Loudoun Now for Oct. 5, 2023

Jury Finds Ziegler Guilty of Retaliation Against Teacher

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

A Loudoun Circuit Court jury on Friday returned a guilty verdict against fired Loudoun Superintendent Scott Ziegler for a charge that he retaliated against an employee. He was found not guilty of a second charge of penalizing the same employee for making a court appearance.

With the conviction on the charge of retaliating or threatening retaliation against a person for publicly expressing their views on a matter of public concern, a class one misdemeanor, Ziegler faces a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and/ or a fine of up to $2,500.

Both charges stem from the action to not renew the contract of special education teacher Erin Brooks at the end of the 2022 school year. She was fired June 7, 2022, on the board’s administrative consent agenda after a month’s long situation that involved a nonverbal special needs student who began inappropriately touching her and teaching assistant Laurie Vandermeulen multiple times a day following the

ZIEGLER GUILTY

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Loudoun Hunger Relief Celebrates New Community Services, Free Market Opening

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Loudoun Hunger Relief last week celebrated the opening of its new Community Services Center with a ribbon cutting and reception where attendees were encouraged to see the space for themselves.

The project was funded through a $3 million capital campaign with The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation providing

the lead gift. Merritt Construction contributed the architecture services, building plans and general contracting as an in-kind donation. More than 250 donors contributed to the project. The venture was made possible through a public-private partnership with the Loudoun County government, which owns the building on Miller Drive near Leesburg Executive Airport.

“September is hunger action month,

and I can’t think of a better way to take action against hunger than to cut a ribbon on this new client market and community services center,” Loudoun Hunger Relief CEO Jennifer Montgomery said.

She said the project was a result of many people before her planning and contributing ideas to a version of the center.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Loudoun Hunger Relief CEO Jennifer Montgomery stands with county supervisors, and LHR board members to celebrate the opening of the organization’s new Community Services Center on Sept. 28.

HUNGER RELIEF continues on page 35

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Dulles Mall Shooter Acquitted

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

After hearing two days of witness testimony, a Loudoun Circuit Court jury Thursday acquitted a Leesburg man on the most serious charge of malicious wounding resulting from an April shooting of a video prankster at the Dulles Town Center mall.

Alan W. Colie, 31, was charged with aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and malicious discharging of a firearm inside a building. He faced a sentence of 20 years to life in prison if convicted on the malicious wounding charge.

The jury did find him guilty on a lesser charge of unlawful discharging of a firearm in a building. He faces a sentence

of one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of $2,500.

The shooting happened in the second-floor food court at the mall. A video of the encounter shows Colie standing at the counter of a food vendor holding a bag when he was approached by Tanner Cook, a 21-year-old internet video prankster, and another man. Cook held the phone toward Colie’s face and repeatedly played a sentence from Google Translate that stated, “Hey dips—, quit thinking about my twinkle” as Colie tried to back away. At one point, Colie pushed the phone away from him and asked him to stop but Cook brought it back up to his face and repeated the recording.

Next a gunshot was heard, and Cook ran from the food court and out of the mall, stopping on the sidewalk near the Cheesecake Factory. It was there he real-

ized he had been shot in the chest. A responding deputy rendered first aid until an ambulance arrived. Cook underwent surgery to treat the wound. The interaction between Colie and Cook lasted 20 to 30 seconds.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Eden Holmes told the jury that, while Cook’s actions were not condonable, they did not warrant the level of force that Colie used by shooting him.

“[Colie] shot Tanner Cook intentionally and with malice,” she said, adding that Cook did not make verbal threats or physically harm Colie.

“It was stupid. It was silly. You may even think it was offensive,” Deputy Commonwealth‘s Attorney Pamela Jones told the jury. “But that’s all it was.”

Defense attorneys said in their closing argument that Colie acted out of fear of

serious bodily harm because he did not know that Cook and his associate were playing a prank and he told them multiple times to stop, tried to walk away, pushed the phone away from his face and told them he would call the police.

Colie said during testimony that he thought they might be trying to assault or rob him. He had a concealed carry permit for the handgun that was in his pocket.

Jurors at the trial initially reported they were deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous verdict, Judge Matthew P. Snow instructed them to return to the jury room and continue their deliberations. They returned and issued not guilty verdicts on two of the three charges.

Colie, who has been held in jail since his April 2 arrest, is scheduled to return to court Oct. 19 for a post-trial motion hearing. n

Loy Retires After 49 Years in Court Clerk’s Office

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Coworkers and members of Loudoun’s legal community gathered at the courthouse last week to celebrate the retirement of Bill Loy after 49 years of service in the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, where he has long supervised the probate operations.

A Loudoun native who grew up on a Lucketts farm where he still lives, Loy joined the clerk’s office in 1974. He was one of seven people in the office led by Joseph “Buddy” Martz, who served as clerk from 1952 to 1979.

Loudoun operated at a decidedly different pace in those days.

“Some days we might not have had a probate. Some days you might not have a deed to record. Somebody might want a marriage license or to file suit. You just took whatever came in the door,” Loy said.

That started to change in the late 1970s and early 1980s as development picked up in eastern Loudoun.

“We were lucky to have two or three probates a week back in those days. Now if you don’t have two or three probates by lunch, it is a slow day,” Loy said.

During the Sept. 27 gathering, today’s court clerk, Gary Clemens, Loy’s coworkers, and attorneys commented on Loy’s extensive knowledge of probate law and other responsibilities of the office.

Clemens established a dedicated

probate office in 2002, early in his first term.

“The first two years I was the clerk I realized we needed a specialized team and division to help our probate clients. At the time, Bill was the land records manager, but he also was doing probate,” Clemens said.

He met with then-County Administrator Kirby Bowers and got support to set up the new division. He tapped Loy to lead it.

Clemens said Loy has helped thousands of families.

“That assistance came at the more critical time of their lives. When you lose a loved one it is good to know you have

a steady hand, an experienced hand, a compassionate hand to lead you through that very delicate process,” he said.

Attorney Bob Sevila said he first encountered Loy in 1974. Sevila’s law partner faced a last- minute scheduling conflict and asked him to go to the courthouse to help a family with a probate meeting.

“I had just come from four years practicing in the government. I just barely knew what a will was, let alone how to probate one,” Sevila recalled.

He was advised to search out Loy.

“When it was over, I was convinced—I’m still convinced to this day— that Bill Loy knows as much about probate, the process and procedures of the clerk’s office as anyone in Virginia. I’ll stack him up against any attorneys I know who practice that area of the law.,” Sevila said.

That view is shared by Loy’s coworkers, many who have worked alongside him for decades.

Chief Deputy Clerk for Business Services Kevin Blatchley worked with Loy for 25 years.

“Bill welcomed me into the office. Bill basically taught me everything I know today. He mentored me,” he said. “I cannot express enough gratitude.”

Chief Deputy Clerk Brenda Butler joined the office in 1981, by which time

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Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Chief Deputy Clerk for Business Services Kevin Blatchley presents Bill Loy with a retirement watch on behalf of the staff at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

Loudoun

County Supervisors Approve $434K Seized Asset Funds for LCSO

BY RENESS GREENE rgreene@loudounnow.com

Loudoun supervisors on Sept. 19 approved the use of $434,000 from the State and Federally Forfeited Property Fund to buy law enforcement equipment for the Sheriff’s Office.

The practice of civil asset forfeiture sees law enforcement seizing property and money they believe to be involved in other crimes, most commonly drug-related crimes, although a person need not be convicted of a crime for law enforcement to seize and keep their property. Under current state law, even if a person is acquitted the government may keep their property unless they submit a written demand for their property within 21 days.

The asset forfeiture is a separate civil

case, which names the property itself as the defendant and its owner as co-defendant, leading to cases in Loudoun Circuit Court like “Commonwealth of Virginia v. 1989 Ford Mustang” “Commonwealth of Virginia v. Eleven Firearms,” and “Commonwealth of Virginia v. $70.00 in U.S. Currency.” Because they are civil cases, defendants do not have a right to a court-provided attorney, putting the costs of fighting those cases in court on the defendants—presumably, the human defendants. The burden of proof for prosecutors is also lower than it would be in a criminal proceeding.

Asset forfeiture directly benefits law enforcement agencies, which under state law receive 90% of seized money or the money from selling assets after they are seized. Assets taken in Loudoun by local, state and federal law enforcement go

to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, although 25% of proceeds from state seizures go to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, and federal and state agencies may also petition for a portion of the proceeds. According to a county staff report, the Sheriff’s Office has a $1.4 million asset forfeiture fund.

Supervisors approved spending $434,000 of that fund to buy first aid kits, breaching tools, a full-spectrum imaging system for forensic investigations, an $83,000 drone, and a $31,400 “interactive display unit” to allow the Criminal Investigations Unit the ability to do interactive presentations, operational briefings, review surveillance video, conduct online meetings and classes and other work.

Supervisors approved the use of those funds 8-0-1, with Vice Chair Koran T. Saines (D-Sterling) absent. n

Unions, NAACP Launch People’s Platform in Loudoun

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The New Virginia Majority last week launched the Loudoun People’s Platform, a coalition made up of six organizations, on the grounds in front of the Leesburg Government Building.

The coalition includes Service Employees International Union Virginia 512, the NAACP Loudoun branch, Northern Virginia Labor Federation AFL-CIO and Amalgamated Transit Union 689.

The organizations have come together to “build the power of working people and communities of color by advocating for workers’ rights, affordable housing, public education, racial justice and voting rights,” according to a press release.

New Virginia Majority campaign coordinator Sofia Saiyed said during Wednesday’s event that “Loudoun’s working families have struggled for far too long to make ends meet and make our voices heard in the wealthiest county in the nation. For

PEOPLE'S PLATFORM continues on page 6

Input Sought on Countywide Trails Program

The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services has launched a survey to collect input from county residents regarding the naming and branding of the planned countywide Linear Parks and Trails system.

The department is working with a professional branding agency, Eastern Standard, to conduct a survey that records residents’ preferences that will help identify specific resources and experiences visitors seek when they visit a county park or trail.

In addition to the 10-minute online survey, the department plans two virtual public workshops to collect additional feedback on the future trail system. Those sessions will be held on Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through Zoom.

To learn more and sign up for project alerts, go to loudoun.gov/ linearparksandtrails.

Tailgate Job Fair Planned Wednesday

The Loudoun Workforce Resource Center will hold the Loudoun Job Fair Tailgate on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Segra Field near Leesburg.

The event will feature local employers with full-time, part-time and seasonal job openings in the construction, education, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, landscape, local government, recreation, retail, social services, transportation and warehouse industries.

In the event of rain, the event will be rescheduled to Friday, Oct. 13

Those planning to attend the job fair are encouraged to pre-register at loudoun.gov/jobfairtailgate.

County Landfill Offers Free Compost

The Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility south of Leesburg has expanded its recycling to offer free compost for local gardeners.

ON THE AGENDA continues on page 6

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

New Virginia Majority campaign coordinator Sofia Saiyed speaks during the Sept. 27 launch of the Loudoun People’s Platform, a coalition made up of six Loudoun organizations.

Loudoun County, AG Enter Greenway Rate Battle

There finally appears to be something on which Attorney General Jason Miyares and Loudoun’s elected leaders agree.

On Friday, the AG’s office announced it filed a notice with the State Corporation Commission seeking to formally participate in Toll Road Investors Partnership II’s latest application to increase tolls on the Dulles Greenway. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors last week also voted to file to participate in the review.

Both plan to file formal opposition to the request to raise fares for the privately owned 14-mile highway from $5.25 to $6.40 during off-peak hours and up to $8.10 during rush hours.

“Traffic in Northern Virginia is a daily challenge, and rising inflation only adds to the costs of commuting to work,” Miyares stated in the announcement of the action. “My office stands alongside Virginia commuters who feel this struggle daily, advocating for fairness and resisting toll increases. Virginians deserve every hard-earned penny, and we’re here to protect Virginians from unreasonable financial burdens.”

Loudoun leaders have urged members of the public to participate in the ongoing public comment period being conducted by the SCC. Written comments regarding the Greenway’s request may be submitted through Jan. 24 at SCC’s website at scc. virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments (click on “Submit Comments” next to case # PUR-2023-00089).

Written comments may also be mailed to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments must refer to case number PUR-2023-00089.

The SCC plans a public witness session Jan. 30 at its office in Richmond. Those interested in offering in-person testimony must register by Jan. 24 by complete a public witness form for case number PUR2023-00089 on the SCC’s website at scc. virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting, emailing a PDF version of the form to SCCInfo@ scc.virginia.gov, or calling the SCC at 804371-9141.

The SCC’s formal evidentiary hearing will be held Jan. 31 in Richmond. n

$56,000 was raised this year, 100% of which goes directly to backpack programs in our local communities.

IT’S AMAZING WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER! THANKS TO ALL WHO DONATED!

Your generosity filled over 5,600 backpacks with food to help food-insecure children in our local communities.

Loudoun Education Foundation

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap.

All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.”

This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing Office at (804) 367-9753.

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

Name

Changes in Effect for Rt. 7, Rt. 50

New street name signs are going up on Rt. 7 and Rt. 50 as part of the Board of Supervisor’s effort to erase the names associated with the Confederacy, slavery, and segregation.

The action changes Rt. 7 from Harry Byrd Highway to Leesburg Pike and Rt. 50 from John Mosby Highway to Little River Turnpike.

The county has replaced approximately 75 blue street name signs on the highways. The Virginia Department of Transportation is expected to begin installing the overhead green directional signs this month.

Businesses impacted by the name change may be eligible for grants to assist with the costs of converting to new addresses. Learn more about the project at loudoun.gov/roadrenaming. n

People’s Platform

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this reason, we created the Loudoun People’s Platform as a bold new agenda to protect, build the power of working people and communities of color.”

Loudoun Education Association President Sandy Sullivan said she was proud to be part of the coalition and that the joining of forces made them all stronger.

She said including teachers’ voices in decision making was important and that to do that they needed to gain collective bargaining rights.

“Without justice there can never be peace,” President of ATU Local 689 Raymond Jackson said. “Without justice for the working class, the poor, the hungry,

ON THE Agenda

continued

The compost service is in addition to the more than 7,000 tons of vegetative material received from the public that is converted into landscape-grade mulch each year.

As part of the implementation of the Board of Supervisors’ Loudoun County Energy Strategy, the county expanded the recycling effort to create a finished compost product from yard waste, such as grass clippings,

the homeless, there can never be a perfect union.”

New Virginia Majority Leader Ivin Castro said having access to housing is a human right but that many residents in the county can only dream about it while living in overcrowded conditions. She said she wants to see a county run housing voucher program for families earning less than 40 percent of the area median income and open to everyone regardless of their immigration status or prior incarceration.

“We have done so much with so little for so long that we are now qualified to do anything with nothing,” SEIU Virginia 512 Chair Julius Reynolds. “For far too long that’s been the cry of each of the organizations that you see up here, but now we’ve joined together to say enough is enough.” n

hedge clippings and leaves, with the goals of diverting solid waste from the landfill and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Stockpiles of the free mulch and compost are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The material is piled in a distribution area inside the main entrance of the landfill, located at 21101 Evergreen Mills Road.

More information about services provided at the landfill is available online at loudoun.gov/landfill. n

Public Safety

Leesburg Police Seek Truist Bank Robbery Suspect

The Leesburg Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that happened Monday afternoon at the Truist Bank in Battlefield Shopping Center.

According to the report, dispatchers were alerted to the incident just after 3:30 p.m. Oct. 2. A man entered the Edwards Ferry Road bank, demanded cash via a written note, and fled the scene after obtaining cash.

The suspect was described as a Black man, 25-35 years old, approximately 5-feet, 8-inches tall, with a medium build and weighing about 145 pounds. The suspect was wearing a blue surgical mask.

He remained at large Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Virginia State Police, and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office assisted Leesburg Police with the case.

Anyone who has not already spoken with law enforcement and has information about the incident is asked to contact Detective M. Kadric at 703-771-4500 or mkadric@leesburgva.gov.

Those wishing to remain anonymous, may call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703443-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent using TIPSUBMIT via text. Text 274637 (CRIMES) and begin your message with LPDTIP.

Motorcyclist Fatally Injured While Fleeing Trooper

An Ashburn man died after he crashed his motorcycle Friday afternoon during a pursuit by a Virginia State Police trooper.

According to the report, the trooper saw a motorcycle cutting through an emergency vehicle crossover on Rt. 7 in Loudoun County just before 2 p.m. Sept. 29. The trooper caught up to the 2020 Suzuki GSX-R 750 as it headed west on Rt. 7. When the trooper activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, the motorcycle sped off at a high rate of speed.

As the motorcyclist crossed into Clarke County, he lost control, ran off the road, struck the guardrail, returned to the roadway, and was struck by the trooper’s vehicle.

The motorcyclist, Nicholas W. Thompson, 33, was transported to Winchester Hospital where he died. He was wearing a helmet.

The crash remains under investigation.

Driver in Rt. 28 Semi-Truck Crash Dies, Manslaughter Charge Filed

Cesar Yepez, the 33-year-old truck driver who sustained severe burns after a Sept. 18 crash on Rt. 28, has died from his injuries. The Sheriff’s Office has filed additional charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against the motorist suspected of causing the crash.

After the crash, Jose Padilla Espinoza, 18, of Charlotte, NC, was arrested and initially charged with forging tags and driving without insurance. On Oct. 3, investigators obtained five additional charges: involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, aggressive driving, failure to observe

lane markings, and improper passing. Espinoza is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. A trial for the initial charges is scheduled for Nov. 16. He was scheduled to be arraigned on the new charges Oct. 4. The involuntary manslaughter charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Deputies responding to the crash scene on Rt. 28 near Sterling Boulevard found an overturned semi-truck that was on fire. Bystanders helped to pull Yepez from the truck, with two also sustaining burn injuries.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a black Nissan Altima, driven by Padilla Espinoza, was southbound on Rt. 28 when it struck Yepez’s semi-truck from behind, causing it to overturn. The Nissan also struck a Toyota Prius. After an investigation by the Sheriff’s Office’s Accident Reconstruction Unit, it was determined that Padilla Espinosa was traveling significantly above the speed limit at the time of the crash.

Yepez is the father of two young children. A GoFundMe online campaign was launched to support his wife and family. n

The Trusted Real Estate Resource for Hunt Country and Beyond

Council Holds on Downtown Food Truck Policy

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Council member Patrick Wilt last week sought to reopen a debate on allowing food truck operations in the downtown historic district, but his proposal found no bites among his colleagues.

Instead, several King Street restaurant operators warned that allowing the mobile operations downtown would undermine the character of the historic district—as well as the investment brick-and-mortar restaurants have made.

Mobile food units—as food trucks are known in the zoning code—are permitted to operate in other business and commercial zoning districts around town, following an expansion approved in 2018. But in the B-1 district applied downtown, they are allowed only with special event permits and limited to three times per year

Leesburg Airport Hosts Annual Airshow

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Children and adults enjoyed near perfect weather on Saturday for the annual Leesburg Airshow hosted at Leesburg Executive Airport.

Beginning at 1 p.m., aerobatic performers including the Flying Circus, Scott Francis Airshows, RJ Gritter, Chef Pitts, and Warbird Thunder Airshow took to the skies.

Throughout the day on the tarmac, visitors had the chance to see a variety of modern and antique aircraft up close, including an Air Yukon DC-3, a UH-1 (Huey helicopter) restored by the Liberty Warbirds, and a Douglas C-47B Skytrain (Luck of the Irish).

Attendees also enjoyed aviation-related displays, educational activities and exhibits, inflatable slides for the kids, and a variety of food and beverage ven-

for up to three days at a time per property.

Responding to a request from the Town Council in August, Zoning Administrator Michael Watkins prepared a report on the history and status of mobile food unit regulations for review during the council’s Sept. 25 work session. No questions were raised at that time.

During the council’s business meeting the next night, Gary O’Hanlon and Jennifer Demetrio, who are working to reopen the Leesburg Diner; Fabian Saeidi, the owner of several King Street restaurants, and Michael O’Connor, who owns downtown restaurant buildings urged the council to not allow more food trucks downtown.

O’Hanlon said after working for three months to prepare to reopen the diner, it was disturbing to learn that there could be an effort to permit food trucks.

“We’ve been looking at Leesburg for 20 years. We’ve loved it for 15 years. We’ve

wanted to come here for five years to open a business. We’ve done that. We want to be part of the community. That’s really important to us,” he said.

Demetrio said food trucks would take away the feel of the town and impact its sense of community. She also said food trucks don’t compete on a level playing field with brick-and-mortar restaurants that serve as community destinations and employ dozens of people.

“You don’t build community on a fourwheeled truck,” she said.

Saeidi said the trucks could represent a security threat and noted the mobile operations don’t pay the same level of taxes that restaurants do.

At the end of the meeting, Wilt, who owns the Black Walnut Brewery on South King Street, asked that a vote on the food truck policy be added to a future meeting agenda. No council member supported that request. n

Leesburg Seeks WW II Heritage City Status

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

As the National Park Service expands its American World War II Heritage City program, Leesburg is hoping to be selected as Virginia’s representative.

The program, launched in 2019, is designed to recognize the wartime contributions made by communities across the nation. Only one jurisdiction in each state or territory will be selected.

Leesburg’s bid, launched with a Sept. 1 letter from Mayor Kelly Burk to NPS Director Charles F. Sams III centers on the integral role played by Gen. George C. Marshall, who lived at Dodona Manor in Leesburg during and after the war.

“General Marshall commuted from Leesburg to Washington where he served as the Army Chief of Staff and advisor to the President, Secretaries of War and State, and countless other military professionals on strategies not only to win the war, but to help rebuild Europe upon its conclusion,” Burk wrote.

“His leadership inspired generations

HERITAGE CITY

continues on page 9

Douglas Graham/Loudoun Now

The statue of George C. Marshall in front of his Leesburg home, Dodona Manor.

dors. Children and adults also had the opportunity to enter various aircrafts and experience sitting in the cockpit for themselves.  n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

A plane flies over Leesburg Executive Airport as part of the show during the town’s annual airshow Sept. 30, 2023.

Report: Loudoun’s State-Leading Tourism Impact Tops $4B

Loudoun’s tourism revenue topped $4 billion last year, with Dulles Airport being a major contributor to the local economy, according to the latest data released by Virginia Tourism.

Overall visitor spending in Loudoun was up 32 percent from 2021, with $2.3 billion of that coming from transportation, according to the data collected by Tourism Economics. Loudoun is the largest tourism revenue generator in the commonwealth, generating 13.2 percent to the overall visitor spending in the state.

