Loudoun Now for Sept. 17, 2020 by Loudoun Now

n LEESBURG

Pg. 6 | n PUBLIC SAFETY

VOL. 5, NO. 42

Pg. 10 | n ASSISTED LIVING

Pg. 16 | n OBITUARIES

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

Pg. 27 | n PUBLIC NOTICES

Pg. 28

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Amid Pandemic, Data Centers Going Strong BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

earlier at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday—and delaying the phase two Silver Line opening until at least July 2021. Originally the Silver Line was planned to open in Loudoun in 2018. All told, the proposed cutbacks would mean 1,738 layoffs, primarily from reduced weekday train service, continuing reduced bus service rather than restoring it as planned, and delaying some hiring

During the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, schools and social circles have all gone online, which has meant unprecedented demand at the heart of the internet in Ashburn. Loudoun’s data centers, already a fast-growing market, have seen a surge of demand as society has scrambled to replace in-person activities with virtual alternatives. Long an important part of the county government’s budget, they have also been a bright spot as other sources of local tax revenues have fallen. Assistant Director of Management and Budget Caleb Weitz told county supervisors in July that the tax on computer equipment inside data centers accounts for nearly $395 million in the current fiscal year’s $1.7 billion in local tax revenues, and that revenue could grow by another $200 million next year. Replacing all the revenues from data centers in this year’s budget with real estate taxes would require raising the current $1.035 tax rate by more than 41 cents. All that, because Loudoun is what Sabey Data Centers General Manager Michael Whitlock called the “Super Bowl” of data center markets. “Anybody who’s any type of competitor wants to be in Ashburn,” Whitlock said. The past six months have been busier than ever for Sabey, a company that also

METRO DELAY continues on page 34

DATA CENTERS continues on page 34

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The doors to the Washington Dulles International Airport Metro Silver Line Station remain closed, with additional delays perhaps on the horizon.

Budget Squeeze Makes Another Silver Line Delay Likely BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

The second phase of Metrorail’s Silver Line has never had a formal opening date in Loudoun, but the Metro Board of Directors could give up on the idea of opening it before next July amid a budget crunch. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority had budgeted for the Silver Line’s extension into Ashburn to start rolling in April. But with systemwide

ridership dropping off in the COVID-19 pandemic and federal CARES Act money set to run out in January, the transit authority is looking at a projected $212 million budget gap in the current fiscal year. Some of that Metro management can find, but the Board of Directors will vote on Sept. 16 to send to public hearing a plan to shave $169 million out of the budget. Those reductions include standardizing 12 minutes between trains on weekdays, reducing the number of trains and operators, closing the system two hours

Is your home no longer working for you? I can help!

ECRWSS Postal Customer

Permit #1374 Merrifield VA

PAID

PRESRT STD U.S. Postage

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 2

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Make Room For Fresh Looks from Belfort. Shop Us How You Feel Most Comfortable

Visit our spacious showrooms that allow for plenty of social distancing, set up a virtual appointment and let us be your Personal Shopper or shop us online at BelfortFurniture.com. Our professional design consultants are ready to assist you with product questions or placing an order.

STOP IN. PLENTY OF ROOM FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING ... OVER 150,000 SQ. FT. OF QUALITY NAME BRANDS.

SELECT NAME BRAND UPHOLSTERY

Stop In, See Over 300 Sofas & Sectionals In Our Showroom

SAVE $100 ON SOFAS, $200 ON SECTIONALS 94” CLOUD SLIPCOVER SOFA SPECIAL $1699

Reg. $1799, list $2769. Luxurious down-blend cushions. Also available as a non-slipcover sofa and sectional. H Made in the USA. Cocktail table $449, list $570.

FINAL WEEKEND ENDS SUNDAY!

LABORHDAY SAVINGS IN EVERY SHOWROOM

Save More, Factory Authorized Instant Rebates Save Up To 300 On Select Upholstery*

Save $50 for Every $500*

Kincaid • Hooker • Lexington • More

Save Up to $300 on Huntington House Up to $200 on Kincaid • Bernhardt Rowe • Flexsteel • More

Save Up To $1000 on Select Name Brand Mattress Sets*

*Offers vary by manufacturer; see store for details.

Shop All Showrooms for Blue Tag Savings

tra * Take an Ex % Off Blue Tags 15 * See store for details. Valid on Blue Tag clearance items only.

FLOOR SAMPLES • CLEARANCE • RUGS • SPECIAL BUYS • ONE-OF-A KINDS

New Items Always Arriving! See Over 50 Reclining Sofas on Display

Solid Wood 13 Finishes

SAVE $50 FOR EVERY $500 YOU SPEND Select manufacturers.

INSTANT REBATE $100

NEW 2 WEST SOLID WOOD QUEEN BED $799

88” NOAH POWER-RECLINING SOFA $1999

List $1197; king $999, list $1365. Constructed from solid alder wood H Made in the USA.

DELIVERY YOUR WAY — Enjoy In-Home or Contactless Delivery Hours: Mon - Sat 10 - 8 • Sun 12 - 6 belfortfurniture.com • 703-406-7600 22250 & 22267 Shaw Road • Dulles, VA

List $3699. All leather. Features two power reclining seats with power motion headrests.

SAVE $50 FOR EVERY $500 YOU SPEND

Select manufacturers.

NEW! SYMMETRY DINING TABLE JUST $1099

Solid wood table extends to 100” $1099, list $1800. Lattice back arm chair $275, list $450; side $229, list $375.

For Your Safety and the Safety of Others, Face Masks are Required in Our Showrooms. Learn More: BelfortFurniture.com

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 3

Friends and Family Remember Motorcyclist; Trial Set for Woman who Struck Him BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

The friends and family of Damion Savon Robinson, who was killed in a motorcycle wreck earlier this summer, gathered at the crash site last Thursday to honor his memory before heading to the courthouse to learn what would happen to the driver who struck him. The crash happened June 7, as Rachel Nicole Frye Owens’ Dodge Challenger collided with Robinson along Bles Park Drive as she attempted to turn left onto Rock Creek Terrace. Three months later, Robinson’s friends and family crowded around that very spot to say a prayer, lay flowers on his memorial and reflect on his life. Iesha Allah, Robinson’s mom, said it’s a struggle to live without her son and thanked everyone present for loving him. Robinson’s girlfriend of seven years, Selena Drincic, read from the back of Robinson’s prayer card. “You are not forgotten, loved one, nor will you ever be …” “Damion is one of a kind, special,” Drincic said. “I don’t believe he will ever be forgotten.” From the crash site, some of Robinson’s friends and family traveled to the county courthouse in downtown Leesburg to sit in on Owens’ hearing. At the request of the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office on Thursday, Owens’ case will return to General District Court for a three-hour trial Nov. 4. Drincic is also pushing for legislators to

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Iesha Allah, Nyjalaya Robinson and Selena Drincic—the mother, sister and girlfriend of Damion Savon Robinson—embrace each other at the spot where Damion was killed in a motorcycle crash June 7.

introduce a bill in the 2021 Virginia General Assembly session that would amend the reckless driving law in a way that would require anyone who kills another and is convicted of reckless driving to be found guilty of a Class 6 felony, rather than a Class 1 misdemeanor, regardless of the

status of their driver’s license. The way the law is written now, a person can be convicted of felony reckless driving only if they were “driving without a valid operator’s license due to a suspension or revocation for a moving violation and, as the sole and proximate result of his reck-

less driving, caused the death of another.” A Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia is punishable by up to a year in jail if convicted. A Class 6 felony is punished by one to five years in prison if convicted. Both convictions could also carry with them an up-to $2,500 fine. n

Mayors Ask County to Partner on Affordable Housing BY RENSS GREENE

rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun’s seven mayors came to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday to tell them “we’re here to commit to rolling up our sleeves to be active partners to find solutions” to making more affordable housing available in Loudoun. “We know rural Loudoun cannot be where the countywide problem is solved, however we want to be your partner to identify and fill the unmet housing needs in western Loudoun,” said Hillsboro Mayor Roger Vance.

Loudoun’s seven town mayors are working together in the Coalition of Loudoun Towns, or COLT, which also took an active role amid work on the new county comprehensive plan during the last Board of Supervisors term. Town leaders have watched the county’s planning efforts carefully, worried about the possible impacts on the undeveloped lands surrounding most of them. And they said Tuesday there cannot be a onesize-fits-all solution in the county’s ongoing effort to figure out a way to make housing more affordable in Loudoun. “Leesburg, like all other towns, will

need a customized approach to affordable housing, but we like other towns want to be part of the solution and want to preserve as much of rural Loudoun as possible,” said Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk. “This is not about finding the location for the next 40 or 200 cookie-cutter homes,” said Purcellville Mayor Kwasi Fraser. “It’s about quantifying and qualifying the unique needs of each of our towns to ensure what is built, or rebuilt, is worthy of restoration 50 years from now.” “Loudoun County should partner

with us to help finance and move forward and build homes that are sustainable and affordable, so that the working people of Loudoun County have a place to live,” said Hamilton Mayor David Simpson. “We cannot think that more density pushing west will solve this problem,” said Middleburg Mayor Bridge Littleton. “These last 25 years have proven that. And we cannot solve it at the expense of our rural areas. That is Loudoun’s character.” AFFORDABLE HOUSING continues on page 35

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 4

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Loudoun

With Low Childcare Enrollment, Ashburn, Rust Libraries Reopen BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

With fewer people than expected enrolling in a county-run childcare program, the two public libraries that closed to make room for kids have reopened to the public. The Rust and Ashburn libraries were closed down as the county government sought space for a program to give parents a safe place to leave their kids while parents are at work, since students are not in the school buildings for distance learning. The Distance Learning Child Care Program is open to kids from kindergarten through sixth grade. Although the two libraries only account for a small part of the space set aside for the program—around 90 seats out of about 1,200—the move to close them caused a stir as county supervisors informed the library staff only after the decision had been made over email, and didn’t take a public vote until more than a week after they had decided privately. County and school employees got the first chance at signing up for the program; enrollment for the general public began only a few days before classes began on Tuesday. While the library system is run independently by the Library Board of Trustees, the county government provides the budget and owns the buildings. With fewer than 200 kids enrolled so far as of last Wednesday night, supervisors asked county staff members to work with library staffers to look at reopening the libraries and also to look into cutting the cost of the childcare program. And on Friday, the libraries reopened, with social distancing and safety measures in place. “For the childcare centers, the county already set out their tables and chairs for children, but we can open even without touching those setups,” said library Director Chang Liu. “Just in case the county will eventually have enough registration for children, they can use the library again.” Assistant County Administrator Erin McLellan said around 600 more kids would have to enroll before that happens. So far, the county is using space set aside in 11 elementary schools and two spaces the county has leased. The community centers and recreation centers selected for the program also remain empty. About 25 percent of the kids in the program are associated with employees of the schools or county government, McLellan

reported; 45 percent are paying the normal rate, while 30 percent qualify for free and reduced lunch at school and therefore a 50-percent discount in the childcare program fee. It costs $1,005 a month for the full-day program, which lasts until 6 p.m., and $660 for the school-day program, which lasts until 2:30 p.m. County government and school division employees are offered a 10-percent discount. The enrollment is less than county staff members anticipated; a survey circulated several weeks ago, when the program was still being considered, found around 7,000 people interested in the idea. McLellan said a number of factors could have contributed to the subsequent low enrollment, such as the price, that parents may have found other childcare options by the time the program opened for enrollment, or that parents are waiting to see how distance learning goes before leaving their kids in someone else’s care. The libraries could be released from the program entirely; last Wednesday night, supervisors discussed shrinking the program, and was scheduled to vote on the idea Tuesday, Sept. 19. “Based off of what we’re seeing, based off the space we’re using, based off of the interactions that we’re having with people that would potentially use it, all of those things would kind of direct us to using a lower number than what was approved by the board,” County Administrator Tim Hemstreet told supervisors. Because of the way the program is funded, with a split of user fees and CARES Act money, shrinking the program and shrinking the cost go hand-in-hand. County staff members have already sketched out a plan to shrink the program to 600 seats while simultaneously lowering fees to $690 for the full day program and $345 for the school day. For families that get a discount because they are eligible for free or reduced lunch at the schools, the program would cost $345 a month for the full-day program, and $173 a month for the school-day program—far lower than most day care rates. The county could also offer more schedule flexibility by allowing parents to sign their kids up for two or three days a week rather than five days a week, and pay a proportional fee. “If this issue is an issue of fees, I don’t care if we slash these fees almost to nothing,” said County Chair Phyllis J. Randall

(D-At Large). “… I would put these prices as low as possible, and then do heavy marketing,” “A thousand dollars a month right now—I mean, we are in the middle of a deep recession right now, if it is not already a depression,” agreed Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) Wednesday. “… We need to bring those fees down as low as possible and get as many people in the childcare program as we can.” However, Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) pointed out the county doesn’t have infinite money for the program—with CARES Act funds limited, and county budget growth frozen while county leaders wait to see the pandemic’s impacts on tax revenues, to offset fees with local tax dollars supervisors will have to pull them from somewhere else. “The fees are to offset our costs. If we don’t do that, then we have to cut something in the general fund in order to pay for it,” Letourneau said. “And I’ve heard a lot of people say they want to lower fees … I have not heard a lot of people say what they’re going to put on the chopping block to cut in order to lower the fees.” Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge) said the “overwhelming majority” of feedback from constituents he has received “is that we really screwed the pooch with this idea to close the libraries.” But Supervisor Michael R. Turner (D-Ashburn) defended supervisors’ work so far. “I think we planned it exactly right,” Turner said. “I think from the moment we realized the schools were going to distance learning … we started to plan immediately, and we realized we were going to have a childcare obligation.” “As far as the ‘pooch screwing,’ I actually believe that the mistake—and I will own that—was not the decision but the communication,” Randall said. Some supervisors and, privately, some county staff members have expressed frustration that their attempt to stand up the program to help parents in short order has been met with such resistance and criticism. “I think we did not communicate that well for a myriad of reasons … but we’ve all learned something about the communication, even when we’re moving fast, even when we’re on break, even with all that’s going on.” LIBRARIES continues on page 5

Supervisors Support Civilian Police Oversight Panel in Split Vote BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors has narrowly voted to support state legislation that would allow localities to set up law enforcement civilian review boards that could make binding disciplinary determinations. Two bills in the General Assembly would authorize civilian review boards that could investigate complaints from the public about law enforcement, review incidents and the use of force, review internal investigations, recommend policy, and even make binding disciplinary decisions. One bill authorizes localities to set up those boards and gives them those powers, and one requires them to do so. Sen. Ghazala F. Hashmi (D-10) introduced the bill authorizing and empowering those boards, Senate Bill 3035, and Sens. Jennifer B. Boysko (D-33) and Barbara A. Favola (D-31) have signed on as co-patrons. House Bill 5055, which has four patrons and 26 co-patrons including Dels. Ibraheem S. Samirah (D-86), Kathleen Murphy (D-34), and Wendy W. Gooditis (D-10), would mandate the panels. Both bills have been passed in their own chambers and passed to the other, and the two chambers are still hashing out the difference between them to arrive at a final bill. And legislative liaison Gwen Kennedy told supervisors during a special meeting Sept. 9 that passage of some sort of bill seems almost certain. “We think that the mandatory provisions of the bill are not likely to stay,” Kennedy said. She noted that is consistent with the county board’s longtime stance against unfunded mandates from the state, as well as with findings that those boards are most effective when driven by their local community. In emailed, unofficial votes before the public meeting, supervisors had supported the concept of civilian review boards 5-4, with Supervisors Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), Caleb A. Kershner (R-Catoctin), Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) and Kristen C. Umstattd (D-Leesburg) opposed. Civilian oversight of law enforcement has been a hot topic nationally in a year marked by police violence and protests sparked against it. They have been held up by proponents as a way to increase transparency in law enforcement organizations, POLICE OVERSIGHT continues on page 5

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Police oversight continued from page 4 which have broad authority to shield information from public disclosure and afford their officers protection from civil liability. The heads of the county’s two largest law enforcement organizations, Sheriff Michael Chapman and Leesburg Police Chief Greg Brown, have both opposed the civilian oversight boards when asked to set them up by the local NAACP. Meanwhile in Purcellville, the Town Council is working to set up a civilian board with apparently a strictly advisory role. Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) said he was part of setting up a civilian oversight board for the Metro Transit Police Department, as part of his work on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Agency Board of Directors. Most police, he said, have welcomed the boards, and in most cases they have found that police did the right thing. “We just need to be very careful in how these are put together, and the way that this General Assembly session is going, at the speed at which it’s going, I don’t have a great deal of confidence that all of these considerations are being made,” Letourneau said. In particular, he said, the civilian board should not be able to make binding decisions. Umstattd said, “I don’t think our officers have shown a need for it.” “It seems that his bill is morphing even as we speak,” Umstattd said. “I’m no longer sure what is mandatory and what is not, but I do not like the fact that it would be another unfunded mandate at a time when

Libraries continued from page 4 While the discussion Wednesday was held at a special meeting announced six days in advance, Randall has declined to call any board meetings in August, the month supervisors have traditionally taken their recess. For K-6 Distance learning Child Care

I believe the state continues to cut the 599 [state police aid to localities] funds to law enforcement, and they’re not offering to pay for any of this.” Meanwhile, Supervisor Tony R. Buffington (R-Blue Ridge), a law enforcement officer with the United States Capitol Police, said he worried the board would be “filled with people who are anti-police,” and defended law enforcement agencies’ ability to investigate themselves impartially. But the slim majority of supervisors supported the bills. County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said the board could, in fact, support law enforcement. “We’ve gotten to this notion that it has to be negative or it has to be punitive,” Randall said. “I see it as just the opposite. I think it should be supportive.” Supervisors also voted along party lines to support a bill requiring law enforcement to release publicly video footage within 15 days of any incident in which an officer used a gun, stun gun, or chemical irritant such as pepper spray. Supervisors also affirmed unofficial emailed votes that oppose automatic expungement of some criminal convictions after eight years with no new arrests or convictions, which only Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) supported; opposed requiring a court to grant a motion to dismiss made by the state, again supported by Briskman; unanimously supported an annual report on Crisis Intervention Teams across the state; and supported a bill requiring law enforcement officers to render aid to people suffering serious injuries and to report wrongdoing by other officers, which only Kershner opposed. n Program details and registration, go to loudoun.gov/DLchildcare. The county also offers after school programs such as County After School Activities or CASA and Youth After School or YAS. Learn more about those at loudoun.gov/1199/After-School-Programs. For more information about library reopening and COVID-19 safety precautions, go to library.loudoun.gov/reopening. n

“Dentistry with a Gentle Touch.”

Atiyeh Emam, DDS, PLLC Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

44135 Woodridge Parkway, Suite 280 • Lansdowne,VA 20176-1244

703.858.9200

www.lansdownedental.com

PAGE 5

OUR PATENTED PRODUCT MDF 500 IS PROVEN TO

KILL CORONAVIRUS

GOT MOLD?

