morvenpark.org
FIESTA LATINA
12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Ida Lee Park Festival Field, Leesburg. leesburgva.gov
PICKWICK PLAYERS AUDITIONS: “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”
2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26 Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Potomac Falls. thepickwickplayers.com
LOVE THIS LOCAL BUSINESS: LOUDOUN BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION
4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26
October One Vineyard Wine Tasting Shop, 7 Loudoun St. SW., Leesburg. loudounbee.org
CREEK CRITTERS OF THE CATOCTIN
1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 Chapman DeMary Trail, 355 N. Hatcher Ave., Purcellville. purcellvilleva.gov
CAT ADOPTION EVENT
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 Petco, 200-250 Fort Evans Road NE., Leesburg.
(1) NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI-RROF); AND
DATE OF NOTICE: Thursday, August 24, 2023
GRANTEE NAME: County of Loudoun, Virginia
GRANTEE ADDRESS: 1 Harrison Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175
TELEPHONE: (703) 737-8755
TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS: The purpose of this notice is to satisfy two (2) separate, but related, procedural notification requirements for activities to be undertaken by the County of Loudoun, Virginia.
On or about Monday, September 11, 2023, the County of Loudoun will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-383), to undertake a project funded by the FY 2015, FY 2016, and FY 2018 CDBG Programs for the purpose of installing water and sanitary sewer utility lateral lines, and abandoning a hand dug well, at 20965 Greengarden Road, Bluemont, VA 20135-2148 (the “Property”), and securing the placement at the Property of a manufactured home.
Howardsville Parcel 5 – Utility Laterals: CDBG funds will be used for the construction of footers for a new approximately 900 square-foot modular home (dwelling dimensions approximately 13’-8’’ X 66’-0’’); placement of a new modular home; construction of a 1-inch waterline to the new modular home; construction of a 4-inch sanitary sewer lateral from the new modular home to the previously installed sanitary sewer pump station; and abandonment of an existing but obsolete hand dug well. The total project cost is anticipated to be approximately $150,000, less than $25,000 of which will be CDBG funds for the utility connections under Loudoun County’s Federal CDBG Grant Agreements B-15-UC-51-0006, B-16-UC-51-0006, and B-18-UC-51-0006. The project is expected to start and be completed during Calendar Year 2023.
The County of Loudoun has determined that the above-identified project will have no significant impact on the human environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. The subject project is as-
The Round Hill Town Council and the Round Hill Planning Commission will hold a Joint Public Hearing in accordance with Code of Virginia Sections 15.2-2204, 15.2-2285, and 15.2-2286, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia for the purpose of receiving comments and taking action on the following proposed text amendment to the Round Hill Zoning Ordinance.
Zoning Ordinance Article 12 contains regulations for off-street parking, loading and pedestrian facilities. ZOAM 2023-01 proposes an amendment to Article 12.7.4 “General Design Standards in Commercial, Industrial, Institutional and Community Uses”. The amendment would allow parking in non-residential building setback areas while still maintaining buffers:
“4. No required parking shall be located in any required buffer or setback.”
The Planning Commission will hold a special meeting following the public hearing. All interested persons should appear and present their views at the above time and place. If a member of the public cannot attend, comments may be submitted by mail to PO Box 36, Round Hill, VA 20142; by fax to (540) 338-1680; or by email to hwest@roundhillva.org. Comments received by Noon on the day of the hearing will be distributed to Commission and Council members and made a part of the public record. Copies of relevant documents may be viewed on the Town website at www.roundhillva.org Anyone needing assistance or accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act should call the Town Office at (540) 338-7878.
Scott Ramsey, Mayor
sessed under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, 106 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg, VA 20175 and is available for public examination and copying, upon request, during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Loudoun County Department of Housing and Community Development, via email to housing@loudoun. gov or via mail to the CDBG Program Manager, PO Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177. All comments received by Friday, September 8, 2023, will be considered by the County of Loudoun prior to authorizing submittal of a request for release of funds to HUD. Commenters should specify which Notice provided herein they are addressing.
The County of Loudoun certifies to HUD that Ms. Valmarie Turner, in her capacity as Assistant County Administrator, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process, and these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the County of Loudoun to use CDBG funds.
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the County of Loudoun’s certification for a period of fifteen (15) days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following basis: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the County of Loudoun; (b) the County of Loudoun has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the County of Loudoun or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the projects are unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Section 58.76), and shall be addressed to the CPD Director, HUD Washington, DC Field Office, via email to Michael.D.Rose@hud.gov, or by calling (202) 2756266. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Ms. Valmarie Turner, Assistant County Administrator
Loudoun County
1 Harrison Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175 8/24/23
LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE BIDS/PROPOSALS FOR:
ATHLETIC FIELD TURF MANAGEMENT SERVICES - REISSUE, RFP No. 638799 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, September 11, 2023.
