Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
PRESRTSTD U.S.Postage PAID Permit#1374 MerrieldVA n LOUDOUN Pg. 4 | n LEESBURG Pg. 10 | n EDUCATION Pg. 12 | n OBITUARIES Pg. 23 | n PUBLIC NOTICES Pg. 30 VOL. 7, NO. 44 We’ve got you covered. In the mail weekly. Online always at LoudounNow.com SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 ˀ Call Today! Limited Space for the Fall Semester 703-759-5100 www.FairfaxChristianSchool.com Lower School Middle School High SchoolDulles Campus near the intersection of Routes 28 & 606 GIVE YOUR CHILD A ADVANTAGE.COMPETITIVE
BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com
The announcement comes after Sterling community members campaigned for months during School Board meetings asking for a rebuild of the Title One school, citing problems like flooding, extreme temperatures, a cramped lunchroom and broken bathroom toilets and sinks. One student mentioned a recent fire and said the school felt like a “microcosm of the
official count, the school district’s enrollment was 84,175. In September 2020, the official count dropped by 2,671 to 81,504, and last year recovered only 138 students to 81,642. This year the school district projects growing by another 1,397 students, meaning the school district will have recovered just under 60% of the
Students walk from the parking lot to Woodgrove High School on Aug. 25. Preliminary enrollment numbers show growth from last year, but are still below preCOVID numbers.
Superintendent Scott Ziegler is recommending that the Loudoun County School Board rebuild Park View High School rather than renovate it.
Public School Enrollment Still Lags Behind Pre-COVID Level
PARK VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
ViewRenovating,Rebuilding,RecommendsSuperintendentNotParkHighSchool
continues on page 42
BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com
Director of Planning and GIS Services Beverly Tate said the official enrollment, to be determined on Sept. 30, is projected to be 83,039.
The report compares the first 10 days of school this year to the first 10 days
of school in 2021. This year’s overall numbers showed 674 more students enrolled than last year’s 81,318, bringing this year’s 10-day preliminary count to 81,992.
Duringworld.”the Aug. 9 meeting, several teachers including Liz Thomas, a social studies teacher, and Julie Cacciola, an art teacher, spoke about the conditions at the school and the desire of the community to rebuildCacciolait. said teachers, parents and students have held information meetings in the community and canvassed the neighborhoods to make people aware of the persistent issues at 46-year-old Park View. She shared a comment from a mother of four children slated to go to the school. She said the mother told her “I didn’t think that Park View in Sterling
Loudoun County Public Schools announced its preliminary 2022-2023 enrollment numbers last week as the district climbs back toward pre-pandemic student counts.
continues on page 42
In the pre-COVID September 2019
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“I think it really comes to a beautiful collection of concerned citizens who are looking at, how do we tell a broad and in terpretive story of the African American experience,” Visit Loudoun CEO Beth Erickson said.
After a tour of the Loudoun County Office of Elections, which has been besieged by hundreds of records requests around election se curity, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said he has faith in the county and common wealth’s elections despite the attor ney general’s creation of an “Elec tion Integrity Unit” and his own gubernatorial campaigning casting doubts on elections.
The first sign on the new Journey to Freedom Heritage Trails was unveiled Monday as part of an ongoing project to broaden awareness of Loudoun’s Black history.Located on the county’s eastern border along the W&OD Trail, the marker high lights stories of Oak Grove, a community built by Black residents who purchased the land from white landowners following emancipation.
At Office ToutsYoungkinElections,ofSecurity
During the tour, Loudoun elec tions staff members walked Youn gkin through the various checks se curity measures and at the Loudoun ballot box. Afterward Youngkin faced questions about casting doubts on the electoral process and the announcement of new policies rolling back rights and protections for transgender students in public schools.“We have an accurate election process. I think it is dependable, and I’m encouraged by the fact that we are working further to improve it,” Youngkin said, adding “all pro cesses can be improved.” He also pointed to three new laws this year in the General Assembly: requiring the State Registrar of Vital Records to provide the Department of Elec tions a weekly list of deaths over the previous week, preventing elections officials from accepting gifts from
Dwight Brooks grew up in Oak Grove and described a close-knit community. At one time the village had 60 to 70 homes,
His mother attended the village’s tworoom schoolhouse before going to school in Manassas and then taking the train to Howard University. She continued to commute on the train while working for the Department of the Navy.
REMEMBERING OAK GROVE continues on page 41
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now Gov. Glenn Youngkin meets Loudoun County Registrar Judy Brown Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Journey to Freedom Heritage Trail: Remembering Oak Grove
ELECTION SECURITY continues on page 41
he said, but only two remain, including one built by his father in 1952 where his 95-year-old mother lives.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
It is the first of a series of five inter pretive signs planned to be erected this year to highlight Loudoun’s Black history resources. The project is spearheaded and funded by Visit Loudoun, which worked with local historians to document the sites and tell the stories.
Standing at the marker along the for mer W&OD railroad, Brooks described a vibrant community, with a church, a store and a passenger shelter close to the rail line. Down the street was an Odd Fellows hall with a dance floor and bandstand, a general store and beauty parlor. Along the railroad were two boarding houses. Just like every Loudoun community, Oak Grove had a baseball team, which played its games on his grandfather’s property nearby and was, along with the church, the center of community activities.
“It’s important to tell a more inclusive and comprehensive story of the African American experience in Loudoun,” said Donna Bohanon, the chair of the Black History Committee of the Friends of the Thomas Balch Library, who helped write the narrative on the Oak Grove marker. “This is just the start of a process to con nect multiple interpretive signs around the county, which will encourage res idents and visitors alike to engage in an important part of Loudoun’s history.”
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
“The W&OD was Metro before
Oak Grove native Dwight Brooks, center, joins in the unveiling of a new Journey to Freedom Heritage Trails marker that highlights the history of the community.
“Oak Grove is truly holy ground. It is a place where African Americans thrived. It is a place where African Americans worked together. It is a place where mu tual aid societies were born and were the lifeblood of the community,” said Pas tor Michelle Thomas, president of the Loudoun NAACP and a member of the county’s Heritage Commission. “Black folks were coming together and pooling their resources to do major things. We’ve got to get back to that.”
BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
is meant to help retain affordable multi-family rental units in Loudoun for sale, and which may otherwise be redeveloped or priced higher, by making gap financing available to help firms buy and preserve them. The program emphasizes quick turnarounds compared to other affordable housing funding to help applicants acquire properties before they go off the market. To streamline that process, interested firms must annually prequalify, allowing the county to skip a lengthy screening process when they seek a loan.
PAGE 4 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
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Meanwhile the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which leases the land from the federal government, maintains the solar farm is exempt from the oversights of county zoning. Under state law, the airports authority is exempt from local control for airport-related uses. They argue the solar farm is still an airport use; county zoning officials and attorneys argue that because it will serve Dominion’s power grid generally, and not just the airport, it falls under local authority.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
SOLAR PLAN continues on page 7
continues on page 6
Planning Commission Seeks Environmental Oversight for Dulles Solar Plan
To accommodate the new 835-acre, 100-megawatt solar array, county staff members had launched a plan to fasttrack both a rezoning on the land—still zoned for low-density residential development, in a holdover from the land’s
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
The Pennington Garage in Leesburg is one of the public-facing county-owned facilities where the county government plans to install electric vehicle chargers.
BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
The Loudoun County Planning Commission last week recommended the Board of Supervisors rezone land at Dulles International Airport for industrial uses, but still require the airport and Dominion Energy to apply to the county for permission on their plans for a largescale solar farm there.
make sure that they’re spread out through the county,” said Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure Assistant Director Scott Worrest. “… We tried to pick the best locations where someone would go to charge a car and spend time somewhere, like a park, [or] a rec center.”
county staff to make the change.
Matthew F. Letourneau
Loudoun
A map of Dulles International Airport with a planned 835-acre, 100-megawatt solar array marked in orange.
In the first year of pre-qualifying applicants, seven firms responded, and six were found to be qualified and experienced affordable housing developers according to a county staff report. A seventh did not provide required documentation by the deadline.
Worrest said the plan is to install Level 2 chargers, the middle ground between the Level 3 rapid chargers that can charge a vehicle in an hour, and the Level 1 chargers that often charge overnight. He said most of the facilities could not support the heavier electrical load of the rapid chargersSupervisorcurrently.
page 8
Supervisors Advance Charging Station, Electric Fleet Plans
After reworking the plan for charging stations at county facilities to emphasize installing them first at public-facing facilities like park-and-ride lots, libraries and rec centers, the committee sent that plan to the full board for approval. That plan previously had targeted many facilities mainly trafficked by government employees instead, until supervisors asked the
County staff members and the Board of Supervisors’ finance committee have recommended a list of six firms for eligibility to apply to the county’s new Rental Housing Acquisition and Preservation loan program.
The list could also bring three new affordable housing developers into Loudoun.Theprogram
The Board of Supervisors’ finance committee on Tuesday, Sept. 13 moved on plans to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities across Loudoun, and to begin converting part of the county government fleet to zero-emissions vehicles.
“We prioritized the public-facing facilities, but also put an emphasis on spreading the facilities that we tackle first to
ON THE AGENDA
Staff and the finance committee recommended the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, Enterprise Community Development, Fairstead Affordable, Green Street Housing/Good Works, SCG Development Partners, and Wellington Development Partners. Enterprise, Fairstead and SGC, while experienced in the region, have not worked in Loudoun before.
ELECTRIC FLEET PLANS on
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now The Fields at Cascades, a 320-unit pricecontrolled rental community in Sterling.
Affordable Rental Loan Qualifiers Selected
ON THE Agenda
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 5
It’s life changing to have this mobility back!”
Finally! A local Doctor is helping cancer survivors live lives free from the constant pain and suffering associated with Peripheral Neuropathy!
“We have a beach house and it’s up stairs. This morning I walked right down the stairs and got in the car,” Tom shared.
Rachal Lohr is now accepting new patients but only for a limited time In an effort to protect her patients, she has made the difficult decision to limit the number of patients seen in her clinic.
For some, their nerves will recover over time For most, the nerve damage is ‘irreversible.’ Tom had been told just that by a series of Doctors and specialists. Essentially they could cure his cancer but couldn’t fix the damage done by the drugs used to cure his cancer
When asked how CIPN was affecting his quality of life, he responded,
Then Tom made a call to Rachal Lohr of FIREFLY|Acupuncture & Wellness right here in Ashburn. Rachal and her team are using the time tested science of Acupuncture and a technology originally developed by NASA that assists in increasing blood flow and expediting recovery and healing to treat this debilitating disease.
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Chemotherapy meds travel throughout the body and attack cancer cells; sadly they can also cause severe damage to healthy nerves CIPN can begin within weeks of starting treatment and can worsen as treatment continues. A high number of really unfortunate people will be forced to endure the symptoms associated with CIPN for months, or even years after they’ve completed chemo
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Tom S of Leesburg survived testicular cancer only to be living life in constant pain. He felt as though he were walking on pins and needles, becoming weaker and weaker every day. “I was beginning to be worried that one day I would be wheelchair bound ”
Nearly half of patients who undergo chemotherapy will develop Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN.
“It was difficult to even walk up and down stairs and do other things we usually take for granted.”
“I remember thinking ‘that’s become mighty easy for me’, I didn’t have to hold on to the hand rail or anything!
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If you’ve recently beat cancer only to find that you’re living a life in constant pain and discomfort or you’re struggling with the same symptoms as a result of either Idiopathic Neuropathy or Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Rachal and the incredible team at FIREFLY can help!
For over 15 years she has been reversing the effects of CIPN and other varieties of Peripheral Neuropathy, including that caused by diabetes without invasive surgeries and medications that come with uncomfortable side effects
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Friday, Oct. 28 is the last day to request a ballot by mail, and the last day of early voting is Saturday, Nov. 5.
This year’s November general election will be Tuesday, Nov. 8, with voting open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For your transition to Medicare, talk to Humana
More information about the Nov. 8 general election, including links to sample ballots, is online at loudoun.gov/novemberelection. n
LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
On Monday, Oct. 24, in-person early voting will expand to the Loudoun County Government Office at Ridgetop at 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Sterling, and the Dulles South Recreation Center at 24950 Riding Center Drive, Chantilly. There will also be in-person early voting offered on Saturday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Carver Senior Center, 200 E Willie Palmer Way, Purcellville, from
The finance committee recommended those firms with a 3-0-1 vote Sept. 13, with Supervisors Matthew F. Letourneau (R-Dulles) and County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) absent. Supervisors were expected to approve the list on Sept.The20.county had already previously made a large loan from the fund, offering Winn Development $4.75 million to help buy Sommerset Retirement Community. The proposal was also awarded $1.3 million in state and federal money. That purchase is moving forward, with the company in a due diligence and feasibility period currently, according to the county. Winn did not apply for pre-qualification this year.
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TURNING
The deadline to register to vote in this November’s elections is Monday, Oct. 17.
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ON THE Agenda
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Early Voting Begins Sept. 23; Deadline to Register Oct. 17
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There will be elections in the 10th Congressional District; for mayor and town council in the towns of Hamilton, Leesburg, Purcellville and Lovettsville; a special election for a seat on the Round Hill Town Council; and special elections for the Leesburg and Broad Run district seats on the Loudoun County School Board. There are also three county government bond questions on the ballot.
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As of Sept. 1, there is $2.45 million available in the Rental Housing Acquisition and Preservation fund.
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PAGE 6 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 Y0040_GHHL77GEN22_AD_M
Russell Branch Pkwy. Crossings Could See Work
County staff members have recommended $5.36 million to improve five intersections along Russell Branch Parkway from Ashbrook Marketplace Plaza to Ashbrook Place. Those also include the intersections at Navajo Drive, Hopi
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ON THE AGENDA continues on page 17
Early voting for this November’s general election will begin in Loudoun Friday, Sept. 23 at the Office of Elections and Voter Registration at 750 Miller Dr. SE, Leesburg. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m.
Drive, and Lumbee Way. Supervisor Sylvia R. Glass (D-Broad Run) and her predecessor on the board, Ron Meyer, asked for a traffic and safety study on that stretch of road, building on the ongoing countywide intersection improvement program. A study for that program suggested safety issues along the entire corridor, and a subsequent countywide study of sidewalks and paths ranked the south side of Russell Branch between Lumbee Way and Savin Hill Drive among the highest-priority missing links in thatCountynetwork.staff now recommends work such as a new shared-use paths high visibility-crosswalks, and a traffic signal at Ashbrook Marketplace Plaza. Together with other improvements such as rumble strips and rebuilt ADA-compliant curb ramps that work is estimated at $5.36 million, which county staff recommended including in next year’s capital budget talks. County staff also identified another $4.4 million in lower-priority work along the corridor such as more shared-use paths and improvements at bus stops such as streetSupervisorslighting. were expected to approve the results of that study and forward the high-priority work to their next budget deliberations Sept. 20.
But not all members agreed.
Commissioners voted 6-2-1 to rec ommend county supervisors rezone the land to Planned Development-General Industrial, with Kirchner and Commis sioner Ad Barnes (Leesburg) opposed and Salmon absent. n
“Most of us, when we realized this was zoned R-2, our eyebrows shot up and we said ‘what?’’ said Commissioner Michelle Frank (Broad Run). “So I think that just for no other reason than to clean that up, [this] makes a lot of sense.”
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Commissioner Eric Combs (Ash burn) raised the idea of requiring Do minion or the airport to reforest the area after the solar array is retired; other commissioners agreed.
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“To me, given the fact that I can only assume how large a budget is associat ed with this project, that’s a rounding error for them to commit to reforest that area whenever they decommission this,” Commission Chairman Forest Hayes (At-Large) said.
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“We all now know that trees are with out a doubt the best carbon-capture tech nology in the world,” said Commissioner Jane Kirchner (Algonkian). “As we are grappling with ways to solve our climate crisis, it’s key that we look at things a little bit differently. Mature trees partic ularly serve as a great natural solution to sequester carbon in our atmosphere. It seems to me that this is really not set up in a way that’s going to serve our com munity or our people very well.”
that will benefit the county and the air port, and I think we should support the airport as our policies recommend.”
Solar plan
Kaaren
Commissioner Mark Miller (Catoctin) pointed out the airports authority could likely cut down those trees on its own au thority, separate from any development application, and that many of those areas will be cleared anyway if the airport ful fills its plans to build a fifth runway in the area. Commissioner John Merrithew (Sterling) agreed.
The county does not have the author ity to require reforestation through lo cal ordinances, county zoning and legal staff advised. But applicants for special exceptions typically sign proffer agree ments as a condition of approval, outlin ing specific commitments to offset the impact of their proposed development such as new infrastructure and environ mental protections.
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For by-right uses, landowners need only administrative permits to build. Currently in that zoning district, so lar facilities are permitted with a spe cial exception, a legislative application that must be approved by the Board of Supervisors.Concerns over losing the forested ar eas of the airport pushed planning com missioners to recommend the Board of Supervisors approve the rezoning, but not permit the solar array by-right, in hopes that the county would be able to extract more environmental protections such as a commitment to reforesting the area after the solar array reaches the end of its usable life.
“This is a facility that our plans have continually supported allowing maxi mum utilization of the area and maxi mum development of the airport,” Mer rithew said. “…I think this has benefits
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pre-airport rural residential history—and to permit solar facilities by-right in its new industrial zoning district. That also included a 500-acre minimum lot size to allow by-right solar facilities, which would exclude every other parcel in the county currently under that zoning.
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Commissioners voted 6-2-1 to recom mend county supervisors deny allowing solar facilities by-right in the industrial district, with Miller and Merrithew op posed and Commissioner Jeff Salmon (Dulles) absent.
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All commissioners agreed the residen tial zoning makes no sense for the area, but not all agreed the proposed Planned Development-General Industrial zoning was the right fit.
“I see this becoming a bit of an issue if we only have like four [charging stations],” he said. “Whoever gets there first, they’re going to lock it up all day, and it could be the same person every single day because he takes the first bus.”
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)
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.
The committee also directed county staff members to look into getting permission from the owners to install charging stations at two sites the county leases, the Gum Spring Library and Sterling Library.
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Associates also studied the related costs based on today’s prices,
Letourneau suggested implementing time limits at the charging stations, with the possibility of vehicles being ticketed if they stay parked too long. General Services Director Ernie Brown said the county hasn’t seen the problem yet at the Harmony Park and Ride, the only such lot in the county with chargers already. The county also has installed charging stations at the new Metro station parking garages.
The county’s plan would bring the chargers to county facilities in three phases. The first phase includes 85 charging stations—two charging heads each—at parks, libraries, community centers, and park-and-ride lots across the county, as well as the Pennington Garage in Leesburg. At some of those facilities, work is already underway to design and install them, such as at Bles District Park, the Ashburn Recreation and Community Center, and the Sterling Community Center.County
(R-Dulles), who first raised the concerns about the first draft of the plan, worried drivers maybe staying too long at a charging station, particularly at park-andride lots where cars typically sit while their drivers take a bus into work.
and found that to maintain the same size fleet—ignoring price changes and the growth of the fleet over time—the additional cost of buying electric vehicles would be partially offset by savings on fuel and maintenance, working out to approximately an additional $750,000 a year in spending, or $15 million over 20 years, compared to continuing to use gas-powered cars.
But supervisors decided that plan needs some more work, with an eye toward creating more flexibility to pursue other options like hybrid vehicles.
The replacement plan calls for the first of those vehicles to be replaced in 2026, when they are scheduled to be retired and would be replaced with electric vehicles. The county would replace 123 vehicles thatMercuryyear.
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE
supervisors have already dedicated $1 million in local tax funding this year to installing the charging stations, with another $3 million set aside in the Capital Improvement Program in future years. Future phases will likely be heavily funded from other sources as well, with $2 million in federal grants allocated in Fiscal Year 2025, and $3 million in federal grants in fiscal year 2027. County staff members are evaluating possible sources for that grant funding like the federal
Work also continues on a plan to convert part of the county’s fleet into zero- or lower-emissions vehicles. According to a county staff report, out of the 1,551 vehicles in the county fleet, 356 can feasibly be replaced with electric vehicles today. They are smaller vehicles used in administrative roles, such as cars and SUVs, as opposed to heavier vehicles such as trash trucks, or specially modified vehicles such as Sheriff’s Office cruisers. County staff and consultants looked at those vehicles to see if today’s electric vehicles could serve the same role.
do the public facing facilities first, because I think that shows that we’re, as a county, interested in this, and we want to lead in taking emissions out of the air and working on our environmental issues writ large,” Supervisor Juli E. Briskman (D-Algonkian) said.