We do it all from start to ﬁnish! • Covid 19 Sanitization • Repair Moisture Source Basement / Crawlspace Sealing / Encapsulation • Treat to Kill All Mold / HEPA Vacuum • Remove Damaged Debris Off-Site • Reinstall Drywall / Baseboard Call Today to Schedule a FREE NO OBLIGATION In-Home Evaluation and Estimate

Our Patented Product MDF-500® Safely and Effectively Removes 100% of Mold / Spores / Allergens / Improves Air Quality - Removes all Bacteria / Viruses / Odors

Green Solutions • www.greensolpro.com • 703-858-2000

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 6

Leesburg

Council Action Could Bring Gas Pumps to Walmart

Leesburg’s Annual Dog Swim: Wet and Wild BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Area dogs may not have completely adhered to social distancing guidelines at Saturday’s annual dog swim at A.V. Symington Aquatic Center in Leesburg, but they sure had fun. Canines of all shapes, sizes and swimming abilities participated in two sessions of the Saturday morning dog swim, done in stages this year to reduce the number of humans spaced around the outdoor pool during the event. The damp and cold weather did little to deter humans and canines alike from participating in the 11th annual event, one of the few town events to not be COVID-cancelled this year.

KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

Kara C. Rodriguez/Loudoun Now

The mythical mer-dog was spotted in the water at the A.V. Symington Aquatic Center pool at Leesburg’s Ida Lee Park for the annual dog swim.

Council Approves Second Round of CARES Act Funding BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

As the days march on towards Dec. 30, when all funding associated with the CARES Act federal stimulus legislation must be spent, at least under current guidelines, the Town of Leesburg is hoping to leave no cent unspent. Last week, the Town Council approved a spending plan for its second round of distributions, as well as supplemental budget appropriations to account for the federal funding. The town is set to receive just under $10 million total, through two distributions of $4.7 million from Loudoun County, based on its population-based funding formula for the county’s towns. The Town Council has made it a priority to give the lion’s share of that funding to town-based businesses and nonprofits, and has just opened up a second round of applications for businesses seeking grants. Council members are hoping that the second round of funding will have more takers than the first, and have expanded funding tiers to allow smaller and larger town businesses to be eligible. In the first round, the town was only able to distribute around $1.58 million in business grants out of the $3 million in total funds set aside for that purpose. The current application for business funding is open through Sept. 23, and Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel said the town will provide grants for eligible businesses with both the remaining $1.42 million balance from the first round of funding, and the additional just under $3 million set aside by the council in its recently adopted spend-

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ing plan. As of Thursday morning, more than 30 businesses had already applied for a grant with the application only open since Tuesday, which Markel said was an encouraging sign. In the first round of funding, only 176 businesses received funding assistance. The town also still has about $197,000 remaining in funding for nonprofits that address the medical and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In its first round of funding, 26 nonprofits received grants in varying amounts, up to a maximum of $50,000. Markel said town staff is working with those same 26 nonprofits to divvy up the remaining $197,000 among them. A new application for the additional $1 million in nonprofit funding is expected to open by the latter part of next week, Markel said, and will remain open for a couple of weeks. He said he expects many of the same 26 nonprofits will apply again. In total, the town government has set aside just under $1.6 million for its own expenses related to the pandemic. Thus far, these funds have been spent on items like personal protective equipment, street closing and staffing related to the weekend outdoor dining promotion, and personnel costs. Markel noted during the Sept. 8 council meeting that the town has used the CARES funds set aside for the town government to reimburse itself for staffing costs due to leave related to COVID-19, either with employees being sick themselves or caring for a loved one who is. Also last week, staff members said they were still gathering information about the possibility that CARES funding could be used to reimburse the town for staffing costs in the police department, both with

patrol officers and dispatchers. Markel suggested that, after all funding is awarded for business and nonprofit grants, the council could scrutinize the remaining funds to determine if it would like some of that to go toward covering police staffing costs. As town revenues are expected to be significantly lower in the current fiscal year, because of decreases in consumer taxes, programming changes and facility closures, not to mention downtown parking fees being waived from mid-March through the end of the year, Markel said any CARES reimbursement for police department staffing costs could help to make up for some of that revenue shortfall. Although that course of action has not been finalized, that idea did not fly with at least one council member, with Councilman Tom Dunn calling the proposal “a money grab.” “Our government losses can be picked back up by having a vibrant economy. For the government to look for an opportunity to supplement shortfalls ... government shortfalls don’t come anywhere close to the businesses that have suffered, employees that have suffered,” Dunn said. Dunn made a motion to give $1,000 to all town businesses, with no stipulations on annual gross revenue or any losses demonstrated during the pandemic, but did not receive a second. The motion to approve the second round CARES spending plan passed by a 4-2 vote, with Dunn and Councilman Neil Steinberg abstaining. Both Dunn and Steinberg indicated they may apply for business grant funding from the town for their own small businesses. n

The Leesburg Town Council is hopeful that gas pumps may be the carrot needed to attract Walmart to come into town limits. By a 5-1 vote Sept. 8, the council initiated a Zoning Ordinance text amendment that, if approved, would allow gas pumps as a by-right accessory use for commercial businesses in the Compass Creek development. The change would only apply to businesses in the PD-CCSC district, which only includes Compass Creek. The area in question falls within the Joint Land Management Area and is one in which the town has set its sights for a boundary line adjustment process with the county. Several properties within the development have already come into the town through an approved BLA, but Walmart has not yet given its consent to be brought into Leesburg. Town staff members who recommended consideration of the amendment said timing was a big factor. As it still sits within the county limits, Walmart has already spoken to county staff about pursuing a special exception application for the gas pumps. “If they go to Loudoun County and go through that process, they have a known record with Loudoun County. Our focus right now in talking with Walmart is if we go ahead and do this now they can go through our process and get into the town much quicker. From our standpoint it’s a timing issue,” said Economic Development Director Russell Seymour. n

Norman K. Styer/Louduon Now

The Super Walmart at Compass Creek may soon be expanding to offer gasoline sales.

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Protestors Leave Graffiti Outside AG’s Leesburg Home

AL! I C E P S FALL ur home

off yo ring 10% and October. e ﬀ o e r We a ember for Sept today! projects u Sched le R DAY FO NDY TO A T E C T A TIMA CONT REE ES YOUR F

BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The Leesburg Police Department is investigating an incident of destruction of town property that occurred Friday evening near Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring’s Leesburg home. Just before 7 p.m. Sept. 11, Leesburg Police dispatchers received a report of 20 to 25 people wearing black masks on the sidewalk in the historic district. The caller said one member of the group was painting on the sidewalk, which is town-owned property. Officers arrived to find a protest, with at least one of the protesters using a megaphone. “LIBEREN A TODXS” and “FREE THEM ALL!” were painted on the public sidewalk in large blue letters. A member of the crowd who was identified as the organizer advised that they were protesting for the release of all inmates incarcerated in an immigration detention facility in Farmville. Officers requested that the group reduce their noise and clean up the paint on the sidewalk. The group claimed that the paint was washable and easily removable; however, Loudoun County Fire Rescue was unable to wash it off and the paint had to be removed by the town’s Public Works Department. The protest followed a report by the Washington Post detailing a summertime transfer of detainees to the Virginia facility via charter flight, which resulted in a coronavirus outbreak that sickened hundreds of detainees, one of whom died. In the report, an unidentified Homeland Security official has claimed that the charter flight was conducted to transport tactical teams to protests in Washington, DC, using the detainee transport as a cover for the real reason for the trip. Although the detention center is a federal property operated by the U.S. Im-

Contributed

Members of the Town of Leesburg’s Public Works Department work to clean up graffiti left by protesters outside Attorney General Mark Herring’s home Friday.

migration and Customs Enforcement, several organizations have spent much of the summer calling on Herring and Gov. Ralph Northam to conduct thorough health inspections of the Farmville facility and consider releasing detainees because of reports of widespread COVID-19 outbreaks at the detention center. While not addressing Friday’s incident directly, Herring said via his press secretary that he shares the concerns that many have expressed about problems at the Farmville facility, “and will continue to urge the Trump Administration to take the COVID crisis more seriously and meet its obligations to ensure the health and safety of persons in its custody.” The incident remains under investigation by the police department’s Criminal Investigation Section. Anyone who witnessed the incident and who has not already spoken to law enforcement is asked to contact Detective J. Mocello at 703-7714500 orjmocello@leesburgva.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS. Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP. n

Alley Improvements Underway Improvements to the South King Street alleyway between China King and Merrill Lynch began this week. The work involves installing a new concrete slab, drainage, and gate. The alley will be closed during the entire project. The work is scheduled to continue through mid-October. Construc-

PAGE 7

Kara C. Rodriguez/Loudoun Now

tion hours are from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Updates will be posted to the town’s website and social media accounts on a regular basis. Anyone with questions is asked to call 703-737-7055. For more details regarding the project, go to leesburgva.gov/marketand-king.

A&E Tile and Marble, LLC is a full-service custom tile and marble installation company serving the Northern Virginia area. We are an awardwinning, leading provider of kitchen and bathroom remodeling services with over 30 years of experience. With every project, our goal is to make your renovation a pleasant one. Call Andy today for your free estimate. Tile Remodeling Experts Kitchens • Backsplashes Bathrooms • Foyers and more!

(571) 283-9191 | WWW.AETILEVA.COM Licensed and Insured

FIND US ON

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 8

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Education

Simpson Middle Unveils Solar Array BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

J. Lupton Simpson Middle School officially unveiled its new solar array last Thursday, making it the first school in the division to get most of its energy from the sun. With new energy-efficient features installed in the school—including high-efficiency transformers, LED lighting, automatic dimmers, and additional sealing where heat would previously leak out of the building—Simpson now generates about three-quarters of the energy it uses from the new solar array on the roof. It’s a high-tech leap forward for one of the older schools in the system. But it also depends on the faculty, staff and students inside. “This was already a fairly high-performing school as far as energy conservation,” said Loudoun County Public Schools Director of Facility Services Don Treanor. “They’ve won [federal energy efficiency rating] ENERGY STAR multiple years in a row even though it’s an older building. Their staff does a great job of energy conservation right now.” “People use energy, not buildings,” said Energy Education Specialist Michael Barancewicz. Treanor said that, plus the opportunity of a recently replaced roof, made it a good school for the pilot program. He said the building will now save more than $100,000 a year in utility costs, meaning the project will pay for itself in 17 or

Contributed

J. Lupton Simpson Middle School unveiled a new solar array on its roof last week. It is the first school in Loudoun's public school system to get most of its energy from the sun.

18 years. “The School Board is part of this, and we’ve been able to show them that just over the last couple of years, solar arrays have actually, from our perspective, they’ve gotten to the point that they pay for themselves,” Treanor said. The solar array also provides a new educational tool at the middle school—both for learning about energy and the environ-

ment, said Principal Lenny Compton, and for picking up good habits. “If a student spends a year in this class, every day sees a teacher taking this action, it’s going to have more impact than somebody saying, ‘you better turn off those lights,’” Treanor said. “So, through our example, we have the opportunity to educate the next generation.” The project is the first in a five-year con-

Loudoun School Board Nixes Columbus Day BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Following a national trend, the School Board last week approved a proposal to cease the celebration of Christopher Columbus’ map-expanding voyages of discovery and instead focus on the accomplishments of the original inhabitants of the what Europeans viewed as the New World. Under the proposal introduced by Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn), schools will celebrate the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.

According to the resolution, Columbus’ discovery of the Americas—land previously unknown to Europeans until their search for an alternate trade route to Asia—opened the door to the destruction of the Indigenous peoples’ communities. Indigenous Peoples’ Day will highlight the progress society has accomplished through the contributions of the native Americans. The change would be intended to provide a day for Loudoun as a community to demonstrate it values diversity, equity, inclusion, and history. “[O]ur students and community de-

serve a more honest observance on this day, accompanied by teaching that reframes European ‘explorers,’” the resolution states. During the Sept. 8 debate, John Beatty (Catoctin) sought to introduce alternate resolution that highlighted aspects and accomplishments of the native inhabitants, rather than the destruction caused by Columbus’ role in the European reach across the Atlantic. Only Jeff Morse (Dulles) supported that approach. “If we are going to change something, we need to change it with the truth and not make it look pretty,” Beth Barts

tract with CMTA Energy Solutions. The company has already conducted a review of all of the other school buildings in the division, and will be bringing forward recommendations on which schools to tackle next. Some of those are already taken care of; the school division is building new schools with enough roof space with solar arrays from day one. n (Leesburg) said. Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) said Columbus should be remembered for his “blood-thirsty search for gold and riches.” The resolution was adopted on an 8-1 vote with Beatty opposed. As part of the commemoration, the public schools “will actively engage in the collective responsibility to teach and affirm Indigenous Peoples’ culture and community.” The resolution calls on community members, businesses, public and private organizations to also recognize and promote the wellbeing and understanding of the contributions of Indigenous communities. n

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 9

SCHOOL Notebook School Spaces to Open for Unconnected Students Students without adequate internet access won’t be relegated to parking lots after all. Loudoun County Public Schools this week opened three special on-campus “internet cafés.” After the months-long effort to get Chromebooks into the hands of every student and to distribute more than 1,500 cellular hotspots to the homes of students and teachers who lacked the infrastructure to participate in this fall’s distance learning classes, administrators knew there remained some who just wouldn’t be able to make the connection from their homes. To meet those needs, the school’s tech team first proposed having the students set up in the parking lots of schools and libraries where the wi-fi networks have been amplified to provide connectivity outside. However, in recent weeks they’ve worked with families and school

principals to identify those who lack athome options—places where the service is so bad even hotspots can’t get a signal. As they were able to narrow the list to about 300 students, they also devised a plan to let them set up in safe spaces inside schools in their area. With the problems mainly in western Loudoun, the in-school spaces are at Culbert and Round Hill elementary schools and Woodgrove High School. Students up to sixth grade are required to have a parent or guardian present with them. Citing the connection problems students are having in rural areas, three county supervisors on Tuesday urged the county board to push forward efforts to expedite broadband build-out. The proposals include fast-tracking approvals for new monopoles, contracting with internet service providers make better use of the existing fiber network capacity to connect more homes and businesses, to extend broadband service to

more county-owned properties in western Loudoun, and to better identify unserved areas and make connection there.

School Leaders to Crack Down on Online Learning Misbehavior Look for teachers to be quicker on the block button, following a number of disturbing intrusions into online learning sessions during the first week of classes. School division administrators on Friday acknowledged several incidents in which students logged into other classes and used racial slurs or displayed sexual or racist images during online classes. “LCPS’ highest priority is the physical and mental well-being of our students and staff members, and we take these matters seriously,” Superintendent Eric Williams writing in a statement. “We reject and condemn the use of racial slurs and hate speech and we will not tolerate the display of inappropriate images; this behavior does not reflect our core be-

liefs.” Violators are subject to school discipline through the Student Code of Conduct rules. Also, administrators will work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to determine whether the behavior is criminal, such as computer intrusion, hate crimes, fraud, transmitting threatening communications, disrupting a public meeting, and any other use of an electronic device to commit a crime. “We appreciate that these issues may cause concern for parents. We share those concerns, and school administrators are investigating incidents and taking additional steps to help eliminate these types of events from our learning environment. Actions include providing additional guidance and reminders to teachers about how to manage their environment, our expectations for effectively controlling classes, and sharing expectations for behavior with students,” Williams wrote.

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS | KITCHEN CABINETS GRANITE - MARBLE - SILESTONE - CAMBRIA - ZODIAQ - CEASARSTONE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION

FREE ESTIMATE

703.956.9470

ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR ALL YOUR REMODELING NEEDS

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 10

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Public Safety Adoptive Parent Opposes Plea Deal in Birth Mother’s Murder BY RENSS GREENE AND PATRICK SZABO rgreene@loudounnow.com pszabo@loudounnow.com

Three years ago, a Chantilly man was charged with the murder of his 36-year-old wife. Now, prosecutors are proposing a plea agreement that would send the 50-year-

old man to prison for 42 years without the possibility of appeal. However, the adoptive mother of the three children orphaned by that crime opposes it. In October 2017, Frank Price was charged with first-degree murder for the death of his wife, Winsome Ann Marie Price, who was the mother of two daughters and a young son. Three years of pre-trial motions and continuances have led to a

Demanding Jobs Demand Kubota!

scheduled seven-day jury trial to begin in Circuit Court on Oct. 13. With a charge of first-degree murder, Price faces the possibility of life in prison, although Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj said the state’s sentencing guidelines suggest a prison term of 18-31 years in his case. Instead, she said, the deal would avoid the trauma and uncertainty of a trial, preclude any chance of appeal, and sentence Price to a life sentence with all but 42 years suspended—seeing him released, if he lives that long and is unable to win geriatric parole, at 92 years old. Biberaj said winning geriatric parole is uncommon in Virginia, and given the violent details of the case, “the chances in my opinion are none that he will ever get parole.” But the woman who adopted the Price family’s three children, Eva Maria Barner, is soliciting community support in asking the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to withdraw the plea deal and take the case to trial next month. “We don’t ask for this from a place of anger or hatred for Frank Price. But we

Man Pleads Guilty to Reduced Charge in Stabbing BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

L3901HST

RTV-X1100CWL-H

• 37.5 Gross HP,† 3-Cylinder, Liquid-Cooled Kubota Diesel Engine • 4WD • Hydrostatic Transmission (HST)

• 24.8 Gross HP,† 3-Cylinder Kubota Diesel Engine • Premium Grand Cab with Factory Air Conditioner, Heater and Defroster

Z725KH-3-60

Z421KwT-3-60

• 25 Gross HP,† V-Twin Gasoline Engine • 60” Commercial Mower Deck • Dual Parker Torqpact™ Transmission

• 24 Gross HP,† 2-Cylinder Gasoline Engine • Steel Welded 60” Mower Deck • Adjustable Dampening

0 DOWn, 0% A.P.R. FINANCING FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS ON SELECT NEW KUBOTAS!*

BROWNING EQUIPMENT, INC. 800 EAST MAIN ST. • PURCELLVILLE, VA

(540)338-7123 • www.browningequipment.com *0% Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota BX, B, L, MX, M60 and M4 (Except M5, M5N, M5L, M6, M6S, M6H and M6L) equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example:60 monthly payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. Contract term begins from the date of first payment which is due 90 days from the contract date. Example: Purchase made on 9/1/20, first monthly payment is due 12/1/20. Some exceptions apply. Terms subject to change. Offers expire 10/31/20. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For more information, see Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com. **0% Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of select new Kubota RTV Series [Except RTV-XG850] equipment from participating dealers’ in stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example: 48 monthly payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. Offer expires 10/31/20. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For more information, see Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com. *** © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020. $0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of select new Kubota Z100, Z200 & Z400 Series, ZG Series, WG (Except 21”) SZ Series and F Series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example: 48 monthly payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. Offer expires 10/31/20. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For moreinformation, see Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com. † For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. K1048-01-144571-5

do want #Justice4Winsome,” Barner wrote in a Sept. 14 Facebook post. “[T]o us, that means her killer should experience incarceration for the rest of his life; no ‘ifs, ands, or buts.’” “[Frank] deprived [Winsome] of her life and of her dreams for a better life,” Barner wrote. “Her killing was a brutal, senseless and inexcusable as any that has made national news. … We do not want a plea bargain.” “It takes away all of the anxiety that a family would have regarding appeals, it takes away any of the lack of finality in the case, it allows the family and those affected to be able to come in for sentencing purposes to speak so they are able to use their voices,” Biberaj said in an interview. And, she said, as for the young children, “if they mature in the future and they feel some angst or guilt about the fact that they may have said or done something about their father’s sentence, it puts that all on us.” A judge’s decision on whether to grant the deal is expected before the scheduled trial date in October. n

The Ashburn man who stabbed three people earlier this year pleaded guilty last Thursday to a single charge of unlawful wounding. Erick A. Joya-Morales, 18, stabbed three men during a May 8 altercation near Blossom Hill Terrace in The Grove at Flynn’s Crossing neighborhood. Two of the three male victims who were stabbed were treated and released from the hospital within a day; the other man remained in the hospital longer. Joya-Morales was charged with three counts of aggravated malicious wounding. Last month, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office agreed to not prosecute two of those charges and to reduce the final one to unlawful wounding. Defense attorney Tony Paracha said Joya-Morales was viewed as the aggressor against one of the victims, but acted in self-defense against the other two. Last Thursday, Joya-Morales pleaded guilty to the reduced charge. He will return to Circuit Court for sentencing Nov. 19. Aggravated malicious wounding, a Class 2 felony, carries a punishment of 20 years to life in prison. Unlawful wounding, a Class 6 felony, carries a punishment of

one to five years in prison. Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj said she would like to see Joya-Morales sentenced to juvenile detention in the Department of Juvenile Justice, which she said would allow Joya-Morales to receive “consequences and services,” rather than just prison time. “Mr. Joya-Morales is a very young 18-year-old,” Biberaj told Circuit Court Judge Jeanette Irby. If sent to juvenile detention, Joya-Morales would be released on or before his 21st birthday and then placed on adult probation. After the court hearing, Biberaj said the circumstances of the case did not meet the tests for the aggravated malicious wounding charges issued by a magistrate. For the two counts that were not prosecuted, she said the injuries sustained by the victims were not “severe and permanent and significant,” as required by the statue. Also, she said two victims did not wish to pursue prosecution. The injury of the third victim, she said, was inadvertent, and lacked the required “intent to maim, disfigure, disable or kill.” There was some indication that the actions of Joya-Morales may have been taken in defense, she said. Joya-Morales has been held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center since May. n

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

MORE TO LOVE at Waterford Manor Discover Our New Multi-Generational Model in Leesburg

A higher luxury awaits amidst the rolling hills of Virginia’s premier wine country. Our new Weymouth model offers the perfect blend of privacy and space to come together as a family. Every detail of the design is both functional and elegant — most notably the multi-generational suite featuring a private bed, bath, kitchen and living area. It’s an ideal option for aging parents, grown children or other long-term guests. See it all for yourself with a self-guided tour of the new Weymouth model. Private on-site and virtual appointments are also available.