GROUP TOUR SERVICES (SUPPLEMENTAL) FOR SENIOR ADULTS - REISSUE, RFP No. 637795 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, September 8, 2023.
Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT.
8/24/2023
8/24 & 8/31/23
IN RE:
ESTATE OF HENRY J. LAGUILLON
Probate File No. 20109
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE AGAINST DISTRIBUTION
It appearing that a report of the account of W. Franklin Pugh, Administrator for the Estate of Henry J. Laguillon, and a report of the debts and demands against the Estate have been filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Loudoun County, and that more than 6 months have elapsed since the qualification of the Administrator before this Court,
It is ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the Estate of Henry J. Laguillon, deceased, do show cause, if any they can, on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., before this Court at its courtroom in Leesburg, Virginia, against payment and delivery of said Estate to the Estate's beneficiaries, after payment of remaining administrative expenses;
8/24 & 8/31/23
Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the 1950 Code of Virginia, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing at their meeting at 7:00pm on September 6, 2023, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Lovettsville Town Hall Council Chambers located at 6 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the Commission is to consider an application for Conditional Use Permit filed by Spears Development Group LLC of Lovettsville Virginia, to modify Zoning Ordinance Section 42-363, Parking Lot Landscaping, and Section 42-364, Buffering and Screening, to replace the required parking lot perimeter landscaping, and required Type C buffer and landscaping with a six-foot, opaque fence along the east side of the property adjoining residential properties. The 0.9-acre parcel is vacant and fronts on the east side of North Church Street on the north side of 7 East Broad Way (Truist Bank), and is further identified as Loudoun County Parcel Identification (PIN) Number: 333-15-1956.
All persons wishing to speak will be given the opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.
Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. The proposed zoning amendment is available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva. gov/government/planning-commission/. You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened on the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.
8-24-23; 8-31-23
The Town of Leesburg will accept proposals electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2023, for the following:
Banjara LLC trading as Banjara, Flavors of India, 44050 Ashburn Shopping Plz STE 191, Ashburn, Virginia 20147-7916.
The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
APPL-2023-0004
Appeal of Zoning Permit #Z30555040101 for a Group Home at 20179 Gleedsville Road
Hilary Kozikowski, Aaron Kozikowski, Lawrence J. Thomas, Mary C. Thomas, Thomas Wright, Cheryl Wright, Lynne Wright, Michael Wright, William Feitshans, Beverly Feitshans, Addie Palmer, Craig Palmer, and A Farm Less Ordinary of Leesburg, Virginia, have submitted an application for an appeal of the May 24, 2023 issuance of zoning permit #Z30555040101 for a Group Home at 20179 Gleedsville Road, Leesburg, Virginia. The subject property is zoned AR-1 (Agricultural Rural-1) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is more particularly identified as PIN: 315-39-4049-000, Tax Map #/59//18//B2-2/; and is approximately 8.01 acres in size. The subject property is located west of Gleedsville Road (Route 650), north of Browns Creek Place (Route 1007), and south of Diggins Court (Route 3047).
Complete copies of the appeal and Staff Report will be made available Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The documents may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc, or call 703-777-0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding this matter. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 no later than 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments may be sent to the Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals, P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to stephanie.capps@loudoun.gov. Members of the public may also submit comments electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications If you require a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability or need language assistance in order to participate in the public hearing, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. Three business days advance notice is requested.
Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chair
Loudoun County Board of Zoning Appeals
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ046150-05-00, JJ046150-01-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Marjorie Cruz
Loudoun County Department of Family Services
/v.
Endenilson Alavarado, putative father & Unknown Father
The object of this suit is to hold a second permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Marjorie Cruz, AND; hold a motion to Modify the Child Protective Order for Marjorie Cruz.
It is ORDERED that the defendant Endenilson Alavarado, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or September 12, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
8/3, 8/10, 8/17 & 8/24/23
8/24 & 8/31/23
A message to elderly and disabled Loudoun County residents from
Robert S. Wertz, Jr.Commissioner of the Revenue
Residents 65 and older or totally and permanently disabled who wish to apply for 2023
Personal Property (vehicle) Tax Relief for the first time must submit an application to my office by the September 1, 2023 filing deadline. Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.
Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street SE First Floor Sterling Office 46000 Center Oak Plaza
Internet: www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: 703-737-8557
Email: taxrelief@loudoun.gov
Mailing Address: PO Box 8000, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20177-9804
8/3, 8/10, 8/17, 8/24, 8/31
RFP
The Town of Leesburg (the “Town”) is soliciting sealed proposals to establish multiple term contracts to provide snow and ice removal services. A virtual non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. The pre-proposal meeting will be live streamed via Microsoft TEAMS and made available to the public.