“While Dulles Airport is clearly an economic engine for the region, we continue to see an uptick across the board with a 29 percent growth in spending in our lodging, restaurants and craft beverage segments while our recreation and retail segments saw a 28.8 percent and 15.7 percent increase over 2021 respectively,” Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson said. “The growth at Dulles Airport, along with Metro’s extension into the county, has provided greater opportunities for Loudoun as a destination and benefits Loudoun’s robust visitor economy as a whole.”

According to the report, tourism in 2022 supported 17,134 Loudoun jobs, up 26.6 percent, which generated $988

Heritage City

continued from page 8

of Leesburg residents.”

The application also is supported by U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA-10).

“I was proud to learn the 116th Infantry Regiment of the Virginia National Guard was the only national guard unit to land on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. And even more so to learn the Town of Leesburg is home to Company C in the 3rd Battalion, which landed on Omaha Beach and remains active today as the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,” Wexton wrote. “The town’s designation as a World War II Heritage City would not only honor the memory of our veterans, but also educate and inspire current and future generations about the important contributions.”

Valérie Beaudoin, the executive director of the George C. Marshall International Center that operates Marshall’s home as a historic house museum, said putting a focus on Marshall’s World War II service has importance today.

“He was a principled, selfless leader

million in salaries and wages. It generated $136 million in local taxes as well as $72.6 million in state taxes— increases of 24.8 percent and 31.9 percent over 2021 respectively.

Chryssa Westerlund, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, said that new international routes offered at Dulles Airport have had a big impact. “Dulles has added more international flights since 2019 than any other airport in the U.S., making it America’s fastest growing international gateway,” she said.

Statewide tourism revenue reached $30.3 billion in 2022. Tourism was credited with supporting 210,721 jobs, up more than 25,000 jobs from 2021, but still about 30,000 jobs below 2019 levels. The largest growth was in the recreation and food and beverage sectors, which exceeded 2019 levels by 10 percent. Transportation, specifically air travel, has had a slower rebound but was the fastest growing tourism sector in 2022, aiding the commonwealth’s regions—like Loudoun—that are more de pendent on-air travel. Additional market ing funds that came through the American Rescue Plan Act were credited with help ing to increase visitor spending. n

who serves as a tireless example for oth ers to follow. His leadership of the global military alliance that defeated fascism in World War II and his vision to support peacetime investment in Europe via the Marshall Plan made General Marshall a key leader in the pivotal moments of the 20th century,” she wrote.

To date, the NPS has selected 19 ju risdictions for the special recognition: East Hartford, CT; Pensacola and Escambia County, FL; Savannah and Chatham County, GA; Evansville, IN; Wichita, KS; New Orleans, LA; Springfield, MA; Pascagoula, MI; Lewistown, MT; Los Alamos, NM; Paterson, NJ; Wilmington, NC; Montgomery County, OH; Pittsburg, PA; Oak Ridge, TN; South Texas Bend Area adn Corpus Christi, TX; Tri-Cities, WA; Manitowoc, WI; and Casper and Natrona County, WY.

Nominations will be reviewed by program administrators, then forwarded to the NPS director who will make recommendations to the Department of the Interior. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland holds the final approval authority. n

Federal Judge Tosses Loudoun School Board Member’s $2M Lawsuit

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

Federal District Court Judge Leonie M. Brinkema on Friday dismissed a $2 million lawsuit brought by School Board member Denise Corbo (At-Large), against her fellow board members, the county and the school division alleging discrimination, retaliation and failure to accommodate her disability in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The case was dismissed with prejudice, barring Corbo from re-filing the claim. Corbo could appeal the ruling.

“The Court’s dismissal of Ms. Corbo’s lawsuit substantiates what I’ve said consistently for the past two years—that the accommodations the School Board offered to Ms. Corbo over the past two years were reasonable,” School Board Chair Ian Serotkin (Blue Ridge) said in an emailed statement.

Corbo said in an emailed response that her attorney is reviewing “options for moving forward” with her.

The lawsuit stems from votes by the board majority to no longer allow Corbo to participate in meetings remotely following the end of the governor’s emergency order granting expanded remote meeting authority during the pandemic.

Corbo claimed remote participation

should be allowed as reasonable accommodations to her disability, identified in the filing as “multiple physical impairments including chronic Lyme disease and autoimmune diseases that substantially limit her major life activities and impact her neurological, musculoskeletal, respiratory and lymphatic systems, and especially when triggered by stress and other factors.”

With a few exceptions, Corbo has been

denied remote participation since October 2021.

Each remote participation request requires support from a majority of the board. Five members routinely abstained from the vote or voted no over the past year, with Serotkin issuing a statement May 10, 2022, that he refers to before the vote on each remote participation request.

In his statement, Serotkin lists a time in August 2021 when Corbo attended a closed session in person and noted remote requests thereafter. He also stated times she traveled to other states and attended school events unmasked during the fall of 2021.

More recently she has appeared in public at school-related hearings at the Loudoun County courthouse wearing a mask, including last week when she gave testimony during the trial of former superintendent Scott Ziegler alleging there was a “culture of retaliation” in the school division.

However, she continues not to participate in person at School Board meetings. So far this year, Corbo has participated in only six School Board meetings, each time joining remotely. For five meetings, she used a personal exemption. For one meeting, she used a medical exemption.

Her term ends Dec. 31. She is not seeking re-election. n

Loudoun County Public Schools Unveils New Logo

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

The Loudoun County school division unveiled its new logo Sept. 26, one of several changes planned to update its 150-year-old brand.

Superintendent Aaron Spence presented the updated logo that removes the Loudoun County seal, includes more colors and features the words “engage, empower, enrich.”

Over 115 students submitted artwork from across all grade levels, including one from kindergarten, that helped guide the design of the new logo, according to Spence.

The design elements were broken down in a video presentation that explained each element. According to the presentation, the design borrows from the quadrant arrangement used in the previous logo but removed the county seal and added the shortened name for the division, LCPS. The color red represents innovation and excellence and pays homage to the red in the county seal, apricot represents knowledge and honors diversity and a sense of community, light blue represents the division’s commitment to building trust and

Ashburn Softball Field Renamed to Honor Coach

The School Board voted Sept. 26 to name the Broad Run High School softball field after Coach Ed Steele.

The former teacher and softball coach led the team to 509 victories and four state championships during his career. Steele ranks second in Virginia history for most wins.

Coach Steele retired in 2014 after 30 years in the classroom and retired from coaching in 2022. He died Feb. 3.

Under the board action, the field will be named the Ed Steele Softball field for 10 years.

Ashburn Teen Named Runner Up for 2024 4-H Award

Kashvi Ramani, a 17-year-old Ashburn resident, is a runner up for the 2024 4-H Youth in Action Award.

Ramani created LoCo Parenthesis, a county-wide initiative that works to bring a greater appreciation for poetry among youth and to encourage them to tackle difficult topics through creative expression. She has addressed societal inequalities and racism through poetry, webinars and workshops and was named the 2022 Youth Poet Laureate of Virginia. She is also a member of Mending Walls, an organization that creates murals that express

SCHOOL NOTEBOOK

continues on page 14

4-H of Virginia Kashvi Ramani was named a runner up for the 2024 4-H Youth in Action Award.

Loudoun County Public Schools Denise Corbo (At-Large)

Loudoun County Public Schools

The new Loudoun County Public Schools logo unveiled Sept. 26.

LOGO continues on page 14

School Board Postpones Class Sizes Policy Update

BY ALEXIS GUSTIN agustin@loudounnow.com

A School Board policy update that deals with the maximum number of students per class will have to wait another week following a tie vote at the board’s Sept. 26 meeting.

Tiffany Polifko (Broad Run) asked the board to postpone a vote on the policy that would increase general education class sizes in first through third grades by two students and lower the number of students in fourth and fifth grades by one per class to give the Special Education Advisory Committee time to review it.

She said that the committee didn’t meet over the summer and requested the vote be postponed until the next School Board meeting Oct. 10.

Brenda Sheridan (Sterling) said she wasn’t opposed to give SEAC more time but was concerned over the precedent it could set to delay adopting other policy updates. A brief discussion ensued over whether the school division was in compliance with state law if it opted to move forward to vote without SEAC’s feedback.

John Beatty (Catoctin) and Polifko argued that the division is mandated to have the committee review the proposed change. Polifko said the policy is about all students and includes special education students.

The motion to postpone action failed in a tie vote, with Harris Mahedavi (Ashburn), Atoosa Reaser (Algonkian), Ian Se-

rotkin (Blue Ridge) and Sheridan opposed, and Denise Corbo (At-Large) absent.

According to the board’s policies, an item is brought back at the next board meeting when there is a tie and one mem-

5 St. Paul Catholic High School Students Named National Merit Scholar Semifinalists

Aditi Allam, Hans Sirotniak, Matthew Thomas, Ian Valleskey and John Westerlund from St. Paul VI Catholic High School were named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program.

About 34,000 Commended Students across the U.S. were recognized this year. Commended Students place among the top 50,000 students who entered the competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Commended Students do not continue in the competition but are recognized for their “exceptional academic promise.”

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated potential for academic success,” a spokesperson for NMSC said. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing

their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

Paul VI Catholic High School’s mission is to provide a catholic education to young men and women by giving them the means to achieve spiritual, intellectual, personal social and physical development according to the teachings of the Gospel and St. Francis de Sales.

The school has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Catholic High schools in the United States.

For more information visit paulvi.net. n

ber absent, according to Serotkin. The division’s targeted class sizes are lower than the maximum class sizes, according to Serotkin. Maximum class sizes are established through staffing standards

yearly by the School Board in the operating budget.

The policy was posted for public feedback May 9-23. It was last revised in 2018. It will be discussed on Oct. 10. n

Alexis Gustin/Loudoun Now

Potowmack Elementary School students get off the bus on the first day of school, Aug. 24, 2023. Policy changes to maximum class sizes in first through fifth grades could affect classroom sizes.

St. Paul VI Catholic School

Head of St. Paul VI Catholic School Laura Swenson, Ian Valleskey, Matthew Thomas, Aditi Allam, John Westerlund, Hans Sirotniak, Principal Tom Opfer.

New logo

continued from page 10

Money Talks. Now, Teach it to Hug

From personalized family foundations, to memorial funds, to scholarship funds, to donor-advised funds, we can help you make a difference that never ends.

Since 1999, the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties has helped generous donors support a variety of charitable causes in our region. We salute the leaders who wrapped their vision and commitment—and arms—around this community to create and sustain a permanent charitable resource.

purple represents creativity, agility and opportunity.

In 2022, the division began a marketing and branding exercise with an outside agency but decided instead to invite students to create a new logo. Six overall themes were created and became the theme for the 2023 LCPS Design Challenge. The Design Challenge was open to all students from March 29 through

SCHOOL notebook

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hope, peace and self-growth.

The 4-H Youth in Action Awards began in 2010 to recognize 4-H members who have overcome challenges and used the knowledge they gained in 4-H to leave a lasting impact on their community.

To learn more about the 4-H Youth in Action program and the runners up, go to 4-h.org.

Record Number of Students Receive A.P. Capstone Diplomas

Fifty-four Loudoun County Public Schools students received an Advanced Placement Capstone Diploma from the College Board in 2023.

The AP Capstone Diploma is given

April 29. The designs were presented to the School Board in June, and over the summer a panel of marketing experts reviewed and finalized the new logo.

“It was so exciting to see the submissions from all of the students and to watch that progress as it kind of coalesced into the final selection. I’m really excited about the new logo and the process that got us here,” School Board member Erika Ogedegbe (Leesburg) said.

The logo went live on the division’s website Sept. 26. n

based on two year-long AP courses, AP Seminar and AP Research, which helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management and presentation skills needed for college rather than teaching a specific subject. The classes are designed to complement other AP classes.

Students typically take AP Seminar in 10th or 11th grade, followed by AP Research. Both classes guide students through completing a research project, writing an academic paper and making a presentation on their project.

Forty-three division students received the diploma in 2022, 32 in 2021 and 23 in 2020.

The AP Capstone Diploma program was developed by the College Board after higher education professional saw a need to high school students to begin mastering the skills before college. n

Ford’s Fish Shack Expands with To-Go Location, Central Kitchen

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounow

Loudoun-based restauranteur Tony Stafford is expanding his seafood enterprise with the opening of a fourth location for Ford’s Fish Shack.

With restaurant locations in Ashburn and Lansdowne and a food truck in Hillsboro, Stafford decided it was time to open a central kitchen and a “Ford’s To-Go” that will also offer breakfast.

He said the idea of a central kitchen has been in the works for a while and its Sept. 27 opening gives the business the space to grow even more. The new Sterling location was designed to be a food prep and storage kitchen that Stafford said will help provide more consistent food, faster service and higher quality dishes for customers.

“The benefit is obviously two. We have only one person making clam chowder in-

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stead of having three people. So for consistency and the quality, that should help,” he said. “And also for purchasing, now we’re only having items delivered to one location, which helps from our vendors.”

The new location also includes a large walk-in refrigerator that Stafford said is harder to fit in a restaurant kitchen but allows temperature-sensitive food prep to be done inside the fridge and a large walkin freezer that allows the business to keep more product on hand at a time.

He said about 50 percent of the food prep will be done at the central kitchen and the remaining prep will be done at each of the restaurants.

“So then when we get to the restaurant, a lot of the knife work [is done] instead of them having to have one person there cutting vegetables. … Then when it gets to the restaurants, they’re kind of doing the final assembly,” he said.

Stafford said as he was planning the

central kitchen when he decided to open the to-go option, as well.

“Even though our restaurant’s only two and half miles from here, we recognized that there wasn’t really any kind of restaurants for all the businesspeople who work back in a little pocket back here,” he said.

The to-go menu makes up about 80% of the original menu that customers are used to and includes the favorites including crab cakes, the foot-long “Lobstah Roll,” fish and chips, and clams. It also offers some raw seafood available for customers to take home and prepare themselves as well as premade favorite products like lobster bisque, tartar sauce and guacamole.

The new location also offers a breakfast menu between 8 and 11 a.m. with items including biscuits and gravy, crab cakes benedict, and smoked salmon on a bagel.

Ford’s To-Go is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and is located at 44900 Acacia Lane #116. n

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Tony Stafford stands in Ford’s To-Go, the latest expansion of his Ford’s Fish Shack business. It opened to the public last week.

Russell Mullen DDS MS

Giving Back

Ladies Board Celebrates 60 Years of Hospital Gift Shop

The Ladies Board of Inova Loudoun Hospital is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its hospital gift shop.

The community volunteers launched the program in 1963 at Loudoun Memorial Hospital in Leesburg to raise money to support hospital projects. Since then, it has raised more than $1.5 million.

The shop, now known as the Riverside Gift Shop at the Lansdowne hospital, recently moved to the new North Tower on the campus. It features gifts, seasonal decor, fresh flowers, skincare products, casual clothing, and necessities for patients and the community.

“The shop is a hidden gem in the community,” stated Inova Loudoun Hospital President Susan Carroll. “Not only is it a destination gift shop, the proceeds support the hospital and provide scholarships for nurses. Inova Loudoun is thankful and appreciative of the difference the Ladies Board members and the gift shop have provided over the past 60 years.”

The Ladies Board was established in

1912 and raises money through its annual rummage sale, Twice Is Nice thrift shop in Leesburg, Riverside Gift Shop, the Lights of Love remembrance program, and the Polly Clemens Nursery Fund. The board provided $1 million to support construction of the new Birthing Inn, which is named for The Ladies Board. Now it is more than halfway toward fulfilling its a $1.2 million pledge to the Loudoun Rising Campaign. n

Ryan Bartel Foundation Hosts Annual 5K Color Run

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

Supporters of the Ryan Bartel Foundation gathered at Woodgrove High School on Sunday morning to participate in the organization’s annual “We’re All Human 5K Color Run” to celebrate life and support youth suicide prevention.

Racers walked, jogged and ran over Woodgrove’s grounds through a series of checkpoints where they were misted with a rainbow of colors before crossing the finish line where pizza and a Kona ice truck awaited them.

Prizes were given to first place runners, but also to those who made it through the race as “most colorful” and “least colorful.”

The foundation works to prevent youth suicide through awareness and educational programs that support youth, families, and the community through acceptance, connection, resiliency and hope, according to its website.

To learn more, go to ryanbartelfoundation.org. n

Contributed

The Riverside Gift Shop, now located in the North Tower of the Inova Loudoun Hospital Campus, is operated by the hospital’s Ladies Board.

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now Participants in the “We’re All Human 5K Color Run” are misted with orange color as they cross a checkpoint in the race Oct. 1, 2023.

Towns AROUND towns

Lovettsville Residents Voice Opposition to One-Way Street Plans

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Lovettsville Town Council heard from residents who opposed converting specific narrow streets in town to one way during a Sept. 28 public hearing.

The streets would include South Church Street, East Pennsylvania Avenue and South Light Street between East Broad Way and South Locust Street. The project is designed to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety along the non-conforming streets.

In June, the town hired engineering consultants Wells and Associates to prepare a traffic analysis on the matter. The recommendations were presented to the town’s Infrastructure Committee in August.

Among the public input comments at that meeting were that the one-way conversion was unnecessary, that residents preferred a westbound direction if East Pennsylvania Avenue were made one-way, that accessibility to the municipal parking lot and Back Street Brews would be reduced, traffic would be increased on East Pennsylvania Avenue, and that a stop sign

would be needed on South Light Street, according to a staff report.

Wells and Associates modified the designs in coordination with town staff and Mayor Christopher Hornbaker and presented two options to the council on Thursday. The main distinction between the two is which direction traffic would flow on East Pennsylvania Avenue and South Church Street.

During the public hearing, eight speakers voiced their opposition to the town undertaking the project at all.

“There’s a project on Broad Way that is being, I think, pushed because we want to get it done and I don’t want anybody to make a rash decision,” Back Street Brews owner Maureen Morris said.

She said she had an informal petition signed by 260 people who were opposed to the one-way conversion.

Lovettsville-area resident John Flannery said he thought the change would hurt the town’s small businesses.

“All of these businesses will be affected and be hurt in favor of a plan that doesn’t fit the history of this town,” he said.

Other residents expressed concern that the conversion would add to the traffic in

town that they said will already be amplified by the opening of the new Lovettsville shopping center.

“With all due respect, you’re going to ruin the character and the charm of this small town,” Martha Fuqua said. “The squirkle is a disaster… It’s my humble opinion, just like the previous speakers have said, if you change that for a one way towards the squirkle, there’s going to be so many accidents your head’s going to spin.”

Hornbaker said the plan to convert streets in the old town part of Lovettsville has been in the town’s comprehensive plans and transportation plan for years.

Residents also had a chance after the public hearing to examine the plans in more detail during a “working session” and ask questions of town staff and a Wells and Associates representative.

The council did not take any action on the item but is expected to discuss the plans further at it next scheduled meeting Oct. 12.

Town Manager Jason Cournoyer said if the council decides to move forward with one of the design options, the changes would still need to be approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation. n

Purcellville Council Advances Pullen House Sale

BY HANNA PAMPALONI hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

The Purcellville Town Council last week hired a real estate agent to sell the town-owned Pullen House, located on South 20th Street next to Bush Tabernacle and Fireman’s Field.

Engineering, Planning, and Development Director Dale Lehnig said that the town had received two bids from real estate offices by the Aug. 23 deadline. The contract was awarded to Richard Hampton of Keller Williams Realty in Chantilly.

“The decision to go with Keller Williams was based on the commission rate which was slightly less for the town at a 4.5% commission rate as opposed to a 5% commission rate,” she said.

The vote to accept Keller Williams’

bid was approved on a 6-1 with Mayor Stanley J. Milan opposed.

Council member Erin Rayner said she would rather the council reconsider its decision to sell the property, but if the sale were going to move forward, she would support the bid with the lower commission rate.

The town purchased the 0.49-acre property for $175,000 in 2010 because of its location adjacent to the parks and recreation complex. However, the building on the property has deteriorated and could soon present a safety hazard, according to a May 23 staff memo.

In May, the town staff proposed three options for the property: to demolish the house at a cost of $77,803, with money to be allocated from the Parks and Recreation Fund; solicit proposals for sealed bids to sell the property; or contract with a real estate firm to sell the property.

The Town Council moved to sell the property in 2021 and received three purchase bids ranging from $303,000 to $101,000. However, the top bid was withdrawn, and the middle $233,950 bid was deemed unqualified. The council opted not to accept the low bid. n

LOVETTSVILLE

Appointments Required for Town Office Access

With the Oktoberfest over, construction has resumed on the Church Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Drainage Construction Project. Because of safety concerns, town facilities are closed to the public except by appointment.

The limited closure is expected to last until mid-October.

Pennsylvania Avenue between Church Street and Light Street will remain closed Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking for the Municipal Complex is available behind Willow’s Vintage Charm on Church Street.

Kimball Appointed to Planning Commission

The Lovettsville Town Council last week appointed Lori Kimball to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission.

Kimball, who has lived in the town since 2019, and Stacey Evans were the only two applicants to interview for the position earlier this month.

Kimball has served on the Loudoun County Heritage Commission, a group that advises the Board of Supervisors on issues regarding the county’s heritage resources and the implementation of the Countywide Heritage Preservation Plan, since 2011. She also has worked at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, served as executive director of the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, and worked in the Circuit Court’s Historic Records Division. She said during the Sept. 14 interviews that she was interested in the Planning Commission position because it would allow her to be involved in the town and

AROUND TOWN continues on page 18

Kimball

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

The Town of Purcellville-owned property on South 20th Street known as Pullen House.

AROUND towns

continued from page 17

because of the panel’s role in historic preservation.

“I value community input and listening to all members of the community and transparency in dealing with the community and listening,” she said. “… When I do commit to something, I do commit wholeheartedly,” she said. “I’m responsible and a hard worker. I will show up for meetings. … I feel that I’m a dedicated citizen.”

Kimball will fill a vacancy left by Rocco Blaise whose term ends June 30, 2025. The vote to appoint her carried 3-0 with members Bobby Merhaut and Brandon Davis abstaining due to being absent for the interviews, and council member Jennifer Reed absent.

History Talk: Mourning Wear in Civil War America

On Sunday, Oct. 8, Kelly Wenner White will present an overview of Civil War-era mourning wear and customs during a Lovettsville Historical Society program at the St. James United Church

of Christ.

Mourning practices in Civil War America were heavily influenced by England’s Queen Victoria, who publicly mourned the death of her husband for over 40 years. This, along with changing funeral practices, rural cemeteries, and the onset and subsequent death toll of the Civil War, created an atmosphere well-prepared to accept and demonstrate all aspects of “mourning culture.”

White is a historian and writer whose research focuses on fashion history. She volunteers for the Association of Dress Historians as a copywriter for their publication,  The Journal of Dress History, and has published several book reviews of fashion history-related works.