Waterford Manor Single-Family Homes from the low $700’s 14255 Amy’s Meadow Court, Leesburg, VA 20176 | 703.386.7468 • 4 to 7 Bedrooms and up to 7,000+ sq. ft. • Modern Farmhouse Architecture and Open Floorplans Ready for Personalization • Main-Level Owner’s Suites Available • 3+ Acre Wooded Homesites and Scenic Views in the Loudoun Countryside • Minutes to Shopping and Dining in Downtown Waterford and Leesburg with Easy Access to Dulles Greenway and Route 15 • Multi-Generational Floorplans Available in Our Newest Section, The Crest

Explore multi-generational living at Waterford Manor today

BrookfieldResidential.com/LN Prices, financing, availability, terms and incentives are subject to change without notice. Please see a Brookfield Residential Sales Manager for details.

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Nonprofit

Contributed

Garden Club Arranges Some Colorful Community Cheer Four members of the Leesburg Garden Club recently got together with Club President Suzi Worsham to arrange 30 vases full of colorful flowers to present to community supporters in Leesburg. They dropped off the flowers to all the police stations and fire stations, post offices, senior communities, Inova Loudoun Hospital and the Children’s Emergency Room, Town Hall, urgent care facilities and the two newspapers in town. The arrangers were Ingeborg Bock, Tracy Coffing, Sherri Anderson and Linda MacLean with flower offerings from Suzi Worsham, Kate Williams and Sherri Dennis.

Shocktober 2020: A Virtual Scare For the first time in its 10-year history, Shocktober, The Arc of Loudoun’s largest fundraising event of the year, will be made available virtually to haunt fans near and far, organizers announced this week. “The Arc of Loudoun’s vision is to provide a lifetime of opportunities for people with disabilities, and we rely on the income that Shocktober generates each year to bring that vision to life—so the thought of having to cancel was truly scary,” said The Arc of Loudoun CEO Lisa Kimball. “With these virtual options, our community, as well as Shock Fans around the world, will still experience the thrill of Shocktober while supporting our life-transforming work.” Shocktober virtual experiences include live-streaming celebrity events, online Shocktober Haunt Classes, and a “Why We Shock” fundraising campaign. Also, a Shocktober F.E.A.R. Card (Food. Entertainment. Activities. Relaxation.) will be offered for $20 online and includes free items and discounts from Loudoun County restaurants, wineries, breweries, places to stay, and special experiences. Since its inception in 2010, Shocktober, a PG-13 tour through a four-story,

150-year-old mansion and its basement, has generated over $3.5 million in revenue for The Arc of Loudoun, and gained international notoriety including being named #5 scariest haunted attraction in the country by Travel and Leisure; Ordinary Awards’ Travel Attraction of the Year by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, & Travel Association; top Haunted House in Virginia by Cosmopolitan and Parade; and Loudoun’s Favorite Event by Loudoun Now readers. Additionally, the event typically draws tens of thousands of haunt enthusiasts to Leesburg and has provided volunteer opportunities for hundreds of Loudoun residents. Go to Shocktober.org to purchase tickets, Shocktober merchandise, and to learn more information. Founded in 1967, The Arc of Loudoun advocates, educates, serves, and supports people with disabilities and their families through its five primary programs—Ability Fitness Center, A Life Like Yours (ALLY) Advocacy Center, Aurora Behavior Clinic, The Aurora School, and Open Door Learning Center preschool. Learn more at thearcofloudoun.org. n

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 13

National Symphony Orchestra Honors Healthcare Workers BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

A few of Loudoun’s doctors and nurses enjoyed a bit of Beethoven, a virtual visit from a few professional football players and a free lunch this week. A quartet of musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra played a 40-minute performance for healthcare workers at Inova Loudoun Hospital in Lansdowne Tuesday morning, which was followed by a Zoom call from two current and one former Washington Football Team player expressing their gratitude for those healthcare workers’ efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Violinists Angelia Cho and Andrew Eng, violist Dan Foster and cellist Loewi Lin set up in the hospital’s north tower entrance to play Joseph Haydn’s String Quartet Op. 20 No. 2 and Ludwig van Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 18 No. 1 for Loudoun’s healthcare workers, who frequently paused in the atrium to listen to the movements for a few minutes amid their daily jobs. The performance was part of the symphony’s In Your Neighborhood program— an annual residency that typically offers free performances, educational activities

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

Inova Loudoun Hospital healthcare workers stopped amid their busy days for a few minutes at a time to listen in on a National Symphony Orchestra quartet performance Tuesday morning.

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

A National Symphony Orchestra quartet performed for frontline healthcare workers at Inova Loudoun Hospital in Lansdowne Tuesday morning.

and artistic collaborations in specific DC neighborhoods for one week at a time, but is now being spread out among three months and focusing on honoring frontline healthcare workers. From now through the end of November, the symphony will continue taking its In Your Neighborhood program per-

formances to DC-area hospitals, assisted living centers and other medical care hubs. It’s a small way to say thank you to them for the very challenging, and continued, work they are doing,” said Kennedy Center Press Representative Brittany Laeger. Since its inception in 2012, the In Your Neighborhood program has grown from

providing 30 activities in a one-week span to more than 50 activities throughout the entire year. It now reaches more than 11,000 people each year. Also working to show support for Loudoun’s healthcare workers this week were Washington Football Team defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis, running back Peyton Barber and former tight end Robert Royal. The athletes over a Zoom call on Tuesday shared their appreciation for Inova Loudoun Hospital healthcare workers and ordered them lunch from Paisano’s Pizza. n

Ready for a Cozy Winter? With special prices and ﬁnancing, now’s the time to upgrade your ﬂoors

• Ashburn (703) 724-4300 • Purcellville (540) 338-4300 www.LoudounValleyFloors.com

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 14

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Business

1001000110111101101110001 000000100001101101111011 10101011011100111010001111 00100100000010001100111 0010011101010110100101110 1000010000001000011011 0111101101101011100000110 0001011011100111100101001 10001101111011101010110010 001101111011011100010000 0010000110110111101110101 0110111001110100011110010 01000000100011001110010 0111010101101001011101000

LoCo Fruit

BE FRUITFUL @ HOME Secure Home: • Computer • Network • Internet

NAVIGATING THE NEW NORMAL, TOGETHER. Schedule a free consult: www.locofruit.com (571) 401-8499

Contributed

Schmidt’s Barbecue will son replace 14 Loudoun in downtown Leesburg with a menu catering to barbecue enthusiasts.

Schmidt’s Barbecue Coming to 14 Loudoun BY KARA C. RODRIGUEZ

krodriguez@loudounnow.com

The look of 14 Loudoun will soon be changing a bit. But this time not with a holiday, but a tangy, twist. Nils and Olivia Schnibbe, the owners of 14 Loudoun and SideBar in Leesburg, along with More Better in Round Hill, have announced the opening of Schmidt’s Barbecue at their 14 Loudoun St. property. The Schmidt’s menu will cater to barbecue enthusiasts from all regions of the states. Olivia Schnibbe points to the transplant nature of the Northern Virginia region, and says Schmidt’s menu will have tastes reminiscent of the U.S.’ best barbecue regions. There will even be some special twists, with smoked fruits and vegetables accompanying staple dishes and drinks, like the Hawaiian burger with smoked pineapple on top or smoked salmon. Barbecue enthusiasts won’t be disappointed with staples like pulled pork and chicken, ribs, and smoked chicken wings. The popular outdoor patio area at the restaurant will allow for ample open air seating, with live music on Friday and

Kara Rodriguez/Loudoun Now

Schmidt’s Barbecue will open at 14 Loudoun in the coming weeks.

Saturday evenings. The menu also will be available for curbside, to-go and delivery. The restaurant will also offer signature cocktails akin to its SideBar sister, which will be debuting an upstairs cocktail bar, Night Shift, next month. While the Schnibbes are enthusiastic about their latest venture, they acknowl-

edge their sadness that the 14 Loudoun concept will be retired for now. Over the years, 14 Loudoun has been a nightlife staple in downtown Leesburg, while also offering holiday draws like Haunted at 14 Loudoun and Fa La La. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ambiguity surrounding when large crowds will be commonplace again made the decision to transition to a new concept sensible. The culinary couple added they would love to bring that concept back to a new location when the timing is right and safe. The last day of operation for 14 Loudoun is Saturday. The Schnibbes are excited about debuting another new food concept. They are bringing over their smoker and equipment from Morven Park, where they have run the café for the past several years, to use at Schmidt’s. “We’ve always had barbecue in the back of our minds,” Olivia Schnibbe said. “And we love it,” Nils Schnibbe quickly added. For more information on Schmidt’s Barbecue, go to facebook.com/schmidtsbbq or schmidtsbarbecue.com. The full restaurant menu will be available on the Schmidt’s website on Monday. n

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 15

Cochran Dental CochranFamily Family Dental Cochran Family Dental Cochran Family Dental Cochran Family Dental

Cochran Family Dental Cochran Family Dental Welcoming all new patients!

BUSINESS announcements Harris Appointed to Virginia Spirits Board

Discounts Available For Patients

Welcoming Welcomingallallnew newpatients! patients! Without Insurance! even more to the store, adding her established Loudoun chocolate company, VerDr. Brian Cochran and his staff at Welcoming allallnew patients! Welcoming new patients! Conveniently located Cochran Family Dental are in itas Artizen Chocolate, to the retail locaThe Village of Leesburg 2020 Welcoming new patients! committed to providing a comprehensive dental Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at office What weall offer tion. The chocolate is hand-crafted from 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 FAVORITE Conveniently located in with aCochran caring andFamily gentle style that will serve most all of Dental are • Cheerful, serene, Cochran state of thestaff artand officehis bean to bar, using cacao sourced Dr.beans Brian Cochran and his at Leesburg, VA 20175 Dr. Brian staff at Leesburg your family’s dental needs under one roof. Insurance The Village of • Digital x-rays (reduces radiation by 90%) to providing a comprehensive dental office committed through her direct trade partner in Ecua703-771-9034 Cochran Family Dental are friendly office offering budget wise payment options. Dr. 1503 Dodona Terrace #210 Family are • WeDental file all dental benefi t claims with a caring and gentle style that serve most all of dor. In addition to iceCochran cream, customers Cochran has provided trusted dental care to thewill citizens committed providing aand comprehensive dental office Leesburg, 20175 Dr. Dentistry Brianto Cochran hisVA staff at • Cosmetic (veneers, whitefamily’s fifor llings, Zoom Whitening) can buy treats including bars, truffles, and of Loudoun 13 and years. your dental needs under one roof. Insurance HOURS: WHITENING SPECIAL committed aalland comprehensive dental office withand a caring gentle style that will serve most all of WHITENING 703-771-9034 • Crowns Bridges, Family phases of & Implants, Rootoffering Dentures Conveniently located inCanals chocolate-covered pretzels, cookies, andto providing FREE Teeth Whitening Kit options. Dr. Cochran Dental friendly office wise payment Mon. Wed.: 8am -are 6pm and budget SPECIAL with every scheduled The Village Leesburg facing your family’stherapy dental needs under one roof. Insurance • We offer periodontal to restore your oral health asUse well as oral cancer screening. Tues. - at Thurs.: - 4pm bacon. your benefits before the end to the citizens Cochran has7am provided trusted dental care cleaning or procedure. Route 7providing between Wegmans andcomprehensive with a caring and gentle that will serve most all of office 1503committed Dodona Terrace style to a dental of the year and receive8/31/16. a FREE Fri.:Fitness 8am - 1pm Offer Expires LA friendly office offering budget wise payment options. HoneyBee Creamery will be open Teeth Whitening Kit with everyDr. Suite 210 Conveniently located in the Village of Leesburg of Loudoun for 13 years. Please present coupon to Sat.: 8am 1pm (once/month) Mon & -Wed: 8-6pm HOURS: scheduled cleaning or procedure. WHITENING SPECIAL with a20175 caring and style that will serve Leesburg, receive the offer. Not to bemost all of throughout the year and celebrating the dental Cochran hasTerrace provided trusted dental care the citizens TuesEmergency & Thurs: 7-4pm 1503VA Dodona #210 •gentle Leesburg, VA 20175 • to 703-771-9034 WHITENING your family’s needs under one roof. Insurance Expires January 1, 2016. 24hr Service Conveniently located inOffer FREE Teeth Whitening Kit Please coupon to w/any receive the offer. Mon. &4pm Wed.: 8am -present 6pm combined other Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) Mon. & Wed.: 8am 6pm • Tues. Thurs.: 7am • Fri.: 8am 1pm • 24hr Emergency Service launch all weekend after the 4 p.m. ribbon Notfacing to be combined with any other offer. SPECIAL 703-771-9034 with every scheduled The Village at Leesburg 24hr Emergency Service ofyour Loudoun for 13 years. family’s dental needs under one roof. Insurance Tues. Thurs.: 7am 4pm Use your benefits before the end offering budget wise payment cleaningDr. or procedure. Route 7 between Wegmans and options. cutting Friday. Checkfriendly its Facebookoffice page WHITENING 1503 Dodona Terrace Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com of the year and receive8/31/16. a FREE Visit our website: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Fri.:Fitness 8am - 1pm Conveniently located in LA Offer Expires friendly office offering budget wise payment options. Teeth Whitening Kit with everyDr. for updates. 210 at Leesburg SPECIAL TheSuite Village Please present coupon to Sat.:facing 8am - 1pm (once/month)

Cochran Family Dental Welcoming all new patients! Welcoming all new patients!

LoudounNow

W I N N E R LOUDOUN’S

LoudounNow

2 0 1 9

LOUDOUN’S

FAVORITE

LoudounNow

W I N N E R

LOUDOUN’S

FAVORITE 2018

Dr. Brian Cochran and his staff at Scott Harris, Cochran Family Dental are co-founder and general manager of Catoctin Creek Distilling committed to providing a comprehensive dental office Company in Purcellville, has been apwith a caring and gentle style that will serve most all of pointed to the newly Cochran has provided trusted dental care to the citizens established Virginia Use your dental benefits before the end the citizens Leesburg, 20175 Cochran hasWegmans provided trusted care to Route 7VA between your family’s dental needs under one roof. Insurance 24hrand Emergency Service 1503 Dodona Terrace of the year and receive a FREE Spirits Board by Gov. LA Fitness Teeth Whitening Kit with every of Loudoun 13 years. Suite 210 for703-771-9034 of Loudoun for 13 years.scheduled Mon & Wed: 8-6pm Ralph Northam. cleaning or procedure. Harris friendly office offering budget wise payment options. Dr. Leesburg, VA 20175 Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm WHITENING WHITENING Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com The board oversees to all the 2020 Loudoun County Visit our website: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Conveniently located in Conveniently located in Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) the operations and 703-771-9034 SPECIAL Emergency The24hr Village at Service Leesburgdental facing Auction Buyers! SPECIAL Cochran hasat4-H provided trusted care to the The Village Leesburg facing marketing of the Virginia Alcoholic BevUse your benefits beforecitizens the end Route 7 between Wegmans and Use your benefits before the end a FREE 1503 Dodona Terrace Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com of the year and receive erage Control Authority. Harris also sits Route 7 between Wegmans and LA Fitness 1503 Dodona Terrace And Thank You all of ourSuite sponsors: of the year andTeeth receive a FREE Whitening Kit with every ofto Loudoun for 13 years. 210 on the Craft Distiller Advisory Board for LACredit, Fitness Mon &Damewood Wed: 8-6pm Auctioneers, Mary Ann Armstrong, Giant Foods, Virginia Tractor, Farm Valley Energy, Mon & Wed: 8-6pm Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) 24hr Emergency Service

scheduled cleaning or procedure.

receive offer. Not to be Offer Expiresthe January 1, 2016. Please present coupon to w/any receive the offer. combined other Not to be combined with any other offer.

Offer Expires January 1, 2016. Please present coupon to receive the offer. Not to be combined with any other offer.