Brown said technology today cannot yet replace a Sheriff’s Office cruiser or heavy-duty vehicle without operational impacts. Those administrative vehicles, however, said consultant Mercury Associates Senior Manager Mark Canton, are well suited for replacement—“in this particular case, for Loudoun County in particular, it’s a very strong use case.”
“I feel like if we’re approving this plan we’re just blanketly giving you permission to go spend an extra $15 million over 20 years, and I think we need to take it a little bit more as it comes and look at what’s actually available from a technology perspective, a cost perspective and an emissions perspective, and what makes sense for us at that time,” Letourneau said.
367-9753.fairhousing@dpor.virginia.gov www.fairhousing.vipnet.org
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.”
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Supervisors agreed to the keep that plan in committee a bit longer while county staff members write those revisions to possibly include hybrid vehicles or other low-emissions vehicles.
Committee members passed both the charging station vote and electric vehicle vote 4-0-1, with County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) absent. n
Electric fleet plans
“I’m really proud that we decided to
continued from page 4
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 9 703-956-9470
Mural Designs Sought
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Made from part of a World War II B-29 bomber, the Midget operated as a carryout restaurant from 1947 to 1994 at the intersection. After operations there ceased, the Town of Leesburg received title to the Midget and moved the structure into storage. The town issued
The Mighty Midget Returns Home
a request for proposals for the relocation and use of the Midget, awarding the lease to Gordon MacDowell and The MacDowell Companies. A 20-year lease between MacDowell and the town was agreed upon in 1996 at a rate of $10 annually.Atthe Harrison Street location, the restaurant use was revived by Chef Brian Devaux, who operated a barbecue eatery from the small hut. From 2008 to 2019, the Midget served as the main kitchen for Döner Bistro when the restaurant was located at MacDowell’s Harrison Street property. Since Döner moved to the Virginia Village shopping center last summer, the Midget has not been in active use. MacDowell’s lease expired in 2016.
Renshaw was one of three bidders for a new lease, along with MacDowell and Scarps Breakfast Joint. Her new lease comes with a $50 per year fee to the town. n
The Renshaw family has prepared a new home for the Mighty Midget Kitchen near its original location at the eastern intersection of Market and Loudoun streets.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
Leesburg
A majority of council members found the additional regulation was unnecessary, noting that most operations largely follow those standards and that the proposed requirements were stricter than those imposed by the county or state governments.
PAGE 10 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Workers carry the iconic neon sign of the Mighty Midget Kitchen on Sept 15 as the tiny restaurant building was moved back to its traditional location at the intersection of Market and Loudoun streets in Leesburg.
The winning artist or artist team will receive an award of $6,000 for design and installation of the mural Town
Only Mayor Kelly Burk and council member Neil Steinberg voted to adopt the regulations.
The Leesburg Commission on Public Art and Friends of Leesburg Public Art are seeking design submissions for an art mural on the exterior wall of the Town shop, located at 1393 Russell Branch Parkway.
A Leesburg landmark returned to its home last week. The Mighty Midget Kitchen was moved back to its traditional location at the Y-intersection of Market and Loudoun Streets in Leesburg.
The Sept. 15 move came two years after the Leesburg Town Council awarded a new 20-year lease on the tiny building to Avis Renshaw. She owns Mom’s Apple Pie, the bakery located at that corner, and with the help of her family plans to return the Mighty Midget to a restaurant operation.Thatwill take quite a bit of work and there is no set timetable to get the Midget back up and running.
Although a new pad site has been prepared for the building, the structure itself will require significant restoration, starting with its iconic neon sign, which will
AROUND
The Town Council last week voted to not adopt a set of new standards for doggy daycare businesses proposed by the Planning Commission.Theproposed changes included establishing minimum space requirements and staffing standards for the operations. The commission developed the new proposed rules after the Town Council approved a special exception permit for Playful Pack, a doggy daycare business at the Village at Leesburg. The commission had recommended denial of thatTheapplication.ruleswould not have applied to existing businesses, which would be grandfathered under the current zoning rules.
The mural will cover an exterior wall and should be relevant to the types of services provided by the Town Public Works Department.
Submissions will be reviewed by a four-person panel chosen from COPA’s Art Advisory Panel who will consider the originality of the design and the relevance of the theme. The panel will submit their final recommendations to COPA prior to the selections being presented to the Leesburg Town Council for final approval, in December.
be sent off to specialists in Philadelphia.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
AROUND
Council Rejects Proposed Doggy Daycare Regs
TOWN continues on page 11
As part of Saturday’s Leesburg Airshow, the town will offer special text
Town continued from page 10
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 11
Leesburg’s Scout Troop 982 Celebrates 40 Years
Charles Craig, an Eagle Scout from the troop and owner of Leesburg Hobbies & Collectibles—affectionately known as the Scout Store—presented a “significant” monetary gift in memory of his father Mi chael Craig, who at one point was a troop Scoutmaster, according to the troop.
a year, but in June 2022, Troop 982 part nered with the Leesburg Moose Lodge 1041. The Moose Lodge is providing meeting space, storage, and support by becoming the Chartering Organization of theThetroop.troop is also a High Adventure Troop, and in the past four years has sent scouts to Summit Bechtel Reserve, WV; Northern Tier, MN; Philmont Scout Ranch, NM; and Seabase - Key West in Florida.Thetroop
The troop hosted a Sept. 17 Court of Honor at the Leesburg Moose Lodge 1041, recognizing individual scout achievements, followed by an anniversa ry ceremony.
Contributed
Leesburg Executive Airport will host the event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24. The event will feature the Flying Circus and aerobatics from David Wind miller, Mark Meredith, RJ Gritter, Jerry Wells, Chef Pitts, Chris Thomas, and Bob Schmidle along with displays of modern and antique aircraft.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 982 celebrated its 40th anniversary Saturday, joined by some of the scouts from the troop’s long history.
Founded in 1982, Troop 982 has pro duced more than 157 Eagle Scouts, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts. The troop had been without a sponsor ing organization or permanent home for
Learn more about Troop 982 at sites.google.com/view/troop982. n
LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Text Alerts Available for Airshow
Boy Scouts from Troop 982 celebrate the troop’s 40th anniversary on Sept. 17.
and $4,000 to cover supplies. The deadline to complete the mural is June 25, 2023. Submissions may be emailed to lko sin@leesburgva.gov or mailed to Town of Leesburg, Commission on Public Art, 25 W. Market St., Lees burg, VA 20176, ATTN: Leah Kosin, COPA liaison. The deadline for sub missions is Friday, Oct. 21. Submission guidelines and details are available at leesburgva.gov/publicartnews.
Admission is free; gates open at 11 a.m. Event parking will be at Heritage High School, at 520 Evergreen Mills Road; and Segra Field, at 42095 Loudoun United Drive. Complimentary shuttles will run continuously from 10:45 a.m. un til 4:30 p.m.
also attends Summer Camp for a week each summer, including in 2022 at Goshen Scout Reservation in the Blue Ridge Mountains around the 450acre Lake Merriweather, where they took part in scouting programs like wilderness survival, swimming, shooting sports, and other skills they need to earn some of the roughly 60 merit badges offered.
For more details go to leesburgairshow.com. n
alerts to provide real-time updates regard ing event activities and weather updates.
AROUND
Youngkin Seeks to Roll Back Transgender Student Policies
SCHOOL notebook SCHOOL NOTEBOOK continues on page 15
Lunney from Frederick Douglass Elementary, Deidre Gambrell from Sugarland Elementary, Julie Goodrick from Madison’s Trust Elementary school were added to the LEAF Committee while Kate Davinroy was approved to be an alternate for Hillsboro Charter Academy. The four will join other LEAF Committee members for the year.
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks at a press conference outside the Loudoun County Office of Elections Tuesday, Sept. 20.
continues
About 61 parents attended the first organizational LEAF Committee meeting on Sept. 6. School Board Chair Jeff Morse (Dulles) said it was a good start and he hopes to maintain those numbers.
PAGE 12 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Additionally, the board voted unanimously to approve a proclamation to recognize September as Suicide Prevention Awareness month. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 18 according to the proclamation. The proclamation shows the divisions commitment to mental health and wellness programs that reduce suicide risk and
A year after adopting a controversial, state-mandated policy for transgender students, the Loudoun County School Board will soon be required to reverse it as part of another state mandate.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT on page
The School Board adopted a proclamation recognizing September as Attendance Awareness Month. The proclamation was presented to raise awareness that attendance is critical to student achievement, graduation and job readiness and to show the divisions focus on reducing chronic absenteeism rates. The motion was approved 8-0 with Andrew Hoyler (Broad Run) abstaining.
Northern Virginia Community College President Anne Kress and Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler highlighted the ways their organizations are helping students find career paths that work for them—for many, leading them down a trade path and not to a four-year“Therecollege.arediverse career pathways that students can complete in total at our Loudoun campus. Some of them you might expect and some you might not,” Kress said, highlighting data center operations, veterinary technicians, horticulture, and music technology to name a few.
LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
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“It’s interesting to me how a bachelor’s or above is often the entry level criteria for a job even though at the very same time there is national survey after national survey that says business and industry leaders don’t believe that students who graduate
The state Department of Education’s 2021 model polices guided schools to “consider the health and safety of the
“Students are getting that message, and I’d encourage all of you as folks who think about hiring people that a bachelor’s degree might not be what you need,” Kress said.She mentioned how on Thursday she met with a global clinical research firm that for a long time never hired anyone without a master’s degree. She said now they have 84 openings, and they are now looking to build an experimental track to get people
student in situations where students may not want their parents to know about their gender identity,” and guided schools to address it on a case-by-case basis. They also directed staff to “work with students to help them share the information with their family when they are ready to do so.” The Youngkin administration’s new policy directs that only parents may decide what names or pronouns the school staff may use for children at school, and that parents should be involved in deciding whether their child “engages in any counseling or social transition at school that encourages a gender that differs from their child’s sex, or whether their child expresses a gender that differs with their
Morse suggested starting LEAF earlier this year with the hopes it brings a new level of transparency to board communications.
She said NOVA offers everything from a very short-term credential that someone can earn in four months or less and will get them hired the next day, to associate’s degrees in career and technical education pathways as well as information technology and healthcare trades and others that lead to immediate employment, all requiring less than four years to complete, and all in demand and well paying.
Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now Superintendent Scott Ziegler addresses the Loudoun Chamber on Sept. 16. Ziegler spoke about ways Loudoun County Public Schools is preparing students to enter the workforce after high school.
She introduced the concept of the “paper ceiling,” and said it’s something they fight against at NOVA. She said many jobs require a bachelor’s degree to start, but she said NOVA’s new Business Education Center—a one stop shop for employers to engage with the school to help them understand what type of workforce an employer needs—helps them look at skills the stu-
BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com
The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce brought together business, education and government leaders last week to discuss the state of workforce development, as part of its 2022 PolicyMaker series.
Education
dent actually needs.
with bachelor’s degrees actually have the skill sets needed to be employed by their organization,” Kress said. She said that often business leaders tell her they see applicants who are over-credentialed and under-qualified. “So at NOVA we really focus on skills, and we focus on skills across the spectrum,” Kress said.
Three parents were added to the Loudoun Education Alliance of Families, and one was added as an alternate during the Sept. 13 School Board meeting after the board voted unanimously to approveAngelicathem.
Education Leaders Push Through the ‘Paper Ceiling’
TRANSGENDER POLICY continues on page 13
She said part of what they do in the Business Education Center is scrape the skills from an employer’s position and try to find the best fit. “It’s almost customized, individualized, it’s almost a prescription for helping fill these needs,” Kress said.
On Friday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration announced new model polices on the Privacy, Dignity and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools. The new policies roll back health and safety protections for transgender students mandated by the General Assembly in 2020 and established in model polices in 2021 and give parents more control.
Attendance Awareness, Suicide Awareness Month Declared
Nominees for LEAF Approved by School Board
The legality under state and federal law of Youngkin’s new policies has already been called into question. In particular, the edict that transgender students must use gender-separated facilities like bathrooms according to their sex assigned at birth may conflict with protections against discrimination based on sex. In 2020, a
have a need and a right to be involved in their children’s lives, and particularly, most important decisions should have a parent first,” Youngkin said. “That’s not at the exclusion of a teacher or a trusted counselor, but parents should be first there.”
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
continued from
“The Virginia Department of Education’s new model policy restores parental rights, protects the First Amendment rights of teachers and students, while also providing all students the right to attend school in an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying,” stated Fight for Schools Executive Director Ian Prior. He described the existing protections as radical and urged the school board to get to work adopting the newAndpolicies.Loudoun County Democratic Committee Chair Lissa Savaglio said in a press release “a child working through transgender questions shouldn’t be the subject of public policy. A person’s gender identity has no bearing on the larger community or public safety. These young people should enjoy a zone of personal privacy; government should steer clear.”
federal appeals court ruled in favor of a transgender student, Gavin Grimm, who sued Gloucester County public schools for the right to use the bathroom corresponding to his gender.
Savaglio went on to say the policies are “seeking to erase the identities of transgender youth solely because Youngkin and his fellow right-wing zealots refuse to believe facts documented by scientific evidence.”
Transgender policy page
In a statement Saturday, Loudoun4All, a political action committee that champions equity for all wrote the administration “claims that all children must be respected but fails to outline what that actually means for transgender children.”
The new policies also direct schools to try to accommodate students’ distinctive needs such as those whose gender identity differs from what they were assigned at birth, by working with parents to identify those needs and meeting them with facilities like single user bathrooms. The previous policies stated school divisions should get rid of gender-based practices in all areas including bathrooms, locker rooms, sports and other activities to avoid excluding, stigmatizing or marginalizing students.According to the Virginia Department of Education’s website, the new model polices “support positive and safe learning environments for all students while respecting the rights and values of parents.”Under a 2020 state law, the model policies are subject to a 30-day period of public comment, after which local school boards must adopt local policies consistent with the model policies. Public comment will open Sept. 26.
Asked about children who may feel school is a safe place when their parents are not supportive, Youngkin said, “I can’t conceive of a moment where there’s an important thing going on in a child’s life where a teacher, a counselor and administrator, wants to exclude parents. If there’s a safety issue, well then there’s legal protections for that child.”
Youngkin defended the administration’s new model policies during a brief press conference in Loudoun on Tuesday, Sept.
“Parents20.
Meanwhile, political action committee Fight for Schools, which has fought against those protections, celebrated the new policies, while Loudoun Democrats decried them.
Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) joined the press release from the county Democratic committee.
child’s sex while at school.”
“This is a vile and disgusting attack on vulnerable trans kids,” she stated. “Bullying children to score cheap political points is despicable. The Governor should be ashamed.” n
“While the legality of this policy is in question, it raises concerns for what it will mean for transgender students in Virginia and continues Gov. Youngkin’s attack on LGTBQ+ school children and their families,” wrote Loudoun4All in a statement Saturday. “We call for elected leaders to call out the hate and ensure all students in VA are treated with respect.”
12
And with some Northern Virginia school districts already signaling they may not comply with the new policies, Youngkin said, “it’s the law, and so I don’t really have a lot of patience for folks that see a law and don’t comply with it.”
Ziegler spoke about the opportunities given to students while attending county schools. He said since becoming superintendent last year he has been pushing to expand educational opportunities in schools, including the new International Baccalaureate program coming to Heritage High School and Loudoun Valley High School, a dual language immersion program that will be at Sanders Corner and Potowmack Elementary Schools next fall, and a future health science academy at one of the high schools.Hespoke about empowering students as one of the four main goals of the division’s new strategic plan, the “One LCPS 2027 Plan for Excellence.”
Panelists also including Loudoun Chamber Board of Directors Chairman and Modern Mechanical owner Shawn Mitchell and Dominion Hospital Vice President of Human Resources Thuy Nguyen also took questions and discussed changes in the workforce, including ways each of their organizations are developing different career paths for those interested in high wage, in-demand jobs that don’t require a college degree.The next PolicyMaker Series for the Loudoun Chamber is Oct. 20 at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne and will feature a debate between Virginia’s 10th Congressional District candidates, Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10) and challenger Hung Cao (R). n
Rates BETTER RELATIONSHIPS WITH GREAT
“Our career thinking starts in elementary school. We start students thinking about problem solving, we get them thinking in logical terms and sequential terms. And we start them programming at a very young age,” Ziegler said. “We are starting to think about career readiness from the time a student arrives with us in kindergarten all the way through when they graduate. We think that is important to the success.”
continued from page 12
Workforce development
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“We know that the need is great and that students want to be ready for a career, and college isn’t the only option anymore,” ZieglerZieglersaid.said the most recent published data showed 98% of county high school students graduate and 85% enroll in some
“One of things I insist on as we develop partnerships with these pathways is that students leave high school with an industry-recognized credential. So, they leave with an opportunity to earn and learn, and continue their education with a credential in hand,” he said. “So in addition to getting rid of the paper ceiling we will need some help with the age ceiling, because when an 18-year-old comes to you with that certification, they are really qualified to enter the workforce.”Hepointed out at Monroe Advanced Technology Academy, there is a wait list for every single program for the first time in several years. Those programs include welding, auto mechanics, biomedical technology and pharmacy tech.
CDs: 9, 2 35% Annual Percentage Yield
“When you hire somebody, we celebrate you, we celebrate that student and we recognize that that is just as much an achievement as gaining an athletic or academic scholarship,” said Ziegler.
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sort of post-secondary education. He also pointed out that over 14,000 total credentials were earned in 2022, 2,800 students completed the CTE pathway, and 45 students left school with their state license, meaning students graduated ready to go to theHeworkplace.credited the success of the programs to the excellent business partners. Ziegler said they want to highlight those partnerships by recognizing the students who are going directly into the workforce this year with a signing day, similar to when an athlete signs with a college. They will be students who have completed the career technical education sequence or have an industry certification, according to Ziegler.
Ziegler said the division continues to look at ways to expand pathways through various programs like medical science technology, but said they recognize the need is there for programs like auto mechanics, HVAC technicians and construction“Wetechnology.recognize we need to rebuild these programs. Years ago, we had all these programs at school and through the ’90s we kind of got brainwashed by this college-only pathway. Now we are trying to swing that pendulum back, so we are preparing kids to leave high school ready to enter the workforce,” said Ziegler.
Ziegler said the preparation to succeed in Loudoun County schools starts early.
who are interested in biostatistics or being a clinical research analyst and looking to hire NOVA students and move them along thisKresstrack.said at NOVA, they analyze and mine data to understand what the trades mean to Northern Virginia, and are building a trade school at their Manassas campus because there is such a need for trades in the area. She said it’s important to make sure when they start a student in a career path that there is a real career at the end.
Choose
12 or 15 months at
“I strongly encourage you, and maybe even plead with you, to think about who you are hiring and how you can reimagine that workforce pipeline, because in so doing that, you are going to expand those opportunities not just for our students to grow and prosper, but for your business to do the same,” she said.
PAGE 14 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
entrants in each state, according to the release.
promote a positive and supportive school climate and to save lives.
Workforce Housing Now is not an issue about charity. It’s about the future economic prosperity of Loudoun. Talent loss affects us all.
Applications for free or reduced meals may be submitted anytime during the school year by logging in to the Titan familyUnderportal.newly expanded eligibility rules this year more students could possibly qualify for free or reduced meals. Now, students from families making up to 185% of the federal income poverty level, about $51,338 for a family of four, qualify for reduced-price meals. Additionally, with new state funding from the General Assembly this year, students who previously qualified for reduced-priced meals can now qualify for free meals.
Ashley grew up in Loudoun County, went to college, and fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse. She wanted to live and serve in the community she’s called home for 23 years, but couldn’t afford the cost of housing and left Loudoun. Ashley is not alone.
The National Merit Scholarship program announced its 2023 semifinalists on Sept. 14. Of the over 16,000 semifinalists, 44 attend Loudoun County Public Schools and one is homeschooled in Loudoun.
BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com
Meet Ashley.