The program begins at 2 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. For more information, go to lovettsvillehistoricalsociety.org.

PURCELLVILLE

Celebrate Purcellville Campaign Underway

The week-long Celebrate Purcellville campaign wraps up Sunday with a festival at Dillion’s Woods.

The program, planned by the Town of Purcellville and its Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, invites residents to visit more than 50 businesses and organizations in town, go on a town-wide scavenger hunt, participate in a nature trivia walk and a storybook trail walk, and attend other special events.

Celebrate Purcellville Passports are available at Town Hall, the Bush Tabernacle and the Purcellville Library. It can also be downloaded from the Celebrate Purcellville page of the town’s website. Passports with at least 20 Celebrate Purcellville stickers from participating businesses and organizations, or at least six codes from the scavenger hunt, or at least six answers from the trivia walk will have a chance to win prizes. Winners will be announced at the finale on Sunday, October 8 at 4 p.m. in Dillon’s Woods. Participants must be present to win.

Two other special events will be held in town on Saturday. The town-wide Purcellville Tag Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Purcellville Library will celebrate its 85th anniversary from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Celebrate Purcellville finale will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 8

at Dillon’s Woods and will feature live music, family activities, special recognitions, food, drinks, and shopping.

For more information, go the Celebrate Purcellville page of the town website at purcellvilleva.gov/celebrate-purcellville.

ROUND HILL

Bears Den Volunteer Day

Planned Oct. 14

The Town of Round Hill in collaboration with Hillsboro and the village of Bluemont are hosting a Bears Den Volunteer Day Oct. 14.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon with coffee and snacks provided. Volunteers may pitch in on projects while also learning about the Appalachian Trail and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes and to bring gloves. The projects are in preparation for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club Open House that scheduled for Oct. 28.

Bear’s Den is located at 18393 Blue Ridge Mountain Road. n

Loudoun Job Fair Tailgate

Segra

ON THE BALLOT

The 2023 Election Guide

Voting is underway in the 2023 local and state elections that will set Loudoun County’s direction for the next four years and decide the political balance in the General Assembly for at least two.

It also will result in a nearly complete turnover in the School Board as only two of the nine current members are seeking reelection.

As of this issue, Loudoun’s more than 292,500 registered voters have 33 days to make their final decision and cast votes before the polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 7. More than 3,000 already have their ballots in through early voting programs, according to the latest daily tally by the Electoral Board. More than 20,000 have applied to vote by mail this year.

While some voters have picked their candidates and locked their

ballots, others may take the month before actual Election Day to learn more about the candidates seeking to represent them in 33 races across the county. Each ballot features 14 candidate choices plus three bond authorization questions.

To help voters make more informed decisions, Loudoun Now asked candidates to participate in questionnaires intended to provide insight into their priorities, concerns, and governing styles. Most agreed to share their views.

In this special section, we provide an overview of the races and the candidates. We encourage voters also to view our online voters guide [loudounnow.com/2023voters guide] for a more in-depth exploration of their positions with publication of the complete questionaries.

ON THE BALLOT

ON THE BALLOT: GENERAL ASSEMBLY

After statewide redistricting, Loudoun County will have representatives in two Senate districts and five House of Delegate districts.

Starting Jan. 1, Loudouners can expect to have a largely new roster of representatives in their state delegation. Only one incumbent, Del. David Reid (D-32), is on the ballot for reelection, albeit to a reconfigured and renumbered 28th House District. Another sitting delegate, Suhas Subramanyam (D-87), is looking to represent Loudoun in the 32nd Senate District instead.

Aside from a few other campaign veterans—including longtime Leesburg Town Council member Marty Martinez, who is making his second bid for a House of Delegates seat, and Atoosa Reeser, who is vying to jump from the School Board to the House—the ballots feature a host of political newcomers.

Leading the list of first-time candidates are Democrat Russet Perry and Republican Juan Pablo Segura, who are battling for the 31st Senate District seat in a race that is expected play a key

26TH HOUSE DISTRICT

role in deciding which political party controls that chamber for the next four years.

This year all 100 seats in the House of Delegates and all 40 seats in the Senate are on the ballot. Delegates serve

safe, where people can confidently raise their families without fear. This means supporting our law enforcement agencies while addressing the root causes of crime.

I am committed to addressing economic issues. We all know the burden of taxes on our families, and I want to work towards lowering taxes so families can decide how to spend their money on themselves and not the state.

RAFIUUDDIN M. KHAJA

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

NEIGHBORHOOD: Sterling

PROFESSION: Senior Management

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: rafiforvirginia.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

My primary goal is to fight to preserve parents’ rights and advocating for better education and safer schools. Parents are the first educators for the children, they should have a say in their education and not the state. School should be focused on rewarding students based on merit. It should give better salaries for teachers and should not waste millions of dollars on the toilets.

I am dedicated to ensuring that our communities and neighborhoods remain

I believe in providing better transportation options for our community and finding solutions to the rising cost of toll roads in our county. A well-functioning transportation system is essential for our quality of life and economic well-being.

I want to provide the support needed for the local businesses, the backbone of our state’s economy.

KANNA SRINVASAN

POLITICAL PARTY: Democratic NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

PROFESSION: Business and finance consultant

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: kannanfordelegate.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

The next General Assembly must prioritize issues such as affordable healthcare, protecting safe and legal abortion care, excellence in public education, environmental conservation and equitable economic development. Addressing these key areas will make a positive impact on Virginians’ lives.

27TH HOUSE DISTRICT

CHRISTOPHER HARNISCH

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Cascades

PROFESSION: Strategy Consultant

two-year terms; senators serve fouryear terms.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: Chris4VA.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

The most important issues that the General Assembly must address next year are tackling the cost-of-living challenges that burden families throughout the area and state; restoring excellence in our public education system; and ensuring that our communities and schools are safe. The General Assembly should seek innovative ways to reduce the high cost of living for residents, such as a toll road rebate program to bring down commuting costs, as well as tax incentives for employers offering extended paid maternity and paternity leave to reduce early childcare costs for young families. We must invest in our education system, including supporting additional learning opportunities to address the substantial learning-loss that occurred during the pandemic, especially among our special education students, who were significantly impacted during the school closures. With regards to keeping our communities and schools safe, the General Assembly should ensure that law enforcement has the resources needed to recruit and retain the personnel required to keep crime off our streets, and we should take decisive action to combat the fentanyl crisis,

HOUSE OF DELEGATES DISTRICTS SENATE DISTRICTS

including strengthening laws aimed at cracking down on fentanyl traffickers.

ATOOSA REESER

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Sterling

PROFESSION: Attorney

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: AtoosaReaser.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

The state legislature makes some of the most important decisions impacting every Virginian: the freedom to make healthcare choices, including reproductive ones; the ability to afford basic needs like prescription medications and tolls; the right to live free from gun violence; the chance to have an excellent public education including a full and fair accounting of history; the opportunity to attain housing near where you work; the ability to bargain for fair working conditions and wages; the creation of clean energy jobs; the development of our workforce; and more. As the Supreme Court shifts more decisions to the state government, I will work to represent the values that the constituents of Sterling, Dulles, and all of the district, share on these issues.

28TH HOUSE DISTRICT PAUL KINNEY LOTT

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Ashburn

PROFESSION: Founder National Society for the Advancement of Black Americans, Education technology startup founder, software engineer.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: paullottfordelegate.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

The most important issue facing the commonwealth is education and parents’ rights in education.  A study showed that parental involvement in education is not the key to academic success. Parental leadership is the key. We have to recognize that education reform will only work if parents are driving it. Nationally, after trillions being spent over the last generation in education reform, math scores are about what they were 40 years ago while reading scores are about where they were 30 years ago. In the study conducted by the National Society for the Advancement of Black Americans on 1,000 families, academic excellence, whether in private, public, or homeschool was dependent on the leadership role of the parent. We need to give parents more say and responsibility in education. Public education should focus on academics. When schools emphasize issues that put schools at odds with parents’ values, children are harmed. Children who trust their parents do better in school, behave better, and have better long-term trust relationships. McKinsey and Company published a study that said teachers leave the profession because they feel they are being given too much to do in the classroom and that burden is the reason they feel underpaid.

DAVID A. REID

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Ashburn

PROFESSION: Retired U.S. Navy, Three terms in House of Delegates

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: delegatedavidreid.com

Did not respond.

29TH HOUSE DISTRICT

PROFESSION: Retired U.S. Airforce, Systems engineer

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: martyfordelegate.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

While there are many important issues that the next General Assembly must address, there are a few that particularly standout. First, we must protect reproductive freedom and fight back against extremist abortion bans that we’ve seen so many of our neighboring states enact since the fall of Roe v. Wade. Every Virginian should have the right to make their own reproductive health decisions, without having legislators in the room.

Second, we must also tackle the urgent issue of gun violence prevention by implementing common-sense measures to keep our communities safe such as universal background checks, safe storage laws, and closing the gun show loophole.

Third, investing in our public schools is equally crucial. Our children deserve access to high-quality education, which is the foundation of their future success. This includes increasing funding for our schools, raising teacher pay, reducing class sizes, and expanding early childhood education programs.

30TH HOUSE DISTRICT

MARTY MARTINEZ

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Leesburg

JONATHAN MARK ROGERS

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Public schools teacher and administrator

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: rogersforva.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

The next General Assembly must come together to do what is best for the commonwealth. Everything begins with education. We must ensure that teachers have what they need to provide a world class education to all of their students. All great societies start with great education. We also must reduce the cost of living so that everyone can provide for their families and themselves. The last area of focus is job creation. Two of the most empowering words that can be spoken are “You’re hired.”

ROBERT L. BANSE JR.

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Delaplane

PROFESSION: Pastor of the Episcopal Church, retired

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: robbanse.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

The General Assembly has much work to do. Virginia legislators must protect a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions. We must support our children’s learning by fully funding our public schools. We should preserve our environment for future generations by investing in renewable energy. And we must bring costs down for families by supporting local business development and lowering prescription drug prices.

GEARY HIGGINS

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Waterford

PROFESSION: Retired Vice President of Labor Relations for National Electrical Contractors Association. Previously served on Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and School Board.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: gearyhiggins.com.

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

First, the General Assembly must continue to cut costs for Virginians due to the increased cost-of living and inflation resulting from federal spending and federal energy policy under the Biden Administration. This includes eliminating the grocery tax, reducing the car tax,

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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General Assembly

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and providing Virginians additional tax rebates.

Second, our public schools need to get back on track and focus our students on academics, so we get every student college or career ready. We need to make up for learning loss due to covid, support Virginia Literacy Programs, keep our schools safe, and most importantly never shut our schools down again.

Third, we must protect our girls and women under Title IX, which was designed to protect women from sexual harassment and discrimination in schools and in athletic competitions. Biological men should not compete in women’s sports, and they have no place in women’s locker rooms or bathrooms. The current push to allow biological men to compete in women’s sports is undermining all the progress women have made over the years. I pushed for the expansion of athletic programs while serving on the school board because most college scholarships come from sports. These policies will prohibit women from their right to achieve and earn competitive scholarships.

31 SENATE DISTRICT

teachers, and kids to make sure that no matter their ZIP code, every child in Virginia has access to the best education they can, so they can succeed in an everchanging economy.

JUAN PABLO SEGURA

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Founder of maternal health care tech company Babyscripts; Founder of District Doughnut

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: seguraforva.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

I’ve spoken with thousands of voters during this campaign and the three issues I hear about the most are crime and public safety, education and parental empowerment, and the skyrocketing cost of living.

These are fundamental quality of life issues and I hear SD31 voters loud and clear. In Richmond I’ll work with passion and creativity in a bipartisan fashion to address them.

We need a new generation of leaders to solve these problems. The same old approach isn’t working. I’m running to help create political renewal in Virginia; that’s why my message is that we can be Successful Together.

RUSSET PERRY

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Round Hill

PROFESSION: Attorney, formerly a prosecutor and CIA officer

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: russetperry.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

Protecting women’s reproductive health is critical in the next General Assembly session. Our current law reflects the Roe v. Wade framework that was the law for decades, and we must enshrine those rights for women across the commonwealth in our state’s constitution. I’ll work with both parties to bring down costs for families, including making sure people have access to life saving health care and the prescriptions they depend on. We also need to invest in public education as well as support our parents,

As an entrepreneur, I found solutions to tough problems. I’m the founder of Babyscripts, an innovative maternal healthcare technology company that currently helps keep women safe in more than 30 states across the country.

I’ll take that effective approach to Richmond on behalf of the residents of Senate District 31.

32 SENATE DISTRICT SUHAS SUBRAMANYAM

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Brambleton

PROFESSION: Delegate for District 87 since 2020, Small Business Owner, Attorney

WEBSITE: suhasforvirginia.com

What are the most important statewide issues the next General Assembly must address?

It is imperative for the General Assembly to address rising costs facing working individuals and families in every corner of the commonwealth. Prices from the grocery store to the toll booth have skyrocketed, and prescription drugs, utilities, and child care are becoming less and less accessible. Some of it is market forces and federal monetary policy, but some of it is also poor policy making at the state level that allows for unchecked price increases. If elected to the State Senate, I will never waver in my fight to lower costs for working families.

I also want to ensure that we fund our schools and give our kids a great education. A recent JLARC report revealed the urgent need to adequately fund Virginia’s public schools. I was proud of the steps taken in the September budget, HB 6001. But more must be done next session to sufficiently address funding shortfalls and teacher shortages in our classrooms.

Finally, we must fight to bring infrastructure funding to Northern Virginia, particularly given a Governor and Republican-led House that underfunded Northern Virginia infrastructure projects these past few years and for many years before House Democrats took the majority in 2019.

GREGORY MOULTHROP

PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE: Aldie

PROFESSION: Economist

WEBSITE: gregmoulthrop.com

Did not respond.

ON THE BALLOT

REFERENDA

$579M in New Borrowing

On this year’s ballot, Loudoun voters will be asked to authorize bond financing in three areas of county government operations.

SCHOOL PROJECTS:

The county is seeking to issue up to $362.7 million in bonds for school construction projects, including a new Dulles North High School, the Park View High School Replacement, the renovation and expansion of Banneker and Waterford elementary school, and security improvements.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS:

The county is seeking to issue up to $59.6 million in bonds for projects that include the Leesburg South Station, the Dulles Adult Day Center, Fields Farm Park, the Linear Parks and Trails Signature Project, and Sterling Neighborhood Park.

TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS:

The county is seeking to issue up to $156.6 million in general obligation bonds for projects that include the extension of Crosstrail Boulevard and Dulles West Boulevard; construction of a turn lane on Evergreen Mills Road at the Revolution Sportsplex; bridge and safety improvements on Evergreen Mills Road at Hogeland Mill Road, the Harmony Middle School Shared Use Path; a Rt. 7 Shared Use Path; the Rt. 9/Rt. 287 Roundabout; the Rt. 15/Braddock Road Roundabout; and extension of Westwind Drive.

GEARY HIGGINS VOTE VOTE

FOR VIRGINIA HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Served on Loudoun County’s First Elected School Board

Fought for Competitive Teacher Pay Raises

Established the LCPS Academies of Loudoun

Fought to Preserve the Small Schools in Western Loudoun

Improving our Local Community

Reduced Loudoun County Property Tax Rate by $.28 cents

Over Eight Years

Funded Key Loudoun Transportation Projects with $2.6B in FY2019 Capital Improvement Program for Roads

Led County efforts to purchase Sweet Run State Park

Initiated long overdue Route 15 improvements

Preserving Our Past

Secured funding for the old Waterford Mill rehabilitation and restoration

Led efforts to establish Bluemont as a Historic District

Received the Loudoun Preservation Society 1984 Award for the Restoration of The Brooks Tavern House in Bluemont, VA

The Higgins family donated the Historic E.E. Lake Store in Bluemont, Virginia to Loudoun County

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ON THE BALLOT: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Eighteen candidates are vying for the nine seats on the Board of Supervisors, with Vice Chair Koran Saines (D-Sterling) and Kristin Umstattd (D-Leesburg) running unopposed for re-election.

For her third consecutive race, incumbent County Chair Phyllis Randall (D-At Large) will face multiple challengers. She won the seat during a four-way race in 2015 and had two challengers in 2019. This fall, Republican Gary Katz of Leesburg and independent Sam R. Kroiz of Lovettsville have joined the race.

In the Algonkian District, incumbent Juli E. Briskman (D) is being challenged by former School Board member Debbie Rose, the Republican nominee. Ashburn District incumbent Mike Turner (D) faces

CHAIR AT LARGE

Republican Tumay D. Harding. Republican Michelle M. Suttle is challenging incumbent Sylvia Glass (D) in the Broad Run District. Independent John Griffin Ellis is challenging incumbent Caleb A. Kershner (R) in the Catoctin District. Three-term Dulles District incumbent Matthew Letourneau (R), the board’s longest-serving member, is challenged by Democrat Puja Khanna.

The newly created Little River District is an open seat. Democrat Laura TeKrony faces Republican Ram Venkatachalam in that race.

Members are elected to four-year terms.

facing the next county board? How would you address them?

GARY KATZ

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Technology Sales

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: katzforchair.com

Did not respond.

SAM KROIZ

POLITICAL PARTY: Independent

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Lovettsville

PROFESSION: Farmer

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: sam4chairman.com

What are the most important challenges

The most important challenge facing the next board is getting partisanship and campaign contributors out of local government decision making. A lot of candidates claim that they will govern independently, serve constituents regardless of party, etc, but those claims are hollow when they get elected due to party affiliation. To truly be independent in office, you have to run and win as an independent candidate. Too often, our politicians receive campaign contributions from developers and other special interests and serve their interests vs the public interest. I don’t accept campaign contributions from developers, other special interests, PACs and LLCs, unions, anyone with business before the Board of Supervisors, or any other places that might conflict with the public interest.

I’m offering voters an independent and developer-free option for Chairman and will work to adopt ranked-choice voting so that voters will have more and better options in future elections. Hopefully, some of those options will be independent and developer-free as well, and ranked-choice voting will provide voters with a better way to choose amongst more than the typical two party candidates, who are corrupted by direct campaign contributions as well as contributions to their parties.

PHYLLIS J. RANDALL

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Lansdowne

PROFESSION: Mental health therapist, Twoterm incumbent County Chair

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:

Facebook: Phyllis Randall 2023. What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

A major challenge for the county is diversifying our commercial economy so we are less reliant on data center revenue. Additionally, data center development “by right” (Board of Supervisors approval not required) near residential neighborhoods and along bucolic corridors often results in less land being available for attainable housing and other county needs. These data centers require power lines that are strongly opposed by the majority of the BOS and constituents. Continued discussions with the data center industry are imperative if we are to reach an understanding that will decrease the

number of data centers in inappropriate areas. In addition, as we complete the zoning ordinance rewrite, we must decrease the number of “by right” parcels available for data center development in the future.

Other challenges include ensuring we have enough green space, trails, paths and playing fields for a growing community. Finally, although traffic congestion in Loudoun has improved, we continue to have corridors that are too congested and dangerous (especially Rt 15 and Rt 50). We continue to invest in traffic calming and transit options. We also continue to find funding sources such as Smart Scale and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to address these complex challenges.

ALGONKIAN DISTRICT

JULI BRISKMAN

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: River Crest

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LOUDOUN COUNTY ELECTION DISTRICTS

Board of Supervisors

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PROFESSION: Algonkian District supervisor, one term

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: briskmanforsupervisor.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

The most important challenges facing the county include the unmet housing needs crisis, diversifying the economy and lack of affordable quality childcare. In the next term we will continue to implement the unmet housing needs strategic plan. In my role as chair of the Committee on Committees, we realigned the mission of the Housing Advisory Board to hold us accountable to the plan and make sure we are achieving the goals we endorsed. We must look at more ways to diversify our economy, including leveraging the economic engine that is the Dulles International Airport and controlling data center growth. We have several programs initiated through our Department of Economic Development that should be reaping rewards for our economy very soon.We also hope to attract more businesses around the Metro stations. We are 2,700 seats short on childcare for pre-K children, which is costing the county $136 million in annual revenue. I have initiated a project using $2.25 million of our federal ARPA funds to assess the needs across the county, create pilot programs and support programs for families in need that lower costs.

DEBBIE ROSE

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Cascades

PROFESSION: Attorney.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: debbierose.org

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

There are several important challenges facing the next county board. The county must diversify our business tax base. We have a strong presence of data centers in the County and the tax revenue generated has become a significant portion of our

local funding. However, the Board must prioritize targeting other industries to recruit to our county to diversify our tax base as a matter of sound fiscal policy. Additionally, the county still has missing transportation links as well as needed infrastructure improvements, which would improve the quality of life for residents as well as businesses. Housing is also a critical issue facing the county. Without a sufficient housing supply, our teachers, first responders and county employees cannot live in the community they serve. Finally, the board must address the operational issues in the Planning and Zoning Department and the significant concerns with the proposed zoning ordinance. We must modernize the department by improving efficiencies and customer service and adopt sound policies reflective of input from all stakeholders.

ASHBURN DISTRICT

MIKE TURNER

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

PROFESSION: Ashburn District Supervisor, one term

Campaign website: miketurnerforashburn.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

Exponential data center growth in residential areas and attainable housing.

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

PROFESSION: Special Education teacher for Loudoun County Public Schools. Broad Run District supervisor, one term.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: sylviaglass2023.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

TUMAY HARDING

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican NEIGHBORHOOD/COMMUNITY: Belmont Greene

PROFESSION: CFO for Venture. Former teacher

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: Tumay4change.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

The most important challenges facing the next county board are addressing our cost of living and lack of affordable housing, funding the budget without passing costs to taxpayers, ethics concerns, school oversight and safety, traffic congestion, and economic development with respect to our neighborhoods. I intend to address these problems by cutting waste in the budget and fostering economic development and business growth in order to raise revenues and lower taxes on individuals. I’d also look to bring residents and business stakeholders to the table with respect to new developments such as data centers to ensure that our neighborhoods aren’t negatively impacted as our economy grows. For our schools, I would make sure that LCPS is maintaining proper safety measures, respecting parents’ rights, and not forcing explicit materials or controversial political opinions as a condition of their funding.

Our Comprehensive Plan, which should have been updated every five years since 2001, wasn’t updated until 2019, and we’re just finishing a matching zoning update. Consequently, data centers have been able to build “by right” on formerly zoned parcels without Board approval or oversight. I’ve lost almost 2,000 new homes to “by right” data centers in the last year. Additionally, their massive energy needs will force Dominion Energy to build overhead transmission lines throughout eastern Loudoun. We must regain Board managerial approval over data center growth.