18 USC 707

WHITENING Conveniently located in 703-771-9034 SPECIAL The Village at Leesburg facing 703-771-9034 Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com 1503 Dodona Terrace Route 7 between Wegmans and LA Fitness Visit Suite 210 our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com Leesburg, VA 20175

scheduled cleaning or procedure. Teeth Whitening Kit with every the Distilled Spirits Council of the Unit- Suite 210 Leesburg, VA 20175 Tues &Services Thurs: 7-4pm Offer Graphics Expires January 1, 2016. Bob Butcher & Kelly Gaitten, Berkshire Hathaway Home Penfed Realty, GAM & Marketing Mon & Wed: 8-6pm or procedure. ed States and is a member of the Virginia Please present coupon to receive the offer. Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm scheduled (Once/month) cleaning Leesburg, VA 20175 Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm 24hr Emergency Service Offer ExpiresNot January 1, 2016. to be combined with any other offer. Distillers Association Board of Directors. Stonesifer ............................................ Please presentJuliana coupon to receive the offer. John Cockrell Golden Gallon• Sat: of Milk Fri: 8-1pm 8-1pm (Once/month) Hog....................................... The board will set direction and innoHog....................................... Andrew Knight .......................................... Hill Farm Not to be combined any otherbefore offer.Mulberry Use yourwith benefits the end Lot Category Seller Buyer Name 24hr Emergency Service vate new courses for Virginia ABC. Harris Hog....................................... James Schooling .....................................Tri-Tek Engineering Golden Gallon of Milk ............ Dairy Club to benefit LFA ..................... Tipped Cow Creamery is joined by Jeff Bloem, founder and maltHog....................................... Meghan Pantaleo ...................................... Cochran’s Lumber of the year and receive a FREE Hog....................................... Kristin Wagner ...................................................Justin Fisher ster of Murphy & Rude Malting Co.; JoshSheep Teeth Kit Equip./Bobcat with every Hog....................................... AmeliaWhitening Huddleston ............... Winchester of NoVa ua Chandler, plant manager of Speyside Lot Category Seller Buyer Name Hog....................................... Virginia Myzk ..............................Southern States-Purcellville Mon & Wed: 8-6pm scheduled cleaning or procedure. Bourbon Cooperage, Inc.; David Cuttino, Champion Lightweight .......... Sophia Casciano ...........................Giant Foods-Purcellville VA Hog....................................... Addyson Lynch...........................................Terry’s Body Shop Tues & Thurs: 7-4pm Reserve Champion Expires January 1, 2016. co-founder and CEO of Reservoir DistillHog.......................................Offer James Wagner ...........................................Bramhall Trucking Middleweight ........................ James Schooling .......................................Terry’s Body Shop Hog....................................... Charlie Csizmadia ............................. Loudoun County Milling ery; Bill Karlson, owner of KO Distilling; Please present coupon to receive the offer. Fri: 8-1pm • Sat: 8-1pm (Once/month) Sheep-Reserve Hog....................................... Sierra Csizmadia ............................ West End Wine Bar & Pub Kara King, creative director of Ironclad Not to be combined with any other offer. Champion Heavyweight ........ Logan Casciano ..................................................John Rowell 24hr Emergency Service Distillery; Gareth H. Moore, CEO of VirBeef Sheep ................................... Kristin Wagner ..............................Leonard S Gardner & Sons Sheep ................................... Alexandra Knight............................................ Fuog Interbuild ginia Distilling Co.; and Brian Prewitt, Lot Category Seller Buyer Name Sheep ................................... Arielle Knight ............................................ Mulberry Hill Farm Beef-Grand Champion .......... Mandy Bramhall............................Giant Foods-Purcellville VA master distiller of A. Smith Bowman DisSheep ................................... Carson Casciano ..............................................James Rowell Beef-Reserve tillery. Sheep ................................... Hannah Maison ............................................... Mary Divinney Grand Champion ................... Emily Stanford ...........................................Terry’s Body Shop “I am excited to engage in this new role Sheep ................................... Andrew Knight .......................................... Cochran’s Lumber Beef-Reserve Sheep ................................... James Wagner ............................................. David Baseheart and honored to have been selected for this Champion Angus................... Meghan Pantaleo ........................................ Loudoun Lumber Sheep ................................... Virginia Myzk .................................................. Milcreek Farm Beef-Reserve initial board,” Harris said. “I look forward Sheep ................................... Celine Willard ...................................................Tuscarora Mill Champion Crossbred ............ Riley Ashby ............................ Southern States-Purcellville VA to working with my peers in the industry, Sheep ................................... Erin Calley.............................................Monoflo International Beef...................................... Garrett Beamer ....................................................... M E Flow and the leadership of the Virginia ABC, to Beef...................................... Hunter Flynn ..............................................Terry’s Body Shop Rabbits innovate and continue to achieve the best Beef...................................... Catherine Klinkam.................................Monoflo International Lot Category Seller Buyer Name Beef...................................... Keegan Elder ......................... Southern States-Purcellville VA results for spirits consumers and citizens Rabbit-Grand Champion........ Amelia Abbe...................................................... Claire Griffith Beef...................................... Sabrina Marvil.......................................................Erin Deane in the Commonwealth.” Rabbit-Reserve

703-771-9034

Visit our website at: TheLeesburgVADentist.com

Grand Champion ................... Jake Ameen ........................................ Loudoun Farm Bureau Rabbit ................................... Colin Ameen........................................ Loudoun Farm Bureau

Old Ashburn’s Ice Cream Scene Gets New Breath of Life The HoneyBee Creamery will celebrate is grand opening Friday afternoon in an Old Ashburn space long known for its ice cream treats. The space at 20693 Ashburn Road previously has been home to Hershey’s Ice Cream, then JR’s Soft Serve & Italian Ice. New owner, Andrea Howard, is bringing

Beef...................................... Taylor Miller ............................................VA Paving Company Beef...................................... Erin Calley.............................................Monoflo International Beef...................................... Hunter Stonesifer ..................................Monoflo International

Hogs

Poultry

Lot Category Seller Buyer Name Hog-Reserve Grand Champion ................... William Lutman ..........................................Bramhall Trucking Hog-Reserve Champion Middleweight ........................ Carson Casciano .................................................Monk’s BBQ Hog-Reserve Champion Heavyweight ........ Zayna Smith........................................................Monk’s BBQ Hog....................................... Sophia Casciano ..............................................James Rowell Hog....................................... Camryn Monroe ...............................................Tuscarora Mill Hog....................................... Logan Casciano ..................................................Monk’s BBQ Hog....................................... Amanda Everhart ........................................ Loudoun Lumber Hog....................................... Mandy Bramhall.......................................Muncaster & Payne Hog....................................... Henry Grisius ..............................Southern States-Purcellville Hog....................................... Garrett Beamer ................................................Tuscarora Mill Hog....................................... Ande Erickson ................................................ Fuog Interbuild Hog....................................... Riley Ashby .................................................. Michael Lawson Hog....................................... Sarah Jewell .......................................................... Kevin Noll Hog....................................... Catherine Klinkam........................................... Martha Polkey

Lot Category Seller Buyer Name Poultry .................................. Viktoria Scharf .................................................Tuscarora Mill Poultry .................................. Jacob Gugliotta .............................Dr. Ann Ma & David Moyes Poultry .................................. Henry Grisius ..............................Southern States-Purcellville Poultry .................................. Clay Grisius.....................................................Stephen Baker Poultry .................................. Paisley Ashland ..................................... Harvey & Lisa Dodge Poultry .................................. Asa Manning ........................................Dianne Schlusemeyer

Goat Lot Category Seller Buyer Name Goat-Grand Champion .......... Carson Casciano ................................. Bank of Clarke County Goat-Champion Heavyweight ......................... Sophia Casciano ............................................... Wendy Bebie Goat-Reserve Champion Lightweight .......... Logan Casciano ..................................................John Rowell Goat...................................... Riley Ashby ..................................................Ridge View Farm Goat...................................... Zayna Smith.................................................Ridge View Farm

PAGE 16

ALWAYS ONLINE ATLIVING LOUDOUNNOW.COM ASSISTED WEEK

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

A feature section of Loudoun Now • Thursday, September 17, 2020

Senior Care Workers Find Rewards Amid the Pandemic Challenges BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Even before the first COVID-19 case was reported in Loudoun County in early March, administrators and the staffs of the many local senior care centers were gearing up for a serious health threat. In the months that followed they faced fast-changing, previously unimaginable challenges, periods of sadness and fear, and displays of amazing creativity and heroism. During National Assisted Living Week, a time when senior communities around the country are encouraged to celebrate the individuals they serve and inform the public about this distinctive aspect of longterm care, Loudoun Now invited industry leaders to share their reflections on this unprecedented time. Much of the year has been spent with everyone learning about a new virus and how it spreads, keeping up with the frequent changes in information about how to keep people protected, and getting everyone to adopt new behaviors that would curb the spread and—most importantly—keep it out of communities with fragile residents. For many families, those harsh restrictions on in-person visitations were hardships. “Our residents and families have been apart for many months trying to cope with this pandemic,” said Jill Adams, the director of nursing at the Inova Loudoun Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. “This has been extremely hard on both sides and understanding the importance and reasons, we must take these steps in order to keep their loved ones safe.” “The families have been extremely understanding in these uncertain times with a pandemic that puts our population at the most risk. We cannot express our true gratitude enough to our families for their patience that has been given as we follow guidelines given to us by the state of Virginia,” Adams said.

Contributed

The staff at Inova Loudoun Nursing and Rehabilitation in Leesburg decked out in the protective gear that has become routine during the pandemic.

Contributed

The Lansdowne Heights management team, with Inova Loudoun Hospital Director of Philanthropy Lindsey Wright, delivered 80 dinners for the doctors and nurses at the hospital.

Contributed

Although residents are isolated from family members because of COVID-19 visitation restrictions, the Heritage Hall staff helped residents Mary Giuffrida and Margie Fleming celebrate their 100th birthdays this year while their families joined virtually through Facetime.

It also has been a challenge to staff members who didn’t sign up for the unknowns—and dangers—of a pandemic virus, but administrators said they stepped up to take on the challenges. “Those of us who have been in the trenches, we’re not afraid. We protect ourselves,” said Mary L. Vorpahl, the administrator of Heritage Hall in Leesburg. “It is

so rewarding to help people each day. It is a calling.” “From unit staff that has taken extra time for residents that are having more trouble than others coping without seeing their families, to extra hours worked to ensure quality staffing, trying to make the residents’ environment is as normal as can be expected, to learning as much as they can

about the virus in order to prevent them from bringing it into the facility, the staff really have gone the extra mile,” Adams said. “All the staff has made a true effort to protect our residents at all times. Our infection preventionist and quality control nurse has spent hours ensuring that our Emergent Infectious Disease policy is up to date and as effective as possible to maintain the safety of our residents and staff. Our education coordinator and unit managers have worked tirelessly to ensure they have provided the education to the staff and residents to maintain a safe COVID-free environment,” Adams said. The support from the community also has been important. From donations of snacks from church congregations to pizza deliveries from the Leesburg Police Department to a resident’s sister making hundreds of cloth masks staff members have been appreciative of the outpouring. Even roadside yards signs proclaiming support for healthcare workers have had cheering impact. “The residents and the families have been incredible, and the community outreach has been like no other community. It’s just been uplifting,” Vorpahl said. “That meant a lot to us. That was really cool during those really tough times.” More so than in typical times, the healthcare workers served as extended family members as visitors were kept out of senior living centers because of the safety protocols. For most, family interactions were limited to Facetime calls or meetings through a ground-floor window. Heritage Hall built a special meeting shelter in the courtyard. “When you take care of people for years, day in and day out, they become family and our mission statement is our family exists to take care of yours. We truly try to embrace that,” said Heritage Hall Nursing Director Lynn Winemiller. REWARDS continues on page 20

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE ATLIVING LOUDOUNNOW.COM ASSISTED WEEK

Heritage Hall Achieves National Quality Award At the height of pandemic challenges in senior living communities across the commonwealth, Leesburg’s Heritage Hall got some remarkable news. The 45-year-old nursing home earned the Silver Award from the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living. It was the only facility in Virginia to be awarded the honor. It came just one year after the center earned Bronze Award honors, allowing it to apply for the second step in the national quality award program. “Normally you don’t win it on your first time, but we did,” Heritage Hall Administrator Mary L. Vorpahl said. “That has been so uplifting for our staff and our families and or residents.” The program is designed to provide a

pathway for providers of long-term and post-acute care services to achieve performance excellence. Applications are judged by trained examiners who provide recommendations for improvement and continuous learning. At the Silver Award level, applicants continue to learn and develop effective approaches that help improve performance and health care outcomes. Given the COVID-era access restrictions, the staff hasn’t been able to fully celebrate the achievement with the community yet, but Vorpahl said that will happen when the time is right. One thing is known, she said: Next year they’ll be going for the Gold Award, achieved by only four facilities nationwide in 2020. n

Opening During a Pandemic: It Works in Loudoun Lansdowne Heights, a new memory care community, opened in June at the height of the coronavirus outbreak—not ideal timing. Access restrictions meant they couldn’t offer in-person tours to families, particularly unfortunate because many adult day care services at community senior centers had closed down. Instead, administrators relied on support from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and others to help get established in the market. The timing of the opening did allow the center’s new residents to avoid a quarantine period and the staff was able to keep them

We can Social Distance and Still have Fun! “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; We Grow Old because we stop playing.” - George Bernard Shaw

An Assisted Living Community Dave S., Spring Arbor Resident Since 2007

spread out with social distancing policies. “They were able to enjoy our walking areas, dining and social areas and not be forced to stay in their studio,” said Marketing Director Sandra Fields. “We knew that having a person with memory loss confined to their studio or apartment would not be healthy, could cause behavioral issues, and a feeling of isolation and abandonment. Having a well-versed administrator and a hands-on medical director are important to a community’s success.” The new community is located at 19520 Sandridge Way in Lansdowne. Learn more at lansdowneheights.com. n

Meeting the Dining Challenges At Spring Arbor of Leesburg, the staff and residents have been spared a coronavirus outbreak so far, but continue to be put to the test to keep the community safe. Administrators highlight the contributions of the dining services staff led by Darrin Gauthier. Always offering a variety of dining choices and specialized diets for the 91 residents, Gauthier and his team had to navigate the seemingly constant changing evidence and guidance during the pandemic. The dining room evolved from linen and china to disposables, and from intimacy to six-foot separating diners, and finally to insuite dining service. “Our residents were always positive about the quality of the meals, the presentation and the speed and courtesy of the dining staff. Darrin ensured very early in the process we had all the food, supplies

PAGE 17

An Assisted Assisted Living Community 703.777.9300 An Living Community An Assisted Living Community Spring Arbor of Leesburg What a great place to enjoy life. Call and visit us today!

springarborliving.com

Residential Assisted Living

237 Fairview Street NW, Leesburg, VA “Office Location Through 2010” 5 Wirt Street SW, Leesburg, VA

Call & visit today 703.777.9300 Call & visit today! Call Arbor & visit today Call & visit today Spring of Leesburg Spring Arbor of Leesburg

703.777.9300 703.777.9300

237 Fairview Street Leesburg, VA 20176 237 Fairview StreetNW, NW, Leesburg, VA 20176 703-777-9300 email: LBMKTG@HHHunt.com LBMKTG@HHHunt.com

Contributed

The dining service team at Spring Arbor.

and personal protection equipment needed for the first six months until delivery lines normalized. Our dining service team delivers excellence every day but during this time they have delivered a warm, nurturing consistency of care to our residents that craved comfort,” said Marketing Director Susan Balinger. n

Spring Arbor of Leesburg Spring Arbor of Leesburg springarborliving.com 237 springarborliving.com Fairview Street NW, Leesburg, VA 20176

237 Fairview Street NW, Leesburg, VA 20176 email: LBMKTG@HHHunt.com email: LBMKTG@HHHunt.com

springarborliving.com springarborliving.com

PAGE 18

ALWAYS ONLINE ATLIVING LOUDOUNNOW.COM ASSISTED WEEK

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

When DIY is no longer a secure plan. Grocery and cooking chores, uncertainties about well-being, home maintenance, keeping in touch with family and friends – daily living asks a lot of you and your loved ones today.

Fun and fulfillment await. Start a conversation personalized to you and your loved ones by calling 703-940-5363.

For tomorrow, you’ll find a more secure and rewarding plan at Morningside House. We’re an assisted living community offering exceptional dining, 24/7 security, home maintenance, wellness programs, and opportunities for adventure right outside your door.

Located across the street from charming Raflo Park, Morningside House of Leesburg offers exceptional senior living in a warm and friendly environment.

ALWAYS ONLINE ATLIVING LOUDOUNNOW.COM ASSISTED WEEK

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 19

Consider the healthy, safe, connected alternative. Your Current Residence

Your Future Home Here

24/7 Security

DIY

Included

Dining

DIY

Included

Health Services

DIY

Included

Home Maintenance

DIY

Included

Recreation & Fitness Programs

DIY

Included

Social & Educational Programs

DIY

Included

316 Harrison St. SE | Leesburg, VA 20175 Assisted Living | 1104551-L153 WWW.SENIORLIFESTYLE.COM

ALWAYS ONLINE ATLIVING LOUDOUNNOW.COM ASSISTED WEEK

PAGE 20

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Rewards continued from page 16 “The families are so appreciative to have us taking care of their loved ones because they can’t, as much as they would like to, because of their clinical needs. Because of the trust and the confidence they have in us, they feel blessed that their loved one is here,” Vorpahl said. “And we heard that more and more from the start of this pandemic.” Like many in the industry, Winemiller is a longtime veteran who has weathered many storms. HIV, MRSA, even Ebola, are now known quantities with well-established treatments. “This is a whole other animal, this a pandemic. None of us have lived through that,” she said. “I think in some respects it made us stronger. There were days when there were tears and exhaustion and all that, but we’re survivors.” As the communities settle into more normal routines following the outbreaks during the spring and summer, many healthcare workers are expressing gratitude and want to return the support they’ve received from others. Vorpahl is thinking about the police officers who have stopped in to support

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

The Ashleigh at Lansdowne independent and assisted living community displays a large sign honoring its healthcare employees.

her center. “With what the police are dealing with right now, we wanted to reach out and give back to them,” she said. “They have been so supportive of this building and helpful in all ways. They’re probably going through the storm that we and all the other facilities in the area were going through [during the outbreaks]. Our hearts go out to them as well.” Nevertheless, Vorpahl said, it’s a great

time to be working in the industry, as there are fewer jobs available that are more in-demand and more rewarding. “To have an essential job is heartwarming. You drive down main street and see all the businesses that are closed and all the families who are really struggling. I just feel blessed that I picked the career I did,” she said. The challenge isn’t over yet and more support will be needed.

It’s Time to Move Up. If you’re looking for the best in assisted living or memory care, look no further. Tribute at One Loudoun has all the amenities, programs, and care that you deserve. Shopping, restaurants, and movie theaters are just a short walk away. Enjoy our lush terrace and restaurant overlooking a brand-new public park or kick back at the bistro and bar with high-backed booths and a fireplace. COVID-19 can take away a lot of liberties we once enjoyed, but it can’t prevent us from serving up the little things that make the world go ‘round. Please reach out and let us know how we can help you. Contact us to schedule a tour.