Academies of Loudoun and are looking into the STEM field, biomedical or possibly engineering. It’s been such a pleasure to have them at Tuscarora,” Tuscarora High School Director of Counseling Jennifer Reed said.
SCHOOL notebook
Notifications of negative balances on school meal accounts were sent out to parents last week. Notifications will continue to be sent out weekly for the remainder of the school year, according to Loudoun County Public Schools. n
NURSES ARE LEAVING LOUDOUN BECAUSE THEY CAN’T AFFORD TO LIVE HERE
Eighteen other Loudoun students attending Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County were also named as semifinalists.“Broad Run High School is very excited for our six seniors who have been named National Merit Semifinalists. From music to sports and science to business, these students have involved themselves in every aspect of our school and excelled. We wish them well on their journey as they consider application to be National Merit Finalists,” Broad Run High School Principal David Spage“Westated.areso proud of both of these young men. They both attend the
From the over 16,000 semifinalists, more than 95% are expected to become finalists and about half of those will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title, according to the release.National Merit Scholarship winners will be announced starting in April. Scholarship recipients will join the nearly 368,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title. n
Applications for Reduced Cost Meals Open
GET INVOLVED NOW workforcehousingnow.org
continued from page 12
Reed said she has been a counselor for over 20 years and she always gets excited when students meet that semifinalist threshold. She said telling them about it and watching them beam with excitement is one of her favorite things.
Workforce Housing Now is an initiative of the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.
Once the semifinalists are announced, students can then apply to become a finalist by filling out a detailed application, writing an essay, providing their high school transcripts, showing participation in school and community activities, demonstrating leadership abilities, showing employment and listing any award or honors they’ve received. Semifinalists must also be recommended by their high school principal and show they plan to enroll in college the following fall.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 15
The National Merit Scholarship program gives academically talented high school seniors an opportunity to compete for national scholarships. This year the 16,000 semifinalists are competing for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships together worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring, according to a pressStudentsrelease.enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test or PSAT/ NMSQT test their junior year of high school. The nationwide pool of semifinalists includes the highest-scoring
63 Loudoun Students Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
A 39-year-old Martinsburg man faces a slew of criminal charges following a string of events Wednesday when he allegedly pushed a woman from his moving car in Leesburg and later fought with county deputies after he crashed nearAccordingHamilton.
Hernandez Reyes, 27 of Gaithersburg, MD, was arrested Sept. 16 by the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland.
fice’s Crash Reconstruction Unit determined Hernandez-Reyes was the driver.
After consultation with the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Karapetkov was charged with two counts of attempted murder in the commission of arson, burning or destroying a dwelling house, two counts of burning or destroying personal property exceeding $1,000, and stalking.
Investigators found evidence indicating an accelerant had been used to intentionally set two vehicles and the house on fire.
couch while watching TV. This happened two or three times before it progressed to kissing and oral sex, according to the court filings. At the time of the sexual relationship, Barrett was 34 and the student was 16.
About an hour later, a deputy on patrol called town dispatchers to report seeing a woman exit a moving car in that same area. The vehicle fled the scene and the deputy remained to render aid. The woman said she was assaulted and pushed from the vehicle by the suspect, Andrew Hill.
During that struggle, the second man, Antonio D. Johnson, fled the scene on foot and was located a short distance away. Johnson was found to have an open warrant for aggravated malicious wounding from the Leesburg Police
PAGE 16 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Warrants were obtained for his arrest on Sept. 14. He was held in Maryland pending extradition to Loudoun County.
A passenger in the Nissan, Orlando J. Rodriguez, 23, of Maryland, died at the scene.After the crash, the other occupants of the Nissan left the vehicle before the arrival of emergency personnel and did not provide information as to who was driving.
Six months after a 23-year-old Maryland man was killed in a Rt. 7 crash, Sher-
The student spent many hours during the school day in Barrett’s office, even giving him a hall pass that allowed him to leave class anytime. However, according to court documents, she did not allow him to show physical affection while at school.The relationship continued past his
A preliminary hearing in Loudoun County District Court is scheduled Oct. 19. n
ual relationship with a student she was a counselor for between July 1, 2013, and Feb. 9, 2015, according to court documents. The student is transgender and was going through the physical and hormonal transition process while attending Freedom High School.
18th birthday and throughout high school, ending while he was in his freshman year of college. Barrett ended the relationship, according to documents.
He is being held without bond at the Adult Detention Center. A preliminary hearing in District Court is scheduled for Oct. 25.
Cyclist Dies After Old Ox Road Crash
Witnesses to the crash who have not already spoken with law enforcement are asked to contact Investigator D. Lake of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-777-1021. n
LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Alleged Arsonist Charged with Attempted Murder
The charges stem from a crash that happened at 2:15 a.m. on April 2 on Rt. 7 near Bartholomew Drive. According to the report, the crash happened when the driver of an eastbound 2020 Nissan Kicks rental car veered to avoid a slower-moving vehicle. The vehicle ran off the road and rolled several times.
In May 2021, the student decided to tell a former teacher about the relationship with Barrett to ensure it wouldn’t happen to anyone else.
Former School Counselor Pleads Guilty to Relationship with Student
to the Leesburg Police Department, town dispatchers were alerted shortly after 6:15 p.m. Sept. 14 that someone saw a driver holding a woman by the hair as she appeared to be
Manslaughter Charges Filed in Fatal Sterling Crash
Department. Johnson was held without bond at the Adult Detention Center.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Salvador O. Guevara was riding a bicycle on Old Ox Road near Rock Hill Road just before 6 a.m. Thursday when he was struck by a Ford F150 pickup that was turning left on a green light. Guevara was transported to a hospital where he died.
Public Safety
The investigation by the Sheriff’s Of-
Ann Marie Barrett, 42, of Ashburn, entered a guilty plea to one count of indecent liberties by a custodian in Loudoun County Circuit Court on Sept. 15, just days before a jury trial was scheduled to begin.Barrett was accused of having a sex-
Martinsburg Man Charged with Sex Traf cking, Assaulting Deputies
A former Freedom High School counselor pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with one of her students.
Barrett is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 15. n
At 9:30 p.m., county deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash on Harmony Church Road. Arriving dep-
iff’s Office investigators have charged the driver of the car with aggravated involuntary manslaughter and driving while intoxicated.RogelB.
SAFETY Briefs
Court documents say while he was a sophomore, Barrett invited him to go to a park with her and her daughter because it was a “wholesome activity” and he was hanging out with the wrong crowd. Barrett also invited the student to have dinner at her house where they cuddled on the
trying to exit a vehicle on the Leesburg Bypass near Fort Evans Road. Responding officers did not find the car.
BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com
The Sterling man accused of setting fire to two cars and the front of a home Sept. 4 has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and four other felonies, according to the Loudoun County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Just after 4 a.m. Sept. 4, county dispatchers received a 911 call reporting a house fire on Whittingham Circle. Fire and rescue units from Loudoun and Fairfax Counties responded to find two vehicles on fire in the driveway and fire showing from the front of the residence.
Two occupants had evacuated the home
after hearing loud explosions from the vehicle fires. The agency estimated damages to the vehicles and home at $200,000.
uties found two men at the scene. One of the subjects was Hill, who began to walk away as the deputy was attempting to detain him. He allegedly assaulted the deputy and another who tried to assist in the arrest. The two deputies were able to take Hill into custody. One deputy was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Julian Darius Karapetkov was arrested Sept. 12 following an investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office.
A 64-year-old Herndon man has died after being hit by a pickup Sept. 15.
Indecent liberties by a custodian is a class 6 felony and carries a sentence of one to five years in in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.
Leesburg Police charged Hill with commercial sex trafficking, abduction, malicious wounding, and assault. County deputies charged him with two counts of assault on law enforcement, driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, and property damage. He also was held in jail without bond.
The meeting will be in Meeting Room A at the Brambleton Library, 22850 Bramble ton Plaza, Brambleton.
Hanson Park Opening Celebrations Planned
The day before on Sept. 23 at 5:30 p.m. the county will hold a ribbon cutting cere mony for the park.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is send ing out 50,000 jury questionnaire postcards to Loudoun County residents to determine who is qualified for jury duty in Loudoun County in 2023.
Loudoun County will celebrate the first day open for Hal and Berni Hanson Region al Park on Saturday, Sept. 24 with a day of activities including bounce houses, food trucks, lawn games, a Nature Center open house with displays and children’s crafts, teams practicing on the various sports fields, shuttle tours of the park, and an open house at the lodge.
For more information, go to loudoun.gov/hansonparkproject.
Planning Commission on Oct. 25. More information is available online at loudoun. gov/cpams or at loudoun.gov/lola by search ing for CPAM-2020-0002.
Belmont Ridge Road Safety Study Public Comment Open
The mailings have begun and will con tinue through September. Loudoun resi dents who receive a postcard are required to complete the online jury questionnaire.
Red Hill Comp Plan Amendment Public Meeting Set
The events are planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The 257-acre regional park, one of the region’s largest, is located off Evergreen Mills Road near Aldie, between the Bram bleton and Willowsford communities.
The Loudoun Department of Planning and Zoning will hold a public update on a comprehensive plan amendment concern ing the Red Hill community on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at the Brambleton Library.
The circuit court uses the annual jury questionnaires to establish a qualified pool of jurors who may be summonsed to serve jury duty. The questionnaire is not itself a summons for jury duty.
“The timely participation of those who receive the questionnaires is beneficial to the efficiency of the qualification process and it helps the court system provide the constitutional guarantee of a jury trial to criminal and civil litigants,” Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens stated. “I ap preciate the cooperation of each resident who receives a juror questionnaire post card.”More information about jury duty and the juror questionnaires is online at loudoun. gov/jury. More information about the Clerk of the Circuit Court is online at loudoun.gov/clerk.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 17
Loudoun County is hosting an online public comment period on the Belmont Ridge Road Corridor Safety and Operation al Study, from Wednesday, Sept. 21 through
The 424-acre community includes large areas of forested open space and agriculture, with around 40 percent, 172 acres, of the land owned by the Loudoun County School Board with plans for a new school complex that is also planned to have central water andThesewer.comprehensive plan amendment is scheduled for a public hearing at the
2023 Jury Questionnaires Sent
The county is considering moving the community from the Rural Policy Area to the Transition Policy Area, opening the door to central water and sewer service for the neighborhood. It is bounded on the three sides by areas that already have that service.
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Wednesday, Oct. 5. To watch a recorded presentation and submit a comment, visit the project page at loudoun.gov/belmon tridgeroadstudy.Thestudyexamines current and future traffic conditions on the road from North star Boulevard to Evergreen Mills Road. Among other findings, the study identified the intersections with Ryan Road, Legacy Park Drive and Creighton Road as crash hot spots. The resulting recommendations will identify potential improvements along the road, and ways to encourage bicycle and pedestrian travel. n
“The Blue Ridge Hospice Board of Directors during the past 18 months has been looking at ways the organization can best fulfill its mission as the area’s first provider of hospice and serious illness care,” Hamilton
LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
search.”Gilmore also has experience as a national leader and expert in child and
LOUDOUN NOW STAFF REPORT
Blue Ridge Hospice has expanded its leadership team as it works to continue growing and developing new programs to provide serious illness and end-of-life care.
Contributed Gilmore
PRESENTS THE thank you to all the musicians, sponsors, venues, volunteers, and supporters who made our festival a huge success. See you next year! for Won’t You Join Us? CommunityFoundationLF.org (703) 779-3505 The Oscar Revere and Tara Trout Family Foundation makes grants as recommended by its founders. Designed to Serve Your Charitable Vision From personalized family foundations, to memorial funds, to scholarship funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends. A Community Foundation Fund in the Spotlight
She has also published several works including co-authoring the second edition of “Child Protection in Families Experiencing Domestic Violence,” a guide for child welfare agencies across the country funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is a recipient of that agency’s Adoption Excellence Award.LAWS is Loudoun County’s designated nonprofit service provider for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, stalking, and child abuse. Learn more at lcsj.org. n
“Our search committee was focused on identifying candidates that could help grow LAWS’ capabilities to ensure we can continue to provide best in class services for our community. We are impressed with Debra’s combination of human services expertise and passion, proven effective leadership, and project management skills. We are confident that she will immediately add value and help the LAWS team continue its evolution,”
Nonprofit
LAWS Hires New CEO Gilmore
Gilmore joins LAWS with 30 years of experience in child and family welfare, from working as a youth residential counselor and volunteer women’s shelter case manager to nonprofit and governmental executive leadership. She is also a licensed attorney and certified project management professional.
PAGE 18 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Blue ExecutiveLeadership,HospiceRidgeExpandsHiresDirector
The LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services Board of Directors has hired a new chief executive officer, Debra Gilmore. She started on Sept. 19.
BLUE RIDGE HOSPICE continues on page 19
LAWS board Chair Terry Allen stated. “We are very happy to share the appointment with the community and all of our partners. We would also like to thank Samantha Clarke, our Chief Operating Officer, for her outstanding performance as Interim CEO while we conducted our
family welfare.
Jennifer Martin has been promoted to the newly created position of executive director of Blue Ridge Hospice, President and CEO Cheryl Hamilton Fried announced. She is joined by Dr. Brendan Flynn in the newly created position of chief medical officer, and Dr. Julie Landrio who fills Flynn’s previous position as medical director.
She co-developed Family Asset Builder, a trauma-informed intervention for working with families who frequently encounter the child welfare system. During her tenure as district manager at the Oregon Department of Human Services, where she oversaw child welfare and self-sufficiency programs across a five-county area, she worked with community partners to expand child advocacy center services into a large, rural county.
Blue Ridge Hospice
Landrio has served as a staff physician at Blue Ridge Hospice since 2018. She has decades of experience providing care, and in her new role will oversee Blue Ridge Hospice’s patient care teams and continue to provide direct patient care.
Fried stated. “The result—so far—has been adoption of a pilot program to provide palliative care in area nursing homes and assisted living communities, with the goal eventually to bring the service to individual patients residing in a private residence. Since receiving approval from the Commonwealth of Virginia, we also have begun work on the creation of Blue Ridge Independence at Home to launch the area’s first and exclusive PACE (Program of all Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program.”
Blue Ridge Hospice’s palliative care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness, intended to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of the illness and improve quality of life for both patient and family. The nonprofit provides that care across the region including the City of Winchester and of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Loudoun, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, and Warren counties. Learn more at brhospice.org or call 540-313-9200. n
ratings.Flynn joined Blue Ridge Hospice in 2015 as Medical Director. He has 17 years in the field of hospice and palliative care, having worked with not-for-profit hospices in Florida and Colorado before coming to Virginia. He has gained fellowship status with the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, is board certified in Family Medicine as well as Hospice and Palliative Medicine and is a certified Hospice Medical Director.
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Martin has held every possible role a nurse can fill during her 24-year career at Blue Ridge Hospice, including as Chief Clinical Officer for the past four years. Under her leadership, Blue Ridge Hospice has consistently scored among the highest in Virginia on Medicare’s hospice quality
Loudoun Aces, League of Dreams Team Up for Clinic, Game
On Sept. 10, the Loudoun Aces Baseball Club teamed up with League of Dreams, Leesburg Parks and Recreation and Loudoun County Public Schools for a baseball clinic and game alongside players with disabilities from the Challenger League. Mayor Kelly Burk threw out the first pitch, alongside baseball Hall of Famer Mike Bordick, who is in the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame. The theme of the day was “One Field, One Dream.”
Contributed
continued from page 18
PACE provides care for seniors beyond primary care, with team members including a doctor, nurse, home care coordinator, social worker, dietitian, physical therapist, occupational therapist, recreational therapist, pharmacist, dental assistant, and others. The program also provides transportation to and from a local PACE site where participants can socialize and enjoy companionship while accessing medical care, and PACE home coordinators visit the homes of participants to see what modifications they need for a safe environment.
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“People who travel out to us are traveling to taste farm food, to taste a food of place. And they’re not only interested in food of place, they’re interested in drink of place, and these wines certainly fall into place,” he said.
in quality and expand in variety of their offerings, with new categories now being judged that a few years ago weren’t offered.“This is probably something that’s
At Field & Main, he said, those styles both pair well with a wide variety of plates and meet the demand for local food and drink with a sense of place.
The Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association last week announced the gold and silver medal winners from among a record number of submissions for the seventh annual Loudoun Wine Awards.
BY RENSS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com
This year there were 139 wines entered into the competition, marking the most wines ever submitted. All are made with 100% Virginia fruit, or are required to be made with at least 75% fruit from Loudoun County. This year, judges handed out 15 gold and 112 silver medals. Gold medals this year went to wines from 8 Chains North, 868 Estate Vineyards, Bluemont Vineyard, Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg, Carriage House Wineworks, Doukenie Winery, Maggie Malick Wine Caves, Three Creeks Winery and Williams Gap Vineyard.
Renss Greene/Loudoun Now
And he said where Loudoun excels is in crafting an elegant style of wine, such as the Viogniers, Albariños, Cabernet Francs and Bordeaux-style blends. He said those distinguish Loudoun as “something specifically special.”
15 Win Gold at the Loudoun Wine Awards
PAGE 20 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
been underway for a while, but we’re just starting to see the—pun intended—fruits of their labor,” he said.
The biggest awards of the year are still be to announced. The medal-
LOUDOUN WINE AWARDS continues on page 21
A judge tastes Loudoun wines at Echelon Wine Bar in Leesburg on Monday, Sept. 12, sampling a record-setting 139 entries.
Business
Competition Director and Chief Judge Neal Wavra, owner of Field & Main Restaurant, said in the years he has been judging the competition he has seen Loudoun’s wineries both improve
Loudoun Wine Awards
Doukenie Winery Zeus 2019
“Ifyears.you were a winery who was less event-focused, but you had space for people to come and spread out, you had more people coming,” she said. “Because you have all this traffic, and people around the beltway and around DC where, during COVID, they were looking for places to go where they could be outside, spread out and meet their friends.”
Maggie Malick Wine Caves
Loudoun Wine Award Dinner tickets are $125 per person and include the grand tasting reception, the awards ceremony and dinner. Get tickets at 2022loudounwineawards.eventbrite.com. n
winning wines will be poured at the Grand Tasting Reception at Lansdowne Resort and Spa on Friday, Oct. 14, before the ceremony where the wineries association will announce the best-in-show Grand Award, best-in-class by varietal category, and Loudoun County’s Winemaker of the Year, Winegrower of the Year and Wine Ambassador of the Year.
As hospitality businesses continue to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, Walsh said Loudoun’s winery business in some cases saw its profile as DC’s wine country grow even more over the past two
8 Chains North Furnace Mountain Red 2019
Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg Chardonnay 2020
Williams Gap Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021
continued from page 20
“The impact of the awards and the gala is so good for our industry and the community that it brings together,” she said. “I just am so grateful for all the people that come together to make this awards ceremony happen for the community.”
868 Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2021
And she said many hands help make the annual wine awards happen.
longtime winemaker, and other vineyards.
Carriage House Wineworks Petit Verdot 2020
Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association Event Chair Sarah Walsh said she has also seen the county’s wine offerings continue to grow.
Three Creeks Winery Melange Rouge 2020
Maggie Malick Wine Caves
Williams Gap Vineyard Mountain Valley 2020
Bluemont Vineyard 2021 Albariño
Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg Albariño 2021
And in 2019, they bought the former North Gate Vineyard, now Walsh Family Wine—where they share their vineyard space with other winegrowers.
“Our goal with that space has always been to be really involved in the community, and for everyone to feel like that’s a place that they can come and feel at home, and welcome, and inspired,” she said.
868 Estate Vineyards Viognier 2020
Carriage House Wineworks Cabernet Franc 2020
“We do have some new wineries, so there is small amount of that playing into it, but also the younger wineries now have a bigger breadth of wine available that they feel comfortable putting forward,” she said. “So I think it is an increase in wine quality.”