For additional information, visit: http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard
8/24/23
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Mixed Beverage license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
Banjara, LLC
Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.
8/17 & 8/24/23
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Case No.: JJ044933-04-00
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Nariah Swales Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v.
Whitney Settles aka Whitney Swales, mother, and Darius Swales, father
The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1281 for Nariah Swales.
It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Whitney Settles aka Whitney Swales, mother, and Darius Swales, father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before September 13, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
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.
LVZA 2023-0002 AMEND SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE Article V, Blocks and Lots; AMEND UTILITIES ORDINANCE Article II-3, Meter Sizing; AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE Article I, In General, Article VI, Residential Districts, Article VI-2, Standards for Specific Uses, and Article VI-3. Specific Districts.
Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1117, 15.2-2253, 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the Code of Virginia, 1950 as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing at its meeting on August 30, 2023 at 6:30pm, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the Town Council is to consider amendments to Chapter 42, Zoning, to define affordable housing, add language to residential zoning districts allowing building and lot standards to be modified, add accessory apartments as permitted uses, and modify the standards applicable to accessory apartments; amendments to Chapter 30, Subdivisions, to allow a single lot in a subdivision to be designed with less than the required street frontage; and amendments to Chapter 38, Utilities, to remove automatic water meter upgrades when an accessory apartment is added to a residence or commercial building.
All people desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.
Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00PM on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. The proposed zoning amendment and meeting links are available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva.gov/government/planning-commission/
You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened at the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.
8/17 & 8/24/23
Pursuant to Section 15.2-2507 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on August 30, 2023 at 6:30 p.m, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Town Council Chamber, 6 E. Pennsylvania Aveneue, Lovettsville, Virginia to consider the following budget amendment:
A supplemental appropriation in Fiscal Year 2024 in the amount of $3,013,808.80 comprised of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funding, previous year capital project appropriation, and carryover of Fiscal Year 2023 appropriation associated with contractual encumbrances, which exceeds one percent of the total expenditures shown in the Fiscal Year 2024 adopted budget.
All persons desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.
Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00pm on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. www.lovettsvilleva.gov/government/mayor-and-town-council/
A copy of any additional information regarding the proposed appropriation is available for review at the Town Hall between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays or by special appointment, holidays excepted. Call 540-822-5788 for more information or visit www.lovettsvilleva.gov. In the event the meeting is cancelled, the public hearing will be convened at the next regular scheduled meeting at the same time and place.
8/17 & 8/24/23
The Town of Leesburg Department of Plan Review, in accordance with National Flood Insurance Program regulation 65.7(b)(1), hereby gives notice of the Town of Leesburg’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located between Plaza Street Southeast and Harrison Street. Specifically, the flood hazard information will be revised along Tuscarora Creek from a point approximately 800 feet upstream of Plaza Street Southeast to a point approximately 1,880 feet upstream of Harrison Street, along Town Branch from the confluence with Tuscarora Creek to approximately 200 feet downstream of Catoctin Circle Southeast, along Town Branch Overflow #1 from the confluence with Tuscarora Creek to approximately 80 feet downstream of the divergence from Town Branch Overflow #2, and along Town Branch Overflow #2 from the confluence with Tuscarora Creek to approximately 140 feet downstream of the Town Branch Overflow #1 divergence.
As a result of the revision, the floodway will widen and narrow along Tuscarora Creek, Town Branch, and Town Branch Overflow #2 and narrow along Town Branch Overflow #1, the 1-percent-annualchance water-surface elevations shall increase and decrease along Tuscarora Creek and decrease along Town Branch, Town Branch Overflow #1, and Town Branch Overflow #2, and the 1-percent-annualchance floodplain will widen and narrow within the area of revision along Tuscarora Creek, Town Branch, Town Branch Overflow #1, and Town Branch Overflow #2.
Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the Leesburg Town Hall at 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Interested persons may call Eric Meske, PE, CFM, Town of Leesburg’s Senior Project Manager/Section Chief at (703) 737-7038 for additional information from Monday to Friday.
8/24/23
Park View High School Community Meeting
September 6, 2023
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will be holding a meeting with the Park View High School community on the design of their new school on September 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.
This meeting will be the first of many conversations with the community on the new school and will include information on the design and construction process, as well as the consideration of special programs by the LCPS Department of Teaching and Learning.
During this first meeting, the LCPS Division of Construction design team will be introduced along with the architectural firm, as they begin planning the design of the school with community input.
Future meeting dates will be announced as the architect develops a schedule to allow the Park View High School community to experience the design process in real-time.
Park View High School is located at 400 West Laurel Avenue, in Sterling.
Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in the community meeting should contact the Support Services office at 571-252-1385 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.