“Continue to bear with us through this pandemic and understand that we have strict guidelines that must be followed in order to maintain a COVID-free facility. We thank each and every one of them that has put their trust in us to ensure their loved ones are safe and know that we are doing everything we can to keep them healthy,” Adams said. n

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

Tribute at One Loudoun 20335 Savin Hill Drive | Ashburn, VA 20147 571.252.8292 | ThriveSL.com/OneLoudoun A Thrive Senior Living Community

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

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 21

Our Towns

TOWN notes

Gold Star Families Memorial Unveiled Near Lovettsville BY PATRICK SZABO

pszabo@loudounnow.com

Sept. 11 in Lovettsville was packed with a full day of ceremonies honoring the victims of the terrorist attacks 19 years ago and the families of those who died in battle. Town leaders held a 9/11 ceremony on the town square with moments of silence and stories of those who experienced the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The town square was also adorned with 3,000 American flags to honor the 2,977 people who died in the attacks on the Pentagon, World Trade Center and aboard Flight 93. Mayor Nate Fontaine said the gathering was meant to help residents remember how the nation changed and continued to change through the years following the attacks. “Flags were on every house, every corner, every flagpole,” he said about the landscape in America in the days and months that followed 9/11. Resident Thomas Mawson also gave his account of Sept. 11, 2001. On that day, he was 19 years old, serving in the U.S. Navy and working in the Washington Navy Yard. Mawson explained he didn’t comprehend the gravity of the attacks until the second twin tower was struck. “The second plane hit and I realized we had a problem,” he said. Following the town’s ceremony, hundreds of people visited the One Family Brewing property south of town to witness the unveiling of the nation’s 65th, and the region’s first, Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, which honors the mothers, fathers and families of America’s fallen soldiers—commonly referred to as Gold Star families. Once unveiled, dozens of Gold Star family members placed photos of their deceased loved ones at the base of the monument, many with tears running down their cheeks while doing so. During the ceremony, One Family Brewing Owner Dave Keuhner, who worked through the last 14 months to raise more than $52,000 for the memorial on his property, told attendees that his life was spared on Sept. 11, 2001. Keuhner said the flight to California he canceled four weeks prior to the terrorist attacks ended up being the flight that hit the Pentagon.

Patrick Szabo/Loudoun Now

A Gold Star family member places a flower at the base of the region’s first Gold Star Families Memorial in Lovettsville to honor her deceased loved one.

“This is your memorial,” he told the Gold Star families in attendance. Hershel “Woody” Williams, a former Marine and the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from Iowa Jima who set up the Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation to install Gold Star Memorials across the nation, said the sacrifices of American soldiers must never be forgotten. He mentioned that out of the more than 1,000 monuments in Washington, DC, there are none that honor Gold Star families. He suggested Keuhner go to Washington to make that happen. Williams emphasized that the spirit America possesses is unique. “You can’t find it anywhere,” he said. Mike Ryan, whose father U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. William Ryan was shot down and killed in Vietnam at the age of 25 in 1969 when Mike was one day shy of his first birthday, said U.S. service members have “hero blood.” “Many of you here today have that blood,” he told the Gold Star families. “Nothing can adequately prepare families for this,” he said. “That’s what this memorial is really all about, is never forgetting.” Former U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Clint Romesha—who was awarded the Medal of Honor in February 2013 and fought alongside U.S. Army Spc. Stephan Mace, a former

Purcellville resident who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009—told the families there is no replacing their loved ones. “They wrote that blank check for the country and they paid in full,” he said. “We will always remember and we will do it together.” Lovettsville’s Gold Star Memorial is made of black granite and features one side that reads “Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom.” The other side tells a story through four, 2,500-pound panels with themes of homeland, family, patriot, and sacrifice. A 30-foot flagpole displaying the American flag has also been installed. To pay for the memorial, more than $52,000 was raised through individual donations, beer sales and events throughout the last 14 months. Some costs were offset by donations from certain area companies. Luck Stone donated rock to distribute around the memorial and Vulcan Materials Co. donated the concrete for the base. The memorial installation project was managed by Matt Simpson, the vice president of the Loudoun-based Amazing Outdoors contracting company. There are now 65 Gold Star Memorials located across 48 U.S. states, with 75 more in progress. n

LOVETTSVILLE Edmonston Appointed to Lovettsville Council Seat The Lovettsville Town Council last Thursday appointed former councilwoman Renee Edmonston to serve nearly two years on the dais. Edmonston will serve the remaining 21 months of Matthew Schilling’s term, through June 30, 2022. Schilling resigned from the council Aug. 14. Four residents applied for the vacancy—Edmonston, Planning Commission Edmonston Chairman Greg Ratner, Planning Commissioner Bob Custard and resident Brandon Davis. Edmonston is restricted from voting on certain fiscal actions during the length of her appointment. Under the Town Charter, appointed council members may not vote on motions to impose taxes, borrow money or appropriate money exceeding $500—meaning she will not be permitted to vote on town budgets. This is the second time Edmonston has served on the Lovettsville Town Council. The first came two years ago, when she was elected in May 2018 but resigned a little more than two months later, citing conflicts with then-Councilman Mike Dunlap.

Water Tower Project to Resume on Monday The town’s water tower improvement project will resume Monday, Sept. 21 with Suez Environment North America crews to begin work on the tower’s footers. The town recently announced that it had had received purchase orders from all vendors involved in the project—AT&T, TOWN NOTES continues on page 22

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 22

TOWN Notes

THE AMISH OUTLAWS COWBOY MOUTH

FEB 1

9/18/20 THE WAILERS7PM DOORS: FEB SHOW:13 8PM

UFO FAREWELL TOUR

FEB 21

LIVE WIRE:

SOUL ASYLUM WITH LOCAL H

THE ULTIMATE AC/ UNCLE CARBON LEAF DC EXPERIENCE KRACKER

FEB 28 9/19/20 DOORS: 7PM 19 W Market St., Leesburg, VA SHOW: 8PM FEB 22

For a full schedule please visit

www.TallyHoTheater.com

RAYNE

projects, and proactive community engagement.” The award was chosen by an anonymous vote by all Purcellville Police Department members. Calhoun serves as the department’s training coordinator. Last year, he received the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award for the highest number of DUI arrests.

continued from page 21

TICKETS ON (703) 777-1665 wwww.TallyHoTheater.com SALE NOW!

BROTHERS IN ARMS TOUR

FEB 29

ND 2/7 COBS BA CHRIS JA FIRE 2/8 TRIAL BY 2/14-15 o Nights ANIA Tw 6 EAGLEM YEARS 3/ AN AG THE RE

AMERICAN JETSET 9/25/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

DC IMPROV PRESENTS: COMEDY NIGHT IN LEESBURG 9/26/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

ZACH DEPUTY 10/01/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

THE ULTIMATE LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE:

ZOSO

10/2 & 10/3/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

DEAD LETTER OFFICE:

A TRIBUTE TO REM 10/08/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

JOURNEY TRIBUTE:

TRIAL BY FIRE 10/17/20 DOORS: 7PM SHOW: 8PM

Sprint/T-Mobile and Verizon. Those cell carriers are contributing to the cost to upgrade the tower. A preconstruction meeting is scheduled to take place this Friday Sept. 18. The town is expected to report on the construction schedule after it has received a written commitment Friday. The project, which was originally scheduled to conclude by Labor Day, was previously delayed following the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile.

MIDDLEBURG Town Seeks $500K from County for New Town Office The Middleburg Town Council last Thursday voted to request a $500,000 contribution from the county government to help pay for its proposed new $6.5 million town office. The request specifies that the town is seeking the funding in Fiscal Year 2023. This is the second time the town has requested funding from the county for the project. When it did so in 2019, the Board of Supervisors did not include the funding in the county’s Fiscal Years 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Program. Since then, the town entered into a letter of intent with Salamander Resort to acquire land adjacent to the existing town office site and has issued advertisements soliciting responses from companies interested in designing and constructing the office. The town has informed the county that helping to fund a new town office would benefit the county, since it would be open to county officials to use for additional meeting space, elections and other functions. The town intends to have the new office built in 24 to 30 months from the start date. Learn more about the project at middleburgva.gov/322/New-Town-Hall-Project.

Art in the Alley Program Continues on Saturday Artists in Middleburg will feature artist Chito Padilla as the second artist of its Art in the Alley program from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 19. Padilla will be meeting and talking with guests about his work just outside the doors of the gallery, which is located

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Town to Recognize 65th Annual Constitution Week Sept. 17-23 Seaweed, 2019-2020 by Chito Padilla

at 102 W. Washington St. Only two people will be allowed in the gallery at one time. For more information, go to theartistsinmiddleburg.org. Padilla is a hobby artist who lives in Marshall and has displayed his work at seven Artists in Middleburg exhibitions. His style is influenced by the abstract expressionist movement. Learn more about him at padillaart.com.

PURCELLVILLE Council Appoints 9 to Town Boards, Committees Nine Purcellville residents were appointed to five boards and committees last week. The Town Council last Tuesday voted to appoint Marcos Salinas, Eric Zimmerman and Dan van Buskirk to the Board of Zoning Appeals with terms stretching from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2025. It appointed Walt Tweeten, Misty Williams and Warren Grossman to the Economic Development Advisory Committee with terms from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2022. It also appointed Jim Gloeckner to the Board of Architectural Review with a term from Sept. 1, 2020 to Aug. 31, 2024; Laura Ours to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board with a term from Sept. 1, 2020 to Aug. 31, 2024; and Doug McCollum to the Purcellville Arts Council with a term from Oct. 1, 2020 to Sept. 30, 2021.

Calhoun Honored as Officer of the Year Purcellville Police Department announced last week it had honored Officer Joshua Calhoun with the Officer of the Year Award. According to a town statement, Calhoun was selected “for his willingness to always help those in need, dedication to his fellow officers and department, his positive attitude, readiness to take on new

The Purcellville Town Council last Tuesday read a proclamation that will see the town commemorate Constitution Week, which the Daughters of the American Revolution designate as Sept. 17-23 this year. According to the resolution, which Mayor Kwasi Fraser read, residents are encouraged to study the Constitution, which was drafted 233 years ago, and rededicate themselves to fulfilling the “noble aims” of the preamble—to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to citizens and their posterity. The Daughters of the American Revolution initiated Constitution Week in 1955. The organization’s resolution was later adopted by Congress and signed into public law on Aug. 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Businesses Encouraged to Apply for Second Round of Grants The second round of Business Interruption Grants has opened to applications and will close at 5 p.m. Sept. 29. Businesses can apply for grant funding up to $8,000 to help cover costs incurred as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 1 to Dec. 30. To be eligible for a Business Interruption Grant, businesses must be for-profit and have operated a physical location in town before March 1; be current on all town taxes, licenses and permits; have up to 50 hourly or salaried employees; demonstrate a minimum of a 25-percent business interruption or loss in revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and have less than $2.5 million in annual gross receipts for the 2018 and 2019 fiscal years. Home-based businesses can also apply. To submit an application, go to purcellvilleva.gov/959/Purcellville-Business-Interruption-Grant or pick up a printed application at town hall. For more information, email businessgrants@purcellvilleva.gov or call 540-751-2312.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 23

Residents Weigh in on Proposed Purcellville Police Advisory Group BY PATRICK SZABO pszabo@loudounnow.com

The Purcellville Town Council could be one meeting away from creating a citizen-led police advisory committee, but town residents speaking at last Tuesday night’s public hearing were divided in their views of the proposal. Eight residents addressed the town’s proposed Community Policing Advisory Committee during the session. Five spoke either in opposition to the group or voiced concerned about its formation, with several claiming the council had politicized the proposal, while another three spoke in support of its formation, citing a need to implement preventative measures to keep the town safe from police malfeasance. The proposal emerged following the June 7 Black Lives Matter march in town. Shortly after, former councilman Nedim Ogelman and 21-year town resident Molly Magoffin proposed the town create the committee to “enhance communication between the [Town Council], the Police Department and Purcellville’s residents, businesses and visitors, on all issues related to how Purcellville enforces its laws,” according to the July 29 version of the proposed mission document. The committee also would help the Police Department budget its funds. On July 28, the Town Council voted to initiate an ordinance to create the committee. Since then, the proposal has gathered a good deal of support and opposition. During last Tuesday’s public hearing, Lana Hunanian, a two-year town resident with two young children who has been practicing criminal defense for more than 22 years in Virginia and Washington, DC, said that she has dealt with many different police forces and that she feels the Purcellville Police Department has no systemic issues. “I don’t want to tie [officers’] hands in the name of political correctness,” she said. “I want the police to know they are trusted and appreciated.” Charlene Lane, one of the first women to graduate from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in 1970, said the committee could lead to community groups actively searching for bias within the police department. She said it’s not a good idea to have the actions of the town’s police officers second guessed by an advisory committee just because it’s politically correct in 2020. “The second [officers] take to wonder if a committee will disagree with their action may be the second that gets them killed,” she said. Police Chief Cynthia McAlister also said

she was concerned that the push to establish the committee was politically driven. Mayor Kwasi Fraser said it was not the Town Council’s intent to make the proposal a “political football.” To the comments questioning the need for a police advisory group, Magoffin said the Purcellville Police Department does have issues. She pointed to the May 2014 incident in which a town police officer responded to a suicide call and ended up fatally shooting 17-year-old Christian Alberto Sierra as the teen moved toward the officer with a paring knife. Although no criminal charges were filed against the officer, a 2019 civil trial resulted in a jury finding that the officer was unjustified in his actions. He was ordered to pay Sierra’s family $3.81 million. McAlister noted that only 12 percent of the people arrested by Purcellville police officers for criminal activity in the past four years have been Black, and only 7 percent of the people officers have arrested for traffic-related charges in that time have been Black. McAlister also provided statistics depicting the low numbers of resident complaints against her officers since she was hired in June 2015. Since then, 21 complaints have been filed, four of which resulted in oral counseling sessions and another four that resulted in written reprimands. That comes out to be about one resident complaint for every 485 residents in the past half decade, according to the most resent U.S. Census Bureau data. “We do keep a good eye on what we’re doing,” she said. “I think our police department has come a long way.” Ogelman said the committee would be a “force multiplier” for residents. “That’s what’s at issue here,” he said. “I think that this is what our town needs.” Fraser and Vice Mayor Mary Jane Williams both presented a different argument for the need to form a citizen-led police advisory committee—because the community’s youth, and specifically Black youth, have a mistrust and overall misperception of the police. Williams said her 20-year-old son feels like he has a target on his back. “As a Black male in Purcellville, you are not one of the majority,” she said. Fraser, who pointed out that he is the father of two sons, said the town’s Black community as a whole does not trust the police. The Town Council will now need to vote to create the committee, which it could do at its Sept. 22 meeting. Residents will also need to step up to help with the group’s creation. On Aug. 11, the town began soliciting responses from residents interested in that assistance. The town has now received interest from 36 residents. n

for

Designed to Serve Your Charitable Vision From memorial funds, to scholarship funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends.

The Siker Family Foundation

A Community Foundation Fund in the Spotlight Created to give back to the community they love, this donor advised fund makes grants today while building a legacy for tomorrow.

Won’t You Join Us?

CommunityFoundationLF.org  (703) 779-3505

HEATING • COOLING • PLUMBING

59 HEATER

AND

TUNE-UP

29 A/C TUNE-UP NEXT SPRING*

HURRY! OFFER ENDS 9/30/20

INCLUDES OUR

NO BREAKDOWN GUARANTEE If your system breaks down for any reason during the season, we’ll refund the cost of your tune-up or put it towards the cost of the repair.

HURRY! BOOK NOW! (703) 493-1223 YOUR WELLBEING. OUR PRIORITY. WE’RE CARING FOR OUR TEAMS AND HOMEOWNERS BY: Wearing gloves and face masks

Following social distancing guidelines

Disinfecting surfaces and tools

Oﬀering no-contact service calls

ASK US ABOUT OUR NO-CONTACT SERVICE For More Information: SnellHeatingAndAir.com/Health

NEED A NEW SYSTEM? RECEIVE UP TO

$1350 OFF

ON A NEW HEATING & COOLING SYSTEM SNELL | Valid 9/7/20 - 11/27/20 Discount applies towards purchases of Elite® Series and Dave Lennox Signature Collection Systems only. Excludes boilers. Oﬀer Valid 9/07/20-11/27/20. Oﬀer subject to change or elimination based on manufacturer participation.

*Buy One Get One Half Off Offer: Limit one system per offer. Promotion expires 9/30/20. Schedule a $59 heater tune-up during the promotional period and receive an A/C tune-up in spring 2021 for just $29. Complete offer includes one (1) tune-up of electric or gas heater and one (1) tune-up of air conditioner; excludes oil systems, boilers. A/C tune up must be performed before 5/15/21. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Service subject to availability. Plan members excluded. Residential only. © By Snell Heating & Air Conditioning. All rights reserved. License #2705171530 ELE GFC HVA PLB #2705135480

PAGE 24

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

THINGS to do

Loco Living Safe Stage Helps Get Bands Back on the Road

Loudoun Arts Film Festival Thursday, Sept. 17-Saturday, Sept. 19 50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg Details: loudounartsfilmfestival.com The inaugural Loudoun Arts Film Festival wraps up this weekend with drive-in screenings, featuring world class independent films, from Oscar winners to rising stars. The event also includes live music from local, regional and national acts. Tickets are $50 per person each night, and passes are also available. Go to the website for a complete schedule.