This board passed the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan with very aggressive goals to create 16,000 attainable homes by 2040. After three years, we have achieved 41.4% of our goal in new homes but 127.4% of our goal in accessibility (down payment/closing cost assistance; rental assistance, etc.) to existing homes.

I have maintained all along we cannot meet our housing needs solely through new development, and these data confirm that. Our greatest opportunity lies with helping families have greater access to existing homes. I think there is an enormous opportunity with accessory dwelling units.

BROAD RUN DISTRICT

Housing affordability is one of the most critical challenges facing the next county board. I continue to work diligently to increase and preserve Loudoun’s attainable housing. Our board has made several changes, such as endorsing and funding the Unmet Housing Needs Strategic plan, revamping our Housing Advisory Board, and supporting a halfcent of tax revenue for our housing trust fund. But we continue to hear from cost-burdened individuals spending much of their income on rent. We hear from employers who want housing for workers who drive an hour while passing other potential jobs to get to work. We address these challenges by evaluating our zoning ordinance as we are currently doing, evaluating county permitting to improve processes, continuing to invest additional federal resources to support housing, and collaborating with partners.

MICHELLE SUTTLE

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: One Loudoun

PROFESSION: Chief Risk Officer

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: suttleforsupervisor.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

There are many challenges facing the next county board, chief among them affordable housing, a high cost of living, a ballooning county budget, uncertain economic times, transportation congestion, and balancing rural/neighborhood preservation with the need for economic development. I would work with other board members, county staff, and the community to address these challenges. It is critical to establish effective working relationships, as they are necessary for any influence to occur. Every Board member has a BOARD OF SUPERVISORS continues on page 10

SYLVIA GLASS

PROTECTING WESTERN LOUDOUN

PROMISES KEPT

Improved Quality of Life for the Community

Broadband for Western Loudoun - $73 million for 8,600+ homes

Voted to Reduce Taxes Every Year

Reduced Car Tax

Opposed Greenway Toll Increase

Accelerated Improvements on Route 15

Obtained Operating Funding for Sweet Run State Park

Saved Lucketts Volunteer Fire House & Ruritan Recycle Program

Accelerated Route 15 Project

Permanent Preservation of Western Loudoun

Increased Funding for Conservation Easements

Supported Creating PDR & TDR Programs

Denied Application for Short Hill Monopole

Obtained funding for Sweet Run State Park

Lovettsville Park & Community Center Open

Waterford Infrastructure Project

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CATOCTIN DISTRICT SUPERVISOR

LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

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Board of Supervisors

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responsibility to establish and maintain open lines of communication and to work together to establish shared goals and a shared vision for the county’s future.

CATOCTIN DISTRICT

CALEB KERSHNER

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Hamilton

PROFESSION: Attorney, Catoctin District supervisor, one term

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: calebforcatoctin.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

JOHN ELLIS

POLITICAL PARTY: Independent RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD:

Between the Hills

PROFESSION: Retired international trade negotiator

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: johnellis4catoctin.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

The County’s biggest challenges are: (1) controlling County spending; (2) preserving western Loudoun; (3) managing data center development; and (4) providing affordable housing.

I will control County spending by devoting a significant portion of future revenue increases to tax relief and long-term investments that reduce future operational costs. I will ensure that educators are compensated competitively, while looking closely at proposed increases in LCPS and general County administrative costs.

I will preserve western Loudoun by significantly reducing the number of new houses that can be built in rural subdivisions. I will insist on preservation of Loudoun’s prime farm soils. And I will seek robust funding for a Purchase of Development Rights program.

I support the efforts of County supervisors representing eastern districts to reduce the impacts of the data center industry on their residential and other business constituents. I oppose Dulles Cloud South and any data center development in western Loudoun.

I support the County’s Affordable Dwelling Unit program and will demand that new developments include a greater proportion of units that are affordable by design.

The biggest challenge for the next board, in my opinion, will be to address the enormous cost of living our residents are experiencing. To reduce the cost of living we will have to consider the tax burdens the county places on our residents. Last year we were able to reduce car taxes, but we must do more. I would like to see the Board utilize some of our data center revenue to provide a tax relief to Loudoun residents. Although Loudoun’s 160 data centers cover only 5% of land mass in Loudoun County, their taxes make up 1/3 of Loudoun’s entire tax revenue, close to $600 million, which covers Loudoun’s entire operating budget for FY24 (587.6 million). We could easily see a billion in the next several years. A second critical challenge for western Loudoun is ensuring we preserve large chunks of our rural heritage, and I will continue efforts to permanently preserve Western Loudoun County through conservation easements a Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) program, and a Transfer of Development Right Program (TDR). Another top challenge will be the five-year update of Loudoun County’s Comprehensive Program and making sure we have a properly implemented the zoning ordinance.

DULLES DISTRICT

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: pujafordulles.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

As a board, our priorities must be to build safe, livable, sustainable community in Loudoun County.

Let me break that down.

I will create a safer, more accessible community, including taking quick action on important safety issues on our roads and pathways.

I will put residents and the livability of our community first in decisions on land use, county services, economic development, transit, and other issues.

And I will work to implement policies and initiatives that promote renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and improve our overall environmental footprint.

In addition, I am committed to the transparent, respectful service of every resident in Loudoun County. I will be the voice for all the residents of Dulles District and will work to make our county a better place for everyone. Dulles District is severely lagging behind essential amenities that impact everyone’s quality of life.

County Supervisor is not a side hustle. It is a full-time job that requires a fulltime commitment. I will be a full-time supervisor representing the people of Dulles District and working to make Dulles the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

major new economic development.

In addition, the southern part of the county still has significant infrastructure needs, such as upgrading the Loudoun County Parkway/Rt. 50 intersection to an interchange, widening sections of Braddock Road and building my proposed Rt. 50 bypass between Tall Cedars and Rt. 28. I have been methodically working to advance these projects, just as I’ve done with the Arcola Boulevard and Northstar improvements now under construction. I will continue to fight for these infrastructure projects which directly improve the quality of life of Dulles District residents.

LEESBURG DISTRICT

PUJA KHANNA

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Brambleton

PROFESSION: mental health advocate, small business owner

MATT LETOURNEAU

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: South Riding

PROFESSION: Managing director, Communications for the United States Chamber of Commerce. Dulles District supervisor, three terms.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: mattforsupervisor.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

The Board of Supervisors must find a way to manage declining new revenues with increasing labor costs and demands. One way we can address this is by focusing on diversifying our economy through mixed use development at our Metro stations. Between the Board’s approval of the Rivana project and the new Comprehensive Plan—and hopefully soon, the new zoning ordinance—the ingredients are there for

KRISTEN UMSTATTD

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Attorney, U.S. Navy retired. Former Leesburg mayor and Town Council member. Leesburg District supervisor, two terms.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: kristenumstattd.com

Did not respond.

LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT

LAURA TEKRONY

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Aldie

PROFESSION: Legislative Aide to Phyllis Randall, Chair At-Large of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: tekronyforsupervisor.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

I believe the challenges facing the Board of Supervisors include housing affordability, location of data centers, protecting the environment, and lack of infrastructure.

Loudoun has an affordable/attainable housing crisis. The Unmet Housing Needs Strategic Plan is a start, but the long-term solution must be at a regional level.

Data Center tax revenues have been critical in keeping residential tax rates low. But going forward there needs to be careful consideration about their location near residential neighborhoods. I will support reduced encroachment from noise, lighting, and power infrastructure, environmental standards, increased screening and setbacks near residential areas, and reporting on energy and water consumption.

When elected, I will propose the creation of a County Department for the environment and renewable energy. Bringing the county experts together in one department will ensure that the environment is a priority both in the east and west.

My vision for the transition policy area is a central reserve where needed infrastructure like parks, schools, linear trails, and other facilities can be located to serve both eastern and western Loudoun. I would like to enact a land banking policy to secure public facilities before our county is built out and establish a nonprofit Park Foundation.

RAM VENKATACHALAM

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Brambleton

PROFESSION: Technology Consultant

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: ram4loudoun.com

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

First and foremost, the board of supervisors need to be accountable, responsible and execute with integrity. I will work to restore trust with our taxpayers by engaging with constituents and taking my time to not only understand but collaborate, as we are elected to do that.

I was raised on my grandparents’ farm and homeschooled in my formative years, when I was younger. I bring that sense of understanding to the rural parts of the west; I also believe that I can best represent the diversity of our county while serving the densely populated eastern areas.

Sensible zoning is essential to allow

more people to live and work nearby. We must preserve the beauty of rural Loudoun and not build data centers near residential communities, schools, and rural areas.

For transportation, I support Metro’s Silver Line as part of the solution, and support commuter buses as part of our network. I support traffic lights where needed, better turn lanes at intersections, and roundabouts where they make sense.

Our public schools need better oversight to ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely with more rigorous budget guidance (multiple transfers in a year) from the Board of Supervisors, greater accountability for spending.

STERLING DISTRICT KORAN SAINES

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Sterling

PROFESSION: Human resources professional. Sterling District supervisor,

two terms

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: facebook.com/koran4sterling

What are the most important challenges facing the next county board? How would you address them?

Affordable housing, transportation, and the environment.

There is a lack of affordable housing in Loudoun, which threatens our economy and poses a social justice issue as well.

Our roads remain congested, and we have catching up to do to build infrastructure to accommodate the population growth that we have had. I also want to shore up public transit as part of our transportation portfolio to help alleviate traffic problems. Metrorail coming to Loudoun is a great benefit, but we need to build on that.

We are in a climate emergency. There is only so much local government can do with Virginia being a “Dillon Rule” state, but to the extent that we can move things forward, we must do so. The county’s Energy Strategy is a good start, and gives us the policy foundation to take action and make progress whether through county run initiatives or working with private industry. In terms of actionable ideas, I am eager to work on, one thing I want to continue looking at is innovative ways to take our waste from the county landfill and convert it into clean energy.

ON THE BALLOT: CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICIES

Each of the five constitutional office seats are contested this year.

Incumbent Treasurer H. Rodger Zurn is retiring, ending a 33-year career in local government that started with a special election for a Board of Supervisors seat. He served seven terms as county treasurer. Seeking to take that seat are Republican Henry Charles Eckelberg and Democrat Robin A. Roopnarine.

Sheriff Michael Chapman (R) faces a challenge from Democrat Craig M. Buckley. Commissioner of the Revenue Robert Wertz (R) is being challenged by Democrat Sri S. Amudhanar. Clerk of the Court Gary Clemens (R) faces Independent Brian Allman in his bid for a third eight-year term.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Buta Biberaj faces a challenge from Republican Robert D. Anderson, who held the seat from 1996 to 2003.

Constitutional officers are elected by voters countywide. Aside from the Clerk of the Circuit Court, all serve four-year terms.

CLERK OF THE COURT BRIAN ALLMAN

POLITICAL PARTY: Independent RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: allmanforclerk.com

What are the biggest issues or topics facing the clerk’s office?

Poorly paid, entry-level deputy clerks, who certainly cannot live in this county and would earn more money working in a fast-food restaurant, while Clerk Clemens earns $226,000 a year. A single person, with a child qualifies for food stamps/ SNAP and Clerk Clemens has done nothing to address this alarming problem.

This clerk’s office is unsustainable and will face huge problems in the near future as senior chief and deputy clerks retire. The mid-level entry level clerks are overworked and underpaid and do not have the required training and experience to advance to higher clerk positions with more duties and responsibilities.

GARY CLEMENS

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Clerk of the Circuit Court, thee terms (24 years)

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: clerkclemens2023.com

What are the biggest issues or topics facing the clerk’s office?

Continuation and expansion of my virtual/remote technologies is paramount. Customers enjoy the convenience and efficiency of my popular virtual/ remote services programs. Visiting the courthouse is unnecessary for marriage licenses and notary commissions because I offer prudent, innovative and reliable technologies to remotely deliver services. Development of mobile service centers in eastern and western locations in partnership with government agencies will offer expanded remote services in numerous communities.

Probate clients affirm I have the best probate of wills operation in Northern Virginia. More resources will be invested to ensure continuation of premium probate services as the probate caseload increases. The implementation of a new probate technology system will provide advanced, customized services to these valued clients. I have the proven experience of successfully leading major innovative technology solutions using grant funding, not local tax dollars.

To address growth and complexity of court caseload, a dynamic case management system that provides flexibility and online performance measurement capability is essential. This significant technology initiative requires a seasoned veteran with effective leadership to achieve success. Having led several successful technology innovations for the past 24 years, I have demonstrated the skills, teamwork and trusted experience to lead this initiative in a fiscally responsible manner.

COMMISSIONER OF THE REVENUE

SRI AMUDHANAR

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

PROFESSION: Small business owner

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: friendsofsriamudhanar.org

What are the most important issues the next Commissioner of the Revenue will address?

Loudoun County population increased five-fold to 430,000 in the last 3 decades while our budget grew 18-fold (10% annually) to $4.2 billion. This increased load on taxpayers is offset 37% with the recent expansion of data centers. But they cannot continue to scale up with our budget aiming at $6.8 billion in five years and $11 billion in 10 years.

Almost 90% of the Loudoun budget is funded by taxes on property. In the past farmland size was a measure of revenue. Today our farms need subsidies and our property in homes and cars are cost centers, not income.

We should retool our county revenue to rely on economic activity and GDP (which is below national average) in a modern industry. The CHIPS Act provides $280 Billion to move America forward. Virginia grants millions of dollars which mostly escape Loudoun.

For these new initiatives, the Commissioner representing voters in 8 districts has to convince 9 BoS members, comparitively, a supervisor representing only one district convinces eight Board of Supervisors members. The Commissioner needs to work with the state government (for compliance with the Dillon Rule) and Loudoun’s economic development teams.

As Loudoun’s Commissioner of the Revenue I will fight to deliver results.

ROBERT S.”BOB” WERTZ, JR., '

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD:

Ashburn Farm

PROFESSION: Commissioner of the Revenue, five terms (20 years)

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: bobwertz.org

What are the most important issues the next Commissioner of the Revenue will address?

The Commissioner of the Revenue serves most all Loudoun County residents and businesses on an annual basis. The top priority for the office is to continue to serve Loudoun’s current and incoming residents and business owners in an efficient manner without sacrificing the personal service they demand and deserve. As the chief tax assessing officer of Loudoun County, the most important duty of the office is to ensure fair, equitable, and thorough assessments. That will continue as my primary goal. I will continue to utilize technology and efficient processes to make it as hassle-free as possible to do business with my office.

My staff and I have prided ourselves on providing efficient, personal service whether in person, online or over the phone, and that will continue. Taxpayers will always be able to reach a friendly, knowledgeable person to assist them.   I oversee a professional staff of 90 personnel who are responsible for administration of real estate, vehicle, and business taxes in one of the most diverse and rapidly growing localities in the country. This entails the annual valuation of more than 147,000 parcels, more than 375,000 vehicles, and over 15,000 businesses generating more than $2 Billion in local tax revenue.

COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY

BOB ANDERSON

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Purcellville

PROFESSION: Attorney.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: votebobanderson.com

What are the most important issues, trends or problems in the justice/court system today?

While there are many important issues in the justice/court system at a national level, I am concentrating on the issues I see here in Loudoun County. Currently, our commonwealth’s attorney has put consideration for criminals ahead of victims, and this is unacceptable to me. Individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty, but the policies put in place by Buta Biberaj have endangered our community and resulted in preventable violence. I do not support a no-cash bail system for violent criminals or those who have displayed repeated lawlessness. As the previous commonwealth’s attorney, I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution—as did Buta Biberaj—and her unconstitutional, unilateral move to stop prosecuting certain misdemeanors is in direct dereliction to the oath she swore upon becoming our commonwealth’s attorney. The trend(s) I’m seeing in the justice/court system is a move away from putting our community and victims first, and a move towards giving more consideration to the perpetrators of crimes.

The most important challenge is keeping the people of Loudoun safe. That’s my priority every day – making sure we focus our resources on addressing violent crime, protecting victims and prosecuting those responsible. We’ve seen progress, with violent crime dropping in Loudoun County even as it rises statewide. Another important issue is connecting the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office with community organizations and non-profits that help address some of the underlying causes of crime. As commonwealth’s attorney, I secured a $330,000 federal grant to work with community organizations to prevent sexual assault and domestic violence. And I created a new Veterans Docket and expended our Mental Health and Drug court programs to work with community groups and provide wraparound services that decrease the likelihood of people reoffending. Finally, one issue on the horizon is safe access to reproductive rights. Around the country, we have seen anti-abortion politicians attempt to ban abortion and use the power of prosecutors’ offices to intimidate women and their doctors. As long as I am commonwealth’s attorney, Loudoun County women and doctors can feel safe making reproductive health decisions without fear of prosecution.

SHERIFF

Response Team (CIRT), which already comprises 11 of our regional law enforcement partners. Joining this multi-jurisdictional team will provide efficient, effective, and a standardized investigation for critical incidents involving force that results in death or serious injury. The multi-jurisdictional team of experienced detectives and supervisors receive specialized training in the investigation of uses of force by law enforcement officers. CIRT provides a higher degree of impartiality and transparency in use of force investigations.

MIKE CHAPMAN

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Sheriff, three terms (12 years)

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: reelectsheriffchapman.com

What are the most important issues, trends or problems in law enforcement today?

TREASURER

HENRY C. EICKELBERG

POLITICAL PARTY: Republican

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Managing Director, Lighthouse Point Partners, LLC; Adjunct Professor of Law, Georgetown University Law Center

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: EickelbergForTreasurer.com

What are the most important issues for the county treasurer to address?

BUTA BIBERAJ

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Aldie

PROFESS: Attorney; Commonwealth’s Attorney, one term CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: biberajforloudoun.com

What are the most important issues, trends or problems in the justice/court system today?

CRAIG BUCKLEY

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Purcellville

PROFESSION: Retired chief of police

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: Buckley4Sheriff.org

What are the most important issues, trends or problems in law enforcement today?

The most important issues facing law enforcement today are staffing (both sworn and civilian), restoring and maintaining public trust, and responding effectively to mental health related incidents. Traditional recruitment and retention strategies are not working, and we need to update our policies and recruitment priorities to reflect the community we serve. We will sign the national 30 by 30 pledge and restructure our workplace to be more conducive to recruiting women and working parents into sworn positions. Additionally, to increase public trust we will join the Northern Virginia Critical Incident

Issues: Recruitment, public confidence, and job satisfaction. The LCSO has experienced few issues with any of these— even following the tragic death of George Floyd. A county-funded independent survey recently reported that the LCSO had an internal job satisfaction rating of 89%, likely one of the best in the nation. The study also reported that 85% of citizens feel safe here, a clear reflection of LCSO’s robust community engagement—a priority of mine that will extend into the next four years.

Trends: Nationally, law enforcement continues to be bombarded with lawsuits. In my 12 years as sheriff, the LCSO, through insurance, paid out approximately $590,000 in all claims—miniscule compared to other similarly sized agencies. Conversely, I returned more than $35 million in savings to Loudoun taxpayers over the past five years and reduced serious crime by 47% while sheriff, making Loudoun the safest in the region.

Problems: Recruitment. In Loudoun, we’ve maintained strict standards and diversified our workforce. Our reputation for professionalism and integrity attracted 63% of new hires from other agencies last year. Our workforce speaks over 25 languages, has women in sworn, civilian, and leaderships positions exceeding national averages, and African American employees exceeding county population percentages.

Many Loudoun residents may not know that current treasurer, Roger Zurn, will be retiring at the end of 2023. While in office, Roger established a track record of superior customer service and exemplary fiscal management. In any transition, especially when it comes to an office as complex as the Treasurer’s, maintaining a high level of service takes a leader who can quickly gain the trust and respect of a professional staff. I have the leadership skills and investment expertise to guide the Treasurer’s office through today’s complex financial world. That’s why President Obama appointed me to serve on the advisory board of a large federal agency that manages hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars. The closest my opponent [Robin Andrew Roopnarine] has come to investment management experience was investment classes he took in college 30 years ago. He has no investment management experience. As Roger Zurn (who has endorsed me) recently noted “[the] main thing is, [Henry’s] had a heavy involvement in investments .… It’s not a knock-on Robin at all. He’s a very fine gentleman. I just think Henry has more experience.”

ROBIN A. ROOPNARINE

POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

PROFESSION: CPA, Attorney.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: robinroopnarine.com Did not respond.

The School Board election features 18 candidates running for nine seats.

This year marks the transition to staggered terms for the board, a measure enacted after concerns about high turnover during the previous election in which only two experienced members returned. However, the results this year will be no better; only two incumbents are running.

Incumbent Harris Mahedavi is challenged by Deana L. Griffiths in the Ashburn District. In the Leesburg District, Erika R. Ogedegde, who won a special election to fill a vacant seat last year, faces Lauren E. Shernoff.

The other seven seats will be open races.

Michael A. Rivera and Anne P. Donohue are campaigning

AT LARGE

ON THE BALLOT: SCHOOL BOARD

countywide for the At Large seat.

April M. Chandler and Viktoria Hunyadi are the candidates in the Algonkian District. Linda W. Deans and Christopher J. Hodges are running in the Broad Run District. In the Catoctin District Karen “Kari” Lee LaBell is running against Megan E. Lockwood. Melinda M. Mansfield is running unopposed for the Dulles District seat. Sumera Rashid and Joseph J. Smith are running in the Little River District. The Sterling District features a three-way race with Arben Istrefi, Sarath Kolla, and Amy M. Riccardi on the ballot. Typically, School Board members serve four-year terms. However, in the transition to staggard terms, the winners in the Algonkian, Broad Run, Dulles, Leesburg, and Sterling districts will serve two-year terms.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: rivera4loudoun

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it?

I think our biggest challenge is restoring the loss of trust with the elected officials running the school board and the administration that has been complicit in the betrayal of public trust.

ANNE DONAHUE

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Attorney

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: anneforatlarge.com

Did not respond.

MICHAEL RIVERA

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office Deputy

As a parent and taxpayer that has been attending school board meetings for the past three years I am appalled at the hubris and complete arrogance of the school board. During COVID we were scolded for our masks slipping from our faces while speaking in an empty room over sixty feet away from the dais.

As a school board member, I intend to breathe some fresh air into collaboration and cooperation with parents and taxpayers. The effort to rebuild trust will not be easy or brief but it must be undertaken. Parents of special needs kids, parents in Sterling, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, teachers, and aides all deserve to have their grievances heard in a respectful manner. I do not have all the solutions but if we do not begin conversations about what’s not working, we cannot work towards solutions.

LOUDOUN COUNTY ELECTION DISTRICTS

ALGONKIAN DISTRICT

APRIL MOORE CHANDLER

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Sterling

PROFESSION: School Board staff aide for the Algonkian District

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: aprilforalgonkian.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools, and what do you plan to do to address it?