Kevin L. Lewis, Chief Operations Officer
Loudoun County Public Schools, Department of Support Services 21000 Education Court
Ashburn, Virginia 20148
Telephone: 571-252-1385
Email: ParkViewReplacement@LCPS.org
8/24 & 8/31/23
The Round Hill Town Council will hold a public hearing on September 6, 2023, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Round Hill Town Office, 23 Main Street, Round Hill, Virginia to receive public comment and consider approval of a telecommunications company’s lease of space on the Town water tower located at 17144 Evening Star Drive, PIN:554266077000; Tax Map No: /34//30////1-A. The lease is authorized by Virginia Code Section 15.2-1800. Copies of the property description are available for inspection and copying in the Town Clerk’s Office and at the Town website: www.roundhillva.org. All interested persons should appear and present their views at the above time and place. If a member of the public cannot attend, comments may be submitted by mail to PO Box 36, Round Hill, VA 20142; by fax to (540) 338-1680; or by email to hwest@roundhillva.org. Comments received by Noon on the day of the hearing will be distributed to Council members and made a part of the public record. Copies of relevant documents may be viewed on the Town website at www.roundhillva.org. Anyone needing assistance or accommodations under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act should call the Town Office at (540) 338-7878. The regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will begin after the public hearing.
Scott T. Ramsey, Mayor 8/24/2023Notice 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.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
LVZA 2023-0003: AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 42-297 Bed And Breakfast Homestays, Bed And Breakfast Inns, Country Inns And Limited Residential Lodging
Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on August 30, 2023 at 6:30pm, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the Town Council is to consider an amendment to Chapter 42, Article I, Section 42-2 to revise the definition of Limited Residential Lodging, and Article VIII, Section 42-297, Bed And Breakfast Homestays, Bed And Breakfast Inns, Country Inns, And Limited Residential Lodging, to remove a requirement that the property owner occupy the limited residential lodging residence in certain circumstances, and in such cases, require the owner or a manager be able to respond to guests and be onsite within specified times.
All people desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.
Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00pm on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. The proposed zoning amendment and meeting links are available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva.gov/government/planning-commission/
You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened at the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.
8/17 & 8/24/23
LVZA 2023-0004: AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE
Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2204 and 15.2-2286 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the LOVETTSVILLE TOWN COUNCIL will hold a public hearing on August 30, 2023 at 6:30pm, or as soon thereafter as it may be heard, in the Town Council Chambers, 6 E. Pennsylvania Avenue, Lovettsville, Virginia at which time the Town Council is to consider an amendment to Chapter 42, Article VIII-2, Section 42-304 to revise section 42-304(d)(1)a, to remove a requirement that solar panels on a roof that faces the street be flush-mounted or integrated into the roof.
All people desiring to speak will be given an opportunity to do so at this meeting. Written copies of statements are requested but not required.
Written comments regarding this item can be submitted to clerk@lovettsvilleva.gov by 3:00pm on the day of the meeting. Members of the public may access and participate in this meeting electronically. The proposed zoning amendment and meeting links are available for review on the Town website at: www.lovettsvilleva.gov/government/planning-commission/
You may also request a copy be sent to you via email by contacting John Merrithew, Planning Director at (540) 822-5788 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm weekdays, holidays excepted. In the event the meeting is postponed, the public hearing will be convened at the next regularly scheduled meeting at the same time and place.
8/17 & 8/24/23
IN RE: ESTATE OF DOROTHY M. COATES
Probate File No. 20390
It appearing that a report of the account of John E. Coates and Christopher S. Woodruff, Executors for the Estate of Dorothy M. Coates, and a report of the debts and demands against the Estate have been filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Loudoun County, and that more than 6 months have elapsed since a qualification of a personal representative before this Court,
It is ORDERED that the creditors of, and all others interested in, the Estate of Dorothy M. Coates, deceased, do show cause, if any they can, on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., before this Court at its courtroom in Leesburg, Virginia, against payment and delivery of said Estate to the Estate's beneficiaries, after payment of remaining administrative expenses;
8/24 & 8/31/23
TOWN OF LEESBURG
NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISISON PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDMENTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION 6.7
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 7, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 to consider Zoning Ordinance Amendment TLZNOA2023-0006.
1. Section 6.7 – a revision to the Zoning Ordinance to permit rezoning of property to the I-1 zoning district.
Copies and additional information regarding this proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by calling 703-771-2765 and asking for Mike Watkins, Zoning Administrator. Mr. Watkins can also be reached by email at mwatkins@leesburgva.gov.
At this hearing all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodation should contact the Clerk of Commission at (703) 771-2434, three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.
8/24/23
Saturday 26 August 37010 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro 10:00 to 3:00
Tools, ladders, furniture, antiques, garden equipment, Billy Goat lawn sweep, Torro Snow blower, Weed Wacker, and more.