BY JAN MERCKER

jmercker@loudounnow.com

The popular jam band Railroad Earth should have been playing their annual show at the storied 9,500-seat Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado this weekend. But COVID threw a wrench in those plans. Instead, they’ll be returning to live gigs for the first time since March with three days of outdoor shows at a low-key venue in rural western Loudoun. Railroad Earth is slated to perform at Loudoun’s B Chord Brewing Oct. 1-3. It’s a huge booking coup for the farm brewery and music venue outside of the small town of Round Hill—and a gig that wouldn’t even have been on the radar screen for this national touring act a year ago. But with the coronavirus shutting down the live music scene around the country, B Chord’s wideopen spaces are pulling in big acts who are down with playing for much smaller crowds. “Fish swim, birds fly, musicians play music. ... It’s largely about having the band go play some music because it’s important,” said Tim Carbone, Railroad Earth’s violin and electric guitar player and a founding member. The band hasn’t had an opportunity to play together since March, Carbone said, and they’re thrilled to be able to reconnect—and get back in front of their devoted following. “We’re looking forward to seeing each other and playing music together again. Right behind that is to play music in front of our fans because they’re a big part of our lives,” Carbone said. B Chord owner Marty Dougherty said the brewery has worked hard to build a reputation as a COVID-safe venue. With safety in mind, more national acts are eager to play outdoor venues, and they’re ready to be flexible. “They’re not making the kind of money they would at other venues [before COVID],” Dougherty said. “But musicians are feeling a need to get out and play.” In another big score for the venue, bluegrass legend Sam Bush plays a sold-out show at B Chord this Friday. And on the heels of the Railroad Earth shows, the iconic bluegrass musician Del McCoury plays a sellout at B Chord on Sunday, Oct. 4. Dougherty has built a relationship with McCoury and his family and has hosted the Del McCoury Band offshoot, the Travelin’ McCourys, launched by Del’s sons Ronnie McCoury and Rob McCoury at the brewery. But hosting Del in the flesh is a huge

LOCO CULTURE

‘Clue Onstage’

Courtesy of Railroad Earth

Following bluegrass legend Sam Bush’s sold out Sept. 18 concert, Railroad Earth takes the B Chord stage for three shows early next month.

accomplishment for a relatively small rural venue. “He’s royalty,” Dougherty said. Carbone says Railroad Earth has taken a big financial hit from missing the usually packed summer festival season and are looking forward to a solid paying gig. But it’s mostly about being out under safe circumstances and reconnecting with fans— and each other. “We have a really great, friendly crowd. Our following is super sweet and positive,” he said. “We miss playing for them. I’ve been playing music all my life. I’m 63 years old. I started playing percussion when I was 16, and I’ve never looked back.” Railroad Earth was launched in 2001 in New Jersey as a folk-rock, bluegrass-influenced jam band. They quickly became festival circuit favorites, with a devoted following who call themselves Hobos. And those fans were clearly hungry for a show. Railroad Earth’s Friday and Saturday shows at B Chord sold out the day tickets went on sale last week. The band and venue have added a show Thursday, Oct. 1—an opportunity for locals to catch this big time act. As of press time, there were tickets available for that show. Carbone is expecting fans from around the Mid-Atlantic and beyond, with Hobos driving in from as far away as Denver. Dougherty confirms that B Chord’s partner hotel for the Railroad Earth event is booked, but they’re working to help out of towners find alternate accommodations if needed. “I think they’re going to come from wherever they feel safe getting to the venue from,” Carbone said. For Dougherty, B Chord’s brewer, the

venue has always been a brewery first, and he’s proud of a strong local fan base who simply come for the beer. But music was always slated to be at the heart of B Chord’s mission. Doughterty and business partner Aaron Gilman opened the brewery on a 64acre farm west of Round Hill in 2018 with a professional sound stage. The venue introduced ticketed shows—previously unheard of in western Loudoun—featuring top regional talent. At the same time, B Chord continued to offer laid-back, free shows with smaller acts aimed at locals. After shutting down for Phase One under Virginia’s COVID protocols, Dougherty and his staff looked at ways to make the venue safe for live outdoor shows. They spent the spring building picnic tables and clearing additional lawn space at the farm brewery to allow for social distancing. The venue has hosted a series of top-notch shows since June and has also developed a partnership with the Berryville-based nonprofit music venue the Barns of Rose Hill. With the Barns’ indoor venue closed, its staff has worked with B Chord to book a series of ticketed shows featuring favorite performers, providing an important income stream for the nonprofit. The latest BORH/B Chord collaboration features Loudoun-based musicians Juliana MacDowell and Chris Timbers on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the brewery. For Dougherty, the new interest in the venue from national touring acts is directly related to its reputation for safety, plenty of room for social distancing and enforcing mask compliance. It’s all about keeping auSAFE STAGE continues on page 26

Saturday, Sept. 19- Sunday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m. StageCoach Theatre Company, 20937 Ashburn Road, Suites 115 and 120, Ashburn Details: stagecoachtc.com StageCoach Theatre presents a socially distanced version of “Clue Onstage.” Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie, which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, “Clue” is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. Tickets are $25 in advance. Shows are selling out fast, so grab tickets in advance.

Franklin Park Outdoor Movies: ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Saturday, Sept. 19, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville Details: franklinparkartscenter.org Franklin Parks outdoor movie series continues with this 1962 classic film based on the novel by Harper Lee. “To Kill a Mockingbird” stars Gregory Peck who won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Atticus Finch.

LOCO LIVE Live Music: Crooked Angels Friday, Sept. 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Details: dirtfarmbrewing.com Husband and wife duo Amy and Jamie Potter serve up wild roots and soulful Americana.

Shepherds Ford and B Chord Present Saturday, Sept. 19, 1-10:30 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com With Watermelon Park Fest canceled, traditional music fans are feeling the loss. Shepherds Ford productions puts on a socially distanced mini-fest at B Chord, featuring favorites including The Woodshedders, Furnace Mountain, Chip’s All Stars, Danny Knicely, Aimee Curl, John Previti, Greg Ruby and Dennis Lightman and Fiddlin’ Dave and Morgan. Tickets are $25-$30 in advance.

THINGS TO DO continues on page 26

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 25

HELP WANTED AT FAMILY PRACTICE Large family practice in Loudoun County with 6 locations and 28 providers looking for FT LPN’s or MA’s with a dedication to excellence. New LPN graduates welcome to apply. Pediatric and or family practice experience preferred. EHR experience highly recommended. We offer competitive pay rates, health, dental and vision insurance as well as direct deposit, 401K and many other benefits. Please send your resume to:

See the full job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com

lgray@lmgdoctors.com or fax to 703-726-0804 attention Lisa

NOW HIRING NOW HIRING FLAGGERS Full time, to provide traffic control & safety around construction sites. A valid driver license & clean driving record a must. Starting $13/hr & scheduled raises & bonuses. Company-paid medical & dental premiums. Please fill out an application at trafficplan.com or come to our office on Tuesdays or Thursdays (8am-10am) 7855 Progress Ct. Suite 103, Gainesville, VA

703-777-9300 | www.SpringArborLiving.com We’re looking for exceptional people to join our team! Spring Arbor of Leesburg is now hiring for Virginia Certified Nursing Assistants for full time and part time hours working 1st, 2nd or 3rd shifts.

NHLEmployerCard2

See career opportunities at HHHunt.com

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.

CMY

Regular Full-Time Positions Position

Department

Salary Range

Closing Date

Controller

Finance

$79,227-$135,636 DOQ

Open until filled

Maintenance Worker I

Public Works & Capital Projects

$38,075-$65,186 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility Plant Operator: Trainee, I, II or Senior

Utilities – Water Pollution Control or Water Supply

$41,353-$89,790 DOQ

Open until filled

$41,353-$76,882 DOQ

Open until filled

Utility System Trainee or Utility System Technician Utilities

No experience necessary. Will train. Free classes starting Oct 5th. Day and evening classes available. Small fee for books

Call or text 571-306-1955

Flexible Part-Time Position Position

Department

Distance Learning Support Staff

Parks & Recreation

Hourly Rate $20.00

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.

Closing Date 09/30/20

See the full job listings at

NowHiringLoudoun.com

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 26

THINGS to do continued from page 24

Live Music: Jessica Paulin Saturday, Sept. 19, 1:30 p.m. Sunset Hills Vineyard, 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane, Purcellville Details: sunsethillsvineyard.com Enjoy covers from the ‘60s through today as Paulin covers favorites from Joplin to Gaga.

Live Music: Acoustic Soul Saturday, Sept. 19, 2-5 p.m. Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro Details: twotwistedposts.com Acoustic Soul’s Steven Shaffer and Bruce Turner are a guitar and vocals duo who pay tribute to legendary classic rock, blues, R&B and American roots artists.

Live Music: Eric Selby and Deane Kern Saturday, Sept. 19, 2-5 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Modern acoustic roots music from a dynamic duo.

Live Music: Quasi Flannel Saturday, Sept. 19, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights Details: facebook.com/harpersferrybrewing Quasi Flannel returns to HFB with ‘90s alt rock favorites.

CABINET SHOWPLACE Fine Cabinetry for the Entire Home

Live Music: Rowdy Ace Saturday, Sept. 19, 5-8 p.m. Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts Details: vanishbeer.com Rowdy Ace returns to Vanish with country, rock, blues, Americana and pop for a fun brewery afternoon.

Live Music: The Pool Boys Saturday, Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m. MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, Leesburg Details: macsbeach.com Chill on the beach with alt rock from the ‘90s and early 2000s from The Pool Boys.

ValFresco: Todd Brooks and Pour Decisions Saturday, Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m. Village at Leesburg, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg

Safe Stage continued from page 24

www.cabinetshowplace.com

540.338.9661

210 N. 21st St., # E Purcellville, VA 20132

dience members safe and also making musicians feel safe. “A lot of musicians saw what happened to John Prine and they’re worried,” Dougherty said. The death of the legendary country/folk songwriter of COVID-19 complications in

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Details: villageatleesburg.com Brooks and company serve up a heavy helping of classic rock along with favorites from the ‘80, ‘90s and 2000s.

Doukenie Moonlight Serenade: Larry Burnett Band with Don Chapman Saturday, Sept. 19, 7-10 p.m. Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro Details: doukeniewinery.com Doukenie’s Moonlight Serenade series features intimate seated concerts with top regional performers. The series kicks off with The Larry Burnett Band featuring Don Chapman, JD Pederson and Jim Kremidas. To maintain safe social distancing requirements, concert tickets will be sold by the table only, and only 11 tables will be available. Tickets are $120 for four guests, and $180 for six guests.

Live Music: David Lange Sunday, Sept. 20 1-5 p.m. Breaux Vineyards, 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Hillsboro Details: breauxvineyards.com Lange is a one-man blues band who’s been winning over fans around the region with his unique style of Rust Belt blues.

Live Music: Anthony Semiao Sunday, Sept. 20, 2-5 p.m. Maggie Malick Wine Caves, 12138 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville Details: maggiemalickwinecaves.com Semiao grew up on ’80s metal and glam rock but just can’t get enough of the acoustic guitar sound.

Live Music: Lonesome River Band with Springfield Exit Sunday, Sept. 20, 4-8 p.m. B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill Details: bchordbrewing.com With nearly four decades of performing under their belts, the Lonesome River Band is one of the most respected names in bluegrass music. They’re joined by regional favorites Springfield Exit. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Live Music: The Derailleurs Sunday, Sept. 20, 7-9 p.m. Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese, 11873 Georges Mill Road, Lovettsville Details: georgesmillcheese.com Gypsy jazz from the region’s top musicians: Dwayne Brooke, Ken Bussey, Randy Ball and Trent Renshaw. Suggested donation is $10. No bathrooms or indoor facilities will be available.

April hit the music community hard. Carbone agrees that safety is a big priority. His management team vetted the venue before setting up the gig, and band members will do a rapid COVID test before traveling. The precautions have Carbone and his bandmates feeling at ease and excited about next month’s gigs. “We’re doing the best we can. The venue seems to be doing the best they can,” he said. “We feel pretty comfortable with the situation.” n

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 27

Obituaries Austin Calvin Echols Austin Calvin Echols, 26 years old, of Lovettsville, Virginia died on August 30, 2020. He was born in Leesburg, Virginia on December 30, 1993. He was the youngest of his siblings and was full of life from his early days until his last. Austin’s compassionate, outgoing, and cheery ways were a source of smiles and goodness for anyone he met. Austin was curious and incredibly kindhearted. His kindness was truly infectious. Most of all, he loved his family dearly. Austin’s lifelong love of learning led him to spend much of his time immersed in interesting hobbies. He enjoyed raising and caring for rare coral species in his saltwater aquariums and he loved sharing his deep knowledge on the topic with others. After many tumbles and falls, Austin became an excellent long boarder. He also loved to study, scrutinize, and share his passionate knowledge and ideas about history and world events. Austin deeply cared for animals, taking in pet cats of his own and helping stray cats whenever he could. Although Austin grew up in Lovettsville, Virginia, he spent much of his free time on his grandparents’ farm in Lucketts, Virginia, where he made countless memories with his family. He graduated from Woodgrove High School in Purcellville, Virginia in the class of 2012 and he pursued some college education at Old Dominion

University. He went on to work in the construction industry, a trade common to his family for several generations. He quickly moved up the ranks and into managerial roles within his company. Austin was passionate about his work and never hesitated to go the extra mile. Austin moved to Littleton, Colorado in 2019 and continued working in the construction trade. He made many new friends and countless memories on his new adventure. Austin leaves his family to cherish his memory including his mom Michele Coates (Athey) and husband Daniel Coates of Lovettsville, VA; his dad Alton Echols, III and wife Jin Guo of Charles Town, WV; his maternal grandmother, Jo Ann Athey; his paternal grandparents, Alton Echols, Jr. and Bonnie, and Ginger and Paul McDonald; his siblings, Alton Echols, IV and wife Kaitlyn, Ashton Echols, and Autumn Echols. He is also survived by 2 nieces, Summer and Darby; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, James Athey. The family received friends on Friday, September 11, 2020 from 10 to 11 am at the Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA 20175. Graveside services and Interment were held at 11:30am, in Furnace Mountain Cemetery, Leesburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Austin’s memory to the Coral Reef Alliance (an organization that works to save coral reefs around the world). Arrangements by LoudounFuneralChapel.com

Helen “Honey” Louise Lane Age 77, of Hamilton, VA.

Departed this life peacefully on September 4, 2020, with her children at her bedside. Helen enjoyed doing crosswords and word searches, watching soap operas and westerns on TV, traveling, and spending time with family. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Matthew and Nannie Scott Reid, husband, Elbert Lane, five brothers, Matthew Jr., Reginald, James, Wilmer and Welby, and five sisters, Julia Wilson, Dorothy Tines, Christine, Garnet and Grace Reid. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Angela of Leesburg, VA, Shawn of Hamilton, VA, and Gary (Lavern) of Ashburn, VA; grandchildren,

Keisha, Shana, Donte Lane and Taesha Drummond; one sister, Gloria Wines of Clinton, MD and one brother, Allen Reid of Falls Church, VA; four sisters-in-law, Frances Reid, Jean McKenzie, Joan Jackson, and Dorothy Lane; one brother-inlaw Richard Lane (Bernice); and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Viewing and visitation was held from 10:00 until time of service 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Sep. 11, 2020 at the Austin Grove Church, 33999 Austin Grove Road, Bluemont, VA. Interment was held at the Westview Cemetery, Upperville, VA with Rev. James E. Page, Jr., officiating. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA,MD,DC 800-3881913

Charles (Little Charlie) Leon Bryant, III

Age 35, of Dumfries, VA, formerly of Leesburg, VA Went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 7, 2020. Born on February 19, 1985, he was the son of Charles Leon Bryant, Jr. (Deidra) of Sterling, VA, and Evelyn Annette Reid (John), of Triangle, VA. He is also survived by four sisters, Takesia I. Reid of Shawnee, KS, Jacqueline D. Owens of Ashburn, VA, Shannelle A. Reid of Dumfries, VA, and Lisa C. Sheppard of Ashburn, VA; three brothers, Brock A. Criales of Lovettsville, VA, Stephon D. Sheppard and Marcus E. Thweatt of Ashburn, VA; grandmother, Gladys V. Bryant of Sterling, VA; grandfather, Charles L. Bryant, Sr. (Louise) of Clarksburg, MD, and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Rock Hill Cemetery, Round Hill, VA. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA,MD,DC 800-388-1913

Daniel Glen Osborne “OZ” Age 66 of Manassas, VA formerly of Pittsburgh, PA

He departed this life peacefully on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020 at Prince William Hospital, Manassas, VA. Daniel worked at Inova Loudoun Hospital Center for twelve years as a supervisor in the housekeeping department. He leaves to cherish fond memories, his only child, Okema Danielle Mesko of Verona, PA; brothers, Wendell Osborne of Portsmouth, VA, Jerry Osborne of Washington D.C., Larry Osborne of Belle Vernon, PA, and Alan Osborne of Monesson, PA; sisters, Ada Buchner of Homestead, PA, Yvonne Henderson of McKeesport, PA, Faye Osborne of Potomac, MI, Donna Minnie of Belle Vernon, PA, and Evelyn Johnson of Pricedale, PA; two grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Daniel was preceded in death by his mother and father, Alfred Samuel Osborne and Hazel Rosetta Osborne; two brothers, Alfred Osborne, Jr. of Rochester, NY and Clifford Osborne of Pricedale, PA. Arrangements by Lyles Funeral Service, serving Northern Virginia and surrounding areas, Eric S. Lyles, Director, Lic. VA,MD,DC 800-388-1913

Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must, not where we want them to.

LoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email: sstyer@loudounnow.com

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 28

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Legal Notices ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Gaver Mill Road and Stony Point Road Trails Town of Hillsboro

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

JJ039889-06-00; 07-00; 08-00; 09-00 , Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Case No.:

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Karley Bryner-Kerr Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Michael Smith, putative father and Unknown Father The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of foster care plan with goal of adoption, pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Karley Bryner-Kerr and Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father, pursuant to Virginia Code §16.1-283 for Karley Bryner-Kerr. Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father are hereby notified that failure to appear on the hereinafter noticed date and time may result in the entry of an Order approving a permanency goal of adoption as well as the termination of their residual parental rights with respect to Karley BrynerKerr. Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father are hereby further notified that if their residual parental rights are terminated, they will no longer have any legal rights with respect to said minor child, including, but not limited to, the right to visit Karley Bryner-Kerr; any authority with respect to the care and supervision of Karley Bryner-Kerr; or the right to make health related decisions or determine the religious affiliation of Karley Bryner-Kerr. Further, Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father will have no legal and/or financial obligations with respect to Karley Bryner-Kerr, and the Department of Family Services of Loudoun County, Virginia may be granted the authority to place Karley Bryner-Kerr for adoption and consent to the adoption of Karley Bryner-Kerr. It is ORDERED that the defendants Michael Smith, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the abovenamed Court to protect their interests on or before September 22, 2020 at 2:00 pm.

ABC LICENSE

Willingness to Hold a Public Hearing

North Star International Logistics, LLC, trading as Loire Valley Distribution, 21362 Fembrook Court, Broadlands, Loudoun County, Virginia 20148

Find out about two planned trail projects related to the Town of Hillsboro’s Route 9 Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Improvements project. Gaver Mill Road Trail includes sidewalk and shared-use path on the west side of Gaver Mill Road (Route 812) from the end of the Route 9 Traffic Calming and Pedestrian Improvements project to just north of the Catoctin Creek bridge. Stony Point Road Trail includes sidewalk on the east side of Stony Point Road (Route 719) from Route 9 (Charles Town Pike) to just south of Highwater Road. The trail projects also include curb ramps, crosswalks and retaining walls.

The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine Import and Wine Wholesaler license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.

Review the project information and environmental document in the form of a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (PCE) at the Town of Hillsboro Office at 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132. Please call ahead at 540-486-8001 or TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate personnel.

Cyril Merienne, Member Note: Objections to the issuance of this license must be submitted to ABC no later than 30 days from the publishing date of the first of two required newspaper legal notices. Objections should be registered at www.abc.virginia.gov or 800-552-3200.

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, the Town of Hillsboro is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written request to Mayor Roger Vance, Project Manager, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132 on or prior to October 19, 2020. If upon receiving public comments it is deemed necessary to hold a public hearing, notice of date, time and place of the hearing will be posted.

9/17 & 9/24/20

In compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act, Section 106 and 36 CFR Part 800, information concerning potential impacts to properties listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places is also included with the environmental documentation.

TOWN OF HAMILTON PUBLIC NOTICE

The Town of Hillsboro ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact Virginia Department of Transportation’s Civil Rights Division at 1-800-367-7623 or TTY/TDD 711.

Code of Virginia §58.1‐3911 Town of Hamilton personal property taxes for 2020 are due on Monday, October 5, 2020. Tina M. Staples Treasurer Town of Hamilton

State Projects: EN18-236-002, P101, R201, C501 EN18-236-201, P101, R201, C501 UPCs: 113635, 113606 Federal: TAP-5A01 (969), TAP-5A01 (968)

9/17 & 9/24/2020

9/17, 10/1 & 10/8/20

NOTICE

TOWN OF LEESBURG TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Remote Public Participation Available

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

Members of the public who wish to speak during the petitioners’ section and/or public hearing of the September 22, 2020, Leesburg Town Council Meeting can do so remotely. Information on how to participate remotely can be found on the Town of Leesburg’s website www.leesburgva.gov/agendas or on the agenda that will be posted outside of the Clerk’s Office and in the lobby of Town Hall (25 West Market Street) by close of business on September 16, 2020.