Our school system, like many other schools across the Commonwealth and throughout the nation, is facing many significant challenges, including learning loss, mental health challenges, higher teacher attrition, and threats of gun violence. At the same time, school boards have become a point of extreme disruption driven by political division. In this climate, we risk losing sight of the reason public schools exist: to serve the students and offer them an excellent education. Right now, our communities

must choose leaders who will focus on the challenges our students face— leaders who can multitask, collaborate, provide good governance, and prioritize responsible financial stewardship. I will keep students at the center of every decision, listen to and communicate with parents and staff, and support evidencebased best practices to improve test scores, address learning loss, and keep our school buildings safe.  Our public schools must serve all students. We currently offer programs like International Baccalaureate and STEM but should expand opportunities to include trade and technical options that offer other unique paths. Our children should have the opportunity to have worldclass experiences that deliver academic knowledge, open doors to practical work experience, and develop 21st-century skills that prepare students for success after graduation. \

by the Loudoun County School Board has caused our community to lose confidence in our education system. I firmly believe that the School Board and the superintendent bear the responsibility of ensuring excellence in our schools, and I am wholeheartedly committed to the cause of restoring it.

VIKTORIA HUNYADI

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Sterling

PROFESSION: Former LCPS substitute teacher

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: viktoriahunyadiforschools.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it?

In recent years, Loudoun County Public Schools lost its great reputation. We must restore excellence in our schools in order for families to stay here and desire to move to Loudoun County. Our children’s future is at stake. There are many challenges we must address, among those are declining grade level proficiency, jeopardized school safety, low morale and significant teacher shortage. Furthermore, the erroneous allocation of the school budget along with highly politicized school board policies and curriculum and the lack of transparency

ASHBURN DISTRICT

and state attention being paid to these issues, but we can and should do more locally. Instead, I have seen our school board spend considerable meeting time discussing monthly proclamations before going into frequent closed sessions. Virginia recently adopted a budget with funds directed at learning loss recovery. The school board and admin staff should be engaging directly with our teachers on creative solutions to use these funds for high quality tutoring and improved literacy instruction.

DEANA GRIFFITHS

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD:  Ashburn

PROFESSION:  Senior corporate recruiter

WEBSITE:  deana4ashburn.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it?

Learning loss from the COVID-19 school closures, along with related mental health challenges, are the most important pervasive issues facing LCPS. I am heartened to see more national

An Independent who will:

§ Stand up to pro-growth developers and their backers in the County government

§ Preserve the historic charm and character of our towns, villages, and rural areas

§ Prioritize traffic safety and stop putting more cars on already congested roads

§ Encourage the sustainable growth of existing farm and tourism businesses

§ Safeguard prime soils, water sources, and other natural resources

§ Get County spending under control and provide tax relief

The goal of education should be success for all students which includes preparing them for life after high school. Through cooperation with colleges and career professionals, LCPS should expand its career technical and vocational education. Students who obtain certifications and participate in work-based learning have more opportunities to find a career upon graduation.

Finally, I am learning more about the needs of our special education students. If elected, I hope to improve the services and resources available to those children so they receive the quality education they deserve.

HARRIS MAHEDAVI

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Belmont Green

PROFESSION:  Small business owner focused on IT and management consulting

WEBSITE: harris4ashhburn.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it?

I believe getting our students and staff back on track academically and emotionally after COVID is the biggest imperative for the board the next couple years.

Similar to the Math Intervention Pilot I introduced in 2023/2024 year across five elementary schools, we need to provide additional academic support in reading and math for our students. In addition to these pilots I hope to see LCPS offering tutoring support to help the children

SCHOOL BOARD

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School Board

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through the Covid learning gaps in the coming years.

To expand educational priorities we need to continue creating additional learning pathways beyond Academies of Loudoun. In my current term we started with International Baccalaureate(IB) programs at Heritage and Loudoun Valley High School, we have also begun the work of creating Health & Medical Science Academies (HMSA) at Briar Woods and Tuscarora High School. Going forward I plan to work with our superintendent in developing Theatre &  Arts academies (TAA) at some high schools as well as expanding the International Baccalaureate programs to other high schools. Besides this we also need to expand Monroe Tech by inviting more students to vocational programs and add programs in partnership with our local businesses.

BROAD RUN DISTRICT

PROFESSION: Certified financial planner. U.S. Navy veteran.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: hodgesforschoolboard.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it? What are your priorities to improve student performance and/or expand educational opportunities?

LINDA DEANS

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Potomac Green

PROFESSION: Education consultant

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: lindadeansforbroadrun.com

Did not respond.

It is getting “back to the basics”, which involves teaching the children reading, writing, mathematics, etc. We want to develop the best educated, highest character students possible. Learning loss is real as reflected in SOL and NAEP scores. Over 15 LCPS schools are in the bottom half of Virginia schools for reading and writing proficiency. The School Board with LCPS Administration should be laser focused on how to address these issues. Our best option to raise scores is to have enough general, special education, and ELL teachers, and ensure these teachers have the resources to do their job. We want teachers with high morale, who are focused, dedicated, and not stressed.

CHRIS HODGES

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Broadlands

CATOCTIN DISTRICT

Bob Anderson’s experience and proven track record in Loudoun County uniquely positions him as the best person to end the political divisiveness that Buta Biberaj has brought as Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Bob previously served as our Commonwealth’s Attorney for two terms and was known for keeping partisan politics out of prosecutorial decisions.

He knows what it takes to keep Loudoun families safe.

“I'm running to return our Commonwealth's Attorneys Office to Community-and Safety-First policies, and to bring a change of transparency, coordination, cooperation, and communication throughout all departments connected to criminal justice, and with the citizens we serve in Loudoun County.”

Paid for and authorized by friends of Bob Anderson

KARI LABELL

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Lovettsville

PROFESSION: Teacher

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: kariforcatoctin.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it? What are your priorities to improve student performance and/or expand educational opportunities?

The biggest challenge will be to bring common sense back to schools and classrooms. The focus should be on education and curriculum, not issues that are the province of families and medical practitioners. Facts should be presented in unbiased fashion and career preparation should be a goal. We need to prepare students with the skills and knowledge that they may be able to step

PRIORITIES

➤ Put the victims of crimes and the safety of our community first.

➤ Have no tolerance for crimes of violence.

➤ Expand mental health court, drug court, and second chance programs for nonviolent defendants.

➤ End the unprecedented turnover rate of attorneys and staff in my opponent’s office.

➤ Bring back transparency and integrity to the interactions with the community, the judges, and the legal community. SUPPORT

into an entry level position in the career field of their choosing the day after they graduate.

MEGAN LOCKWOOD

RESIDENCE: Purcellville

PROFESSION: Substitute teacher

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: lockwood4loudoun.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it? What are your priorities to improve student performance and/or expand educational opportunities?

The biggest issue facing LCPS right now is a lack of communication and trust. As a School Board member, I plan to facilitate improved, honest communication between school and home. Parents, students and staff all need to feel safe and heard in order to be successful in the home/ school partnership. I will work to bring our community together through open communication and rebuild trust that has been lost in our school system and policy processes. This includes maintaining an active presence in our district schools, an open line of communication with principals and staff, and engaging with families frequently and honestly.

My priorities academically include making sure our western Loudoun schools are able to offer the same caliber of programs and courses as the newer eastern Loudoun schools, and addressing the serious behavioral and learning loss problems we are experiencing postpandemic. We need to prepare our students for future success by holding them accountable for their learning and encouraging them to strive for excellence.

DULLES DISTRICT

certified music therapist.

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: mansfieldforeducation.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it? What are your priorities to improve student performance and/or expand educational opportunities?

RE-ELECT BOB WERTZ

Re-elect

WERTZ Commissioner of the Revenue

RE-ELECT BOB WERTZ

More than 30 years’ experience in the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office. In the race for Commissioner BOB WERTZ is the only qualified candidate.

We must ensure our students are prepared to succeed so they may reach their full potential and gain a firm academic, social, and mental foundation. One component of meeting those goals is to improve literacy in our schools. Literacy is the foundation and gateway for all learning. We know that when a child struggles with reading, it can negatively affect their mental health, academic achievement, access to additional education, and future employment. This is one of the biggest challenges facing our students and touches on so many things our school board can address: literacy screening and monitoring, curriculum and supplemental materials, educator professional development opportunities, intervention and tutoring programs, meaningful parent engagement, and alignment with the Virginia Literacy Act. I will incorporate evidence-based literacy instruction grounded in science-based reading research at all grade levels to bridge these gaps and advocate for a district-based data-exploring tool for assessment scores.

As Commissioner, Bob will continue to:

•Provide the Excellent Taxpayer service Loudoun Citizens Expect and Demand

OF THE REVENUE

MELINDA MANSFIELD

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: South Riding

PROFESSION: Literacy tutor. Former board-

More than 30 years’ experience in the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office. In the race for Commissioner BOB WERTZ is the only qualified candidate.

More than 30 years’ experience in the Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office. In the race for Commissioner BOB WERTZ is the only qualified candidate. As Commissioner, Bob will continue to:

•Render Sound Decisions Based on Local and State Tax Code to Ensure Equity

As Commissioner, Bob will continue to:

•Provide the Excellent Taxpayer service Loudoun Citizens Expect and Demand

• Provide the Excellent Taxpayer service Loudoun Citizens Expect and Demand

•lmprove Efficiency through Automation Without Sacificing Personal Service

• Render Sound Decisions Based on Local and State Tax Code to Ensure Equity

•Render Sound Decisions Based on Local and State Tax Code to Ensure Equity

LEESBURG DISTRICT

ERIKA R. OGEDEGBE

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Chief Data Architect, American University

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: erikaforloudoun.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it? What are your priorities to improve student performance and/or expand educational opportunities?

Loudoun County Public Schools continue to be challenged by educational disparities. We need to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities and continued focus on ensuring our older SCHOOL BOARD

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• lmprove Ef ciency through Automation Without Saci cing Personal Service

•lmprove Efficiency through Automation Without Sacificing Personal Service

•Protect the Confidential Personal and Business Information Entrusted to the Office

THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE

THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE

THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE

bobwertz.org

School Board

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facilities are updated as the school system continues to grow. A crucial aspect of addressing this challenge is improving communication and trust within the community.

Through open communication and dialogue, we can repair trust and focus on our shared goals for providing an enriching educational experience for all of our students. Fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where students see themselves and their families in our curriculum and instructional materials is an important way in which we can positively impact the learning experience of our students.

I have and will continue to prioritize improved communication with families. Providing space and time for dialog outside of formal school board meetings is one way in which I’ve built connections with parents, staff and the broader community to share ideas and learn more about the needs of our families.

LAUREN E. SHERNOFF

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Potomac Station

PROFESSION: Instructional facilitator for LCPS

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: laurenforleesburg. com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it? What are your priorities to improve student performance and/or expand educational opportunities?

Student Achievement, especially the learning gaps of our most vulnerable

students represented in our subgroups. A root cause of this is teacher morale and retention. We are experiencing a teacher shortage. We need to support our teachers, so that they can do their jobs and teach. Student achievement needs to be a top priority.

Here are 3 ways that I believe we can address it. 1. Streamline initiatives and requirements for teachers that distract from core and targeted instruction so teachers can actually teach. 2. Evaluate all levels of curriculum. We need to look at the training, fidelity and implementation, and make sure it is evidence and research based. 3. Partner with educators, parents, specialists to collaborate, problem solve, study data around achievement gaps, and develop new strategies. Who better to advocate for teachers and students than a lifelong teacher who has spent their career with students in public schools? It’s one thing to say you believe in public education, it is another thing to have a lifelong career in public education and a track record of supporting students in public schools. I am the most qualified candidate to tackle closing achievement gaps because of my experience.

LITTLE RIVER DISTRICT

our kids safety. As a school board member, I expect to increase special needs resources and mental health resources, and further student safety at LCPS schools. I would also like to increase staff/teacher salaries so that they are at competitive rates within the nation.

JOE SMITH

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Leesburg

PROFESSION: Owner Infinite Technologies/ Director of Prosthetics

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: joesmithforschoolboard.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it? What are your priorities to improve student performance and/or expand educational opportunities?

SUMERA RASHID

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

PROFESSION: Dentist

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: rashid4va.com

What is the biggest challenge facing Loudoun County Public Schools and what do you plan to do to address it? What are your priorities to improve student performance and/or expand educational opportunities?

LCPS’ greatest challenge is ensuring

Over time, the academics in LCPS have become less of a focus and have weakened in recent years. I will advocate to strengthen the rigor and academic excellence in our schools. I will address this by supporting teachers and providing the resources to help meet each student where they are and help them make steady growth. My top priority for improving students’ performance is examining our special education programs.  I will work to ensure that students, case managers, and teachers have the resources and support they need. My second priority is analyzing our test scores to determine what we’re doing well and where we need to make instructional changes.  I believe we also need to look at our support for EL students.  Just as we need to reexamine what is provided for students with special needs, we must also provide support for students learning English so they can learn, make progress, and

contribute to our community. As for expanding opportunities, I would like to see us expand our MATA program. These programs need to be offered for those who may not be on a path to college but looking for a skill or trade for their careers.

STERLING DISTRICT

ARBEN ISTREFI

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

PROFESSION: CEO at CYDEO

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: arben4sterling.com

Did not respond.

SARATH KOLLA

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Ashburn

PROFESSION: Grassroots Organizer

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: None

Did not respond.

AMY M. RICCARDI

RESIDENCE/NEIGHBORHOOD: Oak Tree

PROFESSION: Owner of management consulting firm

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE: amy4sterling.com

Did not respond.

TOWN ELECTIONS ON THE BALLOT

Town Elections Feature Full Candidate Slate, One Contest

Loudoun’s western towns have 13 seats up for election this year, but only one is contested.

That seat is on the Purcellville Town Council and currently held by Ron Rise. Jr. who was appointed to fill the vacancy left by then Purcellville Town Council member Stanley J. Milan when he was elected to mayor. Rise is not seeking election to finish the term.

Christopher Reed and Caleb Stought are vying for the seat.

The remaining 12 seats—and 12 candidates—are divided among the rest of the county’s towns with five in Round Hill, four in Middleburg, two in Hamilton and one in Lovettsville.

Ten of them are running for seat they currently hold.

In Round Hill, Scott Ramsey is unopposed for his seventh term as mayor. Vice Mayor Mary Anne Graham and

Isaac Pacheco are seeking reelection to their council seats. Dan Brzezynski is seeking election to the seat to which was appointed to earlier this year. Jim E. Maulfair is running to fill a third council seat, currently held by Michael Hummel who is not seeking reelection.

In Middleburg, Mayor Bridge Littleton and council members John K. Daly, and Chris Bernard are running for reelection. Pam Curran is running to fill a third seat currently held by Philip Miller, who is not seeking reelection.

Hamilton has two selection elections to fill unexpired terms. Heather Beardsley and Chris Shumaker, who were appointed to fill those vacancies, are seeking election to their seats.

In Lovettsville, Tom Budnar, who was appointed fill as Town Council vacancy earlier this year, is the only candidate seeking election to the seat. n

SWCD SEATS ON THE BALLOT

Six Vie for Soil and Water Conservation District Seats

The Soil and Water Conservation District is responsible for the conservation work within Loudoun County. Its mission is to provide leadership in recognizing and addressing soil and water conservation issues and problems, both existing and potential, and to promote and develop education and technical programs that meet the agricultural and urban conservation needs.

Among the agency’s initiatives are a new septic tank pump-out rebate program, administering the state’s best management practices cost-share program, and offering cost-share funding for urban conservation practices such as tree planting.

The SWCD is led by five directors. Two are appointed by the state board and three are elected by county voters.

This year, six candidates are running for the three seats.

On the ballot are two incumbents John Flannery and Marina R. Schumacher. Peter R. Holden, who retired last year after serving 50 years on the SWCD staff, also is running to serve on the board, along with Jonathan Keith Erickson, Derrick D. Clarke, and Uzma A. Rasheed.

Voters countywide will cast ballots for up to three individuals. The top three vote-getters will take the seats and serve four-year terms. n

GETOUT

LIVE MUSIC

TEJAS SINGH

6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5

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

THE MOTET

8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25. tallyhotheater.com

MATT BURRIDGE

6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 1608 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. plazaazteca.com/leesburg

B.EN

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

The Dell: Food & Brew Hall, 1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg. atthedell.com

BRIAN JOHNSON

7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Social House Kitchen & Tap, 42841 Creek View Plaza, Ashburn. socialhouseashburn.com

THE COLD NORTH

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

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

JASON MASI

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Quattro Goombas Winery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

BRENT FUNKHOUSE

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

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

RYAN HOLLANDER

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

CHRIS BOWEN

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Dirt Farm Brewing, 18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont. dirtfarmbrewing.com

BOBBY G AND THE HEAVIES

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

LIVE MUSIC continues on page 20

Bigger Beer: Honor Brewing Expands with Loudoun Plant, Restaurant

BY NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

Loudoun’s brewery and dining scene is getting a big addition this month as Honor Brewing Company opens its new complex near Arcola.

The enterprise started as a small Chantilly winery in 2012. Allen Cage, an Army lieutenant colonel who retired after 24 years of active duty, started making wine after learning the industry through his involvement in a global vineyard experience tourism business.

It didn’t take long to switch gears.

“You know how long it takes to make wine. We decided you could make beer in 30 days,” he said.

In 2014, Honor Brewing Company launched at the Chantilly tasting room.

Cage’s son, Ryan, leads the business as CEO.

Since starting with a contract brewer in Pennsylvania, Honor Brew-

ing has grown with the addition of a brew kitchen franchise in Fairfax and distribution into North Carolina.

The Loudoun location, and the $20 million investment, takes the operation to another level—potentially a national one.

Four years ago, the company purchased a four-acre lot in an industrial park on Trade Winds Drive along Evergreen Mills Road. Sharing the neighborhood with data centers and Solace Brewing Company across the street, the 35,000-square-foot brewery operation will be among Loudoun’s largest. The 30-barrel system is starting with seven tanks, with room to expand to 20 and an eye to move to 24/7 production as Honor’s distribution expands throughout Virginia and then across the country.

At the other end of the large production facility is a 5,000-square-foot, nearly 400-seat restaurant designed to be a destination of its own.

Led by Michelin star chef John

Dylan Snyder, the kitchen won’t be turning out typical brewery fare.

“It’s different than going to a brewhouse or going to a sports bar where you get some pizza. It’s got a full menu. It’s a first-class menu,” Ryan Cage said. A resident of the nearby Willowsford neighborhood, he said the high-quality restaurant will fill a need for families in the area.

“What we want to do here is use the brewery and its ingredients to influence and enhance our culinary journey,” said Snyder, a Georgia native who has worked in fine-dining kitchens across the country, most recently as sous chef at minibar by José Andrés in Washington, DC. “That doesn’t mean just putting beer in everything. It means using beer to create caramels. It means using our spent grain from the production to make pizza dough. It means taking a

HONOR BREWING

continues on page 23

Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now

Honor Brewing founder Allen Cage and CEO Ryan Cage stand in the newly opened restaurant near Arcola.

Presents Trio Settecento

Join us for an exquisite concert with Trio Settecento, a chamber music ensemble specializing in the performance of Baroque and early classical music. Featuring a program that includes pieces by Corelli, Bach, and Veracini, this captivating musical experience is not to be missed.

Sunday, October 15th, 4 PM

Waterford Old School 40222 Loudoun St., Waterford, VA

Tickets: $40 adult, $20 student Seating is limited: book early!

Major credit cards accepted

visit www.waterfordconcertseries.org

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 19

SCOTT KURT

6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com

JUSTIN SUEDE

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

JAKE PHILLIPS

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

SHANE GAMBLE

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

PEBBLE TO PEARL

8 to midnight Friday, Oct. 6 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

B.EN

1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Bleu Frog Vineyards, 16413 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg. bleufrogvineyards.com

MATT BURRIDGE

1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

50 West Vineyards, 39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. 50westvineyard.com

MARC ALLRED

5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

SHAG

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

TAKE 4 JAZZ

1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Otium Cellars, 18050 Tranquility Road, Purcellville. otiumcellars.com

LENNY BURRIDGE

1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

GRAYSON MOON

1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 8 Chains North Winery, 38593 Daymont Lane, Waterford. 8chainsnorth.com

ANDY HAWK AND THE TRAIN WRECK ENDINGS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

DAN GALLAGHER

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, 18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont. twinoakstavernwinery.com

DAVE MININBERG

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation. com

MAMA’S BLACK SHEEP

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Lost Rhino Brewing Co, 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn. lostrhino.com

STEVE GEORGE & FRIENDS

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

PETE LAPP

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

FREDDIE LONG

3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

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

SHANE GAMBLE

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Harpers Ferry Brewing, 37412 Adventure Center Lane, Loudoun Heights. harpersferrybrewing.com

SHADE TREE COLLECTIVE

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

CROSSTOWN FUNK

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

THE DISTANCE

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

PERSONAL MOOSE

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

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

JOSH HUGHETT

6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

END OF THE LINE: A TRIBUTE TO THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND

8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St. SW., Leesburg. $15 to $35. tallyhotheater.com

BELTWAY ROCKERS

8 to midnight Saturday, Oct. 7 Spanky’s Shenanigans, 538 E. Market St., Leesburg. spankyspub.com

ERIC CAMPBELL

12 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Lost Barrel Brewing, 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg. lostbarrel.com

STEEL DRUMMIN’ ON THE BEACH!

12 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 MacDowell’s Beach, 202 Harrison St. SE., Leesburg. macsbeach.com

2 OF THE FOUR

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. vanishbeer.com

LOW N’ BROWS OKTOBERFEST

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Quattro Goombas Brewery, 22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie. quattrogoombas.com

MIKE RICHARDS

1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Firefly Cellars, 40325 Charles Town Pike, Hamilton. fireflycellars.com

SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Creek’s Edge Winery, 41255 Annas Lane, Lovettsville. creeksedgewinery.com

JEREMIAH PROPHETT

1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Bear Chase Brewing Company, 33665 Bear Chase Lane, Bluemont. bearchasebrew.com

JIM STEELE

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Two Twisted Posts Winery, 12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. twotwistedposts.com

JULIANA MACDOWELL AND MIKE AULT

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards, 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton. thebarnsathamiltonstation. com

SELA CAMPBELL

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Harvest Gap Brewery, 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro. harvestgap.com

HAPPENINGS

continues on page 22

Why We K

LO VE Loudoun

nown as The Godfather of Loudoun wine, Doug Fabbioli grew up in central New York before moving to California to pursue his passion for wine. After 10 years at Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma, he and his wife moved to Loudoun in the 1990s where he worked as the winemaker at Tarara Winery. They bought land in Lucketts, planted their first vines in 2001 and opened Fabbioli Cellars in 2006.