August 26, 2023 • 8 - 12
17291 Strathallen Ct Purcellville, VA 20132 No Early Birds Please
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
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.
Will work with the Department Managers to assist them with maintaining the proper margin for their respective departments.
Demonstrate proficiency in use of technology, including email and spreadsheets, and learn to efficiently use the specific technologies related to the position
Assist in the achievement of department goals. Will download specific invoices into the POS system. Must be trained as a cashier to have the working knowledge of the system.
http://www.lovettsville-grocery.com/careers
continued from page 1
and two 1-megawatt solar carports to provide power directly to the airport.
“Not only will this be the largest solar project ever developed at a U.S. airport, as you all have heard,” Dominion CEO Bob Blue said, “It also demonstrates how the public and private sectors can join forces to create innovative new models for clean energy and clean transportation in major metropolitan areas all while boosting area economies.”
Loudoun County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) pointed to increasingly common severe weather events, like the fire on Maui and Hurricane Hilary on the west coast.
“Anyone who doesn’t think climate change is real and is happening has their head in the sand or is just not paying attention, and anyone that doesn’t know that we have to do something today to leave an Earth for our children tomorrow is just not paying attention,” she said.
She said the Dulles Airport solar array shows “everybody now knows that we're not making land use decisions for today— we’re making these decisions for our children, for our children’s children and even for their children.”
“Yes, people will look out of the airplane window when they land and see this amazing project,” Randall said. “But even more than that, people will look and say, ‘if they can do it at Dominion, at MWAA and in Loudoun County, we can do it in Chicago, we can do it in LA, we can do it in Miami.’ “This will be what starts the next generation of change for land that sits at airports.”
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) also said the solar project is a sign of change.
“This is not your father’s or your grandfather’s Dominion, because the truth is— and I say this with all respect to the board members and Dominion leadership—
continued from page 3
That’s why we have to kind of come up with criteria,” he said.
Mitch Diamond, a member of the Loudoun County Preservation and Conservation Coalition’s rural roads committee, was among those who said it was important to realize the impact
since I’ve been in local politics, for many many years, when you look at making a transition to clean energy, Dominion was not at the top of that, and it is now,” Warner said. “And it’s because of this kind of creative partnership.”
Warner said projects like the Dulles Airport solar array would also not have happened without the Inflation Reduction Act, which he said has already driven “trillions of dollars of investment.”
“There’s no single silver bullet solution to the challenge around climate change,” Warner said. “So whether it’s solar, whether it’s wind, whether it’s nukes, advanced batteries, green hydrogen, carbon capture sequestration—we need all of the above.”
He also called for streamlining those green energy projects.
of paving gravel roads goes beyond neighborhoods.
“The current view is, if your driveway comes out on the side of the road, you’re involved. If your driveway isn’t near it, you’re not involved. Several people here have said it goes beyond that,” he said.
“The people who are concerned about the status of Canby Road are not just a few people. It’s a very broad community, and one of the challenges in forming the
“You’re not going to make the transition to a cleaner economy at a cost-effective basis unless we can build things in a predictable and reliable process,” Warner said. “When we take three to five years to go through a regulatory process, virtually everywhere, that adds costs at an unprecedented level.”
“We really appreciate the strong support that we’ve gotten, I dare to say over the years, as we’ve been working through this,” Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority President and CEO Jack Potter said.
Construction on the array is expected to begin late this year and be complete by late 2026, according to Dominion.
The project did not move smoothly through regulatory review in Loudoun—
process is figuring out how to engage the right community in that decision.”
Kershner said he couldn’t predict what the board will do when the issue returns to its agenda next month.
“When I came up to address it initially, my whole concept was to listen. I understand this (system) is broken. I want to hear the community. I wanted to hear everybody out,” he said. “I’m still processing a lot of information here, but
at first, Dominion and the airports authority insisted it wasn’t even subject to local land use oversight. It also raised concern from the county Planning Commission and environmental groups who pointed out it would destroy hundreds of acres of forest and wetlands, and that most of the project’s panels could instead be placed on top of existing Dulles Airport facilities to reduce that impact.
The Board of Supervisors ultimately dismissed those concerns, voting to rezone the property away from a long-outdated residential zoning dating to before Dulles Airport’s construction, into an industrial district, and to change the rules of that industrial district to allow the solar array by-right without further local legislative oversight or review. n
I kind of do feel like we probably need to take a step back and look at this.”
Other projects proposed for addition to the Rural Rustic Road program are: Goshen Road between Braddock Road and Rt. 50, Hogback Mountain Road between Rt. 15 and Mount Gilead Road, a 300-foot extension of pavement on John Wolford Road, and Old Wheatland Road between Virts Lane and Milltown Road. n
continued from page 1
gap on its classroom vacancies.