Mag’s Leap 2020
Williams Gap Vineyard Petit Manseng 2020
Albariño Reserva 2021
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Loudoun Wine Awards Competition Gold Medal Winners
As Loudoun’s winemakers refine their craft and expand their capabilities, they are supported by a local industry that Walsh said stands out among winegrowing regions for being communityoriented.“They’re truly your neighbors,” she said. That was also the case at Walsh and her husband Nate’s Walsh Family Wine, which they founded in 2014. They started growing grapes on the four-acre Bethany Ridge vineyard near Waterford while still working day jobs, then expanding to lease another 20 acres at Twin Notch Farm. They spent several years borrowing space at Sunset Hills, where Nate Walsh was the
WINERY WINE NAME / VINTAGE
Among the speakers was Edward W. Gant, retired U.S. Navy veteran who wore the uniform of a soldier in the U.S. Colored Troops. He said there were two important implications of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation that aren’t wellFirst,known.hesaid, was that it removed the
speaker author and historian Kevin Grigsby also reflected on the role of Black soldiers and his research of local men who were sent to fight, and often to die, on battlefields in the deep south.
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
robbed the south of its workforce, also hastening the war’s end.
AROUND towns
“Our ancestors would be proud of the legacy which they left to us. It is a legacy I hope to leave to my children, grandchildren, and future generations,” Smith said.
“Once the word was passed that there was an Emancipation Proclamation, people voted with their feet and they left. They left the plantation when they could,” GantKeynotesaid.
town’s Black community and the Civil War. The other would use the building as a yoga studio and community center. Both pledged to preserve the historic integrity of the 193-year-old structure.
He also reflected on the importance his ancestors and the Black community placed on one of those opportunities— education.Herecalled the efforts his grandfather made to get from Upperville to attend classes at Carver and later at Douglass School in Leesburg, walking long distances to catch a bus ride.
AROUND TOWNS continues on page 24
ALDIE James Monroe Visit Planned
Loudoun County’s Emancipation Day ceremony was held Saturday on the grounds of Carver School, marking a return to the event’s original open-air format.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Edward W. Gant highlighted the important impact made by the U.S. Colored Troops after the Emancipation Proclamation permitted Black men to join in military service.
Sponsored by NOVA Parks, the Aldie Heritage Association, and Rogan Miller Zimmerman PLLC, Colonel Monroe, as he preferred to be known, will be portrayed by James Harrison, a living history interpreter and reenactor with nearly 35 years of experience.Harrison’sMonroe will be speaking in 1822 and will look back on the past few years of his presidency with commentary on his upcoming retirement at Oak Hill and his business interactions with Aldie Mill owner and friend Charles Fenton Mercer.A$30 per fee person includes a reception following the program. Space is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance at communities.com/novaparks/Activ-apm.activeity_Search/6559.Proceedsbenefit Aldie Mill’s educational efforts in the community.
summer.Mayor
On Saturday, Oct. 8 “An Afternoon with James Monroe” is planned at Aldie Mill Historic Park.
Participants agreed it was important to continue the efforts of past generations to build better lives for their families.
longstanding prohibition on Black men joining miliary service. “There had been a law since 1792 that you had to be an abled bodied white man to serve in the army,” he said.Some 200,000 men joined the U.S. Colored Troops.
It’s Oktoberfest Weekend
He said they preferred to die as free men than to live as slaves and fought to provide more opportunities for those who would“Onfollow.thisday, I think about those soldiers. When they closed their eyes for the last time and when they took their last breath on a Mississippi or a Louisiana battlefield, this is what I believed they might have dreamed of—this type of day, this type of occasion,” Grigsby said.
The Middleburg Town Council ended its search for someone to restore the historic Asbury Church; the town is going to do the work itself.
Towns
Middleburg Council Commits to Asbury Church Restoration
Secondly, the decision by freed civilians to head north or find safety in contraband camps at U.S. Army bases
Oktoberfest events abound these days, but few come close to the celebration put on by those in the GermanStartingSettlement.Friday evening with dinner and the crowning of the festival king and queen at the firehouse, Lovettsville’s festival continues late into the night on the Town Green and offers a full day of town-wide activities on Saturday.
LOVETTSVILLE
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
The 2,660-square-foot Asbury Church was established in 1829 and has been used as a Methodist Episcopal church, a storehouse, a Civil War government depot and hospital, and a Methodist Episcopal church for the town’s Black residents. The building has been vacant since 1994. It was donated to the town in 2014.
The town initially invested more than
PAGE 22 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Sylvia Smith, a 1961 graduate of western Loudoun’s Black elementary school, said the program had been held inside the school building since 1967, when the Loudoun County Emancipation Association sold the nearby land that hosted the program since 1910.
Have you ever wanted to meet the fifth president of the United States?
$174,000 to stabilize the building and had previously solicited bids from entities seeking to preserve, restore and reuse the church in 2018 and in 2020, but those efforts closed without a decision to transfer theTheproperty.council had been discussing the latest proposals in closed session over the
“I tell that story because that is someone who handed the baton,” said Grigsby, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees. “There is someone who walked across the field to get to a bus stop because he wanted to his education. … These are folks who were denied. They understood the importance of education.” n
“The emancipation is not just a moment in history, but rather a moment to be lead and supported by generations over many decades that honor our past and preserve our African culture and heritage. There is no higher cause than honoring the African American struggle and their ancestors,” Carver Alumni Association Walter Owens said.
The Sept. 8 action follows the review of two unsolicited proposals to take ownership of the town-owned building and put it back in active use. One offered by the Loudoun Freedom Center envisioned using the North Jay Street building as an educational center telling stories of the
“That influenced the end of the war. By 1865, as the war was winding down, there were more Black soldiers in the Union army than soldiers in the Confederate army in total,” he said.
It’s the 27th year for the festival, which is returning to a full schedule following two years of COVID ingdors,comrestrictions.GotoLovettsvilleOktoberfest.forafullagenda,listsofven-maps,andmoredetails.Park-andadmissionarefree.
Emancipation Day Celebrates a Lasting Legacy
Bridge Littleton said that once the books closed on fiscal year 2022 a new option emerged. The town ended the ASBURY RESTORATION continues on page 24
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 LiveswherewhereEventuallyareweLoudounNow To place an obituary, contact Susan Styer at 703-770-9723 or email: sstyer@loudounnow.com O n e S m i l e A t A T i m e Call us for a free consultation 703 771 9887 N e x t t o t h e L e e s b u r g W e g m a n s ! Russell Mullen DDS, MS Offering the latest technologies & newest treatment options Invisalign™ Digital Imaging Find us! w w w . m u l l e n o r t h o . c o m Call or text us for a complimentary consultation! (703) 771-9887 1509 Dodona Terrace SE Ste 201, Leesburg, VA 20175 O n e S m i l e A t Call us for a f ation 703 771 9887 N e x t t o t h e L e e s b u r g W e g m a n s ! Russell Mullen DDS, MS Offering the latest technologies & n ons Invisalign™ Digita Find us! w w w . m u l l e n o r t h o . c o m Call or text us for a complimentary consultation! (703) 771 9887 1509 01 Leesburg, VA 20175 One Smile At A Time RussellDDS,MullenMS
Visitation will take place Hall Funeral Home in Purcellville, VA from 5PM to 8PM on Friday, September 23, 2022. The funeral service for Ms. Lemp will be held at New Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Lovettsville, VA on Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 11AM. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery in Lovettsville, with fellowship afterward at the Lovettsville Fire and Rescue building, Lovettsville, VA. Memorial donations may be made in Barbara Lemp’s name to Lutheran World Relief ( https://lwr.org/ ) or to Zion Lutheran Church or New Jerusalem Lu theran Church, both in Lovettsville, VA.
Ms. Lemp graduated from Lovettsville High School (class of 1948) where she was a member of the women’s basket ball team. After attending Hagerstown Business College, she worked for lawyer Wilbur Hall of Leesburg before taking a secretarial position at Fort Detrick, MD. Following her marriage to John F. Lemp, Jr., she focused on a career as a home maker and mother, while also engaging in extensive volunteer work. A woman of faith, she was active in the Lutheran Church – at both New Jerusalem and Zion churches in Lovettsville – teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, aid ing youth ministry programs, and leading or participating in innumerable other
charitable and service activities. For sev eral years, Ms. Lemp was the local coordi nator for the Experiment in International Living, a foreign exchange program that brought numerous international students to the Lovettsville area. She was also a poll worker and active in many local and regional community organizations.
Obituaries
Ms. Lemp was well-known for her warm smile and energetic personality. She appreciated and enjoyed the arts and reading, but was equally devoted to sports. (As anyone who saw her cheer on her favorite football, baseball, and basketball teams can attest). She enjoyed the companionship of many beloved pets, and was a horseback rider for several years. Ms. Lemp loved to travel and had visited most of the U.S. as well many countries in Europe and the British Isles. Always making sure to remember the important occasions in the lives of her family, friends, church families, and community, she was well known for the special cards she created and sent to all, often including the message – “God loves you, and so do I.” A warm and loving woman who truly lived her faith, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 23
BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com
Like many historic property renovations, unwelcome surprises are often found behind the walls—or, in the case of Purcellville’s Bush Tabernacle, under the floorboards.
The town is in the process of replacing the floor of the skating rink. The longplanned repair is envisioned as a $300,000 project in Capital Improvement Plan and comes with a Dec. 1 deadline, so that the historic building will be re-opened in time for the town’s holiday events.
fund.The council voted unanimously to allocate the $80,000 originally requested. n
Contractors working to replace the floor at the Bush Tabernacle have found significant damage under the boards.
Barbara King Lemp of Shenandoah Junction, WV, passed away on September 6, 2022, at the age of 91. Born January 19, 1931 in Frederick, MD, and raised in Lovettsville, VA, she was the daughter of the late George B. and Ellen W. King. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John F. Lemp, Jr., in 2014. She is survived by her sister, Charlotte Clatter buck of Lovettsville, VA; her brother-inlaw, Louis Lemp of Astoria, NY; her son George Lemp (Jennifer) of Santa Rosa, CA; her daughter Vicki Weavil (Kevin) of Winston-Salem, NC; and her son Joel Lemp (Soledad) of Shenandoah Junc tion, WV; as well as five grandchildren – Stephanie Bjornstrom (Erik) of Plano TX; Sarah Loud (Grant) of Portland, OR; Ryan Lemp of Nashville, TN; Thomas Montle of Winston-Salem, NC; and An gela Lemp of Los Angeles, CA. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren – Grace Bjornstrom, Colton Bjornstrom, and Rachel Bjornstrom, all of Plano, TX; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Town of Purcellville photo
But the staff worried that approach would jeopardize the push to reopen the building by December.
Bush Tabernacle Repair Cost Climbs
Town Manager David Mekarski then suggested a $130,000 appropriation to provide the $80,000 the staff believes is needed to complete the work along with a $50,000 “management contingency” to be available to keep the project going if the cost is higher. The money would come from the Parks and Recreation reserve
Council members worried that it was premature to commit to a price since only half the floor had been pulled up. Some suggested allocating only the $10,000 that would be needed to finish the floor removal so that a full damage assessment could be made and then decide how much more money will be needed.
But as contractor began the work of pulling up the floor, believed to have been installed more than 80 years ago, significant insect damage and rot was discovered.TheTown Council toured the building last week and then debated how to address additional work that will be needed.
Barbara King Lemp
The staff sought an $80,000 increase to the contract to complete the repairs.
PAGE 24 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
four months and cover key data points that were developed in response to citizen input, to include the potential impact on the town’s budget and operations.
Following the meeting, the town will provide the same information to the two property owners who may then decide whether to make a formal request for incorporation.
MIDDLEBURG
Council members said they appreciated the proposals that had been submitted and their commitment to preserve the church’s important heritage.
continued from page 22
PURCELLVILLE
Early next year, after construction of the new Town Hall is complete, the Town Council plans to turn its focus to the larger renovation of the church. After that is complete, it is anticipated that the town will seek a partner to develop programs at the church, including those highlighting its historical significance.
The Town of Middleburg will hold a public information meeting starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at the Middleburg Community Center to provide public updates on two boundary line adjustment concepts brought forward by two property owners.Themeeting will include a review of the public input received over the past
year with an unanticipated $1 million surplus, driven by strong meals and hotel tax revenues.Under the plan approved unanimously at its Sept. 8 meeting, the council voted to retain ownership of the church and committed to fully renovate and restore the
building, starting immediately with work to continue to stabilize the structure.
Asbury restoration
to identify trees and other woody plants, then share information about the trees.
BLA Information Meeting Planned
The Chapman DeMary Trail is a 10acre area considered to be the last stand of old-growth forest in Purcellville. It runs along the South Fork Catoctin Creek, part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The area is open to the public for environmental recreation, exploration, and education. The Town of Purcellville holds the conservation easement for the privately-owned property. The entrance and parking for the Chapman DeMary Trail is behind the building at 205 East Hirst Road in LearnPurcellville.moreand register online at purcellvilleva.gov. n
AROUND towns continued from page 22 QUI LT S THE STORIES THEY TELL EAT,DRINK & be WhereLITERARY!greatmindsgatherinTHEGAP Friday, Sept. 30, 6 p.m. Scan for tickets PRISCILLA GODFREY, a leading national expert on the historic and contemporary American art form of quilt making, reveals the unexpected stories stitched in colorful patchworks, patterns and shapes. TICKETS: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, light hors d'oeuvre served Hillsboro’s Historic Old Stone School ✬ OldStoneSchool.org THE GAP BAR Open at 6 p.m./ Featuring Local Wines & Beers Sponsored by LoudounNow
The initial stabilization effort conducted five years ago included only a portion of the work identified at that time as needing to be done. Last week, the council allocated $50,000 to update the stabilization plan and begin immediate repairs as needed. The town staff is expected to report back this fall with the estimated cost of completing the stabilization work, expected to be more than $200,000.
The Purcellville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Tree and Environment Sustainability Committee on Sunday will offer a free nature walk about trees and the various ways to identify them.The walk will be held at the Chapman DeMary Trail starting at 1 p.m. The guide for this walk is Carol Ivory, a Loudoun County Master Gardener and Loudoun County Tree Steward. She will show how to use leaves, bark, branches, and fruit
Chapman DeMary Tree Walk Sunday
The town was supported in its decision by the leaders of the Willisville Preservation Foundation and the Friends of Ashbury Church, with both organizations pledging to support the town’s restoration efforts. n
The two BLA concepts have proposed bringing two separate parcels into the town limits, with remaining acreage being placed into conservation easement. The proposals include workforce or affordable housing in an effort meet an unmet housing need in and around Middleburg.
In the end, Council member Cindy C. Pearson said, it became evident that handing off the responsibility for the building perhaps would be an easy out for the town, but best course was for the town to take on that responsibility.
Utility Inspector II Utilities $56,956-$103,363 DOQ Open until filled
Utility Plant Technician or Senior Utility Plant Technician Utilities $50,000-$95,178 DOQ Open until filled
Senior Engineer Plan Review $70,374,$127,560 DOQ 9/29/2022
Utility Plant Operator Trainee, I or II Utilities $50,000-$95,178 DOQ Open until filled
Laboratory Technician Utilities $50,000-$88,071 DOQ Open until filled
Maintenance Worker I
Parks & Recreation $56,956-$103,363 DOQ Open until filled
Public Works & Capital Projects $93,438-$169,567 DOQ Open until filled
Public Works & Capital Projects $67,175-$121,947 DOQ Open until filled
Management Analyst (Sustainability & Resiliency)
Emergency Management $67,175-$121,947 DOQ Open until filled
Parks Operations Supervisor
Project Manager Utilities $76,426-$138,530 DOQ Open until filled
Police Officer Police $62,000-$94,966 DOQ Open until filled
Planning & Zoning $67,175-$121,947 DOQ Open until filled
Stormwater and Environmental Manager
Public Works & Capital Projects $82,999-$150,445 DOQ Open until filled
Public Works & Capital Projects $50,000-$75,040 DOQ 9/29/2022
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 25 Post your job listings at NowHiringLoudoun.com Post your job listings NowHiringLoudoun.comat CMYCYMYCMYMK NHLEmployerCard2.pdf 1 9/3/19 10:58 AM Let us help nd your next employee. • Candidate Search • Resume Postings • Employer Dashboard and much more NHLEmployerCard2.pdf 1 9/3/19 10:58 AM Search, nd and contact applicants directly on your mobile device or desktop. Manage prospective employees and resumes from a convenient secure dashboard NowHiringLoudoun.com BE A TAX PRO No experience necessary. Will train. Free classes starting Sept. 26th. Day and evening classes available Small fee for books Bonus paid upon completion Call or 571-306-1955text for more information Town of EmploymentLeesburgOpportunities Please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs for more information and to apply online. Resumes may be submitted as supplemental only. EOE/ADA. Regular Full-Time Positions To review Ida Lee (Parks & Recreation) flexible part-time positions, please visit www.leesburgva.gov/jobs. Most positions will be filled at or near the minimum of the range. Dependent on qualifications. All Town vacancies may be viewed on Comcast Cable Channel 67 and Verizon FiOS Channel 35. Position Department Salary Range Closing Date Deputy Director of Public Works and Capital Projects
Senior Planner (Preservation and Zoning Administration)
Urban Forester/Landscape Management Specialist
the area and know what’s going on,” Ventrice said. “We did some spit-balling— opened a bottle of wine of course—and came up with the name. We wanted a name that would encompass all the different craft beverages: wineries, distilleries, breweries, meaderies—anything you can put a cork in or put into a keg.”
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Renee Ventrice leads tours of Loudoun’s wine country in a van specially designed to keep the party going.
Live Music: Jessica Paulin
Ventrice went full time with Cork and Keg at the end of 2019, and in February 2020, she and Don were discussing franchising possibilities when COVID hit. Ventrice knew she had to act to keep both
The Branch, 49 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg Details: bowlthebranch.com
BDetails:Hillbchordbrewing.comChordhostsafulldayofmusic to benefit
Live Music: Delta Spur
MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE,
Live Music: Best of Foo Friday, Sept. 23, 8 p.m.
Every wine lover remembers the bottle that changed their life.
LOCO LIVE
Tarara Summer Concert Series: White Ford Bronco
CORK AND KEG continues on page 28
“It just became a hobby. It became what we did for fun. And then I started noticing that I had a real knack for noticing what was in wine without seeing the tasting notes,” Ventrice said.
Live Music: Collective Delusion
LoCo Living
Cork and Keg Goes Behind the Wines
Friday, Sept. 23, 7-10 p.m.
The Tarara Summer Concert Series wraps up with a fun evening of 90s favorites from White Ford Bronco. Tickets are $20.
Elysium Axe Bar, 251 N. 21st St., Purcellville Details: elysiumaxebar.com
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m.
“I didn’t know that wine was going to be my future, but nobody ever forgets the bottle that changes their life,” Ventrice said.The couple has grown their business through the pandemic and watched it take off in the last year, with local accolades and a national spotlight bringing attention both to their company and the Loudoun wine country they love. Ventrice, named Loudoun’s top tourism ambassador last year, is featured in an upcoming episode of Vince Anter’s popular online wine show “V is for Vino” slated to air later this
“I thought, how cool would it be to have a wine expert instead of just a driver?” she said.
Nearly 20 years later, she runs a booming business helping locals and tourists alike get an insider’s view of Loudoun’s craft beverage scene. Ventrice and her husband Don launched Cork and Keg Tours in 2017, combining their shared passion for wine and community.
During COVID shutdowns, Ventrice launched Cork and Keg’s sister business Go Be Grape with a focus on wine education, offering customized tastings for corporate clients and other groups.
Friday, Sept. 23, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
NOVA Fall Music Fest
“We said no one does tours the way we experience them in Sonoma, which is backstage tours with winemakers, special seating, exclusivity and people who know
Live Music: David Sparrow
Delta Spur serves up contemporary country hits from Zac Brown, Keith Urban and other top acts.
In 2016, she and Don had full time jobs. But when Don was laid off from a cybersecurity job shortly after they dropped their son off at college, the couple saw it as an opportunity to follow their dream of launching a business. The Ventrices also saw a niche in Loudoun: they had been doing wine tours in Sonoma for years and noticed a dearth of detail-oriented wine tours here.
her business and local hospitality businesses alive. So she took her wine expertise and enthusiasm virtual.
For Loudoun entrepreneur Renee Ventrice, it was a German Riesling at a Florida sushi restaurant in 1998. That was the night Ventrice discovered she had a passion for food and wine pairing—and a great palate to match.
Live Music: Skyla Burrell Band
Cork and Keg did its first tour in the spring of 2017. The day after they bought their fully loaded touring van, Don got an offer for a full-time job, so the couple initially made Cork and Keg a weekend business.“Wewere turning away more than double the number of tours we could actually do,” Ventrice said. Meanwhile, Ventrice got her wine educator certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.