Favorite place to eat?

Our regular spot is The Branch, the bowling alley in Leesburg. Good chef, great bartender, always a place to sit and not too pricy. The specials are solid or I’ll get the quesadillas.

Favorite place for a craft beverage?

Fireworks Pizza. You’ll find my son working the bar there regularly and the team knows their sippers!

Best hidden gem in Loudoun?

We don’t get out much, but I would say Roots 657, the roadside café and market on Rt. 15 in Lucketts. It’s great for BBQ, burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads as well as local wine and country food.

What’s a must-see place for an out-oftown visitor?

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is a gem of the country—and we have it here in our county. You can see incredible aircraft there from the Enola Gay to the Space Shuttle “Discovery” and the last Air France Concorde.

Favorite event in Loudoun to go to?

There are so many, but I particularly look forward to participating in the Halloween parade through downtown Leesburg. It’s traditional, old school, smalltown fun.

What’s a fun fact to share about Loudoun?

Look for the Tannat grape and wine— historically grown in southwest France and Uruguay in South America – to gain in prominence here in Loudoun.

Loudoun wine turns 40 next year –what makes Loudoun a unique/special wine region?

We uniquely combine a historic region, quality crafted wines, small towns and a hi-tech industry in a way that makes for a dynamic experience for visitors and residents.

Where is Loudoun in terms of its status as a wine region compared to say California or Oregon?

Franklin Park Arts Center

36441 Blueridge View Lane, Purcellville, VA 20132 www.franklinparkartscenter.org 540 -338-7973

The Lua Project

October 7 8:00 pm

Tickets: $20

The “DCs Wine Country” tag line has done us proud. As a very young wine region we are doing well but it’s best not to compare to regions that have been growing grapes for two centuries.

How should locals celebrate Virginia Wine Month?

Buy local wine and bring it home to share with friends. We all have a lot of wine in Loudoun and you can easily find the right ones to fit your palate.

Outside of Loudoun, what is your favorite winery in the world?

Tough ask, but I would have to say Buena Vista Winery in Sonoma. My wife married me there and I learned so much during the 10 years I worked there. What’s the best bottle of wine you have ever enjoyed?

A Pride Mountain Sangiovese. The most expensive was a ZD Abacus – also really great! n

Visit Loudoun strives to bring tourists to the county, but locals can be tourists, too. In this series we ask Loudoun residents to tell us about the joys, secrets and delights of their own backyard. Discover something new and share your local adventure with Visit Loudoun using #loveloudoun.

Music For Dessert Concert Series

This live music series on Wednesday evenings features a variety of music genres. Each concert is 45-60 minutes and you can purchase a single in -person ticket or watch the livestream.

Palmyra

(Americana trio)

October 4 @ 7:00 pm

Baroque with Pluck!

(Classical banjo & piano)

October 11 7:00 pm

Martin Graff

(Contemporary piano)

October 18 7:00 pm

Franklin Park Big Band Jazz Combo

October 25 7:00 pm

Andrew McKnight

(Singer, songwriter)

November 1 7:00 pm

AND

THERE’S MORE!

The second installment of our Gold Star series features the Lua Project. With an artistic commitment David Berzonsky, Estela Knott, Matty Metcalfe and Christen Hubbard go deep inside their own cultural roots, meticulously threading together the narrative of their history Appalachian, Mexican, Jewish into a completely original yet seamless journey through styles and centuries. They write gorgeous melodies, punctuated by Estela ’s soaring voice and the band’s complex and subtle arrangements. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage month with this unique concert.

• Beale Street Puppets: Halloween Hijinks

October 11 10:00am

• Not Too-Scary Halloween Trail

October 20 and 21 6:45pm, 7:00pm, 7:15pm, 7:30pm, 7:45pm, 8:00pm

• Outdoor Laser Light Show

October 30 7:00pm

Jim Hanna Photography Winemaker Doug Fabbioli drinks a glass of wine in front of wine barrels in the cellar of his winery at Fabbioli Cellars.

Best Bets

LUA PROJECT

Saturday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. Franklin Park Arts Center, $20 franklinparkartscenter.org

The Lua Project offers an engaging, soulful, celebratory, and captivating performance of their multi-ethnic influences during this Gold Star event.

GET OUT LIVE MUSIC

continued from page 20

RIGHTEOUS ROOTS

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

MELISSA QUINN FOX

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

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

SCOTT KURT

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Doukenie Winery, 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro. doukeniewinery.com

DEANE KERN

2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 868 Estate Vineyards, 14001 Harpers Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 868estatevineyards.com

BOHEMIAN QUEEN

8 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25. tallyhotheater.com

JOSEPH R. MONASTERIAL

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8

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

THE PLATE SCRAPERS

1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Waterford Fair, 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford. waterfordfair.org

LUKE JOHNSON

12 to 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9

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

VENOM INC.

8 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25 to $95.

tallyhotheater.com

TOMMY BOUCH

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12

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

BRIAN HARRIS 7 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12

Parallel Wine & Whiskey Bar, 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, Ashburn. parallelwinebistro.com

ELECTRIC SIX & SURFRAJETTES

7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12

Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St., Leesburg. $25 to $50.

tallyhotheater.com

BOHEMIAN QUEEN

Sunday, Oct. 8, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, $25 tallyhotheater.com

Paulie Z leads this Los Angeles-based tribute band that brings Queen to the stage vocally, musically, and theatrically.

HAPPENINGS

FROM RAILS TO TRAILS: THE MAKING OF AMERICA’S ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5

Old Ox Brewery, 44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn. oldoxbrewery.com

WRITING IN NATURE

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5 Morven Park Grounds, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. Loudounwildlife.org

WATERFORD FAIR

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri., Oct. 6

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Oct. 7

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sun., Oct. 8 Waterford Old School, 40222 Fairfax St., Waterford. $25. waterfordfair.org

COMEDY NIGHT BY THE DC IMPROV

6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6

9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 Tally Ho Theater, 19 W. Market St. SW., Leesburg. $22 to $32. tallyhotheater.com

PURCELLVILLE LIBRARY

FALL BOOK SALE

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7

Purcellville Library, 220 E. Main St., Purcellville. library.loudoun.gov/ Purcellville

THE WALK FOR HOPERAISING AWARENESS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 7

Morven Park Visitor Center, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. $40. loudounfriends.org

LEESBURG VOLUNTEER

FIRE COMPANY OPEN HOUSE

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 61 Plaza St. NE, 61 Plaza St. NE., Leesburg. leesburgfire.org

WALK FOR WILDLIFE

10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 7

Morven Park Grounds, 17339 Southern Planter Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

STERLING VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY RESCUE SQUAD OPEN HOUSE

10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 120 Enterprise St., 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. sterlingfire.org

STERLINGFEST 2023

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 120 Enterprise St., 120 Enterprise St., Sterling. sterlingfoundation.org

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Two Twisted Posts Winery,

ELECTRIC SIX

Thursday, Oct. 12, 8 p.m. Tally Ho Theater, $25 tallyhotheater.com

Fresh off the release of their 15th studio album, “Turquoise,” the Detroit band brings a bit of everything to their live shows: comedy rock, disco garage rock, metal, new wave and punk rock. The Surfrajettes open.

12944 Harpers Ferry Road, Neersville. twotwistedposts.com

ASHBURN VOLUNTEER

FIRE & RESCUE 5K

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 20688 Ashburn Road, Ashburn. ashburnfirerescue.org

LOUDOUN UNITED FC VS. DETROIT CITY FC SEASON

FINALE WITH FAN FEST & FIREWORKS

6:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 Segra Field, 42095 Loudoun United Drive, Leesburg. $20 to $70. loudoununited.com

BIRDING AT IZAAK

WALTON LEAGUE

8 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 Loudoun County Izaak Walton League, 19237 Mountain Spring Lane, Leesburg. loudounwildlife.org

CELEBRATE PURCELLVILLE

FINALE!

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 8 Firemens Field Park, 250 S. Nursery Ave., Purcellville. celebratepurcellville.org

PINTS 4 PAWS LOUDOUN COMMUNITY CAT COALITION

Noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 8

Vanish Farmwoods Brewery, 42245 Black Hops Lane, Lucketts. $30 loudouncommunitycats.org

PROFS & PINTS

NORTHERN VIRGINIA: EARLY AMERICAN WITCH HUNTS

4 to 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 8

Crooked Run Fermentation, 22455 Davis Drive, Sterling. $13.50. profsandpints.com/ washingtondc

JOB FAIR TAILGATE

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 11 Segra Field, 42095 Loudoun United Drive, Leesburg. loudoun.gov

HELPING SENIORS

DOWNSIZE LUNCH & PANEL DISCUSSION

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12

JK Moving & Storage, 44112 Mercure Circle, Sterling. Free. jkmoving.com

LOUDOUN’S GOOSE CREEK & LITTLE RIVER NAVIGATION COMPANY

7 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12, Aldie Mill Historic Park, 39401 Little River Turnpike, Aldie novaparks.com/parks/aldiemill-historic-park

Honor Brewing

continued from page 19

new version of beer-battered onion rings and seeing how we can re-introduce them.”

“We’re trying to create a story of local farm-to-table that blends with our brewery production,” he said. “I think the details translate pretty easily. The food is a little bit different but we’re having fun doing it. “

Town of Leesburg

Employment Opportunities

On the beer side, the Cage family has turned to a veteran brewer to head up the expansion. Director of Brewing Operations Greg Fleehart has 15 years of experience, including as head brewer with Commonwealth Brewing Company in Virginia Beach and the Precarious Beer Project in Williamsburg.

Fleehart favors Belgium beers and is known for his award-winning lagers. The commemorative beer at the Loudoun location will be “Lot 14,” a

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

wild cherry ale named for the location of the brewery in the industrial park.

A central feature of Honor Brewing’s mission is support for veterans and first responders through its nonprofit foundation. Each month the brewery selects a charity to highlight and shares proceeds from the sales of its best-selling Classic Lager, with more than $50,000 donated to date. This month, the brewery plans to highlight the work of Veterans Moving Forward, a Loudoun-based nonprofit

that trains service dogs for combat veterans. Next month, it will be the Bolder Crest Retreat in Bluemont, which has developed new therapies to aid with post-traumatic stress.

“We want to raise and give away as much money as we can,” Allen Cage said.

Honor Brewing Company’s Loudoun location is at 42604 Trade Wind Drive in Sterling. Learn more at honorbrewing.com n

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.

Construction Project Manager/Project Engineer

Meridien Group, LLC is seeking a motivated, qualified individual to handle all aspects of construction project management. Duties include Preparing, scheduling, coordinating and monitoring the assigned projects. Monitoring compliance to applicable codes, practices, QA/QC policies, performance standards and specifications.

Interacting daily with the clients to interpret their needs and requirements and representing them in the field.

We are looking for an accountable project engineer/project manager to be responsible for all engineering and technical disciplines that projects involve. You will schedule, plan, forecast, resource and manage all the technical activities aiming at assuring project accuracy and quality from conception to completion.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering/Construction Management or relevant field

• Prior federal government project experience is preferred, but not required

• Entr y-level/mid-level Position

Contact Info:

Katherine Hicks

305 Harrison Street STE 100 Leesburg, VA 20175

Send Resume to: khicks@meridiengroupllc.com (703) 777-8285

PUBLIC HEARING

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 11, 2023, in order to consider:

AMENDMENTS

TO CHAPTER 860 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY

Personal Property and Real Estate Tax

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage an amendment to Chapter 860.06, Exemption for Farm Animals, Certain Grains, Agricultural Products, Farm Machinery, Farm Implements and Equipment, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendment would modify Chapter 860.06, to add additional equipment to the list of exempt property:

• Motor vehicles that are used primarily for agricultural purposes where the owner is not required to obtain a registration certificate,

• Privately owned trailers primarily used by farmers for the transportation of farm animals or farm products,

• Season extending vegetable hoop houses used for in-field production of produce

A complete copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance amendment may be examined 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 also may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at www.loudoun.gov/bosdocuments

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 878 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCE OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Transient Occupancy Tax

Pursuant to Virginia Code §15.2-1427, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to propose for passage amendments to Chapter 878 Transient Occupancy Tax., of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments are as follows:

• Update to the Definitions, adding the definition of “accommodations intermediary” as defined in §58.1-602 of the Code of Virginia.

• Updating Chapter 878.05 Reports and Remittance of Tax, to require that all entities collecting Transient Occupancy Tax to report and remit collections monthly by the 20th day of the following month to reflect updates to §58.1-3827 of the Virginia Code that require accommodations intermediaries to report Transient Occupancy Tax monthly by the 20th, and the Commissioner of the Revenue is proposing all entities collecting Transient Occupancy Tax report on that same schedule.

A complete copy of the full text of the proposed ordinance amendment may be examined 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

AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 1066 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF LOUDOUN COUNTY Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems

Pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 15.2-1427 and 15.2-958, the Board of Supervisors gives notice of its intention to amend Chapter 1066, Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems, of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. The proposed amendments is to clarify the definition of “maintenance” in the Codified Ordinances and to establish the elements of onsite sewage systems that would require a permit issued by the Loudoun County Health Department to repair or correct.

The proposed amendments to Chapter 1066 will be effective upon adoption by the Board of Supervisors. A complete copy of the full text of proposed ordinance amendment may be examined 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

LEGI-2023-0035, Aligned Energy Data Center: ZMAP-2022-0008, SPEX2022-0024, SPMI-2022-0014, ZMOD-2022-0028, & ZMOD-2022-0083

Aligned Energy Data Center

(Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception, Minor Special Exception & Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

Aligned Data Centers (Relo) PropCo., LLC has submitted applications for the following: a zoning map amendment, a special exception, a minor special exception, and zoning modifications for approximately 10.14 acres in size located immediately west of Relocation Drive and north of Executive Drive and south of Loudoun Downs Lane in the Sterling Election District (the “Subject Property”) and more particularly described as 22715 Relocation Drive, PIN: 045-27-9612-000; Tax Map # /94////////10/. For ZMAP-20220008, the applicant seeks to rezone 10.14 acres from the R-1 (Single Family Residential-1) zoning district under the Zoning Ordinance to the PD-OP (Planned Development – Office Park) zoning district to

develop a data center. For SPEX-2022-0024, the applicant seeks to increase the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 0.6 to 1.13. For SPMI-2022-0014, the applicant seeks to reduce the building setback from 75 feet to 58 feet along the South Sterling Boulevard right of way and to reduce the parking setback from 35 feet to 15 feet from South Sterling Boulevard. For ZMOD-2022-0028 and ZMOD-2022-0083, the applicant seeks zoning modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property including: to permit a 99.5-foot building within the 58-foot setback from future South Sterling Boulevard, and by removing the required sidewalk along South Sterling Boulevard and by replacing the Road Corridor Buffer Type 3 and six-foot earthen berm required for Data Centers with the road corridor buffer types required under Section 5-1403(B) for South Sterling Boulevard (Type 2 Buffer) and Relocation Drive (Type 1 Buffer) and by providing plant types and percentages of plant units required under Section 5-1408(B)(2) in lieu of the required plant types and percentages of plant units specified for Data Centers.

LEGI-2023-0068,

S&S Child Care Home:

SPMI-2023-0006

(Minor Special Exception)

Maria Giraldez, Director of Sunshine and Sprouts Home Day Care in Sterling, Virginia, has submitted an application for a Minor Special Exception for approximately 0.04 acres of land located north of Palisade Parkway (Route 1795) and west of Nerine Court (Route 1910) in the Algonkian Election District. (the “Subject Property”). The Subject Property is more particularly identified as 20866 Derrydale Square, Sterling, Virginia, PIN: 019-49-0113-000; Tax Map # /81/S/1///108/. The minor special exception would permit a Child Care Home in the PDH-4 (Planned Development Housing – 4) zoning district administered as R-8 (Single Family Residential) under the Zoning Ordinance. The proposed use is listed as a permitted use under Section 3-503 of the Zoning Ordinance. The modification of the Additional Regulations applicable to the proposed use is authorized by Minor Special Exception under 5-600, Additional Regulations for Specific Uses, pursuant to which the Applicant requests the following modifications: permit a Child Care Home for up to 12 children in a single family attached dwelling to be located on a lot less than 5,000 square feet in size.

AGDT-2023-0002, AGDT-2023-0003, AGDT-2023-0004, INTERIM ADDITIONS TO AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTAL DISTRICTS

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:

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.

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:

Each of these Districts will be reviewed prior to its expiration date pursuant to Chapter 1226 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County. CONTINUED

Legal Notices

Received applications were referred to the ADAC for review and recommendation. The ADAC held a public meeting on August 14, 2023, to consider the applications. The report and recommendations of the ADAC will be considered by the Planning Commission at its public hearing on September 26, 2023. The reports and recommendations of the ADAC and the Planning Commission will be considered by the Board of Supervisors at its public hearing.

In accordance with Section 15.2-4307 of the Code of Virginia, the applications may be examined 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 by calling 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies or electronically at: https://www.loudoun.gov/adac (8-14-2023 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/bosdocuments

LEGI-2023-0041, COMMONWEALTH CENTER RESIDENTIAL: ZMAP-2022-0016, SPEX-2023-0018, ZMOD-2022-0058, ZMOD-2022-0059, ZMOD-2022-0061, ZMOD-2022-0062, ZMOD-2023-0033, ZMOD-2023-0034, & ZMOD-2023-0035

(Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exception, Zoning Ordinance Modifications)

CWC Shops LC has submitted applications for: a zoning map amendment, special exception, and zoning modifications for approximately 21.97 acres of land located south of Route 7 on the east side of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 607), and both the north and south sides of Russell Branch Parkway (Route 1061) in the Broad Run Election District (the “Subject Property”). The Subject Property is more particularly identified as:

Capretti Land, Inc. has submitted applications for a zoning map amendment, special exceptions, a minor special exception, and zoning modifications for approximately 31.67 acres of land located along Stone Springs Blvd (Route 659), south of Arcola Mills Drive (Route 651), and north of Lee Jackson Memorial Highway (Route 50) in the Dulles Ridge Election District (the “Subject Property”). The Subject Property is more particularly identified as:

For ZMAP-2022-0016, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property to the R-24 ADU (Multifamily Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit Regulations) zoning district under the Zoning Ordinance in order to develop up to 625 residential units. For SPEX-2023-0018, the applicant seeks a special exception to modify the minimum yard requirements for the R-24 ADU (Multifamily Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit Regulations) zoning district. For ZMOD-2022-0058, ZMOD-2022-0059, ZMOD-2022-0061, ZMOD-2022-0062, ZMOD-2023-0029, ZMOD-2023-0033, ZMOD-2023-0034, & ZMOD-2023-0035, the applicant seeks Zoning Ordinance modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property, including but not limited to: allow access from a private access easement for the remaining parcels located in the in the PD-CC (Planned Development – Commercial Center) zoning district; allow primary access to the remaining PD-CC zoning district through a residential street; reduce the minimum size of the remaining PD-CC zoning district; reduce the required open space for the remaining PD-CC zoning district; allow the required landscape buffer for the remaining PD-CC zoning district to be located on the outside perimeter of the remaining PD-CC zoning district and the proposed R-24 ADU (Multifamily Residential Affordable Dwelling Unit Regulations) zoning district, reduce the required parking for Affordable Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Affordable Housing Units (AHUs) to 1.2 parking spaces per ADU and AHU; eliminate the required landscape buffer between the remaining PD-CC zoning district and the proposed R-24 ADU zoning district; allow access to lots created after the rezoning to be provided by Category A and B private roads; allow a 60-foot building height without additional setback for a height over 45 feet; and allow for a ten-foot building and parking setback along Commonwealth Center Drive.

LEGI-2023-0033, OLD ARCOLA RESIDENTIAL: ZMAP-2022-0005, SPEX2022-0017, SPEX-2022-0018, SPEX-2022-0019, SPEX-2023-0013, SPMI2022-0005, ZMOD-2022-0017, ZMOD-2022-0070, ZMOD-2022-0071, ZMOD2022-0084, ZMOD-2022-0085, ZMOD-2022-0086, ZMOD-2023-0018 and ZMOD-2023-0042

(Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exceptions, Minor Special Exception & Zoning Modifications)

For ZMAP-2022-0005, the applicant seeks to rezone the Subject Property from the RC (Rural Commercial) and GB (General Business) zoning districts to the R8 (R-8-Single Family Residential) and R16 (R-16-Townhouse/Multifamily Residential) zoning districts under the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance in order to develop 228 residential units at a density of 7.2. For SPEX-2022-0017, SPEX-2022-0018, SPEX2022-0019, and SPEX-2023-0013, the applicant seeks special exceptions to modify yard and lot requirements including but not limited to: allow parking in required yards, to allow a 20’ minimum rear yard for single family detached units, to allow a 10’ minimum front yard for multi-family units, and to allow for a public or private community or regional park in the R-16 zoning district. For SPMI-2022-0005, the applicant seeks a minor special exception to modify recycling container setbacks from 150 feet from residential dwellings to 60 feet. For ZMOD-2022-0017, ZMOD-2022-0070, ZMOD-2022-0071, ZMOD-2022-0084, ZMOD-2022-0085, ZMOD-2022-0086, ZMOD-2023-0018, and ZMOD-2023-0042, the applicant seeks zoning modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property including but not limited to: eliminate buffer yards and planting requirements, reduce the front yard requirement for corner lots from 25 feet minimum to 10 feet minimum, to allow single family attached units and multi-family units to front on private streets, to allow for no maximum height for patios or decks and to allow for porches, enclosed or unenclosed, to not extend closer than 10 feet to a lot line, to allow for all required plant unit types within the Type-A Buffer Yard requirement for peripheral parking lot landscaping to be located on the adjacent County property, to allow for single family attached buildings in the R-8 Zoning District to be a maximum height of 50 feet, and to remove the Type 2 Road Corridor Buffer.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, and amendments for each item listed above may be examined 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 703-7770246 (option 5) to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications for public hearings may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc. In addition, documents may be viewed and downloaded electronically 72 hours in advance of the public hearing at: loudoun.gov/bosdocuments.

Board of Supervisors public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Meetings are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40. Meetings also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views regarding those matters listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the public hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, call the Office of the County Administrator at (703) 777-0200. For this public hearing, advanced sign-up will be taken after 8:30 a.m. on September 29, 2023, and no later than 12:00 p.m. on October 11, 2023. Members of the public 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. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications

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/TTY-711. At least one business 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.