As of Aug. 16, there were 195 school based licensed vacancies, 175 of which are teachers, according to division spokesperson Dan Adams, who said there were 39 candidates being processed—“meaning they were pending a reference check, job offer or attending a new hire session to be cleared to begin working.”
Adams said, by Aug. 17, the division’s fill rate climbed to over 97% and said, “it compares to or is slightly better than typical fill rates at this time during previous years.”
Adams pointed to continued recruiting efforts, the use of site-assigned substitutes, an increased substitute pool and onboarding student teachers concurrently as substitutes as key factors in closing the hiring gap.
One thing that remains the same is the earlier start time for some of Loudoun’s youngest students. For the second year in a row, 29 elementary schools will start at 7:30 a.m. instead of 7:50 a.m. while 30 other elementary schools will start at 8 a.m. The division made the changes in January 2022 to help with bus transportation amid a continuing shortage of drivers.
Many parents and some teachers have complained about the early time, saying it’s not the right group of students to start school before 8 a.m. They cite brain development and the need for sleep, and expressed worries about young kids getting on buses or walking in the dark. Data from the division’s dashboard website in May showed nine of the 10 schools with
continued from page 3
the past seven years, said she was outraged when she learned of the pay cut and said when she looked into it more it was clear cafeteria monitors were the only position out of 60 on the hourly banded rate scale that was getting a pay cut and moved to a lower band.
Shortly after cafeteria monitors were informed their pay would stay the same for this year, Corbo posted a statement on the cuts and reversal on Facebook, saying school administrators did not tell School Board members about the pay cut before their budget vote.
the highest tardy rates in the division had earlier start times.
Acting Superintendent Daniel Smith said during the Aug. 8 meeting that the division was actively looking at what adjustments could be made for coming years.
Elementary schools in both Fairfax and Prince William counties start between 8:30 a.m. and 9:20 a.m.
The division will welcome its new superintendent Aaron Spence, on Sept. 1. Spence was hired in June by the School Board to fill the vacancy left when it fired former superintendent Scott Ziegler in December 2022. Spence will be the division’s 12th superintendent in its over 150year history.
Spence has served as superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools since 2014, before that he served as superintendent of Moore County Schools in North Carolina for two years. Spence was named the 2018 Virginia Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents.
“Together, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the lives of our young people, empower our teachers, and create a lasting impact on our community,” he said in an Aug. 8 School Board meeting. “I believe in the power of education to transform lives, and I am committed to ensuring that every child in Loudoun County has access to an exemplary education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world.”
Joining Spence from Virginia Beach City Public Schools is Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer Natalie Allen, who will be taking over the newly created role of Chief of Communications and Community Engagement at the division and overseeing
“Thank you to the cafeteria monitors who reached out to [the] board when they were notified of a significant pay cut. I immediately sent an email to the acting superintendent and his staff who confirmed they reduced the pay in the FY24 budget and did not inform the board. After evaluating and reconsidering the impact, I’m grateful to the acting superintendent and his staff who notified the board today that they will reinstate the original pay,” she posted.
Corbo said she plans to seek policy changes so the board “has the opportunity for oversight going forward.”
Tosh said knowing it will be another year before her pay is cut will give her time to consider if she’s willing to do the
the Communications and Community Engagement Office beginning Sept. 18.
Allen’s hiring was announced by Smith at the Aug. 8 meeting.
In an email Adams said, “Spence worked with the School Board to create the position of Chief of Communications and Community Engagement because both parties believe strongly in communicating and engaging effectively with students, families and other stakeholders around the division.”
Adams said the new position will be part of the superintendent’s cabinet and the position is being added to the CCO’s current staff of 13.
The Communication and Community Engagement office is directed by Joan Sahlgren. With the addition of Allen’s position, Sahlgren will now be second in the chain of command.
Spence will hold several community listening sessions, one at each school cluster starting Sept. 20 at Broad Run High School at 5 p.m. for staff and 7 p.m. for the community. For an updated list of the listening sessions, go to lcps.org/suptcls.
The 2023-2024 school year also began without a decision from the School Board on whether it will follow the latest model policies created by the Virginia Department of Education July 18 on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity and Respect for All Students and Parents. Critics said the new policies roll back protections provided to students in the 2021 model polices created under Gov. Ralph Northam which allowed staff to address students by their chosen pronouns and names without parental knowledge or consent and use bathrooms or facilities and participate in sports associated with their gender identity.
Spence said during an Aug. 8 press
same job for less pay.
“It will also give the schools more time to hire a replacement and not be more understaffed than they already are,” she said.