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.

If you need more information, contact the Clerk of Council at eboeing@leesburgva.gov or 703-771-2733.

YR.

MAKE

MODEL

VIN

STORAGE

PHONE#

2002

KIA

SEDONA

KNDUP131826124895

ROAD RUNNER

703-450-7555 09/17 & 09/24/20

9/17/2020

NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES

9/17/20

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

LoudounNow.com

Description

Case Number

Recovery Date

Recovery Location

Phone Number

Black Mongoose Bike

SO200013866

08/27/2020

23844 Belmont Ridge Rd., Ashburn

703-777-0610

Gray/neon green 24 in Roadmaster model R3012WML

SO200014016

08/30/2020

Sycolin Rd/Turner Farm Ln

703-777-0610 09/17 & 09/24/20

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 29

Legal Notices LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING COMPETITIVE BIDS/PROPOSALS FOR:

SEALED

CONSTRUCTION OF THE JOHN MOSBY HIGHWAY (ROUTE 50) AND ELK LICK ROAD (ROUTE 621) MEDIAN CLOSURE, IFB No. 266783 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, October 26, 2020. A Pre Bid Conference will be held virtually using GoTo Meeting software on September 25, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. for clarification of any questions on the drawings, specifications and site conditions. Until further notice bidders will not be able to participate in the Pre-Construction Conference in person. You must pre-register to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference by sending an email to PROCUREMENT@loudoun.gov. The subject line of the email should state “Register for Pre-Bid Conference for Construction of the John Mosby Hwy (Route 50) & Elk Lick Road (Route 621) Median Closure, RFQ 266783”, and the email should include the name of your firm and provide contact information to include phone number and address. Providing the email requesting participation in the Pre-Bid Conference was received prior to 1:00 p.m. the business day prior to the date of the Pre-Bid Conference, the County will respond with the information to participate in the Pre-Bid Conference. Emails received after 1:00 p.m. will not be responded to. ENTERPRISE DATA WAREHOUSE SYSTEM, RFP No. 308782 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, October 9, 2020. TRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION SERVICES, RFP No. 266784 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, October 19, 2020. 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. 9/17/20

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a public hearing in the BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING ROOM, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:

APPL-2020-0005 Bed and Breakfast Inn, Off-Site Manager

D E

Donald E. Walker Sr. of Waterford, Virginia, has submitted an application for an appeal of the May 5, 2020, Zoning Administrator determination, ZCOR-2020-0019, which found that, pursuant to Section 5-601(B)(1)(a) of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, the requirement for the owner and/or manager of the premises to provide full-time management at all times when the Bed and Breakfast Inn is occupied by overnight guests or private party attendees requires such owner and/or manager to be physically present on the premises (i.e. “on-site”). The subject property is zoned AR-1 (Agricultural Rural-1) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and is located partially within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 8 acres in size and is located north of Clover Hill Road (Route 662), on the west side of Creek Lane (Route 695), at 14551 Creek Lane, Waterford, Virginia in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 301-359661.

L E

C N

Full and complete copies of the above-referenced application(s) and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning, County Government Center,

A C

1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call (703) 777-0246. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. If any member of the public requires a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate in a public meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200/TTY-711. At least one business day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. Nan M. Joseph Forbes, Chairman 9/10 & 9/17/20

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

TOWN OF LEESBURG ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID IFB NO. 13301-FY21-12 TREE AND SHRUB INSTALLATION SOUTH KING STREET WIDENING PHASE II (MASONS LN. TO GREENWAY DR.)

The object of this suit is to hold a foster care review hearing and review of foster care plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282 and 16.1-281 for Isaac William McClure. It is ORDERED that the defendant Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, father appear at the above named Court and protect his interests on or before October 13, 2020 at 2:00 pm.

SEALED BIDS to construct the above project WILL BE RECEIVED by the Town of Leesburg, either by mail or hand delivered to the Procurement Office, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176, UNTIL BUT NO LATER THAN 3:00 P.M. ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2020. Bids shall be marked “Sealed Bid for Tree and Shrub Installation – South King Street Widening Ph II Bid Date: Thursday, October 1, 2020 – 3:00 P.M.” Bids will be opened and read aloud at 25 West Market Street, Lower Level Conference Room 2, at that date and time. All questions regarding this bid must be submitted in writing via email to CapitalBidQuestions@leesburgva.gov until but no later than 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Work includes tree plantings, spreading topsoil, maintenance including watering and all incidentals related thereto. The Town reserves the right to perform all, part, or none of the work. Bid Documents are available for download from the Town’s Bid Board at http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboard. Contact Cindy Steyer at 703-737-2302 or csteyer@leesburgva.gov with questions about obtaining these bid documents. Any addenda issued for this project will be posted on the Town’s Bid Board and eVA (https://eva.virginia.gov) with a courtesy email to those firms who have registered on the Town’s Bid Board. It is the bidders’ responsibility to provide a correct email address and to be aware of any addenda. Bud Siegel P.E., Acting Manager Office of Capital Projects

9/17/20

LoudounNow.com

Case No.: JJ044085-02-00,

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Isaac William McClure Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Edwin Ernesto Ortiz, father

9/10, 9/17, 9/24, & 10/01/20

TOWN OF LEESBURG NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING APPLICATION TLZM-2020-0001, McDAVIT PROPERTY

Pursuant to Sections 15.2-1427, 15.2-2204, 15.2-2205 and 15.2-2285 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, the Leesburg Town Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider rezoning application TLZM-2020-0001, McDavit Property. The applicants, Michael McDavit and Catherine Visintainer are requesting approval of an application to rezone approximately 1.75 acres of land from the O-1, General Office zoning district to the R-1, Single-Family Residential District to permit the construction of one single-family detached dwelling unit. The Subject Property is located is located on Old Waterford Road, NW (Route 698) northwest of the intersection of Morven Park Road and Old Waterford Road, NW. The subject property is identified by the following Loudoun County Property Identification Numbers (PIN): 230-35-8464 and Tax Map Tax Map No. /48//26/////2/. The Town Plan designates the subject property as “Community Office” on the Planned Land Use Policy Map. Residential use is not recommended at any density under the “Community Office” designations. The applicant is proposing a density of 0.57 dwelling units per acre in the R-1 District. Additional information and copies of this rezoning application are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Richard Klusek, Senior Planner at 703-771-2758 or rklusek@leesburgva.gov. At these hearings, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of the Council at (703) 771-2733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711 9/10 & 9/17

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 30

Legal Notices

Misc.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

Case No.:

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

JJ038628-13-00 ,

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Sanay Elliyoun-Yousefabad Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Shahnaz Zabihi Khodapasand, mother The object of this suit is to hold a 6th permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Sanay Elliyoun-Yousefabad. It is ORDERED that the defendant Shahnaz Zabihi Khodapasand, mother appear at the above named Court and protect her interests on or before October 13, 2020 at 3:00 pm. 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, & 10/01/20

AUCTION NOTICE

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316

JJ042687-05-00 JJ042688-05-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Jaxon Ezekiel Jenkins and Ashton Leon Jenkins Loudoun County Department of Family Services /v. Samuel Lee Jenkins III, putative father The object of this suit is to hold a permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Jaxon Ezekiel Jenkins and Ashton Leon Jenkins.

Stephen Howell 258 Woodward Rd., Arnold MD 21012

Ends October 1, 2020 at 3pm

(304) 839-8088 hickoryhillwv@gmail.com

Seasoned Firewood for Sale 540-822-5663 or 703-431-5461

Resource Directory

CL 20-4819 ,

Loudoun County Circuit Court 18 East Market St., Leesburg VA 20176

The object of this suit is to obtain a divorce and serve the Complaint for Divorce.

Household Items

Heritage breed. Intelligent, eager to please, family & farm companion. Also herding, protection, and hunting. 8 tri-color. 5 sables. $800.00

9/17, 9/24, 10/01 & 10/08

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE §§ 1-211.1; 8.01-316, -317, 20-104

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Lisa Monita Garrett v. Kenneth A. Lewis

Beginning on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 3pm, Zippy Shell Northern Virginia will sell, via online public auction at www.StorageTreasures.com the following units for cash to the highest bidder: v0088 v0092 v0278

OLD TIME SCOTCH COLLIE PUPPIES

It is Ordered that the defendant Samuel Lee Jenkins III, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before October 13, 2020 at 3:00 pm.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION Case No.:

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

LoudounNow.com

BOBCAT Bobcat * Bobcat Services * * Gravel Driveway Repair *

Br am

hall Trucking

540-822-9011

It is ORDERED that Kenneth A. Lewis appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before September 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm.

◆ Stone DuSt ◆ Mulch ◆ topSoil ◆ SanD ◆ ◆ light graDing ◆ graveling ◆ ◆ Drainage SolutionS ◆ Backhoe Work ◆

Let us heLp you carry your Load!

8/27, 9/3, 9/10 & 9/17/2020

Construction LOUDOUN

CONSTRUCTION GROUP

CONSTRUCTION Construction

Kenny Williams Construction, Inc. * Decks & Screen Porches * Additions * Fences * Garages * Finished Basements * Deck Repairs Free Estimates

Francisco Rojo Cell: 571-213-0850 571-235-8304

GENERAL CONTRACTORS Licensed & Insured

703-771-8727

www.kennywilliamsconstruction.com Licensed • Insured • bonded

Finished Basement - Custom Audio/Visual Rooms General Painting - Kitchen & Bath Remodels Finish Carpentry - Sunrooms & Decks General Handyman Services - References Available

Serving Loudoun County for 35 years.

Loudoun-Construction.com | Leesburg, VA

Class A Contractor

Construction CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION Construction

C ustom C onstruCtion A dditions • r epAirs Blue Ridge Remodeling, Inc. 540-668-6522

www.brrinc.net Purcellville, VA

Since 1976 • Free Estimates Licensed & Insured

Never miss a show

•

GetOutLoudoun.com

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE • DRIVEWAYS • EXPOSED AGGREGATE • PATIOS • FOOTINGS • SLABS • STAMPED CONCRETE • SIDEWALKS

Free Estimates

Ph: 703-437-3822 • Cell: 703-795-5621

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

PAGE 31

Resource Directory Driveway Repair

EXCAVATING Excavating

Decks

The Good Guys REFERRALS AVAILABLE!

Asphalt Driveway Restoration • Best Asphalt Crack Filling • Patchwork • Best Oil-Based Heated Sealcoating • The Real Asphalt Preservative is Oil-Based Sealer • Not Just A Cosmetic Sealer Like Others • Oil-Based Sealer Preserves Asphalt • Offering Brand New Asphalt Driveways (Small driveways only) • 2" Overlays/Resurfacing

Cristian Arias C & BROTHERS

Loving Fence

contractor VA, DC HIC LISENCE

NEW INSTALLATION, REPAIRS & PAINTING

DECKS, PATIOS, AND STONE WORKS LICENSED BONDED & INSURED

Free Estimate candbrothers@gmail.com

Fencing

BOBCAT SERVICES

240-413-5827 240-413-5873 www.candbrothers.com

LICENSED & INSURED

WESLEY LOVING 1824 HARMONY CHURCH RD HAMILTON, VA 20158

LEESBURG, VA

GARAGE DOORS Garage Doors

Gutters

Handyman

540-338-9580 LOVINGFENCE@AOL.COM

Great Quality Work is Not Cheap, Cheap Prices Are Not Quality. We Want to Keep You Happy.

Paul Jones and Son 703.582.9712

GoodGuysPaving@gmail.com Warranty FREE Estimates

Leesburg, VA Satisfaction Guaranteed

HANDYMAN Handyman

Handyman/Master Craftsman Licensed. Insured.

$30 per estimate

Credited upon Acceptance

Land Clearing Veterans LLC Land Rescue Reclaim Your Land Lovettsville, VA Veteran Owned & Operated VA, MD & WV Residential & Commercial

703-718-6789 major@veteransllc.us www.veteransllc.us

Since 2000.

BUILT-INS • CABINETS • CLOSETS • CARPENTRY DRYWALL • INTERIOR DOORS • CROWN MOLDING CHAIR RAIL • CERAMIC TILE • PLUMBING • LIGHTING ELECTRICAL • BATHROOMS Damon L. Blackburn 703-966-7225 | www.myashburnhandyman.com damon.blackburn@yahoo.com

NORTH’S TREE SERVICE & LANDSCAPING

Tree Experts For Over 30 Years Family Owned & Operated SPRING

• Tree Removal • Lot Clearing • SPECIAL 25% OFF • Pruning • Trimming • Clean Up • WITH •Deadlimbing • Uplift Trees • THIS AD! • Grading • Private Fencing • • Masonry Work • Grading Driveways •

Your Complete Tree & Landscaping Company Honest & Dependable Serv. • 24 Hr. Emerg. Serv. Satisfaction Guaranteed

(540) 533-8092

Lic./Ins. • Free Estimates • Angie’s List Member • BBB

C & Brothers Home Improvement, LLC

Landscaping HARDSCAPING • LANDSCAPE WALLS PATIO AND WALKWAY INSTALLATION RETAINING WALLS • STONE WORK

Cristian Arias 240-413-5827 | 240-413-5673 candbrothers@gmail.com

Landfill Friendly We Donate & Recycle

HAULING

Licensed and Insured

540-454-0415 | PACKRATHAULING.COM

Masonry

Realty Services

North’s Custom Masonry

Richard Hamilton

Retaining & Decorative Walls • Stonework Fire pits, Fireplaces & Chimneys, Repointing Brick Concrete and paver driveways

20% Discount on Paver Patios & Walkways

571-490-1879 luckettslandscaping.com a1chilly@aol.com

Residential, Farm & Commercial Junk Removal Services, Rolloff Dumpster Services.

20 Years of Experience FRE Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling, ESTIMATEE S! Decks, General Handyman Services

Licensed, Bonded & Insured | References Available

Call Brian 540-533-8092

Angie’s list member

Free estimates, BBB, Lic/Ins.

Realtor® Associate Broker

c: 703.819.5458 e: richard.hamilton@pearsonsmithrealty.com w: www.varealestate4sale.com Call today for your free consultation! Licensed in Virginia #0225020865

43777 Central Station Drive, Suite 390, Ashburn, VA 20147

Siding

Roofing

Tree Removal

Junk Removal

Video Production

Expert Tree Service

POTOMAC WINDOW CLEANING CO.

Expert Tree & Stump Removal Hes Company, LLC 703-203-8853

No Damage Residential Window Cleaning: Inside & Outside By Hand

15% OFF

Family Owned & Operated

HOA Maintenance • Tree Planting • Lot Clearing Storm Damage Pruning • Trimming • Crowning • Spring Clean Up Mulch • Roofing and Decking Available JohnQueirolo1@gmail.com • www.hescompanyllc.com

Licensed & Insured • Member Angie’s List & BBB • Affordable

Windows & Power Washing

18 Liberty Street SW

30 Years Experience

(703) 777-3296

Licensed Bonded Insured

Ask about our no damage, low pressure, power washing services for brick, concrete, wood & siding using a soft brush to remove the dirt the power washer won’t get.

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 32

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

Opinion An Important Step Having Loudoun’s mayors step up to take a more active role in addressing the county’s affordable housing challenges is an important new beginning. Done right, the towns not only can provide important housing options, but also help to relieve some of the pressure to develop the countryside. It’s not a new concept. In fact, it was once a hallmark of Loudoun’s planning policies. The basic concept is simple: Steer development to areas where there is infrastructure to handle it. That’s not just to suburban areas in eastern Loudoun; the towns also have public water and sewer service, roads, schools and other support services. In the early ’90s county planners envisioned the towns—rather than the farm fields surrounding them—absorbing the residential development in their area. That vision gradually faded, first because the General Plan failed to link the preservation element through a density transfer tool, and then as town councils adopted anti-development stances that had little tolerance for any new homes generally and even less for projects with affordable housing tags. Leesburg even opposed efforts to expand the county’s Affordable Dwelling Unit program within its boundaries. The first step, taken this week, is to say we want to be part of the solution. It’s an important outreach. For its part of the partnership, county leaders should incorporate the opportunities within the towns as part of their broader rural economic goals. This should not be a development plan, but a community needs initiative. It will take creativity, cooperation and compromise, but the reward could be significant. And it should not go unnoticed that it is the Coalition of Loudoun Towns that is demonstrating what local governments can accomplish when leaders can create a joint vision and then work together to achieve their goals, an approach much too rare in our community today.

Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor nstyer@loudounnow.com

Published by Amendment One Loudoun, LLC 15 N. King St., Suite 101 Leesburg, VA, 20176 PO Box 207 Leesburg, VA 20178 703-770-9723

EDITORIAL Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com Kara C. Rodriguez, Reporter krodriguez@loudounnow.com Patrick Szabo, Reporter pszabo@loudounnow.com

Loudoun Now is delivered by mail to more than 44,000 Loudoun homes and businesses, with a total weekly distribution of 47,000.