BY ORDER OF: PHYLLIS RANDALL, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 9/28 & 10/5/23

Legal Notices

PUBLIC AUCTION

This proceeding is for the judicial sale of real properties located in Loudoun County, Virginia, for payment of delinquent taxes pursuant to the provisions of Virginia Code §§ 58.1-3965, et seq. Pursuant to Orders entered by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, Virginia, the undersigned Robert J. Sproul, Special Commissioner of Sale of said Court, will offer the real properties described below for sale at public auction to the highest bidder on the steps of the Historic Courthouse of Loudoun County, in Leesburg, Virginia on:

October 12, 2023

3:00 p.m.

RAIN OR SHINE

Registration Starts at 2:30 p.m.

TERMS OF SALE:

1. The sale of any real property is subject to the approval and confirmation by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County.

2. The Special Commissioner of Sale reserves the right to withdraw from sale any property listed and to reject any bid by declaring “NO SALE” after the last bid received on a property.

3. Any person who wishes to bid on any property during the auction must register with County staff before the start of bidding. As part of the registration process, potential bidders must: (i) have sufficient funds on hand to pay the Minimum Deposit required for each parcel on which they want to bid; and (ii) sign a form certifying that they do not own any property in Loudoun County for which any delinquent taxes are due, or for which there are zoning or other violations.

4. The Minimum Deposit required for each parcel is specified below, as part of the property description. The full amount of the Minimum Deposit must be paid by cashier’s or certified check made payable to Gary Clemens, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, at the time the auctioneer declares the sale

5. In lieu of attending the auction, bidders may submit written bids to Robert J. Sproul, Special Commissioner of Sale, at the address listed below. All written bids must be accompanied by the applicable Minimum Deposit, which shall be paid by cashier’s or certified check made payable to Gary Clemens, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County. Written bids must also be accompanied by a certification that the bidder is not the owner of any property in Loudoun County for which delinquent taxes are due, or for which there are zoning or other violations. A written bid form, which includes the required certification, can be obtained from the Special Commissioner of Sale or the Treasurer’s website.

6. Written bids (with the required deposit and certification) will be received by the Special Commissioner of Sale at any time prior to the date of auction and held under seal until the date of the auction. If a written bid exceeds the highest live bid received from the audience during the auction, the audience will have an opportunity to bid against the written bid. If a higher bid is not received from the audience, the Special Commissioner of Sale may declare the sale to the proponent of the highest written bid or may reject all bids by declaring “NO SALE.”

7. If either a written bid or a live auction bid is approved by the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, the balance of the purchase price must be paid in full within 30 days of Court approval.

8. Once a submitted written bid or a live bid has been accepted during the auction, it cannot be withdrawn except by leave of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County. Any bidder who attempts to withdraw his/ her bid after it has been accepted by the Special Commissioners of Sale may be required to forfeit his/her deposit.

9. Properties are offered “as is,” with all faults and without warranties or guarantees either expressed or implied. Prospective bidders should investigate the title on properties prior to bidding and are encouraged to review the case file for the civil actions in the Circuit Court. The sale of the properties is not subject to the successful bidders’ ability to obtain title insurance. The sale of the properties is made free and clear only of liens of defendant(s) named in the respective judicial proceeding, and of those liens recorded after the County filed a lis pendens with the Circuit Court of Loudoun County.

10. All recording costs (including but not limited to any grantor’s tax/fee) will be at the expense of the purchaser. All property will be conveyed by Special Warranty Deed from the Special Commissioner of Sale.

11. Announcements made on the day of sale take precedence over any prior verbal or written terms of sale.

12. The Special Commissioner of Sale represents that information regarding the property to be offered for sale, including acreage, type of improvements, etc., is taken from tax and/or land records, and is not guaranteed for either accuracy or completeness. Bidders are encouraged to make their own investigation to determine the title, condition of improvements, accessibility, and occupancy status of each property and to bid accordingly. The sale will be made subject to matters visible upon inspection, and to restrictions, conditions, rights-of-way and easements, if any, contained in the instruments constituting the chain of title. Any costs incurred by a bidder to inspect or investigate any property are the bidder’s responsibility and are not reimbursable.

13. The owner of any property listed below may redeem it at any time before the date of the auction by paying all taxes, penalties, interest, costs (including the pro rata costs of publishing this advertisement and attorney’s fees) incurred through the date before the auction.

Below is a brief description of each property to be offered for sale at the auction. More detailed information may be obtained by examining the files in the Clerk’s office of the Circuit Court of Loudoun County, or by contacting Robert J. Sproul, Special Commissioner of Sale at (703) 777-0307; or N. Rebekah Long, Deputy Treasurer for Collections at (703) 771-5656.

THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN v. JAMES V. BARRETT, et al

CIVIL ACTION NO. CL 23-4219

LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /48///215/338/ PIN 188-28-2869-024

Robert J. Sproul, Special Commissioner of Sale

Minimum Deposit Required: $24,055.00

The subject property is a residential condominium which contains 0.0 acres, more or less, with improvements, located at 79 Hancock Place NE, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 and is further described among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia as:

Unit 338, Phase 15, Block 2, HERITAGE SQUARE, a Condominium, TOGETHER WITH the undivided interest in the General Common Elements and Limited Common Elements which attach to said Unit as described in that certain Declaration with attached plats designating the relative location and identification of each Unit and General and Limited Common Elements located in the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, and recorded in Deed Book 642, at Page 183, as amended in Deed Book 668, Page 759, Deed Boole 683, Page 775, Deed Book 710, Page 85, Deed Book 727, page 785, Deed Book 740, Page 102, Deed Book 752, Page 599, Deed Book 756, Page 404, Deed Book 762, Page 92, Deed Book 768, Page 543, Deed Book BOO, Page 478, Deed Book 815, Page 1579, Deed Book 826, Page 29, Deed Book 836, Page 1191, Deed Book 836, Page 1761, Deed Book 858, Page 1634, Deed Book 865, Page 223, Deed Book 881, Page 1943, and any subsequent amendments thereto among the Land Records of Loudoun County, Virginia.

THE COUNTY OF LOUDOUN v. MELISSA PHILLIPS, et al

CIVIL ACTION NO. CL 23-4171

LOUDOUN COUNTY TAX MAP NO. /82/J/1PE5424/

PIN 007-479-996-024

Robert J. Sproul, Special Commissioner of Sale

Minimum Deposit Required: $41,946.00

The subject property is a residential condominium unit which contains 0.0 acres, with improvements, located in the Central Parke at Lowes Island Condominium, with an address of 20804 Noble Terrace, Unit 424, Sterling, Virginia, 20165 and is further described in a Deed among the land records of Loudoun County, Virginia, conveying the Property to Debra L. Phillips on May 5, 2015 as:

Condominium Unit 424, Land Unit 5, CENTRAL PARKE AT LOWES ISLAND CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided interest in the common and Limited common elements and all other rights and privileges which attach or are appurtenant to said Unit, all as described in the Declaration of Central Park at Lowes Island Condominium, with Plats and Plans, and Exhibits attached thereto, , as Instrument Number 20030212-0012719, with Plats following as Instrument Number 20030212*0012720 and amended as Instrument Number 20050311-0025452 and the Condominium Plat as Instrument Number 20050311-0025453, among the Land Records of Loudoun County, Virginia, and any amendments thereto, whether now or existing or hereafter recorded as permitted by aforesaid Declaration.

AND BEING the same property conveyed to Lester Sablosky and Anne Sablosky, Trustees of the Revocable Living Trust of Lester Sablosky and Anne Sablosky by Virtue of a Deed dated March 30th, 2005 and recorded March 31, 2005 as Instrument Number 20050331-0033018 among the aforesaid land records.

Lester Sablosky departed this life on December 16, 2012, leaving Anne Sablosky as Surviving Trustee of the Revocable Living Trust of Lester Sablosky and Anne Sablosky.

Anne Sablosky departed this life on October 24, 2014. Per the Third Cumulative Amendment to Marital Trust under Living Trust of Lester Sablosky and Anne Sablosky, Richard G. Sablosky, Robin G. Sablosky and Craig S. Sablosky were appointed as Successor Co-Trustees of the Revocable Living Trust of Lester Sablosky and Anne Sablosky.

Robert J. Sproul

Special Commissioner of Sale Assistant County Attorney Office of County Attorney

1 Harrison Street, S.E.

P.O. Box 7000

Leesburg, Virginia 20177-7000 (703) 777-0307

Legal Notices

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046599-04-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Briston Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

/v.

Shakita Love, Mother, Emanuel Cobb, putative father, and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a second Permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Briston Love.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Shakita Love, Mother, Emanuel Cobb, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 8, 2023 at 2:00pm

9/28, 10/5, 10/12 & 10/19/23

ORDER OF PUBLICATION COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046598-04-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Chloe Love

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

/v.

Shakita Love, Mother, Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father

The object of this suit is to hold a second Permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Chloe Love.

It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Shakita Love, Mother, Willie Huff, putative father, and Unknown Father appear at the above-named Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 8, 2023 at 2:00pm

9/28, 10/5, 10/12 & 10/19/23

ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE REMOVAL OF A STRUCTURE AT 25450 LIZZIO CENTER DRIVE, CHANTILLY, VIRGINIA

An ordinance requiring the removal of a structure that might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of the County and authorizing the County to remove the structure if the owner and lienholder have failed to remove the structure after reasonable notice and a reasonable time to do so.

The Board of Supervisors of the County of Loudoun, Virginia, finds that the there exists a structure (the “Structure”) located at 25450 Lizzio Center Drive, Chantilly, Virginia, PIN 097-27-4045-000 and Tax Map # 107////////47/, (the “Property”) that has remained in the same unfinished and vacant state since 2008; and

The Board of Supervisors of the County of Loudoun finds that the Structure might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of the County on account of it being perpetually vacant and unmonitored, obstructed from the view of surrounding properties, without lighting or any other modern security features, easily susceptible to entry by breaching the fence surrounding the Structure, and being such a place that carries great potential for injury to occur; and

NOW, THEREFORE, having found that the Structure might endanger the public health or safety of other residents of the County, BE IT ORDAINED THAT the Owner of the Property shall remove, forthwith, the Structure referenced herein; and

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED THAT if the Owner and lienholder (if a lienholder exists) of the Property, after reasonable notice and a reasonable time to do so, have failed to remove the Structure, the County Administrator, in conjunction with the County Attorney, is hereby directed to proceed in accordance with § 15.2-906 of the Code of Virginia to remove the Structure referenced herein, however, no action to remove the Structure shall be taken by the County for at least 30 days following the later of the return of the receipt of the mailing or newspaper publication; and

BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED THAT in the event the County, through its own agents or employees removes the Structure, the cost or expenses thereof shall be chargeable to and paid by the owners of such property and may be collected by the County as taxes are collected, and that every charge with which the Owner of the Property has been assessed and that remains unpaid shall constitute a lien against such property ranking on a parity with liens for unpaid local real estate taxes and enforceable in the same manner.

10/5 & 10/12/23

A message to Loudoun County Property Owners regarding the Land Use Assessment Program

Robert S. Wertz, Jr. Commissioner of the Revenue

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.

• First Time Applicants: must submit an application and the required fee no later than November 1, 2023. Applications are available online, in my office, or can be mailed directly to you.

• Existing Land Use Program Participants: if your property is currently enrolled in the program, you are only required to renew your land use status every 6th year. Existing Land Use Assessment Program participants must submit a renewal form, documentation supporting the bona fide production income for agricultural and horticultural land use, and the required fee, no later than November 1, 2023. Participants who are up for renewal will be mailed their forms the first week of September (you may check your renewal year at www.loudoun.gov/parceldatabase by entering the property’s address, or parcel identification number, and selecting the LAND USE STATUS tab). Properties showing a Reval/Recert Year of 2018 are up for renewal this year.

An additional deferral of taxes may be available to current Land Use Program participants if they sign, and record, an agreement to keep the property in its qualifying use for more than 5 years, but not exceeding 20 years. The commitment must be filed with my office no later than November 1, 2023, and recorded in the Loudoun County Clerk of the Circuit Court´s office no later than December 15, 2023.

DEADLINES

Applications must be submitted no later than November 1, 2023, to avoid late filing fees.

Applications submitted between November 2, 2023, but prior to December 5, 2023, are subject to a $300 per parcel late filing fee in addition to the standard filing fee.

Applications will NOT be accepted after December 5, 2023.

FILING FEES

Received, or postmarked, by November 1, 2023

• $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof

Received, or postmarked, between November 2 and December 5, 2023

• $125 plus $1 per acre or portion thereof plus a $300 per parcel late filing fee

Online: www.loudoun.gov/landuse

Email: landuse@loudoun.gov

Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, M - F Phone: (703) 737-8557

Mailing Address PO Box 8000 MSC 32

Leesburg, VA 20177-9804

Overnight Deliveries 1 Harrison Street, SE, MSC 32

Leesburg, VA 20175-3102

Leesburg Office 1 Harrison Street, SE 1st Floor

Leesburg, VA 20175

Sterling Office 46000 Center Oak Plaza

Sterling, VA 20166

9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19 & 10/26/23

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION will conduct a public hearing during its work session on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia. The items proposed for public hearing during this work session are as follows:

LEGI-2023-0044, 3 DOG FARM: SPEX-2022-0039

(Special Exception)

Gina Schaefer has submitted an application for a special exception for approximately 23.02 acres of land located north of Shannondale Road, and west of Edgegrove Road, in the Catoctin Election District (the “Subject Property”). The subject property is more particularly described as 15268 Shannondale Road, PIN 550-46-7353-000, Tax Map # /24///2/////1/. For SPEX-2022-0039, the applicant seeks to permit a dog kennel use in the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural – 1) zoning district. The proposed use is listed as a Special Exception use under Table 2-102 in Section 2-102 of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance

LEGI-2023-0017, VILLAGE AT CLEAR SPRINGS: ZMAP-2021-0008, SPEX-2021-0028, SPEX-2021-0029, SPEX-2021-0030, SPEX-2022-0044, ZMOD-2021-0035, ZMOD-2021-0036, ZMOD-2021-0091, ZMOD-2022-0036 & ZMOD-2022-0037

(Zoning Map Amendment, Special Exceptions & Zoning Modifications)

Clear Springs Development, LLC, has submitted applications for the following: a zoning map amendment, special exceptions, and zoning modifications for approximately 245.95 acres of land located east of Evergreen Mills Road (Route 621), west of Dulles Greenway (Route 267), and south of Battlefield Parkway (Route 654) in the Catoctin Election District. The subject property is more particularly described as:

restricted SFD dwelling units), 578 single family attached (SFA) dwelling units (including 157 SFA agerestricted dwelling units), and 360 multi-family attached (MF Attached) dwelling units (including 180 MF Attached age-restricted dwelling units). For SPEX-2021-0028, SPEX-2021-0029, SPEX-2021-0030, and SPEX-2022-0044 the applicant seeks special exceptions to permit playing fields and courts with lights, a private club or lodge, and to modify the required yards within the portion of the property administered as R-8 and R-1. For ZMOD-2021-0035, ZMOD-2021-0036, ZMOD-2021-0091, ZMOD-2022-0036, and ZMOD-2022-0037, the applicant seeks zoning modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property including but not limited to: allow single family detached dwellings to front and access from a private road, reduce lot width from 24 feet to 20 feet for single family attached residential, to reduce lot width from 24 feet to 20 feet for the townhouse/multi-family district, to eliminate the street tree requirement, to permit the calculation of minimum tree canopy to be tabulated overall for the entire development area, and to eliminate buffer yards.

LEGI-2023-0019, CEDAR TERRACE AT SOUTH RIDING: ZMAP-2021-0016, ZCPA-2021-0008, SPEX-2021-0042, SPEX-2022-0028, SPEX-2022-0029, SPEX-2022-0030, ZMOD-2021-0050, ZMOD-2021-0051, ZMOD-2021-0052, ZMOD-2021-0053, ZMOD-2021-0054, ZMOD-2021-0055, ZMOD-2023-0005, ZMOD-2023-0006, ZMOD-2023-0007, ZMOD-2023-0008, ZMOD-2023-0020, ZMOD-2023-0024, and ZMOD-2023-0025

(Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Concept Plan Amendment, Special Exception & Zoning Modifications)

Toll VA II, LP has submitted applications for the following: a zoning map amendment, a zoning concept plan amendment, special exceptions, and zoning modifications for approximately 55.94 acres of land located south of Little River Turnpike (Route 50), west of Loudoun County Parkway (Route 606) and the east side of Tall Cedars Parkway (Route 2200) in the Dulles Election District (the “Subject Property”). The Subject Property is more particularly identified as:

For ZMAP-2021-0008, the applicant seeks to rezone approximately 245.95 acres from the AR-1 (Agricultural Rural) zoning district to the PD-H6 (Planned Development – Housing), administered as R-1 (Residential), R-8 and R-16)) zoning district in order to develop 1,180 dwelling units consisting of 242 single-family detached (SFD) dwelling units (including one existing SFD dwelling unit and 131 age-

For ZMAP-2021-0016, the applicant seeks to rezone a 29.54-acre portion of the Subject Property from PD-CC(SC) (Planned Development - Commercial Center (Small Regional Center)), PD-H4 (Planned Development-Housing 4), and CLI (Commercial Light Industry) zoning districts to the (R-16 ADU) Townhouse/Multifamily – 16 zoning district to develop a total of 393 dwelling units consisting of up to 211 single family attached units, 130 multifamily stacked units, and 52 multifamily attached units at a density of 13.30 dwelling units per acre. For ZCPA-2021-0008, the applicant is proposing to amend the proffers and Concept Development Plan (CDP) approved with ZMAP-2006-0018 to permit development of up to 222,200 square feet of commercial uses on 26.4 acres of the Subject Property currently zoned PD-CC(SC). For SPEX-2021-0042, the applicant seeks to reduce the front and rear yards from 15 feet to 5 feet for single-family attached units. For SPEX-2022-0028, SPEX-2022-0029, and SPEX-2022-0030, the applicant seeks special exceptions to permit an Animal Hospital, Veterinary Services, and Indoor Kennel uses, respectively, in the PD-CC(SC) zoning district. For ZMOD-2021-0050, ZMOD-2021-0051, ZMOD-2021-0052, ZMOD-2021-0053, ZMOD-2021-0054, ZMOD-2021-0055, ZMOD-2023-0005, ZMOD-2023-0006, ZMOD-2023-0007, ZMOD-2023-0008, ZMOD-2023-0020, ZMOD-2023-0024, and ZMOD-2023-0025, the applicant seeks zoning modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property including but not limited to: reduce the PD-CC zoned district yard adjacent to residential districts from 100 feet to 0 feet, reduce PD-CC district yards adjacent to non-residential districts from 35 feet to 0 feet for buildings and from 35 feet to 0 feet for parking, waive the requirement that Small Regional Centers must have controlled access to major collector roads to allow for right-in only access to the Subject Property from Loudoun County Parkway and Route 50, reduce the building and parking CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Legal Notices

setbacks from 75 feet to 35 feet along Tall Cedars Parkway, increase the R-16 district size from 25 acres to 29.54 acres, increase the maximum building height in the R-16 district to up to 60 feet with no additional setbacks in Land Bay 3 and up to 55 feet with no additional setbacks in Land Bay 2, reduce the affordable dwelling unit building parking requirement in Land Bay 3 to 1.5 parking spaces per dwelling unit, permit the Route 50 interchange reservation area to remain in its current vegetated state for up to 30 years due to the impending interchange construction, allow structures requiring a building permit to be erected upon a lot fronting on to open space, reduce the required parking for the proposed pool, clubhouse, and central recreation area to five parking spaces, reduce the required road corridor buffer from 10 feet to 9 feet on Street Types 2 and 3, and reduce from 10 feet to 0 feet on Street Type 4, as referenced in the Cedar Terrace Design Guidelines (this road corridor buffer width reduction includes the reduction of plant units within the buffer), increase the maximum building height in the PD-CC (SC) district to up to 60 feet with no additional setbacks in Land Bay 1, to permit a primary access point on a residential neighborhood street, for the access point at PIN 164-48-2842-000 and PIN 164-48-1914-000, and to allow commercial and service uses and structures and their parking areas to be oriented toward existing and planned minor streets in residential neighborhoods or from existing and planned adjacent residential neighborhoods not separated from the district by streets.

LEGI-2023-0040, CASCADES MARKETPLACE:

ZMAP-2022-0015, ZMOD-2022-0053, ZMOD2022-0054, ZMOD-2022-0055 & SPMI-2022-0017

(Zoning Map Amendment, Zoning Modifications, and Minor Special Exception)

Cascades Marketplace LP and Cascades Park Place LP have submitted applications for the following: a zoning map amendment, zoning modifications, and a minor special exception for approximately 34.48 acres of land located on the east side of Cascades Parkway (Route 1794), south side of Palisade Parkway (Route 1795) and north of Leesburg Pike (Route 7) in the Algonkian Election District (the “Subject Property”). The subject property is more particularly described as:

but not limited to: to reduce the size of the Town Center Core from 10 acres to approximately 6.80 acres in size; to reduce the minimum building height from 24 feet to 18 feet in the Town Center Core for existing retail buildings and a minimum building height of 20 feet in the Town Center Core for new retail buildings; to reduce the size of the required town green from 40,000 square feet to approximately 15,000 square feet; to increase the maximum total gross floor area devoted to residential use to from 50% to 80%; to eliminate the requirement for 3% of the total gross floor area within the district that is devoted to civic uses and/or other public uses; to increase the maximum perimeter of blocks from 1,600 feet to 1,900 feet in the Town Center Core; and to increase the maximum perimeter of blocks from 1,600 feet to 2,250 feet in the Town Center Fringe.

Copies of the proposed plans, ordinances, or amendments for each item listed above may be examined at the Loudoun County Government Center, Office of County Administrator, Information Desk, First Floor, 1 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, Virginia, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday or call 703-777-0246 (option 5), to request hard copies or electronic copies. Additional project files related to land use applications and land use ordinances may be reviewed electronically at loudoun.gov/landmarc 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 (option 5).

Planning Commission work sessions and public hearings are held in the Board Room of the Government Center. Public hearings and work sessions are televised on Comcast Government Channel 23 and Verizon FiOS Channel 40, and are also are livestreamed at loudoun.gov/meetings

Members of the public desiring to do so may appear and present their views during the public hearing portion of the work session. Public comment will be received only for those items listed for public hearing. Members of the public who wish to provide public input, whether electronically or in person, are encouraged to sign-up in advance; however, speakers may sign-up during the hearing. If you wish to sign-up in advance, please call the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-777-0246 (option 5) prior to 12:00 PM on the day of the work session; however, speakers may also sign-up at the work session. Written comments concerning any item before the Commission are welcomed at any time and may be sent to the Loudoun County Planning Commission, P.O. Box 7000 Leesburg, VA 20177-7000, 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 for the Clerk’s records. Members of the public may also submit comments on land use items electronically at loudoun.gov/landapplications. 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 work session to request additional time to speak on behalf of such organization. Regularly scheduled Planning Commission work sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month. In the event the work session cannot be conducted on that date due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the work session, the work session may be continued to the third Tuesday of the month. In the event the work session may not be held on the third Tuesday due to weather or other conditions that make it hazardous for members to attend the work session, the work session may be continued to the Thursday following the third Tuesday.