THINGS to do
Saturday, Sept. 24, 5-9 p.m.
“I decided to stay visible. I started popping bottles that were in my refrigerator and drinking wine with people on Facebook live,” she said. Ventrice began interviewing restaurant owners about their menus and doing virtual food and wine pairings.“Itbecame more than just me drinking wine and hanging out with people from my van. It became a way to support others in hospitality by sharing what they were doing,” she said.
Saturday, Sept. 24, 6-9:30 p.m.
BY JAN MERCKER jmercker@loudounnow.com
Known for her soulful voice and little red piano, Paulin covers a variety of well-loved favorites.
As the region rebounded from pandemic closures, Cork and Keg’s business took off. In 2021, they did 70 tours and turned away more than double that number, Venstrice said. At the end of 2021,
8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Maryland-basedDetails:Waterford8chainsnorth.comDavidSparrow has a
MacDowell Brew Kitchen, 202 South St. SE, KickDetails:Leesburgmacsbeach.comofftheweekendwith Burrell’s highenergy electric blues.
Friday, Sept. 23, 7-10 p.m.
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com
This NY/NJ-based tribute band is made up of talented musicians who love the music of the Foo Fighters—just like their fans. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $35 for VIP seats.
B Chord Brewing, 34266 Williams Gap Road, Round
EnjoyDetails:Leesburgmacsbeach.comfavoritedancerock covers from the 80s, 90s and today on Mac’s Beach.
PAGE 26 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Tarara Winery, 13648 Tarara Lane, Lucketts Details: tararaconcerts.com
A Passion for Wine and Community:
penchant for melody and songcraft with an extensive repertoire of soulful originals.
Whenyear. the U.S. Navy veterans moved to Loudoun in 2003, wine was already a passion but not yet a business.
Saturday, Sept. 24, 11:25 a.m.
the Cancer Can Rock Foundation. The lineup features The Greek and The Freak, Patty Reese, Angus Quinn, Justin Trawick & The Common Good, Ashleigh Chevalier Band, Chris Timbers Band, Naked Blue, Kara & Matty D and Cassidy Concoction. Tickets are $20 in advance.
THINGS TO DO continues on page 28
Saturday, Sept. 24, 6-10 p.m.
WHITE FORD BRONCO
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 27
Lovettsville Community Center tnessimageresults.com
LOVETTSVILLE GAME PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION OKTOBERFEST
SKYLA BURRELL BLUES BAND
Tarara Winery tararaconcerts.com
Sunday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. MacDowell’s Beach macsbeach.com
LOVETTSVILLE OKTOBERFEST
BEST OF FOO
Friday, Sept. 23, 5-9 p.m. MacDowell’s Beach macsbeach.com
OKTOBERFEST 5K & KIDS FUN RUN
Lovettsville Game Protective Association lovettsvillegameclub.com
Friday, Sept. 23, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 24, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. B Cord Brewing Company bchordbrewing.com
CARIBBEAN STEEL DRUM
Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Lovettsville Town Green lovettsvilleoktoberfest.com
Friday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m. (doors)
Saturday, Sept. 24, 8-10 a.m.
Tally Ho Theater tallyhotheater.com
Saturday, Sept. 24, noon-11 p.m.
BEST BETS
NOVA FALL MUSIC FEST
Live Music: Bryan Fox Sunday, Sept. 25, 2-5 p.m.
Visit Loudoun named Ventrice its Cer tified Tourism Ambassador of the year for 2021. Ventrice has also been nomi nated as entrepreneur of the year at this
The Leesburg Airshow returns with vintage aircraft, aerial demonstrations beginning at 1 p.m., tarmac attractions, children’s activities and food and beverages for sale. Admission is free. All parking is at Heritage High School and Segra Field.
Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg Details: tallyhotheater.com McGee returns to the Tally Ho with original alt-rock that’s been winning over fans for two decades. Tickets are $25.
CrookedDetails:Sterlingcrookedrunbrewing.comRuncelebratesOktoberfest with beer, food, music and more.
LOCO LovettsvilleCULTUREOktoberfest
Fiesta Sterling
Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive #120,
“The way that we’ve differentiated ourselves is through the relationships that we’ve built with the other hospitality and tourism companies,” she said. “We thought it was really important to be a part of the community and not just take people to wineries and breweries. We took the time to understand their business, get to know their managers and team members.”
CrookedLIBATIONSRunOktoberfest
Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, O’DayDetails:Hillsboroharvestgap.combringssoulfultunes with influences from R&B to country for a mellow Sunday afternoon.
“I absolutely loved what I was learning from it,” she said. “One day, I was like, ‘He’s never done Virginia.’”
Dirt Farm Brewing Oktoberfest
Last Ham Standing Comedy Improv Friday, Sept 23, 8 p.m.
Live Music: Pat McGee Band Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m.
Renee Ventrice, right, serves up an exclusive wine tasting for a tour group at Williams Gap Vineyard on a recent Friday afternoon.
Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, 21668 Heritage Farm Lane, Sterling
Saturday, Sept. 24, 1-5 p.m.
continued from page 26
continued from page 26
Details: vintageaerodrome.com
ThisDetails:Purcellville franklinparkartscenter.orghilariousshowisfulloflaughs for the whole family as performers take suggestions from the audience to create wacky scenes and improv games. Tickets are 14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for children.
CelebrateDetails:Bluemontdirtfarmbrewing.comtheseasonwithseasonal beers on tap, German-inspired food specials, live music, ax throwing and more. Food tickets are $18 and are available for pre-order.
As the accolades flow, one of the high lights for Ventrice is Loudoun’s spotlight on the “V is for Vino” show. Ventrice be came a fan of the popular online program with more than 20,000 YouTube follow ers while earning her WSET certification.
Details: lovettsvilleoktoberfest.com Friday features live 80s music from The Reflex, the ceremonial keg tapping and opening ceremonies. Saturday kicks off with a 5K Race and fun run at the new Lovettsville Park, followed by an Oktoberfest pancake breakfast at Lovettsville Elementary School. Saturday features children’s activities, traditional German music and contemporary music throughout the day, wiener dog races, stein hoisting and hauling competitions. The event wraps up with a concert by Ghost Pepper featuring the annual “Bohemian Rhapsody” singalong. Admission is free. Go to the website for a complete schedule.
ThisDetails:Purcellvilleryanbartelfoundation.orgcolorful5KbenefitstheRyan Bartel
We’re All Human Color Run
THINGS to do
Don Ventrice remains heavily involved with the family business while keeping his 9-to-5 job. For Ventrice, the spous es, who met while serving in the Navy in Spain, are perfectly matched to run the business together after almost 30 years of marriage.“Weare yin and yang. We like to say he’s the keg, and I’m the cork. He’s the brakes, and I’m the gas. We don’t get in each other’s way and that’s how we successfully run a business as a married couple,” Ventrice said. The couple’s son Gino, now 24, has inherited his mom’s keen palate and also pitches in with tours.
Friday, Sept. 23, 5-11 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Details: heritagefarmmuseum.org
PAGE 28 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
Autumn Apple Festival
Franklin Park Arts Center, 36441 Blueridge View Lane,
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
she hired six new employees to do week end tours. Ventrice takes on corporate and other tastings during the week, offering insider access to wineries, including tours outside of normal tasting room hours.
Loudoun’s craft brewing scene has come a long way since her family arrived nearly 20 years ago, Ventrice said, and she’s proud to play a role in building it up.
Saturday, Sept. 24, 4-6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday, Sept. 25, noon-4 p.m.
Lovettsville Wings and Wheels Fly-In/Cruise-In Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 40950 Flying Ace Lane, Middleburg’sDetails:Lovettsvilleflyingacefarm.comownBryanFox returns to Flying Ace with soul and funk tunes.
LSO Music in the Park
music,Celebratefacebook.com/sterlingvacommunitycenterSterling’sculturallydiversecommunitywithdance,vendorsandfood.Admissionisfree.
Sunday, Sept. 25, 8 a.m., race-day registration, 10 a.m. event begins
Foundation’s efforts to prevent youth suicide and promote suicide awareness. Registration is $35 in advance, $40 on race day.
For more information about Cork and Keg Tours, go to corkandkegtours.com. To check out the “V is for Vino” YouTube channel, go to visforvino.com. n
“It’s been really fun watching Loudoun County grow and watching the agrotour ism really start to take off, bringing people not just from other counties in the DMV but from other countries for the shopping, the farms, the music, the wine, the brew eries and distilleries.”
This NOVA Native plays alternative soul with jazz, blues, rock and country influences.
On a whim, she reached out to the host Vince Anter and suggested he check out the region’s booming winery and hospi tality scene. He agreed and shot the seg ment focusing on the Charlottesville and Loudoun regions in August, with Ventrice as a local co-host. The segment is expect ed to air later this year on Anter’s channel.
Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Woodgrove High School, 36811 Allder School Road,
Cork & Keg
Leesburg Airshow
The Lovettsville Vintage Aerodrome hosts an Oktoberfest Wings and Wheels event featuring German heritage cars and aircraft. Admission is free.
Sterling Community Center, 120 Enterprise St., Details:Sterling
JoinDetails:Leesburgloudounsymphony.orgLoudounSymphonyOrchestra and Morven Park for a reception benefitting both organizations. The reception and musical program will be held on the Davis Mansion portico and features an open house, hors d’oeuvres and drinks and music from LSO. Tickets are $100-$500.
Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road,
“I showed Vince the wonderful things that Loudoun has to offer,” Ventrice said. “It’s a huge win for Virginia tourism.”
The Branch, 49 Catoctin Circle SE, Leesburg Details: bowlthebranch.com
Morven Park, 17195 Southern Planter Lane,
Lovettsville Fire and Rescue, 12837 Berlin Turnpike, KickoffDetails:Lovettsvillefacebook.com/lovettsville.lionsLovettsville’sOktoberfestcelebration with a traditional German family dinner. The evening also features music and the return of the annual Oktoberfest king and queen competition.
Live Music: Andrew O’Day Sunday. Sept. 25, 2-5 p.m.
Live Music: Chris Timbers Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 24, noon-6 p.m.
Lovettsville Vintage Aerodrome, 12582 Lutheran Church Road, Lovettsville
Lovettsville Lions Oktoberfest Dinner Friday, Sept. 23, 5-7 p.m.
Leesburg Executive Airport, Leesburg Details: leesburgva.gov
year’s Loudoun Chamber Small Business Awards slated for Nov. 4.
Bring the family to celebrate the season with cider pressing, apple games, prizes, live music, food trucks, Loudoun-made hard ciders and fruit wines. It’s a perfect day for fall fans of all ages.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 29 FURNACE MOUNTAIN TRIO THE FRET CARROLLFLATTERSCOUNTY RAMBLERS FORD’S FISH SHACK UNCLE FRED’S BBQ OLD 690 BREWERY TWO TWISTED POSTS DOUK É NIE WALSH FABBIOLI PRESENTED BY SATURDAY OCTOBER 1 CIRCA3-10p.m.BLUE SCAN FOR INFO & TO PICNICORVERANDAHRESERVELAWNTABLESFREEADMISSION LAWN, BAR & FESTIVAL MARKET OPEN AT 2 p.m. LoudounNow Archer Western
The LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, at 6:00 p.m. on WEDNESDAY, October 12, 2022, in order to consider:
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapter 840 Business, Professional and Occupational License Tax. Loudoun Codified Ordinance Chapter 840 contains the provisions for assessing the BPOL tax on the gross receipts of businesses operating in Loudoun County. The proposed amendments are as follows:
To eliminate the Type C landscape buffer along the east (rear) property line.
H5 Capital – Ashburn, LLC of Beverly Hills, California has submitted an application for Special Ex ceptions to permit an increase in the maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) in the PD-IP (Planned Develop ment-Industrial Park) zoning district from 0.60 to 1.0 and to permit an increase of maximum lot coverage in the PD-IP zoning district from .45 to .55. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. The proposed increase in maximum FAR is permitted by Special Exception under Section 4-506(C). The proposed increase in maximum lot coverage is permitted by Special Exception under Sec tion 4-506 (A). The applicant also requests the following Zoning Ordinance modifications:
A copy of the proposed deed of partial release, restrictive covenant, and associated documents are on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
PROPOSED CONVEYANCE OF COUNTY PROPERTY Conveyance of Approximately 3.2 Acres of Real Property-Ashburn North Park & Ride Lot
The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and the Route 28 CB (Corridor Busi ness) Optional Overlay, within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65 aircraft noise contours, and is located within the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District). The subject property is approximately 5.25 acres in size and is located on the east side of Beaumeade Circle (Route 3037), north of Waxpool Road (Route 625) and east of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) at 21800 Beaumeade Circle, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Sterling (formerly Broad Run) Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as follows:
Legal Notices
• Updated definitions in the Loudoun Codified Ordinances Chapter 840.01 Definitions, from Virginia Code §58.1-3700.1 and §58.1-3703.1.
ZCPA-2021-0007 & SPEX-2021-0035
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 840 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF LOUDOUN COUNTY
PAGE 30 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
• Updates to Loudoun Codified Ordinances Chapter 840.11 Exclusions; Deductions to further align the language with the Code of Virginia §58.1-3732.
PUBLIC HEARING
• Modernization and clarification of language throughout Loudoun Codified Ordinances Chapter 840
§5-1303(A)(1), Tree Planting and Replacement, Canopy Requirements, Site Planning.
• Update the description in Chapter 840.08 Local Tax Rulings, to include additional language in the Code of Virginia §58.1-3703.1 related to Rulings by the Commissioner of the Revenue.
The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which designate this area for a mix of office, production, flex space, and warehousing uses at densities up to 1.0 FAR.
PROPOSED PARTIAL RELEASE OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANT IN FAVOR OF THE COUNTY NTT Global Data Centers
CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
SPEX-2021-0046, SPEX-2021-0048, ZMOD-2021-0065 & ZMOD-2021-0067 21800 BEAUMEADE CIRCLE (Special Exceptions & Zoning Ordinance Modifications)
ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION PROPOSED MODIFICATION
• Clarification of the appeals process in Loudon Codified Ordinances Chapter 840.07 Administrative Appeals of Local License Tax, to align that section further with the Code of Virginia, §58.1-3703.1.
Erickson Senior Living, LLC of Baltimore, Maryland, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to amend the existing proffers and concept development plan (“CDP”) approved with ZCPA-2014-0004, Ashby Ponds, in order to increase the buildable square footage and amend the number of one and two bedroom independent living units with no resulting change in density; and 2) a Special Exception to amend the conditions of approval and special exception plat associated with SPEX-2005-0030, Erick son Retirement Communities, which currently govern the subject property, with a new special exception plat and conditions of approval in order to continue to allow congregate care facility, assisted living facility, and convalescent/nursing facility Special Exception uses in the PD-AAAR (Planned Develop ment – Active Adult/Age-Restricted) zoning district. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed uses are listed as Special Exception uses under Section 4-1305 (A), (B), and (C). The subject property is located within the AI (Airport Impact) Overlay District, between the Ldn 60-65, and outside of but within one (1) mile of Ldn 60 aircraft noise contours and the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District) – major floodplain. The subject property contains areas of Very Steep Slope and Moderately Steep Slope according to the standards of Section 5-1508(C)(1). The subject property is approximately 123.03 acres in size and is located on the north side of Gloucester Parkway (Route 2150) and west of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607) at 44755 Audubon Square, Ashburn, Virginia, in the Broad Run Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 060-49-8809. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area) in the Suburban Compact Neighborhood Place Type which designate this area for a mix of Single and Multi-Family Residential, Active Adult Retirement Communities, and Retail & Service Commercial uses at recommended residential density of 8-24 dwelling units per acre and nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.0.
§5-1404(D), Landscaping, Buffer Yards, Screening, and Landscaping Plans, Buffer Yards, Buffer Yard Widths and Plant Requirements.
A copy of the proposed real estate purchase and sales contract and a map depicting the location and current configuration of the subject property is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdoc uments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800, the Board of Supervisors will consider amending a restrictive covenant regarding fence design standards over 77.92 acres in the Ashburn Election District, at a property commonly known as 44725 Gigabit Plaza, Ashburn, Virginia more particularly described as PIN 088-407447, owned by NTT Global Data Centers VA, LLC (NTT). NTT seeks a release from certain restrictions regarding fencing design standards in a recorded covenant on the property. If approved, the County will execute a deed of partial release.
To reduce the required site tree canopy from 10% to 7%.
• Removal of gender specific pronouns Loudoun Codified Ordinances in Chapter 840.
Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) Tax
• Loudoun Codified Ordinances, Chapter 840.03 Licensing Generally, sets a threshold of more than $4,000 in gross receipts for requiring business license fee on home-based businesses. The amend ments propose raising the minimum gross receipts to more than $10,000 for payment of the $30 fee for a home-based business license.
ASHBY PONDS (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment & Special Exception)
Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1800, the Board of Supervisors will consider a proposed sale and convey ance of approximately 3.2 acres of land to NRP Properties LLC (NRP). The subject property is currently used as the Ashburn North Park and Ride Lot, which is planned for closure. NRP proposes to construct a mixed-income multifamily residential building and related amenities. The subject property is located on the south side of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061), east of Waverly Court, at 45151 Russell Branch Parkway, Ashburn, Virginia in the Broad Run Election District. It is more particularly described PIN 040-38-3790 and a portion of PIN 040-38-1852. The final boundary of the land proposed for sale will be determined upon approval of a subdivision or boundary line adjustment creating the sale parcel.
A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance amendment is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
PIN PROPERTY ADDRESS 061-30-7718 21800 Beaumeade Circle, Ashburn, Virginia 061-20-8870 N/A 043-35-0507 N/A
The Board of Supervisors of Loudoun County, Virginia, and the Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services of Leesburg, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit incidental structures in excess of 840 square feet within the major floodplain in the PD-H4 (Planned Development-Housing 4) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Loudoun County Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use un der 4-1506(E). The subject property is partially located in the FOD (Floodplain Overlay District), major floodplain. The subject property is approximately 35.43 acres in size and is located north of Algonkian Parkway (Route 1582) on the east side of Cascades Parkway (Route 1794) at 20286 Cascades Parkways, Sterling, Virginia in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 010-27-3927. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for existing Parks and Recreation facilities uses.
PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT AT DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (Zoning Ordinance Amendment & Zoning Map Amendment)
Amendments to Article 4, Special & Overlay Districts, Section 4-600, PD-GI Planned Develop ment-General Industry, Section 4-607, Use Limitations:
• Add new use limitations in regard to size, visual impacts, location, access, buffering, decommission plan/security, and unsafe or abandoned facilities for the “Utility generating plant and transmission facility, ground-mounted solar energy generation facility” use.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 31
Unless otherwise noted in the above notices, copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances, and/or plans and related documents may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Gov ernment Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing docu ments, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meet ings”). In addition, for detailed instructions on how to access documents using LOLA, to request that documents be emailed to you, to receive physical copies of documents, or to arrange a time to view the file at the Loudoun County Government Center, please email DPZ@loudoun.gov or call 703-777-0246 (option 5).
Pursuant to Virginia Code §§15.2-2204, 15.2-2285, 15.2-2286, and 15.2-2288.7(F), and a Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Supervisors on May 17, 2022, the Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice of proposed amendments to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance (“Zoning Ordi nance”) in order to establish new regulations that allow “Utility generating plant and transmission fa cility, ground-mounted solar energy generation facility only” as a permitted use, subject to new “Use Limitations”, in the Planned Development-General Industry (PD-GI) zoning district. These amendments are being considered to permit Dominion Energy to establish a ground-mounted solar energy generation facility at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The amendment proposes revisions to Article 4, Special & Overlay Districts, Section 4-600, PD-GI Planned Development-General Industry, Section 4-603, Permitted Uses, Section 4-607 Use Limitations, and such other Articles, Sections, Subsections, and provisions of the Zoning Ordinance as necessary to implement and maintain consistency with the foregoing amendments or as otherwise necessary to correct typographical errors, section and subsection numbering, and formatting within, update cross-references to, and further clarify the requirements of, the above-mentioned section(s) of the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed text amendments under consideration include, without limitation, the following:
45865 MARIES ROAD REZONING (Zoning Map Amendment & Special Exceptions)
• Add “Utility generating plant and transmission facility, ground-mounted solar energy generation facility only, pursuant to Section 4-607(L)” to the lists of permitted uses.
Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the County Administrator at 703-777-0200. At least one busi ness day of advance notice is requested; some accommodations may require more than one day of notice. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings.
ZMAP-2021-0014, SPEX-2021-0038, & SPEX-2022-0036
9/22, 9/29/22
In addition to the ZOAM, pursuant to the Resolution of Intent to Amend adopted by the Board of Super visors on May 17, 2022, the Board of Supervisors hereby gives notice of proposed amendments to the Loudoun County Zoning Map to rezone certain property on which IAD is located from the Residential Single Family (R-2) zoning district under the Zoning Ordinance to the PD-GI zoning district under the Zoning Ordinance in order to permit Dominion Energy to establish a ground-mounted solar energy gen eration facility on approximately 835 acres of land. The subject property is located within the Airport Impact (AI) Overlay District, within the Ldn 65 or higher, between the Ldn 60-Ldn 65 and outside of the Ldn 60 noise contours. The subject property is also located partially within the Route 28 Taxing District, the Floodplain Overlay District (FOD) and the Quarry Notification Overlay District. The subject property is approximately 7,507 acres in size and is located north of John Mosby Highway (Route 50) and west of Sully Road (Route 28) at 23546 Autopilot Drive, Sterling, Virginia in the Dulles Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 067-37-9924. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan which designate this area for airport related uses.
Legal Notices
Amendments to Article 4, Special & Overlay Districts, Section 4-600, PD-GI Planned Develop ment-General Industry, Section 4-603, Permitted Uses:
Board of Supervisors public hearings are available for live viewing on television on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings. All members of the public who desire to speak will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Public input may be provided by electronic means at Board public hearings. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, will be accommodated without advanced sign-up during the hearing, however, members of the public are strongly encouraged to sign-up in advance. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on September 30, 2022, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on October 12, 2022. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. Citizens will also have the option to sign-up during the public hearing. Citizens may also submit written comments by email sent to bos@loudoun.gov. Any written comments received prior to the public hearing will be distributed to Board members and made part of the minutes for the public hearing.
The public purposes of these amendments are to achieve the purposes of zoning as set forth in Virginia Code §§15.2-2200 and 15.2-2283, including, without limitation, furtherance of the public necessity, con venience, general welfare, and good zoning practice and facilitating the creation of a convenient, attrac tive, and harmonious community.
A complete copy of the full text of the above-referenced proposed ordinance amendment is on file and available for public inspection at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call 703-777-0200. Documents may also be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for “Board of Supervisors Business Meetings, Public Hearings and Special Meetings”).
POTOMACKSPEX-2021-0001LAKESPLAYGROUND (Special Exception)
MECP 1 Ashburn 2, LLC of Broomfield, Colorado, has submitted applications for the following: 1) to rezone approximately 10 acres from the A-3 (Agricultural – 3) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance to the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop a data center; 2) a Special Exception to permit an increase in the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 0.6 to 1.0 for data center uses; and 3) a Special Exception to permit an increase in lot coverage from 0.45 to 0.60. These applications are subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance and the proposed modifications of the FAR and lot coverage are listed as Special Exceptions under Section 4-506 (A) and (C). The subject property is approximately 10 acres in size and is located on the south side of Maries Road (Route 638), west of Cascades Parkway (Route 637), and east of Atlantic Boulevard (Route 1902) at 45865 Maries Road, Sterling, Virginia, in the Sterling Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 030-29-2034. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which support a broad array of employment uses at a recommended FAR of up to 1.0.
ZOAM-2022-0002 & ZMAP-2022-0011
BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
LoudounNow.com
HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the County of Loudoun’s certification received by Wednesday, October 26, 2022, or a period of fifteen (15) days from its receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the County of Loudoun; (b) the County of Loudoun has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to the CPD Director, HUD Washington, DC Field Office, via email to Michael.D.Rose@hud.gov, or by calling (202) 275-6266. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
NOTICE INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS (NOI / RROF) FOR TIER REVIEWED PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES
Mitigation Measures, Conditions, and/or Permits. The application for and issuance of all requisite building and related permits; testing and mitigation of lead-based paint, asbestos, radon, and/or other potentially toxic and hazardous substances; requiring applicants receiving rehabilitation assistance whose owner-occupied dwelling units are located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (100-year floodplain) to obtain and maintain flood insurance; dwelling units proposed for rehabilitation that are located in a Special Hazard Area will be subject to the Eight-Step Decision Making Process set forth in 24 CFR 55.20;
Tier 2 Site-Specific Reviews will be completed for those laws and authorities not addressed in the Tier 1 Broad Level Review for this project/activity, which include: Flood Insurance [Flood Disaster Protection Act and National Flood Insurance Reform Act]; Contamination and Toxic Substances [24 CFR Part 58.5(i)(2)]; Floodplain Management [Executive Order 11988]; Historic Preservation [National Historic Preservation Act]; and, Noise Abatement and Control [Noise Control Act of 1972 as amended by the Quite Communities Act].
Project/Activity Description, Funding, and Timeline. The description of this Tier 1 Broad Level Review project/activity is the rehabilitation of income eligible owner-occupied housing units. The funding for this project/activity in FY 2021 is $56,555, in FY 2022 is $285,205, and anticipated in FY 2023 through FY 2025 to be approximately $280,000 in each of the three (3) remaining fiscal years, for a total anticipated project/activity funding for the five-year period of $1,181,760. Funding amounts for FY 2023 through FY 2025 are estimated based on the FY 2022 funding allocation. Rehabilitation projects are anticipated to begin during Calendar Year 2022 and continue through and including Calendar Year 2026 or until allocated funds have been expended.
GG Purcellville, LLC trading as Gringo Gordo Empanada Cafe, 609 E Main Street, Suite N1 & 2, Purcellville, VA 20132
and brown MongooseRebelbicycle model#R2356WM
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. 9/15 & 9/22/22
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments concerning these this ERR to the Loudoun County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, via email to housing@loudoun.gov or via mail to CDBG Program Manager, PO Box 7000 Leesburg, VA 20177. All comments received by Friday, October 7, 2022 will be considered by the County of Loudoun prior to authorizing submittal of a request for release of funds to HUD.
Purpose. The purpose of the Tier 1 Broad Level Review project/activity is to improve the quality of the affordable housing stock.
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.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
Title. The title of the Tier 1 Broad Level Review project/activity is Loudoun County Home Rehabilitation.
The project Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determination for this project/activity is on file at the Loudoun County’s Department of Housing and Community Development, 106 Catoctin Circle SE Leesburg, VA 20175 and is available for public examination and copying, upon request, during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
consultation with the Virginia State Historic Preservation Officer (VA SHPO) as set forth under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA); and, notifying owners of residential dwellings to be rehabilitated that are located within 15 miles of an airport, 3,000 feet of a train, and/or 1,000 feet of a major roadway that the noise generated by airplanes, trains, and/or vehicles nearby may exceed the average acceptable noise level as determined by HUD.
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY: County of Loudoun, Virginia
The County of Loudoun certifies to HUD that Ms. Valmarie Turner, in her capacity as Assistant County Administrator, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process, and these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the County of Loudoun to use CDBG funds.
Cascades Pkwy/ Hampshire Station Dr. Sterling, VA 571-367-8400
Levels of Environmental Review Citation. The level of environmental review for this Tier 1 Broad Level Review project/activity is Categorically Excluded Subject to Section 58.5 under 24 CFR Part 58.35(a)(3).
The above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Wine & Beer On/Off, Mixed Beverage On license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
NOTICE OF ABANDONED BICYCLES
Ms. Valmarie Turner, Assistant County Administrator Loudoun County 1 Harrison Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175
Legal Notices
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
ABC LICENSE
9/22/22
On or about Tuesday October 11, 2022, the County of Loudoun will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (P.L. 93-383), to undertake the following projects/activities.
Description NumberCase RecoveryDate Recovery Location NumberPhone
Locations. The site-specific locations for this project/activity are to-be-determined, however the service area is county-wide.
DATE OF PUBLICATION: Thursday, September 22, 2022
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY TELEPHONE: (703) 771-5718
LoudounNow.com
COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, VA
Mark Pajak, Owner
PAGE 32 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
White SO220014482
Red GauntletDynacraftbicycle SO220013207 8/31/22 44020 Choptank Terr. Ashburn, VA 571-367-84009/15&9/22/22
8/16/22
RESPONSIBLE ENTITY ADDRESS: 1 Harrison Street, SE Leesburg, VA 20175
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
9/15, 9/22, 9/29, & 10/06/22
IFB NO. 18002-FY23-03
Review project information and meeting details on the webpage above or during business hours at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please call ahead at 703 259 3256 or TTY/TDD 711 to make an appointment with appropriate personnel
Legal Notices
The Town of Leesburg will accept bids electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on October 13, 2022 for the following:
VIRGINIA:INTHECIRCUIT
An affidavit having been made and filed stating that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the location of Defendant GERTRUDE BASIL NOLAN who is believed to be living, and there is no post office known to the plaintiffs.
VDOT 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 VDOT Civil Rights at 703 259 1775
The object of this suit is to effect partition amongst the owners by sale of a 1.1216-acre parcel of land located in Loudoun County, Virginia at 20965 Greengarden Road, Bluemont, Virginia 20165, with a PIN of 65538-8138, of which Victoria S. Davis died in 1958 seised and possessed.
For additional information, http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboardvisit:9/22/22
PUBLIC INVITATIONNOTICEFORBID(IFB)
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL FACILITY (WPCF) PRIMARY CLARIFIERS & GRAVITYREHABILITATIONTHICKENERS
State Project: 0611 053 230 UPC: 118787
Virtual Public Information Meeting
It is hereby ORDERED that the said nonresident defendant GERTRUDE BASIL, do appear and protect her interests on or before the 18th day of November, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. and do what is necessary to protect her interests.
St Louis Road over Goose Creek BridgeLoudounRehabilitationCounty
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 33
COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTY
The Town is soliciting bids from qualified contractors to perform the rehabilitation of process tanks at the Town’s Water Pollution Control Facility. Work includes inspection and evaluation of condition of the primary clarifiers and gravity thickeners; demolition within the primary clarifiers and gravity thickeners; installation of new weir plates and scum baffles; repairs, cleaning and painting of sludge collection mechanisms, influent wells and piping; repair of concrete surfaces; concrete and steel coatings; demolition and replacement of handrails, and all incidentals related thereto.
Find out about plans to rehabilitate the St Louis Road over Goose Creek bridge to improve safety and extend the overall life of the bridge. The project includes replacing the concrete beams with steel beams, replacing the concrete deck and repairing piers. VDOT will obtain all required environmental clearances and permits from federal, state and local agencies prior to commencement of the bridge rehabilitation
THOMAS EDWARD REID, et al. SHERRELPlaintiffs,v.S.HARMON, et al. Defendants.
Create Local Jobs Shop LoCo LoudounNow.com
CASE NO. C142200155200
Federal: STP 5B01 (206)
The meeting will be held as a virtual/online meeting Information for accessing and participating in the virtual meeting is available at https://www.virginiadot.org/StLouisRoad The project team will make a short presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. and answer questions for about an hour after the presentation
Give your comments during the meeting, or by October 27, 2022 via the comment form on the project website, by mail to Mr. Vicente Valeza P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 or by email to meetingcomments@VDOT.virginia.gov. Please reference “St Louis Road over Goose Creek Bridge Rehabilitation” in the subject line.
Monday, October 17, 2022, 6:30 p.m. https://www.virginiadot.org/StLouisRoad
In case an alternate date is needed, the meeting will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at the same time.
COUNTY OF LOUDOUN FIRST HALF PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX DEADLINE
09/22/22 & 09/29/22
At these hearings, all persons desiring to express their views concerning these matters will be heard. Persons requiring special accommodations at the meeting should contact the Clerk of Council at (703) 771-2733 three days in advance of the meeting. For TTY/TDD service, use the Virginia Relay Center by dialing 711.
TREASURER’S OFFICE LOCATIONS
CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS AND LOCATIONS
Please contact the Loudoun County Treasurer's Office at 703-777-0280 or email us at taxes@loudoun. gov with questions or if you have not received your bill.
A 24 hour drop box is located outside the Sterling and Leesburg office.
October 5, 2022
Please Note: Payments received or postmarked after October 5, 2022, will incur a 10 percent penalty and interest. Any such penalty, when assessed, shall become part of the tax with interest accruing on both the tax and penalty at a rate of 10% annually. Personal Property taxes remaining unpaid after 60 calendar day from the original due date will incur an additional 15% penalty. The due date will not be extended for bills where assessment questions have been filed with the Board of Equalization. Taxpayers who are having financial difficulties should contact our Collections Team at 703-771-5656 who stand ready to assist.
The Town of Leesburg is soliciting resumes and letters of interest to appoint multiple Diversity Commission members. The term of these appointments will run from the date of appointment until December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2024.
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.
and/or professional resume addressed to the Clerk of Council. All materials should either be delivered or mailed to the Town’s official address at Town of Leesburg, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 or emailed to the Clerk of Council at eboeing@ leesburgva.gov
The Board of Zoning Appeals meets as necessary the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA. Additional information concerning this quasi-judi cial board is available from the Clerk of Council during normal business hours (Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 703-771-2733 or eboeing@leesburgva.gov, or the Town of Leesburg website at www.
H. Roger Zurn, Jr., Treasurer
Public Notice
9/22/2022 & 9/29/2022
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 27, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176, to consider Minor Special Exception application TLSE-2022-0006, Loudoun Urgent
TheVeterinarian.subjectof the application is an existing commercial space addressed as 135 Robinson Mill Plaza. The property is zoned B-3, Community Retail/Commercial District and is further described as Loudoun County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 149-45-7258.
PublicVacancyNotice
TOWN OF LEESBURG
Minor Special Exception Application TLSE-2022-0006 is a request by Loudoun Urgent Veterinarian to allow a 2,400 square foot veterinary hospital pursuant to Town of Leesburg Zoning Ordinance (TLZO) Section 6.5.2, Use Regulations
Please note: There is a convenience fee added to a Credit Card transaction. There is no fee for electronic checks (e-check).
The Town of Leesburg is soliciting resumes and letters of interest for an appointment to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This position is appointed by the Loudoun County Circuit Court to fill a former member’s unexpired term ending December 31, 2023.
The deadline for payment of the second half personal property tax is October 5, 2022.
The Diversity Commission meets the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are held in the Lower Level I Conference Room at Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Additional information is available by contacting Eileen Boeing, Clerk of Council, during normal business hours (Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at 703-771-2733 or eboeing@leesburgva. gov, or on the Town of Leesburg Website: https://www.leesburgva.gov/government/boards-and-com
For Your Safety and Convenience, please consider making payments online, by phone or mail.
NOTICE OF TOWN COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER SPECIAL EXCEPTION APPLICATION TLSE-2022-0006 LOUDOUN URGENT VETERINARIAN
By Mail: County of Loudoun P.O. Box Leesburg,1000Virginia 20177-1000
Legal Notices
Regular Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
09/15 & 09/22
NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES
Additional information and copies of this application are available at the Department of Planning and Zoning located on the second floor of the Leesburg Town Hall, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), or by contacting Scott E. Parker, Senior Planning Project Manager at 703-771-2771 or sparker@leesburgva.gov
YR. MAKE MODEL VIN STORAGE PHONE# 2004 HONDA CIVIC SHHEP335X4U504460 ROAD RUNNER 9/15703-450-7555&9/22/22
Stay up to date on tax information by subscribing to the Tax Notices category of Alert Loudoun at www.louduon.gov/alert. You can also text the word “TAXES” to 888777 to receive text messages about tax-related information, including upcoming deadlines.
Pleaseleesburgva.govsubmityour
1 Harrison Street, S.E. 21641 Ridgetop Circle 1st Floor Suite 104 Leesburg, Virginia 20175 Sterling, Virginia 20166
PAGE 34 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
letter of interest and resume materials by 5:00 p.m., October 14, 2022, to the Clerk of Council, at the Town of Leesburg, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia, 20176 or via email to eboeing@leesburgva.gov. All interested parties will be forwarded to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for consideration.
The Town of Leesburg Diversity Commission
Pleasemissions/diversity-commissionsubmityourletterofinterest
Extended Hours: Tuesday, October 4 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday, October 5 - 8:00AM to 5:00 PM
Online: Paywww.loudounportal.com/taxesusingelectroniccheck,VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
For information regarding Personal Property Tax Relief for the Elderly or for Disabled Persons, please contact the Tax Exemption and Deferrals division of the Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at taxrelief@loudoun.gov by phone 703-737-8557 or visit www.loudoun.gov/taxrelief. 9/22 & 9/29/22
By Telephone: 24-hour line 703-777-02801-800-269-5971duringregular business hours. Pay using electronic check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
The Town of Leesburg Board of Zoning Appeals
The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will hold a public hearing in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. to consider the following:
NEW HUGHESVILLE 4 Years 25 Acres December 7, 2021
(FAR) of up to 1.0. ZCPA-2020-0004, ZRTD-2020-0004 & SPEX-2020-0015
Citizens are encouraged to call the Department of Planning and Zoning on the day of the public hearing to confirm that an item is on the agenda, or, the most current agenda may be viewed on the Planning Commission’s website at www.loudoun.gov/pc. In the event that the second Thursday is a holiday or the meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be moved to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event that Tuesday is a holiday or the Tuesday meeting may not be held due to inclement weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend, the meeting will be held on the following Thursday. The meeting will be held at a place determined by the HearingChairman.assistance
WOODLAND PLAZA TALL OAKS, LOT 1 (Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Zoning Conversion & Special Exception)
PUBLIC HEARING
In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined by request at the Loudoun County Government Center, Information Desk, 1st Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by calling 703-777 0246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (8-4-2022 ADAC Meeting under Agendas and Bylaws). Documents also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: www.loudoun.gov/pc (for Public Hearing documents, follow the link for Public Hearings Packet).
Each of these Districts will be reviewed prior to its expiration date pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County.
Any owner of additional qualifying land may join the applications with consent of the Board of Supervisors, at any time before the public hearing that the Board of Supervisors must hold on the applications. Additional qualifying lands may be added to an already created District at any time upon separate application pursuant to Chapter 43, Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia.
NEW FEATHERBED 4 Years 40 Acres November 4, 2018
is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings at all other locations. If you require any type of reasonable accommodation as a result of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246. Please provide three days’ notice.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 35
District Period Subdivision Minimum Lot Size Period Start Date
NEW HUGHESVILLE 456-10-1614 /45////////52/ 10.00
9/8, 9/15 & 9/22/22
INTERIM ADDITIONS TO AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICTS
Unless otherwise noted above, full and complete copies of the above-referenced amendments, applications, ordinances and/or plans, and related documents may be examined in the Loudoun County Department of Building and Development, County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 2nd Floor, Leesburg, Virginia, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-7770220, or electronically at www.loudoun.gov/lola. This link also provides an additional opportunity for public input on active applications. Additionally, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically the week before the hearing at www.loudoun.gov/pc. For further information, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246.
NEW HILLSBORO 4 Years 20 Acres April 11, 2022
Legal Notices
Citizens are encouraged to call in advance to sign up to speak at the public hearing. If you wish to sign up in advance of the hearing, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-7770246 prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the public hearing. Speakers may also sign up at the hearing. Written comments are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., 3rd Floor, MSC #62, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, or by e-mail to loudounpc@loudoun.gov. If written comments are presented at the hearing, please provide ten (10) copies for distribution to the Commission and the Clerk’s records. All members of the public will be heard as to their views pertinent to these matters. Any individual representing and/or proposing to be the sole speaker on behalf of a citizen’s organization or civic association is encouraged to contact the Department of Planning and Zoning prior to the date of the public hearing if special arrangements for additional speaking time and/or audio-visual equipment will be requested. Such an organization representative will be allotted 6 minutes to speak, and the Chairman may grant additional time if the request is made prior to the date of the hearing and the need for additional time is reasonably justified.