“While I am extremely relieved that our pay will stay at our FY23 rate, for now, it is important to understand how necessary our job as cafeteria monitors is to the care and safety of our youngest students during their lunch period,” Long said. “We are responsible for so much more than just keeping a clean and sanitized environment, such as being first responders to medical emergencies like choking, allergies, falls/broken bones, seizures and diabetic needs, which I have personally been involved with in my time as a monitor.”
conference that he has had conversations with the division staff about the policies and said the division’s intention would be to make sure it is following the law.
So far Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington County Public Schools have decided to use their existing transgender polices, rather than adopt the new model policies.
Spotsylvania County Public Schools was the first division to vote to follow state guidelines followed by Roanoke County Public Schools last week.
This school year begins with GWWO Architects being selected for design work for the Park View High School rebuild. Community planning meetings are in the works to get input on the design of the building as well as specialized programs for the new school.
During the Aug. 15 meeting of the School Board’s Specialized Programs Committee, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Neil Slevin said there are several special programs being looked at for Park View and said its important programs are discussed during the planning phase so they can get input from the community to make sure it’s a program the community wants as well as to make sure there is the proper amount of space built to accommodate it. Those meeting dates are yet to be determined.
The new Park View building is set to reopen in fall 2027.
Also this school year, the School Board will see big changes in its members as all nine seats are up for election. Only two board members, Erika Ogedegbe (Leesburg) and Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn) are seeking re-election. n
Long said cafeteria monitors are part of the first line of defense for school wide emergencies during lunch, including fires, tornadoes and violent intruders.
Cafeteria monitors had been on the band five scale since, 2019 making $17 an hour. That increased in FY22 to $17.60 an hour, and again in FY23 to $18.04.
Each band level describes different skill levels required to be at that band. Band two is described as a routine or entry-level worker or a specialty support worker, according to the division’s website. Band five is described as proficient to mid-level unskilled labor work, proficient to mid-level semi-skilled administrative or clerical work, and routine or entry level semiskilled trade or medical support work. n
Published
During a recent business forum, a county supervisor floated the notion that small nuclear reactors are likely to be the next step in feeding the ever-growing energy needs of Loudoun’s ever-growing inventory of data centers.
Loudoun leaders in recent years have spent time on energy planning, but that effort has focused on reducing the government’s carbon footprint and incorporating the latest eco-friendly technologies into its buildings and vehicle fleets. It may be time to look even deeper.
PO
Use of this technology isn’t being viewed in industry circles in a conceptual way. Rather the questions are focused on how—and how soon—it can be deployed.
NORMAN K. STYER Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com
EDITORIAL
RENSS GREENE Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com
ALEXIS GUSTIN Reporter agustin@loudounnow.com
HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.com
ADVERTISING
SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com
TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com
VICKY MASHAW Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.com
Editor:
This comes to light as Dominion Energy kicks off construction of its massive solar array on the Dulles Airport property. The project is expected to generate enough juice to power more than 18,000 homes.
Also underway are community talks about the latest plans to run high-capacity power lines along Rt. 7, to feed the next frontier of data centers as developers move west to open land in Leesburg, and perhaps beyond.
I object to the wording in your recent article about school athletic fees, which characterizes them as “eliminated.”
These fees, totaling $950,000, were not eliminated at all. The responsibility for this amount was merely transferred to the county taxpayers, many of whom, like myself, have never had the slightest relationship with any county school activity.
I’d also like to point out the similarity to Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan, in which the loans themselves were never forgiven, the responsibility for paying these debts was merely transferred to the U.S. taxpayer. It was the students themselves who were “forgiven.”
— James Sivard, Leesburg
Change is NeededData centers have been the subject of recent articles in Loudoun Now as well as the industry’s data center dynamics.
In the “Leesburg Council Prepares for Data Center Push” article, Vice Mayor Neil Steinburg concludes that “in the end it’s all about the money, and it’s a lot of money.” Data center revenue has been driving data center approvals in Loudoun
For decades, county planners have sought to limit the scale of development to the capacity of infrastructure. Chiefly, that has been water and sewer service availability. To a lesser extent, roads have been a factor. Sometimes, a case is made concerning schools and other government services.
Now it may be time to add electricity into that formula.
If we are reaching a point where there is no more room for new, bigger power lines or electricity substations—as a shift to backyard nuclear plants would suggest—shouldn’t we question how far to allow the building boom to roll on? n
County. After over a decade of this approach, the global data center capital, aka Data Center Alley, is in Ashburn. Recently, neighboring Northern Virginia and Maryland localities are also receiving data center development pressure. While our Maryland neighbors are thinking beyond the money and denying data center applications, NoVA continues to see data centers exclusively as a cash cow, ignoring strong citizen opposition, and approving applications.