For ZMAP-2022-0015, the applicant seeks to rezone approximately 34.48 acres from the PD-H4 (Planned Development – Housing 4) zoning district administered under the PD-CC(CC) (Planned Development –Commercial Center (Community Center)) zoning district to the PD-TC (Planned Development – Town Center) zoning district in order to develop a maximum of 755 dwelling units, consisting of a combination of between 700 multifamily attached units and 180 single family attached and/or multifamily stacked units, at a density of approximately 22 dwelling units per acre. For SPMI-2022-0017, the applicant seeks a minor special exception to reduce the minimum building setback requirements in the PD-TC zoning district from 75 feet to 35 feet from Cascades Parkway, pursuant to Section 5-1409(B)(1) of the Revised 1993 Zoning Ordinance. For ZMOD-2022-0053, ZMOD-2022-0054, and ZMOD-2022-0055, the applicant seeks zoning modifications for various regulations affecting the Subject Property including

LOUDOUN COUNTY WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR:

FEDERAL GRANTS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, RFP No. 639811 until prior to 4:00 p.m., local “Atomic Time”, October 26, 2023.

Solicitation forms may be obtained 24 hours a day by visiting our web site at www.loudoun.gov/procurement. If you do not have access to the Internet, call (703) 777-0403, M - F, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

WHEN CALLING, PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY TYPE OF DISABILITY IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCUREMENT.

10/05/23

Hearing assistance is available for meetings in the Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Room. FM Assistive Listening System is available at the meetings. 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 (option 5). Three business days advance notice is requested.

BY ORDER OF: MICHELLE FRANK, CHAIR LOUDOUN COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

Public Notice

The Town of Leesburg Board of Zoning Appeals

9/28 & 10/5/23

The Town of Leesburg is soliciting applications for an appointment to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This position is appointed by the Loudoun County Circuit Court to a five-year term ending December 31, 2028.

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 quasijudicial 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, eboeing@leesburgva.gov, or the Town of Leesburg website at www.leesburgva.gov

If interested, complete an online application on the Town Web site: https://www.leesburgva.gov/ government/boards-and-commissions. Online applications are due by 5:00 p.m., October 27, 2023. All applications will be forwarded to the Loudoun County Circuit Court for consideration and appointment.

10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26/23

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF IMPOUNDMENT OF ABANDONED VEHICLES

This notice is to inform the owner and any person having a security interest in their right to reclaim the motor vehicle herein described within 15 days after the date of storage charges resulting from placing the vehicle in custody, and the failure of the owner or persons having security interests to exercise their right to reclaim the vehicle within the time provided shall be deemed a waiver by the owner, and all persons having security interests of all right, title and interest in the vehicle, and consent to the sale of the abandoned motor vehicle at a public auction. This notice shall also advise the owner of record of his or her right to contest the determination by the Sheriff that the motor vehicle was “abandoned,” as provided in Chapter 630.08 of the Loudoun County Ordinance, by requesting a hearing before the County Administrator in writing. Such written request for a hearing must be made within 15 days of the notice.

TOWN OF HAMILTON PUBLIC HEARING

The Hamilton Town Council will hold a public hearing in the Town Office at 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia on Monday, October 16, 2023, beginning at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving comment and considering action on SUP 2023-01, a special use permit application by T-Mobile to upgrade/install telecommunications antennas and equipment on and adjacent to the Town water tower at 41 S. Rogers Street, Hamilton, VA Tax Map Number /37/A/1////89B; PIN 418299026000. The proposal would replace existing antennas on top of the water tower with new, taller ones and would add additional equipment to the existing equipment pad next to the tower

Documents regarding the special use permit application are available for review at the Town Office, 53 E. Colonial Highway, Hamilton, Virginia from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, holidays excepted and on the Town website at hamiltonva.gov. All members of the public are invited to present their views on this matter at the public hearing either in person or remotely, by following the instructions on the Town website Meeting Calendar/Livestream Meetings. The Hamilton Town Council regular monthly meeting will begin after the public hearing.

If you require any type of reasonable accommodation because of a physical, sensory or mental disability to participate in this meeting, contact Sherri Jackson, Town Treasurer at 540-338-2811. Please provide three days’ notice.

Kenneth C. Wine, Mayor 10/5 & 10/12/23

Loudoun County Public Schools Fall 2023 Elementary School Attendance Zone Process for Dulles South Area

Henrietta Lacks Elementary School (ES-32) will open in fall 2024, with the start of the 2024-2025 academic year. The school is co-located on the Lightridge High School/Hovatter Elementary School campus at 41125 Collaboration Drive in Aldie.

The Loudoun County School Board has scheduled a series of meetings to facilitate the review of Dulles South area elementary school attendance zones in conjunction with the opening of the new school. The current boundaries for Aldie, Arcola, Buffalo Trail, Cardinal Ridge, Elaine E. Thompson, Goshen Post, Hovatter, Hutchison Farm, Liberty, Little River and Pinebrook Elementary Schools will be reviewed in the attendance zone process.

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

VA. CODE § 8.01-316

Case No.: JJ046179-05-00

Loudoun Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court

Commonwealth of Virginia, in re Starh Rahimi

Loudoun County Department of Family Services

Mohamad Wali, putative father

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 7:00 p.m. School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing & Work Session

Tuesday, November 28, 2023* 6:30 p.m. School Board Review of Elementary School Attendance Zone Recommendations (Information Item)

Monday, December 4, 2023 7:00 p.m. Staff Briefing & School Board Attendance Zone Public Hearing

Tuesday, December 12, 2023* 6:30 p.m. School Board Adoption of Secondary School Attendance Zones

*Regular School Board Business Meeting

The meetings will be held at the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building (21000 Education Court, Ashburn) and broadcast live on Comcast channel 18 and Verizon Fios channel 43, as well as viewable via simultaneous webcast on the Loudoun County Public Schools website (www. lcps.org/webcast).

Attendance zone information and data, as it becomes available (including potential attendance zone plans being considered or reviewed by the School Board), will be posted on the ‘Fall 2023 – Dulles South Area Elementary School Attendance Zone Process’ webpage (www.lcps.org/Page/236731).

Detail on how to sign up to speak at the identified public hearings is provided at www.lcps.org/ Page/223425. In-person sign-up will also be available between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., on the evening of each attendance zone hearing.

Those who need translation/interpretation assistance or a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability in order to participate meaningfully in the School Board meetings or public hearings should contact the Superintendent’s Office at 571-252-1020 at least three (3) days prior to the meeting.

Beverly I. Tate, Director Loudoun County Public Schools Division of Planning & GIS Services 21000 Education Court, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Telephone: 571-252-1050

Email: LCPSPLAN@LCPS.ORG

The object of this suit is to hold a second permanency planning hearing and review of Foster Care Plan pursuant to Virginia Code §§ 16.1-282.1 and 16.1-281 for Starh Rahimi. It is ORDERED that the defendant(s) Mohamad Wali, putative father appear at the abovenamed Court and protect his or her interests on or before November 15, 2023 at 3:00 pm

10/19 & 10/26/23

Ziegler guilty

continued from page 1

winter break.

The charges were brought by a special grand jury empaneled by the Virginia Attorney General’s Office to investigate criminal activity in the division after two sexual assaults were committed by the same student at two high school’s months apart in 2021.

After raising concerns about the student’s behavior to her supervisor, Brooks was told to continue to use a Behavioral Intervention Plan—a plan developed by the special education dean, school counselor, Brooks, and other administrative staff after studying the situation to figure out what was causing the challenging behavior and how to improve it. The BIP included having an iPad communication device with the student at all times to assist in communication. Other measures put in place to help included blocking his movements with a piece of cardboard, wearing leather or vinyl aprons to slow penetration of the touching, and using words of encouragement.

During public comment at a March 22, 2022, School Board meeting, Fight for Schools founder and schools activist Ian Prior brought public attention to the women’s situation after stating two teachers were being inappropriately touched multiple times a day by a student. No names of the teachers, student or school were mentioned by Prior. Vandermeulen had reached out to Prior for help thinking he was a lawyer.

In an effort to stop the behavior, Brooks contacted Child Protective Services and tried to file multiple Title IX complaints with the division. She also said she began forwarding emails from her division account to Vandermeulen’s personal Gmail account out of fear her email account would be erased.

The planned two-day trial stretched to five days with jurors hearing testimony from division Chief Human Resource Officer Lisa Boland, Human Resources employees, administrators, Rosa Lee Carter Principal Diane Mackey, Assistant Principal Ryan Mouw, Vandermeulen, Brooks, and several School Board members including Denise Corbo (At-Large) who testified of what she called a “retaliation culture” within the division.

Brooks testified she was concerned the

student’s behavior was indicative of something he was experiencing or witnessing and said she was concerned for his wellbeing, mentioning a time she believed she saw evidence of a potential sexual assault on the student. She said as a mandatory reporter she contacted Child Protective Services and testified that Mackey refused to contact them.

After Prior spoke at the School Board meeting, the student was removed from her class and Brooks testified relations were strained between school administrators and the teachers.

Brooks was subpoenaed to testify before the special grand jury April 26 and was notified on May 13 by Ziegler her contract wasn’t being renewed Corbo testified that she questioned Ziegler after learning the School Board had approved the non-renewal of Brooks’ contract June 7, 2022. She said when she asked if they fired someone Ziegler said, “you did, tonight” and told her it was her job to read the agenda before the meeting. She said he made her feel like something wasn’t right.

Corbo testified she was shut down by then-chair Jeff Morse (Dulles) at Ziegler’s request. In a follow up email that same night, Corbo asked Zielger to provide information on other times a teacher had been fired that way. He cited one prior action, on May 11, 2021, and said the division followed protocol and state code in firing Brooks.

John Beatty (Catoctin) testified that on June 7, 2022, Zielger seemed excited to have Brooks gone and said he told the board in closed session that night she was fired because she gave personal information on the student to Prior and to the special grand jury. Beatty said Ziegler got defensive when questioned further and testified the action felt “underhanded.” He also testified that the School Board chair and the superintendent work together on the agenda but that it is the superintendent’s responsibility for the hiring and firing of teachers and placing those actions it on the boards agenda.

Human Resources Chief Lisa Boland testified Ziegler emailed her April 6 asking if Brooks was a probationary teacher. Probationary teachers are newer teachers and move to a different contract after their third year, according to Boland. Probationary teachers are also fired by not renewing a contract. She testified there were many conversations between Ziegler and

herself about Brooks. She also testified that Ziegler had the final authorization to add a name to the personnel items on the board’s consent agenda.

Mackey testified she believed Brooks was not following the BIP and that as a result she believed the classroom was unsafe. She testified that during a March 22 meeting Brooks’ language about the touching changed and began to reference more specific body parts. She testified she became concerned and filed a Title IX investigation request against Brooks. She also testified she decided that day to remove the student from Brooks’ class. Mackey testified she never saw the teachers being touched but said she received an email from them that documented it but said she never opened it. Mackey said she recommended Brooks’ contract not be renewed after writing a negative performance review May 12, in which she stated Brooks didn’t know how to manage the student’s behavior which led to his removal from her class, that she didn’t collaborate with others, failed to follow the BIP and wouldn’t accept suggestions for help.

She testified she submitted that review to Human Resources on May 19.

Asked by Special Assistant to the Attorney General Brandon Wrobleski, if she believed the teachers Mackey responded that she didn’t believe the student with severe disabilities understood what he was doing.

During closing arguments, Wrobleski pointed to inconsistencies in the timeline of events presented in the evidence and claims by the defense that Brooks was fired because of her poor performance.

Wrobleski pointed out positive performance reviews Brooks received in spring 2021 and fall 2021 by Mouw and in March 2022 by Mackey. He noted she was also named the 2021 Special Education Teacher of the Year for the elementary school. Those positive reviews were followed by a negative summative performance evaluation of Brooks written by Mackey on May 12, 2022—two months after Prior brought Brooks situation to light and less than a month after Brooks testified before the special grand jury April 26, 2022.

Special prosecutor Theo Stamos pointed out in a May 4, 2022 email—eight days before Brooks’ performance evaluation was completed and 15 days before Mackey submitted it to Human Resources—Ziegler was given the list of names of teachers being considered for nonrenew-

al from Boland. Brooks was on that list. Brooks received notice May 13 she was being fired. Wrobleski argued the division was trying to rewrite history to justify firing Brooks to hide the fact that she was fired in retaliation.

Stamos argued the division was in the “white hot light” of scrutiny after the two sexual assaults and worried that another situation potentially involving sexual assault would be another black mark on the division. She argued Prior, who spoke at many School Board meetings about issues in the division, was a “thorn in their side.” She said the division just wanted to make the situation go away.

Defense attorney Erin Harrigan argued that Brooks, who had returned to teaching after taking several years off was struggling with the behavior of a student. She pointed out that once the student was removed from her class, he no longer displayed those behaviors. She argued that Brooks wasn’t implementing the BIP properly because the student didn’t always have access to his iPad communication device and acted out of frustration at not being able to communicate. She said something about the dynamic of Brooks and the student wasn’t working out and Mackey realized that and removed the student from her class.

She argued Ziegler, Boland and the division followed all the proper procedures laid out by Virginia law to fire Brooks and it was based on her performance evaluations and not her testimony before the special grand jury.

The jury deliberated for six and half hours Thursday night and through the day Friday, returning a guilty verdict shortly after 2:30 p.m. for the charge of retaliation and a not guilty verdict for the charge of penalizing an employee for testifying before the special grand jury.

Brooks was in the court room when the verdict was read and broke into tears. She declined to comment and referred questions to her attorney, John Whitbeck.

Brooks filed a $1 million civil lawsuit against Ziegler in June.

Defense attorney Erin Harrigan said she plans to file a motion to set aside the verdict. Ziegler’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 4 at 1 p.m.

Ziegler faces another trial on the misdemeanor charge of false publication Feb. 20-22. n

Step into the Past at the Waterford Fair this Weekend

Every year, the residents of Waterford move their vehicles to the outskirts of the small, historic village and invite more than 30,000 outsiders into their community.

Tours of select historic homes and gardens are offered and the village is filled with more than 65 national, juried crafters; Colonial and Civil War-era reenactors; music and children’s actives—all designed to give visitors a taste of life from centuries past.

It is the 79th year for the Waterford Fair, which takes place this weekend— Oct. 6-8—from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Hallmarks of the event also include a special reenactment of a day in an 1880s classroom that will take place in Waterford’s one-room schoolhouse, a floral design challenge and demonstration by local designer Holly Heider Chapple of Hope Flower Farm, and a large art show and sales.

The fair’s entertainment lineup includes

Microsoft Supports Biodiversity Effort at JK Black Oak Sanctuary

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy volunteers are working to promote biodiversity at the JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary near Lucketts by recently installing fences to keep deer out of an oak-hickory forest area to protect the native hardwood seedlings.

The pilot project, supported by the Society for Ecological Restoration’s Standards-based Restoration in Action program in collaboration with Microsoft, was completed over eight months with five volunteer workdays. Three deer exclosure fences were installed to protect tree seedlings and other native vegetation from being browsed by white-tailed deer and allow the understory to recover inside the fences. In addition, 100 tree cages were installed to protect tree seedlings from deer.

Since the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy purchased the 89-acre property in 2020, volunteers have worked to remove invasive species from the mature oak-hickory forest and to restore the ecological value of the property, which in-

The Danny Knicely Trio, Tupelo, The Plate Scrapers, Fiddlin’ Dave Van Deventer and Morgan Morrison, and acclaimed fiddlers 12-year-old Maxwell Brown and, his 7-year-old sister River Brown.

Waterford, located northwest of Leesburg, is one of three villages in the U.S. designated a National Historic Landmark District. Many of the village homes and structures, and the surrounding farmland have been preserved thanks to the residents, friends of Waterford and annual proceeds from the Waterford Fair that have helped preserve it.

Tickets at the gate are $25 per adult per day, $20 for seniors, military, and students per day, and free for children 12 and under. An Early Bird ticket, VIP special, three-day pass, and group rates are also available.

For advance tickets and a full schedule of activities, go to waterfordfairva.org. n

continued from page 3

the staff had grown to 18 (today, the office has 52 full-time equivalent positions), and quickly realized that Loy was the important fountain of knowledge.

“We learned most everything,” she said, including how to issue passports and marriage licenses, record deeds and file cases. Probate, she said, was not easy, and often requires lots of tissues. “You try to be as reassuring as you can.”

“Bill took me under his wing and trained me and taught me well,” Butler said.

It is another of Loy’s many trainees who is taking over leadership in the probate office.

cludes globally rare wetlands.

“We are grateful for the financial and technical support from Microsoft and the Society of Ecological Restoration to bring this project to life to help protect and enhance the biodiversity at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary,” LWC Executive Director Michael Myers stated. “We are thankful for all of the volunteers who made this project possible, and we look forward to continuing our partnership to increase the ecological value of our

property.”

“We are excited to help implement restoration solutions on the ground that benefit both nature and people. This project has conserved biodiversity through volunteer efforts in support of our commitment to support the environmental health of the communities we work in,” stated Holly Beale, senior program manager for Microsoft.

Learn more at loudounwildlife.org. n

Joy Hayes joined the office 18 years ago.

“Bill, you have been quite the mentor, coach and friend,” she said. “I want you to know that what you have built, we will preserve. And I will do my best to build upon that.”

“You will be missed, and you already are,” Hayes said. n

File Photo

Michael Seidelman demonstrates his gunsmith skills during a previous Waterford Fair.

Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy Volunteers are working to promote biodiversity at the JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary near Lucketts recently installed fences to keep deer out of an oak-hickory forest area to protect the native hardwood seedlings.

Opinion

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

EDITORIAL

ALEXIS GUSTIN Reporter agustin@loudounnow.com

HANNA PAMPALONI Reporter hpampaloni@loudounnow.com

ADVERTISING

SUSAN STYER Advertising Manager sstyer@loudounnow.com

TONYA HARDING Account Executive tharding@loudounnow.com

VICKY

Account Executive vmashaw@loudounnow.com

Building a Majority

In our county, more than 75% of voters typically turn out for a presidential election. However, for elections involving our local and state offices only about one third make time to cast a ballot.

The last time over half of Loudoun’s registered voters showed up for a Board of Supervisors election was more than 30 years ago—and that turnout was only 51%.

One year later, an astonishing 85% joined in the presidential battle between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Loudoun’s local election turnout reached a record low in 2011 when only 28% of voters participated. The numbers have been rebounding since then, to 33% in 2015 and 44% last time around in 2019.

Will this be the year a majority of Loudoun voters return to the polls? It should be. Voting has never been easier, with the convenience of early voting and

mail-in ballots now becoming routine.

The leadership of the School Board and control of the General Assembly clearly are on the line this year. And eight members of the Board of Supervisors are looking for a stamp of approval for the work they have done over the past four years.

What is really on the ballot this year? Your tax bill. Your child’s educational experience. Your commute. Your family’s safety. Your community’s quality of life.

These daily life concerns aren’t addressed by the occupant of the White House. They are determined by your neighbors who step up to serve in local public office. We hope this issue—and our more extensive online Voter’s Guide—helped to introduce them to you.

Now it’s time to perform your civic duty. Get involved. Cast a ballot. Help recreate a voting majority in our county. n

In Justice

Editor:

Last week, I devoted five days listening to arguments and testimony during the trial of former Loudoun County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Ziegler at the Loudoun County Courthouse.

Throughout the trial, I was appalled by the unscrupulous treatment of the defendant by prosecutors from the Office of the Attorney General. I find it hard to understand how a trial could be deemed “fair” and “equitable” when the Attorney General assigned three to four prosecutors to face just one attorney

defending Ziegler at any given time.

Also, I find it hard to deem a trial “fair” when prosecutors’ winning strategy hinges on obstructing defense arguments. The number of objections from prosecutors during defense testimony truly exceeded the boundary of the ridiculous.

Lastly, I did not see any evidence that Ziegler was retaliating against special education teacher Erin Brooks when he recommended that the School Board not renew her contract. Brooks’ principal recommended Brooks’ dismissal based on documented poor job performance — the principal presented detailed evidence

to this point. Prosecutors’ assertions that Ziegler “retaliated” against Brooks were founded solely on conjecture.

The trial was an example of a gross miscarriage of justice perpetrated by powerful politicians backed by taxpayer money.

I hope Ziegler’s next trial is fairer and the outcome is more just. I plan to donate to help pay for the cost of his defense so he will have the resources needed to remedy this injustice.

— Tamberly Cummins, Leesburg

Hunger Relief

continued from page 1

“This project began in 2018 when we reached out to our county partners and floated the idea of a collaborative public private partnership,” she said, adding that early supporters of the project included County Administrator Tim Hemstreet, Assistant County Administrator Valmarie Turner, Loudoun County General Services Director Ernie Brown and the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.

Executive Director of Claude Moore Charitable Foundation J. Hamilton Lambert said the center would not have been possible without the cooperation of local government and private organizations and individuals.

“This facility and its mission to provide nourishment to those in need will go down in the history of Loudoun,” he said.

The full choice free grocery market is supported with increased warehouse storage, including dry goods, refrigerated, and frozen, truck bays, and volunteer workspace. It serves as a distribution center for the Loudoun Pet Pantry, a joint effort of Loudoun Hunger Relief, Loudoun County Animal Services, and the Humane Society of Loudoun County.

Loudoun Hunger Relief provides space for The Loudoun Education Foundation’s FuelEd program. There is also a community services room where nonprofit partners can meet privately with clients

to help them access support services. The nonprofit hub will serve families with one stop access to needed support.

Loudoun Hunger Relief has been serving the Loudoun community since 1991. Last year, the organization distributed 2.4 million pounds of food to about 14,000 Loudoun residents. Nearly 40% of those served are children and another 10% are senior citizens. It helps families in Loudoun meet their food needs, serving about 650 to 700 families each week. For more information, go to loudounhunger.org. n

“This facility and its mission to provide nourishment to those in need will go down in the history of Loudoun.”

— J. Hamilton Lambert (Executive Director of Claude Moore Charitable

Foundation)

Hanna Pampaloni/Loudoun Now

Fresh vegetables fill the bins at Loudoun Hunger Relief’s new Community Services Center, which includes a free, full choice market.

modern styling. The double open geometric pedestal base offers a visual silhouette while the weathered gray finish adds

and character. Side chair $145; sideboard $1019; arm chair $245 (not shown).