ADVERTISING Susan Styer, Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com Tonya Harding, Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com

LETTERS to the Editor Don’t Create Criminals Editor: Once again the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is saddling the citizenry with a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. Prohibiting firearms in county buildings and parks serves no purpose other than to disenfranchise a significant number of residents of this county and any who may travel here. Our rights don’t end where county property begins. The event that spurred this proposal is itself the prime example of why creating gun-free zones gets people killed. The employees of the City of Virginia Beach were prohibited from carrying firearms, even those with concealed handgun permits, while at work. The gunman knew this. He was a government employee. He didn’t care. Evil never cares. Evil just sees an easy target. Note that for the past five months we’ve watched government buildings being targeted for attack every night on TV. How many times do gun-free zones have to be turned into slaughter houses before the government stops taking away our ability to fight back? There is a reason that over 90% of these types of incidents happen where they do. Those bent on mayhem don’t want anyone fighting back. The statistics are clear: the shooting stops when the second gun arrives on the scene. The shooting stops even faster if the second

gun is already there. The truth is that gun owners are a law-abiding group. CHP holders are among the most law-abiding people in this country, this state and this county. A quick search fails to produce any incidents of gun owners harassing any county employees or anyone else at any county facilities. Are we safer for this? Are women safer in the park if everyone knows they can’t defend themselves from attack? It’s not like parks aren’t a favorite clandestine meeting place for drug dealers and other criminals. Does the Board of Supervisors think the criminals will follow the new laws as well as they follow the old laws? What is the point of all this? Since the Commonwealth of Virginia is the fourth safest state in the union even with a border shared by the murder capital that is Washington, DC, why is our county government trying to strip the rights of its citizens away? It’s simple: to create criminals of those they disagree with politically. Creating criminals of the law abiding is about the only thing the government is good at. By creating a spider web of different laws across the state, the government has put millions of gun owners at odds with liberty and the law. In an area like Northern Virginia, where people might travel purposefully or unplanned through multiple counties, cities and towns a day, how is anyone supposed to keep straight what laws exist where? They can’t and LETTERS continues on page 35

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 33

PARENTING WITH A PURPOSE

Dealing with Distance Learning—Staying Engaged in Online Classes BY NEIL MCNERNEY

We, as parents, are in uncharted territory with distance learning. Since our generation has never experienced learning in this way, we are making it up as we go along. Fortunately, learning experts have begun seeing certain trends and have been developing suggestions on how to make the best of our new situation. In this month’s column, I will share some tips and ideas that will ease some of the stress and exhaustion of our new learning environment. Reduce visual exhaustion during lessons. Humans, like many other mammals, are very aware of each other’s facial expressions. There is a lot to learn from someone’s state of mind by looking at their face. This is an excellent skill, but it takes lots of mental energy. Usually, during a classroom lesson, a student is only paying attention to one person’s face—the teacher. The default view for Google Classroom

tends to be tiled view, where a student is able to see up to 16 or more classmates. This can cause mental fatigue in students. I would suggest that students use Spotlight view, which spotlights the speaker only, usually the teacher. Don’t look at other screens during breaks. Typically, at school, students will be looking at the teacher, the board, or other students during active instruction. During breaks, they will check their phones. During distance learning, try to spend as little time on the phone during breaks. It is important to look at something else than an illuminated screen. Getting our eyes to look at something much further away decreases visual exhaustion. Set up your equipment to reduce strain. We know there are certain setups that will enhance the distance learning process: Any window should be beside you, not in front or behind you. Having a window in front of your face increases eye strain and having the window behind you in-

creases screen glare. Raise up the screen if possible. Looking down at a Chromebook all day will cause neck strain. Raising up the Chromebook, even a few inches, can help with this. Tilt screen back about 10-15 degrees. This will reduce screen glare. Use a humidifier in the “classroom,” especially directed toward your face. It will decrease eye dryness. As our houses become dryer, this will be essential. Try to mimic the classroom as much as possible. Try not to multitask. Imagine that you are in the actual classroom. Don’t check your phone during live instruction. Only have tabs open that deal with school. Print assignments and readings, if possible. With the amount of screen reading happening, it’s a good idea to try to reduce, if possible, the amount of reading that happens on screens. Move around more. During a typical in-person school day, students move around quite a bit. During distance learn-

ing, there are few natural opportunities to get up, change classes, and walk around. It’s easy to just stay seated between classes. It’s a good idea to be more intentional with getting up and moving around. The simple action of going up and down a flight of steps 2-3 times will do a great deal of good in refocusing attention and being able to keep at it. Do you have other tips and techniques that you would like to share? If so, please let me know and I would be happy to share on my Facebook page. n Neil McNerney is a licensed professional counselor and author of “Homework – A Parent’s Guide To Helping Out Without Freaking Out!” and “The Don’t Freak Out Guide for Parenting Kids with Asperger’s.” He can be reached at neil@neilmcnerney.com.

Write Your Way to Better Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic BY CHRIS CROLL

When this period in history is over, future generations will ask us what it was like to live through quarantines, lockdown and social distancing. Most of us will quickly forget (in fact, many of us cannot wait to forget). Capturing our thoughts and feelings in a journal not only records rich details about what life is like during this historical time, but the mere act of writing could make us healthier in the process. Regular recording of our thoughts and feelings on paper has been shown to offer a host of health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, lowering blood pressure and improving sleep. Some studies show that free form writing like journaling can also boost mood, enhance our sense of well-being, improve working memory and reduce symptoms of depression. One study even showed that, for teens, writing down thoughts in a journal every day is just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy for reducing symptoms of depression. And journaling is a whole lot cheaper. Keeping a journal tends to also make us more self-aware. Documenting our thoughts helps us detect unhealthy pat-

terns and allows us to see where we get stuck in our mental narratives. With regular journaling, it is easier to notice if we are ruminating about something - or someone. Having greater awareness of these patterns naturally leads to setting goals which we know increases our sense of control. A greater feeling of control in one’s life has been shown to significantly reduce one’s anxiety. So why does this simple act of daily writing benefit us in so many ways? Journaling uses both sides of the brain simultaneously. The rational left side of the brain is occupied with the mechanics of writing while the right, creative side of the brain has free reign to wander through thoughts, emotions, memories and unresolved inner turmoil. This creates a phenomenon known as active meditation where, similar to sitting meditation, we can clear out any destructive energy and achieve mental peace. For those of us not designed for the stillness of traditional meditation, the flow of writing can help us achieve a similar level of calm. How often do we need to write—and for how long—to achieve these benefits? Experts say every day for 20 minutes is ideal. If that seems daunting, remember that it takes 21 days to form a new habit

so if you start by writing 10 minutes a day and work up to 20 minutes each day, by day 21 you should already feel the benefits of your new healthy habit. Now might be a good time to encourage your children to journal every day as well. They may want to read about what their life was like during the COVID-19 pandemic when they get older. Journaling could even be an activity your family does at the same time each day as a period of quiet reverence and reflection. For those just starting out, here are a few tips on how to journal: • Try to write with pen on paper as opposed to typing on a computer; if writing is not easy for you, consider typing your journal or even dictating your thoughts using voice to text. • Pick a time of day that is convenient and unrushed and try to write at the same time every day. • Write in a space that is free from distractions. • Keep your journal private; write for your eyes only and do not worry about grammar, spelling or punctuation. You do not even have to write left to right, top to bottom on the page. Write sideways or diagonally if that feels right. I have written entire journal entries in French, my sec-

ond language, just for fun. • You can write in a fancy book or on loose-leaf paper; whatever feels ‘special’ to you. •Give yourself a few minutes to reflect on what you have written after you finish each day. As far as what to write in your journal, you can record daily events, celebrate your wins, express gratitude for what is good in your life, write a list of questions you’d like answered by the universe, write letters to people that you never intend to send, make lists of why you love your friends or anything else that comes to mind. There are no rules or limits. While you are journaling, consider making note of how COVID-19 has impacted your life. One day in the not-toodistant future, you may look back at these journals and be grateful that you captured what you were thinking about in the year 2020. Hopefully you’ll do so as a healthier, happier you. n Chris Croll is a writer, community activist and former member of the Loudoun County School Board. She lives in Leesburg with her husband and two children.

PAGE 34

Metro delay continued from page 1 for the Silver Line. “Unless there’s an infusion of federal money that comes in, we have to do it, and even then I’m a little worried,” said Loudoun Supervisor Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles), who serves on the Metro Board of Directors. “The federal money previously required us to keep our entire workforce, and one of the things the Metro board’s been talking about is right-sizing service for what ridership actually is. Unless it’s a tremendous amount of money, it may not be enough.” Metro, he said, leans heavily on rail ridership to recoup costs. While it is unusual for a public transit agency to fully selffund—and Metro does not—it does rank highly among major rail transit agencies for cost recovery from train fares. But that also means the drop in rail ridership affects Metro even more deeply. Another possible threat to Metro’s budget: members of the regional Metro compact not paying their full due. Maryland, Virginia and DC have all see budget crunches during the pandemic. If they don’t meet their full obligation to help fund Metro, it deepens the budget problem. Part of that budget gap is attributable to the optimistic assumptions about the pandemic the Metro board and management

Data centers continued from page 1 includes a data center construction arm that has helped them keep up with the demand for data center space. The company’s 38-acre Intergate.Ashburn campus opened its first building in 2017. Whitlock said what draws data centers to Ashburn is the fiber optic connectivity, the cheap and reliable power, and the talent. “It’s the Hollywood of Hollywoods as it relates to the data center, so everybody who wants to be a star, who is already a star or who potentially wants to be a star, is in Ashburn,” Whitlock said. “And as a result of that, you get some of the smartest people in the world in this one little centralized location.” “We started down this path 13 years ago,” said Loudoun Department of Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer, who has led the work to bring data centers to Loudoun. “We were the first jurisdiction, really anywhere, to

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

made when they last amended the budget in May. At that time, budget projections assumed the virus would be largely contained, with a vaccine available around the new year and commuters starting to get back into the office and onto the train. America’s pandemic response has not lived up to those rosy expectations. Now, Metro management is planning based on a resurgence in the virus over the winter and a continued, long-lasting impact on teleworking and commuting. They are planning for ridership to still be at around 20 percent of pre-COVID levels in summer 2022. While the proposed changes could balance the current year’s budget, they only dig deeper into the already much-larger hole in the next budget. In Fiscal Year 2022 beginning July 1, 2021, Metro management estimates, with no federal aid and a continuing pandemic, there could be up to a $793 million funding gap. Fortunately, Letourneau said, Loudoun County’s own dollars are not at much risk. “Our exposure is fairly minimal here,” Letourneau said. “We pay such a small percentage of the overall cost, I’m not very worried from a Loudoun perspective.” The county has also been saving up money to spend on Metro for as long as the Silver Line has been delayed. The Metro board will vote on Sept. 16 on whether to send the plan to a public hearing, with an eye on finalizing the budget adjustments in December.

Safety Commission Finds ‘Distractions, Fear, Threats’ in Control Center The budget news follows an audit of Metro’s Rail Operations Control Center, the heart of the Metrorail system, that found that multiple fatal accidents have not served as a wakeup call and the center still operates in an atmosphere of distractions, fear, threats and conflicting instructions with overworked and undertrained controllers. The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission is an independent entity tasked with overseeing and enforcing safety improvements in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or Metro. At the beginning of the year, the commission launched an audit of the Rail Operations Control Center or ROCC, which directs all trains and personnel across Metro’s main lines, as well as overseeing signals, elevators and escalators, car maintenance, emergency response and other operations. Since the audit began in January, the center has seen workers alternating between the primary and backup facility to reduce the chance of passing on the virus that causes COVID-19, as well as a fire that closed the backup facility for several days in May. The commission’s work has included extensive interviews, reviewing documentation, observing operations, and reviewing radio and communications records, among other work.

The commission released some findings in May. Metro’s plans to address those findings, according to the commission, were unsatisfactory, although the director of the operations center at that time was removed. On Sept. 8, the commission released 21 new findings. Those included looking back at the center’s chaotic response to previous emergencies, such as a fatal accident in 2015 near L’Enfant Plaza Station. A controller at that time told the National Transportation Safety Board of chaos in the operations center, and is quoted saying “the right hand did not know what the left hand was doing.” Among the audit’s numerous finding: “Use of profanities, threats and racial, sexual or other forms of harassment are regular features of the control center’s environment, which makes it difficult for controllers to do their jobs and drives low morale and significant turnover.” The audit also reported that the operations center’s management sought to manipulate safety investigations and threatened controllers with arrest or firing, a lack of adequate staffing, and a variety of other problems. Despite some steps forward since the commission began its work, the audit reports Metro has not achieved the cultural change necessary in the operations center to keep its riders safe. Metro is now required to provide plans to correct those findings. n

proactively identify data centers as an opportunity for economic development.” Loudoun’s data center market, the largest in the world, has also matured over time, as Data Center Alley has filled out, and as data centers have faced pushback when they have popped up near people’s homes. “We’re being a little more particular, I guess, in our deals—where we want them, the kinds of deals we’re trying to get done, the way it kind of fits in with the rest of what we’ve got going in the county,” Rizer said. “So there are going to be a lot of opportunities for other communities for deals that probably aren’t right for Loudoun, either form a cost standpoint or from a vision standpoint anymore.” In other words, he said, not every place in Loudoun is right for a data center. The department is currently working on a study of land where data centers can go, and places where they should make room for other businesses. Ultimately, it may be the limited amount of land that caps Loudoun’s data center market.

“I think Ashburn itself is the only thing keeping it from continuously growing at the rate that it’s going,” Whitlock said. “Because if they sell out of land, it’s going to push you to Prince William. If the prices of the acreage keep going up, it’s going to drive people to Prince William.” But he also said county leaders like Rizer and the Board of Supervisors “understand that they have a Super Bowl-caliber operation that they’re running, and I don’t think that they want to risk anything to disturb that.” Rizer said Loudoun can’t take data centers for granted. While the campuses are massive, the equipment inside is replaced every few years, meaning the companies could conceivably leave in a matter of years if some other place replaced Ashburn as the place to be. “When you are the number one of anything, you know that you’ve got to make sure that you’re working hard to keep it. We never want to take the industry for granted,” Rizer said. “…. It used to be, when we would have major an-

nouncement or we would say, ‘hey, Microsoft just bought more land in Loudoun, we’re going to have more data centers,’ it was a big story.” Rizer said. “Frankly, it’s more like normal business for us. Can you imagine how many communities in the country right now would be excited about having a billion-dollar investment in the community?” Whitlock said for a company like Sabey, which also builds and owns its buildings, keeping real estate taxes low makes a difference. And Rizer said data centers need consistent, predictable permitting processes and taxes. Loudoun’s computer equipment tax rate, $4.20 per $100 of assessed value, has never budged. The tax rate on business tangible property was set at that rate in 1987. “We have to make sure there are no surprises, because these businesses have to be able to project what their tax liability is going to be,” Rizer said. If all that happens, they said, Loudoun will keep being “the best place in the world for data centers.” n

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

Readers’ Poll

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: Should the county create a civilian oversight panel for law enforcement?

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: How did the first week of school go for you? A little challenging, but it worked out

LETTERS to the Editor continued from page 32

that’s what the government is hoping for. The government would like to make exercising your natural rights so burdensome that you just don’t exercise them. Maybe the government should focus on punishing actual criminals rather than create new ones for reasons the data simply doesn’t support. — Hunt McMahon, Purcellville

Myopic Editor: In response to the supervisors consideration of banning firearms on public property, I provide the following: The myopic views of some of your readership regarding suppression of the Second Amendment are appalling. To deny the rights of every legal gun owner, be they Loudoun Citizens or not,

Affordable housing continued from page 3 He also acknowledged there’s no option to allow no new housing. “But how we meet that need, especially in the west, will decide what the future character of Loudoun will be for generations to come,” Littleton said. He said towns could be a “locus” for that development, providing options close to their existing public infrastructure while pro-

PAGE 35

is socialist and paranoid. As a disabled veteran, married to a fellow veteran, and mother of two children currently serving on active duty, many Loudouners continue to protect the rights of citizens—including the First Amendment right of Ms. Coppage. She may consider moving to Maryland, Massachusetts, California or England, where countless educated and trained heroes already granted the right of concealed carry by Loudoun County are not be able to protect her. You may not consider or realize it, but we have your back freely. Why do you not have ours? — Bren Cawley, Lovettsville

Share your views at loudounnow.com/polls

Editor: With recent storms, flooded homes, and the threat of hurricanes occurring on a regular basis, plus unprecedented wildfires in California and Oregon, ex-

treme weather events are in the news on a regular basis. While loss of property is a huge consequence, the impact of extreme weather events on our food supply is not that well known. Spring 2019 floods in the Mid-West devastated farmers and affected food prices and food supply. Traditional agricultural practices exacerbate climate change by emitting greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The U.S. EPA calculated that 9.9% of 2018 greenhouse gas emissions was from agriculture. Sustainable, regenerative agriculture, on the other hand, rebuilds soil organic matter and restores soil biodiversity so that greenhouse gases are withdrawn from the atmosphere and stored in the soil. Regenerative agriculture, unlike traditional agriculture, can be part of the solution to climate change. Bipartisan legislation, the Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 7393, S. 3894), sponsored by Virginia’s own U.S.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-7), supporting sustainable, regenerative agriculture, is moving forward in Congress. In addition to ensuring that agriculture is part of the solution to climate change, it will also generate revenue from carbon markets and incentivize farmers to adopt nature-based greenhouse gas reduction practices. Specifically, the bill instructs the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create clear standards for carbon credit markets. In addition, it also will provide technical expertise to help farmers access the lucrative carbon credit markets to get paid for the emissions they reduce and the carbon they sequester. Passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act will help protect food security while also ensuring farms can thrive for years to come. Contact your member of Congress to support Abigail Spanberger’s Growing Climate Solutions Act. — Natalie Pien, Leesburg

tecting undeveloped land. Lovettsville Mayor Nate Fontaine pointed out that the housing cost problem hits twice as hard, forcing the people on the smallest salaries to take the longest commutes, also contributing to employee turnover for businesses. And Round Hill Mayor Scott Ramsey said after his council made zoning changes to allow accessory dwellings in residential districts, “so far at least, the sky is not falling in Round Hill.” But he urged supervisors to use the county’s resources to help

the towns—“specifically, we need your county studies and reports to break out western Loudoun gaps from the whole.” He asked for the county to make a practice of providing data at a town level, and to bring town planners in early to work alongside county planners. That could help with developing common standards for affordable housing across the town and county, making that work simpler for both the towns and developers. Supervisors approved the creation of an Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan

near the end of their last term after years

Food Security

of work on the new county plan failed to produce a comprehensive approach to tackle Loudoun’s high housing costs. County staff members are still gathering input on how that might be done, with an open house, focus groups, and meetings with mayors, advisory boards, and other county staff members. Currently, a draft plan is expected in the first quarter of 2021. n

ALWAYS ONLINE AT LOUDOUNNOW.COM

PAGE 36

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

ATOKA

PROPERTIES

S I M P LY B E T T E R .

FLEETWOOD FARM |DELAPLANE

LEGACY FARM | THE PLAINS

$21,700,000 | Fleetwood Farm showcases the rolling hills and majestic mountain views that Virginia's Hunt Country is known for. Comprised of 26 parcels totaling 2,477 acres of mature farmland, this massive plot sits a mere 60 miles west of Washington DC. 4 rental homes, historic stone mill, surrounded by creeks, streams, and ponds.

$6,000,000 | Legacy Farm: 450 acres in Orange County Hunt's most prized territory. Build your dream estate amidst rolling, park-like ﬁelds, stone walls, a lazy little creek (Cromwells Run) and framed by unmatched mountain views. The property is in a conservation easement and also a fox-hunting easement.

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399

20858 GREEENGARDEN RD | BLUEMONT

19511 BARNWOOD CT | LEESBURG

$1,800,000 | 120+/- acres of beautiful land with far reaching pastoral views in a peaceful, private location! Multiple outbuildings including a shed, run-in and barn. Cape Cod/Bungalow home with 2 full beds, 1 full and 1 half bath. An incredible opportunity! The property is in land use and conservation easement.

$1,100,000 | With a design based on Thomas Jefferson's summer home, Poplar Forest, this distinctive home on 3 peaceful acres awaits you! The traditional, yet open floor plan is ideal for entertaining! Features include a gourmet kitchen, built-in bookshelves, hardwood floors, upgraded molding & windows and fully finished lower level.

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399

UNDER CONTRACT

39638 RICKARD RD | LOVETTSVILLE

439 FOXRIDGE DR SW | LEESBURG

$660,000 | Magniﬁcent custom built home by John Stowers with beautiful craftmanship! Custom Features even extend to the light ﬁxtures and hardware! Situated on 3 very private acres with lovely mature landscaping , this custom home has been meticulously maintained and loved. Enjoy the Serenity of the Incredible Wrap Around Trek Deck Porch!

$324,900 | Lovingly remodeled just last year! Oh-so-stylish renovations include: kitchen, primary bathroom, fresh custom paint throughout, ﬂooring, lighting, plumbing ﬁxtures, vent covers/light switches/outlets/doorknobs... no stone left unturned! The kitchen is delightful, with gray cabinetry, gold hardware, luxe granite counters, gray subway tile backsplash, and white appliances.

Joy Thompson 540.729.3428

Scotti Sellers 703.929.2324