Both focusing exclusively on data center dollars and creating a data center fast track development process in Loudoun County are significant factors why Dominion Energy is not able to meet the demand from energy-hog data centers and won’t be able to meet new demand in Loudoun until 2025 or 2026. Expensive, visually, and environmentally impactful high voltage transmission lines are required for Data Center Alley. The financial cost will be borne by Dominion Energy customers. The visual (including property value) and environmental (including human health) impacts will be borne by Loudoun County residents.
Data center industry data center demand impedes meeting Virginia’s legally mandated transition off fossil fuels
to renewable sources of energy per the Virginia Clean Economy Act. Dominion Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan identifies data center energy demand as the reason to reverse its previous IRP to retire uneconomic coal and biomass power plants, and to build new fossil gas power plants, all incompatible with the VCEA. The cost for five possible plans in the current IRP range in cost from $109.7 billion to $140.9 billion. This cost will be passed on to all Dominion customers. Moreover, the fines imposed on Dominion for not meeting the VCEA mandates will be passed on to Dominion customers like you and me.
The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter press release on the Dominion Energy IRP indicts both Dominion Energy’s failure to make sound plans and investments, as well as the data center industry’s purported climate change responsibility commitments.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
continues on page
continued from page 34
Energy shareholders and the private data center industry profits. The need for data centers is undeniable. But data center business as usual has negative financial impacts to Virginians. Change is needed. Stay tuned.
— Natalie Pien, Leesburg MoonEditor:
In response to the article in the Aug. 17 article concerning Loudoun’s energy needs now and in the future, a major reason for the increase in our consumption of electricity is the voracious appetite of data centers for electrons.
For Dominion, small nuclear reactors are the only way to satisfy this gluttony. Gov. Youngkin is a promoter of this “moon shot.” It is 10 years in the future.
May I suggest, to use a metaphor with which the governor is familiar, an uncontested layup is rooftop solar. The technology is here and getting better. The cost is dropping. The roofs of Loudoun and the state far exceed the area of any solar farms which rob us of arable land. And in the 10 years it will take to get the moon shot to launch, rooftop solar will have established itself as a reliable workhorse. All Virginia roofs should have solar panels.
Dominion has stated that its nuclear power plants produce 90% of the carbon free power to the state. That may be so, but this is tacit admission that Dominion has slow walked the renewables, reluctant to sever its embrace of coal.
— FW Lillis, Leesburg
Editor:
With the advent of technology and its ability to break past barriers every day, reaching unprecedented heights, cyberbullying has proven to have an increasingly detrimental effect on not only the youth but all groups of society.
This nuanced form of bullying has damaged the mental health of thousands of individuals and has served as one of the leading causes of childhood depression. In the interconnected panorama of the modern digital world, cybersecurity breaches pose an insidious and pervasive threat, imperiling not only individual privacy but also the infrastructure upon which societies depend. However, while this plague has spread to every computer, striking each of its victims ruthlessly, each member of society can take on a
special responsibility to help cure this epidemic.
In schools, physical bullying often overshadows cyberbullying, forcing the latter to be overlooked by school administrators. As youth spend the majority of their childhood with teachers and school administrators, it is their responsibility to assure they are keeping children safe. Not only should schools include an anti-bullying policy that encompasses all forms of bullying, but counselors specifically should hold frequent meetings with their students to assure they are not being digitally attacked. Additionally, school administrators need to create workshops centered around safe internet usage practices to educate students on proactive measures against cyberbullying. In certain scenarios, these cyberbullies stem from the school itself, providing students with a form of bullying that can be done anonymously and indirectly. This easier, more accessible form of bullying can foster a damaging environment for students, making children fearful of the learning environment they are required to attend. Additionally, implementing a “Digital Footprint” course throughout secondary education is important in teaching every student the dangers of the web. Similar to peer mediation for physical disputes that are implemented in public schools, implemented peer mediation for virtual disputes can be an effective system that works to resolve these potential issues.
While parents and school administrators can play a pivotal role in preventing cyberbullying, it is us—you and me—who can play the most impactful role in ending this technological epidemic. Approaching this predicament on a broader scale is imperative in assuring it is eliminated. Beyond simply advocating for cyberbullying awareness and teaching the youth to be safe, there are a variety of steps we can take to dissolve this everlasting issue. This generation’s computer scientists can begin developing tangible solutions, such as an artificial intelligence model that works to monitor online interactions and detect cyberbullying, similar to how spam filtering is executed.
Lastly, simply spreading compassion in every interaction you pursue, whether it be physically or virtually, is critical to societal success and can create a more welcoming community for everyone. While bullying will prove to be a perpetual problem, we can all play a role in killing this epidemic with kindness.
— Taran Srikonda, Chantilly• 46.7% Bring on the nuclear power plants
• 25.7% It’ll take all of the above
• 16.2% Wind and solar
• 10.5% Use less energy
• 1.0% Other technologies, like tidal power