District PIN Tax Map Number Acres Enrolled
Greenhill Landscaping of Great Falls, Virginia, has submitted applications for the following: 1) amend the existing proffers and Concept Development Plan (“CDP”) approved with ZMAP-2007-0006, Tall Oaks Lot 1, in order to: 1) allow a contractor service establishment with outdoor storage; 2) to rezone the subject property from the PD-IP (Planned Development – Industrial Park) zoning district under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended through September 29, 2010 to the PD-IP (Planned Development –Industrial Park) under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance as amended (“Zoning Ordinance”) in order to develop a contractor service establishment with outdoor storage; and 3) a Special Exception to develop a contractor service establishment with outdoor storage in excess of 20% of the lot area, pursuant to Section 5-662 and is permitted by Special Exception under Section 4-504 (HH) of the Zoning Ordinance. The subject property is located within the Route 28 Taxing District and the Route 28 CB (Corridor Business) Optional Overlay District. The subject property is approximately 1.39 acres in size and is located on the north side of Woodland Road (Route 679) and on the west side of Cascades Parkway (Route 637) at 45934 Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia, in the Sterling Election District. The property is more particularly described as PIN: 031-49-7342. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Employment Place Type)), which designate this area for a mix of office, production, flex space, and warehousing uses at densities up to 1.0 FAR. An earlier version of this advertisement incorrectly identified another Place Type.
Applications have been received by the Loudoun County Department of Planning and Zoning and referred to the Agricultural District Advisory Committee (ADAC) and the Planning Commission pursuant to Chapter 43, Title 15.2 of the Code of Virginia to amend the ordinances for the following Agricultural and Forestal Districts to add the following parcels:
NEW HILLSBORO 447-48-2053 /26//24/////2/ 10.74
Received applications were referred to the Agricultural District Advisory Committee “ADAC” for review and recommendation. The ADAC held a public meeting on August 4, 2022, to consider the applications. The report and recommendations of the ADAC will be considered by the Planning Commission at its public hearing on September 27, 2022. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its public hearing.
BANAKHOJASTESPEX-2020-0031CHILDCARE CENTER (Special Exception)
NEW FEATHERBED 466-36-1590 /87/E/1////38/ 25.25
Any owner who joined in the application may withdraw their land, in whole or in part, by written notice filed with the Board of Supervisors, at any time before the Board of Supervisors acts pursuant to Virginia Code Section 15.2-4309.
The conditions and periods of the foregoing Agricultural and Forestal Districts to which parcels are being considered for addition are as follows:
Sam Banakhojaste of Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Special Exception to permit a Child Care Center use in the CR-1(Countryside Residential-1) zoning district. This application is subject to the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance, and the proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Section 2-504(X). The subject property is approximately 0.96 acres in size and is located on the west side of Potomac View Road (Route 637) and north of Palisade Parkway (Route 1795), at 20935 Potomac View Road, Sterling, Virginia, in the Algonkian Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as PIN: 012-35-1065. The area is governed by the policies of the Loudoun County 2019 General Plan (Suburban Policy Area (Suburban Neighborhood Place Type)), which designate this area for master planned neighborhoods with medium-to-large residential lots, and Retail and Service uses to serve the routine shopping and service needs of the immediate neighborhood at a non-Residential Floor Area Ratio
LoudounNow.com
BY ORDER OF: FOREST HAYES, CHAIRMAN LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
33670 Austin Grove Road Bluemont, Virginia 20135
thence N 72 W 7.28 poles to an iron pin, thence S 20 W 9.60 poles to the place of beginning. Containing 10,662 square feet, more or less.
LegalLoudounNow.comNotices
Case No.: JJ044816-02-00
Loudoun County Department of Family/v.Services
MICHELLE STEVENS
poles to a cross fence, thence with said fence N 14 3/4 E 10 poles to an iron pin
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Alexander Beers
HEIRS AT LAW & SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF DOUGLAS PETERSON, SR. a/k/a FRED DOUGLAS PETERSON, SR. and JOSEPHINE PETERSON, et al.
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Karen M. Willis / Manager-member
Felicity, LLC trading as Paint Nail Bar, 1601 Village Market Blvd SE, Suite 117, Leesburg, VA
Allas:the
IT APPEARING TO THE COURT, that the object of the above-styled suit is to achieve the judicial sale of real estate located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for the purpose of collecting delinquent real estate taxes assessed against the subject real estate, consisting of two parcels (the "Properties").
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Starh Rahimi
VONDELL PERRY
following described tract and parcel of land, with all the improve ments thereon and appurtenances thereunto appertaining, situated, lying and being in Countythe of Loudoun and State of Virginia, and near the place called the Trapp, and
VIRGINIATHOMASEVELYNCHARLETTAMYRTLEGRACIEFRANKREGINAKATRINAMORRISMORRISMORRIS-ABERCROMBIEMORRISIIMORRISGATESMORRISREDERICKMORRIS-HOLMESMORRISBOGANSPAGE,JR.ROSEMARIEGUNNBRENDASTANCILHENDERSONSTANCILJOSEPHGERALD,JR.ISSACLAWSON,JR.DIANESTANCILLORENZOSTANCILDOUGLASSTANCIL,JR.BRITINASTANCILHARRISREGINASTANCILTOWSONLeKEITHSTANCILLUTHERPETERSONROBERTL.PETERSONBARBARAPETERSONWHITTINGTONMICHAELPETERSONPHILLIPPETERSONJUNIORALEXANDERPETERSONJAMESPETERSONTHEUNKNOWNHEIRSATLAW&SUCCESSORSININTERESTOFDOUGLASPETERSON,SR.a/IdaFREDDOUGLASPETERSON,SR.andJOSEPHINEPETERSON,
AND BEING a portion of the same property, conveyed to Robert L. Peterson and Estus Peterson by deed dated May 10, 1930, recorded at Deed Book 10-F-320, 4D-441 WB, among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia.
ETHEL
IT FURTHER APPEARING to the Court, by affidavit, that diligence has been used without effect to ascertain the identities and location of the parties identified as "PARTIES UNKNOWN"; it is thereforeORDERED, that pursuant to Virginia Code §§8.01-316 and 58.1-3967, that the following Defendants appear before this Court on October 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., and do what is necessary to protect their interests herein:
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
Endenilson Alavarado, putative father & Unknown Father
bounded as follows: Lot No. 3 begin ning at post and running S 68 V2 E. 8.24
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
John Beers, putative father & Cathryn Beers, Mother
Loudoun County Department of Family/v.Services
Defendants.
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.
THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN Plaintiff,v.
It is ORDERED that the defendant John Beers, putative father and Cathryn Beers, Mother appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before October 24, 2022 at 3:009/15,p.m.9/22, 9/29 & 10/6/22
It is ORDERED that the defendant Endenilson Alavarado, Putative Father & Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or October 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.9/22,(Dispositional)9/29&10/6/22
9/15 & 9/22/22
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN CIVILCOUNTYACTION NO. OLT-L-563
9/15 & 9/22/22
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
MARLENE PETERSON LAWSON a/k/a MARLENE PETERSON HOWARD SHIRLEY PETERSON BARTON FREDERICK D. PETERSON MARILYN KAY PETERSON LINDA M. PETERSON DIXON
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
PAGE 36 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Marjorie Cruz
who are made parties defendant by the general description "PARTIES UNKNOWN"
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
ABC LICENSE
Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
Case No.: JJ046150-02-00
Case No.: JJ046179-01-00
All the following described tract and parcel of land, with all the improve ments thereon and appurtenances thereunto appertaining, situated, lying and being in Loudoun County and near the Trapp (a town in said County), Vir ginia, adjoining the lands of Dr. Wiley and others and bounded as follows by a survey made on the 28th day of No vember 1928, by A. C. Bell. Beginning in the center of a road and running N 13 'A E 12.20 poles to Fig. 2, a stake, thence N 68 3/4 W 4.72 poles to Fig. 3, a stake in a line of fence, thence in the center of the said road S 79 3/4 E 5.48 poles to Fig. 1 the place of beginning, containing sixty-five and seven tenths (65.7) poles, more or less, also known as:
MICHAEL STEVENS
ANTHONY ANDRE WILKINS
Loudoun County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
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 Alexander Beers.
b. The second parcel contains 0.41 acres, more or less, with improvements, located at 33670 Austin Grove Road, Bluemont, Virgin ia 20135 and identified by Loudoun County PIN 653-37-8651-000 and Tax Map Number /53////////36/ and is further described among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia as:
IT FURTHER APPEARING to the Court, by affidavit, that there are certain individuals who may have a potential ownership interest in the Properties, and are therefore named as Defendants in this suit, who, based upon their last known address, are nonresident individuals.
IT FURTHER APPEARING to the Court, by affidavit, that the record owners of the Properties are the heirs at law and successors in interest of Douglas Peterson, Sr. and Josephine Peterson.
It is ORDERED that the defendant Mohamad Wali, putative father appear at the above-named Court and protect his interests on or before September 28, 2022 at 3:00pm (Adjudicatory) and October 27, 2022 at 10:00am (Dispositional).9/15, 9/22, 9/29 & 10/6/22
The20175above establishment is applying to the VIRGINIA AlCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) AUTHORITY for a Marketplac license to sell or manufacture alcoholic beverages.
IT FURTHER APPEARING that there are or may be persons whose names are unknown, including heirs at law and successors in interest of Douglas Peterson, Sr. and Josephine Peterson, who may have a potential ownership interest in the Properties and they are set out in the pleadings as defendants by the general description of "PAR TIES UNKNOWN."
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316
Loudoun County Department of Family/v.Services
Mohamad Wali, putative father
a. The first parcel contains 0.25 acres, more or less, vacant land with miscellaneous improvements, no situs address, located near Bluemont, Virginia and identified by Loudoun County PIN 653-37-8564-000 and Tax Map Number /53////////38/ and is further described among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia
The object of this suit is to hold an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-252 for Starh Rahimi; and hold a dispositional hearing for review of initial Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-278.2 and 16.1-281 for Starh Rahimi.
The object of this suit is to hold a dispositional hearing for child in need of services case, pursuant to Virginia Code § 16.1-278.4 for Diana Gissel Medina Lainez, Gabrielle Medina Lainez, Adrienna Medina Lainez & Karen Elizabeth Medina Lainez.
Sterling Office 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Ste 100 Sterling, VA 201669/8 9/15, 9/22, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27
9/1, 9/8, 9/15 & 9/22/22
Online: www.loudoun.gov/landuse
Loudoun County Department of Family/v.Services
It is ORDERED that the defendant Jose Medina, Putative Father appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his interests on or before September 28, 2022 at 3:00 p.m
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F
Mailing Address PO Box 8000 MSC 32 Leesburg VA 20177-9804
The Town of Leesburg will accept bids electronically via the Commonwealth’s e-procurement website (www.eva.virginia. gov), until 3:00 p.m. on October 13, 2022 for the following:
IFB No. 100417-FY23-20
POOL CHEMICALS FOR TOWN OF LESBURG DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
For additional information, http://www.leesburgva.gov/bidboardvisit:9/22/22
Legal Notices
Please visit our website or contact my office for information or filing assistance.
Phone: 703-737-8557 Email: trcor@loudoun.gov
Overnight Deliveries 1 Harrison Street, SE, MSC 32 Leesburg, VA 20175-3102
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street, SE 1st Leesburg,FloorVA20175
VIRGINIA: IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LOUDOUN COUNTYCivil Action No. CL22-5089
IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT that there are or may be persons whose names are unknown that may have a potential ownership interest in the Property. They are identified in the pleadings as defendants by the general description of “PARTIES UNKNOWN”;
FILING FEES
Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Diana Gissel Medina Lainez, Gabrielle Medina Lainez, Adrienna Medina Lainez & Karen Elizabeth Medina Lainez
IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT that pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-316 those who may have interest in the Property, named Parties Unknown, may be served by order of publication; and
PUBLIC INVITATIONNOTICEFORBID(IFB)
For submissions received or postmarked by November 1, 2022 $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof
For submissions received or postmarked between November 2, 2022 and December 5, 2022$125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof plus a $300 per parcel late filing fee
Real property owners who wish to apply for land use assessment for the first time must submit to my office an application along with the required fee by the filing deadline. Forms are available online, in my office, or can be mailed to you.
Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
First-time Land Use applications and Renewal applications must be submitted to the Commissioner of the Revenue by Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Applications submitted after the deadline; November 2, 2022 through December 5, 2022, are subject to a $300 per parcel late filing fee in addition to with the standard filing fee. No first-time applications or renewal applications will be accepted after the December 6th deadline.
2. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 8.01-321, this Order is to be published for two successive weeks in Loudoun Now; and
The Town of Leesburg is accepting sealed bids for pool chemicals on an as-needed basis up to twice a week for three swimming pool facilities located at Ida Lee Recreation Center.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 37
The object of the above-styled suit is to achieve the judicial sale of real estate located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for the purpose of collecting delinquent real estate taxes assessed against the subject real Property.ITAPPEARING that the subject real estate contains 13.22 acres, more or less, of unimproved land located in the Blue Ridge Election district, on “Poplar Ridge,” identified by Loudoun County PIN 688-45-3782-000 and Tax Map Number /68///4////UK/ (the “Property”), the owner of which is unknown. The Property is located in the southwest corner of the County, between Trappe Road and Blueridge Mountain Road bordered to the north by a parcel identified as PIN 693-208-837-000 with a current owner shown as Spurlock Family LLC, to the west by a parcel identified as PIN 693-196-566000, also with a current owner shown as Spurlock Family, LLC, to the south by a parcel identified as PIN 688-455-304-000 with a current owner shown as Victor E. Ferrall, Jr., and to the east by a parcel identified as PIN 688-379-524-000 with a current owner shown as Barbara Balfanz Allbritton.
Jose Medina, Putative Father
Owners of real property currently enrolled in the land use assessment program must renew their land use status every 6th year by submitting a renewal form along with documentation corroborating the qualifying land use along with the required fee by the filing deadline. Renewal forms will be mailed the first week of September to those currently enrolled who are up for renewal. You may check your renewal year online at www.loudoun.gov/parceldatabase by entering the property’s address or parcel identification number and selecting the LAND USE STATUS tab. Properties renewed in 2017 are up for renewal this year.
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA VA. CODE § 8.01-316 Case No.: JJ043081-03-00;JJ043080-03-00;JJ041604-05-00;JJ043082-03-00
An additional deferral of taxes is available to current program participants if they sign and record an agreement to keep the property in its qualifying use for more than 5 but not exceeding 20 years. The commitment must be filed with my office by November 1, 2022 and recorded in the Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court´s office by December 15, 2022.
DEADLINES
ADJUDGED, ORDERED AND DECREED that:
1. Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 8.01-316, 8.01-321 and 58.1-3967, the PARTIES UNKNOWN shall appear before this Court on October 7, 2022 at 10:00 AM, and do what is necessary to protect their interest herein;
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The Land Use Assessment Program provides for the deferral of real estate taxes on property that meets certain agricultural, horticultural, forestry, or open space use criteria.
IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT that pursuant to Va. Code § 8.01-321, the party served by publication shall be required to appear and protect his interest by the date stated in the order of publication, which shall be not less than 24 days after entry of such order; it is therefore
A message to Loudoun County Property Owners regarding the Land Use CommissionerRobertProgramAssessmentfromS.Wertz,Jr.oftheRevenue
COUNTY OF LOUDOUN, VIRGINIA, Plaintiff,v. PARTIESDefendants,UNKNOWN,
IT FURTHER APPEARING TO THE COURT, that Plaintiff has exercised due diligence, to no avail, to ascertain the identity of the owner(s) of the Property and a location to serve said property owner(s) as party defendants;
3. Pursuant to Virginia Code § 17.1-601, the cost of the Order of Publication, if any, shall be paid initially by the Plaintiff subject to recovery of expenses. 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29
Route 50 and Trailhead Drive Roundabout Project
Loudoun County 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 require special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency contact the Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure – Design and Construction Projects at (703) 777-0396 or at DTCI@loudoun.gov. TDD/TTY # (703) 777-0396 (TTY 711).
School name suggestions should be sent to LCPS Division of Planning and GIS Services, 21000 Ed ucation Court, Ashburn VA 20148 or emailed to LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG by no later than Monday, October 17, 2022. Citizens suggesting a school name are requested to provide background informa tion to aid in the committee’s review process.
A Dulles North area middle school (MS-14), located southwest of the Evergreen Mills Road/Red Hill Road/Ryan Road intersection, is under construction and scheduled to open in fall 2024.
Office: 703-777-5000
The Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) proposes to construct a roundabout at the Route 50 and Trailhead Drive intersection to improve traffic operations. Due to high speed approaches and heavy volumes, combined with frequent turning movements and substandard roadway geometrics, the current intersection experiences extensive delays and a high volume of crashes. The proposed roundabout will include two westbound lanes to provide for the high volume left turning and through/right turning traffic, along with a northbound approach from Trailhead Drive that will include a bypass lane to eastbound Route 50. The roundabout will be constructed as a hybrid roundabout, with provisions for future expansion, and will include stormwater management, drainage improvements and roadway lighting.
Brambleton Middle School is located at 23070 Learning Circle, in Ashburn. 9/22/22
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Cell: 703-505-7585
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Loudoun County School Board is seeking name suggestions for a new middle school.
Environmental Studies Document
The School Board naming committee meetings are open to the public and are scheduled for the follow ing dates:
School Board Seeks Name Suggestions for New Middle School
A School Board-appointed naming committee may consider geographic and historic names, as well as names of deceased individuals who significantly contributed to improving life in Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS), Loudoun County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, or the United States of America. The School Board will not consider naming a school facility for any individual unless the individual has been deceased for at least five (5) years.
The Environmental Studies document is now available for public review and comment at the Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure, 101 Blue Seal Drive, Suite 102, Leesburg, VA, 20177, and on the project’s website at: https://www.loudoun.gov/5455/Route-50and-Trailhead-Drive-Roundabout . Please call ahead at 703-737-8624 or TTY/TDD 711 to ensure appropriate personnel are available to answer your questions. Comments must be received in writing at DTCI@loudoun.gov or by mail at the address listed above (ATTN: Mark Phillips) by October 10, 2022. Please reference “Route 50 and Trailhead Drive” in the subject line.
Loudoun County Project: CRCP-2019-0010 9/22 & 9/29/22
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and 23 CFR Part 771, a Categorical Exclusion (CE) was approved by the Federal Highway Administration on August 21, 2002 for the Route 50 Traffic Calming Project in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. Following the CE approval, the Virginia Department of Transportation implemented traffic calming measures on Route 50 in a series of break-out projects. The Route 50 and Trailhead Drive Roundabout Project is a remaining breakout project administered by DTCI. Pursuant to 23 CFR 771.129, an Environmental Studies document has been prepared to determine what effects any changes in the project design, laws and regulations or the affected environment might have on the validity of the approved CE.
Dulles North Area Middle School Naming Committee Meetings Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 6:00 p.m., Brambleton Middle School Library Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 6:00 p.m., Brambleton Middle School Library
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I know that an important midterm and local election is coming up on Nov. 8. I know that it is common for political candidates to campaign during Leesburg events, including talking to voters and passing out flyers, “vote for so-and-so” stickers, etc. I have no objection to this type of However,activity.what the Republican supporters did during First Friday went way beyond normal campaigning and veered straight into complete obnoxiousness. None of their actions would convince me to vote for any of the candidates they
Renss Greene, Deputy Editor rgreene@loudounnow.com
EDITORIAL
Editor:
LETTERS to the Editor
— Karla McGovern, Leesburg Arrogance
Never in my 10 years serving on the Leesburg Town Council or Loudoun Board of Supervisors did we require this kind of security and we had numerous controversial topics and tense meetings with speakers spewing emotion and
Norman K. Styer, Publisher and Editor - nstyer@loudounnow.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITORS continues on page 41
Gov. Glenn Youngkin in his visit to Loudoun on Tuesday seemed to acknowledge that elections here and around the commonwealth are conducted securely and accurately.
It simply may be political sport to some, but fabricating doubt about the trustworthiness of ballot counting only serves to undermine the election process that is the foundation of the democracy we are fighting to keep. n
While that conclusion is no surprise to local observers, it may be helpful in tamping down the repeatedly discredited narrative of rampant election fraud that has been pushed over the past two years—by political operatives with dubious motivations and others who
Joint Board of Supervisors School Board Committee. But never did I or members of the public have to walk through a metal detector and empty their pockets like I had to do to get into the meeting.
There were at least seven armed guards, too. And, the dais where the board members sit was cordoned off so no member of the public can go up to them during breaks or when the meeting adjourns.
Jan Mercker, Reporter jmercker@loudounnow.com
Loudoun Now is mailed weekly to homes in Leesburg, western Loudoun and Ashburn, and distributed for pickup throughout the county. Online, Loudoun Now provides daily community news coverage to an audience of more than 100,000 unique monthly visitors.
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by Amendment One
voting activities throughout the day. Either way, you’ll likely find there are no smoke and mirrors involved, but a time-tested procedure that provides opportunities for the outcomes to be accurately recorded, checked and rechecked as needed.
Opinion
It was held during the School Board’s business meeting, so I decided to go inside the building to check out the discussion.Ihavebeen in that building dozens of times —my kids attended Loudoun County Schools and I co-chaired the
know better or ought to—even after the fallacies triggered a violent riot at U.S.Don’tCapitol.believe it? Perhaps do what the governor did and visit with our local election officials to learn more about the procedures and safeguards that are in place. Better yet, sign up to work at a precinct on Election Day; scores of residents are needed to help operate the polls each year and, like jury duty, this civic service even comes with a small check. Or you can seek to be a poll watcher and monitor the
As the weather was beautiful, the
street was quite crowded. They were careless with their poles, even bumping into people. I expect that many people sitting outside enjoying dinners and drinks found it disruptive and invasive to their enjoyment of First Friday.
support. In fact, I am seriously considering avoiding First Friday until after the election, unless the campaigns agree to stop this type of intrusive action.
I was in Leesburg last Tuesday and attended a parents rally at the School Board admin building in Ashburn, which I saw advertised on Facebook.
Published Loudoun, LLC
Trust at the Ballot Box
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Editor:
Obnoxious
Alexis Gustin, Reporter agustin@loudounnow.com
PAGE 40 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
I am writing to express my displeasure about what happened in downtown Leesburg during September’s First Friday.Supporters of the Republican candidate for the House of Representatives and local candidates endorsed by the Republican Party were on three corners of King, Loudoun, and Market. They were aggressive in trying to get your attention and take their literature. You had to go by them to get in or out of the closed section of King Street. At one point, a large group of them paraded up the street waving political signs and flags, interfering with the people on the street.
This School Board needs to look at history and start talking to the folks and get a meeting of the minds, if this is possible.Loudoun saw a Democrat-Indepen-
Is this where one of Virginia’s best school systems is these days? I am so glad my kids are not in LCPS today.
County Chair Phyllis J. Randall (D-At Large) said plans also are moving ahead to memorialize the three Black people known to be lynched in Loudoun with obelisks she hopes to have installed next February. n
continued from page 41
Many speakers during the Sept. 19 dedication ceremony described the community’s “resilience.” Brooks said that was his experience growing up there, as well.“I
Or, perhaps these board members are so confident they will be re-elected in 2023 that they can behave in this arrogant smug way and continue to kick dirt in the faces of their opponents?
a private individual or nongovernmental entity to fund voter education, outreach, registration, or any other expenses in the conduct of elections; and requiring registrars to report absentee ballots according to the precincts in which voters reside.
in Proverbs: “Pride goes before ruin, Arrogance, before failure.” History is replete with politicians who lose their seats for being arrogant, aloof and dismissive.
tried to describe an atmosphere with the picture of folks being very industrious and being very committed and resourceful. That’s what I remember about the men who were in my life. They were committed. There were no sick days,” Brooks said.
The Journey to Freedom Heritage Trails signs are designed and installed with support from the Civil War Trails
their kids, notably, the sexualized books and materials. They feel ignored and sidelined, and when children are at stake, citizens can be doubly angry and upset.
LETTERS
Election security
LAST Loudoun’sQUESTION:WEEK'Sfallfestivals are returning to their full preCOVID offerings. Which one are you most looking forward to?
NAACP and anti-racist base and unions, who support the lowering of standards at the Loudoun Academies and other efforts to remap the curriculum to indoctrinate kids into thinking whites are evil oppressors and blacks and brown people are perpetual victims of “institutional racism” and “white privilege”?
more information about the full trail, each site and what else visitors can do as they explore. Another goal of the program is to connect the Journey to Freedom Heritage Trails signs to other interpretive markers and trails, creating a countywide African American Heritage Trail.
Remembering Oak Grove
Did any of these School Board members learn about “conflict resolution,” or, are they so fearful of insulting the
But do the liberals in power really think this is the end of competitive elections here? We shall find out with the November special elections for School Board openings in Broad Run and Leesburg.Asitsays
This School Board seems more concerned about its security than that of the students who’ve been sexually assaulted in theWhatschools.arethese people afraid of? I recognize tensions have been high, even before that June 2021 meeting which ended in a raucous. I recognize a number of members have received threats, but let’s examine why.
It’s because these parents are upset and frustrated at what is being taught to
anger. Yes, law enforcement was in the room, but never did we cordon ourselves off from the public or media.
THIS WhatQUESTION:WEEK'Smethodwill you use to vote in this year’s elections?
Readers’
continued from page 40
But have any of these School Board members met behind closed doors with any of these people to talk about their concerns, or are these taxpayers only allowed to address them for one or two minutes behind a microphone during public comment and with armed guards watching them? In my experience, a number of elected tune these people out anyway during public comment.
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 41
Share your views at pollsloudounnow.com/ Poll
continued from page 3
“I’m not sure I understand why anyone would be upset by the fact that our attorney general recognizes this, that people have concerns. People have concerns about the election process. And oh, by the way, it’s not just Republicans, it’s Democrats. Let’s just remind ourselves that in 2016 Democrats suggested that the election was stolen,” Youngkin said, referring to concerns about Russian campaign office hacking, propaganda and disinformation in that election. n
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now Standing beside a new Journey to Freedom Heritage Trails historical marker, Dwight Brooks describes the Oak Grove community where he grew up.
Metro. It was what Metro wants to be,” Brooks said.
And, I was informed that only one School Board member has held town halls with a variety of constituents. That’s pretty sad, if true.
dent Board of Supervisors get thrown out in 2003 for kicking dirt in the faces of the property rights activists opposing downzoning and then the GOP board elected that year was thrown out in 2007 for kicking dirt in the faces of folks concerned about rampant growth and collusion with developers.
program. During the next phase, a QR code will be added to direct people to Visit Loudoun’s website, which will provide
Thomas said that when she was appointed to the Heritage Commission, less than 2% of historic markers presented Black history. “We have changed that. We are changing that and in the future, we’re going to change that even more,” she said, noting plans to install 13 more this year.
— Ken Reid, McLean
to the Editor
Virtual distance elementary learners this year totaled 96 compared to 298 last year and virtual distance secondary learn ers were 186 this year compared to 248 lastActualyear. enrollment numbers for the school year for all districts will be re leased on Sept. 30. Numbers tend to fluc tuate for the first 30 days of school. The official report is expected to be presented to the School Board on Oct. 11. n
View,” Sheridan said. She added she was pleased that the superintendent put his intentions out to rebuild the school ear ly so the community could know their advocacy efforts are being heard.
“The building was designed at a time when education looked vastly differ ent,” Ziegler said during his Sept. 13 an nouncement. “Today’s educational envi ronment needs to be one that encourages collaboration, exploration, creativity, and communication. I believe that the best way to craft this type of environment for the Park View community is to replace the“Additionally,school.”
Tate pointed out the division’s 10-day count is at 98.7% of expected enrollment for the Sept. 30 numbers. Enrollment typ ically grows by several hundred between the 10-day count and official count.
Thomas said she had gone door to door as well, and said she was struck by the number of people who spoke candidly about conditions that existed when they were students and what the students now face. She said the community “is incredi bly aware of the building’s issues, and by extension seem to be extremely support ive about demanding a new construction.”
continued from page 1
And Madison’s Trust Elementary School’s building capacity is 1,006 but had 1,179 students at the 10-day count last year, 173 over capacity. This year’s enrolment numbers are below capacity by 63, with a total of 943 students enrolled.
In Loudoun, this year in preliminary counts there are 194 more preschool aged children enrolled than last year and 332 more elementary aged students are enrolled bringing the total this year to 34,461.There are 19,147 total middle school ers this year compared to 19,422 last year, a drop of 275 students. And for high school, there are 423 more 9-12 grade stu dents this year than last year’s 26,975.
Creighton’s Corner Elementary School in 2021-22 was over its 1,006 building capacity by 122 students. For the 202223 school year the school’s preliminary
mattered to people of authority in this county.” Cacciola said their crew is de termined to get a new school building for Park View, and issued a plea to the School Board to “help make this a reality.”
Riversidesaid.High School senior Rebecca Weinberg spoke up about the disparities she sees between her school and Park View, and asked how a school in the same county, 20 minutes from her, doesn’t have the same opportunities or assistance as her school. She pointed out that while she sits in a spacious lunchroom at Riverside, some kids at Park View have to sit on the floor to eat their lunch.
“I was a parent there for many years and I volunteered many times and certain ly know the building inside and out and I’m certainly happy to be able to help my community get a new building for Park
School enrollment
New Virginia Majority Loudoun, a nonprofit that works to build marginal ized communities in Virginia, has been supporting the rebuild campaign for Park View for the past several months. Liliana Weinberg, a community organizer for the group, said they started supporting a group called Park View Redo Crew to get the word out about the school and its needs.Park View Redo Crew is a group of people that include staff, students, par ents and community members who want to see equity in all county public schools, according to the groups Facebook page. The page has more than 1,900 members.
I’ve tasked staff with developing policy for board consider ation that will enable us to systematically evaluate our aging buildings and make informed recommendations to the board. We need to make sure our CIP equita bly addresses the needs associated with both growth and aging infrastructure,” he added.Sterling
According to the Loudoun County School Board’s current capital budget, the school had been set to undergo a $42 million improvement project, with design funding set for 2023 and construction set to begin in 2024. The improvements in cluded an addition to the school to accom modate the growth of the alternative high school, William Obediah Robey High School, which was moved from Park View to Dominion this year; one baseball and one softball press box; tennis court lighting; an artificial turf field and lighting for one practice field; a reconfigured and secured vestibule; additional office space for administration and counseling staff; additional fine arts storage; and marching band storage and a marching band tower and other associated building renovations.
A community information meeting for the Park View cluster will be held Nov. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Park View High School auditorium.
PAGE 42 LOUDOUNNOW.COM SEPTEMBER 22, 2022
“Moreover, almost everyone I spoke to agreed that renovations, no matter how extensive, would absolutely not be suffi cient,” she
Other Virginia public schools also are still seeing enrollment below pre-COVID levels. In Fairfax County Public Schools, the largest school district in Virginia, actual enrollment for the pre-COVID 2019-2020 school year was 188,355. Its
Park View was built in 1976 and has undergone five renovations since its open ing, according to Loudoun County Public Schools spokesman Wayde Byard.
Sheridan said there are no plans yet for the school as far as how and when it will be rebuilt, and said it’s only a rec ommendation from the superintendent at this point and still needs to go before the full“Theboard.CIP goes through the whole ap proval process as it does every year, so all nine board members have a vote on that. It is not something that has been approved and we don’t know what staff’s plan is
Tate said her department will begin looking at growth and possible changes to the school district’s Capital Improvement Program next week and report back in a couple of months.
With the new Elaine E. Thompson Ele mentary School open this year, three other elementary schools have seen overcrowd ing relieved.
Morse said he didn’t see any elemen tary schools that were overcrowded as of Sept. 10, but noted that may change in 20 more days when final numbers are released, and said growth rates in other parts of the county are expected to grow in the coming years.
10-day preliminary numbers for the cur rent school year shows 179,122.
“Park View deserves a safe learning environment and equitable funding that will support the school’s needs. Loudoun County needs to put its existing schools ahead of the new ones being built and
The superintendent will present his recommended Fiscal Year 2024 Capi tal Improvement Program budget to the School Board on Nov. 15. n
continued
“It is what the community wants and what they’ve been asking for. The school is in bad shape, and all of the schools need to be the same. It doesn’t matter what ZIP code it’s in,” Weinberg said.
not let them fall apart,” Weinberg said. She ended with a plea to Ziegler and the School Board to “please consider re building the school as soon as possible, so all kids in Loudoun County can share the same opportunities and safe learning environment.”
Hovatter Elementary School, too, was crowded that year with a capacity of 960 but a 10-day enrollment of 1,056. This year, the 10-day enrollment is 935.
Ten-day preliminary numbers for Prince William County Public Schools for the 2022-23 school year are 90,870. Actual enrolment numbers in 2019-2020 were 91,524 students. According to Prince William County Public School Di rector of Communications Diana Gulotta, this year’s preliminary number exceeded their projections by 1,033.
District School Board member Brenda Sheridan supports that approach.
enrollment it lost in the first year of COVID, with 1,136 still to go.
“We certainly know that next year the growth rates, especially in the southern portion of the county all along Rt. 15 to the east, are going to continue to grow,” saidMorseMorse.pointed out Brambleton Mid dle School’s count is well over capacity and that its sister school, Independence High School is nearing capacity quickly. Tate said the increase in Independence’s numbers is partially attributable to more
yet. We just know the superintendent’s overall recommendation,” Sheridan said.
Park View High School from page 1
He noted during the Sept. 12 meeting of the joint School Board/Board of Super visors Committee that the growth was in line with the projections from last fall.
“It’s interesting to see that the numbers are very stable,” Chairman Jeff Morse (Dulles) said.
Brambleton Middle School students being moved into modular classrooms at the high school to relieve overcrowd ing until a new middle school, MS-14, is open.Brambleton Middle School’s building capacity is 1,445, and this year’s 10-day numbers show it being over capacity by 174Otherstudents.schools over capacity at the 10day preliminary enrollment numbers in clude Loudoun County High School by 37 students, Potomac Falls High School by 44 students, and River Bend Mid dle School by 63 students. Several high schools including Briar Woods, Freedom, John Champe and Potomac Falls also have modular classrooms on campus, temporarily increasing their capacity.
enrollment is 867, about 139 under capacity.
Funding for a ticket booth and conces sions at the school were approved previ ously and slated in the fiscal year 2022 capital program initiatives and again in the FY2023 capital improvement goals.
Paul McCray, a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia, has lived in Loudoun County for 30 years. He managed various NOVA Parks in Loudoun, including the W&OD Railroad Regional Park for 20 years. He is devoted to preserving W&OD history, and has collected almost 2,000 images of the railroad, and hundreds of original documents. He continues to work parttime for NOVA Parks as a historian researching and telling the stories of park history. McCray is a 2011 recipient of Thomas Balch Library’s History Award. In Our Backyard is compiled by the Loudoun Bounty Preservation and Conservation Coalition. For more information about the organization, go to loudouncoalition.org.
Attempts to convince VEPCO to donate an easement for a trail failed, so by 1977 NOVA Parks agreed to buy the railroad right-of-way from Alexandria line to Purcellville. The purchase price for nearly 45 miles of property
Another group interested in using the W&OD called for it to become a public trail, a use which started informally once the tracks were removed. The W&OD Railroad ran through eight different political jurisdictions including three counties, four towns and one city, so the task of creating a single trail with uniform standards was imposing. Fortunately, nine years earlier the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (now NOVA Parks) had been formed, and by 1973 included as members the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax.
Purchased by the C&O Railroad Company in 1954 for a business opportunity that didn’t pan out, the W&OD limped along with local freight revenues and occasional jobs such as hauling stone and sand for the construction of the Capital Beltway and Dulles Airport. However, trucking companies were steadily chipping away at W&OD’s business. With its revenue dwindling, the railroad was compelled to defer necessary improvements, repairs and maintenance. In the early 1960s, anticipating abandonment of the W&OD, the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority studied the line as a location for the planned Metro Rail, but did not follow through on this possibility.
The W&OD’s Odyssey from Rail to Trail
BY PAUL MCCRAY
was $3.6 million, with VEPCO (now Dominion Energy) retaining an easement for its power lines.
Not long after the last train ran, lobbying began for other uses of the 100-foot-wide, 45-mile-long property. Some wanted it to become a bus route or light rail line to keep it in use for transportation.
There were also many encroachments from neighboring businesses that had to be removed for the trail to move forward. In some places, nearby businesses moved parking and storage areas onto the abandoned rail property; in residential areas, more than 30 personal and
Once VEPCO took ownership of the line, it sought others to assume responsibility for the train stations. In Purcellville and Hamilton, stations were sold to nearby milling companies. The Leesburg passenger station had no interested parties, so it was burned by the fire department.
Over a 10-year period, construction came in phases at a steady pace, and in 1988, the trail was established from Falls Church to Purcellville. To keep the trail continuous, bridges were needed over the Capital Beltway and I-66; both were provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation. In later years, 10 new highway bridge projects separated trail traffic from crossing major roads, with more coming in the future.
The one-hundred-foot-wide right-of-way of the W&OD is also a long green corridor and in sections such as inside the Beltway, it offers some of the only wildlife habitat to be found in that area.
envisioned.Learnmore
in the program “History of the W&OD Trail” presented at the Purcellville Library on Oct. 1, at 1 p.m. Paul McCray, NOVA Parks historian, tells the story of the transition of the railroad to the current W&OD trail. McCray is a recipient of the 2011 Thomas Balch Library’s Loudoun History Award. n
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 LOUDOUNNOW.COM PAGE 43
Building the trail was not going to be easy, as much of the line had deteriorated in the 10 years since it was a railroad. The original route of the railroad was along or across many creeks, and erosion had created gaps which stood in the way of construction. All the creek bridges had been removed, so fourteen new structures had to be built.Because this project was very expensive, NOVA Parks had to be creative to fund the purchase and construction. The six member counties and cities budgeted capital dollars but fell short of what was needed. Federal and state grants helped bridge the difference, and underground utilities locating along the trail generated revenue to help with expenses.
Today, the W&OD Trail runs through or near dozens of communities, schools, community centers, and shopping areas. With connections to over a hundred miles of other trails, it’s the backbone of trail systems in Northern Virginia. There are even three Metro stations within walking distance from the W&OD. Originally envisioned for recreation, the trail is also now a walking and cycling commuting route helping to take cars off the crowded roads. The W&OD is still fulfilling its original mission as a transportation corridor … just not as its founders
The Washington & Old Dominion Railroad, known as Loudoun’s “Main Street,” survived for 100 years since 1859. But by the early 1960s, it seemed inevitable the W&OD would be abandoned.
Contributed
Many areas of the W&OD Trail were eroded when NOVA Parks purchased the former railroad in 1977. Today, many areas of the W&OD Trail have been widened to provide separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians.
To gauge public interest in a multi-use trail, NOVA Parks entered into an agreement with VEPCO and Falls Church in 1974 to build a one-mile section through the city. Its immediate popularity with walkers and cyclists demonstrated the W&OD would be a well-used trail.
community gardens had been started, some of which had to be relocated. NOVA Parks created a program that allowed neighbors to continue gardening beside the trail.
The first section of trail was built six feet wide, but it was soon clear it needed to be wider and most sections were expanded to 10 feet. Because the trail has become so popular, in 2021 NOVA Parks began rebuilding busy areas to two trails—one for cyclists and another for foot traffic.
The Leesburg Freight Station was moved a block north to become part of a retail center—Market Station. Herndon took ownership of its station, and in Vienna, a model railroading group leased the depot. The small Sunset Hills Station in Reston remained untouched.
The railroad was finally shut down in August 1968. Unlike many abandoned railroads, the W&OD right-ofway remained nearly intact, as Virginia Electric Power Company wanted the corridor to bring electric lines to the expanding communities to the west in Northern Virginia. VEPCO purchased the rail line from Alexandria to Purcellville, except for a short section in Arlington acquired by the Virginia Department of Transportation for the new I-66 highway.
The W&OD Trail was originally planned as a paved trail for cyclists and walkers but from Vienna west to Purcellville, there were many horseback riders living along or near the trail. Plans were changed to include a parallel rock dust trail for horses west of Vienna. While horses could ford most of the streams along the trail, bridges at Goose, Sycolin and Tuscarora creeks were concrete decked structures. A horse-owning neighbor of the trail met NOVA Parks staff at a concrete plant and selected the concrete treatment which would provide the greatest traction for horseshoes.
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